Features - 2024 Part 1

Please click a title below to be taken to the relevant part of the page.

'The Bodmin Bubble' (23.03.2024)
'The Springtime Cornishman' (04.04.2024)
'May the fourth be with you' (04.04.2024)
'The Royal Duchy' (05.05.2024)
​'The Great Western (1Z48)' (10.05.2024 & 11.05.2024)
​A CRS visit to the Seaton Tramway (18.05.2024)
​'The Cornish Riviera Statesman' (23.05.2024)
The Bodmin Branchline Gala (25.05.2024 & 26.05.2024)

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Item 2329:
The Branch Line Society's visit to The Bodmin Railway
'The Bodmin Bubble'
23rd March 2024
Roger Winnen/James Goodhall/Jon Hird

The branch line society ran a special excursion over the Bodmin Railway on 24.03.2024. Named 'The Bodmin Bubble', the tour was initially planned to utilise the railways resident 1st generation DMU 121020, however this was substituted for class 08 08359 and Port-of-Par Bagnall Saddle Tank 'Judy' hauling a GWR Autocoach. The tour visited many 'rare' sections of track along which the public cannot usually ride. Our special thanks to the Bodmin Railway for allowing Roger access for photography!

240323a Class 08 08359 arrives at Bodmin General to form the fist train of the day to Boscarne Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323b A very wet start to the day the 08 coupled to the Auto Coach for its journey to Boscarne Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323c Passing the old Sleeping carriage as it takes the Boscarne branch out of Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

08359 has propelled the autocoach to the headshunt at Boscarne Junction. The closest passengers have got to Wadebridge for many years! Copyright James Goodhall.

Meanwhile, back at Bodmin General...

240323d The weather turns nasty as Judy moves out of the station. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323e Leaving the station approaches. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323f Looking from the bridge that crosses both lines we see The Bubble Car then Judy and the CDAs in the siding. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323g Judy is seen moving the Bubble Car from the siding to Bodmin General Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323h Bodmin General looks a very lonely place however Judy is now alongside the signal box with Judy. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323i Dramatic light effects again from the bridge as Judy pushes back the bubble car. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323j The return of the Auto from Boscarne is seen arriving at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323k The auto coach with Judy moves to the shed road. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323l Stock from the Engine shed is seen being moved to the main running line. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323m The line up of engines making this move is The Beattie 5552 Alfred 47206 and 08359. A very rare event. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323n Looking now in the other direction what a line up. Copyright Roger Winnen

Driver Malcolm Young and secondman James Goodhall take 08359 and the railways mk1 coaching stock out of the station area. Copyright Jon Hird.

The class 08 and the mk1's wait at the Inner Home signal at Bodmin General. Copyright Jon Hird.

BLS members take turns to ride over the station crossover in a seated clay hood wagon behind 'Judy'. Copyright Jon Hird.

'Judy' and 08359 then departed top and tailed with the autocoach for Bodmin Parkway.

At the stub of Walker Lines sidings, Judy was uncoupled from the autocoach and 08359 shunted the coach and passengers into what is left of the sidings. Copyright Jon Hird.

Second Man James Goodhall takes a closer look at the class 08 in Walker Lines siding. Copyright James Goodhall.

The scene at Walker Lines from above. Copyright Jon Hird.

With the train reformed and the points reset, 08359 and 'Judy' head for Bodmin Parkway, rounding quarry curve. Copyright Jon Hird.

08359 leads the train past Charlies Gate. Copyright Jon Hird.

Down at Bodmin Parkway

240323o Top and Tail arrival at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323p Motive Power at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

Whilst the 08 was sent to clear space in the shed, 'Judy' propelled then hauled the autocoach through the loop at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Jon Hird.

240323r A stock move from the shed at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323t Devonport No 19 an engine which has not worked for many years. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323u Remember these Southern Vans PMV which were common in the 1950s and 60s. Copyright Roger Winnen

08359 and a collection of treasures from the vault which is Parkway shed at the buffer stops. Copyright James Goodhall.

240323v Jimmy James looks on in this photogragh. It's with many thanks to Jimmy that I was able to take these photographs. Copyright Roger Winnen

Judy waits in the afternoon sun for clearance to enter the shed. Copyright Jon Hird.

240323w Heads are hanging out of the window as the train approach the shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323x This is the first time that a passenger train had entered the stock shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323z This is the first time that a passenger train had entered the stock shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

240323zd A mixed traffic train sits in the branch platform at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

A smashing shot of the collection of stock in Bodmin Parkway. Copyright James Goodhall.

08359 shunts the stock back into the shed at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Jon Hird.

A lucky line up. 'Judy', 08359 and a Penzance-bound IET (with Roger on board) at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Jon Hird.

The trip back to Bodmin General

'Judy' is doing most of the hard work as she top and tails with 08359 up the gradient past Charlies Gate. Copyright Jon Hird.

Further up the line, passing 'Racing Straight', we see the train for one final time. Copyright Jon Hird.

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Item 2330
Pathfinder Railtours 'The Springtime Cornishman'
Dorridge - Penzance and return with 37668 and 37518
04.05.2024

WCR 37668 leading 37518 at Charlton Road overbridge, running 12 late at 09.57 passing Charlton Road overbridge, Cogload Junction, with the 'Spring Cornish Explorer' Copyright Andrew Triggs 4.5.2024

37668 & 37518 pass Rockstone Bridge with the 1Z65 05:53 Dorridge to Penzance "The Spring Cornish Explorer" Pathfinders railtour. Copyright Clive Smith.

Passing Newton Abbot with 37668 leading. Copyright Roger Winnen.

37668 and 37518 sound fantastic as they climb the bank at Milltown with 1Z65, heading for Penzance. 04.05.24, copyright Jon Hird.

Mick House was on scene at Apex Bridge, Scorrier to record the tour passing by. 04.05.24, copyright Mick House.

Photographs of the locos and coaching stock used in the tour, please click for enlargements. Copyright Mick House.

Nearing journeys end as the tour passes Marizion. Copyright Mark Lynam.

The pair of locos running round at Long Rock with St. Michaels Mount in the background. Copyright Jon Hird.

Running round. The locos have a great glossy shine to them, they must have been treated to a polish. Copyright Jon Hird.

37518 with her flush noses. Copyright Jon Hird.

Reattached to the stock in the sunshine, ready to push back into the station in time for a 15:30 departure.

And they're off! 37518 leads 1Z66 the 15:30 Penzance to Dorridge passing Marizion on 04.05.24. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Mick catches the return working near Redruth, 04.05.24. Copyright Mick House.

The return tour passing Newton Abbot with 37518 leading. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Penzance to Dorridge worked by 37518 and 37668, seen approaching Cogload Jct. at 19:20. Copyright Bill Elston.

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Item 2331
'May the fourth be with you'
A Branchline Society Railtour
​04.05.2024

The route. Copyright Paul Barlow.

With more locos than coaches, the railtour arrives at Exeter St. Davids. Copyright Roger Winnen.

With more locos than coaches, the railtour arrives at Exeter St. Davids. Copyright Roger Winnen.

73136 on the rear at Exeter St. Davids. Copyright Roger Winnen.

59202 59101 59104 D6515 438 TC unit 73136 climb the bank into Exeter central on the 0648 Eastleigh to Exeter Central 4 May 2024. The locos were longer than the coaches! Copyright Paul Barlow.

59202 59101 59104 D6515 438 TC unit 73136 Exeter Central bay platform no 1 4 May 2024! Copyright Paul Barlow.

59104 59101 59202 run back light to Westbury Exeter central 4 May 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

73136 on rear of 1440 to Waterloo. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Tarting up 73136 Exeter central 4 May 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

D6515 waits at Exeter Central with the 1440 Exeter to Eastleigh via Waterloo. Copyright Paul Barlow.

D6515 passes St James Park Halt Exeter on the 1440 Exeter to Waterloo 4 May 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

D6515 with 73136 on rear St James Park Exeter on the 1440 Exeter to Waterloo 4 May 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Eastleigh to Eastleigh via the world worked by t/t 33012 and 73136 seen passing Pendomer on its return from Exeter Central. Copyright Bill Elston.

Eastleigh to Eastleigh via the world worked by t/t 33012 and 73136 seen passing Pendomer on its return from Exeter Central. Copyright Bill Elston.

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Item 2332
'The Royal Duchy'
44871 Bristol Temple Meads - Par & Return
05/05/2024

44871 puts on a superb plume leaving Newton Abbot with the 1Z33 08.48 Bristol Temple Meads - Par 'Royal Duchy'. Copyright Clive Smith.

Arrival at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen.

In the platform at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen.

44871 approaches Restormel with 'The Royal Duchy'. Taken by my partner whilst I faffed around with my camera! Copyright Jon Hird.

44871 about to pass beneath Restormel Farm Overbridge. Copyright Jon Hird.

The tour arriving at Par, passing the down goods loop. Copyright Craig Munday.

Arrival at Par. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Running wrong road into Par. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The train reverses in order to gain access to the St. Blazey/Newquay branch. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Craig Munday beside the former signal box at Par with the loco running past its stock. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Refuelling at St. Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen.

On St. Blazey turntable in a rain shower. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Re-stocking the coal from a tipper lorry fitted with a grab at St. Blazey. Copyright Craig Munday.

The loco being turned and serviced at St. Blazey turntable. Copyright Jon Hird.

Seen from above the rooftops of the former roundhouse. Copyright Jon Hird.

Staff pose for a photograph in front of the locomotive. Copyright Jon Hird.

The same photo, but from a less dizzy-ing height! The M-Power Kernow team pose with the loco before she departs for Par. Copyright Craig Munday.

Picture-perfect conditions for the departure from St. Blazey as 44871 leaves the semaphores and signalbox behind to head back to Par. Copyright Craig Munday.

Moments after Craigs photo, the loco arrives back at Par. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Coupling to the stock at Par. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The return working passing Restormel. Copyright Jon Hird.

Arriving at Plymouth past the signal box. Copyright Roger Winnen.

After being watered, the loco reverses back onto its train at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen.

An impressive departure from Plymouth at 18:34. Copyright Roger Winnen.

An impressive departure from Plymouth at 18:34. Copyright Roger Winnen.

44871 approaches Bittaford Viaduct with the 1Z34 16.51 Par - Bristol TM 'Royal Duchy'. Copyright Clive Smith.

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Item 2333
A visit to our region of 7029 'Clun Castle'
'The Great Western (1Z48)'
10.05.2024 & 11.05.2024

10.05.2024

10.05.24 - 1Z48 [Birmingham to Bristol section of a Vintage Trains special] on the UML through Swindon. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

10.05.24 - 1Z46 cruised into the eastern end of the UML, then about halfway alomg, the red signal changed to green, the whistle was blown and 7029 made a majestic 4-cylinder sound with the appropriate 'Castle' 4-6-0 determined acceleration instead of stopping from12.36 to 12.44. This was because the IET which 1Z46 would have stopped on the UML to pass was delayed, so 7029 was given the road leaving Swindon 10 minutes EARLY! Class 47, 47773, was on the end of this special. Copyright Ken Mumford.

10.05.2024 Bristol East Depot with 7029 Clun Castle. Copyright Craig Munday.

Friday evening at Exminster. Copyright David Tozer

Friday evening at Exminster. Copyright David Tozer

10.05.2024 Looking stunning against Brent Tor in the glorious evening light, 7029 Clun Castle works the 1Z47 15.47 Bristol Temple Meads to Plymouth Vintage Trains tour past Aish near South Brent. No smoke but you can't have everything. I thought there would be a small crowd in the field to capture this but it was just me, Bernard Mills and his wife Audrey. Copyright Clive Smith.

10.05.2024 47773 precedes 7029 Clun Castle by ten minutes as the 0Z47 Bristol East Depot - Plymouth light engine movement. The two tone green liveried 47 sparkles in the evening sunshine. Much better to see these support locos running independently rather than towed on the back and often powering on gradients. Copyright Clive Smith.

Class 47 backup. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

7029 Clun Castle climbing Rattery Bank at Tigley with 1Z47 10.05.2024. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

The Class 47 at Eastdon running in front of the steam. Copyright Roger Salter

7029 Clun Castle at Eastdon. Copyright Roger Salter

10.05.2024 7029 Clun Castle arrives at Plymouth with 1Z47. Copyright Craig Munday.

10.05.2024 7029 Clun Castle arrives at Plymouth with 1Z47. Copyright Craig Munday.

11.05.2024

11.05.24 - 7029 at Laira. Copyright Ian Inch

11.05.24 - 7029 at Laira. Copyright Ian Inch

7029 leaves Laira yard on ECS for 1Z48 11.05.2024. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

11.05.24 - setting back to North Road. Copyright Ian Inch

7029 passing Laira on 1Z48 11.05.2024. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

11.05.2024 Here’s the return of Clun Castle bursting into the sea wall at Teignmouth. She was running pretty fast presumably to make up time as she was running late. Copyright Martin Scane.

7029 taken at Rewe this morning following the stall on Hemerdon Bank shortly after leaving Plymouth. 47773 was on the rear.Copyright David Tozer

11.05.2024 Vintage Train's 47773 at Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Craig Munday.

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Item 2334
A visit by the CRS to The Seaton Tramway
18.05.2024
Roger Winnen

Seaton Tramway Station on 18th May 2024. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Southern Railways Seaton Station in the 1940s 1950s. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Single Deck Tram Car at Seaton. Copyright Roger Winnen

Tramcar No 10 at Seaton. Copyright Roger Winnen

Members of the CRS depart Seaton for Colyton. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Tram at Wetlands. Copyright Roger Winnen

A close encounter on route to Colyton. Copyright Roger Winnen

Fish & Chips are well advertised on the Seaton Tramway. Copyright Roger Winnen

The small town of Axmouth stands on the other side of the estuary. Copyright Roger Winnen

The waiting shelters at Colyford. Copyright Roger Winnen

Arrival at Colyton a 27minute journey from Seaton.. Copyright Roger Winnen

Members of the CRS having a meal break at Colyton. Copyright Roger Winnen

The tram passes the station buildings for its next trip to Seaton. Copyright Roger Winnen

The station buildings at Colyton. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Station Buildings viewed from the track level. Copyright Roger Winnen

Heavy rain at Colyford. Copyright Roger Winnen

Colyford Station and Isle of Thanet Electric Tramways & lighting. Copyright Roger Winnen

Heavy rain as the tram passes the Victorian Gents. Copyright Roger Winnen

About to cross the main road on its journey up to Colyton Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Colyford Station in steam days. Copyright Roger Winnen

The single deck tram in the countryside. Copyright Rogr Winnen

Tram No 6. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Tram queue. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Riverside workshops. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Riverside workshops. Copyright Roger Winnen

Heavy rain on route. Copyright Roger Winnen

Number 15 Medern Electric Tramways. Copyright Roger Winnen

Tram Number 10. Copyright Roger Winnen

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Item 2335
'The Cornish Riviera Statesman'
23.05.2024

The 1Z68 04.12 Nantwich - Penzance 'Cornish Riviera Statesman' with two Scotrail mk 3s at the front passes through Ivybridge with 47828 and 47712. The train also had a 1961 built BR blue and grey buffet restaurant car along with the usual Statesman stock. Copyright Clive Smith.

The Statesman on the sea wall at Teignmouth at 10-15 this morning on its way to PZ. Copyright Martin Scane.

Intercity liveried 47828 leading Scotrail liveried 47712 past Wearde (Defiance Platform) with 'The Statesman'. Copyright Ross Griffiths.

The railtour passing the Wesleyan chapel at Par at 11:43. 66130 and the clay from Treviscoe is recessed in Chapel Siding. Copyright Jon Hird.

Seen from the famous 'black bridge', the tour calls at Truro. Copyright Jonathan Harbage.

Now down in West Cornwall, the tour passes the mining relics at Brea. Copyright Mark Lynam.

On the home stretch, 47828 and 47712 pass Marizion Marsh. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

The pair of Brush Type 4's rest at journeys end, beneath the roof at Penzance. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

No points on offer for guessing the location of the above image! Copyright Dennis Clarke.

47712 about as far away from home as it can possibly get as the locos run round at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter.

With the picturesque Mounts Bay in the background, the pair of locos set back onto their stock. Copyright Roger Salter.

The locos running round at Long Rock. Note ongoing construction work on the new sidings to the left of the image, this will allow additional stabling for GWR sets. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Rejoining the stock. Copyright Roger Salter.

The train after setting back into Penzance, ready for the return working to Nantwich. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

The driver piles on the power, the locos smoking away whilst those big turbos begin to spool up, as the tour passes the site of Marizion Station on the return working. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Heading away to the next scheduled stop at St. Erth to collect passengers who elected to detrain there earlier in the day to visit St. Ives. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Roger records the return working crossing Hayle Viaduct and powering through the station. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The locos get stuck into Hayle bank as they continue on their journey home. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The tour accelerating away from Truro. The decapitated semaphore post still standing. Note the very smart mk.1 blue and grey buffet car in the set. Copyright Joe Birchall.

A pair of Scotrail Mk.3's bringing up the rear of the train. A bit of a mix and match set of coaches, a railway modellers dream! Copyright Joe Birchall.

Sweeping through the bends at Tregarne near Probus. Copyright Jonathan Harbage.

47712 & 47828 sweep round the bend to Dinnaton Bridge west of Ivybridge station in overcast conditions with the 1Z69 15.30 Penzance - Nantwich 'Cornish Riviera Statesman'. Copyright Clive Smith.

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Item 2336
The Bodmin Railway Branchline Gala
25.05.2024 & 26.05.2024

The Bodmin Railway held their 'Branchline Gala' over the weekend of 25.05.2024 and 26.05.2024. It featured 3 locos in steam - ex-GWR small Praries No.'s 5552 and 5553 and Port of Par Bagnall Saddle Tank 'Judy'. The resident 'Bubble Car' No. 121020 was also in traffic. 

On display in the yard area at Bodmin General were a number of stored steam locomotives, and the public had the chance to visit the workshops.

A great weekend and the weather mostly held off too!

5553 arrives at Bodmin Parkway on the 10.00 service from Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

5553 runs around at Bodmin Parkway before working 10.30 back to Bodmin General. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Passing 5552 on shed at Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

Locomotives on display in the yard at Bodmin General. Copyright Jon Hird.

Alfred and the Beattie Well Tank at Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

Ex Devonport Dockyard Saddle Tank displayed in the yard, this engine has not worked for many years. Copyright Roger Winnen

A look inside the workshop which is open to visitors during the weekend sees 37142 which is currently undergoing an overhaul. Copyright Mark Lynam.

08444 which is also having an overhaul in the workshop, and will also be repainted back into BR Blue! Copyright Mark Lynam.

Beattie Well Tank 30587 reached 150 years old this year, and she still looks well. Copyright Mark Lynam.

5553 arrives back at Bodmin General working 14.13 Boscarne Junction to Bodmin General. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Little and large at Bodmin General with 'Judy' and 5553. Copyright Jon Hird.

5552 at Boscarne Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bubblecar 121020 seen at Bodmin General after just leaving the steam shed, which would form 14.35 to Boscarne Junction shortly afterwards. Copyright Mark Lynam.

121020 climbs away from Boscarne Junction with an early morning service. Copyright Jon Hird.

'Judy' climbs the hill from Bodmin Parkway with a special cargo (belonging to the fireman!). Copyright Jon Hird.

5552 and 5553 top and tailed at Bodmin General. Copyright Jon Hird.

Bubblecar 121020 at Bodmin General shortly before working 12.10 to Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Mark Lynam.

The Bubble Car at Coleslogget Halt Copyright Roger Winnen

'Say it with flowers' at Bodmin Parkway Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

'Judy' passing Charlies Gate. Copyright Jon Hird.

Motor Rail service at Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

Double-headed Praries 5552 and 5553 at Charlies Gate. Copyright Jon Hird.

'Judy' on the Boscarne Branch. Copyright Jon Hird.

'Judy' arriving at Bodmin General. Copyright Jon Hird.

The Bubblecar again this time at Boscarne Junction before working 13.10 to Bodmin General. Copyright Mark Lynam.

A passenger films 'Judy' from the brake van veranda as she departs Bodmin General. Copyright Jon Hird.

Running round the precious cargo at Boscarne Junction. Copyright Jon Hird.

High-speed Motorail on the climb back to Bodmin General. Copyright Jon Hird.

On display in the exhibition coach at Bodmin General! Copyright Jon Hird.

The final train of the weekend crossing the viaduct at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Jon Hird.

The scene at Bodmin General at the end of the day on Sunday. Copyright Jon Hird.