West Country ‘40s’

CLASS 40 No. D336 (later 40136) definitely departed Bristol Temple Meads on the service to Penzance on October 8, 1962 (February issue), how far it went I do not know. I saw it from a passing arriving service just as it was leaving.

I was told at the time it was a test run to see if the class was capable of working the service throughout, especially west of Newton Abbot. I do not know how or when it returned. Colin Stoate By email

THANKS very much for the ‘West Country ‘Whistlers’ item in the February issue and for providing a definitive list. I have often wondered how many ‘40s’ had reached this area over the years on passenger workings.

Regarding the final (so far) class visit to Cornwall, No. 40145 in the like it or not ‘Large Logo’ blue livery also reached St Ives and Newquay on the second day as part of return working to Crewe on May 16, 2010. In the accompanying photo it is seen on the St Ives branch at Carbis Bay heading for the mainline at St Erth with No. D1015 Western Champion on the rear.

Richard Giles Clevedon, North Somerset

AS AN addition to February’s article regarding Class 40 passenger services in the South West region, here is a photo taken at Exeter St David’s of the final BR rail tour noted in that article.

I was 12 years old and on holiday in Dawlish Warren, and we regularly took a trip out to Exeter. Photo was a 35mm negative 400ASA Tudor film and Ricoh SLR 50mm lens 125/ F2.8 – thanks to my dad who made me record each photo taken and the camera settings.

Ed Weaver

By email