Overnighting at Par
Jon Hird
Thursday evening brought the unusual sight of a 7 car DMU, formed of 2x Class 150's and a Class 158, spending the night shut-down on the up main at Par.
The ensemble were working a Penzance - Exeter service with the two 150's locked out of use, but the working was terminated at Par, (reportedly) due to a train crew shortage.
I headed down hoping for a shot of the sleeper (which was following behind) using Platform 3 to overtake it, however due to an on-board incident this service was severely delayed between St. Austell and Par, so I gave up and went to bed instead! The sleeper eventually arrived at Par just before 1am, almost 2 hours late.
When I left, the passengers were left stood on the platform waiting to be conveyed onwards by the sleeper, beside the the unit which was locked-up with its saloons unlit. They were accompanied by a few GWR staff.
The ensemble were working a Penzance - Exeter service with the two 150's locked out of use, but the working was terminated at Par, (reportedly) due to a train crew shortage.
I headed down hoping for a shot of the sleeper (which was following behind) using Platform 3 to overtake it, however due to an on-board incident this service was severely delayed between St. Austell and Par, so I gave up and went to bed instead! The sleeper eventually arrived at Par just before 1am, almost 2 hours late.
When I left, the passengers were left stood on the platform waiting to be conveyed onwards by the sleeper, beside the the unit which was locked-up with its saloons unlit. They were accompanied by a few GWR staff.
158798 and 2 class 150's parked for the night on the up main at Par Station. 01.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
150239 on the west end of the train shut down. 01.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Severn Bridge Archive
Joe Birchall
Dennis Flood’s latest picture of the Severn Bridge reminded me of an article I once read. It was in a copy the 1970 October Railway World. Fortunately I was able to find the magazine, and I have attached pictures of the article of what it once looked like, some of the designs, and how it was demolished.
All above images copyright Railway World, with thanks to Joe Birchall
Many thanks Joe, an interesting read!
Western Matters
& Doublebois Permanent Way Yard
Roger Geach
Morning
Some nice pictures on the CRS web page of late.
Regarding the 1030 Paddington - Penzance on Sunday 04.04.1976, it was worked by 1056 only I saw it at Long Rock with just the one western.
This service was often double headed on a Sunday in the past but further back - 1973/1974 and on some occasions in 75, but not much that I saw in 1976.
Nice article re: the station closures on the Cornish Main Line, I always thought Doublebois and Scorrier are the least photographed of the closed stations.
I wonder what do others think, regarding the once large PW yard at Doublebois, I've never seen a picture of the yard, some older members may recall the 03 that shunted the yard and stabled at Doublebois station.
Nice to see the old North Cornwall line closed stations too.
Cheers
Roger Geach
Some nice pictures on the CRS web page of late.
Regarding the 1030 Paddington - Penzance on Sunday 04.04.1976, it was worked by 1056 only I saw it at Long Rock with just the one western.
This service was often double headed on a Sunday in the past but further back - 1973/1974 and on some occasions in 75, but not much that I saw in 1976.
Nice article re: the station closures on the Cornish Main Line, I always thought Doublebois and Scorrier are the least photographed of the closed stations.
I wonder what do others think, regarding the once large PW yard at Doublebois, I've never seen a picture of the yard, some older members may recall the 03 that shunted the yard and stabled at Doublebois station.
Nice to see the old North Cornwall line closed stations too.
Cheers
Roger Geach
Double Westerns - D1010 and D1056 at Plymouth on 04.04.1976. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).
Many thanks Roger, glad you've enjoyed the recent photos.
Does anybody have a photo of Doublebois yard, or remember it? Please get in touch via [email protected]
Does anybody have a photo of Doublebois yard, or remember it? Please get in touch via [email protected]
The RHTT
Jon Hird
66179 and 66154 clearing the rails between Pendalake and Clinnick Viaducts in the Glynn Valley. I think that this train is a treat to photograph, as its compact size means it fits into small gaps where you may not otherwise bother trying to take a picture. 01.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Avon Valley Railway - End of Season Gala
This Weekend
Paul Negus
Hi Jon and Roger
I was at the Avon Valley Railway today and saw a GWR Autocoach in the far platform road. This is a very unusual sight at Bitton Station! The attached poster gives a clue - GWR 1450 is the visiting loco (courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway) and presumably this is its "train".
All the best
Paul Negus
I was at the Avon Valley Railway today and saw a GWR Autocoach in the far platform road. This is a very unusual sight at Bitton Station! The attached poster gives a clue - GWR 1450 is the visiting loco (courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway) and presumably this is its "train".
All the best
Paul Negus
GWR Autocoach at the Avon Valley Railway. 01.11.2024, copyright Paul Negus.
GWR Autocoach at the Avon Valley Railway. 01.11.2024, copyright Paul Negus.
Many thanks, Paul - hope the gala goes well!
Our next indoor event
Not to be missed - 1 week away!
Not to be missed - 1 week away!
Fifty Years of Fifties: An Evening with Geoff Hudson
With a career in the rail industry that spans over 50 years, British Rail's former Fleet Manager at Laira Depot (Plymouth), has had a close association with the class 50s locomotives throughout. We are pleased to announce that Geoff has agreed to share insights into these fascinating locomotives and their operation with us in a special event to be held on 9th November 2024 in the memorial hall at Redruth Methodist Church.
Geoff is well known to many enthusiasts from his narration and presenting work with Locomaster Profile's class 50 video programmes (essential viewing in the late 1980s and early 1990s). During this sure to be fascinating evening, Geoff will take us through his personal highlights, and many previously untold stories, supported by audio visuals tracing the history of the class 50 from their inception through to the final years with British Rail and into preservation.
Cornwall was one of the last strongholds of the class 50's and many south-west enthusiasts will remember them fondly, so we are very proud to host Geoff and we hope you will come along to enjoy his presentation, which has a great local connection to our society.
With a career in the rail industry that spans over 50 years, British Rail's former Fleet Manager at Laira Depot (Plymouth), has had a close association with the class 50s locomotives throughout. We are pleased to announce that Geoff has agreed to share insights into these fascinating locomotives and their operation with us in a special event to be held on 9th November 2024 in the memorial hall at Redruth Methodist Church.
Geoff is well known to many enthusiasts from his narration and presenting work with Locomaster Profile's class 50 video programmes (essential viewing in the late 1980s and early 1990s). During this sure to be fascinating evening, Geoff will take us through his personal highlights, and many previously untold stories, supported by audio visuals tracing the history of the class 50 from their inception through to the final years with British Rail and into preservation.
Cornwall was one of the last strongholds of the class 50's and many south-west enthusiasts will remember them fondly, so we are very proud to host Geoff and we hope you will come along to enjoy his presentation, which has a great local connection to our society.