2118 The CRS visit to Moorswater and walk to Looe. Micheal L. Roach.
Features July to December 2021
2115 Various Westcountry Railtours
2116 The Grange Class Part 2 Research on 6836 Estevarney Grange Michael L Roach
2117 The Tortuous Tortoise Railtour. Guy Vincent
2118
CRS visit to Moorswater
and walk to Looe.
Michael L. Roach
CRS visit to Moorswater
and walk to Looe.
Michael L. Roach
LOOE BRANCH WALK 1996
In the summer of 1996 the Cornwall Railway Society had a full programme of outdoor visits thanks to the efforts of the Outdoor Meetings Secretary Roger Winnen. One of the visits was to the Looe Branch and the date chosen was Saturday 20 July 1996 – 25 years ago today. The weather was good all day with plenty of sunshine. The party met on the train and alighted at Liskeard Station at about 10.12am from where we walked down the hill to Coombe Junction to see the branch train for the first time that day. It was single coach 153303 in Regional Railways livery; RR would be privatised on 1 April 1997. From Coombe the party headed up the valley for half a mile to the china clay works at Moorswater which was then operated by English China Clays, where a site visit had been arranged by our late late Chairman Walter Julian. The china clay arrived at the works in slurry form from a pit on Bodmin Moor through a pipeline which used to be visible above ground at Golitha Falls. The works operated continuously on a 3-shift system producing about 330 tonnes of clay per day. However clay was not dispatched every day; none had been loaded that day or the previous day (Friday). On Thursday 18 July 1996 30 CDA wagons were loaded and dispatched in two trains of 15 wagons each to Carne Point, Fowey for export by sea. Each trainload was taken up the steep bank to Liskeard by the Class 37 then in use in a rake of 7 wagons and a rake of 8 wagons and put together in Liskeard Yard. It was nearly 20 miles from Moorswater to Carne Point by rail. For the writer the visit to the works was the highlight of the day and very fortuitous because it's believed that the works closed just a few months later. Our hosts were duly thanked and the party proceeded down the valley on very narrow country lanes for the 7-mile ramble to Looe in the sunshine. At Looe we sought out some food or a visit to the beach before assembling for the train home. It had been a really good day out.
CAPTIONS
5044 Here we are looking across the settling tanks which were used to decant the top water. Some of the tanks dated back to the construction of the works by the St. Neots China Clay Company
5046 This was “Sharon” the resident shunter at the time
5052 Moorswater Viaduct looking eastwards from the narrow country lane passing beneath the viaduct, showing the three easternmost arches and the abutment of the original timber viaduct. This view has now been blocked by the growth of the trees in the foreground
5053 The CRS party watch the branch train pass through St. Keyne at 13.11
5057 Our train home has just arrived at Looe at 18.42 and disgorges its passengers. If the GWR's proposed pre-war new line to Looe had been constructed the 2-platform terminus would have been out of picture to the left just 250 metres away but 60 metres higher than the existing station.
MLR/18 July 2021
In the summer of 1996 the Cornwall Railway Society had a full programme of outdoor visits thanks to the efforts of the Outdoor Meetings Secretary Roger Winnen. One of the visits was to the Looe Branch and the date chosen was Saturday 20 July 1996 – 25 years ago today. The weather was good all day with plenty of sunshine. The party met on the train and alighted at Liskeard Station at about 10.12am from where we walked down the hill to Coombe Junction to see the branch train for the first time that day. It was single coach 153303 in Regional Railways livery; RR would be privatised on 1 April 1997. From Coombe the party headed up the valley for half a mile to the china clay works at Moorswater which was then operated by English China Clays, where a site visit had been arranged by our late late Chairman Walter Julian. The china clay arrived at the works in slurry form from a pit on Bodmin Moor through a pipeline which used to be visible above ground at Golitha Falls. The works operated continuously on a 3-shift system producing about 330 tonnes of clay per day. However clay was not dispatched every day; none had been loaded that day or the previous day (Friday). On Thursday 18 July 1996 30 CDA wagons were loaded and dispatched in two trains of 15 wagons each to Carne Point, Fowey for export by sea. Each trainload was taken up the steep bank to Liskeard by the Class 37 then in use in a rake of 7 wagons and a rake of 8 wagons and put together in Liskeard Yard. It was nearly 20 miles from Moorswater to Carne Point by rail. For the writer the visit to the works was the highlight of the day and very fortuitous because it's believed that the works closed just a few months later. Our hosts were duly thanked and the party proceeded down the valley on very narrow country lanes for the 7-mile ramble to Looe in the sunshine. At Looe we sought out some food or a visit to the beach before assembling for the train home. It had been a really good day out.
CAPTIONS
5044 Here we are looking across the settling tanks which were used to decant the top water. Some of the tanks dated back to the construction of the works by the St. Neots China Clay Company
5046 This was “Sharon” the resident shunter at the time
5052 Moorswater Viaduct looking eastwards from the narrow country lane passing beneath the viaduct, showing the three easternmost arches and the abutment of the original timber viaduct. This view has now been blocked by the growth of the trees in the foreground
5053 The CRS party watch the branch train pass through St. Keyne at 13.11
5057 Our train home has just arrived at Looe at 18.42 and disgorges its passengers. If the GWR's proposed pre-war new line to Looe had been constructed the 2-platform terminus would have been out of picture to the left just 250 metres away but 60 metres higher than the existing station.
MLR/18 July 2021
5052 Moorswater Viaduct looking northwards from the narrow country lane passing beneath the viaduct, showing the three easternmost arches and the abutment of the original timber viaduct. This view has now been blocked by the growth of the trees in the foreground. Copyright Mike Roach
The Branch enters the Moorswater Dries, the sign stating that no trains should pas this sign without the permission of ECLP. Copyright Roger Winnen
Looking down from a highlevel as the line enters the dries. Copyright Roger Winnen
5044 Here we are looking across the settling tanks which were used to decant the top water. Some of the tanks dated back to the construction of the works by the St. Neots China Clay Company. Copyright Mike Roach
5046 This was “Sharon” the resident shunter at the time. Copyright Mike Roach
Sharon the resident shunter having a rest on the beautiful Saturday morning. Copyright Roger Winnen
A view inside the Dries at Moorswater. Copyright Roger Winnen
A further view inside the works, Copyright Roger Winnen.
The rotary dryer at Moorswater. Copyright Roger Winnen
Coombe Junction Station and the line to Moorswater straight ahead. Copyright Roger Winnen
The 153 unit is seen approaching the ground frame at Coombe Junction before reversing to go to Looe. Copyright Roger Winnen
The points has been reset at Coombe Junction, the guard now makes his way to the Looe train. Copyright Roger Winnen
5053 The CRS party watch the branch train pass through St. Keyne at 13.11. Copyright Mike Roach.
5057 Our train home has just arrived at Looe at 18.42 and disgorges its passengers. If the GWR's proposed pre-war new line to Looe had been constructed the 2-platform terminus would have been out of picture to the left just 250 metres away but 60 metres higher than the existing station. Copyright Mike Roach
Many thanks to Mike for the report and to Roger for the additional pictures.
2117
The Tortuous Tortoise Railtour.
Guy Vincent
The Tortuous Tortoise Railtour.
Guy Vincent
The CRS website has for many years used pictures very kindly provided by a very good friend Ron Kosys. Recently on our News Column we featured two Rons photographs of a Railtour curiously named 'The Tortuous Tortoise' seen at Yeoford. Checking it up on that excellent site 'Six Bells Junction' we found that it ran on the 6th May 1989. from London Waterloo to Meldon Quarry and featured two 33's as motive power' Furthermore it was noticed that the report featured a photograph by a gentleman well known to all our regular viewers - Guy Vincent.
The SEG The premier organisation for enthusiasts, historians, modellers and preservationists of the Southern Electric system in Southern England.
The information pubished is taken from the excellent itinerary produced by the Southern Electric Group for the railtour
The information pubished is taken from the excellent itinerary produced by the Southern Electric Group for the railtour
From the S.E.G. Itinerary
33119+33106 seen at Yeoford on the 'Tortuous Tortoise' Railtour seen on the 6th May 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys. Note the solitary lady on the far end of the former down platform.
Turning about 33119+33106 seen leaving Yeoford and heading for Meldon on the 6th May 1989. In the distance to the left of the train is the Parish Church of St Andrews at Colebrooke. Copyright Ron Kosys.
Okehampton 33119 33106 8023 8010 th May 1989 Copyright Guy Vincent
Okehampton 8010 8023 33106 33119 6th May 1989. Copyright Guy Vincent
Meldon Quarry, Saturday 6th May 1989. 33119 & 33106 on 1Z30 0821 London Waterloo-Meldon Quarry SEG 'Tortuous Tortoise' Railtour. Copyright Guy Vincent
Meldon Quarry, Saturday 06th May 1989. 33119 & 33106 on SEG 'Tortuous Tortoise' 1Z30 0724 Waterloo-Meldon Railtour. Copyright Guy Vincent
A classic picture, the final goal is reached and participants leave the train to explore the mighty Meldon viaduct. 6th May 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Electrification details for the route.
Guy Vincent reports :- The SEG 'Tortuous Tortoise' railtour that ran from London Waterloo to Meldon Quarry and back on May 6th 1989, some 32 years ago now but nowhere near as long inside my head! I travelled on the train from Waterloo to Meldon and then back as far as Epsom where it unexpectedly terminated.
Many thanks to Guy Vincent for his photographs and making available a copy of his of the excellent brochure produced by the S.E.G. - also thanks to Ron Kosys.for the two photographs which led to the research on the operation of this charter.
Item 2116
The Grange Class Part 2
Research on 6836 Estevarney Grange Michael L Roach
The Grange Class Part 2
Research on 6836 Estevarney Grange Michael L Roach
THE GRANGE CLASS PART 2 6836 Estevarney Grange Michael L Roach
Apart from two months away at Carmarthen, 6836 was based at West Country engine sheds (Penzance, Newton Abbot and Laira) for more than eight years from May 1953 to October 1961. I saw the loco many times as it passed through Plymouth on passenger and freight trains during those eight years, and remember being intrigued by the name Estevarney; it did not sound English so perhaps it came from Wales or further afield. In 2021 I set out to find the big house that the locomotive was named after if indeed there was one. In Part 1 of this story, published on 17 June 2021, we saw a photo of 6836 at Dainton when it was shedded at Laira. Three months later in October 1961 the loco moved to Pontypool Road Shed where it was one of 17 Granges to be based at the shed in the 1960s, but not all at the same time. The shed closed in May 1965. From Pontypool 6836 would have worked passenger, parcels and freight trains over the hilly Welsh Marches line. There were four summits in the 43½ miles between Hereford and Newport alone of which the most famous was Llanvihangel involving a 7-mile climb in both directions to the summit. The road bridge across the line at the site of Llanvihangel Station was, and still is, a good place to see locomotives working hard.
The Granges at Pontypool Road shed would also have worked down the cross country line to Neath and Swansea via the Crumlin Viaduct, Quakers Yard and Aberdare, principally on longer distant freight trains. What marked 6836 out from the other Granges at Pontypool Road was that it was used on the last day of passenger trains between Pontypool Road and Neath which was Saturday 13 June 1964. The other locos in use that day on the last passenger trains were 3713, 4110, 4121 and 4639; but on a typical day the 56xx, 66xx and 84xx classes would also have put in appearances on passenger trains. The same month 6836 moved on again this time to Worcester Shed, where it was withdrawn from service in March 1965, reinstated a month later, and withdrawn again in August 1965. 6836 was still there at Worcester Shed on 28 November 1965 in the company of four other stored Granges: 6819, 6829, 6856 and 6876 plus 6 other stored steam locos. The following month the last three Granges were withdrawn: 6848, 6849 and 6872. On 6 May 1966 the last four steam locos at Worcester Shed were hauled away to Newport for scrapping by class 37 D6941 but 6836 was not amongst them having departed previously. None of the 80 Grange class locos was saved for preservation.
So where was the original Estevarney Grange after which 6836 was named. I could not find an Estevarney Grange and it appears that the Great Western Railway made up the name; indeed I suspect that the GWR made up most of the Grange names because none of them are well-known places like many of the other named Great Western locomotives: e.g. Dartington Hall or Caerphilly Castle. The only Estevarney I could find is located 2 miles north-west of the town of Usk in the valley of the River Usk and is an 11-bedroom farm house, listed Grade 2. Estevarney Farm was one of just 25 houses in the Parish of Monkswood and in the 1911 census is occupied by farmer William Glyn Arthur, aged 37 years, and his family. Living with him were a wife, 3 children, 3 farm workers and a domestic servant. All eight people were born in Wales or Monmouthshire but claim to be “English.” Heading south-west from Estevarney it is just four miles to Pontypool Road Station. I am sure that the shed master at Pontypool Road Shed would have known of 6836's local connections and rostered it to be used on the final day of passenger services for that reason. He is to be congratulated for a clever move, which most enthusiasts might not have appreciated at the time.
MLR/ 18 June 2021
Apart from two months away at Carmarthen, 6836 was based at West Country engine sheds (Penzance, Newton Abbot and Laira) for more than eight years from May 1953 to October 1961. I saw the loco many times as it passed through Plymouth on passenger and freight trains during those eight years, and remember being intrigued by the name Estevarney; it did not sound English so perhaps it came from Wales or further afield. In 2021 I set out to find the big house that the locomotive was named after if indeed there was one. In Part 1 of this story, published on 17 June 2021, we saw a photo of 6836 at Dainton when it was shedded at Laira. Three months later in October 1961 the loco moved to Pontypool Road Shed where it was one of 17 Granges to be based at the shed in the 1960s, but not all at the same time. The shed closed in May 1965. From Pontypool 6836 would have worked passenger, parcels and freight trains over the hilly Welsh Marches line. There were four summits in the 43½ miles between Hereford and Newport alone of which the most famous was Llanvihangel involving a 7-mile climb in both directions to the summit. The road bridge across the line at the site of Llanvihangel Station was, and still is, a good place to see locomotives working hard.
The Granges at Pontypool Road shed would also have worked down the cross country line to Neath and Swansea via the Crumlin Viaduct, Quakers Yard and Aberdare, principally on longer distant freight trains. What marked 6836 out from the other Granges at Pontypool Road was that it was used on the last day of passenger trains between Pontypool Road and Neath which was Saturday 13 June 1964. The other locos in use that day on the last passenger trains were 3713, 4110, 4121 and 4639; but on a typical day the 56xx, 66xx and 84xx classes would also have put in appearances on passenger trains. The same month 6836 moved on again this time to Worcester Shed, where it was withdrawn from service in March 1965, reinstated a month later, and withdrawn again in August 1965. 6836 was still there at Worcester Shed on 28 November 1965 in the company of four other stored Granges: 6819, 6829, 6856 and 6876 plus 6 other stored steam locos. The following month the last three Granges were withdrawn: 6848, 6849 and 6872. On 6 May 1966 the last four steam locos at Worcester Shed were hauled away to Newport for scrapping by class 37 D6941 but 6836 was not amongst them having departed previously. None of the 80 Grange class locos was saved for preservation.
So where was the original Estevarney Grange after which 6836 was named. I could not find an Estevarney Grange and it appears that the Great Western Railway made up the name; indeed I suspect that the GWR made up most of the Grange names because none of them are well-known places like many of the other named Great Western locomotives: e.g. Dartington Hall or Caerphilly Castle. The only Estevarney I could find is located 2 miles north-west of the town of Usk in the valley of the River Usk and is an 11-bedroom farm house, listed Grade 2. Estevarney Farm was one of just 25 houses in the Parish of Monkswood and in the 1911 census is occupied by farmer William Glyn Arthur, aged 37 years, and his family. Living with him were a wife, 3 children, 3 farm workers and a domestic servant. All eight people were born in Wales or Monmouthshire but claim to be “English.” Heading south-west from Estevarney it is just four miles to Pontypool Road Station. I am sure that the shed master at Pontypool Road Shed would have known of 6836's local connections and rostered it to be used on the final day of passenger services for that reason. He is to be congratulated for a clever move, which most enthusiasts might not have appreciated at the time.
MLR/ 18 June 2021
4911 6836 Estevarney Grange is seen at Dainton on 15 July 1961. Copyright Michael L Roach.
Many thanks indeed for sending us the results your extensive research.
See also Mikes item 2113 on the Grange class.
See also Mikes item 2113 on the Grange class.
Item 2115 West Country Railtours 2122
The most recent comes first.
The most recent comes first.
2115F The West Somerset Express 24th July 2021, Ken Mumford, Bill Elston, Keith Turley David Tozer.
2115E The Bahamas in Wiltshire 18th July 2021 Guy Vincent
2115D The Royal Duchy 11th July 2021
2115C The Northern Belle 9th July 2021
2115B Cornish Riviera Statesman 7th July 2021
2115A Cornish Riviera Statesman 3rd July 2021
2115E The Bahamas in Wiltshire 18th July 2021 Guy Vincent
2115D The Royal Duchy 11th July 2021
2115C The Northern Belle 9th July 2021
2115B Cornish Riviera Statesman 7th July 2021
2115A Cornish Riviera Statesman 3rd July 2021
West Somerset Express Charter 24th July 2021
The outward trip -
Item 2115F1
Bahamas in West Barkshire
Ken Mumford
Bahamas in West Barkshire
Ken Mumford
Kintbury 45596 Bahamas 24th July 2021, Copyright Ken Mumford
Kintbury 45596 Bahamas thunders on. 24th July 2921 Copyright Ken Mumford
Item 2115F2
Bahamas at Oath, Somerset
Bill Elston
Bahamas at Oath, Somerset
Bill Elston
45596, Passes Oath with the Paddington to Minehead charter.. 24th July 2021 Copyright Bill Elston
Item 2115F3
Bahamas at Norton Somerset
David Tozer & Keith Turley
Bahamas at Norton Somerset
David Tozer & Keith Turley
Norton Fitzwarren 45596 24th July 2021 Copyright Keith Turley.
West Somerset Express Charter 24th July 2021 Pt 2
The return Trip :-
LMS 45596 'Bahamas' cruising up the Frome Avoiding line at Styles Hill at 1940hrs with the return 1Z54 1726 Minehead (starting at Watchet) - Bishops Lydeard - Paddington Railway Touring Company's 'The West Somerset Steam Express'. Luckily this was between two bouts of heavy showers. The train was reportedly hauled over the WSR by 'Manors' 7822 and 7828. Again the loco was performing admirably with 11 coaches in tow and no assisting diesel.
Regards, Guy Vincent.
Regards, Guy Vincent.
LMS 45596 'Bahamas' cruising up the Frome Avoiding line at Styles Hill. Copyright Guy Vincent.
LMS 45596 'Bahamas' stops at Frome for a short 15 minute water tank top-up whilst en route to Bishops Lydeard with the Railway Touring Company's 1Z52 0759 ex Paddington 'West Somerset Steam Express'. The loco stopped beyond the end of the station car park so preventing any front-on photo. Departure time saw an age-old railway tradition enacted when a green 'Bardic' lamp was shown to the driver, giving the 'ready to start' signal. No buzzer or bell communication provided on 'proper', traditional trains! One could almost be forgiven for thinking that these scenes were recorded on a heritage railway and not on the soon-to-be 'Great British Railways' network.
Best Regards. Guy Vincent.
Best Regards. Guy Vincent.
Frome 45596 1Z52 24th July 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent.
Frome water stop, 45596 1Z52 24th July 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent
Frome water stop, 45596 1Z52 24th July 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent
Many thanks Guy.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Item 2115E
Bahamas in Wiltshire
Guy Vincent
Bahamas in Wiltshire
Guy Vincent
A nice surprise in Wiltshire around midday today with what is believed to be the first ever appearance of Stanier-designed ex LMS 4-6-0 'Jubilee' 45596 'Bahamas', a highly appropriate name with the temperature today in excess of 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
45596 was built in 1934 by the North British Locomotive Company for the LMS and in 1961 received a double chimney. It was withdrawn in 1966 and purchased for preservation the following year by the Bahamas Locomotive Society. Bahamas has spent periods on the main line, chiefly in nothern England and has been displayed at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and the NRM, York. Its most recent overhaul was completed in January 2019 following which it returned to use on the national network.
Today the loco was heading a 1Z51 0903 Paddington - Salisbury Steam Dreams day excursion consisting of 10 coaches with no assisting diesel. Two views, the first as the train came off the Berks and Hants line and passed non-stop through Westbury station and the second looking north from Imber Road bridge, just to the south of Warminster station where a 25 minute stop was made. Compare this image with photos on the site taken in the 1980s and see how vegetation has been allowed to spread across to almost reach the running lines.
Guy Vincent
45596 was built in 1934 by the North British Locomotive Company for the LMS and in 1961 received a double chimney. It was withdrawn in 1966 and purchased for preservation the following year by the Bahamas Locomotive Society. Bahamas has spent periods on the main line, chiefly in nothern England and has been displayed at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and the NRM, York. Its most recent overhaul was completed in January 2019 following which it returned to use on the national network.
Today the loco was heading a 1Z51 0903 Paddington - Salisbury Steam Dreams day excursion consisting of 10 coaches with no assisting diesel. Two views, the first as the train came off the Berks and Hants line and passed non-stop through Westbury station and the second looking north from Imber Road bridge, just to the south of Warminster station where a 25 minute stop was made. Compare this image with photos on the site taken in the 1980s and see how vegetation has been allowed to spread across to almost reach the running lines.
Guy Vincent
Westbury LMS45596 1Z51 18th July 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent
Warminster LMS45596 1Z51 0903 Paddington to Salisbury 18th July 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks Guy.
Item 2115D
The Royal Duchy
Tornado to Plymouth 11th July 2021
The Journey Down
Things start to go wrong!!
Afternoon Keith/Roger
A new vantage point today, the footbridge at Norton Fitzwarren, always keen to find new vantage point, all be it much changed since recent housing developments within the Village, 5 shots enclosed for CRS. Sadly due to points failure at Fairwater Yard, and a resulting delay of 106 minutes i was unable to capture 'Tornado' head west with the 'Royal Duchy'
All the Best, Andrew Triggs. Many thanks for your five photos Andrew.
Afternoon Keith/Roger
A new vantage point today, the footbridge at Norton Fitzwarren, always keen to find new vantage point, all be it much changed since recent housing developments within the Village, 5 shots enclosed for CRS. Sadly due to points failure at Fairwater Yard, and a resulting delay of 106 minutes i was unable to capture 'Tornado' head west with the 'Royal Duchy'
All the Best, Andrew Triggs. Many thanks for your five photos Andrew.
Norton Fitzwarren, Tornado comes off the WSR. 11th July 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Norton Fitzwarren, Tornado comes off the WSR 11th July 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Norton Fitzwarren, 3. 47813 having worked the 1Z31 08.46 Slough-Taunton diesel portion of the 'Royal Duchy' works forward 11th July 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Norton Fitzwarren, DBC 66003 hauls MPV DR 98907 west, running as 09.05 Didcot Fuelling Point-Exeter Riverside 11th July 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Norton Fitzwarren, Clearing Norton Fitzwarren footbridge at 11.38 running 11 early. 11th July 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs
210711b 47813 formally with The Rail Operations Group runs ahead of the special seen at Platform 8 Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
60163 Tornado with The Royal Duchy runs into Plymouth. Copyright Jon Hird
47813 Takes over for the run to Par as Tornado drops its support coach in the middle line. Copyright Jon Hurd
Plrnty of interest in Tornado at Plymouth. Copyright Jon Hurd
Tornado with its support coach in the middle line at Plymouth. Copyright Jon Hurd
A very wet Plymouth with 47813 and an IET in Platform 6. Copyright Jon Hurd
025A 47813 at Plymouth 11th July 2021. Copyright Jon Hird
025B Tornado at Plymouth 11th July 2021. Copyright John Hird
210711c Tornado with its support coach in the through line being passed by a Class 158 and 150 sprinter unit. Copyright Roger Winnen
210711d 60163 Tornado collects its support coach from the through line at Plymouth prior to go for coaling. Copyright Roger Winnen
025C Tornado at Plymouth 11th July 2021. Copyright John Hird
025D Tornado at Plymouth 11th July 2021. Copyright John Hird
210711e Tornado being filled with coal in Number 2 Dock. Copyright Roger Winnen
025E Tornado at Plymouth 11th July 2021. Copyright John Hird
210711g Nearly back to the buffer stops at Plymouth Tornado and the Plymouth Tower Block being refurbished for the University of Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen
The return journey
I was planning to go to Par on the 13.47 service from Plymouth but owing to the train running very late and the number of cancellations to the rail service owing to the shortage of drivers made it impossible.
Looking at Realtime trains 13 trains were cancelled from Plymoth which included 2 trains on the Gunnislake Line. The Cornish Main Line was greatly affected with 9 cancellations and the last four trains on the Falmouth Branch also being cancelled.
Roger Winnen.
Looking at Realtime trains 13 trains were cancelled from Plymoth which included 2 trains on the Gunnislake Line. The Cornish Main Line was greatly affected with 9 cancellations and the last four trains on the Falmouth Branch also being cancelled.
Roger Winnen.
210111a Departure board at Plymouth Stations showing Trains running and cancelations. Copyright Roger Winnen
210711i An IET heads for London Paddington in the Plymouth drizzle, being the 18.10 running late. Copyright Roger Winnen
210711j This is Tornado leaving Dock 2 those nearby never got a photograph. Copyright Roger Winnen
210711k Taken from the road overbridge of Sutherland Road where it was juct possible for a photo. Copyright Roger Winnen
210711l Tornado and its support coach awaits to reverse onto The Royal Duchy. Copyright Roger Winnen
210711m Tornado backing into Platform 6 at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen
210711n Departure from Plymouth at 18.54. Copyright Roger Winnen
210711nn Coming under the Sutherland Road overbridge at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen
A fantastic departure from Plymouth Station with only one slip on these curves. Copyright Roger Winnen
Heading for Mutley Tunnel and passing the site of Mutley Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Going away into Mutley Tunnel as the train leaves Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen
The 'back up' engine and later train engine for the return journey beyond Taunton heads over Red Cow Crossing at Exeter St Davids. 11th July 2021. Copyright David Tozer.
60163 Tornado heads the return train at Exeter St Davids. 11th July .2021 Copyright David Tozer
Finally got to see 'Tornado' this evening, in rapidly fading light A1 pacific No.60163 'Tornado'
passes Cullompton working the 1Z34 17:38 Par to Slough.
Copyright Keith Turley.
Post script - Tornado heads home on the 12th July 2021
c) 60163 TORNADO, heading back to Southall from Bishops Lydeard. 12th July 2021. Copyright Bill Elston.
A great pity it wasn't a better day but many thanks to all who contributed to this feature.
Item 2115C
The Northern Belle Bristol- Par
9th July 2021
The Northern Belle Bristol- Par
9th July 2021
This tour ran very late indeed owing to a locomotive failure arriving at Plymouth 15.07 therefore the Plymouth to Par section had to be cancelled. Passengers were amusing themselves on Plymouth Station before departing at 16.55hrs.
57601 and failed 57314 pass Dinnaton west of Totnes with 47802 on the rear -the train 1Z26 the 11.24 of BTM for Par. 9th July 2021 Copyright Clive Smith
210709a 57601 & 57314 Hauls the Northern Belle from Bristol Temple Meads to Plymouth where the train terminated. Copyright Roger Winnen
210709b 47802 Attached to the return working from Plymouth at 16.55 for Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Roger Winnen
210709bb A British Railways buit Pullman Coach incorperated into the set. Copyright Roger Winnen
210709c Departure at 16.55 taken from the road overbridge leading to the former Royal Eye Hospital. Copyright Roger Winnen
210709d A very nice set of rolling stock with the Northern Belle. Copyright Roger Winnen
210709e Bringing up the rear is 57601 Windsor Castle and 57314. Copyright Roger Winnen
47802 heads the 1Z37 Plymouth to Bristol at Daveys Bridge east of Ivybridge, Copyright Clive Smith,
Away for a week from today, but on the first day I managed to capture today's return 1Z37 16.55 Plymouth-Bristol T.M 'Northern Belle' at Hurleys Overbridge, Devon side of Whiteball Tunnel, 2 shots enclosed for CRS. 47802 leading the return 'Northern Belle' passing by Hurley's Overbridge at 18.35 Copyright Andrew Triggs
57601 with 57314 trailing the 'Northern Belle' with Whiteball Tunnel in the distance. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Item 2115B
Cornish Riviera Statesman (2)
Shrewsbury to Penzance and return
Wednesday 7th July 2021
Cornish Riviera Statesman (2)
Shrewsbury to Penzance and return
Wednesday 7th July 2021
On 7th July 2021 LSL operated class 47s Nos. 47593 'Galloway Princess'
and No.47614 (47853) approach Exeter St. Davids working the 1Z80
05:00 Shrewsbury to Penzance 'Cornish Riviera Statesman' charter.
Copyright Keith Turley.
1Z80 05.00 Shrewsbury - Penzance with a bit of clag at Newton Abbot and 1Z81 15.24 Penzance - Shrewsbury at Brent. Copyright Clive Smith
Cornish Riviera Statesman hauled by 47593 'Galloway Princess' and 47614 passing the former Chacewater station at 12:28 on 7 July 2021. Copyright Neville King
47593 with 47614 again working the 'Cornish Riviera Statesman' running as 1Z80 05.00 Shrewsbury-Penzance approaching Penzance at 12.58. Copyright Andrew Triggs
47593 + 47614 in Slopers Siding at Penzance last Wednesday ready to runaround the stock. Copyright Mark Lynam
Propelling the 'Statesman' ECS from Slopers to Platform 1 at Penzance at 15.10. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Departing at 15.24 with 47614 leading 47593 with the return 15.24 for Shrewsbury from Platform 1 at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs
47593 + 47614 departing Penzance working the return leg of the Cornish Riviera Statesman - 1Z81 1524 Penzance to Shrewsbury Copyright Mark Lynam
The return Statesman headed by 47614 passes through Redruth at 15.50. Copyright Keith Jenkin
Please find attached a photograph of the LSL class 47s storming through Restormel a little under an hour ago.
Best regards and Copyright Jon Hird
The returning special heads east through South Brent Station. Copyright Clive Smith
Item 2115A
Cornish Riviera Statesman (1)
3rd July 2021
Cornish Riviera Statesman (1)
3rd July 2021
The Down Train
Statesman at Cowley Bridge Junction 3rd July 2021 Copyright Keith Turley
Double Duffs in Devon Drizzle. 47593 & 47614 pass Daveys Bridge east of Ivybridge station with the 1Z45 04.50 Derby - Penzance 'Cornish Riviera Statesman'.
3rd July 2021 Copyright Clive Smith
210703a 47593 Galloway Princess and 47614 arrive at Plymouth with the Cornish Riviera Statesman. Copyright Roger Winnen
210703b 47593 Galloway Princess and 47614 arrive at Plymouth with the Cornish Riviera Statesman. Copyright Roger Winnen
210703d The sun came out at the right time as the train departed for Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen
210703e The Luxury train departs Plymouth Station. for Penzance.at 11.06 Copyright Roger Winnen
210703j The Cornish Riviera Statesman enters Cornwall over the magnificent Royal Albert Bridge. Copyright Ross Griffiths
210703k The Class 47s looking spick and spam enters the Royal Duchy. Copyright Ross Griffiths
Wheal Prussia or Stony Shaft Crossing, with 47 593 Galloway Princess at the head of the down train. Copyright Mike House
20210703-1The Cornish Riviera Statemans-approaching Gwinear Road change for Helston, Porthleven etc in the early 1960s. Copyright Neville King
210703k The Cornish Riviera Statesman crosses the marsh at Marazion for its finale two mile run into Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter
1Z45 04.50 Derby-Penzance arriving at Platform 2 at Penzance with 47593 leading, running 12 late at 13.11 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Following arrival at Platform 2 47593 Galloway Princess and 47614. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Having run around the Tour stock on Slopers, heading back under Ponsandane footbridge. Copyright Andrew Triggs
The Return Working
47614 now leading the return 1Z46 15.00 Penzance-Derby passing Marazion at 15.05 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Wheal Busy or Hallenbeagle Crossing with 47 614 in charge on the return trip. of The Cornish Riviera Statesman. Copyright Mick House
20210703-The Cornish Riviera Statesman-approaching the Apex Bridge. Copyright Neville King
Cornish Riviera Statesman seen at Trethallan - plenty of clag. Copyright Julian Stephens 3rd July 2021.
210703f The return working is seen at St Austell with 47614 leading. Copyright Roger Winnen
Respryn Woods timed nicely to see the return working of 'Cornish Riviera Statesman' with 47614 and 47593 'Galloway Princess' heading back to Derby from Penzance. 3rd July 2021. Copyright Alan Peters.