Poppies to Paddington
Mark Lynam
57604 stands at Penzance before working the ‘up’ sleeper to Paddington on 10.11.2025. The locomotive is carrying a ‘Poppies To Paddington’ headboard as it is ‘carrying remembrance poppy wreaths and tributes from towns and cities across the South West and South Wales, arriving into London Paddington for a poignant service of reflection’. Various dignitaries are gathered on the platform to see off the train. Copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks indeed Mark - a great gesture from GWR.
Armistice Day
Clive Smith
Penzance station marks the remembrance of the fallen. Copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks, Clive.
Royal Oaks' day out
Steve Clark
On 26th August 1991 I found myself heading for another BR Open Day at Colchester. A Railtour was organised by Network South East which took a Class 50 to Harwich and Clacton with RFD 37s assisting on the branches. 50017 'Royal Oak' was our chosen machine and it performed faultlessly. The pairs of 37s used to assist were 37113 and 252 with 37218 and 238. In this photograph, 50017 'Royal Oak' has worked down to Harwich from Liverpool St. 26.08.1991, copyright Steve Clark.
37218 and 238 are seen at Ipswich. 26.08.1991, copyright Steve Clark.
50017 is seen at Colchester preparing to head back to London with the Railtour. 26.08.1991, copyright Steve Clark.
50017 is seen on arrival back in the smoke with a Railtour from Colchester after the Open Day. Apart from the EE thrash on offer, the one thing that sticks in my mind was an unscheduled stop on the way home to await an Ambulance after someone was hurt whilst flailing out of the window and lost part of their finger on the overhead masts!!!!! 26.08.1991, copyright Steve Clark.
An interesting article, Steve - many thanks. Although off region, 50017 was a long time Western region stalwart. Hope the casualty was OK!
Clean Castle
Jon Hird
A very smart 43004 is seen at Crugwallins at the head of the 1014 Plymouth - Penzance. This was 43004's first working since 19.07.2025. Since July, it visited 'The Greatest Gathering' at Derby and had its undercarriage cleaned/painted for the event - the cleanliness apparent in this photograph. 10.11.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Gala visitors head home
Clive Smith, Paul Barlow, Andrew Triggs & Simon Howard
After a weekend performing at the South Devon Railway Diesel Gala, the two grids and the errant duff that failed on Saturday make their way through Dawlish along Marine Parade with the 0M49 10.50 Buckfastleigh - Willesden DC Rail Sidings light engine movement. 56045, 47715 and 56103 make a superb sight. 10.11.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
56301 bringing up the rear of the convoy. 10.11.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
From high above Dawlish, the convoy pictured by Paul Barlow. 10.11.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
The convoy heads on towards Langstone Rock. 10.11.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
The convoy of returnees from the Weekend's South Devon Railway Diesel Gala, featuring 56045 hauling 47715 and 56103 passing Norton Fitzwarren, running as 0M49 10.50 Buckfastleigh-Willesden DC Rail Sidings, running 41 early at 12.20. 10.11.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
DCR 56103 on the rear of the colourful convoy. 10.11.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
And now for the final DC Railfreight vehicle to leave the region.. Class 60s spotted this morning by Wandsworth Bridge! 10.11.2025, copyright Simon Howard.
Many thanks, all. Farewell to the trio.
Dawlish HST
Clive Smith
Looking impressive in the sunshine is 43093 as it departs from Dawlish station over Colonnades Viaduct after its station stop with the 2C20 11.28 Exeter St Davids - Penzance. 43198 is on the rear. The sun miraculously appeared just after 11.00 transforming the scene from full dull and rain to full sun and blue skies. 10.11.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks Clive - 32 days to go with the potential to loose a few to line blocks. Get them while you can.