FHH moves more sand traffic bound for Kent
Freightliner Heavy Haul No. 66622 powered a rake of sand hoppers from Neasden to Newton Abbot Hackney Yard during the afternoon of 28 June. The loco and stock after a few hours at Newton Abbot continued west in the early hours of Friday 29 June to Burngullow for loading with sand bound for Angerstein Wharf, Kent. Returning as two half trains as far at Hackney yard on the Friday afternoon, the fully loaded train is scheduled to work to London late on the Friday evening, through Dawlish around 22/30.

Right: No. 66622 passes along the Sea Wall at Dawlish heading towards Newton Abbot. CJM

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Even more stock and powercar moves
Another day full of loco hauled action. First on the scene was No. 47813 working the 11.30 Landore - Laira formed of dead powercar No. 43143 and a barrier car. After arrival at laira, the loco returned light to Gloucester Horton Road. During the mid evening No. 47815 was again in the area, powering the 16.35 5Z70 Bombardier Derby - Laira refurbished Mk3 stock move, scheduled to pass Dawlish at 21/31.

Right: No. 47813 approaches Aller Junction during the afternoon of 26 June with the 11.00 Landore-Laira, formed of PC No. 43143. CJM

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More stock and powercar moves
During the mid afternoon of 25 June, Cotswold No. 47813 operated light from Gloucester to Laira for a barrier car move (through Dawlish at 15/00). A couple of hours later (16/44 Dawlish) green-liveried No. 47815 worked through with two Mk2 barrier cars as the 5Z79 13.00 Old Oak Common - Laira in readyness for a stock move. No. 47813 later returned with a barrier car to Landore, while No. 47815 formed the 18.00 Laira - Ilford - Derby FGW HST stock move, passing Dawlish at 19/00.

Right: Green-liveried No. 47815 passes Langstone Rock with the two barrier cars from Old Oak Common to Laira. Nathan Williamson

Additional Saturday Freightliner working on Sea Wall
Freightliner Heavy Haul No. 66616 was used to power an additional 6Z29, 14.52 Theale - Newton Abbot Hackney Yard on Saturday 23 June 2007. The train consisted of FHH sand hoppers, which after recessing at Hackney Yard over the weekend continued to Burngullow on Monday 25 June for loading with sand, motive power provided by 66526. The train is seen passing Cockwood Harbour. The train was originally planned to operate on 21/22 June but was cancelled.

Right: The train is seen passing Cckwood Harbour. CJM

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Saturday 23 June - a busy charter day on the Sea Wall
Three loco hauled charter services traversed the Sea Wall on Saturday 23 June 2007. The first passing at 09.40 was 'Wester' No. D1015 Western Champion, hauling the 06.05 Birmingham International - Penzance. An hour later EWS Class 67 No. 67023 worked through with a Derby - St Austell charter and soon after 12.00, a top and tail Cotswold '47' formation with 47828 an 47810 worked west with the 05.55 Ashford Kent - Kingswear charter.

Right Top: The GREAT power returned to the Sea Wall on 23 June 2007, when 'Western' No. D1015 Western Champion powered the 1Z52 06.05 Birmingham International - Penzance and return charter. Hauling 13 coaches, the train rounds Langstone Rock and starts to traverse the Sea Wall. CJM

Right Bottom: A charter from Ashford Kent to Kingswear operated on 23 June 2007, motive power was provided by Cotswold Rail in the form of Class 47s Nos. 47828 and 47810 which 'top and tailed' the Blue Pullman stock. Crewed by a GBRf 'Bristol Bluebird' driver, the down train led by No. 47828 passes Dawlish just minutes after a passing storm. CJM

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Embankment clearing in Teignmouth
Recently Network Rail and contractors have removed much of the undergrowth and trees from the embankment directly at the London end of Teignmouth station, on land adjacent to the public car park. Work has also been done on the down platform side improving the view and photographic possibility of train in the station area, especially from the bridge from the car park to the sea front.

The two illustrations right show the before and after. The best time to photograph an 'up' train at this ocation in from mid morning until around 12.30.

Pictures supplied by Ian Radford.

Rail Express works Laira - Derby stock move
After spending the night on Laira depot, 'celebrity' Class 47 No. 47853 Rail Express returned to the Sea Wall on 19 June powering 5Z91 08.45 Laira - Bombardier Derby formed of vehicles 44049. 42145. 42144. 42143. 42268. 41136. 41003 coupled between two barrier vans. Of special note are No. 44049 and 41003, these are the last two remaining pre-refurbishment dynamic lines liveried HST cars, used for the Franchise launch in April 2006. After arrival in Derby 47853 returned to Laira with a refurbished train, departing at around 17.00 and arriving in Laira late evening, the loco then returned to Old Oak Common.

Right No. 47853 passes along the Sea Wall at Rockstone Bridge. CJM

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Rail Express back on the Sea Wall with stock move
FirstGBRf operated a stock move from Bombardier Ilford to Laira during the afternoon of 18 June. Formed of Class 47 No. 47853 Rail Express, the train consisted of two barrier cars and refurbished TGS No. 44093 and Buffet No. 40716. The trains booked departure of 13.00 was missed as the train was not ready, with the train passing Dawlish around 20.00 just as the light was going.

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Charters - Saturday 16 June
Two charters visited the Sea Wall on Saturday 16 June. The first to pass at 10.30 was 67023 powering the 1Z26 06.05 Birmingham International to Par 'EdenX'. The highlight of the day was the operation of Class 50 No. 50049 powering what should have been the 1Z50 07.15 Leicester to Paignton, however due to flooding in the Birmingham area, the train ran as the 08.30 Birmingham New Street - Paignton and past Dawlish at 11.38. In case of loco problems, this train had No. 57601 coupled on the rear. On the return working the train was double headed by 50049 and 57601.

Right Top: 50049 with the Birmingham to Paignton charter passes Dawlish. CJM

Right Below: 67023 with the Birmingham to Par charter passes Dawlish. CJM

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'Black' 66709 visits the Sea Walll
FirstGBRf No. 66709 painted in the black Medite livery visited the Sea Wall on 14 June, when it operated light from Exeter (after stabling overnight) to Laira and collected a buffet car coupled between two barrir vans for transfer to Old Oak Common and Bombardier Ilford. The westbound light loco went through Dawlish soon after 08.00 and the return stock just after 10.00.

Right: 66709 passes Dawlish en route to Laira. Nathan Williamson

New SWT 2-car Class 158 visits Sea Wall
South West Trains are now the operators of 11 'new' Class 158 two-car sets numbered in the range 158880 - 158890, rebuilt at Wabtec Doncaster from existing 2 and three car sets, the units are allocated to Salisbury and usually operate on the short-length routes. On Saturday 9 June set No. 158886 formed the 14.20 Waterloo to Penzance, after resting in Penzance overnight, the set returned on 10 June forming the 13.50 Penzance-Waterloo/Portsmouth.

Right The train is seen crossing Cockwood Harbour on 10 June. CJM

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Bubble 977859 on the Sea Wall
The Serco Rail Class 121 977859 will be visiting Devon and Cornwall forming a route refresher for drivers drivers during w/e 15 June 2007.

On Monday 11 June 2007 the vehicle will form 5Z21 06.02 Derby RTC - Exeter Depot die Exeter 14.53
On Tuesday 12 June 2007 it will form 5Z21 06.50 Exeter - Truro via Gunnislake and Penzance, due through Dawlish at 07/05
On Wednesday 13 June 2007 it will operate in Cornwall and return to Plymouth Laira
On Thursday 14 June 2007 it will form 5Z21 04.01 Laira - Derby RTC via Looe! and is due through Dawlish at 08/00.

10 more refurbished Mk3s delivered
After departing Bombardier Derby at 14.00 on 9 June and being recessed at Bristol overnight following technical problems in the Tamworth area, a special 5Z70 10.00 Bristol TM to Laira FGW stock move operated on Saturday 9 June 2007. Powered by GBRf No. 66715 the train consisted of two barrier vans and 10 refurbished Mk3 passenger cars (3 FOs, 1 buffet and six TSOs).

Right The train is seen crossing Dawlish. CJM

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NMT returns to the wall for more tests
The Derby-based New Measurement Train (NMT) operated its infrequent Paddington-Plymouth-Paddington test run on 8 June. The train led by 43014 with just four test cars and 43013 on the rear operated west over the Sea Wall at 08.00, it returned from Plymuth at 10.05 and followed the FGW 10.38 departure off Dawlish (now led by 43013).

Right The train is seen crossing Rockstone Bridge. CJM

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More stock to Bombardier for refurbishment
After a slow few days with little unusual traffic, A further stock move from Laira to Bombardier Ilford operated on 7 June 2007. Power was provided by GBRf No. 66715 which operated light from Willesden. The stock move included the unique 'Volo' entertainment coach coupled behind the barrier vehicle.

Right The train is seen crossing Cockwood Harbour. CJM

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Quad powercar move
On Sunday 3 June 2007, Cotswold No. 47810 was used to haul four FGW powercars Nos. 43079, 43042, 43138 and 43122 as train 0F77, 11.30 Bristol Temple Meads - Laira, passing Dawlish just before 13.00. The four powercars were completing a move which started at Old Oak Common mid-day on 1 June. After arrival and shunting at Laira, No. 47810 returned to Bristol via a stop at Exeter with two operational powercars Nos. 43182/140.

Right: The westbound working is seen passing Dawlish. CJM

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Summer Saturday 2 June 2007
Todays hired-in MML and GNER HSTs saw the first of the GNER MTU-fitted examples operate over the wall through Dawlish, the first being No. 43318 trailing the down empties from Leeds Neville Hill to Plymouth at dawn.

1V29 07.25 Manchester Piccadilly - Newquay 43043 + 44017. 42342. 42053. 42052. 42051. 40754. 41113. 41035 + 43104
1M28 15.22 Newquay - Manchester Piccadilly 43104 + 44017. 42342. 42053. 42052. 42051. 40754. 41113. 41035 + 43043
1E47 09.40 Newquay - Newcastle 43318/-/43110
1V49 09.41 Newcastle - Newquay 43066 + 44054. 42121. 42120. 42119. 42337. 40729. 41068. 41061 + 43166
1C02 07.35 Bristol Temple Meads - Paignton 43008 + 41170. 41118. 40720. 42241. 42363. 42242. 42243. 42244. 44098 + 43290
1E46 10.32 Paignton - Newcastle 43290 + 41170. 41118. 40720. 42241. 42363. 42242. 42243. 42244. 44098 + 43008

In addition to the HSTs, one railtour visited the area, a Compass Tours charter 1Z47 from Lichfield City (depart 06.02) to Paignton and 1Z48 16.08 return. Traction was provided by 47847 and 47805 operating in 'top and tail' mode.

Right Top: A 'Compass Tours' charter from Lichfield to Paignton operated on 2 June 2007. A rake of mainly ex-Anglia Mk2s was used with one VT coach in the middle. Traction was provided by Class 47s Nos. 47847 and 47805 operating in the 'top and tail' mode. The westbound train is seen rounding Langstone Rock and onto the Dawlish Sea Wall. CJM
Right Bottom: Sporting Leeds-London advertising, MTU-fitted No. 43290 leads the 10.32 Paignton - Newcastle along the sea wall at Rockstone Bridge on 2 June 2007. CJM

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More Freightliner action with down ballast train
The infrequent Freightliner Heavy Haul aggregate service from Burngullow to Angerstein Whaft will operate on Friday 1 June 2007. The empty train for the service operated on Thursday 31 May as 6Z60 10.51 Neasden - Hackney Yard. Scheduled through Dawlish at 16/46 the train operated about 20 mins early and managed to catch the sun! The return loaded train on 1 June 6Z66 is scheduled to pass Dawlish at 23/37.

Right: The train is seen passing Dawlish. CJM
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More refurbished stock delivered
After spending the night at Derby GBRf No. 66715 returned west today as train 5Z71, the 07.04 Bombardier Derby - Laira formed ov barrier cars 6336 and 6338 with Mk3s 41169, 42251, 42319, 42320, 42321 and 44091 coupled between. After passing Dawlish at 12.00, the loco returned light from Laira to stable at Taunton.

More GBRf action
A further GBRf stock move took place on 29 May 2007, when No. 66715 'Valour' operated light from Bristol Temple Meads to Laira. The loco then formed train 5Z70, 10.00 Laira to Bombardier Derby, formed barrier 6336, 44003,
42089, 42346, 42349, 42138, 41001, 41110 and barrier 6338.

A further loco-hauled stock move took place during the afternoon of 29 May when Cotswold No. 47828 operated train 5Z77 16.00 Bristol SPM to Laira formed 43140, 9488 set LA70 - 41119, 41187, 40207, 42348, 42247, 42248, 42249, 44078 and 43182. The loco returned as the 5Z70 18.52 Laira - Bristol SPM hauling the barrier and PC 43139 en route to Brush.

Right: The train is seen rounding the curve at Langstone Rock, Dawlish Warren. CJM
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Duke of Gloucester visits the Sea Wall
The second visit of BR Standard Class 8P No. 71000 Duke of Gloucester to the Dawlish Sea Wall took place on 28 May 2007, when the loco powered the Bristol-Plymouth-Bristol leg of 'the Devonian Duke' charter from Paddington. The train was formed of a mixed collection of different liveried Mk1 and Mk2 coaches.

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Dawlish signalbox to be restored
TRC has been informed that the remains of Dawlish Signal Box, located on the up platform at Dawlish Station is to be restored under a Network Rail deal. A firm of architects have recently been instructed to establish the scope of the restoration and have been seeking views from various informed sources. They have also been seeking illustrations of the structure both inside and out to assist with the planning. However, the entire box will be moved from its present location, to one in the adjacent station carpark as it is considered the structure is too close to the operational railway. quite how this will work is unclear at this stage. Further reports will be posted.

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Past Time Rail 'EdenX' charter
One of the frequent special trains to Par for the Eden Project operated on 26 May, starting from Aylesbury and formed of the EWS Mk2 set powered by Class 67 No. 67018. The train ran well to time (due Dawlish 10/40 and looked to be well loaded.

Right: The train is seen rounding the curve at Langstone Rock, Dawlish Warren in a little glimpse of sun. CJM
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First Summer Saturday HST workings for VT
Well the first of what can be called the summer 2007 Saturdays got off to a good start, the GNER set for the Plymouth-Newquay working ran around two hours late and started the up service at Plymouth (the train was formed of a Voyager between Newquay and Plymouth). Otherwise services ran to time. As this is a bank Holiday weekend in the UK, the weather was not good.

1V29 07.00 Manchester Piccadilly - Newquay, due through Dawlish 11/56 - MML set
...43046 + NL05 41062 41154 40741 42327 42124 42205 42210 44073 + 43083
1M28 15.22 Newquay - Manchester Piccadilly, due through Dawlish 18/07 - MML set
...43046 + NL05 41062 41154 40741 42327 42124 42205 42210 44073 + 43083
1E47 09.40 Newquay - Newcastle, due through Dawlish 12/06 - GNER set
...43099 + EC51 41115 41165 40740 42117 42159 42160 42109 42110 44057 + 43038
1V49 09.41 Newcastle - Newquay, due through Dawlish 15/46 - MML set
...43066 + NL03 41061 41068 40729 42337 42119 42120 42121 44054 + 43052
1C02 07.35 Bristol Temple Meads - Paignton, due to stop Dawlish 09.23 - 09.25 - GNER set
...43051 + EC64 41153 41058 40701 42101 42294 42147 42103 42353 44083 + 43057
1E46 10.32 Paignton - Newcastle, due through Dawlish 10/56 - GNER set
...43051 + EC64 41153 41058 40701 42101 42294 42147 42103 42353 44083 + 43057

More FGW HST vehicles go for refurbishment
For the second time in a week GBRf No. 66724 powered a rake of FGW HST vehicles away for refurbishment. On 23 May, the loco powered the 5Z72 08.00 Laira - Ilford via Old Oak Common formed of barrier 6338, HST trailers 41033, 41034, 42048, 42049, 42050, 44016, 40752 (the livery launch vehicle) and barrier 6336. This train was routed via the B&H and London to deposit the buffet at Ilford.

Right: In about the only glimpse of sun, the train passes onto the sea wall at Teignmouth. CJM
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More refurbished FGW stock delivered
GBRf No. 66724 returned to the west on 22 May 2007, powering the 5Z71, 12.00 Bombardier Derby - Laira stock transfer move formed of vehicles 41081, 41108, 42347, 42308, 42309, 42090, 44060, formed between barrier cars 6336 and 6338.

Right: No. 66724 passes Cockwood Harbour on 21 May forming the 12.00 Bombardier Derby- Laira. CJM
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First daytime visit of 'Barbie' liveried Class 66/7 to the Sea Wall
After running light as the 17.00 Eastleigh - Laira on 20 May 2007, Class 66/7 No. 66724 powered the 5Z45 10.00 Laira - Bombardier Derby on 21 May, formed of 7 FGW HST coaches Nos. 44001, 42107, 42185, 42184, 42183, 41094, 41093 and barrier vans 6336 and 6338.

Right: No. 66724 passes Rockstone Bridge on 21 May forming the 10.00 Laira - Bombardier Derby. CJM
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Sea Wall Virgin-operated HSTs 26 May and 2 June 2007
Three hired-in HST sets will operate for Virgin on these two days. Trains will be -
1V29 07.00 Manchester Piccadilly - Newquay, due through Dawlish 11/56
1M28 15.22 Newquay - Manchester Piccadilly, due through Dawlish 18/07
1E47 09.40 Newquay - Newcastle, due through Dawlish 12/06
1V49 09.41 Newcastle - Newquay, due through Dawlish 15/46
1C02 07.35 Bristol Temple Meads - Paignton, due to stop Dawlish 09.23 - 09.25
1E46 10.32 Paignton - Newcastle, due through Dawlish 10/56

These services will also operate HST formed during the peak weeks of the summer to slightly different times.

Celebrity Class 47 No. 47853 visits the Sea Wall
For the first time since the end of Virgin Class 47s on the Sea Wall, No. 47853 Rail Express visited the area on 18 May 2007. The loco hitched a ride west on the rear of the Paddington-Penzance sleeper as far as Plymouth overnight on 17-18 May, before powering the 07.00 Plymouth Laira - Old Oak Common stock move formed of barrier vans 6336 and 6338. On route to London the train was stopped at Reading and re-routed to Bristol St Philips March, where after arrival it formed 5Z72 14.00 Bristol SPM - Laira, formed of the same barrier vans plus Mk3 stock.

Right: No. 47853 Rail Express passes Rockstone Bridge on 18 May forming the 07.00 Laira - Old Oak Common (Bristol). CJM Click image to enlarge

More Freightliner Heavy Haul sea wall activity on 24/25 April
Freightliner Heavy Haul will be visiting the Sea Wall on both Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 April. On Tuesday the Earles Sidings-Moorswater will operate, departing on Monday evening as 6Z20 18.36 Earles Siding - Moorswater, the train will pass along the Sea Wall in the early hours of the morning, returning along the Sea Wall during the late afternoon as the 15.25 Moorswater - Earles.

On Tuesday 24 April, in the afternoon, train 6Z60 - 14.58 Reading West Junction Yard to Hackney Yard will run, booked to stop in Dawlish Warren Loops at 18.49 - 18.57 and arrive Hackney Yard 19.25. After running to Burngullow in the small hours of Wednesday for loading with sand, half the train will operate back as the 6Z23 13.43 Burngullow-Newton Abbot Hackney Yard, the loco returning light to Burngullow to form the 6Z66 20.12 Burngullow-Angerstein Wharf, collecting the first raft of wagons at Hackney Yard, and due to pass Dawlish at 23/37.

So on Tuesday early evening two Freightliner Class 66s will operate over the sea wall.

Hooton - Plymouth charter - 21 April 2007
The 'South Devon Express' charter 1Z89, the 06.37 Hooton on Merseyside to Plymouth operated on Saturday 21 April 2007. Formed of 13 Mk2 coaches in Anglia and Virgin livery with a former Anglia DBSO on the rear (No. 9713) on the rear. Motive power was provided by Class 67s Nos. 67023 and 67026. As far as Bristol only No. 67023 was working due to an incorrect coupling between the two locos. The return service was the 1Z90 16.08 Plymouth-Hooton.

Right: With its South Devon Express' headboard, Nos. 67023 and 67026 storm past Dawlish bang on time on 21 April 2007 heading for Plymouth. CJM Click image to enlarge

The New Measurement Train
The Network Rail New Measurement Train or NMT visits the Sea Wall on infrequent Fridays, forming as 'as required' service from Paddington to Plymouth and return. When running, the train formed of two Class 43 powercars and Mk3 test cars coupled between forms 1Z78 05.49 Paddington - Plymouth (due along the sea wall travelling west at 08.06) and the 1Z87 10.06 Plymouth - Paddington (due along the sea wall travelling east at 10.52). The westbound working can run early, but the return train usually follows the up London due off Dawlish at 10.38.

Right: Led by powercar No. 43013 and formed of five Mk3 test cars and 43062 on the rear, train 1Z87 passes Dawlish Rockstone Bridge on 20 April 2007. CJM Click image to enlarge

And even more loco-hauled stock moves
On Thursday 19 April 2007, Class 47 No. 47840 North Star was stabled at Bristol and operated west as the 5Z70 15.30 Bristol Temple Meads to Laira with two Mk2 barrier cars. The loco then returned with stock for refurbishment as the 5Z70 18.50 Laira - Old Oak Common for onward movement to Ilford and Derby.

Right top: 47840 passes Cockwood on the down move. CJM Click image to enlarge

Right bottom: 47840 passes Easton with the return run to Old Oak Common. CJM Click image to enlarge

More loco-hauled stock moves
Wednesday 18 April saw another loco hauled HST stock move pass through Dawlish. This time an unrefurbished set, was hauled by Cotswold No. 47810 as the 5Z77 13.14 Bristol Stoke Gifford to Laira, the time of day allowed the popular location at Horse Cove to be used to record the event. After arrival at Laira the 47 returned light to Bristol, leaving the barrier coaches at Laira.

Right: 47810 passes Horse Cove with Dawlish in the background powering the 5Z77 13.14 Bristol Stoke Gifford - Laira on 18 April 2007. CJM Click image to enlarge

47840 back to the West
After having several days of stock moves between London, Plymouth, London, Ilford and Derby. Class 47 No. 47840 North Star worked west over the Sea Wall at lunch time on Saturday 14 April, powering the 07.58 Bombardier Derby - Laira, formed of two FGW barrier cars (Mk2s), 2TFs, 4TSs, 1TGS and two buffer cars. This is officially FGWs 4th refurbished Mk3 set.

Right: 47840 passes Dawlish with the move is slightly dull conditions. Note the 'Bristol Bluebirds' headboard. CJM
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Starcross Fishing and Cruising Club Web-Cam
The Starcross Fishing and Cruising Club have installed a very high-quality interactive web-cam on the top of the Brunel Tower adjacent to the Exe estuary and Starcross station. From the website you can take control of the camera and change its direction to observe trains between Powderham and Cockwood Harbour. The quality of images are excellent and while its prime use is to view boats and the river it provides railway enthusiasts an excellent view of railway operations.

http://www.starcross-fcc.com/webcam/

More Class 60 power for the Sea Wall
During the afternoon of 11 April 2007 it was found that EWS control had rostered a pair of Class 60s Nos. 60019 and 60060 for the 6W73, 16.33 Westbury - St Blazey ballast, formed of 20 'Coalfish' wagons. This being the second night running '60' power has reached Devon. The train departed a little late and turned up on the Sea Wall in the last rays of light.

Right: With 60019 leading and 60060 trailing, the train is seen approaching Langstone Rock from the land side, a somewhat different view to the usual. CJM

Bardon-liveried No. 66623 to visit Sea Wall
Providing all goes to plan, the Bardon Aggregates-liveried Freightliner Heavy Haul Class 66 No. 66623 is scheduled to pass along the Dawlish Sea Wall on both Thursday 12 and Friday 13 April 2007. The loco will power train 6Z60, 13.18 Neasdon Stone Terminal - Hackney Yard (Newton Abbot) on 12 April, due at Dawlish Warren Loop between 19.19 and 19.27, the following day it will visit Cornwall (Burngullow) and return along the sea wall at Dawlish Warren at 20.51 powering the 6Z66 20.10 Hackney Yard - Angerstein Wharf.

Right: The down empty hopper train ran early and was through Dawlish Warren at 18.17. After arrival at Newton Abbot (Hackney Yard), the loco ran light to Exeter for fuel before returning to Hackney Yard. The train is seen crossing Cockwood Harbour. CJM - Click image to enlarge

Class 60 power returns to the Fawley - Tavistock tanks
The first Class 60 to operate train 6V62, the 13.18 Fawley-Tavistock Junction oil since 18 October 2005 was on 10 April 2007 when No. 60060 James Watt operated the service. This train is usually powered by an EWS Class 66.

Right: The train is seen crossing Cockwood Harbour in the last few minutes of sun during the early evening of 10 April. CJM Click image to enlarge

Easter 2007 brings good weather to Devon, steam to the wall, and trouble
The Easter weekend between 6-9 April 2007 brought good weather to the West Country. A number of interesting workings were observed including VT operating an MML HST on Maundy Thursday, GBRf using Class 47/4 on stock moves with the highlight being steam on Easter Saturday, when 'King' No. 6024' and 'Castle' 5051 powered the Penzance - Bristol leg of 'The Great Britain' tour. In near perfect weather conditions some 150 photographers lined up at Cockwood Harbour to capture the train.

Sadly the weekend was spoilt on Saturday 7 April, when an HST forming the 08.48 Penzance-Paddington was hit by a bolder thrown by thugs off the Coastguard bridge, close to Dawlish station. While shocked, the Exeter-based FGW driver managed to continue to Exeter before relief. The train had to proceed via Yeovil die to the damaged screen. The local Police and BTP attended but nobody was caught. Large signs were erected by the BTP seeking witnesses.

Right: 6024 and 5051 pass Cockwood powering 'The Great Britain' from Penzance to Bristol. CJM Click image to enlarge

New Signalbox for Dawlish Warren?
The site of the former up platform buildings at Dawlish Warren station, gutted by fire in 2003 and then demolished have made way for a new building. The buildings were the original station buildings, then used as the South Devon Railway Museum and model railway before being rebuilt as holiday flats.

The new construction, built as a residential building, has been built in the same design as the former Dawlish Warren signal box, located at the London end of the down platform, and replaced as part of the 1990s West of England resignalling.

Many local people and visitors who have seen the building being erected recently and thought that a new era of mechanical signalling was returning to the West Country, sadly not, but full marks should be given to the developers for making such an attempt at recreating a part of recent railway history.

Right: A view of the new construction on 24 March 2007. CJM

Dawlish Station refurbishment
Although work is only part way through, an official 'reopening' of Dawlish Station took place on 28 March 2007 when the renovated waiting room on the up platform was returned to use with a ribbon cutting by local railway artist John Austin.

John, through his role as a member of The Friends of Dawlish Station, has donated prints of three of his local sea wall paintings, two steam and one of a 'Western' which now hang on the London end wall of the waiting room. To go with these paintings, six local modern traction railway pictures are displayed on the Plymouth end wall, all taken by local photographer and FGW staff member Nathan Williamson who works as a Customer Sales Advisor at Newton Abbot.

The Dawlish event was hosted by Gillian Perry, FGWs Service Delivery Manager for Dawlish who paid tribute to the redecoration team and members of The Friends of Dawlish Station.

Work is still ongoing at Dawlish with disabled access ramp currently being build from the car park to the up platform, while general redecoration is nearing completion. The disabled ramp will however take about a dozen parking places from the already overcrowded carpark.

One major eyesore at Dawlish station is its footbridge, which so far Network Rail have failed to either repair or repaint.

Other work undertaken at Dawlish includes the refitting of the toilets on the up platform, however these were closed at the official dedication ceremony.

Dawlish signalbox is still the subject of much local concern, although efforts were made by Network Rail to let the property nothing has so far happened and the structure is now held up with steel girders and covered in plastic to avoid bits falling off onto passengers or passing trains.

A new automated ticket vending machine has been installed at the front of the station.

By 12 April the new disabled ramp was still being built and the station looked more like a builders yard, limited vehicle access remains a major problem.

Right: John Austin raises a glass of Champagne to the station re-opening. CJM