Westerns
Michael Adams and Michael Forward
Michael Adams and Michael Forward
Michael Adams sends this lovely picture of D1010 ,running as D1035,at Churston on 15 June 1991.
Now at Swindon works on 17 January 1981 we see D1023 'Western Fusilier' gleaming in the Winter sun. I believe this loco. can be seen at York NRM. Thanks and best wishes, Michael Forward
Many Thanks to you both
Re: Mystery Brake Down Train
David Tozer & Graham Mann
Martin Scane's photograph published yesterday on the Cornwall Railway website is certainly not the Laira Breakdown crane. It is more likely to be a Booth Diesel Hydraulic crane DRA 81549 which is now preserved on the Great Central Railway. During the commissioning of the Exeter MAS (mid 1980's) it was used quite a lot by the Civil Engineer in this area in connection with track renewals. The attached photograph shows it in action close to platform six at St David's.
Exmouth Junction (72A) had a Ransome & Rapier 45 ton crane DS1580 and upon closure in 1967 it was moved by the Western Region to Laira (83D).
This crane is now preserved on the Mid Hants Railway.
I seem to recall that whilst at Laira it acquired a water carrier, possibly an old tender or milk wagon. I am afraid my memory lets me down on this.
I have loads of photos taken of the scheme in 1985.
Exmouth Junction (72A) had a Ransome & Rapier 45 ton crane DS1580 and upon closure in 1967 it was moved by the Western Region to Laira (83D).
This crane is now preserved on the Mid Hants Railway.
I seem to recall that whilst at Laira it acquired a water carrier, possibly an old tender or milk wagon. I am afraid my memory lets me down on this.
I have loads of photos taken of the scheme in 1985.
Booth Diesel Hydraulic crane DRA 81549. Copyright David Tozer.
Booth Diesel Hydraulic crane DRA 81549 in action at Exeter St. Davids. Copyright David Tozer.
Many thanks Dave, excellent information.
Graham Mann writes to say:
I don’t think that’s the Laira breakdown crane more like a BR track engineering fixed jib crane, as it’s towing a plough van with what could be Herring or Dogfish ballast hoppers so it’s likely travelling to a planned track renewals site.
I note the Bi-directional electric signal above the plough van which if operational would date it circa 86/87, however this signal would have been erected prior to conversion and could well be indicated OOU which could date it 84/85.
Further to above I’ve just read David Tozer’s reply, which sort of confirms my reply, although most of the track renewals icw the MAS project was with the newer Plasser single jib cranes, I can vividly remember using ‘549 at St.Davids (the fella with the white hard hat is me) in particular when we recovered the gantry signal at the west end from over 3 lines, it was difficult to assess the midpoint and the weight, the first lift resulted in overbalancing and all bells and whistles sounding off, we got it right in the end but it was a bit hair raising !
I don’t think that’s the Laira breakdown crane more like a BR track engineering fixed jib crane, as it’s towing a plough van with what could be Herring or Dogfish ballast hoppers so it’s likely travelling to a planned track renewals site.
I note the Bi-directional electric signal above the plough van which if operational would date it circa 86/87, however this signal would have been erected prior to conversion and could well be indicated OOU which could date it 84/85.
Further to above I’ve just read David Tozer’s reply, which sort of confirms my reply, although most of the track renewals icw the MAS project was with the newer Plasser single jib cranes, I can vividly remember using ‘549 at St.Davids (the fella with the white hard hat is me) in particular when we recovered the gantry signal at the west end from over 3 lines, it was difficult to assess the midpoint and the weight, the first lift resulted in overbalancing and all bells and whistles sounding off, we got it right in the end but it was a bit hair raising !
Many thanks Graham, excellent information and that does sound a little hair raising!
Shunting at Par Docks
Matt Weston
Due to the failure of one of the barriers at our internal level crossing today (you'll probably notice one barrier at a jaunty angle!) I was sent to act as crossing attendant during clay loading operations. Good to see a decent amount of wagons being loaded - although I work in the clay operation for Imerys at Par I am not often directly involved with the loading of the JIAs.
I thought you might like to see some pictures from inside the fence!
Really enjoy the website - as a former signalman on the Salisbury - Exeter line it's good to be able to keep in touch with operations.
I thought you might like to see some pictures from inside the fence!
Really enjoy the website - as a former signalman on the Salisbury - Exeter line it's good to be able to keep in touch with operations.
66136 shunting the JIA wagons in Par Harbour on the 29.10.2025. Copyright Matt Weston.
66136 shunting the JIA wagons in Par Harbour on the 29.10.2025. Copyright Matt Weston.
66136 shunting the JIA wagons in Par Harbour on the 29.10.2025. Copyright Matt Weston.
66136 shunting the JIA wagons in Par Harbour on the 29.10.2025. Copyright Matt Weston.
66136 shunting the JIA wagons in Par Harbour on the 29.10.2025. Copyright Matt Weston.
Many thanks Matt - great to see the shunting up close. An interesting operation unique to the harbour.
Bodmin & Lostwithiel
Tim Hughes
Chance view of open doors of the Bodmin Railway shed at Parkway. 30.10.2025, copyright Tim Hughes.
The railways RRV (Road Rail Vehicle), bubble car 121020 and Beattie Well Tank 30587 in the shed at Bodmin Parkway. 30.10.2025, copyright Tim Hughes.
And the 'Tap and Travel' points have been fitted at Lostwithiel. Not convinced they are operational yet though! 30.10.2025, copyright Tim Hughes.
Many thanks Tim - high tech stuff out at Lostwithiel!
Out and about
Jon Hird
GWR's 802004 and 802008 cross Ivybridge Viaduct with the 0903 Paddington to Plymouth. 31.10.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Shortly after the IET came 43098 leading the 1128 Exeter St. Davids - Penzance with 43186 on the rear. This shot taken with the drone as low as I dared, just above the trees which have grown over the original station steps off Station Road. 31.10.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Diesels being shunted at Buckfastleigh in preparation for next weeks diesel gala. 31.10.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
An all-black class 09 at Buckfastleigh station throat. 31.10.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Dusk falls at Moorswater as we see 43186 and 43098 for the second time in the day, approaching Liskeard with the 1515 Penzance - Plymouth. 31.10.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Finally, at Bodmin Parkway, 43156 squeezes to a stop at the head of the 1552 Penzance - Plymouth with 43198 on the rear. 31.10.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Westbury RHTT
Guy Vincent
57310 and 57303 at Westbury after arriving from Penzance with Thursday night's 3S12 RHTT. The set then headed to Salisbury and back before returning to Fairwater yard. 31.10.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
57310 and 57303 at Westbury after arriving from Penzance with Thursday night's 3S12 RHTT. The set then headed to Salisbury and back before returning to Fairwater yard. 31.10.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks Guy, that GBRF livery sits very well on 57310.