The Western Tribute Railtour
26.02.1977
Roger Winnen
Part 1
D1023 Western Fusilier and D1013 Western Ranger head the Western Tribute Railtour seen approaching Exeter St Davids. Copyright Roger Winnen.
The Western Tribute Railtour at Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen
The backup engines for the tour were D1010 Western Campaigner and D1048 Western Lady. Copyright Roger Winnen
The backup engines for the tour were D1010 Western Campaigner and D1048 Western Lady. Copyright Roger Winnen
Other motive power seen at St David's a Peak Class locomotive. Copyright Roger Winnen
More tomorrow!
'The Mayflower'
Paul Barlow, David Tozer, Martin Scane & Trevor Tremethick
Today's Castle tour passes Western Road Exeter on it's way to Plymouth. 27.09.2024, copyright Paul Barlow.
Drifting steam smoke from 7029 'Clun Castle' almost obliterates 5043 ' East of Mount Edgcumbe' with 0634 1Z20 Birmingham New Street to Plymouth. Copyright David Tozer.
Class 20's 20189 and 20142 with the 0942 0Z21 Bristol East Depot Down Down Goods Loop to Plymouth Laira. Copyright David Tozer.
The pair of 20s had worked the special down to Bristol from the Midlands then ran ahead of the main train as back up. The two 20s have just passed Sprey Point at 12-02. Copyright Martin Scane.
The Castles head the main train for Plymouth approaching Sprey Point at 12-36 some 9 minutes early. Copyright Martin Scane.
'Two Castles to Plymouth' - but only one in sight! A slight misquoting of the Peter Handford Argo recording, and a pity that Clun's exhaust covered the second engine. Going like the clappers. Taken from Plymbridge Road Overbridge with Plympton Station site very overgrown as you can see. A large clump of Buddleia precluded a shot from the right. Nice to see the Mayflower headboard. Copyright Trevor Tremethick
Had to resort to the loft again because of a delivery that could not be re-arranged. Shot taken from about a quarter of a mile. Although I have taken double headers from here before, with the foliage and the washing lines I don't think it is any longer feasible. What you see here is the only space available before the train plunges behind the bushes and trees. I send this only because the exhaust effect was quite nice, but I still haven't managed a decent shot of the Earl. I am honest enough to show you my failures, so use it or throw it as you see fit! Copyright Trevor Tremethick.
Many thanks indeed, all of you - great to see some GWR engines back on home turf.
'Hoovering' around Bodmin
Jon Hird
50008 'Thunderer' leads sister 50042 'Triumph' up the bank from Bodmin Parkway, approaching Colesloggett Halt. 27.09.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
The pair continue on their journey to Bodmin General. The noise of the duo pounding up the hill was fantastic. 27.09.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
'Thunderer' and 'Triumph' settle in for the night at Bodmin General (photo taken after train movements had finished and by permission of railway staff). Copyright Jon Hird.
A very well done to all involved in bringing 50008 to Cornwall after a 30-year absence. If you'd like more information on the diesel gala taking place today, 28.09.2024, and tomorrow, 29.09.2024, please click here.
Westbury Colas Depot
Alan Peters
standing outside what was know as the 'Elephant House' at westbury but now used by Colas Rail as their maintenance depot 70801 stands outside currently out of use and awaiting parts on 13/09/24 Copyright Driver Alan Peters
Inside the now extended 'Elephant House' 66850 "David Maidment OBE" is reviving attention on 13/09/24 Copyright Driver Alan Peters
Outside in the sunshine 59003 "Yeoman highlander" was also receiving attention, looking more like a model with top taken off to access the engine on 13/09/24 Copyright Driver Alan Peters
A close up of the EMD 16-645E3C two stroke V16 diesel engine. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.
The class 59 has now been moved to allow access to the shed for 67 023 on 13/09/24 Copyright Driver Alan Peters
Many thanks indeed, Alan - some really interesting photographs. Your photographs of the cl.59 really show the strength of the chassis of these locomotives - the bodyshells can't provide any structural strength.