10th Nov 1983

31138 has recently run in light engine, off the Heathfield branch, having probably worked up a rake of ball clay hood wagons for loading. It is now stabled in the former Motorail bay. I saw little of Motorail trains, although I had seen the St. Austell and Newton Abbot service at Exeter St. Davids during my early 'spotting' days. I wonder if it's a service, that if marketed and organised well, could possibly be of interest to drivers today, particularly on the longer distant trips north. From my own experience I can vouch for the tediousness and hassle a drive up the M5 and M6 can cause!