Unidentified 'Duff'
Phil 'Shattered' Smith
A Virgin Class 47 passes Dawlish on the 'up' in this undated shot from Phil. Can anybody ID the loco? Year 2000. Copyright Phil Smith.
Many thanks Phil, a tricky one - if you have any suggestions, please email us - [email protected]
Our thanks to Andrew Jones who has provided the following useful link - click here.
Our thanks to Andrew Jones who has provided the following useful link - click here.
'That' mystery photo
A hung jury
A fierce debate rages in the CRS inbox this week over Michael Forwards mystery image. See below. Copyright Michael Forward.
Last week we brought you the above image from Michael Forward, location unknown.
Amidst initial suggestions that the location is Severn Tunnel Junction, we have a number of readers who believe that the location is infact Carmarthen..
Amidst initial suggestions that the location is Severn Tunnel Junction, we have a number of readers who believe that the location is infact Carmarthen..
Chris Bellett writes:
With reference to the mystery photo on the website. Its Carmarthen station looking south towards the South Wales Main Line.
The signalling plan can be found on the Signalling Record Society website here: https://www.s-r-s.org.uk/html/gwm/S2077.htm
With reference to the mystery photo on the website. Its Carmarthen station looking south towards the South Wales Main Line.
The signalling plan can be found on the Signalling Record Society website here: https://www.s-r-s.org.uk/html/gwm/S2077.htm
And from Andrew Vines:
With reference to your mystery picture of the steam-hauled milk train, I attach my own view of an 08 shunter and Hymek at Carmarthen taken in the summer of 1971. You will see that although there have been some intervening changes, the low bracket signal and associated equipment box at the end of the platform are exactly the same, as is the position of the nearby point rodding and the visible track layout. Chris Bellett is therefore correct and Roy Hart's certainty is sadly misplaced!
Apologies for the quality of the picture - I was only 10!
With reference to your mystery picture of the steam-hauled milk train, I attach my own view of an 08 shunter and Hymek at Carmarthen taken in the summer of 1971. You will see that although there have been some intervening changes, the low bracket signal and associated equipment box at the end of the platform are exactly the same, as is the position of the nearby point rodding and the visible track layout. Chris Bellett is therefore correct and Roy Hart's certainty is sadly misplaced!
Apologies for the quality of the picture - I was only 10!
An 08 shunter and Hymek at Carmarthen taken in the summer of 1971. Copyright Andrew Vines.
Steve Sherwood adds:
Regarding the mystery photo submitted by Michael Foward, I believe it to be the South end of Carmarthen station. The evidence for my suggestion is somewhat weak though, as I could only find one photo to corroborate a couple of features in the mystery photo.
I found a photo that lends itself to my suggestion on the disused stations website, there is one photo taken on what I believe is the same island platform, but from much further back. The quality is also not very good, but I think it is the same bracket signal at the end of the platform, and in both photos, there appear to be milk tankers on the centre road. These tankers feature in both photos, which I presume must be milk coming down from the Welsh farms further up the line (perhaps Newcastle Emlyn or Llandeilo) - this seems to make sense. But, I did know that Carmarthen had three roads between the platforms, an engine shed to the left (which fits with the coaling ramp) and some sidings either side of the running lines to the south. But, this view of the old layout does seem quite rare.
I stand ready to fall if I am wrong!
http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/c/carmarthen_second/index.shtml
Regarding the mystery photo submitted by Michael Foward, I believe it to be the South end of Carmarthen station. The evidence for my suggestion is somewhat weak though, as I could only find one photo to corroborate a couple of features in the mystery photo.
I found a photo that lends itself to my suggestion on the disused stations website, there is one photo taken on what I believe is the same island platform, but from much further back. The quality is also not very good, but I think it is the same bracket signal at the end of the platform, and in both photos, there appear to be milk tankers on the centre road. These tankers feature in both photos, which I presume must be milk coming down from the Welsh farms further up the line (perhaps Newcastle Emlyn or Llandeilo) - this seems to make sense. But, I did know that Carmarthen had three roads between the platforms, an engine shed to the left (which fits with the coaling ramp) and some sidings either side of the running lines to the south. But, this view of the old layout does seem quite rare.
I stand ready to fall if I am wrong!
http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/c/carmarthen_second/index.shtml
Carmathen Station looking south-west in the 1950's. Copyright John Mann.
Many thanks for the interest, all - any other takers?
Recent CRS observations
Karl Hewlett
Apologies for not responding sooner, I have been a bit busy and have not had a chance to respond to a question asked and a few other bits and pieces I have spotted.
With regards to the question from Thomas Lloyd about the class 50 at Falmouth Docks, I am fairly certain it hasn't coupled to the 16T mineral wagons to shunt them because in a further image (after it had already run around and reversed its stock back in), the wagons are still in the same position as I can see the white stripe on one of them next to the 50's cab. I believe it was in the process of running around the stock using the loop prior to backing in. Coincidentally the fifty is 50017 'Royal Oak' which is preserved and is currently at the 'Great Central Railway'.
Onto the next report from your roving reporter Roger Winnen, in his article 'Around Plymouth In 1974', the bottom class 03 image isn't 03126 but 03128 again! On blowing up the image it seems the loco has recently had its TOPs numbers applied. I would suggest the top image was taken slightly earlier in c1971/72 because although carrying its full D prefix number, it has gained a TOPs data panel and LA shed code stickers.
Onto the next article by roving reporter 'Freight Around Bodmin 1970's', I can confirm that Andrew Jones' thought of the class 08 being 08839 is correct, again I blew up a clear image of it from Part 1. It also seems to be still in BR Green as the cranks are painted red.
Guy Vincent's article on 'Cirencester Station Open Day' and railbus W79978, it is good to see this vehicle back there for the gala. These and the DMUs have been overlooked by enthusiasts for many a year considering they rubbed shoulders with steam locomotives and even had the rather disdainful nickname of bog carts by some enthusiasts later in their lives. Well they were not from new, far from it, it was only when BR changed the interior panelling and seat material from the 70's onwards they lost their glamour. An excellent website that covers DMUC and Railbuses https://railcar.co.uk/ has a vast array of information, images and technical data for anyone interested.
Finally Micheal Roach's query about ERF lorry OAF 674F at Delabole Goods Yard, according to the DVLA it was registered in July 1968 and its last V5C (logbook), was issued on 17 September 1996. After that it has vanished, assuming the reg plate was not carried over to another later built vehicle it may still survive but has not been seen since. Still a long time for a lorry of this vintage to be in service/registered 1968 to 1996, so perhaps forgotten langlishing in a field or barn waiting to be found again?
With regards to the question from Thomas Lloyd about the class 50 at Falmouth Docks, I am fairly certain it hasn't coupled to the 16T mineral wagons to shunt them because in a further image (after it had already run around and reversed its stock back in), the wagons are still in the same position as I can see the white stripe on one of them next to the 50's cab. I believe it was in the process of running around the stock using the loop prior to backing in. Coincidentally the fifty is 50017 'Royal Oak' which is preserved and is currently at the 'Great Central Railway'.
Onto the next report from your roving reporter Roger Winnen, in his article 'Around Plymouth In 1974', the bottom class 03 image isn't 03126 but 03128 again! On blowing up the image it seems the loco has recently had its TOPs numbers applied. I would suggest the top image was taken slightly earlier in c1971/72 because although carrying its full D prefix number, it has gained a TOPs data panel and LA shed code stickers.
Onto the next article by roving reporter 'Freight Around Bodmin 1970's', I can confirm that Andrew Jones' thought of the class 08 being 08839 is correct, again I blew up a clear image of it from Part 1. It also seems to be still in BR Green as the cranks are painted red.
Guy Vincent's article on 'Cirencester Station Open Day' and railbus W79978, it is good to see this vehicle back there for the gala. These and the DMUs have been overlooked by enthusiasts for many a year considering they rubbed shoulders with steam locomotives and even had the rather disdainful nickname of bog carts by some enthusiasts later in their lives. Well they were not from new, far from it, it was only when BR changed the interior panelling and seat material from the 70's onwards they lost their glamour. An excellent website that covers DMUC and Railbuses https://railcar.co.uk/ has a vast array of information, images and technical data for anyone interested.
Finally Micheal Roach's query about ERF lorry OAF 674F at Delabole Goods Yard, according to the DVLA it was registered in July 1968 and its last V5C (logbook), was issued on 17 September 1996. After that it has vanished, assuming the reg plate was not carried over to another later built vehicle it may still survive but has not been seen since. Still a long time for a lorry of this vintage to be in service/registered 1968 to 1996, so perhaps forgotten langlishing in a field or barn waiting to be found again?
Many thanks for your observations and answers, Karl.
Re: OAF674F, a photo on Flickr of it repurposed for a funfair exists here.
Re: OAF674F, a photo on Flickr of it repurposed for a funfair exists here.
Teignmouth Castle
Martin Scane
43189 Launceston Castle leads 43187 with 2E06 Penzance to Exeter SD this morning (28/10/25) between Teignmouth and Sprey Point. Having no booked stop at Teignmouth the train was going well. 28.10.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
Railbus on tour
Ken Mumford
Railbus W79978 at the Swindon & Crickdale Railway prior to being transported to Cirencester Station for an event. 24.10.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
Loading the railbus in the S&C yard. 24.10.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
Loading the railbus in the S&C yard. 24.10.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
The railbus on the road. 24.10.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
The railbus on a short length of track alongside the former station at Cirencester. 27.10.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
After the event had finished, the team prepare to load the Railbus again for transport back to the S&C railway. 27.10.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
After the event had finished, the team prepare to load the Railbus again for transport back to the S&C railway. 27.10.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
Many thanks Ken. And again, very well done to the team for making this happen.
Ivybridge from above
Clive Smith
Viewed from Western Beacon overlooking Ivybridge on the 28th October, 2E06 07.45 Penzance - Exeter St Davids meanders its way along the top of the town with 43189 and 43186. 28.10.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
A second bite of the apple as the train emerges in the woods crossing the 104 feet high 8 arch Ivybridge Viaduct. 28.10.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
Great shots Clive, many thanks.
Returning Pullman
Guy Vincent
The returning Fort William to Eastleigh Pullman HST at Westbury late on Sunday evening with 43058 again leading and 43047 at the rear. Departure time from F.W. was at 09.05am with arrival at Eastleigh 23.47.
Of note is that LSL's fleet of power cars are all fitted with Paxman VP185 engines rather than the MTU units most of the fleet later received.
Of note is that LSL's fleet of power cars are all fitted with Paxman VP185 engines rather than the MTU units most of the fleet later received.
43058 'Loch Eil' at Westbury. 26.10.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
43058 'Loch Eil' at Westbury. 26.10.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
43058 'Loch Eil' at Westbury. 26.10.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
43047, currently un- named. 26.10.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks Guy, a very smart set.
Recent Roamings
Roger Winnen
175002 arrives at Penzance on a training run. 27.10.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
175002 Awaits departure to Plymouth at 11.00 however it departed early at 10.50. 27.10.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
After catching the 15.00 service to Plymouth we passed the train at Par. Alighting at Bodmin Parkway we saw it once again. 27.10.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
A busy time at Plymouth Station. 27.10.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
175002 departs Plymouth with another trip to Penzance. 27.10.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
43093's 'Legends of the Great Western' decals seem to have had a clean up recently. 27.10.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Enthusiasts peek into the driving cab of 43093 as it waits departure on the rear of a Penzance - bound service at Plymouth. 27.10.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
43042 on the western end of the set. 27.10.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.