GWR Railcar No. 22
Ian Thomas
A pre-planned visit to the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway was booked a month or so ago in order for a trip aboard the GWR Railcar No. 22. I (up to Saturday) had never seen one in action, only as a stationary example at Didcot, so this had to be done.
So, up to Toddington for a 09:00 departure non-stop to Cheltenham Racecourse, plus a 09:40 return departure back to Toddington. I was well impressed with how roomy the car was compared to today's layouts, and also comfortable into the bargain.
Arrival back at Toddington was about five minutes late, and I was thinking, could I get another supplementary ticket for the imminent 10:35 departure to Winchcombe? Luck was on our side and they held the railcar for us, and off we went again to Winchcombe and back.
Plenty of pictures, and as our pre-booked ticket was an all-day rover, we then took 6880 Betton Grange to Winchcombe for (Spamcan) 34070 Manston back to Toddington. Lunch (and beers!) was then taken at the excellent Pheasant Inn nearby, before a move to Broadway with 34070 again and Class 20 No. 20-137 attached at the rear.
A delightful machine indeed, now exactly 60 years old, and it reminded me of the days when they worked the Derby–Skegness summer trains. All in all, a brilliant day and good weather. The rain arrived at 16:00 up here—perfect timing for once.
Pics include the railcar inside and out, 20-137, and 20s at Derby on the 12:58 (S.O.) Skegness–Derby, as a reminder.
So, up to Toddington for a 09:00 departure non-stop to Cheltenham Racecourse, plus a 09:40 return departure back to Toddington. I was well impressed with how roomy the car was compared to today's layouts, and also comfortable into the bargain.
Arrival back at Toddington was about five minutes late, and I was thinking, could I get another supplementary ticket for the imminent 10:35 departure to Winchcombe? Luck was on our side and they held the railcar for us, and off we went again to Winchcombe and back.
Plenty of pictures, and as our pre-booked ticket was an all-day rover, we then took 6880 Betton Grange to Winchcombe for (Spamcan) 34070 Manston back to Toddington. Lunch (and beers!) was then taken at the excellent Pheasant Inn nearby, before a move to Broadway with 34070 again and Class 20 No. 20-137 attached at the rear.
A delightful machine indeed, now exactly 60 years old, and it reminded me of the days when they worked the Derby–Skegness summer trains. All in all, a brilliant day and good weather. The rain arrived at 16:00 up here—perfect timing for once.
Pics include the railcar inside and out, 20-137, and 20s at Derby on the 12:58 (S.O.) Skegness–Derby, as a reminder.
 20-137 at Cheltenham with the 15.20 Broadway-Racecourse train. 02.05.2026, copyright Ian Thomas. |  20047 and 147 at Derby with the 1258 Skegness to Derby IM35. 12.09.1981, copyright Ian Thomas. |
Many thanks Ian, the railcar looks to be a great machine.
Sleepless on the sleeper
Andrew Triggs, Mark Lynam, Tony Shore, Jon Hird, Martin Scane, David Ive & Bill Elston
On the evening of 04.05.2026, GWR 57604 was declared a failure at Penzance ahead of it working the up sleeper to Paddington.
1A50 was instead worked by an IET unit, and the down sleeper, 1C50, was worked by top and tailed class 57's through to Penzance.
On Tuesday morning 57605 set off from Long Rock, hauling 57604 and a set of sleeper stock empty to Reading, to balance the sets. However, all was not well, and 57605 itself failed near Bridgwater and was put into Highbridge Loop awaiting rescue.
1A50 was instead worked by an IET unit, and the down sleeper, 1C50, was worked by top and tailed class 57's through to Penzance.
On Tuesday morning 57605 set off from Long Rock, hauling 57604 and a set of sleeper stock empty to Reading, to balance the sets. However, all was not well, and 57605 itself failed near Bridgwater and was put into Highbridge Loop awaiting rescue.
Before the trouble started - 57604 draws 5C50 09.21 Penzance-Longrock T&RSMD Night Riviera ECS along Slopers towards Ponsandane Footbridge on 04.05.2026. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
The next day, 57605 hauls defective 57604 past Marazion working 5Z50 10.00 Longrock T&RSMD-Reading Traincare Depot. 05.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.
57605 + 57604 at Dolcoath working 5Z50 1000 Longrock T&RSMD to Reading Traincare Depot. 05.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Taken from the former dairy site, 57605 and 57604 pass through Lostwithiel. 05.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
A dull day in the Glynn Valley as 57605 powers across East Largin viaduct with 5Z50. 05.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
The train has just passed Teignmouth station and has emerged onto the sea wall at 13-24. 05.05.2026, copyright Martin Scane.
The train is about to pass through Dawlish station. 05.05.2026, copyright David J. Ive.
The sun is out in Somerset as the train continues on past Creech St. Michael. 05.05.2026, copyright Bill Elston.
Thanks all - hopefully GWR's luck with the 57's improves.
Barnstaple Railway Remains
Dave Anthony
I had a walk through Barnstaple last week, and took a few photos of the west end of where the railway bridge "came ashore".
Railway bridge remains at Barnstaple. 30.04.2026, copyright Dave Anthony.
Railway bridge remains at Barnstaple. 30.04.2026, copyright Dave Anthony.
Railway bridge remains at Barnstaple. 30.04.2026, copyright Dave Anthony.
Railway bridge remains at Barnstaple. 30.04.2026, copyright Dave Anthony.
Railway bridge remains at Barnstaple. 30.04.2026, copyright Dave Anthony.
Many thanks indeed for these excellent and fascinating photographs Dave. Sincere apologies for the delay in getting them online - we've been a bit swamped over the last few days.
Yesteryear at Westbury
Michael Adams
A picture full of interest by Michael Adams of 33016 arriving at Westbury on 28 May 1981 with a service from Bristol to Portsmouth. What signals! Copyright Michael Adams.
Many thanks to Michael Adams, and to Michael Forward for sending this one over to us.
Re: 47813
Julian Stephens
With driver Alan Peters at the controls, 47813 passes Trenowth with 1Z59 'The Penzance Flyer' on 25.08.2007. Copyright Julian Stephens.
Many thanks Julian - I'm sure Alan will enjoy this one.
Tuesdays Clay
Tony Shore, Mark Lynam & Jon Hird
GBRf's 66712 arrives at Lostwithiel with 6G09, the midday Goonbarrow - Fowey clay. 05.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
Having run round via the down goods loop and picked up a member of GBRf staff (for route learning), 66712 departs for Fowey with 14 JIA's in tow. 05.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
With its wagons emptied into the stores at Fowey, 66712 leads the empties, 6G05, across the causeway at Golant. 05.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Just enough water in the harbour for a reflection, and just low enough to walk to the far end of it to take a photograph, 66712 powers through Golant with 6G05. 05.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
6G05 passes beneath the temporary footbridge at Lostwithiel. 05.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
66712 running as 0G05 passes the disused signal box at Lostwithiel as it runs round the JIA's in the down goods loop. 05.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
With the run round complete, 66712 departs from the down goods loop with 6G05 in tow. 05.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
66712 crosses the Fowey with 6G05 for Goonbarrow. 05.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
Nice evening light at Treverrin as 6G05 descends towards Par. 05.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Thanks all - what a change in weather between the evening photos of the clay and the mornings photos of the sleeper move!
More from the WSR Steam Gala
Paul Barlow
60007 on the 1348 Norton Fitzwarren to Minehead approaching Leigh woods crossing. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
80078 and 9351 a drone shot at Leigh woods crossing on 0847 Minehead to Norton Fitzwarren. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
80078 and 9351 storming towards Leigh woods crossing on 0847 Minehead to Norton Fitzwarren. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
80078 at Bicknoller on the 1245 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
Replica wooden nameplates for sale at Williton. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul, a nice selection.
Purton Test Train & Crossing
Ken Mumford
1Q18 [Derby to Swansea (Landore) test train speeds towards Swindon. between 10 and 15 EARLY. 05.05.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
Waiting to use the Foot Crossing was a young lady and her horse. She had a correct procedure for using this crossing as these two photos show. She had to contact the Foot Crossing Operator who told her to wait until a southbound IET [1L76 Cheltenham Spa to Paddingtn which was on time with IET unit 800020] passed. After that passed she led her horse over the tracks and used the phone on the side where I was to tell the Foot Crossing Operator that she and her horse were safely across. Very interesting. 05.05.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
The crossing handset. 05.05.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
1Q18 heading back up the Gloucester branch between 7 and 10 LATE. However, where did it reverse at Swindon? RTT says it arrived at platform 1 but there was NO REPORT on RTT for Cockleberry Sidings; it left Swindon via platform 3 9 LATE. 05.05.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
Many thanks Ken - interesting pictures.
May 1976
Part 6
Roger Winnen
View of Marazion Station from road overbridge. 16.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1048 Western Lady D1048 heading coaches west through Marazion on Sunday 16th May 1976 as the 5B79 0945 Par - Penzance ECS. 16.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1036 Western Empress at Long Rock Shed. View of Marazion Station from road overbridge. 16.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.