Re: Last Train to Ashburton
Howard Sprenger
Thanks for showing the flyer and ticket from Philip Hale (click here).
In September 1971, I had just arrived at St Luke's College, Exeter as a fresh-faced student, when I discovered that within a few weeks, the Buckfastleigh to Ashburton section would be closing. For the only time in my life, I 'threw a sicky' and hopped on a Devon General bus to go and witness the proceedings. I only had an inexpensive 'Instamatic' type of camera (actually an Agfa Iso-Rapid), so the pictures I took aren't that great. Nevertheless, they capture that momentous day over 50 years ago.
In passing, I hope Trevor Tremethick is making a good recovery from his recent 'heart event'. We met nearly 60 years ago when I used to go on holiday to Falmouth and would drop in to the Model Railway Club HQ on Arwenack Avenue on a Friday evening. Happy memories!
In September 1971, I had just arrived at St Luke's College, Exeter as a fresh-faced student, when I discovered that within a few weeks, the Buckfastleigh to Ashburton section would be closing. For the only time in my life, I 'threw a sicky' and hopped on a Devon General bus to go and witness the proceedings. I only had an inexpensive 'Instamatic' type of camera (actually an Agfa Iso-Rapid), so the pictures I took aren't that great. Nevertheless, they capture that momentous day over 50 years ago.
In passing, I hope Trevor Tremethick is making a good recovery from his recent 'heart event'. We met nearly 60 years ago when I used to go on holiday to Falmouth and would drop in to the Model Railway Club HQ on Arwenack Avenue on a Friday evening. Happy memories!
Ashburton 1971-10-02 - 2nd last train 2-6-2T 4588. Copyright Howard Sprenger.
Ashburton 1971-10-02 - 2nd last train 2-6-2T 4588. Copyright Howard Sprenger.
Ashburton 1971-10-02 - last train. Copyright Howard Sprenger.
Ashburton 1971-10-02. Copyright Howard Sprenger.
Ashburton 1971-10-02. Copyright Howard Sprenger.
Ashburton 1971-10-02. Copyright Howard Sprenger.
Ashburton 1971-10-02. Copyright Howard Sprenger.
Ashburton 1971-10-02 0-4-2T 1420. Copyright Howard Sprenger.
Ashburton 1971-10-02 0-4-2T 1420. Copyright Howard Sprenger.
Many thanks indeed Howard, for providing us with these wonderful photographs. I'm glad Philips article evoked some memories.
Hercules crosses the Thames
Simon Howard
This is day two of 50007 working light Hanwell Bridge (WR) to Clapham Junction a couple of times each day. Presumably route learning…
Obviously 50007 was once a frequent visitor to Clapham Junction but not so much the Cross London Line and Battersea Railway Bridge.
Obviously 50007 was once a frequent visitor to Clapham Junction but not so much the Cross London Line and Battersea Railway Bridge.
50007 'Hercules' crosses the Thames with a route learner. 14.11.2024, copyright Simon Howard.
Many thanks Simon - out of our area, but several of us enjoyed a fantastic presentation regarding the '50's' from Geoff Hudson last weekend and 50007 was quite a focal point. Good to see it out and about!
Bristol Diesels
Paul Barlow
18.06.1982 - No vizzy vests required! 46047 has just come off the 1215 Cardiff to Portsmouth passes under Bath rd bridge Bristol. Copyright Paul Barlow.
19.06.1982 - 33026 has just come off the 1110 from Portsmouth. Copyright Paul Barlow.
26.06.1982 - 45004 Bristol on 2238 Newcastle to Paignton 1V56. Copyright Paul Barlow.
45022 Lytham St Annes Bristol Bath road depot 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Diesels galore at Bristol Bath Road in 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul, plenty to see back then.
Cranmore (ESR)
Guy Vincent
View south from Cranmore station with trackwork and yet to be commissioned semaphore signals. 13.11.2024, copyright Guy Vincent.
Mendip Traction & Rolling Stock Group's superbly restored two-car class 108 Derby lightweight DMU set L231. Vehicles 54271 and 51909 were last used on the national network by BR in the early 1990s, both painted in Network SouthEast livery and based at Bletchley. After a period in storage and at times, with an uncertain future, they came to Somerset in 2011, firstly to Midsomer Norton before moving to Cranmore in 2013. 13.11.2024, copyright Guy Vincent.
Cranmore steam shed with Andrew Barclay saddle tank 1719 in front of GWR locos 4555 and 4110. On the adjacent line inside the shed carriage restoration work was taking place. 13.11.2024, copyright Guy Vincent.
GWR 4555 & 4110 inside the shed. 13.11.2024, copyright Guy Vincent.
General view of the station from the minor road bridge to the north of the site. 13.11.2024, copyright Guy Vincent.
Finally, a view towards White's Crossing and the 'Merehead Triangle' showing the final stretch of Network Rail track that was cleared of dense vegetation at the beginning of 2024. The line hosted preserved 'Western' D1015 with a railtour from the Midlands on 6th July. East Somerset Junction (Witham) is five and a half miles away where this, the last remaining section of the former GWR former Cheddar Valley line from Yatton via Wells, joins the main Paddington -West of England main line. 13.11.2024, copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks, Guy - lots of excellent work taking place at the ESR, long may it continue.
HST to Newquay
Jon Hird
GWR's 43187 and 43004 were once again summoned to work the Newquay branch on 14.11.2024, covering for a failed Class 150 unit. The pair round the curve near the former St. Dennis junction with 2N08 - the 14:13 Par - Newquay. Copyright Jon Hird.
Later, 43004 emerges from the darkness and calls at Luxulyan whilst working 2N11 - The 17:19 Newquay - Par. Copyright Jon Hird.