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The Dawish Sea Wall 2007

End of an eventful year - 2007
As we come to the close of 2007, one can only say what an amazing year it has been on the Dawlish Sea Wall for unusual and interesting trains.

It has been a major year of transition with the total change of the FGW HST fleet, re-introduction of Class 142s and the franchise change of the CrossCountry operation from Virgin Trains to Arriva.

On the freight side things have looked up, with many extra Freightliner services, mainly taking aggregate to and from Cornwall. The weekly cement flow resumed in December running from Westbury.

A new face on the Sea Wall is Colas Rail, an infrastructure operator who won this years RHTT contract for Devon and Cornwall. With depot facilities at Tavistock Junction it looks likely that we will see more of this operator in 2008.

I do hope you have all enjoyed the pages of 'The Dawlish Sea Wall' during the year, we have tried to cover most of the unusual workings with illustrations and provided listings of the more unusual trains when photography has not been possible. We intend to continue our Sea Wall coverage in 2008. If you follow the link from the main page to Sea Wall News this will take you to the latest news, with links to the news archive for 2007.

Right: The new look of trains at Dawlish. An Arriva Trains Class 221 heads west on 29 December 2007 forming the 06.05 Derby to Plymouth, while a double Class 142 formation stops at the station forming a Paignton to Exmouth local. CJM

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More stock moves 19-21 December 2007
After working west light loco during the afternoon/evening of 18 December, First/GBRf No. 66726 worked north from Laira to Bombardier Derby on 19 December as 5Z90 09.00 Laira - Derby formed of vehicles 6336, 42008, 44014, 42044, 42043, 42042, 41030, 41029, 6348. After spending the night at Derby, the loco returned west on 20 December as 5Z91 09.00 Bombardier Derby - Laira formed of vehicles - 6348, 41027, 41028, 42196, 42039, 42040, 42041, 44013, 6336. After arrival at Laira 66726 returned to Old Oak Common and on Friday 21 December worked to Ilford to form 5V99 14.15 Bombardier Ilford - Laira - formed 6348, TGS 44024 and 6336

Right: The westbound train on 20 December is seen approaching Rockstone Bridge. CJM

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Class 47 invasion 17 December 2007
Cotswold No. 47375 powered 5Z40 07.35 Gloucester - Laira formed of barrier coach 9490. After arrival at Laira and some shunting powercar No. 43034 was collected and formed 5Z46 11.32 (ran 90 late) Laira - Goucester en route to Brush for refurbishment

47749 worked 0Z48 08.00 Kidderminster - Tavistock Junction

Engineering work 15-16 December 2007
Another weekend of engineering work in the West Country, this time between Totnes and Tavistock Junction has seen a number of engineering trains work to and from the worksite and Westbury depot. Most of the trains were Class 66 powered except for two which were operated by Class 60s and one 'top and tailed' by a pair of Class 59/2s.

Right Top. Powered by Mainline Freight blue liveried No. 60044, train 6W45 13.00 Totnes - Westbury traverses the Dawlish Sea Wall at Rockstone Bridge on a very dull Sunday 16 December 2007. CJM

Right Bottom: The Autoballaster train from Westbury to Totnes, 6W48. 11.54 Westbury - Totnes was top and tailed by EWS Class 59/2s Nos. 59204 and 59205. Again in very dull conditions the train is seen off the Rockstone Bridge, Dawlish in fading light. CJM

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Stock move 12-14 December 2007
12 December. 47839 operated 0Z77 07.45 Bristol TM - Laira and then formed 5Z90 11.30 Laira - Bombardier Derby formed of HST cars 44004, 42014, 42013, 42360, 42012, 41010, 41009

13 December. 47839 formed 5Z91 12.00 Bombardier Derby - Laira formed - 6336, 44035, 42281, 42280, 42265, 42279, 41135, 41116, 6330, then 19.10 Laira - Old Oak Common formed 47839 plus barrier vans

14 December. 47839 worked Old Oak Common to Ilford and then 5V99 14.15 Bombardier Ilford - Laira formed - 6336, 40739, 42218, 6330, then light loco to Exeter

Power car move 11 December 2007
Cotswold Class 47 No. 47813 powered train 5Z77 09.55 Bristol St Philips Marsh - Laira formed of barrier van 6338 and dead powercar No. 43037.

Right: The train is seen rounding Langstone Rock, Dawlish Warren. CJM

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Class 142s go into service and 47805 works west
Class 142s were used for the first time on FGW Devon Local services when set 142064 formed 09.45 Exeter - Exmouth, 10.20 Exmouth-Paignton, 12.19 Paignton - Exmouth and 13.50 Exmouth - Exeter SD

47805 powered 5V99 14.15 Bombardier Ilford - Laira formed BV5749, HST car 42317, and BV9481

Right: Set 142064 departs from Dawlish on 3 December 2007 forming the 09.20 Exmouth - Paignton local service. CJM

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Return of the Cement
After many months of non activity, the Freightliner Heavy Haul cemet flow to Moorswater has resumed. It will now operate from Westbury on an out and back duty, with the loco laying over for some 18 hours at Liskeard. The train is due to work weekly, westbound on a Wednesday as 6G22 18.20 Westbury Cement Works - Moorswater, due through Dawlish at 21.00, returning on a Thursday as 6C66 16.33 Moorswater - Westbury, due past Dawlish at 19.53. However both trains are likely to run early.

The first days of operation 28/29 November motive power was provided by 66585.

Stock moves 19-21 November 2007 and more FHH action
On 19 November Class 47 No. 47847 powered train 5V99, the 14.15 Ilford - Laira formed of BV 9490, 40718, 42203, 42204, BV 5737 after spending the night at Laira, the loco was due to power 5Z90 07.00 Laira - Bombardier Derby (retimed to depart at 10.30) formed of BV 9490, 44000, 42254, 42262, 42258, 41186, 41147 and BV 5737

47805 operated light along the sea wall on 20 November as the 08.00 Taunton Fairwater to Par, to exchange with Colas No. 47727 which returned light to Exeter DMU depot

Freightliner Heavy Haul operated the 6Z60 10.51 Neasden to Hackney Yard (for Burngullow) on 20 November. Motive power was provided by 66518 as far as Taunton and 66526 forward. After sand loading at Burngullow on Wednesday the loaded train returned to Angerstein Wharf, due through Dawlish mid evening

Weekend engineering work 17-18 November
This weekends track relaying was undertaken at Newton Abbot platform 3 and nine engineering trains were involved in the work, westbound these were
Saturday 17 November
6W31 01.31 Westbury - Tavistock Junction = 66085
6W41 05.00 Exeter Riverside - Newton Abbot = 66144
6W42 06.30 Exeter Riverside - Teignmouth/Newton Abbot = 66117
6W43 07.58 Westbury - Teignmouth/Newton Abbot = 66196
6W44 10.33 Westbury - Teignmouth/Newton Abbot = 66084
6W45 11.53 Westbury - Teignmouth/Newton Abbot = 66074
6W46 16.33 Westbury - Teignmouth/Newton Abbot = 59201
6W47 19.57 Westbury - Teignmouth/Newton Abbot = 59102 and 59104
Sunday 18 November
6W48 09.58 Westbury - Teignmouth/Newton Abbot = 59005 and 59104

Right: 59005 and 59104 'top and tail' a rake of Network Rail Autoballaster wagons through Dawlish forming the 09.58 Westbury - Newton Abbot on Sunday 18 November. CJM

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Morning of action on the Sea Wall 9 November 2007
The Network Rail NMT visited the Sea Wall on its normal Friday Paddington - Plymouth and return working, however today was the first time the hybrid powercar No. 43089 had been in the formation. This PC trailed in both down and up directions.

47805 which spent the night at Laira powered barrier vans 6330 and 6338 as the 5Z47 09.30 Laira - Old Oak Common

47703 which arrived the previous night from Bristol, was scheduled to haul away the loan Midland Main Line HST set to Neville Hill (now off-lease) as 5Z43 07.30 Laira - Neville Hill. The trains last westbound working was the 20.35 Paddington - Plymouth on 8 November. The stock move was some two hours late in departure from Laira. The stock was coupled between barrier coaches 9481 and 5740.

47805 graces the Sea Wall on 8 November 2007
47805 under the control of GBRf was at bristol Temple Meads in the small hours of the morning when the down sleeper from Paddington to Penzance powered by No. 57602 failed in the Castle Cary - Taunton area with a DSD fault. 47805 was sent '1Z99' to rescue the train which was 104mins late from Taunton and was seen on the Dawlish Sea Wall at 06.40. After arrival at Plymouth the sleeper service was cancelled. 47805 then took the train and stock to Laira.

47805 was rostered to power 5Z90 the 07.00 Laira to Bombardier Derby, this train operated two hours late and was formed of a complete HST set 9481, 42279, 42280, 42265, 42281, 41135, 41116, 44035, 5740 (all of which had refurbished bogies).

Right: 47805 is seen passing under the skew bridge at Teignmouth forming the Derby bound stock move. CJM

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Engineering works Starcross-Cockwood 3-4 November 2007
The second week of engineering work in the Cockwood and Starcross area saw the usual collection of Class 66s a 59/2, together with Foster Yeoman Class 59/0 No. 59004, which by the Sunday morning was parked at Langstone Rock making the near perfect picture.

Right top: Foster Yeoman-liveried No. 59004 stands at Langstone Rock on Sunday 4 November powering train 6W45 the 09.00 Westbury - Dawlish Warren of 3 November. The train was waiting to exit the worksite and proceed west to run around and return to Westbury. CJM

Right below: EWS No. 66200 is seen between Cockwood and Easton on Saturday 3 November while the old track sections on the up line were being removed. CJM

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First/GBRf and Freightliner HH moves 1 - 2 November
66725 which seems to have taken a liking to the West Country in recent weeks worked light from Bristol to Laira as 0F77 07.50 Bristol - Laira on 1 November. After shunting its train, the loco departed as 5Z90 11.30 Laira - Bombardier Derby formed of 5740, 42007, 41023, 41024, 42033. 42034, 42035, 44011, 6330.

After spending the night at Derby the loco returned west powering 5Z91 11.15 Bombardier Derby - Laira on 2 November formed of 6330, 41007, 41008, 42283, 42236, 42079, 42080, 44026, 5740

On the Freightliner front No. 66560 powered the Neasden - Hackney Yard empty sand hoppers on 1 November, (66560 took over from 66555 at Taunton). On 2 November 66560 operated a trip to Burngullow for loading and returned during the evening through Dawlish with loaded sand bound for Angersteign Wharf (Kent)

Right: The train is seen passing Dawlish station

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First/GBRf action 30 October
66725 powered 5Z91 10.30 Bristol TM - Laira formed 9481, 44043, 42126, 42083, 42074, 42081, 41056, 41055, 6338 (running in place of booked 11.15 Bombardier Derby - Laira). After arrival at Laira, ran 0W43 13.30 laira - Goodrington Carriage Sidings and then powered 6W43 15.47 Goodrington Carriage Sidings - Westbury formed of 35MTAs of previous weekends engineering train plus 66012 dead on rear.

Stock move 29 October
What now seems to be the resident Class 66/7 for the Sea Wall, No. 66725 returned to the area today running light from Bristol to Laira in the night. It then powered 5Z90 09.03 Laira - Bombardier Derby. Seen right approaching the Rockstone Bridge. Formation of train - 9481, 41106, 41106, 42212, 42213, 42214, 44067, 42196, 42098, 6338

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Cockwood Harbour - THE END
It is my sad duty to report that as part of engineering work between Starcross and Dawlish Warren over the weekend of 27-28 October, a large tall steel fence is being erected right over the harbour (between the harbour and up line).

The posts are at least 6ft high and silver in colour, which will cut any picture of a passing train in half.

A further report will be made when the structure has been finished, but in the meantime look after your pictures from either side of Cockwood.

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More stock moves 22-25 October
After working over the weekend on the Dartmoor Railway and ending up at Exeter overnight on Sunday/Monday, No. 66725 operated light to Laira on Monday 22 October and formed the 5Z90 11.30 Laira - Bombardier Derby formed of - 5740, 41143, 41107, 41144, 42295, 42350, 42226, 42297, 44039, 6330. After sending the night at Derby, the loco returned west on Tuesday forming the 5Z91 10.00 Bombardier - Laira formed of vehicles 6330, 41131, 41132, 42271, 42073, 42272, 42273, 44033, 5740. The loco then stabled at Laira on 24/25 October.

On 25 October EWS Class 67s Nos. 67005/012 top and tail vehicles 5984, 6158, 5910, 6051, 5945, 9527, 9537 and 5987 formed 5Z71, 06.25 Penzance Posandane - Old Oak Common (stock of loco-hauled stand-in services)

Saturday action 20 October
After spending the night at Bristol, barrier 5740, refurbished HSTs 44020, 42061, 42060, 42197, 41128, 41127, and barrier 6330 formed 5Z77 1315 Bristol TM to Laira hauled by 47703.

The gala on the Dartmoor Railway provided an evening charter from Okehampton to Paignton and return, powered outward by Class 31s Nos. 31452 and 31454 with 66725 on the rear and returning with 66725 leading. The charter services were 1Z31 18.00 Okehampton - Paignton and 1Z32 21.35 Paignton - Okehampton

Busy day on the Sea Wall - 19 October
66725 powered 5Z90 09.00 Laira - Bombardier Ilford formed 5740, 42266, 42173, 42195, 42217, 42218, 41188, 6330. After arrival at Ilford, 66725 returned with the 5Z91 16.30 Bombardier Ilford - Laira as far as Bristol where the train terminated, this was formed of barrier 5740, refurbished HSTs 44020, 42061, 42060, 42197, 41128, 41127.

The first test run of a Class 142 over the sea wall (since the 1980s deployment of the fleet in the west) took place. Set No. 142064 formed an additional 11.45 Exeter Depot to Paignton training run which stopped at all stations, it returned as the 13.30 Paignton - Exeter

EWS Class 67s Nos. 67012 and 67006 hauled a rake of ex Virgin Mk2s west from Bristol to Penzance, along the Sea Wall at 15.00 for use on Cornish loco hauled shuttles between 24-27 October.

Right upper: The Laira - Ilford stock move is seen approaching Rockstone Bridge. CJM

Right lower: The first test run along the Sea Wall of a Class 142, set No. 142064 departs from Dawlish forming the late running 11.45 Exeter - Paignton. Steve Thompson

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Stock move 16 October
66725 Sunderland worked west light loco as the 0F77 08.30 Bristol Temple Meads - Laira on 16 October, it then powered 5Z90 11.30 Laira - Bombardier Derby formed barrier 9481, 44010, 42032, 42031, 42010, 42030, 41022, 41021 and barrier 6338. The train operated right time and went through Dawlish at 11.20

The train is seen approaching Rockstone Bridge. CJM

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More stock moves 3-5 October
First/GBRf 66724 operated light from Wembley to Laira via Bristol in the afternoon and then powered 5Z90 18.30 Laira - Old Oak (for Ilford) stock move. The loco later returned to Laira light loco on 4 October, after spending the night at Laira, it powered 5Z90 07.00 Laira - Bombardier Derby on 5 October with vehicles 44029, 42257, 42256, 42263, 42255, 41123, 41124, 42356, for refurbishment. These were coupled between barriers cars 5740 and 9481. After arrival at Derby, the loco returned west with 5Z91 14.30 Bombardier Derby to Laira formed 9481, 44034, 42277, 42276, 42332, 42275, 41134, 41133, 5740

Freightliner activity 2-5 October
Both the grit stone and sand flows will operate this week. On Tuesday 2 October 6Z39 13.33 Neath - Hackney Yard operated powered by 66549. After working to Tavistock Junction overnight, the empty train formed the 6Z21 13.40 Tavistock Junction - Swindon Transfer on Wednesday 3 October (running a couple of hours late.

On Thursday 4 October No. 66622 powered 6Z60 10.51 Neasden - Hackney Yard formed of 18 empty sand hoppers. After working to Burngullow early the following day, the train returned along the Sea Wall during the evening of Friday 5 October forming 6Z66 16.55 Burngullow - Angerstein Wharf

News between 12-30 September
21 September - First/GBRf 66702 powered 5Z90 xx.xx Laira - Bombardier Ilford and 5Z91 xx.xx return

24 September - 47847 0Z90 light from Old Oak Common to Laira, then 5Z90 11.30 Laira - Bombardier Derby

26 September - 47847 powered 5Z91 xx.xx Bombardier Derby - Laira with refurbished FGW HST stock

28 September - 66724 powered 5Z90 xx.xx Laira - Bombardier Derby

Testing and stock moves
The Network Rail Class 150 outline test set No. 950001 operated a special inspection run 2Z08 from Bristol to Plymouth, due to pass Dawlish mid-afternoon, the train was around three hours early and captured (right top) passing along the Sea Wall at 13.05.

A 5Z91 stock move from Bombardier Derby (depart 12.00) to Laira operated, formed of 'black' Class 66 No. 66709, a rake of refurbished stock 5740 - Mk2d TSO Barrier + 41037, 41038, 42343, 42292, 42055, 42056, 44018, + 9481 - Mk2d BSO Barrier with ex MML powercar 43064 on the rear. The train is seen crossing Cockwood Harbour in the right lower picture.

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Last day of 2008 'Torbay Express' and Freightliner Heavy haul work sea wall engineers train
One of the very rare working of a Freightliner Heavy Haul engineers train took place overnight on 8-9 September 2008, when FHH Class 66/5 No. 66520 powered a short Jarvis Rail 'Slinger' track recovery train over the Sea Wall. On Saturday 8 September the train formed 6Y27 18.00 Thingley Junction - Lipson Junction via Plymouth, passing Dawlish around 21.30. After working overnight between Lipson Junction and Totnes, the train formed 6Y27 08.00 Totnes - Thingley Junction, passing along the Sea Wall just after 08.35.

The final 'Torbay Express' of the 2008 season operated today, running as 1Z27 09.15 Bristol Temple Meads - Kingswear. Motive power was provided by Southern 'Bulleid' No. 34067 Tangmere as the 'King' was still out of service.

Right Upper: Traversing the up main line at Dawlish, Freightliner Heavy Haul No. 66520 hauls a short Jarvis Rail 'Slinger' set as the 6Y27 08.00 Totnes - Thingley Junction. CJM

Right Lower: In a cloud of black steam, No. 34067 passes along Marine Parade Dawlish powering the last of the 2007 season 'Torbay Express' services. CJM

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Final Summer Saturday of 2007
The final Summer Saturday of 2007 was met with excellent weather on the Dawlish Sea Wall. Apart from the HST stand ins, which should have seen the final MML and GNER sets to operate in the West (apart from the MML passenger rake operaing for FGW), the highlight of the day was the Pathfinder Tours special from Banbury to Kingswear and return powered by 'large-logo' Class 40 No. 40145. This train should have been powered by Class 55 'Deltic' No. 55022 but repairs were still incomplete.

HST stand-ins
2C34 06.53 Plymouth to Newquay
1E47 09.40 Newquay to Newcastle
43039 (east)+ (EC51) + 43108 (west)

1C02 07.35 Bristol TM to Paignton
1E46 10.32 Paignton to Newcastle
43056 (west) + (EC61) + 43314 (east)

1V29 06.59 Manchester to Newquay
1M28 15.22 Newquay to Manchester
43045 (west) + (NL12) + 43046 (east)

1V49 09.40 Newcastle to Newquay
43043 + (NL01) + 43074

Right: Rounding the curve at Langstone Rock, Dawlish Warren, Class 40 No. 40145 heads west with 1Z55 06.39 Banbury - Kingswear. CJM

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More stock moves and the loco-hauled stand-in NMT works over the Sea Wall
After spending the night at Laira, FirstGBRf No. 66708 was booked to power an 06.00 Laira - Bombardier Ilford stock move, but as no schedule had been input in the system the train had to operate to its original path, departing at 07.00, (in terms of photography this was far better!), the train was formed of HST TSOs Nos. 42317 and 42224. No. 66708 then returned to the West, powering 5V99 14.15 Bombardier Ilford - Laira formed of the same two barrier coaches, with refurbished buffet cars Nos. 40703 and 40755.

The stand-in New Measurement Train powered by top and tailed DRS Class 37s Nos. 37069(west) and 37607(east) formed 1Z78 05.49 Paddington-Plymouth and 1Z87 10.06 Plymouth-Paddington. The down train lost a little time based on the HST schedule, however it passed Dawlish at 08.30 westbound.

Right: Approaching Dawlish Station at 07.50 No. 66708 powers the 5Z90 07.00 Laira to Bombardier Ilford, formed of barrier cars plus FGW HST TSOs Nos. 42317 and 42224. CJM

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Flask traverses the Sea Wall
One of the infrequent MoD flask moves from MoD Devonport Dockyard (Keyham) to Crewe/Sellafield operated on Thursday 6 September 2007 when DRS Class 66/4 No. 66412 powered twin-bogie flask wagon KUA MODA95771 as 6X73 10.00 Keyham (Devonport Dockyard) - Crewe. On the right the train is seen rounding the curve at Langstone Rock between Dawlish and Dawlish Warren, the second illustrations shows a close up of the flask.

The driver training runs with 47811 with Seco drivers continued between Taunton and Plymouth, with some early running reported.

A further stock move operated today, formed of FirstGBRf No. 66708 and ran as 5Z91 10.15 Bombardier Derby - Laira, the train was formed of vehicles 41065, 41089, 42062, 42221, 42067, 42068, 44022 formed between two Mk2 FGW barriers cars.

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Light power day
The driver training runs with 47811 with Seco drivers continued between Taunton and Plymouth, with some early running reported.

DRS No. 66412 worked over the sea wall as 0Z73 04.33 from Crewe to MoD Devonport for a freight move on 6 September

FGW stock move 4 September 2007
5Z90 07.00 Laira to Bombardier Derby stock move powered by FirstGBRf No. 66708 barrier + 44005, 42361, 42016, 42005, 42015, 41012, 41011 + barrier. Train operated to time and followed the up 'Golden Hind' from Plymouth and the up Paignton 'stopper' forward from Newton Abbot, allowing a slow pass along the Sea Wall in near perfect lighting conditions. The view right shows the train approaching Langstone Rock.

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More FGW stock moves 3-4 September 2007
FirstGBRf No. 66708 operated as the 13.50 5Z99 Old Oak Common to Laira (3 Sept), formed of two Mk2 barrier coaches in prep for a Mk3 stock move on Tuesday 4 September. The train worked along the Sea Wall at 17.20hrs. Seen right

The Sea Wall will some Class 47 activity this week with No. 47811 (Freightliner) being used by Seco Rail for driver training between Taunton and Plymouth. On Monday 3 September, the loco worked light from Crewe to Taunton via Bristol and was then used for training runs. Each day this week between Monday 3 and Thursday 6 September No. 47811 is booked to form the following move.
0F47 09.58 Taunton-Plymouth, due through Dawlish 10/37
0F47 12.30 Plymouth-Taunton, due through Dawlish 13/22
0F48 14.35 Taunton-Plymouth, due through Dawlish 15/14
0F48 16.32 Plymouth-Taunton, due through Dawlish 17/24
These trains are likely to run ahead of booked time.

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No King for Torbay Express on 2 September 2007
The Torbay Express from Bristol Temple Meads to Kingswear on 2 September was powered by EWS Class 37/4s No. 37410 and 37417 following the failure of GW 'King' No. 6024. The train which ran to time is seen passing Langstone Rock, Dawlish Warren.

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Summer Saturday 1 September 2007
Todays hire-in HSTs, the last of the 2007 season produced the usual two GNER and 2 MML sets

2C34 06.53 Plymouth to Newquay
1E47 09.40 Newquay to Newcastle
43115 + (EC57) 44080 42190 42186 42182 42128 42226 40740 41152 41151 + 43296

1C02 07.35 Bristol TM to Paignton
1E46 10.32 Paignton to Newcastle
43102 + (EC58) 41097 41098 40750 42158 42238 42191 42192 42193 44061 + 43367

1V29 07.24 Manchester to Newquay
1M28 15.22 Newquay to Manchester
43047 + (NL07) 44044 42137 42136 42135 42339 40751 41070 41111 + 43059

1V49 09.40 Newcastle to Newquay
43055 + (NL01) + 43043

Right
Led by 43296, the 09.40 Newquay - Newcastle passes Teignmouth on 1 September 2007. CJM

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Friday 31 August 2007
The New Measurement Train, powered by top and tail Class 37s 37059/069 should have operated the Paddington - Plymouth and return duty today, but failed the previous evening and was returned to Derby.

The highlight of the day was the running of a pair of EWS Class 37s Nos. 37410 and 37417 on a charter from Bristol to Kingswear for the annual carnival and air show. The pair worked west through Dawlish at 12.40 and returned at 20.31.

On Friday 31 August 2007, Freightliner Heavy Haul No. 66620 worked a rake of HIA hoppers from Hackney Yard to Burngullow for loading with sand. After arrival it was found the sand was not ready for loading and the train was returned empty to Reading for return to Wool, passing Dawlish around 13.40.

Right Top: The return empty train is seen passing Shaldon Bridge, Teignmouth Harbour, with No. 66620 at the helm. CJM

Right Bottom: In conjunction with the Dartmouth Carnival and air show, Class 37s Nos. 37410 and 37417 powered a charter from Bristol Temple Meads to Kingswear. The train is seen passing Dawlish on the outward run. CJM

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And even more astock moves on 29 August 2007
After spending the night at Laira Class 66 No. 66726 powered 5Z90 09.05 Laira - Bombardier Derby stock move (the missing vehicles from yesterdays train). The train was formed 9490 + 42277, 42275, 42332 + 6721. After setting out the Mk3s at Derby the loco and barrier vans returned to Old Oak Common as 5Z91 16.12 Derby - OOC. A GBRf loco is scheduled to work west with the barrier vans on Thursday before powering a 07.00 Laira - Ilford on Friday 31 August.

Right: 66726 powers 5Z90 09.05 Laira - Bombardier Derby formed of 9490 + 42277, 42275, 42332 + 6721 along the Dawlish Sea Wall at Rockstone Bridge. CJM

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More astock moves 28 August 2007
In the small hours of the morning, A Network Rail/Serco track test train operated between Exeter Depot and Penzance formed of Class 31s Nos. 31190 and 31106 with vehicles 6261, 999602, 977983. The train spend all day at Long Rock depot, before forming an overnight return to Exeter.

First/GBRf No. 66726 powered 5Z90 07.00 Laira - Bombardier Derby formed 9490, 41135, 41134, 42276, 44034, 6721. The train went through Dawlish at 08.50. After arrival at Bombardier Derby, the loco returned a fully refurbished set as 5Z91 14.00 Derby - Laira

Right: 66726 powers 5Z90 07.00 Laira - Bombardier Derby formed of 9490, 41135, 41134, 42276, 44034, 6721 through Dawlish station, past the rather decrepit remains of the signalbox. CJM

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August Bank Holiday Monday 27 August 2007
Not a lot of special action today. The MML set with PCs 43072 and 43060 formed the 5Z53 07.10 Laira - Plymouth-Reading stock move, passing Dawlish around 08.15.

FirstGBRf No. 66726 powered 5Z90 12.30 Old Oak Common - Laira formed of refurbished FGW HST stock from Ilford (this train set out on Friday and was recessed at Old Oak Common all weekend) formation was - 9490, 40722, 44016, 42050, 42049, 42048, 41034, 41033, 6721

Right: The 12.30 Old Oak Common - Laira is seen crossing Cockwood Harbour, at 16.50 on 27 August 2007. CJM

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For 34067 read 6024 - Sunday 26 August 2007
Many visitors to the Dawlish Sea Wall were disapointed on SUnday 26 August when the advertised Southern 'Battle of Britain' Pacific no. 34067 did not work the Bristol - Kingswear 'Torbay Express' duty. This follows problems with the loco during the last week when working last Sundays Torbay Express and Fridays special from Bristol to Par and return. However, todays train did run, well to time and full of passengers and pleased a large crowd in the Dawlish and Teignmouth area.

Right: Seen from Lea Mount and running dead on time and under full steam, No. 6024 leads 1Z27 the 09.15 Bristol TM - Kingswear towards Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish on 26 August 2007. CJM

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Summer Saturday 25 August 2007
The Cotswold charter from Gloucester to Penzance, a re-run of the cancelled 'Peak' tour a few weeks ago operated, but was some 75min late in starting from Gloucester. Good running plus not having a 30 min lay-over at Dawlish Warren saw the train arrive in Plymouth virtually right time. The train was 'top and tailed' by Class 47s Nos. 47810 and 47813 and was formed of stock - 9493, 3392, 1657, 3352, 3326, 10235, 3395, 3313, 5669, 11033, 11029.

The Virgin hire-in trains today were, all operated to time
1C02 07.35 Bristol TM - Paignton, 1E46 10.32 Paignton - Newcastle
43290 + 41185, 41095, 40811, 42306, 42326, 42330, 42237, 42307, 44075 + 43113

1V49 09.41 Newcastle - Newquay, xx.xx Newquay - Plymouth = 43060 + 43072

1V29 07.24 Manchester - Newquay, 1M28 15.22 Newquay - Manchester = 43066 + 43048

1E47 09.40 Newquay to Newcastle = 43115 + 43296

Right: Led by silver liveried No. 47813, the 1Z59 07.20 Gloucester - Penzance Cotswold charter rounds the curve onto the sea wall at Langstone Rock on 25 August. On the rear is No. 47810. CJM

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Friday 24 August 2007
Green 47 No. 47815 after spending the night at Laira, powered 5Z90 07.00 Laira - Ilford. Train ran some 80mins late and was formed 9490, 44020, 41128, 41127, 6721

The highlight of the day was the double headed steam charter from Bristol TM to Par and return, powered by GWR 'King' No. 6024 and Southern 'Bulleid' No. 34067. the train of 12 vehicles went through Dawlish soon after midday in near perfect summer conditions. The return train was delayed by 'operational problems' in Cornwall and after a good run went through Dawlish around 20.30 in very dull conditions. The illustration right was obtained with a very high ISO setting on a Nikon D200 using a 50mm prime f1.4 lens. The image was processed through Bibble Pro to reduce noise.

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News for Thursday 23 August 2007
47815 operated 0Z90 14.00 Old Oak Common - Laira (for stock move on Friday)
47813 operated 0Z33 11.37 Laira - Gloucester (off stock move yesterday)
33202 operated 0Z70 17.30 Totnes - Bristol TM - following repaint into rail blue at Staverton on SDR

Selective door opening tests were undertaken with a refurbished FGW HST set 43018 + LA01 41093 41094 40733 42183 42184 42185 42107 44001 + 43097, operating 5Z30 10.06 Laira to Laira via Plymouth, Westbury, Bath and Bristol. The train stopped at many 'smaller' stations to test out the selective feature.

66530 powered 6Z60 10.51 Neasden - Hackney empty aggregate train, will operate to Burngullow on Friday and return as the 6Z66 16.55 Burngullow - Angerstein Wharf due through Dawlish 20/49

Right. Following repaint on the South Devon Railway by members of the Devon Diesel Society into 1970s BR rail blue Cotswold Class 33 No. 33202 was returned light from Staverton to Bristol as 0F74 18.40 Totnes-Bristol on 23 August. Bringing a rail blue Class 33 'Crompton' to the sea wall after a gap of many years. The loco move is seen passing Cockwood Harbour. CJM

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Laira - Bombardier stock move 21 August 2007
This weeks northbound stock move of a full HST rake (devoid of buffet) operated today as 5Z90, 07.04 Laira - Bombardier Derby formed BV 6721, 44030, 42261, 42260, 42216, 42344, 41125, 41126, BV9490, passing Dawlish at 07.53. Motive power was provided by FirstGBRf No. 66710 which worked west light loco as the 11.45 Wembley-Laira on 20 August. After arrival in Derby and shunting to release the barrier cars, a fully refurbished set returned as 5Z91 14.00 Bombardier Derby - Laira powered by the same loco and formed of BV 6721, 44038, 42293, 42333, 42075, 42291, 41142, 41141, (Set LA38) BV 9490.

Right. Emerging from Kennaway Tunnel and travelling slowly as the train was following an up stopping service, FirstGBRf No. 66710 hauls 5Z90, 07.04 Laira - Bombardier Derby on 21 August 2007. CJM

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Also on 21 August Freightliner Heavy Haul operated 6Z39 13.49 Neath - Hackney powered by 66560 and due past Dawlish at 19.14. After visiting Tavistock Junction for aggregate unloading the trains returns on Wednesday 22 August 12 6Z21 13,52 Tavistock Junction - Swindon, due through Dawlish at 15/20.

Sunday 19 August 2007 - not a good day for 'The Torbay Express'
The Torbay Express today, powered by Southern 'Bulleid' No. 34067 Tangmere failed on the approach to Exeter St Davids while forming 1Z27 09.19 Bristol TM - Kingswear with an air leak at the front of the loco close to one of the smoke deflectors. The train managed to get into Exeter St Davids from where it was agreed to pilot the train through to Kingswear using Class 66 No. 66167 which was in Exeter Riverside Yard. EWS sent Class 67 No. 67003 light from Bristol Barton Hill to Paignton to assist with operations and pilot the return train. Long delays took place on the TDR with getting the loco coaled, watered, and turned. The return train departed Kingswear at 18.30 piloted by No. 67003, to ensure no further problems. The return train (illustrated right) is seen passing Dawlish almost after dark, and thanks to high speed recording ISOs (1000) using a Nikon camera with processing by Bibble Pro and then Photoshop CS, an 'ok' result was obtained.

The 1E53 16.25 Plymouth - York was formed of MML set NL03 with PCs 43082/073

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Summer Saturday 18 August 2007
Poor weather was the order of the day in the Dawlish area on 18 August. Apart from the usual VT hire-ins no special traffic operated.

1V29 07.25 Manchester to Newquay
1M28 15.22 Newquay to Manchester
43060 (NL01) 44041, 42113, 42112, 42111, 42335, 40746, 41084, 41057, 43178

1V49 09.41 Newcastle to Newquay
2P86 19.50 Newquay to Plymouth
43082 (NL03) 44054, 42121, 42124, 42119, 42337, 40729, 41068, 41061, 43073

1E47 11.25 Plymouth (09.40 Newquay) to Newcastle
43056 (EC63) 41083, 41080, 40708, 42163, 42286, 42164, 42165, 42228, 44050, 43119
(221135 operated 09.40 Newquay to Plymouth to Connect, due to empty stock from Neville Hill running late)

1C02 07.35 Bristol TM to Paignton
1E46 10.32 Paignton to Newcastle
43102 (EC60) 41066, 41164, 40705, 42122, 42116, 42354, 42134, 44063, 43108

Dawlish Carnival Day - 16 August 2007
On the morning of 16 August, Cotswold No. 47810 powered the 5Z91 07.50 Laira - Old Oak Common stock move (running late), the train was formed of two barriers with Nos. 44020, 41127, 41128 between. The three vehicles are heading for Ilford Works.

Although Dawlish Carnival was not supported this year by any of the railway operators,and the planned FGW additionals did not operate, local services did have extra vehicles added (2 x 158 sent from Bristol to help). In addition the majority of FGW and Virgin serves made special stops at Dawlish to help transport the crowds.

To see views of the 2007 airshow click the image right.

More stock Moves
On the morning of 15 August 2007, Cotswold No. 47810 powered the 5Z89 04.50 Laira - Bombardier Derby formed of 6330, 44028, 42253, 42252, 41122, 42019, 41121, 42345 and 6338. The train operated some 2 hours late. After arrival at Derby the loco and barrier cars returned to Laira as 5Z90 14.00 Bombardier Derby - Laira formed of 44040, 42351, 42301, 42300, 42299, 41145, 41146

Right: With the sun virtually gone for the evening, No. 47810 makes good headway running some 60mins early along the Sea Wall between Dawlish Station and Kennaway Tunnel. CJM

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Cotswold Barrier Move
On Monday 13 August 2007, Cotswold were employed to transfer overhauled Mk1 barrier cars Nos. 6330 and 6338 from Cardiff Canton to Laira. The move was operated by Class 47 No. 47810 which first worked light from Gloucester Horton Road to Cardiff Canton and then formed 5Z89 11.15 Cardiff Canton - Laira.

Right: The trin is seen passing Horse Cove, Dawlish. Colin J Marsden

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Summer Saturday 11 August 2007
With the weather good and the start of Dawlish Carnival Week, the usual summer Saturday action operated, plus an additional run of the Torbay Express powered by 6024 between Bristol and Kingswear and a surprise visit by 'Crompton' No. 33202 running light from Bristol to Buckfastleigh for repainting into blue livery.

Tdays VT extras were-
1V49 09.40 Newcastle to Newquay
2P86 19.50 Newquay to Plymouth
43073 + (NL03) 41061, 41068, 40729, 42337, 42119, 42120, 42121, 44054 + 43046

1E47 09.40 Newquay to Newcastle
43102 + (EC61) 41115, 41165, 40805, 42117, 42159, 42160, 42109, 42110, 44057 + 43099 (Train started from Par, as the outward working from Plymouth to Newquay failed near St Blazey, with the train unable to get over the bank to Newquay)

1V29 07.25 Manchester to Newquay
1M28 15.22 Newquay to Manchester
43184 + (NL10) 41075, 41076, 40756, 42328, 42341, 42324, 42148, 44085 + 43007

1C02 07.35 Bristol TM to Paignton
1E46 10.32 Paignton to Newcastle
43300 + (EC59) 41099, 41100, 40711, 42235, 42239, 42240, 42198, 42199, 44063 + 43107

The 'King', operated to time as the 1Z27 09.59 Bristol-Kingswear and 1Z28 17.17 return. The Class 33 No. 33202 sporting Fragonset black livery worked as 0Z33, 09.00 Bristol Temple Meads - Buckfastleigh via Totnes. The 33 is to be repainted by the Devon Diesel Group prior to a naming event.

Right: 43102 leads what was timetabled as the 09.40 Newquay-Newcastle but actually started from Par, picking up the Newquay passengers from Tiverton Parkway after arriving by road! The train is seen passing Teignmouth. CJM

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Testing - Testing
The New Measurement Train, formed from the front 43013 (with new light clusters), 975984, 977994, 977993, 975814, 977995 and 43062 on the rear, made one of its infrequent trips to the West on Friday 10 August 2007, running as the 1Z78, 05.49 Paddington-Plymouth and returning as the 1Z87, 10.06 Plymouth to Paddington.

After spending a further night at Laira 66727 returned as the 0Z90 07.53 Laira - Wembley (light loco move).

Right: Formed from the front 43013 (with new light clusters), 975984, 977994, 977993, 975814, 977995 and 43062 on the rear the down working passes along the Wall at Dawlish. CJM

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Another delivery of refurbished stock on 9 August 2007
Another delivery of refurbished FGW HST stock took place on 9 August 2007, when FirstGBRf No. 66727 powered the 5Z91 11.44 Bombardier Derby Litchurch Lane to Laira. Formation was 5740 + 41003, 41136, 42268, 42143, 42144, 42145, 44049 + 9490

Right: The train is seen crossing over Cockwood Harbour.

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Yet more stock moves on 8 August 2007
On one of the few nice sunny mornings in the summer of 2007, First GBRf No. 66727 powered the 5Z90 07.53 Laira - Bombardier Derby via London. The train formed of a complete HST set devoid of its buffet made an impressive picture on the 'wall' at around 08.40 in the morning.

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A day of stock moves - 7 August 2007
47810 after working west to Laira last evening, returned powering the 5Z35 07.30 Laira - Bombardier Ilford formed of barrier car 9490, buffet 40718 and barrier 5740. After arrival at Ilford, the same barrier cars supported refurbished buffet No. 40752 and formed the 5Z77 14.95 Bombardier Ilford - Laira.

First/GBRf No. 66727 operated light as 0Z90 from Wembley to Laira via Bristol, however on route it was diverted to Bristol SPM and worked forward from Bristol 5Z90 16.15 Bristol SPM - Laira powercar move formed of 43163 and 43025.

Right: In rather damp conditions No. 66727 passes Dawlish hauling 43163 and 43025. CJM

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Cotswold Stock move
Cotswold 47 No. 47810 formed 5F77 10.42 Old Oak Common - Laira, as far as Bristol SPM the train consisted of barrier cars 5740 and 9490, forward from Bristol SPM, the train consisted of barrier 5740, refurbished MK3 stock - 41093. 41181. 44025. 42078. 42077. 42076. 42004. 41052. 41051 and barrier 9490.

Right: In far from summer weather the train passes along the front at Dawlish. CJM

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Sunday steam 5 August 2007
The Sunday steam special from Bristol to Kingswear again operated, powered by 'King' No. 6024 the train was some 25 minutes late due to signalling problems. The train was well loaded.

Right: The train of 5 August is seen rounding the curve at Langstone Rock, actually in sun! CJM

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On time Summer Saturday 4 August 2007
With no extra charter workings today, it was a slow Summer Saturday, with just the VT hired-in HSTs making the news. All operated to time and looked to b well loaded.

1C02 0735 Bristol TM to Paignton, 1E46 1032 Paignton to Newcastle.
43117 + (EC54) 41087, 41088, 40706, 42104, 42161, 42171, 42172, 42219, 44077 + 43112

2C34 06.53 Plymouth to Newquay, 1E47 09.40 Newquay to Newcastle.
43314 + (EC60) 41066, 41164, 40742, 42122, 42116, 42357, 42134, 42355, 44031 + 43119

1V29 0724 Manchester to Newquay, 1M28 1522 Newquay to Manchester.
43083 + (NL03) 41061, 41068, 40729, 42337, 42119, 42151, 42121, 44054 + 43072

1V49 09.40 Newcastle to Newquay, 2P86 19.50 Newquay to Plymouth.
43052 + (NL12) 44070, 42100, 42157, 42156, 42155, 40700, 41069, 41079 + 43045

Right: Led by 43052, the 09.40 Newcastle - Newquay passes along the Sea Wall. Although it was a warm sunny afternoon where are all the bathers!, hardly a person around. CJM

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'King' to Paignton and Kingswear 29 July 2007
Today's operation of the 1Z27 09.19 Bristol Temple Meads - Kingswear operated to time. The weather along the Sea Wall was not too good, with bright skys but no sun.

Right: No. 6024 passing ABP Teignmouth, viewed from Shaldon Bridge while working the 09.19 Bristol TM - Kingswear on 29 July 2007.

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Another good Summer Saturday 28 July 2007
After last week when the train services were in chaos after flooding, this week all the additional Summer Saturday services operated. In addition a charter by Past Time from Hove (1Z88 departing at 05.55) operated through to Penzance. The train was 'top and tailed' by Class 67s Nos. 67016 and 67017 as far as Westbury, from where the rear loco ran around and double headed the service through to Penzance.

A list of the stand-in HSTs used are

1C02 07.35 Bristol TM - Paignton
1E46 10.32 Paignton - Newcastle
43006 + EC58 41097 41098 40750 42158 42238 42191 42192 42193 44061 + 43111

1V29 07.25 Manchester Picc - Newquay
1M28 15.22 Newquay - Manchester Picc
43082 + NL01 41057 41084 40746 42335 42111 42112 42113 44041 + 43060

1E47 09.40 Newquay - Newcastle
43102 + EC61 41115 41165 40805 42117 42159 42160 42109 42110 44057 + 43099

1V49 09.41 Newcastle - Newquay
43075 + NL03 41061 41068 40729 42337 42119 42151 42121 44054 + 43072

Right: A Past Time charter, 1Z88 05.55 Hove to Penzance operated on Saturday 28 July 2007. Routed via the South Coast and Westbury the train was double-headed forward from Westbury by No. 67016 and 67017. The train is seen counding the curve at Langstone Rock, Dawlish Warren. CJM

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'Gwyneth Dunwoody' traverses the Sea Wall again
After spending the night at Plymouth Laira, FirstGBRf/Metronet No. 66718 'Gwyneth Dunwoody' returned to the Sea Wall on Friday 27 July 2007, powering the 5Z90, 09.03 Plymouth Laira - Bombardier Ilford, formed of two barrier cars, one MML passenger coach and seven FGW vehicles. The train worked through Dawlish at 10.03.

During the evening of 27 July, Freightliner Heavy Haul No. 66529 will pass by powering the Burngullow-Angerstein Wharf ballast service.

Right: Passing below Rockstone Bridge, No. 66718 powers the 5Z90 09.03 Plymouth Laira - Bombardier Ilford formed of 9481, 42318, (LA37) - 42299, 42298, 42099, 41140, 41139, 44037, 40715, 6721 on 27 July 2007. CJM

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Busy day on 26 July 2007
A busy day through Dawlish. 66718 powered the 5Z90 06.00 Laira - Bombardier Derby formed of FGW stock for refurbishment. The loco later returned with the 5Z91 14.00 Bombardier Derby - Laira and managed to catch the last sun of the day in Dawlish. Network Rail 950001 went past at 12.00 on 2Z08 05.30 Truro - Exeter and Freightliner Heavy Haul No. 66529 worked west at 15.40 with 6Z60 from Neasden to Hackney Yard empty ballast hoppers.

Right: With the last drops of evening sun on the side, No. 66718 makes a pleasing picture as it crosses Cockwood Harbour with the 14.00 Bombardier Derby to Laira refurbished stock move. We were even blessed with a little water and four white swans. CJM

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FHH and GBRf on the wall Monday/Tuesday 23/24 July
GBRf using Class 66 No. 66718 (in Metronet livery) operated three FGW barrier cars Nos. 5740, 9481 and 6721 from Old Oak Common to Laira during the evening of 23 July in prep for a stock move on 24 July. The train worked through Dawlish at 21.59. Following the train along the Sea Wall heading west was Freightliner Heavy Haul No. 66617 working light from Taunton Fairwater to Hackney Yard (Newton Abbot). 66617 then operated two half portions of a westbound aggregate train (dep at 08.00 and 11.00) from Hackney Yard to Tavistock Junction. The complete empty was booked to return as 6Z21 15.30 Tavistock-Swindon empty but was terminated at Hackney Yard to continue on the morning of 25 July as 6Z55 08.20 Hackney - Moreton-on-Lugg.

Metronet No. 66718 returned east as the 5Z90 09.00 Laira-Bombardier Ilford, formed 5740, 44097, 42084, 42246, 42187, 42115, 9481, 6721. After arrival at Ilford the loco returned west as the 5Z91 19.00 Ilford - Bristol formed of 5740, 44101, 42229, 423x4, 42222, 40733, 9481, 6721. The train continued west on Wednesday 25 July as 5Z91 06.15 Bristol-Laira through Dawlish at 07.40.

Right: GBRf/Metronet-liveried Class 66 No. 66718 ventured west late on 23 July 2007 with three barrier coaches, and after spending the night at Laira returned as 5Z90 09.00 Laira-Bombardier Ilford on 24 July 2007. The train is formed 5740, 44097, 42084, 42246, 42187, 42115, 9481, 6721. The train is seen approaching Dawlish Rockstone Bridge.. CJM

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'King' to Paignton again on 22 July
The third week of operation of the 2007 'Torbay Express' service saw the King No. 6024 operate the service. Running about 15min late, the loco was performing well.

Right: The return train is seen crossing a very dry Cockwood Harbour. CJM

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