Callington Branch
N.B. There are photographs of a visit to the East Cornwall Minerals Railway at the end of this section.
Credits, Many thanks to all contributors - please see a list on the home page.
Members and general visitors to the CRS site will be interested in visiting http://www.railmaponline.com From the opening page a full map of the UK can be accessed which can then be enlarged to show every railway line in the UK. Not just today's network but lines from the past have been overlaid. As you zoom in sidings and even tramways become visible.
A valuable tip from Guy Vincent.
A valuable tip from Guy Vincent.
In addition to our collection you will find much relevant information in the valuable links sourced below by David Ward. I have been doing some routing around for information and found the following regarding the Southern Region of BR, Plymouth, and the South-Western Main Line. An interesting website is the following about the Tamar Valley if you Google the following, lots of interesting details about the Plymouth, Devonport and South Western Railway. I knew the Tamar Valley was a great Fruit Growing Area especially Tamar Valley Strawberries.It list in one section the amount that was despatched by Rail. <https://brucehunt.co.uk/plymouth%20devonport%20and%20south%20western%20junction%20railway/plymouth%20devonport%20and%20south%20western%20junction%20railway%20-%20tender%20engines%20at%20callington.html> Tender engines at Callington brucehunt.co.uk › plymouth devonport and south weste... <https://www.google.com/search?q=Plymount+Friary+Engine+Men&oq=Plymount+Friary+Engine+Men&aqs=chrome..69i57.13017j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#> 1. <https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:4njl5fRU9twJ:https://brucehunt.co.uk/plymouth%2520devonport%2520and%2520south%2520western%2520junction%2520railway/plymouth%2520devonport%2520and%2520south%2520western%2520junction%2520railway%2520-%2520tender%2520engines%2520at%2520callington.html+&cd=17&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk> He received a further caution for not wiring information to Friary about a ... through points at Callington and the engine man changing over whilst engine in .. When we were talking about Milk Train's from the West Country an interesting website to visit is the following of the Nine Elms Engine Men 70A:- Search Results Web result with site links <http://svsfilm.com/nineelms/> Nine Elms Locomotive Shed Website - SVS Film Index svsfilm.com › nineelms <https://www.google.com/search?q=nine+elms+locomotive+shed+enginemen&oq=Nine&aqs=chrome.0.69i59l2j69i57j46j0l2j46l2.3294j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#> 1. <http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:nDs1IT9Y04EJ:svsfilm.com/nineelms/+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk> 2. <https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk00_an70QWpwyE9a1CwtvCCoRUDd_A:1592737965707&q=related:svsfilm.com/nineelms/+nine+elms+locomotive+shed+enginemen&tbo=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjB5aml45LqAhU3SBUIHUt2CrEQHzAAegQICBAI> This website is principally dedicated to London's Nine Elms Locomotive Depot and the Enginemen who worked there between 1838 and 1967. It attempts to enlighten the reader of the life, times and conditions that prevailed during those days by means of a variety of subjects to be found here. One is about Milk Trains from Torrington, Chard, Bailey Gate etc. Really enjoyable sites. Regards, David.
Callington
Callington 7th November 1959. Its a dull November day as 30183 arrives in the train shed at the station. Doors open and shadowy figures move on the platform. The train will be shunted out to allow the engine to run round on the loop in the yard. (See the first picture in the gallery below) Copyright Mike Roach
The remnents at Callington - Howard Sprenger
I've mentioned that I did my final teaching practice in Callington in 1973 and while I was there, I took a look at the old station site up the road at Kelly Bray. Fortunately, there was still something left to see, although by the time I had walked up there after a day at school the light was beginning to go. Much more recently, I was able to buy (with copyright) a set of three colour slides that had been taken at Callington the previous year, although despite being taken in June it doesn't look as though the light was much better!
Best regards, Howard.
Best regards, Howard.
Luckett
Latchley
Latchley, a picture dated 2nd March 1908. One wonders just who they are? Was the lady the crossing keeper, was the gentleman with grubby trousers her husband, were they her children and who might the other smartly dressed gentlemen be? One notices a London to Paris Poster in the shelter, could one get a Latchely to Paris ticket?? From the Alan Harris Collection
The above is a very early picture of Latchley . The siding was removed in November 1949 and perhaps at the same time the signal was removed and the shelter was replaced by a hut, as seen in the pictures below.
In addition Roy Hart comments :- Latchley was opened with the line in 1908. As opened, it was called Cox's Park Depot. There was a siding opposite the platform and also a stationmaster's house. The photo is probably the stationmaster's family and station staff. Note the signal post on the right: this was the only signal and it carried both 'up' and 'down' arms. The arms were operated by the horizontal levers which can be seen. The arm was then held in place by a ratchet.
In addition Roy Hart comments :- Latchley was opened with the line in 1908. As opened, it was called Cox's Park Depot. There was a siding opposite the platform and also a stationmaster's house. The photo is probably the stationmaster's family and station staff. Note the signal post on the right: this was the only signal and it carried both 'up' and 'down' arms. The arms were operated by the horizontal levers which can be seen. The arm was then held in place by a ratchet.
Hingston Down Quarry. A loop and siding served this location - date of removal unknown. However here are the quarry buildings.
Chilsworthy Halt
North of Gunnislake
Gunnislake
The line between Callington and Gunnislake was closed on the 7th November 1966 and lifted with effect from the 7th June 1967,
This smashing view of Gunnislake station taken when the branch was very much in use is courtesy the Mike Morant Collection. Note the large number of vans and wagons in the yard. Just one car and a motorcycle combination are the only evidence of private transport other than a bicycle leaning on the station wall. If living in Gunnislake village the cyclist would have had to face a stiff climb up and a dangerous descent down.
Gunnislake in the springtime. The passing loop here was taken out of use on the closing of the line beyond this point wef 7th November 67. The very small signalbox which lies by the buffers at the left hand side of the picture was closed 5th May 1968. The sidings, just visible on the bottom right, were taken out of use 2nd Aug 68. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Ron Kosys visited Gunnislake twice on railrovers the first time in 1971 the second time a year later.
A shot of the low bridge over the A390 as a Bere Alston bound train heads away from the well signposted Gunnislake station. The warning of the 12' 4" high bridge ahead is extremely close to the very nasty obstacle. One hopes that there were earlier warnings.
Copyright Sid Sponheimer. The centre of Gunnislake is nigh on a mile away down a very steep hill.
Gunnislake in 1976
Gunnislake became a terminus on 7 November 1966, the service to Callington railway station having closed the previous Saturday. The original station was on the west side of the road bridge (Seen above) but in 1994 it was replaced by a new station on the east (Calstock) side which has allowed the low (12 feet – 3.6m) bridge to be demolished.
The old bridge in its last days
- The new Gunnislake station
Drakewells
Sandyways Level Crossing. An open crossing requiring all traffic to 'Stop, look and proceed' Situated on a steady gradient up rowards Gunnislake.
A visit up to the Gunnislake branch on the 10th February 2023 to see the progress on the crossing enhancements.
The branch from Plymouth to Gunnislake is a remarkable journey. Sweeping under the Royal Albert Bridge and heading along the river bank following the steps of former crack Southern express services up til Bere Alston. The tempting prospect of the line extending here to Tavistock has great support. Our train however will reverse and set off towards Gunnislake, a meandering trip which sees severe gradients to the majestic Calstock viaduct.
The journey from Calstock to Gunnlislake is 2 miles by road, but the railway performs a series of curves as it reaches destination. Two open crossings in rural settings have to be negotiated, Okeltor and Sandways. Both require the train driver to stop and blow the horn prior to crossing the road. Both these crossings are set to be converted to AOCL crossings in the near future. No barriers will be provided, but road lights and a train drivers white light will show the crossing functioning correctly and will negate the requirement to stop. Both crossings are near to road junctions, as can be seen in the pictures, another headache for the teams involved in the enhancements.
The branch from Plymouth to Gunnislake is a remarkable journey. Sweeping under the Royal Albert Bridge and heading along the river bank following the steps of former crack Southern express services up til Bere Alston. The tempting prospect of the line extending here to Tavistock has great support. Our train however will reverse and set off towards Gunnislake, a meandering trip which sees severe gradients to the majestic Calstock viaduct.
The journey from Calstock to Gunnlislake is 2 miles by road, but the railway performs a series of curves as it reaches destination. Two open crossings in rural settings have to be negotiated, Okeltor and Sandways. Both require the train driver to stop and blow the horn prior to crossing the road. Both these crossings are set to be converted to AOCL crossings in the near future. No barriers will be provided, but road lights and a train drivers white light will show the crossing functioning correctly and will negate the requirement to stop. Both crossings are near to road junctions, as can be seen in the pictures, another headache for the teams involved in the enhancements.
Calstock Church Cutting. Between Sandyway Crossing and Okeltor crossing the lines passes around the shoulder of the hill in a deep cutting close by Calstock Church.
Okeltor Level Crossing. An open crossing situated on a steep gradient, on a tight bend, under trees. Trains and road vehicles were required to 'Stop and Proceed' here. The road crossing is also on a steep gradient and at at 'Tee' junction. Rail traction finds this a very difficult place at which to get restarted with up trains.
Okeltor level crossing during a period when the line between Calstock and Gunnislake was closed to permit the reconstruction of Gunnislake station on its new site. The closure was for twelve weeks from 31st January 1994. This picture, looking down the line towards Calstock, was taken on 5th February 1994. Copyright Roger Winnen
The journey from Calstock to Gunnlislake is 2 miles by road, but the railway performs a series of curves as it reaches destination. Two open crossings in rural settings have to be negotiated, Okeltor and Sandways. Both require the train driver to stop and blow the horn prior to crossing the road. Both these crossings are set to be converted to AOCL crossings in the near future. No barriers will be provided, but road lights and a train drivers white light will show the crossing functioning correctly and will negate the requirement to stop. Both crossings are near to road junctions, as can be seen in the pictures, another headache for the teams involved in the enhancements. 150 248 at Okeltor Crossing - 10th February 2023. Copyright Craig Munday
Calstock Viaduct
Calstock village
Calstock
A sign of the times!! Four different signs at Calstock - all captured on the same day. Not a complaint - an attractive feature. Pictures by John Cornelius Copyright
Calstock viaduct is out of picture to the left. In the foreground can be seen the river Tamar. Looking closely, in the centre of the picture can be seen a mixed train climbing away towards Okeltor Crossing (just around the bend) The exposed nature of the line here afforded fine views of the viaduct and the river. Unfortunately, in recent years modern bunglows and houses have appeared lineside, their inhabitants, not being rail enthusiasts have sought to block our their view of the train with trees!!! Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Calstock Comparisons Clive Smith
Two pictures of Calstock Viaduct but taken at different times of the year. The first was taken in mid-winter on the 2nd January 1986. A service from Gunnislake crosses the viaduct on a rather dull grey day. The second picture was taken in mid-summer 1987 (date unspecified) . The trees are in full leaf now and the sun is shining . Regards. Clive Smith Many thanks Clive
Bere Alston
N.B. The double track main line between here and Okehampton closed 6th May 1968. For a while Gunnislake trains continued to use the old route on the outside of the island platform until the junction with the main line was moved to form a single line connection with the singled former main line to the south of the station. The signalbox closed on the same date 7th September 1970. It is amusing to note that on one occasion in June 1970 there was a dispute at Plymouth and as a result a refusal to split a train of DMU's. As a result an unusually long train went to Gunniskake - certainly six coaches possibly nine!
Lots to see in this shot. Calstock village clings to the slopes on the Cornish side of the Tamar. This picture is taken from the Devon side near Bere Alston. Beyond the viaduct lies Cotehele Estate, and the triangular Propect Tower. Kit Hill momument stands atop the 1095' high hill - the highest in the Tamar area. 153 318 can be seen crossing Calstock Viaduct forming the 10.54 Plymouth to Gunnnislake. The Callington line climbed the contours of Kit hill to the terminus at Kelly Bray which lay almost directly beyond Kit Hill at a lower level. 25th March 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater
EAST CORNWALL MINERALS RAILWAY
Boat trip down the Tamar and up the Lynher rivers On the 23rd July 1994 the Cornwall Railway Society chartered a boat from Calstock to Plymouth. Before joining the boat we walked from Gunnislake to Calstock Quay. On route we, with permission, walked down the private Calstock incline of the East Cornwall Minerals Railway. On joining the boat the skipper asked where we wanted to go, although our requested route had been advised in writing beforehand. More pictures taken on this trip appear on the Plymouth to Okehampton section.
Other pictures taken from the boat of the Tavy viaduct will be found in the Plymouth to Okehampton section.
More on the East Cornwall Minerals Railway
Attached is a photo of Calstock Incline which I obtained recently. I don't think the photo is particularly rare, but I've been trying to work out what the object is in the lower centre. It looks to me to be similar to an Hornby Dublo point lever! But it would probably take the world's strongest man to operate it! Any ideas? Regards Alan Harris. Many thanks Alan
Calstock Incline ECMR From the Alan Harris Collection This picture is typical of the era with the camera being the novelty. Here we see seven men and a horse having stopped work to pose. Also note a wagon on the incline. What would have happened if the rope snapped!! You can only see part way up the incline here - it curved around to the right and continued to climb. Lime Kilns lay off to the left.
You will find it well worth your while if you visit the 25" to the mile map available below.The map which is pre 1908 shows the E.C.M.R. to its full extent, follow it up the incline and on to Kelly Bary and see the various quarries and sidings. You will also notice various earthworks having been commenced for the standard gauge branch line. The piers of the Calstock viaduct are incomplete as is the formation leading to it. Click below for the map.
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=19&lat=50.4985&lon=-4.2170&layers=168&b=1
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=19&lat=50.4985&lon=-4.2170&layers=168&b=1