Features April to June 2018

Features April to June 2018

Features From April to June 2018
1810 The G.B. Railtour on route Westbury, Yeovil, Weymouth and Wareham 26 April 2018
1811 The CRS Visit to St Phillips Marsh Depot. 28th April 2018
1812 'Slim Jim' at Plymouth in 1983 Clive Smith
1813   The Visit of the Cornwall Railway Society to Pentewan on Saturday 19th May 2018 led by Bob Evans
1814    37405 with Inspection Saloon 'Caroline' works the 08.06 Bristol Temple Meads to Bristol Temple Meads via Penzance
1815     Visiting the remains of the Redlake Tramway on 31st May 2018. An    event organised by Colin Burgess from Christow
1816     The Cornwall Railway Society Riding the Rails of Devon together with
              Steam To Kingswear and the Cathedrals Express on Sunday
1817      'The Cornishman' with 35028 Clan Line Bristol to Par and return
1818    'The Cornishman' Tame Bridge Parkway to Penzance 23rd June 2018

1818 Pathfinder Rail Tours The Mazey Day 'Cornishman' Tame Bridge Parkway to Penzance 23rd June 2018

180623c50011 Centurion and 50006 Neptune on the 111X Tame Parkway to Penzance passing Westerleigh 23 Jun 18 002 Copyright David Field

180623d 50011 Centurion and 50006 Neptune on the 111X Tame Parkway to Penzance passing Westerleigh 23 Jun 18 004 Copyright David Field

180623a 50049 & 50007 is seen approaching Marsh Barton on the Mazey Day special to Penzance. Copyright David Tozer

180623i 2785 1Z50 05.40 Tame Parkway to Penzance is seen at Laira Junction. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

180623k class 50s at Lostwithiel 23rd June 2018 Andrew Jones

Lostwithiel 12.35 23rd June 2018 Copyright John Hird

180623u Here we see the special at Dowglas west of Burngullow on its run to Penzance. Copyright Julian Stephens

180623z 50049 and 50007 About to go under Apex Bridge, although it is the Mazey Day 'Cornishman', the headboard (Slim 1964-2014) carried by the leading engine commemorates Neil (Slim) Morgan, an active volunteer who passes away after an illness in 2014. 50049 Defiance carried this headboard during the Severn Valley Diesel Gala in October 2014 paying tribute to Slim Morgan. Copyright Mick House

180623y 50049 50007 nearing Gwinear Road on route to Penzance. Copyright Craig Munday

180623s 50049 & 50007 Crossing Angarrack Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

180623t The Mazey Day 'Cornishman' crossing Angarrack Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

180624zd The duo crosses Angarrack Viaduct. Copyright Roger Salter

180623e 50049 Heads the train as it approaches St Erth. Copyright Ollie Turrell

180623r Approaching Marazion with the 05.40 Tame Bridge Parkway-Penzance running 4 mins late. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180623w The crowds alight from the Mazey Day special at Penzance. Copyright Keith Jenkin

180623s Propelling to slopers siding from Platform 1. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180623z 50049 50007 has backed its train into slopers siding. Copyright Craig Munday

180623zf Running around at slopers siding. Copyright Roger Salter

180623 The Class 50s running around at slopers siding. Copyright Roger Salter.

180623zg 50006 Neptune in slopers siding. Copyright Roger Salter

180623zh 50011 Centurian and 50006 Neptune in slopers siding. Copyright Roger Salter

180623h It feels like the 1980s again as they sit in Platform 1. Copyright Ollie Turrell

180623zn 50011 and 50006 Stands at Platform 1. The true identity of the locomotives are against the wall. Copyright Roger Aston

180623f The two locos sit in Platform 1 at Penzance after running around its train. Copyright Ollie Turrell

180623zo The pair of 50s photographed from the 15.52 to London Paddington. Copyright Roger Aston

180623o The return special viewed from the 15.00 service Penzance to Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

180623t The return 16.07 to Tame Bridge Parkway, Copyright Andrew Triggs

180623zi The return special heads up Marazion Marsh. Copyright Roger Salter

180623g The engines roar across Hayle Viaduct on the return journey. Copyright Ollie Turrell

180623ww The returning special is seen passing Redruth Station. Copyright Keith Jenkin

180623zp The returning Mazey Day Cornishman arrives at Truro. Copyright Roger Aston

180623zq Details of the other side 50007 Hercules.Copyright Roger Aston

180623zr 50049 Defiance at Truro. Copyright Roger Aston

180623ww The returning special is seen climbing from Coombe to Burngullow. Copyright Julian Stephens

180623p The return Mazy Day special races through Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

180623q Par Station with the pair of Class 50s returning to Tame Bridge Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

180623r An unusual photograph as members of the train crew relax in the engines cab as the train races through Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

180623x 50049 50007 on the return journey at Restormel. Copyright Craig Munday

The 50's cross Combe by Saltash viaduct. 23rd June 2018 Copyright Joh Hird.

The returning 50's enter England!! 23rd June 2018. Copyright John Hird

Taking Hemerdon Bank in their stride. The returning Cornishman. 23rd June 2018. Copyright John Hird

Almost over the top - the pair haul the long train up the notorious Hemerdon Bank John Hird. Copyright

1817 'The Cornishman' Sunday 17th June 2018
The first ever visit to Cornwall of 35028 Clan Line hauling the 08.00 Bristol to Par

180617r 35028 Stands at Platform 4 at Exeter St David's.Copyright Martin Duff

-35028 Clan Line-passes-Marsh-Barton-10-43-on-the-17th-june-2018-copyright-david-tozer

-35028 Clan Line-passing-Laira on the down-Cornishman-11-45-17th-june-2018-copyright-trevor-tremethick

35028 Clan Line enters Cornwall--at-12-10-on-17th-june-2018-copyright-Ross-Griffiths

35028 Clan Line-at-Blackbridge-17th-june-2018-Copyright Peter-Murnaghan

180617a 35028 Clan Line arrives at Bodmin Parkway working the 08.00 Bristol to Par 'The Cornishman' on Sunday 17th June 2018 Copyright Roger Winnen

180617b The first Merchant Navy ever to visit Cornwall prepars to departs Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

180617p Clan Line awaits departure from Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Leslie Curnow

180617c The train ran into the Newquay Platform at Par where the passingers alighted for various coach trips. - Copyright Roger Winnen

180617d The engine and its train departs for St Blazey for turning etc. Copyright Roger Winnen

180617za 35028 Clan Line approaches St Blazey after detraining the passengers at Par. Copyright Craig Munday

180617zb Clan Line in the yard at St Blazey catching the partial sunlight for a few minutes. Copyright Craig Munday

180617zc 35028 Clan Line backing towards the turntable at St Blazey. Copyright Craig Munday

180617e The sun came out at St Blazey for a few minutes brightening up the photograph as the engine passes the turntable. Copyright Roger Winnen

180617zd The last glimer of sunlight at St Blazey as Clan Line prepars to enter the turntable road. Copyright Craig Minday

180617ze The driver of Clan Line. Copyright Craig Munday

180617zf On the turntable at St Blazey with the local railway enthusiast gaining a ringside view. Copyright Craig Munday

180617zg 35028 Clan Line waiting to be turned. Copyright Craig Munday

180617g Clan Line on the turntable at St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

180617g Many hands make light work so they say! This dosn't apply to turning engines at St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

180617h A fine sight indeed on the turntable. Copyright Roger Winnen

180617i The engine has now been turned ready to return to its train for the 17.30 return working to Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Roger Winnen

180617q The crowd gathered around the turntable at St Blazey - Copyright Leslie Curnow

180617zh The driver on the left with Mark Bartlett of St Blazey who conducted was in his element on the footplate Copyright Craig Munday

180617zi Clan Line has attached to its train in St Blazey yard and waits to propel it stock to the former St Blazey Station before running then into Platform 3 at Par Station. Copyright Craig Munday

180617zj 35028 Clan Line arrives with its stock at Par Station.. Copyright Craig Munday

180617j Plenty of spectators at Par Station to witness the first Merchant Navy Class engine seen in Cornwall. Copyright Roger Winnen

180617zk Crossing the border into Devon 35028 comes off the Royal Albert Bridge. Copyright Craig Munday

180617l 35028 Clan Line departs Plymouth Station for Bristol Temple Meads at 19.12. Copyright Roger Winnen

180617m A fine sight as the Merchant Navy departs Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

180617n Plenty of action in this photograph as Clan Line slips, however the driver soon brought her under control!. Copyright Roger Winnen

180617o Clan Line heads for Mutley Tunnel. Copyright Roger Winnen

180617p Clan Line approaching Mutley Tunnel. Copyright Roger Winnen

180617zl Hammering up Hemerdon Bank in the thick drizzle at a good 25 m.p.h. Copyright Craig Munday

1816 The Cornwall Railway Society Riding the Rails of Devon together with Steam to Kingswear on Saturday 9th June 2018 & Sunday 10th

180609c Restoration of the Camping Coaches at Dawlish Warren continues, the site is expected to reopen in 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609d Members of the CRS gather on the Historic Footbridge at Dawlish Warren. Peter Bragg, John Quick, Tony Brokenshire and Roger Salter. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609e A pair of Great Western 143s rounds the bend at Langstone Rock working the 10.21 service from Paignton to Exmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609f The 07.41 Penzance to Paddington passes the 10.16 Paignton to Exmouth service in the platform and the Camping Coaches at Dawlish Warren - Copyright Roger Winnen

180609g The 13.08 service to London Paddington departs Paignton Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609h 45212 Pulls into Paignton Station with the 06.35 Woking to Kingswear via Bristol. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609i With Lostock Hall painted on its buffer beam 45212 prepares to depart for Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609j Departure from Paignton as the cylinder cocks of the black five open up. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609k 47746 Chris Fudge tails the train to Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609b 45212 passing Saltern Cove 09.06.2018 Copyright Trevor Tremethick

180609l The Black Five returns from Kingswear to Churston for turning. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609m Turning 45212 at Churston. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609n Awaiting departure for Queens Park at Paignton where the engine takes on more coal, then returns to Kingswear bunker first to couple to its train for Bristol and Woking. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609o 45212 takes on coal adjacent to the main line station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609p 45212 was built by Sir Armstrong Whitworth at Newcastle upon Tyne in 1935. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609q The South Western Train service to London Waterloo at 17.25 stands at Platform 1 at Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609r Ancient and Modern Art at Exeter St David's members of the CRS left to right Keith Jenkin, Tony Brokenshire, Roger Winnen, John Quick and Peter Bragg. Photograph by Valerie Jenkin

180609s 57602 Restormel Castle on the 17.51 service to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609t Here we see the Loco and coaches 57602 Restormal Castle on the 17,51 Exeter St David's to Penzance arriving at Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609u The return working to Woking is seen passing Newton Abbot at 18.42. Copyright Roger Winnen

180609a On a perfect June evening Black 5 45212 thunders through Newton Abbot Platform 3. 9th June 2018 Copyright Keith Jenkin

180609v 47746 Chris Fudge is seen bringing up the rear of the train. Copyright Roger Winnen

Sundays Cathedrals Express with 45212
Trevor Tremethick

180610a 45212 Goodrington Bank, Cathedrals Express 10.06.2018. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

180610b 45212 Waterside, Cathedrals Express 10.06.2018. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

1815 Visiting the remains of the Redlake Tramway. An event on 31st May 2018 organised by Colin Burgess from the Teign Valley Railway.

Colin Burges organised this visit through the good services of the Datmoor National Park who graciously gave us the opportunity of the services of Ella Briens a Dartmoor National Park Ranger who give us an 'in depth' tour of the Route of the Redlake Tramway from Ivybridge.
We are most grateful to Ella for bowing to our needs and making it a most enjoyable afternoon.
Those participating where Bernard Mills, Amyas Crump, Mike Hitchens, and Roger Winnen. The organiser was left behind and followed the party on route to the southern most tor of Dartmoor.

The Redlake Tramway was opened in 1913 following a two year construction period. The purpose of the line was to carry men to the recently constructed china clay works at Redlake in the morning and to convey trucks of coal for the pumping engines there. An engine shed was built at Cantrell 200 yards east of the Tramway start point. Also nearby were two sidings which were linked to the GWR main line along with Redlake Sidings signal box. The lines was 8 miles and 17 chains long with a 3 feet gauge single track starting at an elevation of 740 feet ascending to Redlake on Dartmoor at 1490 feet. A 2 feet gauge track was initially laid to construct the line.

Journey time was 30 minutes and the loco would return in the evenings with trucks of waste sand. The clay itself was conveyed in liquid form via a series of pipes to the settling tanks adjacent to the main line. Monday's train was busiest as the workers preferred to stay for week at a hostel on the moor at Redlake returning to families at weekend. When opened the tramway carried 120 men daily and 300 tons of material weekly.

Within a year the outbreak of the First World War would see a manpower shortage and low demand for clay. In addition the clay was found to be of poor quality. Economic problems for the china clay company followed immediately but production did slowly increase again after the war. Sadly the 1932 depression saw production cease and the track was demolished in 1933 and the locos scrapped. The GWR siding and box were removed the same year. The Cantrell clay setting tanks pan kilns and linhays adjacent to the main line lay idle until 1938 and then became an agricultural engineering works until the mid 2000s . Many enthusiasts who have passed by on trains will know them as Western Machinery which was one of the owners for many years.

The Tramway's first loco was a construction engine of 2 feet gauge. This was a Wren class 0-4-0 saddle tank with 6 x 9 inch outside cylinders with little weather protection. From 1913 the line had two locomotives. The main loco was a 3 feet gauge Kerr Stuart 0-4-2 side tank Waterloo class number 1228 named C A Hanson after the principal director and carried brass name plates. Its livery was uncertain but some sources say it was GW green but others said a red crimson. The second loco used was named Dartmoor but was kept for shunting and standby at Cantrell. This was an 0-4-2 saddle tank but of smaller Tattoo class. C A Hanson was scrapped in 1921 and Dartmoor took over duties between 1921—28 when a new engine purchased. This was a steam tractor built by Atkinson Walker Waggons Ltd number 111 and named Lady Mallaby Deeley after the proprietors wife. Rolling stock consisted of three bogie passenger carriages, twelve five- ton coal trucks and twelve five-ton sand trucks.

I have included two links,see below, which may be of interest to anyone wanting to know more of the history of the line, its employees and the life they lived as well as the clay industry. For anyone wishing to get their walking boots on and explore the track bed then the BBC Devon link will hopefully spike their interest if I haven't already. If you are quite fit then most of the track bed can be incorporated into a long walk from Princetown to Ivybridge. Good luck with that.

Redlake Tramway / Legendary Dartmoor www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk › Historic Dartmoor

Discover Devon Stroll the Puffing Billy Track
www.classicguide.co.uk/attractions/the-puffing-billy-track.html

I would like to thank Lesley Thatcher of the Ivybridge Heritage and Archives Group for her help in providing the source book for this feature which is E A Wade's 'The Redlake Tramway & China Clay Works' published 1982 by Twelveheads Press of Chacewater.

Regards
Clive Smith

Many thanks to you Clive for giving us this most interesting information on the Redlake Tramway

180531c The Dartmoor National Park 'Utilicon starts its climb from the Cantrell Terminus. Western Beacon the southern most peak of Dartmoor can be seen on the right. Copyright Colin Burges

180531d The old dries at Catrell can be seen from Weston Beacon together with the bridge crossing over the top of the incline. Copyright Colin Burges

180531e An HST can be seen approaching the former Catrell Terminus on route to Plymouth and the Westcountry. Copyright Colin Burges

180531f An HST in the landscape taken from Western Beacon. Copyright Colin Burges

180531h Bittaford from Western Beacon showing part of the viaduct and the old A38 road. Copyright Colin Burges

The start of the tramway track looking west. Copyright Clive Smith

The track bed shirts around west and north around Western Beacon. Copyright Clive Smith

Turning north the tramway trackbed in the foreground with the mainline viaduct and Ivybridge to the rear. Copyright Clive Smith

180531i Climbing from the top of the incline of which we will see later at 740 feet above sea level the line rises to 1490 feet above sea level near the terminus - Copyright Roger Winnen

180531j Ella Briens with her unitilicon parked on the trackbed of the Redlake Tramway, the participants have discovered old rail. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531k These massive concrete structures have old rail attached. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531l Cameraman Mike Hitchens at work. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531m More rail under these boulders. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531n Bernard Mills stepping it out to observe this piece of rail. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531o The trsck alignment is clinbing all the way and skirting the contours of the hills. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531p Leftlake Bridge built of stone and brick 5 miles 17 chains from the terminus at Catrell. There was a passing siding of loop at Leftlake when the pit was reopened in the 1920s. Copyright Roger Winnen

The bridge at Leftlake taken in May 1998. Copyright Clive Smith

180531q The trackbed over the bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531r Our Dartmoor Ranger Ella speaks to a family enjoying Dartmoor. Copyright Roger Winnen - Copy

180531t On rounding the next bend the Redlake Tramway China Clay tip comes into view as the mist rolls in. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531tt A zoomed in photograph was taken before the mist creept in and completely obliterated this view. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531u Remnents of the railway after leaving Leftlake Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531v The intersection with the Two Moors Way was the limit of our journey today as time was running out. The remaining track alignment to Redlake was impossible. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531w A view of the pipeline constructed to pump china clay in liquid form from Redlake and Leftlake to Catrell Dries. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531x By this time Ella had turned around the Dartmoor Ranger vehicle for our return journey. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531y On our return journey further traces of this pipeline could be seen which carried clay in liquid form to Catrell. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531z A longer Aquaduct which carried this pipeline. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531za Looking down at the trackbed there appears to be groves of where the track was once laid. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531zb Ella in conversation with a gentleman carrying out a survey of the area whilst we were taking the photos. This was a very nice vehicle. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531zc This was the former Leftlake Pit now flooded with cattle grazing. One cow is seen swimming across the lake! I was to late to see it jump into the water creating a massive splash. Copyright Roger Winnen

The trackbed in the foreground with Leftlake behind on a sunny day. Copyright Clive Smith

180531zd Our untilicon crosses Leftlake Bridge on the return journey. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531ze The clear trackbed at Leftlake, as nothing much grows on the moor. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531zf These were sand and mica dries at Leftlake. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531zg We are back to the area at the top of the Cantrell Incline where there was a winding house. This was demolished at the time of closure. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531g The return working passes the head of the incline. Copyright Colin Burges

180531zi This was the top of the Cantrell Incline being 2100 feet long and on a gradient of 1 in 5. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531zj At this point there are granite sets. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531zk This was the site of the Cantrell Incline Winding House. View taken from inside the moving vehicle. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531a This area is much overgrown since I was last here. This shot was taken from the moor boundary. Copyright Colin Burges

180531b This Loco Shed is a considerable distance beyond the terminus and for some reason could once have been seen from the mainline. Copyright Colin Burges

Cantrell Engine Shed taken in June 2007. Copyright Clive Smith

June 2007 The engine shed with Bittaford Viaduct in the background. Copyright Clive Smith

180531zl Colin Burges stand alonside our untilicon at Cantrell, the foot of the incline was on the right. Copyright Roger Winnen

180531zm Looking in the other direction we see the former Cantrell Dries. Copyright Roger Winnen

1814 37405 with Inspection Saloon 975025 'Caroline' works the 2Z02 Bristol Temple Meads to Bristol Temple Meads via Penzance
Photographs Guy Vincent, Jacob Hampson, Jamie Dyke, Ollie Turrell, Roger Salter, Clive Smith and Roger Winnen

The route being from Bristol Temple Meads-Box-Chippenham (Reverse) -Melksham-Heywood Road Junction (Reverse)-Westbury-Taunton-Penzance-Taunton-Bridgewater-Bristol.

180529a IArrival at Melksham 37405 & 975025 Copyright Guy Vincent

180529b The going away view at Melksham of 37405 & 975025 Copyright Guy Vincent

180529c 975025 & 37405 at Westbury after reversal at Heywood Road Junction. Copyright Guy Vincent

180529d The road is set at Westbury for the departure of 37405 and Caroline 975025 Copyright Guy Vincent

180529e Caroline and 37405 heads west through St Austell. Copyright Jamie Dyke

180529g The duo is seen approaching Truro Signal Box on its run to Penzance. Copyright Jacob Hampson

180529r Caroline and 37405 round the bend into Hayle Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180529j 'Caroline' and 37405 heads through Hayle on route to Penzance. Photo by 14 year old Ollie Turrell. Copyright Ollie Turrell

180529s 37405 brings up the rear of the train at Hayle as a lady photographer captures the scene. Copyright Roger Winnen

180529t 37405 heads across Hayle Viaduct on route to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

180529z 37405 and Caroline is seen crossing Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Ollie Turrell

180529o We see the train entering Penzance Station. Copyright Roger Salter

180529l 975025 Caroline Inspection saloon in Penzance Station. Copyright Roger Salter

180529m Caroline converted at Stewarts Lane from Class 202 DEMU for General Managers Inspection Saloon. Copyright Roger Salter

180529n 37405 and Caroline at Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

180529q 37405 and Caroline at Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

180529u There is quite alot of enthusiastic interest shown at Penzance for this train. Copyright Roger Winnen

180529v 37405 Prepares to propel its train from Penzance. My next stop was Truro Station aboard the 14.49 to Plymouth which was then cancelled after Truro, passengers being conveyed by bus to Plymouth. This train then replaced a failed train on the Falmouth Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

180529k The returning train from Penzance passes under the Ponsandane Footbridge on route to Bristol. Copyright Ollie Turrell

180529h Returning later in the afternoon, Caroline and 37405 approaches Trevingay Crossing, Redruth. Copyright Jacob Hampson

180529w On the approach to Truro Station with coach 'Caroline' Copyright Roger Winnen

180529x Viewed from the Black Bridge at Truro. Copyright Roger Winnen

180529y 37405 heads away through Truro Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180529f Returning from Penzance the train clears the old St Austell Footbridge. Copyright Jamie Dyke

180529z 37405 is seen at Filham east of Ivybridge on its return run to Bristol. Copyright Clive Smith

1813 The Visit of the Cornwall Railway Society to Pentewan on Saturday 19th May 2018 lead by Bob Evans

Following Bobs presentation to the Cornwall Railway Society on Saturday 10th February 2018 at Redruth we were again very pleased that we could have a guided tour of Pentewan and its railways over the years on Saturday 19th May, 2018, this being the day of the Royal Wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Armed with photographs of old Pentewan, Bob gave us an in depth tour of the remains of both the Pentewan Railway 1829 to 1918 and the Pentewan Block and Sand Works which also operated a railway alongside the harbour and out to the pier.
Members were delighted to have the expert knowledge of Bob, a Cornish Historian together with a Railway Enthusiasts.
Many Thanks Bob

The Pentewan Railway was a 2' 6" railway in Cornwall, England. It was built as a horse-drawn tramway carrying china clay from St Austell to a new harbour at Pentewan, and was opened in 1829. In 1874 the line was strengthened for locomotive working. It finally succumbed to more efficient operation at other ports and closed in 1918.

In 1829, Sir Christopher Hawkins made further improvements by linking the harbour to St Austell by means of a horse-drawn tramway that hauled china clay from the quarries on St Austell moor and tin from the Polgooth mines for shipment from Pentewan. Coal was shipped in and transported to the mines and (later) to the St Austell gas works . In 1874, the engineer John Barraclough Fell replaced the tramway with a narrow gauge railway. This operated till 1918, when the rails and locomotives were requisitioned by the War Office. The Pentewan Railway was almost entirely a mineral line, but did occasionally transport passengers on special excursions. A Sunday school outing was described by A.L. Rowse in his memories of a Cornish childhood. Part of the old railway line, from the village of London Apprentice to Pentewan, is now a footpath and cyclepath.

The last trading ship left in 1940. After that, the harbour entrance gradually silted up, though it was still possible for small boats to enter the harbour in the 1960s. Now, although the water-filled basin remains, Pentewan harbour is entirely cut off from the sea.

The above courtesy Wilkipedia.

180519a One of the 2018 buses operating out of St Austell arrives to form a local service. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519b Members of the CRS Party filled this new bus on route to Pentewan, Copyright Roger Winnen

180519c Bob Evans from Pentewan being a local Historian for the Old Cornwall Society and a notable Railway Historian addresses the party. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519d These buildings were the former Pentewan School which now have been converted into a Public House. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519e The entrance to the Railway Trail from Pentewan to St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519f This sluice controlled the water used to flush out the Harbour Basin originally built in 1872. It was restored by the Pentewan Old Cornwall Society in 1991.Copyright Roger Winnen

180519ff An old chair is seen fastened to a granite sleeper block beside the sluice gate on entering Pentewan. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519g This was the original alignment of the Pentewan Railway as it entered the village. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519h The original weighbridge has now been restored as the railway entered the village. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519i An old petrol pump is seen in the hedge. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519j A part of the Pentewan Basin which covered 1,25 acres. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519k The entrance to the sea with the wooden harbour gates. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519l The party on route to the caboose. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519m The restored Caboose Building once the old weigh bridge in the Ship Inn's beer garden and renovated by local residents of Pentewan was unvailed on April 14th 2018 Copyright Roger Winnen

180519n Incorported into its front wall are bricks from Par and Carbis Brickworks. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519o Rails are in evidence around the harbour. At each corner of the harbour there were small turntables to turn the wagon 90 degree. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519p Looking towards Pentewan Village Square. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519q Rails on the Harbour side. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519r Another piece of rail can be seen under the car. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519s Stepping it out on route to the harbour lock gates. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519t Mike Hitchens Gerry Chandler and John Quick looks at the capstain used for closing the gates. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519u The seaward side of these gates have be totally obscured with reeds as the sea now nevers reaches this point. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519v Looking into the inner basin. It is now not possible to walk across these gates owing to their condition. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519w The redundant sluice gates at Pentewan. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519x The notice attached to the sluice gates. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519y Evidence of rails in this area. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519z Underneath the railway incline. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519za Looking towards the Village Square from under the railway incline alongside the harbour. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zb The railway incline on the right of the photograph and rails in situ on the ground level - Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zc The engine shed for engines working the Pentewan Block and Sand Works. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zd The narrow gauge system of the Pentewan Block and Sandworks. Copyright Roger Winnen - Copyright Roger Winnen

180519ze Rails to the engine shed. One of the engines used on this system now resides at the Wheal Martyn Musuem. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zf In 1831 a new pier head was built projecting a 160 feet beyond the old pier head however since the closure of the port following the 2nd World War.this area has now silted up. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zg the remains of the Pentewan Block Works site on the beach at Pentewan. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zh Rail on the beach which was once a part of the Pentewan Block Works extended on the pier. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zi Flat bottom track. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zj Members visiting what remains of the pier. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zk Bob Evans pointing out The Coat of Arms - Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zl This tablet inserted into the harbour wall is dated 1826 when the harbour opened by Sir Christopher Hawkins. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zm The Church at Pentewan was rebuilt in 1821 by Sir Christopher Hawkin in the regency style. Today it only has a number of Festival services a year. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zn The interior of this Church which is opened to visitors daily. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519znn The outside of this Church on the terrace at Pentewan. This church is no longer administered by the Parish Church of St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zp Our party stops for a photographic stop as the decorations are flying for the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. At this point we say a big thank you to Bob for a most interesting tour of Pentewan. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zq Mike Hitchens explores items of railway interest. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zr Back along the village square for lunch. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zs A short visit to Mevegissey Harbour and the museum before returning home.. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zt The fishing boat harbour of Mevegissey. Copyright Roger Winnen

180519zu Welcome back to St Austell Station where the old footbridge will be relocated to the Bala Lake Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen

1812 'Slim Jim Visits Plymouth in 1983
article and pictures by Clive Smith

Class 33/2 'Hastings Line Gauge' locos, commonly known as 'Slim Jims' due to being 7" narrower than other 33s, were very much a rarity outside the Southern Region south east sector before 1985/86. Allocated to Hither Green depot they were the only diesels that could work through the Tonbridge to Hastings section with its famously out-of-gauge tunnels and rolling stock. When the track was singled through the tunnels in the mid 1980s the need for them to remain wholly in the south east was removed.
June 24th 1983 saw 33207 arrive at Plymouth on the 09.35 Exeter to Plymouth, seen here being uncoupled by shunter Dave Palmer. Dave has recently taken early retirement after spending most of his career as a Train Manager or guard as we like to call them. The loco for this train would be anything spare on Exeter stabling point so produced 31s, peaks, 47s and 50s too. The engine would take its stock to Laira and return the coaches as the 17.35 ECS from Laira to Malago Vale sidings in Bristol. However this was routed via Plymouth station in order to detach the Paddington sleeper portion of two coaches to be later added to the portion from Penzance that night. In the second picture 33207 is climbing through Lipson as it approaches Mutley Tunnel. The third picture shows a class 33/2 hauling a mark one sleeper, something I would be surprised exists in many photographs !. Having dropped off the sleeper portion 33207 is seen re-emerging from Mutley Tunnel on its way to Bristol. Fast forward 33 years to 2016 and the same 33207 is seen at Bristol Temple Meads, main line registered in West Coast Railway livery awaiting a steam railtour it was assisting that day. Quite a survivor.

Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks indeed Clive for your article and pictures.

Slim Jim at Plymouth on the 24th July 1983 with 33207 on the 09.35 Exeter to Plymouth, seen here being uncoupled by shunter Dave Palmer. Copyright Clive Smith

Please see details above article. Copyright Clive Smith

For details please see the article above. Copyright Clive Smith

Looking very smart 33207 stands at Bristol Temple Meads. 19th November 2016 Copyright Clive Smith

1811 The Cornwall Railway Society Visit to
St Phillips Marsh Depot
28th April 2018

On our way :-

180428aa All of the CRS Party arrived at Bristol Temple Meads by train from Cornwall Southampton & Newport to enjoy the visit to St Philips Marsh Depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428aaa A reminder of home as Cornish Pasties were on sale in the subway at nearly double the price of buying one in Cornwall. Copyright Roger Winnen

Most of the party :-

180428a The Cornwall Railway Society party arrives at Bristol St Philips Marsh Depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

A slight 'hitch' was when our taxi drivers delivered us to the wrong gate, luckily we were early - however after a long trek around the outside of the depot we arrived on time at the main gate to be welcomed by Mr David Leask. On our trek we passed the oil storage tanks below.

180428b Is Thomas the Tank Engine now running on oil?. Copyright Roger Winnen

We've arrived - the party enters via the main gate. 28th April 2018 Copyright Kevin Jenkin.

An Introduction.
The CRS visit to Great Western Railway's Bristol depot at St Philip's Marsh followed an interesting talk in 2017 by the then depot manager, John Saville. It is thanks to the current Senior Production Manager at the depot, David Leask that we were able to see the site at first hand. The depot - known for short as "SPM" - covers a huge area and is most unusual in its layout with trains able to enter from two directions. HSTs usually arrive from the "London" end while "west units" (dmus of several classes) normally come in from the west (Exeter) end. Each type follows its own path through servicing, maintenance and washing facilities ready to be stabled, usually overnight, before going back into service.

Advancing electrification and consequent rolling stock changes present problems both for the staff and facilities at SPM: staff have to learn their way around new train types and a complete remodelling of the depot and its equipment is needed because while new Intercity Express Trains (IETs) are to be maintained at a new Hitachi plant at Stoke Gifford, many more dmus with controlled emission toilets will be coming to SPM. Members could see at close hand how vehicles an be raised on jacks, wheel sets are re-profiled, brake blocks changed and a myriad of maintenance tasks carried out such as door repairs, windscreen replacement, engine servicing and underframe cleaning.

Grateful thanks are due to David Leask for giving up his time, making us welcome - including tea, coffee and biscuits - and answering so many questions.

One of the diagrams used by Mr. David Leask, Depot Manager, to explain the scheduling of work through the vast complex.

Our first visit was to the Wheel Lathe. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

180428c 43171 stands in the Wheel profile shop at St Philips Marsh. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428d The German wheel profiling machine. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428e The German profiling machine. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428f Sir Kenneth Grange which was named at the last Open Day of St Philips Marsh Depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428g A Class 166 in the Blue Great Western livery. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428h A refurbished Class 166 stands in the depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428i The Class 166 over the pits. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428j The 150-2xx class used in the South West. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428k Stop you must not go any further. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428l 08822 'Dave Mills' receives attention. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428mm 150219 and 08822 inside the depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428n 08663 St Silas named after the Ecclesiastical Parish situated in the area of Bristol St Philips Marsh. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428o 158950 One of the Great Western Class 158s. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428p Wheel sets for the High Speed Train fleet. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428q 158798 freshly out of the paint shops. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428r The head on view of the 158. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428ss 43041 The Meningitis Trust Support for Life. Copyright Roger Winnen

Brake blocks at St Phillips Marsh Kevin Jenkin 28th April 2018

180428t 43041 Its nameplate. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428tt Looking down through the shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428u Power Car 43086 protrudes into daylight. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428w The Great Western 166 unit recently transferred from the London area in the yard. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428x The facility to clean the DMUs at Bristol .Copyright Roger Winnen

180428y The party looking at Victoria Sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428za There are seven sidings at this location. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428zb The complex trackwork at this end of the depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428zc The line up of Class 158s and 166s at the depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428zd Partial sunlight at the end of our visit. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428ze Steam cleaning the bogies of a Class 158. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428zf A British Rail Mk 2 Coach in departmental use stands at St Philips Marsh. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428zg A former TSO 4598 stands at the depot. According to records on the internet this coach was used as a cinema a few years ago. Copyright Roger Winnen

180428zh The Cornwall Railway Society Party. Left to Right :- Dennis Flood, Keith Jenkin, Valerie Jenkin, Kevin Jenkin, Peter Bragg, David Leask Depot Manager, Tony Wright and friend, Peter Galassini, Robert Wheeler, Mike Hitchens,and Derek Buttivant. Copyright Roger Winnen

Very many thanks indeed to Mr. David Leask for giving up of his time to show us around St Phillips Marsh Depot - it was an extremely interesting visit.

1810 The G.B. Railtour on route 26th April 2018
Westbury, Yeovil, Weymouth and Wareham

Westbury

180426m 45212 Approaches Westbury from the Bristol line with the Great Britain X1 Railtour. Copyright Roger Winnen

180426a Black 5 45212 Heads the Great Britain X1 through Westbury. Copyright Roger Winnen

Yeovil Railway Centre Pictures
many thanks to John Cornelius

IMG_7889 YRC GB Railtour. The 'U' class which had arrived earlier ventures onto the turntable. 26th April 2018 Copyright John Cornelius

IMG_7905 YRC. The GB Railtour arrives headed by 'Black Five' 45212. 26th April 2018. Copyright John Cornelius

IMG_7909 YRC during the GB Railtour visit. 'U' Class 31806 having arrived earlier awaits duty. 26th April 2018 Copyright John Cornelius

IMG_7909 YRC GB Railtour 26th April 2018

IMG_7924 YRC GB Railtour visit on the 26th April 2018. The 'Balck Five' sits on the turntable. Copyright John Cornelius

IMG_7927 YRC GB Railtour - the 'U' Class is now attached ready to be drawn back to Pen Mill by the 'Black Five'. 26th April 2018 Copyright John Cornelius

IMG_7933 The GB Railtour at Yeovil Railway Centre. The 'U' Class has been attached to the railtour and the 'Black Five' is ready to move out to be attached to draw the train back to Yeovil Pen Mill. 26th April 2018 Copyright John Cornelius

IMG_ The railtour now having reversed at Yeovil Pen Mill now heads for Dorchester West and Weymouth. GB Railtour 26th April 2018. Copyright John Cornelius

IMG_7954 YRC GB Railtour thrashes on towards Weymouth. 26th April 2018

IMG_7956 'The Black Five' brings up the rear of the GB Railtour. 26th April 2018 Copyright John Cornelius.

Dorchester West

180426n Class U 31806 arrives at Dorchester West Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180426b Class U 31806 originally built as a K Class 2-6-4 arrives at Dorchester West. Copyright Roger Winnen

180426o Quite a crowd gathers at Dorchester West Station to witness the Great Britain X1. Copyright Roger Winnen

180426c 45212 Tails the train at Dorchester West. Copyright Roger Winnen

Weymouth

'U' 30186 brings the GB X1 Railtour into platform 1 at Weymouth station. 26th April 2018. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

30186 continues through to the buffers. 26th April 2018. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Black Five 45212 brings up the tail of the train ready head the railtour out from Weymouth and up Upwey bank on route to Wareham Copyright Keith Jenkin

180426oo From his incoming train Roger catches the onlookers admiring 31806 at Weymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180426p Nearly at the buffers 31806 at Weymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180426pp Pullman Car 'Topaz' in chocolate and cream livery is incorporated into the coaching stock. Copyright Roger Winnen

180426d The Great Britain X1 awaits departure from Weymouth for Wareham and Swanage. Copyright Roger Winnen

180426e 31806 working hard pushing the train out of Weymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

180426r Will we every see a train here again! The signal is still at red for the Weymouth Tramway. Copyright Roger Winnen

Wareham

Meantime KJ moves on to Wareham ahead of the railtour. 26th April 2018. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

Looking eastward towards Bournemouth from the footbridge at Wareham one can see the sidings retained at this end of the station for use in temporarily stabling stock for use on the Swanage Branch. 26th April 2018. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

With spectators already 'manning' the footbridge Class 44 023 runs into the station with a working heading for Weymouth.It is nice to see the signalbox retained here although it is no longer a workng box. It once supervised a busy road crossing here, however, the road traffic is now carried by the bridge in the middle foreground. 26th April 2018. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Wareham once had two additional platforms available to Swanage passengers, a bay on the down side and this platform on the upside. However, the rails were removed long ago and the bay on the downside forms additional car parking space. The gentleman with his back to us to the left of the picture is the Swanage Railway guard necessary to take the train onwards to the seaside destination. 26th April 2018. Copyright Keith Jenkin

The railtour headed by the Black Five runs into the station with the 'U' class bringing up the rear. 26th April 2018. Copyright Keith Jenkin

The 'u' stands at the head of its train ready to depart for Worgret Junction and the Swanage Railway. 26th April 2018. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

With the crossover clearly set for the train to pass from the up main to the down main and on to Worgret Junction the spectacle draws to a close - a very efficient operation. 26th April 2018.

The show is over and spectators head away down the platforms well satisfied with their day. 26th April 2018. Copyright Keith Jenkin.