Boscarne Junction to Bodmin North and the Wenford, and Ruthern Branches
Credits, Many thanks to all contributors - please see a list on the home page.
N.B Click on picture to obtain an enlargement and further details
Boscarne Exchange Platform
140517m Dunmere Platform on May 17th 2014. Copyright Roger Winnen
Boscarne Exchange Platform seen here in 1964. This view captured by Sid Sponheimer. Copyright. Quite why the seven people standing on the platform are turning their back on such a rare vehicle is not known, but at least Sid got an excellent shot of it.
AC Cars Railbus Introduced: 1958. Body: 36ft. Engine: AEC 150hp 79977/8 were based at St. Blazey with employment on a shuttle service to Bodmin North from June 14th '64, connecting with trains from Wadebridge to Bodmin Road at newly opened exchange platforms at Boscarne Junction, and also certain trips to Wadebridge.
On the 6th May 1978 the Lea Valley Railway Club organised a train to do two return trips from Plymouth to Wadebridge. The train comprising of two x three car sets. The Cornwall Railway Society acted as ticket agents for Cornwall producing quite a number of passengers for the first train from Wadebridge to Plymouth and the second train from Plymouth to Wadebridge. On the first run from Wadebridge to Plymouth the rear of the 3 car units became defective and had to be left behind at Boscarne in the sidings. We all travelled to Plymouth in a very overcrowded train. For the second train a spare three car set was conjured up and we returned to Wadebridge in comfort. The Lea Valley kindly permitted our headboard on the train to Plymouth and back - its first outing. Picture Copyright of Sid Sponheimer. To see more of this railtour go to Diesel railtours and look for 6th May 1978 - the 'Camel Train'.
Dunmere Junction
BOSCARNE Jct. to BODMIN NORTH
A train from Bodmin North approaches Dunmere Junction on its way to Boscarne Junction and thence Wadebridge. Copyright Mike Roach Note the catch points protecting the passenger line from the Wenford branch. Note also the shed for the maintenance trolley and also the gate across the Wenford branch.
Hi, Keith
In 1967 I was cycling in the Bodmin area and stopped by Dunmere Crossing in the hope of seeing the Wenford goods. It duly appeared, and the crew kindly offered me a trip up the line (Lucky you). On returning to Dunmere Junction, the train performed a gravity shunt using the stub of the Bodmin North line, as per the attached photo. I've never seen any other photographic record of this manoeuvre. Was this unusual? Regards John
Can anybody answer this please? The line from Dunmere Junction to Boscarne Sidings was freight only by this time (Bodmin North had closed to passengers 30th January 1967). Maybe, having pushed the stock a short distance up the branch, the loco recessed onto the Wenford line while the stock was gravitated a short distance towards Boscarne and the loco connected for a controlled descent back to Boscarne. This would have seen it the right way round for the subsequent haul up to Bodmin General without the need for a 'run round' at Boscarne.
A P.S. From Roy Hart. This maneouvre was only possible between January and December 1967. Passenger services on the Bodmin and Wadebridge ended, but full signalling (and the boxes at Bodmin General Boscarne and Wadebridge) remained until December 1967. While Bodmin North was open, this shunt would have needed the consent of the Bodmin North signalman and a tablet for the section withdrawn, to ensure safety for the shunt.
With Bodmin North gone, there was no problem.
It all ended in December 1967 when the whole line became a long siding, under the control of the shunter.
In 1967 I was cycling in the Bodmin area and stopped by Dunmere Crossing in the hope of seeing the Wenford goods. It duly appeared, and the crew kindly offered me a trip up the line (Lucky you). On returning to Dunmere Junction, the train performed a gravity shunt using the stub of the Bodmin North line, as per the attached photo. I've never seen any other photographic record of this manoeuvre. Was this unusual? Regards John
Can anybody answer this please? The line from Dunmere Junction to Boscarne Sidings was freight only by this time (Bodmin North had closed to passengers 30th January 1967). Maybe, having pushed the stock a short distance up the branch, the loco recessed onto the Wenford line while the stock was gravitated a short distance towards Boscarne and the loco connected for a controlled descent back to Boscarne. This would have seen it the right way round for the subsequent haul up to Bodmin General without the need for a 'run round' at Boscarne.
A P.S. From Roy Hart. This maneouvre was only possible between January and December 1967. Passenger services on the Bodmin and Wadebridge ended, but full signalling (and the boxes at Bodmin General Boscarne and Wadebridge) remained until December 1967. While Bodmin North was open, this shunt would have needed the consent of the Bodmin North signalman and a tablet for the section withdrawn, to ensure safety for the shunt.
With Bodmin North gone, there was no problem.
It all ended in December 1967 when the whole line became a long siding, under the control of the shunter.
This picture poses a question, see the text above. Copyright John Ball 1967
Passengers wait on Dunmere Halt for a train from Bodmin North. July 1962 Copyright Mike Roach
A train for Wadebridge stands at Dunmere Halt July 1962 Copyright Mike Roach
Dunmere Halt August 1965 Copyright John Ball
Dunmere Halt from the Roger Winnen Collection 007
Dunmere Halt in 1965 looking North East. Copyright Eric Curnow Collection
Dunmere Halt looking west in 1965. Copyright Eric Curnow Collection.
From the Mike Morant collection
From the Mike Morant collection, note the same company and label number to the same destination - but very different fonts.
Between Dunmere and Bodmin North
PW Hut between Dunmere and Bodmin North 24th January 2020 Copyright Dave Anthony. What an excellent idea - a sort of halfway house to rest ones limbs and shelter from the rain.
Bodmin North
Bodmin North with 30236 picture taken on 3rd October 1957 Copyright the Late Jon Wood Collection
Bodmin North 4th January 1964 Copyright Mike Roach
Bodmin North December 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
A smashing view at Laira taken in June 1964 thought to be of the railbus for the Boscarne to Bodmin North as delivered to Laira following the closure of the Kemble to Tetbury branch in April 64 Copyright Mike Roach
Bodmin North - In March 2016.
These pictures were taken by Roger Winnen on an exploratory 'walk about'
Please refer to the pictures above of Bodmin North taken on the 4th January 1964 by Mike Roach
These pictures were taken by Roger Winnen on an exploratory 'walk about'
Please refer to the pictures above of Bodmin North taken on the 4th January 1964 by Mike Roach
A view from the buffer stops at Bodmin North.
The station backed onto this road. 16th March 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen
This terrace of houses was beyond the north end of the platform. 16th March 2016 Copyright Mike Roach
No doubt about where the photographer is standing. 16th March 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen
Looking back towards the one time buffer stops. 16th March 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen
Bodmin Jail entrance 16th March 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen
Some Southern fencing panels - no doubt a product of Exmouth Junction. 16th March 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen
It is a pleasant downhill walk towards Dunmere Junction (Even better on a bike) This view is of the bridge which carries Berrycombe Hill Road over the former trackbed. 16th March 2016. Copyright Roger Winnen
Demolition at Boscarne Junction - the last B.R. train.
I am a Cornish exile now living in Hampshire and spent the first 24 years of my life in Bodmin. I have good memories of the Wenford line in its last days and used to run down Beacon hill to see a 25 and later 37 shunting at Bodmin general on my way to school.
I was on hand to see the very last BR movement on the line in May 1985 and was surprised to see a train leaving General for Boscarne. I managed to get down there and witnessed a class 37 and wagon for the recovery of several lengths rail from the former line to Bodmin North line. We talked to the gangers and they said It was to be reused on the Looe line. Cheeky as I believe the line had been sold to the B&W by then. I also saw it arrive at Bodmin Rd and saw the box signal the train and then switched out for the very last time. I believe the signalman was Peter Hamley.
Rob Iredale
I was on hand to see the very last BR movement on the line in May 1985 and was surprised to see a train leaving General for Boscarne. I managed to get down there and witnessed a class 37 and wagon for the recovery of several lengths rail from the former line to Bodmin North line. We talked to the gangers and they said It was to be reused on the Looe line. Cheeky as I believe the line had been sold to the B&W by then. I also saw it arrive at Bodmin Rd and saw the box signal the train and then switched out for the very last time. I believe the signalman was Peter Hamley.
Rob Iredale
DUNMERE Jct. to WENFORD
Also click below for a collection of pictures of 'The Camelvalleyman railtour' which took place on the 27th April 1963 and can be found on Flicker'
https://www.flickr.com/photos/96859208@N07/14113076235/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/96859208@N07/14113076235/
Gravity shunting at Dunmere Junction 21st July 1967. Copyright John Ball
(the line ahead to Bodmin North, that to the left to Wenford Bridge)
The crew seem in no hurry, time for a chat, as 30587 waits to cross the A389 at Dunmere crossing. Here drivers were encouraged to make use of the whistle freely to warn road traffic. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
A view from a train returning from Wenford waiting to cross the main road at Dunmere. Late 1970's Copyright Andrew Jones.
A man with a red flag stands to halt traffic coming down the hill from Bodmin as a Beattie tank hauls its train of empties over Dunmere Crossing. A young man adopts the classic pose to steady his camera. One wonders what his picture was like? From the Alan Harris Collection.
A journey up the branch towards Wenford Bridge in the late 70's. An 08, has replaced steam but as the tightness of the curve here and also the poor clearance with a rock face that prevented the introduction of CDA's on this line, a factor which probably had a lot to do with the closure of the line. A few sticks of dynamite might have cured the problem !! Copyright Andrew Jones
The line, after closure - just like a country lane! Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Pencarrow Watering facility - unusual to have a view of this without a locomotive present. It gives time to study the detail, note 'milepost' just before the water facility - a 'trip hazard' if ever there was! Copyright Mike Roach
30587 takes water at Pencarrow water tank, here the water pipe, or bag was lifted to fit it into the locomotives tank. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Bright sunlight and trees makes for difficult photography, however, look at this scene. The Beattie well tank has called to replenish its water at Pencarrow Water tank on its return journey down the branch towards Dunmere. Note one of the crew is up on the coal bunker distributing the coal whereas the head of the second man can be seen above the water tank as he adjusts 'the bag'. Also note the spectators having a chat at ground level, rather liable for a soaking one would think! Copyright Sid Sponheimer
The train crew carry out some checks - a picture through the cab window of a Beattie Well Tank. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.
Up now at Wenford Dries. The line continued ahead to Wenford Bridge - this section was closed in February 1967. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Wenford - a lovely shot by Sid Sponheimer of 30587 with a train of wagons' This is taken in the days before the introduction of 'clay hoods'. Copyright.
30587 heading back towards Dunmere. How smart the locomotive looks - a credit to Wadebridge shed. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.
In this picture 30587 has gone to extreme end of the line at Wenford Bridge * and is depicted carrying out some shunting of vans. Copyright Sid Sponheimer * The metals continued up a 1 in 8 incline to DeLank Quarry - although officially closed in 1950 the incline had not been used since long before that.
Wenford more recently - Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Wenford - the end. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Wenford - the weeds take over. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Wenford in 2016. Copyright Colin Burges
De Lank Quarry Branch
Wenford The remains of the bridge over the road in Lower Lank which carried the line to De Lank Quarry from the head of the incline. Copyright Colin Burges
Boscarne Exchange Platform
Boscarne Junction
Enjoy this period picture of 30587 at Boscarne Junction. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
A nice study of Boscarne Junction Signalbox in 1965 by John Ball. Copyright. One hopes that it will not be too long before Bodmin and Wenford Railway trains cross this road once more.
The Ruthern Branch
The Ruthernbridge branch opened on 30th September 1834, the same date as the Wenford Bridge line. The line never officially carried passenges though with an irregular service this wouldn't have been practical anyway. At one time there were proposals to extend the line right through to Truro to provide competition for the Great Western. This, however, remained a dream
The Ruthern Bridge branch left having left the main Boscarne to Wadebridge line at Grogley crossed the River Camel and ran in a southerly direction, close to the minor road from Brocton to Ruthern Bridge, for just over a mile coming to a terminus near the cross-roads by the Ruthern bridge. At the terminus there was simply a single point to divide the line into two sidings, but in 1914 a loop siding had been added further up the line. The depot was managed by a female wharfinger, who lived in a cottage on the opposite side of the road from the terminus
The goods traffic appears to have been mainly agricultural, apart from stone from the local Mulberry quarry. In 1926 the the far end of the branch was reduced by closing 650 yards of track leaving only the loop siding in use. The remainder of the line officially closed 1st January 1934 (Clinkers records). The line closed in late 1933, the last train being driven by the late Arthur Ferret of Wadebridge.
An excellent video on the Ruthern Branch courtesy of Youtube. There is a highly commended and fascinating video featuring the long forgotten Ruthern Bridge Branch on youtube. Click on below to see it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBYe1_Rg9hs We hope you enjoy this excellent 50 minute video. Many rare pictures. Credited to Phil in Cornwall - well done Phil whoever you are!
The Ruthern Bridge branch left having left the main Boscarne to Wadebridge line at Grogley crossed the River Camel and ran in a southerly direction, close to the minor road from Brocton to Ruthern Bridge, for just over a mile coming to a terminus near the cross-roads by the Ruthern bridge. At the terminus there was simply a single point to divide the line into two sidings, but in 1914 a loop siding had been added further up the line. The depot was managed by a female wharfinger, who lived in a cottage on the opposite side of the road from the terminus
The goods traffic appears to have been mainly agricultural, apart from stone from the local Mulberry quarry. In 1926 the the far end of the branch was reduced by closing 650 yards of track leaving only the loop siding in use. The remainder of the line officially closed 1st January 1934 (Clinkers records). The line closed in late 1933, the last train being driven by the late Arthur Ferret of Wadebridge.
An excellent video on the Ruthern Branch courtesy of Youtube. There is a highly commended and fascinating video featuring the long forgotten Ruthern Bridge Branch on youtube. Click on below to see it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBYe1_Rg9hs We hope you enjoy this excellent 50 minute video. Many rare pictures. Credited to Phil in Cornwall - well done Phil whoever you are!
Grogley Halt - 1st June 1974. Copyright Trevor Tremethick. The Ruthernbridge branch left the main running line between Boscarne Junction and Wadebridge at Grogley, the junction being ahead and the Ruthernbridge branch coming up on the far side of the platform.
Rutherbridge terminus - the metals continued over sand drops. 9th December 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen
Rutherbridge terminus - the metals continued over sand drops. The gentleman is pointing out the level at which the railway would have been. 9th December 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen
Close to the terminus is the small hamlet of Ruthernbridge. Here the signpost clearly shows the direction of Grogley Halt just about a mile away. The stream accompanies the old rail route to join the river Camel. This picture by Roger Winnen dated 9th December 1973 Copyright.