Gala preparations at Bodmin
Tony Shore & Jon Hird
Ahead of this weekends diesel gala at the Bodmin Railway, 37142 was being put through its paces on Wednesday.
Before the first steam service of the day, 37142 attaches to the rake of Mk1's at Bodmin General ready for a test run to Bodmin Parkway and back. 23.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
37142 arrives back at Bodmin General afte a successful test run to Parkway. 23.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
A few hours later, 37142 is on the move again, this time running light loco to Bodmin Parkway to extract some stock from the carriage shed. 23.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
37142 in the fan of sidings at Bodmin Parkway waiting for the shutter door to be opened to the carriage shed. 23.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
Bubble Car 121020 is extracted along with a Shark Brake Van. 23.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
After tidying up at Parkway, 37142 heads back up the gradient to Bodmin General hauling the Autocoach and 121020. 23.09.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks Tony, and best of luck to Bodmin for their upcoming diesel gala - starting tomorrow! Click here for details.
Three Counties Dash!
Craig Munday
An interesting though challenging day weather-wise with the Cornish Riviera 1Z71 / 1Z72 on Tuesday. I decided to use the train, rather than drive to capture 50050 on its old stomping ground. I was grateful to Chris Holland for the lift from Taunton to Cogload to see the 50.
50050 passing Cogload Junction with 1Z71. 22.09.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
Onto Tiverton Parkway next, though cloud spoiled the level shot just west of the station. (It really was one of THOSE days).
71000 passes Tiverton Parkway with 1Z71. 22.09.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
I hopped on the next train to Exeter SD to see the Charter ECS heading for Riverside so had a quick catch up with John Humphries, Iain Munroe and Mike Goodfield aboard.
A hour on the seawall saw a quick chat with Colin Marsden at Starcross on his recommendation. This was a super spot, with a handy stopper just afterwards too!
A hour on the seawall saw a quick chat with Colin Marsden at Starcross on his recommendation. This was a super spot, with a handy stopper just afterwards too!
71000 continues through Starcross on 1Z72. 22.09.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
A Crosscountry Voyager wearing the new livery passes through Starcross, 220007 and 220021 on 1V50. 22.09.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
The next shot was a dash off my train's arrival giving me just under 40 mins at St Austell so opted for Trethellan bridge at Burngullow. The Autumn tints and sun almost front on was rather nice there. The light was sublime heading west and I envied the shots taken with more time to spare!
It was just a good seeing my railway colleagues as the locomotives!
It was just a good seeing my railway colleagues as the locomotives!
71000 nearing Trethellan Bridge, near Burngullow. 22.09.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
Looks a grand day out Craig, many thanks for sharing the photos with us.
Fearless at Taunton
Dave Anthony
50050 'Fearless' in the sidings at Taunton having worked 'The Cornish Riviera 2026' from Paddington on Tuesday. 23.09.2026, copyright Dave Anthony.
Many thanks, Dave
September 1976
Part 24
Roger Winnen
A Class 50 from Treffry Aquaduct on a Newquay London service. 18.09.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Aqueduct at Luxulyan. 18.09.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.