15. Deltic to Devon-Cromptons to Cornwall -16.10.77

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-1977 > 15. Deltic to Devon-Cromptons to Cornwall -16.10.77
The second of two subsequent Sunday visits to Fairwood Junction near Westbury to see a railtour. This time I went with Jo (I think her dad may have driven us this time?). In a re-run of the previous week's railtour we saw two 40s, this time hauling the Deltic to Devon railtour. The 40s were used in lieu of a Deltic as these were confined to depots due to industrial action. Jo and I took another 'unofficial' tour of Westbury depot on the way home. Groundhog day anybody?
Click here to search The Archive Files


Images 1-6 of 6 displayed.

40081 & 40083, outward leg of the Deltic to Devon Cromptons to Cornwall, London Paddington-Newton Abbot Par (1Z30), Fairwood Junction. Due to an unofficial industrial dispute over to the proposed closure of Finsbury Park depot and its moving to Bounds Green, staff were 'blacklisting' Deltics. As a result of this, all were confined to depots from 17th to 21st October 1977. Unfortunately, this coincided with the running of the RPPR's Deltic to Devon railtour. The RPPR did not want to cancel the railtour, so, after discussions with the Easter Region's CM & ME two class 40s we're provided. Here, the duo lead the railtour past a very foggy Fairwood Junction at Westbury running as 1Z30 from London Paddington to Newton Abbot. From there, a pair of 33s took the railtour on to Par
40081 & 40083, outward leg of the Deltic to Devon Cromptons to Cornwall, London Paddington Par (1Z30), Fairwood Junction A near identical shot to that taken the previous Sunday but for the weather! At Fairwood Junction just west of Westbury 40081and 40083, take the outward leg of the RPPR's Deltic to Devon/Cromptons to Cornwall railtour back on to the mainline. The 40s led the train from London Paddington to Newton Abbot and then 33017 and 33022 took the train on to Par and back. So, that was it, 2 Sundays and 2 double-headed class 40s on railtours past Fairwood Junction.....who would have ever thought that would have happened?
50022, down ECS, Fairwood Junction 50022 approaches Fairwood Junction just outside of Westbury with an unidentified down empty coaching stock working. I don't know if this straight-ahead viewpoint was deliberate or if it was 'grab shot'? Having said this, grab shots with the Exa camera, that was being used at the time, were not an easy proposition given the setting up that was required!
Control desk, 08218, Westbury TMD Given that it was quiet Sunday morning, another opportunity was taken to take a quick trip around Westbury Depot. No staff were about so some unofficial 'cabbing' also took place. Here is the driver's control desk of 08218. 08218 was 1956 Derby built shunter that was withdrawn relatively early 3 years subsequent to this picture in 1980.
Jo, 47087, Westbury MPD My friend, neighbour and spotting companion stands in the doorway of 47087 'Cyclops' at Westbury depot. For the first 25 years of its life, 47087 was a West Country engine moving between OOC, CF and BR depots. It then moved north and was re-numbered 47624 being re-named 'Saint Andrew'. It was stored and stripped in 1998 and eventually cut up at Booths in Rotherham in 2006.
Driver s desk , 46016, Westbury TMD Another locomotive that was cabbed was 46016. Here the controls and dials are clear to see. Note; the tape around the base of the windscreen applied in an effort to prevent draughts no doubt.

Images 1-6 of 6 displayed.