Yuletide Torbay Express 2008 week 2
The second week of the 2008 Yuletide Torbay Express was not in quite such good weather as the previous week, with VERY dull near dark conditions. The train operated to time and made a very impressive pass along the Sea Wall.

On the same day the Derby RTC Network Rail Class 150 outline track assesment DMU No. 950001 worked west over the Sea Wall bound for Cornwall, the set is due to return east on Tuesday 16 December.

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Yuletide Torbay Express 2008
The first of the 2008 'Yuletide Torbay Expresses' operated on 6 December 2008, when 'King' No. 6024 powered train 1Z27, 09.21 Bristol Temple Meads to Kingswear. Running a few minutes ahead of schedule, the train is seen passing Dawlish as a pair of Class 142s pass on the up, forming the 11.17 Paignton to Exmouth.

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Class 31 powered Network Rail train on the Wall - 7 November 2008
After a very slow and uneventful period on the Sea Wall, RTC-based Class 31 No. 31601 traversed the Sea Wall on 7 November hauling Network Rail test cars 6263, 999602 and ex-DBSO 9703 as the 4Z08 04.22 Old Oak Common to Laira.

Right: The train is seen passing along the wall.CJM

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Yeoman (Aggregate Industries) Class 59/0 on the wall, ballast traffic and Tangmere - 21 September 2008
On one of the very rare workings of a Foster Yeoman/Aggregate Industries Class 59/0 over the Dawlish Sea took place on Sunday 21 September 2008 when No. 59004 worked west overnight with a Network Rail auto-ballaster set and returned on the Sunday morning as 6W48, 08.25 Tavistock Junction to Westbury. Traversing the Dawlish Sea Wall at 09.06 in near perfect autumn sun.

With major engineering work in Cornwall other daytime ballast traffic also operated, including train 6W45 10.45 Exeter Riverside - Long Rock (Penzance) powered by 66144 and 6W47 an 11.20 Exeter Riverside to Long Rock (Penzance) powered by 66040 and 66005.

The 'Torbay Express' from Bristol Temple Meads to Kingswear again operated with motive power provided by Bulleid No. 34067 Tangmere.

Right Top: Approaching The Rockstone Bridge, No. 59004 heads to Westbury in slightly rough sea conditions. CJM

Right Middle: Bulleid Tangmere passes along adjacent to Marine Parade powering the 'Torbay Express' from Bristol Temple Meads to Kingswear. One of the few Sundays in 2008 when the sun was actually out!!. CJM

Right Bottom: As part of engineering work in Cornwall, a five vehicle ballast train worked west as train 6W47, the 11.20 Exeter Riverside to long Rock (Penzance), seen approaching Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish. CJM

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Large Logo 40145 on the Sea Wall 20 September 2008
On one of the few sunny days of the 2008 summer, 20 September 2008, Class 40 Preservation Society No. 40145 traversed the Sea Wall powering 'The Torbay Whistler' the 06.29 Tame Bridge to Kingswear and 17.30 return. The immaculate loco sounding in fine tune ran early and was through Dawlish Warren at 12.00, some 25mins before booked time.
Stock - 17105, 3144, 80041, 3141, 3147, 3123, 1813, 4998, 5292, 5276

Right: 40145 pulls around the curve at Langstone rock. CJM

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Northampton - Paignton charter 13 September 2008
A charter operated on Saturday 13 September from Northampton, departing at 05.50 to Paignton. Motive power was provided by top and tailed Class 67s Nos. 67022 and 67021. By the time the train reached Dawlish, the weather was very dull. the train returned as 1Z68 17.01 Paignton - Northampton.

Led by 67022 the outward working passes a very dull Dawlish.CJM

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Torbay Express 7 September 2008
This weekend it was back to Bulleid 34067 Tangmere to power the Sunday 'Torbay Express' from Bristol to Kingswear and return. The usual poor weather surrounded the trains passing along the Sea Wall.

Right: Today the photographic viewpoint selected to record the train was the Breakwater by Boat Cove between Dawlish Station and Kennaway Tunnel. CJM

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Western and 47/33 pairing visit Dartmouth Carnival
Saturday 30 August was the main day for Dartmouth Carnival 2008. Two special trains operated. The Western No. D1015 (running as No. D1005) powered a Part Time Rail special from Bristol Temple Meads to Kingswear and return, running westward as 1Z23 the 10.10 departure from Bristol, the train traversed the Sea Wall at 12.14. This train returned as 1Z24, the 19.00 Kingswear to Bristol.

The second charter was the 1Z25, the 07.05 Tyseley to Kingswear and 1Z26, 17.45 return. Formed of Pullman stock the train was powered by green-liveried Class 47 No. 47773 and West Coast Class 33 No. 33025. This train traversed the Sea Wall at 12.46. The weather for both trains could be described at best as 'bright'.

The Summer Saturday higher-in HSTs were a little different this week with major engineering work in the Derby area. The Bristol-Paignton and Paignton-Newcastle service usually operated by a National Express East Coast HST was formed of Voyager sets 220023/030.

1V29 07.24 Manchester - Newquay and 1M28 15.22 Newquay - Manchester was a National Express East Coast set powered by Nos. 43317 and 43053.

The 1E47 09.40 Newquay - Newcastle, formed of an XC set with refurbished PCs Nos. 43301/03 formed the northbound departure which terminated at Derby and the set returned west as the 16.25 derby to Penzance

The usual XC set on the Newcastle-Newquay service was formed of a Voyager No. 221127 and ran as 1V49 12.31 Derby - Newquay, returning to Laira overnight.

Right Above. D1005 (D1015) rounds Langstone Rock powering the 10.10 Bristol - Kingswear on 30 August 2008. CJM

Right Below: Green liveried No. 47773 pilots West Coast 'Crompton' No. 33025 round Langstone Rock with the 07.05 Tyseley - Kingswear on 30 August 2008. CJM

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Northern Belle visit for Dartmouth Carnival
On Friday 29 August 2008, the Northern Belle Pullman train powered by 'Royal' No. 67005 formed train 1Z21 07.10 Birmingham International to Totnes, passengers were then trabsferred by road to Dartmouth for the carnival events and air show. The train was originally planned to use Kingswear as its destination but this was changed just a few days before operation. The train returned to Birmingham International as 1Z22 18.41 Totnes to Birmingham International.

Right. On the outward run the train is seen approaching Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish. CJM

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Torbay Express 24 August 2008 (August Bank Holiday Weekend)
Again this weekend the King No. 6024 operated the Torbay Express from Bristol Temple Meads to Kingswear. Running just a couple of minutes late, the train is seen (right) approaching Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish.

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Summer Saturday 23 August 2008 (August Bank Holiday Weekend)
Well the weather was a little more kind this week, with sun in the morning allowing the hired-in HSTs and a NENTA charter to be recorded in good light.

This weeks HST hire-ins

43316 + 43313 (EC55) 41091, 41090, 40704, 42179, 42188, 42180, 42181, 42106, 44058
1C02 07.37 Bristol TM to Paignton
1E46 10.32 Paignton to Newcastle

43239 + 43307 (EC52) 41039, 41040, 40735, 42323, 42189, 42057, 42058, 42059, 44019
1V29 07.24 Manchester Piccadilly to Newquay
1M28 15.22 Newquay to Manchester Piccadilly

43166 + 43104 (XC04) 41026, 41025, 42036, 42037, 42038, 42097, 44012
2C34 06.53 Plymouth to Newquay
1E47 09.40 Newquay to Newcastle

43303 + 43301 (XC05) 44017, 42342, 42051, 42052, 41036, 41035
1V49 09.41 Newcastle to Newquay
2P86 19.55 Newquay to Plymouth

The highlight of the day in the west was the running of the NENTA charter from Norwich to Plymouth and return, working west as 1Z25 04.20 Norwich - Plymouth and returning as 1Z26 16.50 Plymouth - Norwich. The train was operated by WCRC who used green-livered No. 47851 and maroon advertising liveried No. 47826 to 'top and tail' the train. On the outward leg No. 47851 was in problems at Taunton and 47826 had to run round the formation and haul the train to Plymouth. Little can be said about the advertising livery applied to 47826 it is distasteful to say the least, does nothing for the rail industry, apart from lowering the general tone and is just a cheap and common way of advertising the York - Scarborough summer steam service. The train is seen on its outward leg passing Langstone Rock.

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Summer Saturday 16 August 2008
Yet more rain this Summer Saturday!!

43303 + 43301 (XC05) 44017, 42342, 42051, 42052, 41036, 41035
2C34 06.53 Plymouth to Newquay
1E47 09.40 Newquay to Newcastle

43104 + 43166 (XC04) 44012, 42097, 42038, 42037, 42036, 41025, 41026
1V49 09.41 Newcastle to Newquay
2P86 19.55 Newquay to Plymouth

43315 + 42299 (EC62) 41185, 41095, 40701, 42306, 42326, 42330, 42237, 42307, 44075
1V29 07.24 Manchester Piccadilly to Newquay
1M28 15.22 Newquay to Manchester Piccadilly

43095 + 43051 (EC53) 41190, 41044, 40737, 42340, 42127, 42063, 42064, 42065, 44045
1C02 07.37 Bristol TM to Paignton
1E46 10.32 Paignton to Newcastle

Dawlish Carnival 2008
The 2008 Dawlish Carnival was held on 14 August. Thankfully the recent poor weather gave way to an excellent day with well in excess of 100,000 people visiting our town for a wonderful air display, fair, trade stands and carnival procession in the evening. This was the 40th Dawlish Carnival and many consider the event to be the best ever. The air display which ran from soon after noon until 17.30 was the highlight of the day with some truly amazing flying from a variety of aircraft types including the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with a Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane, Army Air Corps Historic Flight, Royal Navy Historic Flight, RAF Tucano, Former Red Arrow Gnat (G-NATY), a Hawker Hunter FGA9, A search and rescue display by RNAS 771 Squadron, The Royal Jordanian Falcons, The RAF Red Arrows, the RAF Typhoon and a Roll Display by RAF Tornado, Hawk and an E-3C Sentry (AWACS).

First Great Western, who sponsored the event, operated additional trains between Exeter and Newton Abbot all day formed of Mk2 stock 5984, 5937, 6141, 6051 and 9520 'top and tailed' by Class 67s Nos. 67021 and 67022.

Right: Departing from Dawlish on the first westbound working, Class 67 No. 67021 leads the slightly late running 10.20 Exeter st Davids to Newton Abbot. CJM

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Illustrations of the 2008 air show can be found here

Torbay Express 10 August 2008
Although originally booked for GW 'Castle' No. 5029 Nunney Castle, the Torbay Express on 10 August 2008 was powered by Southern 34067 Tangmere, following reported problems at Bristol Barton Hill in finding space to stable No. 5029 when the King No. 6024 was already on shed. After running light with its support coach from Southall on 9 August, No. 34067 powered the train.

Right: The 'Torbay Express' steam charter on 10 August 2008 was powered by ex-Southern 'Battle of Britain' 'Pacific' No. 34067 Tangmere. As with most Sundays so far in 2008 the weather was POOR. The train is seen in light rain approaching Shaldon Bridge, by ABP Teignmouth. CJM

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Summer Saturday 9 August 2008
The same comment as last week, STILL no sign of 'real' summer weather on the sea wall.

43302 & 43299 plus (EC51) 41120, 41150, 40805, 42215, 42091, 42146, 42150, 42354, 44094
1V29 07.24 Manchester Piccadilly to Newquay as far as Exeter St Davids, set swap then worked -
1E47 09.40 Newquay - Newcastle forward from Exeter SD

43166 & 43051 plus (EC53) 41190, 41044, 40737, 42340, 42127, 42063, 42064, 42065, 44045
1C02 07.35 Bristol TM to Paignton
1E46 10.32 Paignton to Newcastle

43301 & 43303 plus (XC05) 41035, 41036, 42053, 42051, 42342, 44017
2C34 06.53 Plymouth to Newquay
1E47 09.40 Newquay to Newcastle as far as Exeter St Davids, set swap, then worked
1V29 07.24 Manchester piccadilly - Newquay forward from Exeter SD and
1M28 15.22 Newquay to Manchester Piccadilly

43104 & 43007 plus (XC04) 44012, 42097, 42038, 42037, 42036, 41025, 41026
1V49 09.41 Newcastle to Newquay
2P86 19.55 Newquay to Plymouth

Summer Saturday 2 August 2008
Still no sign of 'real' summer weather on the sea wall, with just a few shows of the sun. No specials operated today, except for the Summer Saturday stand-in HSTs for Arriva Cross Country. This week saw the second of the refurbished MTU fitted Class 43s go into traffic.

43302 & 43299 plus EC51 41120 41150 40805 42215 42091 42146 42150 42354 44094
1V29 07.24 Manchester Piccadilly to Newquay
1M28 15.22 Newquay to Manchester Piccadilly

43315 & 43303 plus EC64 41153 41058 40804 42101 42294 42147 42102 42352 44083
1C02 07.35 Bristol TM to Paignton
1E46 10.32 Paignton to Newcastle

43104 & 43303 plus XC05 41035 41036 42052 42053 42051 42342 44017
2C34 06.53 Plymouth to Newquay
1E47 09.40 Newquay to Newcastle

43007 & 43301 plus XC04 44012 42097 42038 42037 42036 41025 41026
1V49 09.41 Newcastle to Newquay
2P86 19.55 Newquay to Plymouth

VSOE Northern Belle and Summer Saturday 26 July 2008
The EWS-operated VSOE Northern Belle charter operated over the Sea Wall on Saturday 26 July 2008. Running as 1Z30 07.53 Bath Spa to Par and 1Z31 17.17 Par - Bath Spa. Traction was provided by No. 67028.

Right: The Bath - Par charter is seen approaching Dawlish Warren, while Class 142 No. 142030 awaits departure in the up loop platform. CJM

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'The King' returns to the Sea Wall
Sunday 20 July 2008 saw the Great Western 'King' No. 6024 'King Edward I' take over the 2008 season of Torbay Express duties, following repairs at the Severn Valley Railway. The loco powered the 09.17 Bristol Temple Meads to Kingswear and passed along the Sea Wall bang on time at 11.32. The weather was obliging with the sun out.

Right: The train is seen approaching the Coastguard bridge, Dawlish with the Rockstone footbridge in the background. CJM

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Summer Saturday 19 July 2008
43238 + (EC56) 41170, 41118, 40705, 42241, 42363, 42242, 42243, 42244, 44098 + 43110:
1V29 07.24 Manchester Piccadilly to Newquay
1M28 15.22 Newquay to Manchester Piccadilly

43367 + (EC57( 41151, 41152, 40740, 42226, 42128, 42182, 42186, 42190, 44080 + 43307:
1C02 07.35 Bristol TM to Paignton
1E47 09.40 Paignton to Newcastle

43104 + (XC04) 44012, 42097, 42038, 42037, 42036, 41025, 41026 + 43301:
2C34 06.53 Plymouth to Newquay
1E47 09.40 Newquay to Newcastle

43178 + (XC05) 41035, 41036, 42052, 42053, 42051, 42342, 44017 + 43166:
1V49 09.41 Newcastle to Newquay
2P86 19.55 Newquay to Plymouth

Right: After release from Brush Traction on Wednesday 16 July 2008, the first refurbished and MTU engine fitted Arriva Cross Country Class 43 entered passenger service on 18 July working west to Plymouth. On Saturday 19 July2008 the vehicle No. 43301 (the former 43101), led the 09.40 Newquay to Newcastle and is seen traversing the Dawlish Sea Wall at Rockstone Bridge. CJM

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60018 visits the Sea Wall 15 July 2008
EWS Class 60 No. 60018 visited the far west overnight on 14/15 July, arriving with a freight from South Wales. After working a trip duty in the St Blazey-Burngullow area, 60018 powered 6C41 15.55 Burngullow - Exeter Riverside running some couple of hours early, passing Dawlish at 16.15.

Right: 60018 rounds the curve at Dawlish Warren on train 6C41 as Voyager set No. 220033 heads west with the 10.25 Newcastle to Plymouth service. CJM

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Summer(?) Saturday 12 July 2008
Poor weather was again the order of the day on Saturday 12 July 2008. The usual CrossCountry HSTs operated.

43053 + (EC64) 41153, 41058, 40804, 42101, 42294, 42147, 42102, 42352, 44083 + 43056 operated:
1V29 07.24 Manchester Picc to Newquay.
1M28 15.22 Newquay to Manchester.

43007 + (XC04) 41026, 41025, 42036, 42037, 42038, 42097, 44012 + 43184 operated:
1V49 09.41 Newcastle to Newquay.
2P86 19.55 Newquay to Plymouth.

43178 + (XC05) 41035, 41036, 42052, 42053, 42051, 42342, 44017 + 43166 operated:
2C34 06.53 Plymouth to Newquay.
1E47 09.40 Newquay to Newcastle.

43302 + 41090, 41165, 40702, 42117, 42159, 42160, 42109, 42110, 44057 + 43057 operated:
1C02 07.35 Bristol TM to Paignton.
1E46 10.32 Paignton to Newcastle.

One charter train visited the Sea Wall, the 1Z80 06.12 Stevenage to Paignton and 1Z81 17.37 Paignton to Stevenage return, formed of 67027 & 67003 + 17077, 3390, 3364, 1699, 3397, 3330, 3426, 1671, 3356, 3348, 1200, 5769, 5792. the return train was operated in a 'top and tail' mode.

Right top: 43302 + 41090, 41165, 40702, 42117, 42159, 42160, 42109, 42110, 44057 + 43057 are seen between Langstone Rock and Dawlish from The Rockstone Bridge forming train 1C02 07.35 Bristol TM to Paignton. CJM

Right Botton: 67027 & 67003 + 17077, 3390, 3364, 1699, 3397, 3330, 3426, 1671, 3356, 3348, 1200, 5769, 5792 pass Dawlish forming 1Z80 06.12 Stevenage to Paignton. CJM

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2008 'Torbay Express' season starts with 34067 Tangmere
The first Sunday of the 2008 season of Torbay Express steam charters between Bristol Temple Meads and Kingswear kicked off on Sunday 6 July 2008. The rostered loco 'King' No. 6024 was still unavailable die to tender wheel problems, so Bulleid no. 34067 Tangmere was called in. The train, departing Bristol at 09.15 lost time en-route and traversed the Dawlish Sea Wall about 40mins late. Thankfully the train came along in one of the few sunny spots of the day!.

Formation of train = 21272, 3122, 3112, 3140, 5009, 1863, 4927, 5040, 4902, 35518

Right: The first Torbay Express of the 2008 season is seen passing Dawlish. CJM

'Stobart Pullman' visits the Sea Wall on Summer Saturday 5 July 2008
The first visit of the 'Stobart Pullman' to the Sea Wall was on 5 July 2008, when the train 'top and tailed' by Class 47s Nos. 47832 and 47712 formed train 1Z72, 07.20 Paddington to Paignton.

Right: In poor weather conditions the train is seen running adjacent to Marine Parade, Dawlish.

On the same day, the first of the main summer Saturdays the following hired-in HST sets were used by CrossCountry.
43302 + (EC64) 41153, 41058, 40804, 42101, 42294, 42147, 42102, 42353, 44083 + 43051 worked:
2C34 07.35 Bristol TM to Paignton.
1E46 10.32 Paignton to Newcastle.

43166 + (XC05) 44017, 42342, 42051, 42053, 42052, 41036, 41035 + 43178 worked:
2C34 06.53 Plymouth to Newquay.
1E47 09.40 Newquay to Newcastle.

43053 + (EC61) 41115, 41165, 40702, 42117, 42159, 42160, 42109, 42110, 44057 + 43057worked:
1V29 07.24 Manchester Piccadilly to Newquay.
1M28 15.22 Newquay to Manchester Piccadilly.

43007 + (XC04) 41026, 41025, 42036, 42037, 42038, 42097, 44012 + 43184 worked:
1V49 09.41 Newcastle to Newquay.
2P86 19.55 Newquay to Plymouth.

A number of delays were experienced during the morning after a 'hole' was reported in the sea wall between Dawlish station and the tunnel, Network Rail initially stopped all trains and then allowed services to operate at 5mph, after four trains this was relaxed and normal running was allowed. Sheep on the line in the Taunton area also caused major delays. CJM

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DRS 57 hauls SDR convoy from Bishops Lydeard to Totnes 30 June 2008
After visiting the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and West Somerset Railway, the South Devon Railway based Nos. 20110, D6737 and D7612 returned from Bishops Lydeard to Totnes and the SDR on Monday 30 June 2008. Motive power for the move was provided by DRS Class 57/0 No. 57012. The train operated as 0Z73 04.20 Crewe Gresty Bridge - Plymouth via Bishops Lydeard and Totnes Riverside.

Right: The train is seen approaching Rockstone Bridge, Dawlish. CJM

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Deltic 55022 works the sea wall, while return special is cancelled
On Saturday 28 June 2008, preserved Deltic No. 55022 powered a Pathfinder railtour from Birmingham to Penzance and return. The westbound journey operated as 1Z55, departing from Birmingham International at 05.20 and traversed the Dawlish Sea Wall at 09.38 just a couple of minutes ahead of schedule.

The return steam charter from Penzance to Paddington booked to be power by Standard Class 8 No. 71000 has been cancelled. the train is now re-booked to operate on 13 September 2008.

Right top: 55022 rounds the curve at Langstone Rock powering 1Z55 to Penzance. CJM

Right Bottom: 55022 rounds the curve at Dawlish Warren with the return Penzance to Birmingham working. CJM

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Serco 31 visits the West
Serco Class 31 No. 31190 visited the west running light to Newton Abbot (Hackney yard) via Paignton as part of a driver route training duty.

31190 after spending the night at Hackney yard, Newton Abbot operated light to Bristol via Swindon as 0Z08 09.00 Hackney - Gloucester

Sunday Freightliner and steam action - 22 June 2008
Freightliner Heavy Haul No. 66625 which powered empty aggregate box wagons from Reading to Hackney yard on 21 June in readiness for a Monday working to Burngullow required fuel before its long distance run. So on Sunday 22 June the loco operated light from Hackney yard to Exeter FGW depot to purchase fuel. The loco departed from Newton Abbot at 11.35 and is seen approaching Dawlish station.

Following yeaterdays problems at Newton Abbot with steam loco Duke of Gloucester, the loco spent the night on the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway, on Sunday 22 June the loco, plus its support coach formed train 5Z66 13.25 Paignton to Bristol Barton Hill. The train is seen traversing the banks of the River teign near Bishopsteignton.

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Longest day of the year Sea Wall specials - 21 June 2008
Three charters visited the Sea Wall on 21 June. The first was 1Z27 07.12 London Paddington to Plymouth and Cornwall. Powered by 67006, the train passed through at 10/46 in some very dull weather which continued all day. The train returned through Dawlish at 19/10.

The next special was 1Z37 06.44 Crewe to Paignton operated by Spitfire Railtours. This train was powered by DRS Type 3s Nos. 37606 and 37423 and worked west again in very poor weather at around 11/45, returning at 17/10.

What should have been the highlight of the day, double headed steam on a charter from Birmingham to Penzance had problems even before the train operated. 'King' No. 6024 which was booked to double head BR Standard No. 71000 Duke of Gloucester had to be withdrawn earlier in the week due to a tender wheel problem. The train on 21 June still operated just with No. 71000, the revision to using one loco saw some alterations to the booked schedule with a water stop at Tiverton replacing a 20 min wait at Dawlish Warren. However en route between Exeter and Newton Abbot a serious problem with the locos reversing gear was identified and the loco was removed from the train at Newton Abbot, to be replaced by Class 67 No. 67020 which was shadowing the train. No. 71000 then worked to the TDSR for overnight attention before returning to Bristol on 22 June.

All three of the specials are seen from the dry of Lea Mount, Dawlish. CJM

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DRS flask support train traverses the wall - 17 June 2008
On Tuesday 17 June DRS powered a flask support train from Crewe to Devonport Dockyard, Keyham. Running as train 6Z73 04.33 Crewe - Keyham the train was formed of DRS Class 66s 66420 and 66430 plus support cars 9428 and 9419.

Right: the train is seen passing adjacent to Marine Parade, Dawlish heading for Devonport. CJM

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Week ending 20 June 2008
On Monday 16 June, the Monday/Friday only Cross Country HST operated forming train 9S66, the 08.30 Penzance - Dundee, although departure from Penzance was on time, problems in Cornwall and slow running saw the train pass Dawlish some 32 mins late. The formation was 43178 (XC05) 41035, 41036, 42052, 42053, 42051, 42342, 44017, 43166.

On 16 June, theee of the South Devon disels, 20110, D7612 and D6737 should have returned from gala duties on the West Somerset Railway, however Network Rail engineering work at Taunton Fairwater saw this working cancelled.

Reports indicate that a flask train should be about this week from Devonport travelling north, but no details are available yet.

Right: Led by ex MML powercar No. 43166, the 08.30 Penzance to Dundee approaches Rockstone Bridge, Dawlish on 16 June 2008. CJM

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Saturday 14 June 2008
43178 (XC05) 41035, 41036, 42052, 42053, 42051, 42342, 44017, 43166
2C34 06.53 Plymouth to Newquay
1E47 09.40 Newquay to Newcastle

43184 (XC04) 41026, 41025, 42036, 42037, 42038, 42097, 44012, 43007
1V49 09.41 Newcastle to Newquay
2P86 19.55 Newquay to Plymouth

Saturday 7 June 2008
Todays XC stand in sets were
43178 (XC05) 41035, 41036, 42052, 42053, 42051, 42342, 44017, 43166
1V49 09.41 Newcastle to Newquay
2P86 19.55 Newquay to Plymouth

43184 (XC04) 41026, 41025, 42036, 42037, 42038, 42097, 44012, 43007
2C34 06.53 Plymouth to Newquay
1E47 09.40 Newquay to Newcastle

Totnes to Crewe and Keighley loco move
DRS Class 37/4 No. 37423 formed 0Z51 10.00 Plymouth Crewe via Totnes. En route the loco worked onto South Devon Railway tracks and collected D7612, 20110, 31108 and 37037 from Totnes Riverside before continuing its journey north. The South Devon diesel fleet were en route to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway for the weekend diesel gala.

Right: The amazing convoy approaches Rockstone bridge, Dawlish soon after noon on 3 June 2008. CJM

DRS works west for South Devon 'convoy' move
On 2 June, DRS Class 37/4 No. 37423 operated light as 0Z50 08.46 Crewe to Plymouth, partly for route training purposes and to position the loco in the west for a loco move the following day from the South Devon Railway to Crewe en route to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. The loco spend the night at Plymouth before running to Totnes on 3 June.

Right: 37423 passes Dawlish en route to Plymouth. Stacey Thew

Summer Saturday 31 May 2008
Summer Saturday 31 May saw the same basic workings as the previous week. Four HST sets operating for CrossCountry.

National Express East Coast:
43312 + ( EC51) 41120, 41150, 40748, 42215, 42091, 42146, 42150, 42154, 44094 + 43313 -
1C02 07.35 Bristol - Paignton, 1E46 10.32 Paignton - Newcastle
43314 + (EC52) 41039, 41040, 40735, 42323, 42189, 42057, 42058, 42059, 44019, + 43095 -
1V29 07.24 Manchester Pic - Newquay, 1M28 15.22 Newquay - Manchester Picc

XC sets:
43104 + (XC05) 41035, 41036, 42052, 42053, 42051, 42342, 44017, + 43166 -
1Z47 09.40 Newquay - Newcastle
43007 + (XC04) 44012, 42097, 42038, 42037, 42036, 41025, 41026, + 43184 -
1V49 09.41 Newcastle - Newquay

Right: Led by MTU-fitted No. 43312 in full National Express livery, the 10.32 Paignton - Newcastle passes Teignmouth on 31 May 2008. CJM

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First Summer Saturday of 2008
The first Summer Saturday of the 2008 operation season on the Sea Wall was 24 Nay 2008. Four HST sets operated for CrossCountry.
National Express East Coast:
43206/EC53/43056 - 1C02 07.35 Bristol - Paignton, 1E46 10.32 Paignton - Newcastle
43309/EC55/43108 - 1V29 07.24 Manchester Pic - Newquay, 1M28 15.22 Newquay - Manchester Picc

XC sets:
43104/XC05/43166 - 1Z47 09.40 Newquay - Edinburgh
43184/XC04/43007 - 1V49 09.41 Newcastle - Newquay

Right: The first ever working of a National Express-liveried HST on the Sea Wall was on 24 May 2008 when powercar No. 43309 led the 1V29 07.24 Manchester Piccadilly - Newquay. The train is seen at Langstone Rock, Dawlish Warren. CJM

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Saturday 17 May, 47s and MML HST travel the Sea Wall
A Compass Railtours charter from Preston to Paignton, powered by Class 47s Nos. 47805 and 47815 traversed the sea wall in rather dump and dull conditions. The double headed 13-coach formation was a mix of VT and private liveried Mk1s and Mk2s

The first of the Summer Arriva Cross Country HSTs operated when MML-liveried 43007/184 formed the 9V49, 08.05 Edinburgh - Plymouth.

Right. The Compass Tour led by 47805 and 47815 pass Dawlish heading for Paignton on a rather dull 17 May day.
Colin J Marsden

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DRS 66s visit Sea Wall
On 13 May 2008 DRS Class 66/4s Nos. 66417 and 66415 powered escort cars 9428 9419 as 6Z73 04.22 Crewe Basford Hall to MoD Keyham (Plymouth Dockyard) in readyness for a flask move.

DRS Nos. 66415 and 66417 powered 6Z25 21.00 MoD Keyham to Crewe, formed 9419, 95770, 95771, 9428 on Wednesday 14 May 2008

Right. The Crewe - Keyham move is seen passing Dawlish Warren.Colin J Marsden

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Duke of Gloucester works over the Sea Wall
On 4 May 2008 'The Devonian' charter was operated from London Paddington to Plymouth and return. The train was hauled by Class 67 No. 67006 to Bristol Temple Meads, from where steam No. 71000 should have taken over. However, due to brake problems the Class 67 was retained on the train with the steam piloting forward.

Right: The unusual combination is seen passing Dawish some 55 mins late. Colin J Marsden

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Interesting freight power
Class 60s are not common working in Devon and Cornwall these days, with the majority of freight services powered by Class 66s. However on the evening of 21/22 April 2008, No. 60052 Glofa Twr - The last deep mine in Wales - Tower Colliery worked to St Blazey. The loco returned on 22 April powering 6C41 14.26 St Blazey to Exeter Riverside. After arrival at Exeter the loco returned light to St Blazey.

Right. The train is seen approaching Dawlish Warren. Colin J Marsden

Also on 21/22 April Freightliner Heavy Haul hired in DRS Class 66 No. 66423 was used on the Westbury - Moorswater cement flow, working west on Monday 21 April, and returning east on 22 April.

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Summer Saturday Cross Country HST plan announced
The 2008 summer Saturday extra trains to be operated by Arriva Cross Country have now been announced. Four hired-in HSTs will be deployed, two from the XC fleet and two from National Express East Coast.
Trains will operated on Saturdays between 24 May 2008 and 6 September 2008.

A - National Express set
5V34 23.10 Leeds Neville Hill - Plymouth (due Dawlish 05/26)
2C34 06.53 Plymouth - Newquay
1E47 09.40 Newquay - Newcastle (due Dawlish 12/06)

B - XC set
5V49 05.41 Derby - Newcastle
1V49 09.41 Newcastle - Newquay (daw Dawlish 15/51)
2P51 19.55 Newquay - Plymouth

C - XC set
5V29 04.56 Leeds Neville Hill - Manchester Piccadilly
1V29 07.24 Manchester Piccadilly - Newquay (due Dawlish 11/54)
1M28 15.22 Newquay - Manchester Piccadilly (due Dawlish 18/12)

D - National Express set
5V02 02.42 Leeds Neville Hill - Bristol Temple Meads
1C02 07.35 Bristol Temple Meads - Paignton (stops Dawlish 09.23-09.25)
1E46 10.32 Paignton - Newcastle (due Dawlish 10/57)

Pink '31' rides the Wall
After a very slow couple of weeks with nothing out of the ordinary happening, on Monday 17 March pink Class 31 No. 31601 operated a Serco driver training run as the 0Z31 09.12 Derby - Taunton via Plymouth. Running some 90mins ahead of schedule the loco worked west through Dawlish at 14.02, returning some 90minutes later.

Right. Approaching Kennaway Tunnel No. 31601 heads towards Newton Abbot and Plymouth on 17 March 2008 forming train 0Z31 09.12 Derby - Taunton via Laira. CJM

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Double headed Advenza freight on the Sea Wall 1 March 2008
To provide another day of running between Gloucester and Plymouth, the 6Z90 and 6Z91 operated again today. The Saturday working was originally booked for Class 47 haulage, but when the train departed Gloucester it was double headed by Nos. 47237 and 57006, the '57' being required in Plymouth to power an afternoon stock move to Bristol SPM. However, formed of 14 open box bogie wagons powered by two main line locos both in Advenza Freight livery, it looked very impressive. No. 47237 returned north as 6Z91 13.30 Plymouth to Gloucester.

The Class 57 worked light to Laira and collected two FGW Mk2 barrier coaches and formed 5Z74 14.07 Laira - Bristol SPM

Right: The first pair of Advenza Freight liveried locos to traverse the sea wall, Nos. 47237 and 57006 round the curve at Langstone Rock on 1 March 2008 powering train 6Z90 09.04 Gloucester to Plymouth. CJM

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Advenza freight traverses the Sea Wall 29 February 2008
The much speculated start of an Advenza Freight service between South Wales and Plymouth came a step closer on 29 February when a test run was operated as 6Z90 09.04 Gloucester to Plymouth and 6Z91 13.57 Plymouth to Gloucester formed of Class 57/0 No. 57006 and 14 bogie open wagons. The train was scheduled to have operated on 27-29 February, but only managed to head west into Devon on 29 February.

Right: Thought to be the first Class 57/0 on a freight train to traverse the Sea Wall, No. 57006 passes Dawlish on 29 February powering the 6Z90 09.04 Gloucester to Plymouth. CJM

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Advenza Freight/FGW barrier move 16 February 2008
Advenza 47237 after spending the night at Laira formed train 5Z70 10.30 laira to Old Oak Common formed of three ex FGW Mk2 passenger coaches 5737, 9490 and 6721 in use as barriers.

Right. Complete with its Advenza Freight branding, No. 47237 and its three passenger vehicle consist - looking more like a local passenger train, approaches Rockstone Bridge at 11.16 on Saturday 16 February 2008. CJM

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More HST stock returned to Laira 15 February 2008
Advenza 47237 powered 5Z60 11.15 Bombardier Derby to Laira with a rake of refurbished FGW HST stock

Also on 16 February the New Measurement Train worked from Paddington to Plymouth, operating much later than the booked time, passing Dawlish in the down direction at 10/27 and returning on the up at 12/13

FGW stock move 13 February 2008
47805 operatedlight to Bombardier Derby and then formed 5Z91 11.15 Derby Litchurch Lane-Laira hauling 6348, 41017, 41018, 42202, 42003, 42284, 42285, 44036, 40210, 40205 and 6338.

Right: Thankfully running slightly early, the train was captured passing Dawlish Warren in the last rays of evening sun. CJM

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DRS on the Wall 30 January - 1 February 2008
As part of a driver training run, DRS Class 37 No. 37038 worked over the sea wall on 30 January forming 0Z39 09.05 Bristol Temple Meads - Penzance. The loco returned as the 0Z40 14.25 Penzance - Bristol Temple Meads.

On Thursday 31 January the 6Z73 04.33 Crewe to Devonport, powered by Class 66s Nos. 66420 and 66424 and formed of two multi-axle flask wagons KUA95770 and 95771. The flak wagons are to remain at Devonport while the locos will return north to Crewe on 1 February.

Right Top: DRS liveried No. 37038 hurries past Dawlish forming the Bristol Temple Meads to Penzance driver's route training special. CJM

Right Bottom: DRS Nos. 66420 and 66424 hurry past Dawlish on 31 January 2008 hauling flask wagons KUA95770 and 95771 as the 6Z73 04.33 Crewe to Devonport. When viewed with the 37 above look what 24 hours can do to the weather in Dawlish! CJM

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Stock moves 25-26 January 2008
47237 operated light from Gloucester to Bombardier Derby on 25 January, and then formed the 5Z77 11.15 Bombardier Derby - Laira (stock move) formed 47237 + 6336, 41009, 41010, 42012, 42360, 42013, 42014, 44004, 5737. After spending the night at Laira, the Advenza headboard carrying 47237 powered train 5Z78 10.54 Laira to Old Oak Common formed of 5737, 44078, 42248, 42249, 42247, 42115, 40807, 41187, 41119, 6336. Apart from the barrier cars and buffet all these vehicles have been previously refurbished.

On one of the few days of sun so far in 2008, No. 47237 passes Dawlish powering train 5Z78 on Saturday 26 January 2008. CJM

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Cotswold stock move 15 January 2008
47237 operated 5Z77 12.10 Gloucester - Laira with barrier cars 9490 and 6721. The loco then powered an up stock move departing Laira at 16.30 formed of 9490, 41179, 41180, 6721

Stock moves and a 57/3 on the wall 9-11 January 2008
First GBRf-Metronet Class 66 No. 66719 worked west light loco from Gloucester to Laira early on 9 January before powering 5Z90 11.30 Laira to Bombardier Derby formed 5737, 44008, 42026, 42024, 41018, 41017, 44059, 6336

On Wednesday 9 January the first '57/3' to visit the west for a long time turned up when No. 57308 worked 0Z57 16.17 Birmingham New Street to Laira for training purposes

On Friday 11, 5Z91 11.15 Derby Litchurch Lane to Laira operated formed of 47237 + 5737, 44068, 44029, 42028, 42009, 42095, 41020, 41019, plus 6336. the loco returned as 5Z74 19.10 Laira - Bristol TM formed 6338, 42025, 42362, 6348

Right: The 11.30 Laira - Bombardier Derby approaches Dawlish station powered by 66719, the first time this loco has operated one of the FGW stock moves. CJM

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Western D1015 works over the wall on 7 January 2008
Western power returned to the Dawlish Sea Wall on 7 January 2008, when DTG-owned No. D1015 which has recently been stabled at Tavistock Junction, was booked to power train 0Z47 10.00 Tavistock Junction to Rugby hauling Colas Class 47 No. 47727 which is in need of OTMR attention. The Western was then bound for tyre turning at Tyseley. However, the train did not depart at 10.00 due to pre-heating problems with the 'Western', these problems were compounded by Rugby being unable to take the train due to on-going engineering work. Eventually a fresh pathway was allocated as the 0Z47 11.30 Tavistock Junction to Tyseley, which is seen some one hour late passing along the Sea Wall at Rockstone Bridge. CJM

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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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