Spoil trains from
Alan Peters
There have been two Colas Rail trains to Okehampton this week, 6C45 worked from Westbury to Okehampton and return with 70812 and 70814 top and tailing twenty Falcon wagons to load with spoil from the recent relaying on 1st June 2021. The same pair visited again with a further twenty Falcon wagons for spoil as 6C47 on 3rd June 2021 this time working as far as Sampford Courtney, the return train is pictured at Penstone near Coleford Junction on 4th June 2021 with 70814 leading to Exeter Riverside where the train reversed to Westbury where 70812 would be the leading loco.
A dramatic picture. A spoil train at Penstone near Coleford Junction on 4th June 2021 with 70814 leading to Exeter Riverside. Copyright Driver Alan Peters
Many thanks Alan.
Memories of the 70's
Around Exeter 1
Paul Barlow
25115 has just run round its stock and to work the 18.44 Exeter to Paignton 2B38 . This machine allocated to Toton and was a rare visitor to the SW. Seen on 11th June 79. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul.
Wonderful Westbury
33107+33101 seen west of Westbury with the Eastleigh-Meldon empties on the 11th August 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys.
Note the White Horse and the tall chimney of the cement works emitting smoke/steam. Many thanks Ron.
Mysterious Workings?
The St Ives branch
From the Western and Wales Route Weekly Operating Notice WW Week 10
GW690 ST.ERTH TO ST.IVES ENTIRE LINE OF ROUTE FROM 0001 MONDAY 7 JUNE 2021 UNTIL 1200 HOURS ON MONDAY14 JUNE 2021
The St.Ives single line beyond St.Erth signal SE62 will be temporarily taken out of use. The St.Erth – St.Ives train staff will be retained by the local manager. The associated Local Instructions are suspended during this time.
............................................................................................
Kind Regards, Chris Bellett, Retired S&T Engineer
Editorial note :- So the St Ives branch is now closed and the staff is now in the hands of the Local Manager. We wonder why?
Also remember that secret overnight working by the Pullman set on the St Ives branch last month.
Perhaps there is going to be a daylight working for the VIP's being served refreshments whilst traversing the very scenic branch. A tea time trundle or dinner on the branch would be very attractive and interesting,
Whilst respecting security it would be most interesting as railway enthusiasts to know and record any such workings for the sake of the history of the branch. However all photographers please obey all the restrictions.
​ By this time next week we may be a little wiser !!