Callington branch

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.

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

In the final days of steam enthusiasts were much in evidence. Here we see at least two photographers dashing for 'that shot'. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

A view from the buffers as 41309 fills the train shed with smoke and steam. A spare set of coaches number 172 stands alongside the train shed. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

A classic shot by Mike Roach. Callington Mar62 - the shed, the station and steam. Copyright Mike Roach

Fame at last, and why not? Posing for the camera on 41302 is is Sid's brother Roger at Callington station. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Enthusiasts return past the attractive signal cabin at Callington. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Shunting work in progrees at the throat of Callington station. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Mike Roach Ticket Collection

41238 with steam to spare at Callington Aug 63 Copyright Mike Roach

41238 stands at the head of a service for Bere Alston, Departure must be imminent, the guard with his hand on the door chats to station staff. August 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

Minutes later 41238 sets off passing 41315 which is standing outside the shed. August 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

02 class 30225 inside the shed at Callington in April 1955 Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection.

You've heard about Ivo Peters and his Riley car which appears in his renowned photographs. Well here is Sid Sponheimers equivalant, his 50cc DKW Hummel Super pink motorcycle rests against a convenient hedge near Callington. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Near Callington a down train 41317 Oct61 Copyright Mike Roach

Luckett

A view from the bridge as a 41315 bound for Callington approaches - there appear to be net curtains in the windows. 27th October 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

A Plymouth bound train enters the station the buildings of which had quite an interesting and attractive design. 27th October 1963 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Luckett May 1961 Sidings still in use. Copyright Mike Roach

Luckett station courtesy of the Mike Morant Collection.

Ian H. Lane took this excellent photograph of 30758 Lord St Levan with a freight train on the Callington Branch Copyright Ian H. Lane. Len Baker, a former driver on this line is remembered by us in this picture. The Callington branch gave marvelous views from its upper levels.

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.

A Bere Alston bound train enters Latchley, the train having just passed over the level crossing. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

A double headed train heading for Callington runs into Latchley. Copyright Sid Sponheimer. The goods siding here was removed in the 50's.

Sid Sponheimer has caught a Callington bound train crossing the minor road here, no flashing lights or barriers in those days! Copyright.

Hingston Down Quarry. A loop and siding served this location - date of removal unknown. However here are the quarry buildings.

Chilsworthy Halt

A mixed train stands at Chilsworthy in July 1964. Copyright Mike Roach

A Callington bound train slows to a stop at Chilsworthy. Chilsworthy, a small village was a short distance downhill from the station. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

North of Gunnislake

41309 works hard up the grade north of Gunnislake. 2nd November 1963. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

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.

The train in the station is probably waiting for a Callington bound service to arrive before it can proceed downgrade towards Calstock and Bere Alston.

41238 arrives at Gunnislake. The signal in the distance is still in the off position for this incoming train. August 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

Presumably the same train stands at Gunnislake, note the coal wagon in the sidings. The gentleman in in a light coat would appear to be station staff as he does not depart with the train. August 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

It would appear that this is a short working from Bere Alston to Gunnislake as 41238 has run round its train ready to return downhill again. Note to the right the platform access comes up a ramp from the subway. August 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

41238 sets off for Bere Alston rejoining the single line. The access to the subway is to the left. Back on the platform the 'light coated gentleman can be seen behind the departing train. August 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

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 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.

Gunnislake 23rd August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys The driver is still in the cab, the guard walks up the platorm maybe to drop the tail lamp seen in the cab on its bracket for the journey back to Bere Alston.

Ron ventures past the sign at Gunnislake to take a cautious view towards Plymouth. It is the 23rd August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Rons second trip up the branch to Gunnislake this time on the 10th August 1972 Copyright Ron Kosys. Note the sign in the previous photograph has disappeared - is it somewhere safe, or has it gone for scrap?

Gunnislake again on the 10th August 1972 - we're at the Plymouth end of the platform. Presumably the tail light will stay on the wrong end of the train until it gets to Bere Alston where on reversal it will be at the right end! Copyright Ron Kosys

Gunnislake 10th August 1972. Stepping back a little there seem to be a few potential passengers on the platform. The entry and exit from the island platform was by means of s subway at the this end. Copyright Ron Kosys

And finally a grand overview of Gunnislake station as it was on the 10th August 1972 Copyright Ron Kosys

Looking pretty run down. Copyright John Cornelius

The old station at Gunnislake, abandoned, as seen 23rd July 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen

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 official notice. 5th February 1994

This is the minibus which provided a service between Calstock and the station site at Gunnislake whilst conversion work was in progress is seen here waiting at the foot of the slope leading to Calstock station. 5th February 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen

The old bridge in its last days

5th February 1994 - Note the mile post. Copyright Roger Winnen

A collection by Andrew Triggs. Looking down the hill through the form bridge location towards Gunnislake village. The New station is accessed off the right the former station was to the left. 1st November 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Looking beyond the bridge towards the new station site. There was a considerable amount of excavation and removal of materials to lower the trackbed to the new station level. 5th February 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen

Looking back from the bridge to the old station. 5th February 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen

Demolitian of the Gunnislake station site almost complete, Now it is a small housing development albeit with a superb view and excellent rail facilities close by! This picture taken 5th February 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen

The old Gunnislake station site as seen on the 1st November 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

The old Gunnislake stations site - looking towards the station entrance - the opposite way to the previous photograph. 1st November 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Just beyond Gunnislake station and heading towards Callington the line passed under a bridge carrying a minor road, This is the view on 1st November 2019 looking back towards the station. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Standing on the bridge mentioned above and this time looking towards Callington one can see that the trackbed has disappeared under the garden of a development. 1st November 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

The timberwork of this bridge still bears its B.R. location number of CAL 454. Copyright Andrew Triggs. 1st November 2019.

The new Gunnislake station

A copy of the plan of the new station as drawn by Peter Butt Cornwall Railway Society member for Cornwall County Council.

A general view of the 'brand new' Gunnislake station on the 23rd July 1994. The modern station is well provided for trippers with a bus stop and ample parking space for those who wish to sample the delights of the 'Tamar Line'. Copyright Roger Winnen

Gunnislake new station. The track was orginally higher here climbing in order to cross the bridge over the road. However, in order to comply with the requirement that the train should be on level track whilst the driver changes ends the track was lowered. 23 July 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen

This could almost be a publicity shot, but it isn't. The train stands at the terminus whilst two, sorry three, including the dog, recently disembarked passengers study the OS map at the start of their ramble. 23 July 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen

Gunnislake, 17th October 2008. 153382 awaits the 1219 departure to Plymouth. Copyright David Andrews

A rare visitor indeed at Gunnislake on Friday 17th March 2006. An engineering inspection train - in the daylight. Copyright Nathan Stockman

Gunnislake - a dramatic photograph indeed taken at 01.38 on the 7th February 2017 of 1q06 powered by 37057. Copyright Craig Munday

Gunnislake 150216 awaits to depart on the 19.13 2P94 service to Plymouth 17th November 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam

Seen in the 'mizzel' as the guard advise control of the safe arrival of his train at Gunnislake. 1st October 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Drakewells

Class 20 20904 & 901near Drakewells on weedkilling duties 5Apl92 Copyright Roger Geach

With Dartmoor as a backdrop 153318 passes Wheal Edward (between Gunnislake and Calstock) with the 1345 Gunnislake to Plymouth 25th March 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

Sandyways Level Crossing. An open crossing requiring all traffic to 'Stop, look and proceed' Situated on a steady gradient up rowards Gunnislake.

Sandyway Crossing Ivat 2MT tank Jul64 Copyright Mike Roach

A heritage two car set makes smoke as it grinds it way towards Sandway Level Csossing. An unusual and pleasing view by Sid Sponheimer. Copyright

The Gunnislake branch closed beyond Calstock for 12 weeks commencing 31st January 1994 to allow the construction of a new station at Gunnislake. Here are the rusty rails at Sandyway Level Crossing on the 5th February 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen

Sandyways Crossing at 14.58 on the 28th September 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

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.

The two engines amble past on their way down towards Calstock. Sid's brother Roger waits patiently to continue the road tour of the branch. Copyright.

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

150 122 with Okeltor Level Crossing just beyond the train. 11th April 2015 Copyright Ron Westwater

Calstock Viaduct

Calstock village

An unusual view taken by Ron Westwater of a class 150 122 on the climb above Calstock on the 11th April 2015 Copyright

153318 climbs up through Calstock with the 10.54 Plymouth to Gunnislake. 25th March 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

Calstock

41275 taking water at Calstock Mar62 Copyright Mike Roach

Its now August 1963 and 41238 takes water at Calstock prior to the long climb to Callington. Quite what might have been in the substantial boxes stored on the platform is unknown. Copyright Mike Roach

Going back to the days when Calstock station had staff. A Callington bound service runs off the viaduct and into the station with its sharply curving platform. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Calstock 23rd August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys. Remember those condemned vans which stood on the remnants of the loop taken out of use in May 1968. Note the lady on the platform.

Calstock 23rd August 1971. The young lady prepares to board the Plymouth bound train. The fate of the vans on the old loop is visible. Copyright Ron Kosys

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. 41291 having crossed the viaduct light engine makes for Bere Alston. 18th July 1964 Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

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

A service coasts across the viaduct and into Calstock station. August 1963. Copyright Mike Roach. Its the days of VHF television note the 'X' aerial attached to the chimney near the signal, passing trains must have affected to reception here!

Calstock viaduct, the classic view on the 11th April 2015 Copyright Ron Westwater

A view from downstream as 153318 on the 1545 Gunnislake to Plymouth crosses the 120'high Calstock Viaduct. Looks like the ducks are expecting a late lunch! 25th March 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

An unusual view of Calstock from a lane on the south side 2nd May 2016 (153 325) Copyright Ron Westwater

The same train as above. Calstock from the south side 2nd May 2016 Copyright Jenny Westwater

Looking ahead, or back! Calstock viaduct. Copyright John Cornelius

Dramatic lighting at Calstock viaduct as 150 221 working the 2G72 to Plymouth crosses. 28th September 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

The view of Calstock viaduct from Cotehele House. 2nd Dec 2021 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

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

41275 waits with a Callington train at Bere Alston Mar62 Copyright Mike Roach

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!

An undated picture from the Mike Morant collection taken almost certainly from a train arriving at Bere Alston from the Callington direction. (That is unless the signalman has been extremely quick in restoring his levers had this train been heading for Callington).

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

Ticket from the Mike Roach Collection dated 6th June 1966 Callington station closed wef 6th November 1966

Proof that the BT Unit went to Gunnislake, well part of it anyway - seen here arriving at Plymouth August 1986. Copyright Mike Roach

6th February 2017 1q06 37057 at Gunnislake Copyright Craig Munday

Bere Alston 150216 Bere Alston - a quick one while the crew change ends 17th November 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam

The token carried on all passenger workings. This is obtained from a box at St Budeaux Victoria Road station. Besdies being the token for the branch it is also used to release the ground frame at Bere Alston. Picture taken on the 28th September 2018. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

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