Description

In this programme we see loco-haulage combined mainly, but not entirely, to cross-country passenger services, with most London services in the hands of HSTs. BR’s Intercity Sector is giving way to First Great Western and Virgin trains, and class 47s rule the railway. Railway traditions like holiday extras to Paignton and the West are alive and well, bringing in class 31s as well as the occasional Freight sector Class 47 pressed into service on busy summer weekends.

Freight to the west is largely in the hands of class 37s, often in pairs, and Network South East’s class 50s work the occasional service west of Exeter to Paignton and to Plymouth. Dawlish sea wall and the rolling countryside of Dainton and Rattery banks provide the main backdrop for Roger’s cameras in this feast of Devonian Diesel action. Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge stands as proud as ever, seemingly impervious to the changing fleet of classes 37, 47 and 50 on freight, passenger , parcels and mail trains heading to and from West of the Tamar.

BR’s Intercity Sector is metamorphosing into Virgin Cross Country and First Great Western, while Cornwall’s famous China Clay freights centred on St Blazey transfer from Railfreight Distribution through the short-lived Transrail to American-owned EWS. We see some of the final class 50 turns on local passenger trains, 37s on China Clay freights, 47s on passengers and mails, and a good collection of HSTs. Oh, and we see a few DMUs and railtours, as well! And all set against Cornwall’s unique railway landscape.