Architecture
As this is written on 27th July 2013 things are changing on the railway scene. We heard yesterday that Lostwithiel and Par signal boxes are to be retained as 'Listed Buildings', but what of the rest - in due course the demolition gang will arrive and they'll be gone forever. We have very good pictures of the current boxes in Cornwall courtesy of Craig Munday.
We hear that soon work will re-commence on the new footbridge at St Austell, what will become of the boarded up buildings on the up platform here?
So if you have any old pictures of station buildings, signal boxes, or anything else and you'd like to record them on this site please send them in. You will be credited with your pictures and they will be marked copyright. The pictures need not have trains. Apart from recording what it was like in the past your pictures could be just what a keen modeller is looking for, we know, for instance, of a gentleman looking for pictures of Dulverton station.
Recently we have been given a collection of old half frame pictures of Penzance, and St Erth stations together with a look around Long Rock Shed after closure by Sid Geake. His pictures were taken with an aim to eventually make of model of the stations in the area - we wish him well with this project.
We hear that soon work will re-commence on the new footbridge at St Austell, what will become of the boarded up buildings on the up platform here?
So if you have any old pictures of station buildings, signal boxes, or anything else and you'd like to record them on this site please send them in. You will be credited with your pictures and they will be marked copyright. The pictures need not have trains. Apart from recording what it was like in the past your pictures could be just what a keen modeller is looking for, we know, for instance, of a gentleman looking for pictures of Dulverton station.
Recently we have been given a collection of old half frame pictures of Penzance, and St Erth stations together with a look around Long Rock Shed after closure by Sid Geake. His pictures were taken with an aim to eventually make of model of the stations in the area - we wish him well with this project.
Penzance station
The grand exterior of the station in 1968 - note Motorail terminal. Copyright Sid Geake
Note again the grand style, and the adverts. 1968 Copyright Sid Geake
From a slightly different aspect - 'Your carriage awaits my lord'! Was the posh car and attendant chauffeur for nobility or for railway management. The latter didn't care to travel by train, it is reported. 1968. Copyright Sid Geake
The station interior, at the head of the platforms. It's a busy time of the day. 1968 Copyright Sid Geake
Already the grand entrance via the steps is closed off - note the direction 'To the Motor Car for Lands End, also 'Fly BEA' 1968 Copyright Sid Geake
Looking rather spartan we see platform 3 and across the tracks platforms 1 & 2. Note the crossover used for engine release in the foreground. 1968 Copyright Sud Geake
Looking into the terminus in 1968. Note the BRUTE awaiting its cargo on the platform. British Rail Unit Transit Equipment - I believe. Copyright Sid Geake
Penzance signalbox - the windows look nice and clean. 1968 Copyright Sid Geake
Penzance signalbox in 1968. Hey, what's going on - the signalman is cleaning his own windows. The box has to look smart inside and out! What about Health and Safety? Copyright Sid Geake.
The signalman is still busy, hope those windowbars are strong! No trains moving I guess. 1968 Copyright Sid Geake
Long Rock Shed - Summer 1968
Long Rock Shed was visited by Sid Geake during the summer of 1968 - it is hoped that the following pictures will be of help to modellers seeking to model the shed. The shed had closed to steam following the visit of the last main line steam on the Cornish Main line with West Country 34002 Salisbury on the 4th May 1964.
Long Rock Shed East End LHS 1968. An unknown 'Western' is seen lurking inside. Copyright Sid Geake
Long Rock Shed East End RHS 1968 Cpoyright Sid Geake
Long Rock Shed, east end and south side 1968 Copyright Sid Geake
Long Rock Shed Interior. 1968 Copyright Sid Geake
In response to the "Strange vehicles at Long Rock", above. The vehicles were the Penzance Breakdown Train which carried tools and equipment for rail-railing engines and coaches. Today breakdown trains have to travel hundreds of miles to deal with problems. RW
Looking around St Erth Station - a station that has changed little over the years.
The still familiar courtyard of St Erth station, little has changed here, not the vintage cars. There's even a Ferguson tractor - perhaps the farmer has gone to market!! 1968 Copyright Sid Geake
A general view over the station in 1968 - very little has changed other than the demise of the milk factory and the associated sidings. 1968 Copyright Sid Geake.
The footbridge from which the previous picture was taken. There was a proposal in 2011 to establish a large park and ride facility on the land to the right of this picture - in July 2013 it is not known what the outcome will be.
For those who want detail here is the step way leading up from the down platform. 1968 Copyright Sid Geake
The down platform building is quite grand but doesn't appear to be used for anything - however it is protected being part of the 'listed' station complex 1968 Copyright Sid Geake
St Erth up main platform in 1968. Note the healthy number of milk tankers in the yard. Copyright Sid Geake.
St Erth - detail of cover over the gates giving access to the lorry loading platform and of the footbridge approach. 1968 Copyright Sid Geake
The attractive stonework in the main station building can be seen here. The steps down and a slope lead to the main station entrance and to the St Ives platform which is at a lower level. 1968
Copyright Sid Geake
More detail of the main station building, a gentleman emerges from the booking office and makes his way towards the main platforms. There are two sets of buffer stops - the nearest one for the St Ives Bay passenger trains - the other one for what is now called platform 4 - this is where a refreshment facility has been established.
Looking out from the St Ives bay platform one can see the run round points. Note the distinctly different platform level between the main and branch platforms. 1968 Copyright Sid Geake
Falmouth Station There is already good coverage of this station to be found in the Cornish Gallery (Falmouth) section. A host of structure pictures plus a commentary by Nigel Tregoning.
St Ives Station
A detailed study by the late Patrick English.
Patrick was a keen modeller and consequently many of his pictures were taken with a view to modelling the subject. Fortunately, in the early 60's Patrick took a number of pictures of the charming station at St Ives. Luckily, his set of originals was loaned to me, and with his permission they were copied. I have only very recently (2013) come across my set, and here they are.
A detailed study by the late Patrick English.
Patrick was a keen modeller and consequently many of his pictures were taken with a view to modelling the subject. Fortunately, in the early 60's Patrick took a number of pictures of the charming station at St Ives. Luckily, his set of originals was loaned to me, and with his permission they were copied. I have only very recently (2013) come across my set, and here they are.
The Station Building
A general view of the station platform looking towards St Erth.The usual platform trolleys bearing the 'W' are in evidence. Beyond the platform set into the bank is the signalbox whilst in front of the box two camping coaches share the bay platform. It is about 1960. Copyright the late Patrick English.
Stepping back a bit a view of the north end of the station building, there was room for limited parking at the back of the building. Copyright the late Patrick English
A closer inspection of the back of the building from the north reveals how the site has been cut out from the hillside. Parking is limited by the need for lorries to gain access to the goods shed in the background. Note how the protrusions of the wall have been painted white, no doubt a legacy of the war years. Copyright the late Patrick English.
Going now to look at the station building from the goods shed gates. Copyright the late Patrick English.
Going even further back a general view of the station is obtained. Copyright the late Patrick English.
A close up of the bay buffer stops and the south elevation of the building. Fire buckets hang on their hooks and what would to appear to be fish boxes are stacked just beyond the stop. Copyright - the late Patrick English.
The steep approach of Trelyon Avenue to St Ives is evident behind the station. Note that coaching stock placed on the bay could be accessed from either side - handy for unloading goods traffic. Copyright the late Patrick English.
Looking north along the front of the station the usual offices are evident together with a telephone box for a taxi and a bookstall. In retrospect it is a pity that the run round line against the wall wasn't kept and a new platform face built alongside of it - it would have entailed a much shorter walk to the town. The platform line was shortened back to the buffer stop just visible pre 1960. There had been ample platform length to accommodate long trains. Copyright the Late Patrick English
- Above - a series of views taken from track level across the front of the station from left to right.
- Below - views taken of and from the station approach.
Very few cars to be seen in this view. The road approach comes down from the Malakoff. The steps lead up to a viewing point above the Malakoff. Copyright the late Patrick English
A closer view of the station approaches/exists. The late Patrick English.
A view which includes the golden sands of Porthminster beach and the bridge over the branch as it rounds Porthminster Point. Copyright the late Pat English
Looking south from the platform
The camping coaches have been parked on the goods shed road. Copyright the late Patrick English.
Viaduct views Looking north into the station from the starting from the viaduct.
A very interesting view standing on the viaduct. The run round loop metals look very rusty, the loop was taken out of use 28th October 1963 and removed in January 1966. However control of the pointwork remained in the box from when it was reduced to the status of a ground frame on the 9th September 1963 until that was closed 10th March 1966. The siding leading to the goods shed is very nearly the alignment of the current single line serving the new station which was brought into use on 23rd September 1971. (The current line being slightly further to the left) Copyright the late Patrick English
Looking back into the station. The rusty rails in the foreground lead to the Engine shed. Sadly the signalbox at the station throat no longer has control of fine signals overlooking the viaduct. Copyright the late Patrick English.
The Goods Shed
St Ives Goods shed. Copyright the late Patrick English.
St Ives Goods Shed and Camping Coaches. Seen from the south end. Copyright the late Patrick English
The Goods Shed at St Ives seen from a northerly aspect. Copyright the late Patrick English
The Engine shed and Water Tower
The engine shed as seen from the running lines. Copyright the late Patrick English
Looking into the gloom of the single road engine shed. Whoever was last to use it didn't even bother to put the hose away. Copyright the late Patrick English
The water tanks at St Ives Engine Shed. Copyright the late Patrick English.
With so much hard light and shade a difficult picture, however it illustrates the main branch line coming in and the access to and from the engine shed. This was taken out of use 8th September 1963 and removed Oct 1966. Copyright the late Patrick English
The Signal Box
The signal box was located in a commanding position over looking the complete station layout. Copyright the late Patrick English
A view of St Ives signalbox from the public lane which passed the back of the box. What appear to be lace curtains provide some privacy for the signalman, Copyright the late Patrick English
And finally a view down the lane, note that a number of the levers are painted white indicating hat they are not in use. Again notice the windows nearest the lane have been curtained off. It would have been fascinating to have watched the signalman at work at busy times. Copyright the late Patrick English.