Falmouth Branch Line 150th Anniversary Celebrations
25th August 2013

On Sunday 25th August 2013  First Great Western celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Falmouth branch in style by chartering an HST set to run down the down the branch to the terminus at Falmouth Docks. Our train was driven to Falmouth Docks by Leading Driver Phil Jones from Penzance.

We left from platform 3 at Truro and after negotiating the crossover onto the down main and passing through Highertown tunnel we left the main line and set off down the branch towards Falmouth a very rare sight indeed as was witnessed by many waving onlookers as was made our way.

For much of the early part of the run we were given a briefing on the history of the line and the significance of the day by Mr. Charles Howeson Strategic Advisory Board Chairman - his commentary over the trains PA system was very clear and interesting. The names of various crew members were mentioned, and indeed that of one gentleman who was celebrating his 66th birthday.  

The journey on the charter train was by complementary tickets a factor very much appreciated by all on this unique occasion. A collection was taken for the chosen charity which was the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust based in Newton Abbot on the return journey. 


A very sincere thank you to First Great Western, Directors, Management and Staff and in particular to  Vicky Cropper Communications Coordinator for arranging such a memorable 150th Anniversary for the Falmouth branch.  Also much appreciation to FGW for permission to publish their photographs of the event.

Mr. Charles Howeson Chairman of the Strategic Advisory Board who gave the informative commentary over the trains P.A. System. Photograph courtesy of First Great Western

The chartered HST set arrives at Truro e,c,s from Penzance. 09.35 Power car 43150 leading. 25th August 2013 Copyright Roger Salter

In order to conduct the unveiling of the plaque ceremonies at Penryn and Falmouth Docks the official party travelled in coach A at the front of the train heading towards Falmouth. Copyright K. Jenkin

Here the very smart HST is seen making the very unusual maneuver of crossing from the up main to the down main just prior to Highertown Tunnel. 09.40 25th August 2013 Copyright Roger Salter.

Looking through Truro Highertown tunnel, the HST is leaving the down main and heading for Falmouth. 26th August 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

Now along the branch towards Carnon Viaduct.

The HST makes a rare sight as it passes under the first over bridge on the route to Falmouth. 25th August 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

It was indeed a rare privilage to be able to take pictures from a drop down window. Here the train is bending around the curves near the Carnon Viaduct. 25th August 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen.

Carnon Viaduct 765 ft long and maximum height 96'. 
The original timber viaduct was demolished following the opening of the handsome replacement structure w.e.f June 1933.

Carnon viaduct Here is the 2Z12 the return service to Truro crossing this impressive viaduct. The Carnon Valley here was once tidal until silted up by mine waste. The Redruth and Chasewater Railway made its way down this valley en route from Redruth to Devoran and Point. Powercars were 43005 (Falmouth End) & 43150 (Truro End). A superb picture by Mark Lynan, Copyright.

On the outward run the charter ccompletes its crossing of the impressive Carnon Viaduct and heads for Perranwell. 25th August 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen.

Perranwell

Perranwell station, Here the very unusual and impressive train was witnessed on both the outward and return journeys. Once a passing place on the branch operations here were controlled from an unusual 'high level' signalbox at the end of this platform. The former goods shed has found further use as a depot for a local scaffolding firm. 25th August 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen.

This photograph, taken on the return journey shows the attractive little station at Perranwell. The platform in use is the former down platform. The gentleman stnading by the shelter took the following picture. 25th August 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

The return train runs through Perranwell station - 25 August 2013 Copyright Mike Boyko

Penryn

First class luxury at Penryn. 25th August 2013. Copyright Peter Jenkin

Penryn station suitably bedecked with flags to commemorate the anniversary. Once a passing place on the line, this function was restored on 18th May, 2009 using an extended down platform rather providing a footbridge. The passing loop enables a Falmouth bound train to pass a Truro bound train stationary at this end of the platform. Student accommodation for the nearby Tremough University has been established on the former goods yard. 25th August 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen.

Prior to the arrival of the train Council Gillian Grant, Deputy Mayor of Penryn waits to perform the unveiling ceremony of the plaque. To Gillian's right are Rosemary and John Ball (Both CRS Members) Copyright Craig Munday

Taken from the former up platform the HST can be seen approaching alongside the extended down platform. The new Penryn Loop opened on 18th May 2009. Trains for Falmouth would normally use the left hand track to pass a Truro bound service. This picture by Craig Munday, a Network Rail Signalman. Copyright.

Having made her speech Councillor Gillian Grant unveils the plaque at Penryn station. Photograph courtesy of First Great Western Copyright. 25th August 2013

A close up of the plaque at Penryn Station. Taken on 26th August 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

Collegewood Viaduct, Penryn

A fine view of the returning train taken at 10.31 25th August 2013. Copyright Craig Munday

An early morning low level shot by Mike Boyko, the train just emerging onto the viaduct at Collegewood. Copyright.

An 'on train' picture crossing Collegewood viaduct on the return journey. 25th August 2-13 Copyright Roger Winnen.

A view towards Falmouth. 25th August 2013 Copyright Mark Brown

Penmere

Penmere Station has been lovingly cared for over the years by 'Friends of Penmere Platform'. Here spectators stand on the neat platform as we pass steadily through. 25th August 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

Falmouth Town.  Once named 'The Dell'.

A number of spectators were in evidence at Falmouth Town station. 25th August 2013 Copyright Roger Salter

Falmouth Docks - the approach

The HST slowly moves towards the end of the line at Falmouth Docks. The lines to the left lead down to Falmouth Docks and have been disused except for the shipment of coal towards the docks for a short time. The lines seen in this picture together with an associated run-round loop are scheduled for removal shortly. The bridge over Bar Road can be seen in the foreground. 25th August 2013. Copyright Roger Salter.

A pleasant surprise was to see a London Transport Routemaster double decker approaching from the Maritime Museum direction along Bar Road. 25th August 2013 Copyright K. Jenkin

Falmouth Docks station, the terminus, very nearly there. All that remains of the original terminus is the short platform. 25th August 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

Falmouth Town Station

A general view of the 'Plaque Ceremony' at Falmouth Town station. 25th August 2013. This picture by Derek Buttivant Copyright.

The introductory speech by Councillor Geoffrey Evans Mayor of Falmouth. 25th August 2013 Picture courtesy of First Great Western. Copyright

The Mayor unveils the plaque. 25th August 2013. Photograph courtesy of First Great Western. Copyright.

The plaque together with a very attractive mural which has adorned the station for some time. 26th August 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

Seen here in the leading cab of the HST for the journey to Falmouth is our driver. Leading Driver Phil Jones of Penzance Depot being congratulated on a very smooth run and on his long service by Falmouth Town Mayor Councillor Geoffrey Evans. Photograph Courtesy First Great Western, Copyright.

Some of the spectators at the buffer stop at Falmouth Docks. The gentleman to the extreme left is John Ball, Treasurer of the Friends of Penmere Platform and also a committee member of the Cornwall Railway Society. Earlier in the week John gave a lecture on the history of the branch at 'The Poly', Falmouth. 25th August 2013 Photograph courtesy of First Great Western, Copyright.

'Alight at Falmouth Docks for the 22 Bus to Piccadilly Circus'. The London Transport Routemaster adds some delightful colour to this picture at Falmouth Town. Copyright Roger Winnen

The return to Truro

Passing signal T5 on the approach to Penwithers Junction and the main line. Truro Highertown tunnel is visible in the distance. Copyright Roger Winnen 25th August 2013

Back at Truro 
Where the last commemorative plaque was unveiled.

The party waits while the chartered HST departs on its return journey to Penzance and peace returns. 25th August 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

First Great Western special train, Falmouth line. Mayor of Truro Loic Rich unveiling of the plaque., Truro station. Aug 27, 2013. Photograph courtesy of First Great Western.

The third and last plaque to be unveiled - that at Truro. 25th August 2013 Copyright Roger Salter

Many thanks also to our 'on train' and 'lineside' photographers for their immense contribution. Individuals are credited on each picture.

Also many thanks to First Great Western for the magnificent buffet which was arranged for participants on our return to Truro - a grand celebration.