The news of my birthday this year seemed to have leaked out around Cornwall and beyond, many thanks to all those who have sent their best wishes which was most appreciated. After a gloomy weather forecast on Friday for the weekend I decided to give the Dawlish Airshow a go, if bad weather persisted I would let the train take the strain. Setting off at 06.50 from Penzance the rain was heavy throughout Cornwall until Liskeard where it started to dry up and remained so throughout to Dawlish where is was brilliant sunshine. Being non stop to Exeter the weather at Exeter was the complete opposite, so after a short while I returned to Dawlish on one of the special services to and from Newton Abbot. That day a total of 49 trains stopped at Dawlish going east and 51 trains going west. My only regrets that I never had a telephoto lens with me to zoom into the aircraft.
150822a The 06.00 Leeds to Paignton service enters the 205 yds Kennaway Tunnel, the first of five tunnels between Dawlish and Teignmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen
150822b Two H.S.Ts. which depart within four minutes of each other pass at Dawlish Station. The 08.39 Penzance to Paddington and the 08.35 Paddington to Paignton service. Copyright Roger Winnen
150822c The Crowd is getting bigger for the Air Show as the Cross Country Service the 07.45 York to Penzance breaks the monotony of the Great Western livery at Dawlish. Copyright Roger Winnen
150822d Some of the early flying at Dawlish as the 13.07 Paignton to Paddington heads towards Dawlish Warren. The flying at Dawlish is mostly over the bay therefore lessen the risk factor of an aeroplane coming down on a populated area. Our deepest sympathy must go out to the family and friends of those tragically killed in the Shoreham on Sea Airshow the same afternoon. Copyright Roger Winnen
150822e One notable railway enthusiast Dave Hunt on his step ladder on the overbridge photographing the up 'Beds' 57602 Restormal Castle as she comes out of Kennaway Tunnel with the 13.35 Plymouth Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen
150822f At 15.07 with the weather closing in the Last Flight of the Vulcan Bomber incorporated the Dawlish Air Show in its days operation, seen far right. The two trains shown are the 06.00 Glasgow to Paignton and the 14.48 Newton Abbot to Exeter. Copyright Roger Winnen
See more on the Features Page July to December 2015