November 14th 2024

14/11/2024

The last train to Ashburton
Philip Hale

I attach copies of a flyer and a ticket which relate to a railway excursion held on 2nd October, 1971 to commemorate the last passenger train to traverse the Dart Valley to Ashburton.

The excursion was advertised as the first and last train to Ashburton since closure of the route from Totnes, and prior to the complete closure of the section of the route from Buckfastleigh to Ashburton, due to the imminent start of the A38 road improvements.

BR Western flyer advertising an excursion along the Dart Valley Railway from Totnes to Ashburton. Copyright Philip Hale.

'A ticket to ride', a ticket to partake in the above excursion. Copyright Philip Hale.

Many thanks for sending these in Philip, I'm sure they will evoke memories of Ashburton for many of our readers. A real pity the route was severed by the A38.

More 'Western' memories
Paul Barlow

D1053 arrives at Newton Abbot on 5 July 1975. Note the Morris Marina car in the motorail bay - not many of those left now. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

D1033 Western Trooper Newton Abbot 5 July 1975 An 'invacar' (a small single-seated vehicle distributed free of charge to disabled persons), and a Ford Cortina can be seen on the motorail flat. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

Many thanks indeed, Paul

Confusing new signs at Par
Leslie Curnow

Good evening Roger.
I was at Par today and saw what appeared to be new signs . I accept that as passengers we should not cross the lines except on a bridge or road crossing. This must confuse some passengers who may be guided by the new sign that they are allowed to cross the lines whilst the old signs says No. Rather ambiguous in my mind .
Les

Many Thanks Leslie

Peaks
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, Thank you for dealing with yesterday’s pictures. Here are three pictures from Michael Adams of Peak class diesels at work . Firstly we see 45066 arriving at Paignton on 16 August 1980 with a service from Leeds. Copyright Michael Adams

A picture of 46001 arriving at Exeter 0n 8 April 1980 with a service from Paignton to Leeds.. Copyright Michael Adams

Roger, And finally--- 45131 has arrived at Bristol Temple Meads on 23 December 1981 with the overnight 23.40 from Edinburgh. Copyright Michael Adams

Many Thanks Michael

Maiden Newton to Gloucester
James Bown

Good evening CRS

An enjoyable trip to Gloucester from delightful Maiden Newton.

The Turbo was on time at Gloucester making up for a crew change delay at Westbury and on the return to Maiden Newton, a class 158 awaits the single road to Yeovil Pen Mill.

Best wishes
James Bown

A GWR 'Turbo' at Gloucester, copyright James Bown.

A GWR 'Turbo' at Gloucester. Copyright James Bown.

158767 waits to proceed along the single line to Yeovil Pen Mill. Copyright James Bown.

Many thanks James, an interesting journey.

Loading the clay
Jon Hird

During an abnormal weather event (the sun's out!), 66131 poses outside the store at Treviscoe whilst its train of JIA's are loaded with china clay. 13.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

The train protrudes from both ends of the store. To the left of the image, the line can be seen curving away towards its terminus at Parkandillick. 13.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

Honiton Tunnel Engineers
David Tozer

Relaying work at Honiton Tunnels appears to be behind schedule. 66757 'West Somerset Railway' is brought to a stand just after Exmouth Signal EJ 4 at Arena Park with the 6G11 0454 Eastleigh East Yard to Exmouth Jn.Then driver then got instructions from PW staff who the removed various items from the track to allow the train to proceed into the works site area. 13.11.2024, copyright David Tozer.

An additional shot from Monday evening - a photograph of Exmouth Junction Signal EJ 2 at Pinhoe which appears to be in a state of disrepair. This signal was erected around December 1987. Copyright David Tozer.

Thanks for the update, Dave

St. Erth footbridge at Cranmore
Guy Vincent

Cranmore Visit 13th November 2024 (1)

A visit to Cranmore station today to take a look at the recently dismantled former GWR footbridge from St Erth which arrived here over the weekend of 2nd-3rd November.

The dismantled St. Erth footbridge at Cranmore (East Somerset Railway). 13.11.2024, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks, Guy - hopefully a long and useful future awaits the footbridge.

Guy has also provided some photos of the railway itself at Cranmore - we'll save them for tomorrow!

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