Features  January 2018 Onwards
1801  Cycling the S & D in 2017 Colin Burges
1802  The Butlins Express Summer 2007  Brian Pibworth
1803  The West Cornwall Blockade Monday 19th Mar to Thursday 22nd Mar
1804  The West Somerset Gala Friday Saturday 23 & 24 March
           Roger Aston David Tozer Roger Salter Roger Winnen
1805   Easter at The South Devon Railway 31st Mar 2018 Roger Winnen
1806   'I do like to be beside the seaside' A springtime holiday Roger Salter
1807   An interesting afternoon at Paignton & Churston Roger Winnen
1808   The early years of the Helston Railway from 2006-2008 featuring the  movement of the Park Royal DMU from the West Somerset Railway and Gwinear Road together with visits to Trevarno. Photographs Andrew Triggs & Roger Winnen
1809   The Cornwall Railway Society visits Long Rock Depot on Sat 14th April 2018     

1809  The Cornwall Railway Society visits Long Rock Depot on Saturday 14th April 2018 Photos by Martin Duff  Roger Salter Andrew Triggs and Roger Winnen

180414g The Long Rock emblem for it engine and coaches allocation. Copyright Martin Duff

180414j The Cornwall Railway Society party entering the depot. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180414m The Cornwall Railway Society in prayer in the new surroundings of Long Rock Depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

180414a 153373 Inside the depot at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

180414b 153373 over the pit at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

180414d 57605 Totnes Castle was engaged in coupling trials in the yard. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180414c 08410 by the access road will turn turn 60 years this year. Copyright Roger Salter

180414f 08410 viewed from the east end of the Main Shed at Long Rock Copyright Andrew Triggs

180414e 57604 Pendennis Castle on C Road with 153373 on B Road. Copyright Andrew Triggs -

180414k The '3 Amigos' Roger Salter Roger Winnen and Peter Galassini in the depot. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180414k Andrew Triggs gives the thumbs up for 57604.

180414l Martin Duff from Network Rail poses in front of 57604. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180414s A Broadside view of 57604 at the western end of the shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

180414p The cab is a glow aboard 57604. Copyright Roger Winnen

180414n The large lifting jacks SWL 35000. Copyright Roger Winnen

180414o The barrier vehicle 6348 stands inside the depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

180414q Patrick Grobbelaar the Depot Manager addresses members of the CRS as Robin runs a 'Any Questions' session. Copyright Roger Winnen

180414r At Long Rock there is also a signalling system controlled from the shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

180414t Looking westwards towards the wash plant. Copyright Roger Winnen

180414u The fuel oil tanks at Long Rock which were first sited there in 1958-59 when we had an allocation of Class 08 shunters and the early D600s D800s and D63xx visiting - Copyright Roger Winnen

1808 The early years of the Helston Railway from 2006-2008 featuring the movement of the Park Royal DMU from the West Somerset Railway and Gwinear Road together with visits to Trevarno. Photographs Andrew Triggs & Roger Winnen

The Park Royal DMU is transported from the West Somerset Railway in late May 2006 to the former Gwinear Road Station

060520a D7523 John F Kennedy hauls the Park Royal DMU from Williton to Bishops Lydeard prior to commencing its journey to Gwinear Road. Copyright Andrew Triggs

060520b The Park Royal unit 50413 and 56169 Sold for £1 is seen at Bishops Lydeard. Copyright Andrew Triggs

060520c D3462 (08377) shunts the unit. This 08 is now at the Mid Hants Railway. Copyright Andrew Triggs

060520d All aboard Allely's Heavy Haulage for its trip to Gwinear Road. Copyright Andrew Triggs

A visit to Gwinear Road Station was made on 1st June 2006 where we found members of the Helston Railway organisation. We were invited to look around this unit also purchasing some books

060601a The Gwinear Road Project The Helston Railway Diesel Group. Copyright Roger Winnen

060601b The Park Royal unit from The West Somerset Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen

060601c The unique front end of the Park Royal unit. Copyright Roger Winnen

060601d Viewed from the other side of Gwinear Road level crossing the unit is stabled on track to serve the goods platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

060601e A Virgin Voyager passing the site on route to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

060601f The late afternoon light shines on the unit at Gwinear Road. Copyright Roger Winnen

060601g Gwinear Road Level Crossing far from level. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bank Holiday Monday 7th May 2007 Was the occasion of a visit from various civic dignitaries including the Mayors of Helston & Camborne to an open day at Trevarno to view the progress

070507a The trackbed of the Helston Railway at Trevarno. Copyright Roger Winnen

070507b Walking the trackbed with civic leaders The Mayors af Helston & Camborne. Copyright Roger Winnen

070507c Tree felling along the route to Truthall Halt. Copyright Roger Winnen

070507c Tree felling takes place alongside the route. Copyright Roger Winnen

070507d Civic Leaders being the Mayors of Helston and Camborne walk to route. Copyright Roger Winnen

070507e The cleared trackbed from the first overbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

070507f Stuart Walker adresses the crowd from the site of Truthall Halt. Copyright Roger Winnen

070507g Civic leaders at Truthall Halt, through the bridge leads onward to Helston. Copyright Roger Winnen

070507h A lot of undergrowth will be required when the railway goes on to Helston. Copyright Roger Winnen

070507i The sun shines on the site of Truthall Halt. Copyright Roger Winnen

070507j Jon Woods, Johathan Woods and Tim Naylor with his St Bernard Dog Max exploring the scene. Copyright Roger Winnen

070507k The beautiful cleaned overbridge which crosses the line. Copyright Roger Winnen

070507l A short length under the bridge at Trevarn which will be the site of the new station. Copyright Roger Winnen

070507m Refreshments are available for visitors at the Trevarno site. The signal in the background came from a persons garden in Camborne. Copyright Roger Winnen

070507n The trackbed under construction. Copyright Roger Winnen

070507o Father and son walks the track. Copyright Roger Winnen

The movement of the DMU was scheduled for 3rd September 2007 I arrived at the scene by 14.00hrs hrs. With the complex arrangement to link up with the unit so near to the level crossing necessitated  constant telephone calls from the telephone at the level crossing barriers to Roskear Junction Signal Box to enquire is the line clear. With no police in attendance it was a nightmare at times for the passing motorist.

070903a The day of the move to Trevarno 3rd September 2007. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903b An alphaline livery Class 158 pass the site at Gwinear Road. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903c The First Group livery of the HST now a thing of the past passes the unit on its way to Penzance.. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903d 153380 Truro Cathedral on vinyls of the side of the carriage. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903e Allely's Heavy Haulage arrive on site. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903f Side by side at Gwinear Road. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903g The extreme length of the transporter trying to get into position front onto the unit. .Copyright Roger Winnen

070903h A close run manoeuvre lining up with the DMU. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903i Lining up with the unit. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903j Connecting up the rails to load the unit. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903k The connection is ready to pull out the Park Royal DMU. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903l The wire rope is attached. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903m Up she comes onto the low loader. Copyright Roger Winnen -

070903n The unit is being winched to the trailer. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903o Its movement at Gwinear Road. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903p Nearly on its trailer for the short ride to Trevarno. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903q Beware of the trains at Gwinear Road. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903r Every little helps! Copyright Roger Winnen

070903s Carrying out the adjustments. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903t Close by the Gwinear Road Level Crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen

070903u Going into the Helston Branch Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

A Visit by the Cornwall Railway Society to Trevarno on Monday 3rd May 2008

080503a The Cornwall Railway Society tread the path to the Trevarno Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503b The Park Royal set in the process of being painted stands at the site of Trevarno Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503c The dumper truck stands alongside the unit. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503d The multitude are gathered on the Trevarno overbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503e Tables and chairs are laid out on site for refreshments and memorabilia on sale in the hut. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503f The shunter looks ready to go! Copyright Roger Winnen

080503g The party is seen in the background having a discussion. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503h The short section of track would eventually lead to the present station at Prospridick. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503i A group photograph taken at Prospidnick. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503j Walking to Truthall Halt we pass under the second overbridge on this section of the line. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503k Christine climbs the step path at Truthall Halt to the roadway. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503L The trackbed at Truthall Halt. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503m Returning to Trevarno we see D2959 which never operated on British Rail however they did have two shunters of a similar design. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503n The other shunter purchased for the line was another Ruston & Hornsby built in the mid 1950s and originally operated by The British Sugar Corporation. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503o The Ruston & Hornsby Shunter photographed alongside the bridge at Trevarno. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503p Relaxing at Trevarno. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503q The last photograph of the day as the crowds have gone off to have a cream tea at Trevarno. Copyright Roger Winnen

1807      An interesting afternoon at Paignton and Churston 5th April 2018
Roger Winnen

180405za 75014 Braveheart arrives back into Paignton Queens Park on the 13.00hrs service from Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

180405zb The train arrives into Paignton passing the site of the former Paignton South Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

180405zc Voyager 221144 enters Paignton Station from the sidings with the 14.04 to Manchester. Copyright Roger Winnen

180405zd A few minutes later the barriers came down again with an unexpected arrival of L94. Copyright Roger Winnen

180405ze Plenty of action from Paignton South with the Voyager then the 10.35 departure Torbay Express arrival from Paddington at 13.43, D3014 and L94. the X GWR Pannier tank. Copyright Roger Winnen

180405zf TheTorbay Express heads for the sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

180405zg Arriving at Churston on the No 12 service to Brixham we see once again L94 with an engineers train shunting in the sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

180405zg Two for the price of one! we again see L94 with an engineers train shunting in the sidings and the 14.25 Paignton-Kingswear service arriving behind 75014. Copyright Roger Winnen

180405zj L94 with a signal post onboard. Copyright Roger Winnen

180405zk L94 built by the North British Locomotive Co Glasgow 1930 stands with the crane wagon at Churston Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180405zl 75014 Braveheart returns with the 15.10 Kingswear to Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

180405zm 75014 is seen departing Churston. Copyright Roger Winnen

180405zn On view for all to see after arriving at Paignton. The multitude of several hundred has departed since alighting from the train leaving one solitary person. Copyright Roger Winnen

180405zo An unexpected ride home from Plymouth was the 2+4 HST set on the 17.55 Plymouth Penzance service headed by Power Car 'The Welshman' Copyright Roger Winnen - Copy

1806   " I do like to be beside the seaside" A springtime holiday at Dawlish. Roger Salter

180305d 66106 on the 667q 09.30 St Blazey Exeter Riverside at Dawlish. Copyright Roger Salter

180305e The force of the sea is evident at Dawlish. Copyright Roger Salter

180306a 16.12 2F 45 Paignton to Exmouth at Easton. Copyright Roger Salter

180306b 619x 08.04 Totnes to Banbury tamper siding at Easton Tamper DR 73931 - Copyright Roger Salter

180306c Passing the damaged wall at Dawlish DR 73935. Copyright Roger Salter

180307 The 09.03 on the Teignmouth sea wall after emerging from Parsons Tunnel. Copyright Roger Salter

180307a 70807 Light engine O45V 1000 Tavistock Junction to Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Salter

180308a The 08.00 Cardiff to Paignton passes the 07.41 rounding the bend at Dawlish Warren - Copyright Roger Salter

180308b The 023b 10.00 Tavistock Junction to Westbury Down. 70804 passes Langstone Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

180311a Rough Seas at Dawlish. Copyright Roger Salter

180311b 221123 held at the signal before Rockstone Bridge. Copyright Roger Salter

180311c After a soaking the HST heads west. Copyright Roger Salter

180312a 2F25 11.20 Paignton to Exmouth at Lympstone Station 153325 and 143603 at the rear. Copyright Roger Salter

180315a 66083 with Network Rail wagons passes through Dawlish Warren. Copyright Roger Salter

180315b 66154 on the rear of the train. Copyright Roger Salter

180316a GWR Boundary marker 1918 on footpath at Rockstone. Copyright Roger Salter

180316b 685P 1000 Exeter Old Yard-Waggoners Way- Plymouth passes Rockstone Bridge. Copyright Roger Salter

180316d The Stoneblower DR 80301 Stephen Cornish passes Langstone Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

180316c The Stoneblower DR 80301 Stephen Cornish passes Langstone Rock 669P 10.43 Tavistock Junction-Knighton. Copyright Roger Salter

1805 Easter at The South Devon Railway 31st March 2018
Roger Winnen

180331a 5542 Heads the 13.00 service from Totnes Riverside to Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

180331b Volunteers needed as L92 awaits its next train at Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

180331c The 13.00 Auto from Buckfastleigh arrives at Totnes with Auto coaches 163 & 233 sandwich between is 6412. Copyright Roger Winnen

180331d D6501 arrives at Staverton with the 11.30 from Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

180331e The pair of autos arrive at Staverton with 6412 sandwich between. Copyright Roger Winnen

180331ee The interior of Auto No 163. Copyright Roger Winnen

180331f 6412 With a single auto trailer leaves Staverton for Totnes Riverside at 11.55. Copyright Roger Winnen

180331ff 57xx Class L92 which worked for London Transport after being sold by British Railways arrive at Staverton. Copyright Roger Winnen

180331h 5542 Through the coach window at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

180331i Motive power at Buckfastleigh 5542 4920 Dumbleton Hall 55000 and 6412 with the Auto Trailer. Copyright Roger Winnen

180331ii 5542 Takes water at Buckfastleith as L92 runs into the platform to couple to the 15.40 train to Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

180331j 33001 Prepare to couple to the 16.20 Totnes Riverside to Buckfastleigh service. Copyright Roger Winnen

1804   West Somerset Gala Friday 23rd March 2018 Photographs by Roger Aston, David Tozer & Roger Salter

180323a 1450 near Crowcombe Heathfield on the 09.00 service from Minehead. Copyright David Tozer

180323b USA 6046 departs Crowcombe Heathfield with the 12.50 goods from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. Copyright David Tozer

180323c 7714 Built by Kerr Stuart of Stoke on Trent arrives at Crowcombe. Copyright David Tozer

180323d 9466 arrives at Crowcombe Heathfield on the 09.55 service from Minehead to Norton Fitzwarren. Copyright David Tozer

180323e 1450 plus the Auto Coach 178 at Bishops Lydeard. Copyright Roger Salter

180323f The United States Army Transportation Board S160 6046 at Bishops Lydeard with an army goods train - Copyright Roger Salter

180323g Collect design Auto Trailer 178 built at Swindon in 1930. Copyright Roger Salter

180323h 1450 with the Auto Coach reversing into the sidings at Williton. Copyright Roger Salter

180323i 1450 enters the sidings at Williton. Copyright Roger Salter

180323j The Quantock Beele 'Phoenix' coach lifted off its bogies as Hawksworth Pannier 9466 passes on a down train to Norton Fitzwarren - Copyright Roger Salter

180323k 6046 at Blue Anchor with a military goods train - Copyright Roger Salter

Two visitors meet in Wiliton 7417 running in with down train meets 9446. 23rd March 2018 Copyright Roger Aston

S160 6046 passes through with a down military freight. 23rd March 2018 Copyright Roger Aston

180323l Modifield Hall 6960 Raveningham Hal steams towards Blue Anchor. Copyright Roger Salter.

180323m S160 Class 2-8-0 6046 steams away from Blue Anchor with a military goods train. Copyright Roger Salter

180323n S160 6046 Steams away from Blue Anchor with a Military Goods Train - Copyright Roger Salter

180323o Trio of beauties 53808 6990 Witherslack Hall and 7822 Foxcote Manor all in steam for the Gala. Copyright Roger Salter

West Somerset Gala   Saturday 24th March 2018
Photographs Roger Salter & Roger Winnen

180324za 6046 Over 20 mins late leaving Minehead because of a jammed token on a very wet Saturday morning. Copyright Roger Salter

180324zb 1450 an the Auto Coach arrive at Blue Anchor on the 09.00 Minehead-Norton Fitzwarren service. Copyright Roger Salter

180324zc 6960 Raveningham Hall approaches Blue Anchor on the 09.55 Minehead to Norton Fitzwarren train. Copyright Roger Salter

180324zd 7714 heads the 09.55 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead seen arriving at Blue Anchor. Copyright Roger Salter

180324ze 6990 Witherslack Hall and 7822 Foxcote Manor seen heading towards Dunster. Copyright Roger Salter

180324zf 78xx Class 4-6-0 7822 Foxcote Manor and 6990 Witherslack Hall departs Blue Anchor, Copyright Roger Salter

180324a Handing the token for the section to Crowcombe Heathfield as 9466 pulls in the the 11.00 to Minehead. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324b Walking the dog with 9466 at Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324c Daparture from Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324d 1450 with the auto on the service from Norton Fitzwarren to Willaton. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324dd Inside the auto at Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324e 7822 Foxcote Mannor with the Quantock Belle running non stop through Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324f 1450 with the Auto has arrived at Williton. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324g 6990 Witherslack Hall arrives at Willaton with the 11.55 from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324h 6960 Raveningham Hall arrives Willaton with the 12.07 Norton Fitzwarren -Minehead service. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324i The two Modified Halls passing. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324j Washford Station Saddle Tank Kilmerston paying tribute to Godfrey Baker 1946-2018 Copyright Roger Winnen

180324k Kilmersdon at Washford. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324l Watchet Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324m Its unusual not to pass a train at Blue Anchor which today was very cold and bleak. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324n The shed yard at Minehead with 53808 and 1931 Sentinel Steam Bus 'Elizabeth' Copyright Roger Winnen

180324n With large crowds around it became difficult to photograph this departure behind Kerr Stuart built 7714 and 9466 on the 13.45 to Bishops Lydeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324o All aboard the Sentinel Steam Bus 'Elizabeth' to Dunster and Dunster Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324p 6960 Raveningham Hall being turned at Minehead. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324q The arrival of the goods behind American locomotive S160 Class 6046 as she enters Minehead. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324q The S160 moving out of the engine yard at Minehead. Copyright Roger Winnen - Copy

180324r 53808 Moves from the shed road to haul out the goods. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324t The S160 haules the 14.40 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, here it is approaching Doniford Halt. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324u Entering Willaton Station we see a line up of Class 33s in the diesel depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324v A Hymack in primer at Williton. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324v D1661 North Star in the shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324w British Rail Class 14 A Teddybear at Willaton. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324x Back on Willaton Station we see the Class 160 6046 on the 1533 to Bishops Lydeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324y Departure for Bishops Lydeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324z The Quantock Belle and the Auto at Bishops Lydeard as we return home. Copyright Roger Winnen

180324za This is the way out past the S160. Copyright Roger Winnen -

​1803 West Cornwall Blockade Monday 19th March to Thursday 22nd March
Engineering work planned in this blockade included at Scorrier strengthening of the track bed  over disused mine tunnels (levels) at Hallenbeagle mine, with signalling upgrade work for the section between St Erth and Truro and track relaying in the Penzance area. A bus replacement service to run from Penzance to Truro and from St Erth to St Ives.
Contributors Roger Salter, Keith Jenkin, Andrew Triggs, Alan Peters & Roger Winnen

Sunday evening 18th March 2018

180318e 70808 Arrives at Penzance with the 16.49 from Westbury running 149 mins early as the Ponsandane stop was curtailed. Copyright Roger Winnen

180318f 70808 with snow on the ballast at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

180318g An icy spectacle at Penzance as 70809 tails the train from Westbury. Copyright Roger Winnen

West Cornwall Blockade Day 1 Monday 19th March 2018

180319a No trains for 4 days Penzance Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180319b 70808 with its ballast train at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

180319c 70809 together with 70808 at 07.03 stabled in Platform 1 Copyright Roger Winnen

180319n 70809 (with 70808) on Platform 1 (The platform gates were open around 4.30pm on platforms 3 & 4. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180319d Bus Replacement service at 07.10 to Truro leaves Penzance Bus Station using a Gosport to Fareham Bus. Copyright Roger Winnen

180319e Loading the spoil taken from the track at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Winnen

180319za 70813 stands outside Long Rock depot. Copyright Roger Salter

180319f 70817 with its load of ballast etc at the westend of Long Rock depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

180319zb The main line is lifted adjacent to Long Rock shed. Copyright Roger Salter

180319g Loading the spoil into Network Rail trucks. Copyright Roger Winnen

180319zc Loading the spent ballast into the adjacent wagons. Copyright Roger Salter

180319m 70807 with 70815 on Old Bank Ponsandane. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180319i Marazion once a busy place for the loading broccoli for the London markets. Copyright Roger Winnen

180319zd The snow lies on the ballast wagons stabled at Marazion Station. Copyright Roger Salter

180319ze Through the telephoto lens of the camera with the train stabled at Marazion. Copyright Roger Salter

180319zf 70815 with its train at Marazion, in the forground can be seen cut granite which came from buildings on the up platform of the closed station. Copyright Roger Salter

180319j 70815 at Marazion with the granite blocks in the foreground being the remains of a building from Marazion Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180319zg 70807 is seen on the Penzance end of the train. Copyright Roger Salter

180319k Looking towards the former Mexico Crossing and the single line into Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

180319k 70817 Viewed from Long Rock level crossing. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180319l Looking back to Marazion Station and the marsh. Copyright Roger Winnen

180319zh With the movement of part of its train from outside Long Rock depot we see 70815 and 70813 at Marazion. Copyright Roger Salter

180319zi Two trains at Marazion which is not often seen unless you are held at the signal. Copyright Roger Salter

180319zj 70813 Stans alongside the former station building. Copyright Roger Salter

180319l 70807 with 70813 at Marazion. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180319m More Seats- More Trains- More Adventures advertised by Great Western on a Bristol Decker at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

Being a driver for Colas Rail Alan Peters records the activity on Monday at Penzance in the next photos
Many Thanks Alan

20180319_1 Colas rail Class 70 on an empty at Long Rock depot on the first day of the blockade, 70813 top & tailed with a train of Falcon wagons. Copyright Alan Peters

20180319_2 6C27 with 70817 as the rear loco, seen on the fuel point at Long Rock with fresh ballast being unloaded, the train was then split and pushed back over Long Rock level crossing to pick up the new sleepers drawing back to 'old bank' with 70817 becoming the lead loco and 70815 on the rear. Copyright Alan Peters

20180319_3 Colas 70817 has now drawn forward to 'old bank' after detaching the spoil wagons at Marazion and returning with the new sleepers which are being unloaded by machine. Copyright Alan Peters

20180319_4 The orange army ready to lay new sleepers at 325.25 milepost, note the McCulloch FLASS sleeper sligning machines and the sleepers loaded on the trolley behind the Quattro road railer that had been off loaded from the train. Copyright Alan Peters

 Hallenbeagle Engine House, Wheal Busy,  Scorrier.
Major work Re inforcing the track bed by Balfour Betty and Network Rail.
  Keith Jenkin

Note the footpath via Wheal Busy level crossing which would have afforded excellent views from the level crossing site was understandably closed for safety reasons. 

180319n A30 side of Scorrier. The enclosure for building materials at Hallenbeagle. Copyright Keith Jenkin

180319o A 'forest' of plant arms as work is caried out on the track bed. This is on the A30 side of the main line. The 'Press Gallery' from which later views were obtained is on top of the carefully landscaped spoil pile in the centre of this picture. Copyright Keith Jenkin

180319p More work from the the A30 side of the main line with diggers in place. The level crossing is about where the right hand digger is positoned. Copyright Keith Jenkin

180319 This is the location of Hallenbeagle Crossing to the right of the middle lamp standard. Copyright Keith Jenkin

180319q A distant view from the 'Apex' road bridge over the main line o Hallenbeagle Enginehouse. The work is taking place beyond this.. Copyright Keith Jenkin

180319 The famous Hallenbeagle Engine House, a landmark around the area. Copyright Keith Jenkin

180319s A view from the observation platform looking in the Chacewater direction. Copyright Keith Jenkin

180319t The tracks removed alongside the mine. Copyright Keith Jenkin

180319u Note the depth of the material removal of waste from the trackbed. This will later be re-constituted by the injection of Polymers. 19th March 2018 Copyright Keith Jenkin

180319v Swinging the camera a few degress further to the left the main line is seen coming in from the left. Scorrier station was about 800 yards from this location. Copyright Keith Jenkin

180319v New track panels ready for installation can be seen below along with debris from removed trackwork. Copyright Keith Jenkin

180319w Another view of the above. Copyright Keith Jenkin

180319x Looking south east from the viewing enclosure. Copyright Keith Jenkin

180319x The pedestrian approach to the viewing enclosure is safely fenced off. . Copyright Keith Jenkin

180319y Our guide Jordon Pepperill with Valerie Jenkin. Photo by Keith Jenkin.. Copyright

Very many thanks to Jordan Pepperill, the work site manager, who made us so welcome and gave a detailed commentary on the work being undertaken. 
Copyright Keith Jenkin  19th March 2018. 

West Cornwall Blockade Day 2 20th Mar

180320za Two road railer cranes on standby at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

180320zc A Scandia Double Decker on Rail Replacement service to Truro. Take Control Copyright Roger Winnen

180320zd Class 70s at Marazion viewed from the upper deck of a U4 service to Penryn Campus. Copyright Roger Winnen

180320a 70803 70807 with two full used ballast trains on day two of the West Cornwall Blockade. Copyright Roger Salter

180320b Two ballast trains with nowhere to go on Day 2 of the blockade. Copyright Roger Winnen -

180320c An HST enters Long Rock depot during the blockade, where has it come from! Copyright Roger Salter

180320d 43079 enters the shed whilst 70815 awaits with ballast. Copyright Roger Salter

180320h Digging out the ballast at Ponsandane. Copyright Roger Salter

180320i The old ballast being loaded from Ponsandane. Copyright Roger Salter

180320j The slopers siding track being renewed at Ponsandane. Copyright Roger Salter

180320k Work on going at Ponsandane. Copyright Roger Salter

180320l The view from Ponsandane bridge of track renewals. Alongside is the former loading bank. Copyright Roger Salter

180320m The carriage line to the depot severed at Ponsandane. Copyright Roger Salter

180320m The viewing ramp constructed by Balfour Beattie for visitors to the site. Copyright Roger Winnen

180320n The Hallenbeagle Mine with the huge crane used in capping the min. Copyright Roger Salter

180320p The new track is seem waiting to be laid at Hallenbeagle. Copyright Roger Salter

180320ze The large crane brought in to lift beams into place before the concrete was laid over the affected area. Copyright Roger

180320zee The crane arrived on Monday evening, by early Tuesday afternoon it had completed its job on site and is seen off loading its weights onto an articulated lorry. Copyright Roger Winnen

180320zf The rails removed at Hallenbeagle. Copyright Roger Winnen

180320zh The Hallenbeagle Engine House in its restored condition which looks very nice - Copyright Roger Winnen

180320s Thanks must go to Jordon Pepperill Network Rail who took us to the viewing area and Balfour Beatty who were on site - Copyright Roger Salter

180320t The large crane dominates the Cornwall Main Line at Hallenbeagle. Copyright Roger Salter

180320zi Its nice light at Marazion during early afternoon. Copyright Roger Winnen

180320zz Work continues on the running line outside the depot. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180320v Laying sleepers adjacent to the former Ponsandane Signal Box. Copyright Roger Salter

180320w Relaying the concrete sleepers at Ponsandane. Copyright Roger Salter

180320zj The spoil train departs Ponsandane for Platform 1 at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

180320x The point at the eastern end of slopers has been removed, work continues on preparing the track. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180320y Preparing the track bed at the eastern end of slopers siding. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180320z Reconstructing the point. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180320zl Work ongoing at Ponsandane. Copyright Roger Winnen

180320zm Rebuilding pointwork at Penzance Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180320zn The convoy of cranes move off from Penzance Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Being a driver for Colas Rail Alan Peters records the activity on Tuesday at Penzance in the next photos
Many Thanks Alan

20180320_5 Having arrived on a snowy Sunday night 70809 is seen in platform 1 in the early morning sun of Tuesday ready to depart with 6C30 top and tailed train of falcon wagons for the replacement od 21B points. Copyright Alan Peters

20180320_6 Working as the 6C30 the train hauled by 70809 has now drawn up besides 21B points which has already been removed during the night, spoil is being loaded into the wagons. Copyright Alan Peters

20180320_7 Once loaded with spoil the Falcon wagons are levelled off prior to departure on Friday morning, here a Quattro machine is seen levelling the soil. Copyright Alan Peters

20180320_8 The old 21B points removed on Tuesday 20th March 2018 - Copyright Alan Peters

The West Cornwall Blockade Day 3
21st March 2018

180321a 70808 Job completed as 70808 stands at the buffer stops at Penzance Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180321b Don't fence me in 70808 under the roof. Copyright Roger Winnen

180321c Tailed by 70809 which will head the train out of Cornwall once the blockade is lifted. Copyright Roger Winnen

180321l Its 07.40, 70808 and 70809 with DR75407 on Oil 2 siding and unusually the Roadrailers stabled on the former Gas Road. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180321j Ongoing station works with the Roadrailers lifting redundant rails on the Sea siding, while 70808 and 70809 are stabled in Platform 2. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180321k The roadrailers in action on the sea siding. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180321i 70817 Viewed from the road opposite 3 tunnels bridge. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180321d 70817 sits over the 'one tunnel' Ponsandane river. Copyright Roger Winnen

180321e 70815 with its spoil train at Chyandour. Copyright Roger Winnen

180321f 70815 with ballast is stabled on the Eastern Green. Copyright Roger Winnen

180321h Work on the St Ives Branch as a road railer is seen at St Erth. Copyright Roger Salter

Being a driver for Colas Rail Alan Peters records the activity on Wednesday at Penzance in the next photos
Many Thanks Alan

20180321_9 A quiet day train movement wise. 6C30 had been moved back into Platform 2 ready for departure on Friday morning and 6C28 was moved from the fuel point over Long Rock crossing and back on to the main where 70817 is seen opposite 21B points. Copyright Alan Peters

20180321_10 The technicians attend to 21B points in the sun, note ground position lighrs. Pz 20 & Pz 22 which are disconnected. Copyright Alan Peters

West Cornwall Blockade Day 4 
22nd March 2018

180322u DR 75407 Tamper works its magic on the renewed main line. Copyright Roger Salter

180322v Tamping the ballast at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

180322w A quattro with its trailer of ballast. Copyright Roger Salter

180322x Tamping at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

180322y 70815 alongside the tamper. Copyright Roger Salter

Being a driver for Colas Rail, Alan Peters records the activity on Thursday the last day of the blockade
Thanks Alan

20180322_11 As dawn rises 70815 is seen on the fuel road top and tailed with Falcon wagons to top up the ballast on the relaid main line. Copyright Alan Peters

20180322_13 With the blockade almost over Network Rail staff take down the lights ready for the lines reopening with arguably the best view in Britain. Copyright Alan Peters

20180322_The Colas Rail Dr 75407 Matisa tamper working on the main following topping up the ballast on the relay with the classic view of St Michael's Mount in the background and the onlookers. Copyright Alan Peters

​





1802           The Butlin's Express, Summer 2007     by Brian Pibworth
​
Prelude : In the Summer of 2004 we were visiting Oldfield Park in Bath when we saw this colourful consist passing through the local station.  The train turned out to be running between Cardiff and Brighton  providing  extra capacity around timetable pinch points.
The pictures below are scanned from prints and show the top-and-tail locos  at a time when  several companies competed to fill gaps in services  that were outside the scope of major TOCs.

Fragonset Railways, Intercity liveried 31454 "Heart of Wessex"

Fragonset Railways 31128 "Charybdis"

We were intrigued by the names and livery and soon discovered  a web of takeovers and closures which followed privatisation of British Rail and the redundancy of many diesel loco fleets.  In those early internet days we had to rely on the railway press for information but nowadays, a Wikipedia search for Merlin Rail, FM Rail and Fragonset will tell the whole sad story.
 
Fast forward 3 years to an announcement in our West Somerset Railway Journal that The Butlin's Express would start running again in July after a 30 year absence.  This rang several  bells for us as, at that time, we were blessed with two acquaintances, both influential in the development of the WSR.  One had masterminded the Norton Triangle development and the other  steered the County Council  Amenities Committee towards funding much of the re-signalling,  to passenger train standards, of Norton Fitzwarren  Junction.  Most importantly, this plan had the support of Network Rail who required easy access to the Norton Triangle when their High Output Ballast Cleaner trains required emptying or turning.
 I can't  recall who  claimed ultimate credit for the enterprise, but in any event, the ease of crossing trains from Down to Up Relief lines at Norton Fitzwarren enabled  the West Somerset Railway to form a partnership with ECT Mainline Rail, Butlin's Minehead, West Somerset Railway and Victa West Link Rail to run the Butlin's Express in 2007.  ECT Mainline Rail  provided  two Class 31 locomotives, rolling stock and maintenance services while underwriting the costs of providing the service.  West Somerset Railway  provided train stabling, use of the West Somerset line and stations and on-train  staff.   The TOC, Victa Westlink Rail,  operated the service over the WSR and Network Rail lines.  Butlin's supported the service and were responsible for promoting it to their guests as a relaxing  way to start their holiday. 
So, on the 28th July 2007 we set off for Norton Fitzwarren and stationed ourselves on the former station overbridge to photograph the Butlin's Express crossing from Down to Up Relief lines.

ECT Mainline Rail 31454 "Heart of Wessex" approaching the former Taunton Cider Works siding at Norton Fitzwarren The red object to the right of the building in right background is Silkmills Road bridge, just West of the old level crossing, 1000 yards from Taunton Station. Telephoto effect shows that the crossover is some distance from Norton Fitzwarren footbridge and trees on the Down side partially obscure the approach such that the train passes rapidly and silently over the main tracks and is easily missed as a zig-zag formation.

Once the old Taunton Cider siding is reached there are plenty of opportunities for passing shots of  two locos and the Mk2  stock.

ECT Mainline 31454 "Heart of Wessex" and the Down Butlin's Express passing the former Taunton Cider Works siding at Norton Fitzwarren. This is the same loco that we saw three years earlier in Bath, but minus Fragonset branding

ECT Mainline 31452 "Minotaur" providing the tail element of the Butlin's Express.

A week later we used our annual free rover ticket (alas no more) as WSRA members to ride the line from Bishop's Lydeard to Minehead and there met the Butlin's Express waiting between turns. Close to, 31452 was showing signs of cosmetic wear but the distinctive Fragonset livery is still impressive enough to send us in search of a pristine 00 gauge Lima Class 31 for our Broadchurch Junction layout.

31452 "Minotaur" at Minehead

S&DJR 7F No 88 is ready to head our train back to BL, as the yard crew work on BR 4F 44422

August has several significant family dates for us and on one of these we travelled again to Exmoor and the Brendon Hills, this time starting on the Somerset Riviera at Watchet.

Watchet Harbour looking towards Minehead.

A quick look at Splash Point to record the GWR Prairie No 4160 arriving at Watchet before heading out of the village and walking adjacent to the railway and up Freshford Bank to Washford.

Here, we were just in time to see 31128 at the head of The Butlin's conquering the formidable 1:65  Washford Bank approaching the station from the West.

31452 "Minotaur" at the head of the Up Butlin's Express near the summit of Washford Bank

31454 "Heart of Wessex" at rear of the Up Butlin's Express departing Washford Station

The Wizzer is blessed with plenty of photo vantage points, even without a Lineside Pass and we spent part of the day recording traffic on Freshford Bank between Watchet and Washford.

GWR 2-6-0 No 9351 storms up Freshford Bank

The high spot of our day was returning to Watchet to catch The Butlin's Express and ride back up the bank to Washford.

A good crowd joining the Down train at Watchet.

A reminder of Mk2 space and comfort.

Right away from Washford with the Up Butlin's Express

 Sadly, this was the swan song of The Butlin's Express as operator Victa Westlink was later taken over by Stobart Rail and subsequently closed down.  Butlin's and the WSR were unsuccessful in finding an alternative operator able and willing to provide the service for 2008.  On our journey the train had few Butlin's  customers, which we understand  was typical of the take-up in general.  Whether this reflects lack of promotion or an unrealistic appreciation of 21st century holidaymakers'  needs was the subject of  much debate at the time, especially amongst the WSR volunteer train staff.
                    Copyright : Text and pictures by Brian Pibworth 2018

​

1801     Cycling the S & D in 2017  - Colin Burges

A cycle ride by Colin in August 2017.   Henstridge, Somerset, was ticked off a few years ago and I'd ridden the Gartell Light Railway on a private visit with the P.W.I., so after detraining at Templecombe I headed over the Dorset border straight for Stalbridge.

Templecombe Signalbox 19th August 2017 Copyright Colin Burges. Note reference to Wincanton and Stalbridge once available on the S & D. 19th August 2017 Copyright Colin Burges

Rails at Stalbridge 19th August 2017 Copyright Colin Burges

Nice to see this very clear reminder of the S & D at Sturminster Newton . 19th August 2017 Copyright Colin Burges

​-------- After a proper breakfast in "Stur" I joined the trail which uses the course of the railway from here.

At Sturminster Newton - this was the only building left. 19th August 2017 Copyright Colin Burges

 Passing conversations - At Shillingstone, a disgruntled former member of the preservation group had put glue in the locks and my first impression was of a project with some divisions of opinion. Understandably annoyed, one man gave vent in front of the lasses in the cafe and the visiting public, which rather let the place down. After lunch at Shillingstone, I had a quiet word with a trustee and voiced my displeasure at hearing a volunteer loudly using foul language in front of everyone. He told me that he was glad I had remarked on it because he needed good reason to bring the matter up.

Near Stourpain the trail leaves formation on the approach to Stourpain and this is the view from the village on the way to rejoining the line just beyond the under bridge at the former Stourpain and Deweston Halt. 19th August 2017. Copyright Colin Burges

At Blandford Forum an overbridge and a buffer stop remain at the station site. Seen on the 19th August 2017 Copyright Colin Burges

Blandford Forum. This is the view from the footbridge 19th August 2017 Copyright Colin Burges

Blandford Forum - station site and trackbed. 19th August 2017. Copyright Colin Burges

Blandford Forum - rails in the road where my bike can be seen. 19th August 2017 Copyright Colin Burges

Pause for thought :- Because I shall have forgotten by the new year, may I suggest including a link to the evocative Flanders & Swann song with my S. & D. piece? Blandford comes very early, followed by Midsomer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6OHD2uCpfU

The song was written in July, 1963, when St. Ives was on the closure list, hence

No one departs and no one arrives
From Selby to Goole, from St Erth to St Ives
They've all passed out of our lives.

What wouldn't we give to have all the other names back again, eh?   -  'and so say all of us'.

Remains of the bridge over the river Stour. (and bike) Copyright Colin Burges 19th August 2017

Remains of the bridge over the river Stour. Copyright Colin Burges 19th August 2017

Remains of the bridge over the river Stour. Copyright Colin Burges 19th August 2017 It seems incredible that there once was an embankment to the left and a lattice bridge to the right over the river Stour and that across this ran the 'Pines Express'. 19th August 2017 Copyright Colin Burges

It's not often that the masonry behind a wing wall can be seen. 19th August 2017 Copyright Colin Burges

On the way back from Blandford I left the trail and joined the main road. This is the view of that embankment, now looking back towards Stourpaine. 19th August 2017 Copyright Colin Burges

Shaftesbury, the 'Town on the Hill', it says on the sign as you approach it. And they're not joking! Here I am climbing Gold Hill. 19th August 2017 Copyright Colin Burges

With great reluctance, I left lovely Shaftesbury hoping to spend an hour in Gillingham. When I called at the station to see how the train I had booked on was doing (it being during the Waterloo work), I found that it was cancelled and the earlier one was due. South West Trains (remember them?) had kindly left bottled water in the waiting room for weary cyclists. The train was lightly loaded but I doubt the later one would have been. At St. David's I asked the Driver whether, if he had to stop on Honiton bank he would reach line speed again. He told me that trains never reach line speed anyway; the best he had done was 78 m.p.h.

Many thanks to Colin who, through his camera, has allowed us to join him on a glorious days excursion in Dorset. 

1802     Doubling the main line Redruth to Scorrier