FEATURES September to Dec 2017

Features
September to December 2017

The Bodmin Winter Steam upfeaturing Bagnall Austerity Saddle Tank 75178 30th December 2017 Roger Salter John Ball & Roger Winnen
Class 800 IET First observations - Derek Buttivant
Architecture and Trains at Plymouth. Roger Salter & Roger Winnen. 30th November 2017
The fist Visit of IEP 802 002 Stoke Gifford to Penzance and return on Wednesday 15th November 2017 and the second visit on Thursday 16th November 2017
South Devon Diesel Gala 3rd & 4th November 2017
Route Refresher - Colin Burges takes a cycle ride from Ivybridge to west of Dainton.
Bodmin Exchange 55020 Arrives and Judy departs
Friday 20th October 2017 Roger Winnen
Alongside Teign & Exe Roger Salter Sept/Oct 2017
Visit to the Helston Rlwy 5th Oct 2017 Steve Widdowson
Peter Gray - a tribute by Derek Buttivant - Chairman
The 2017 RHTT in Cornwall for the leaf fall season.
The East Somerset Railway - Guy Vincent
The Sid Sponhiemer collection
The Lynton & Barnstaple Gala featuring Lyn on 30th September 2017 Photographs by David Tozer
*The ACE London Victoria to Exeter 23rd Sepember 2017
*The Bodmin & Wenford Railway Diesel Gala with visiting engine 57604 Pendennis Castle 16th September 2017
*Last weekend of the Swanage Shuttles - Kevin Jenkin
*Cornwall Railway Society visit to the Long Rock Train Maintenance Depot Saturday 9th September 2017
*Old Oak Common Open Day a compilation of pictures Saturday 2nd September 2017

The Bodmin Winter Steam Up featuring the restored Bagnall Austerity Saddle Tank 75178 on 30th December 2017
Roger Salter John Ball & Roger Winnen

171230zb 6435 Arrives at Bodmin Parway on the 10.00hrs service from Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Salter

171230h 6435 awaits departure with the 10.25 service to Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230i Festive Decorations aboard the train to Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230j The two car Derby DMU awaits its sale following the purchase of the Class 121 unit. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230k The rebuilt Bagnall Austerity tank awaits to haul its first passenger train. The last time that this engine worked was 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230m Bodmin Signalman Dave Letcher 'Food for thought' Copyright Roger Winnen

171230n The station looking very nice decorated for the Christmas Season. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230o 30587 approaches Bodmin General on the goods from Boscarne Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230zc 30587 rounds the curve into Bodmin General Station with the 10.30 goods from Boscarne Junction.Copyright Roger Salter

171230zd The Beattie 30587 with the goods at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Salter

171230zk The beattie well tank after arriving at Bodmin General with the goods, runs around its train. Copyright John Ball

171230zd 75178 Moves off the shed in preparation to work the 12 noon service to Boscarne Junction. Copyright Roger Salter

171230zl 75178 Approaches Bodmin Signal Box. Copyright John Ball

171230p 75178 The Bagnall Austerity couples to its first passenger train being the 12,00 to Boscarne Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230q At Boscarne Junction with the Beattie running around its train followed by 75178. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230zm A well known gentleman from Plymouth photographing the Austerity near the buffer stops at Boscarne Junction. Copyright John Ball

171230zn Road Ahead as the fireman steps down from the engine to change the points. Copyright John Ball

171230ze The Austerity running around at Boscarne Junction prior to working the return 12.25 service. Copyright Roger Salter

171230r 75178 Running around. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230zf 75178 waits for the Beattie to couple up for the next departure to Bodmin General at 12.25 Copyright Roger Salter

171230s Returning from Boscarne Junction we see both engines rounding the curve into Bodmin General Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230t The duo at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230u Running around its train at General Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230zo The goods has arrived at Boscarne Junction, the driver holds the staff for Bodmin General to Boscarne Junction. Copyright John Ball

171230v 6435 arrives with the goods from Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230zg The goods move out of the platform at Bodmin. Jimmy James is the Guard. Copyright Roger Salter

171230w The Austerity running at Bodmin Parkway prior to returning with the 14.40 service to Bodmin General.. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230zh 75178 Departs Bodmin Parkway on the 14.45 service to Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Salter

171230x Departure to Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230y The latest addition at Bodmin Parkway is this signalling cabin sited between the up main platform and the Bodmin & Wenford Railway which now spoils the view that was possible of trains departing to Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230za Were modernising Brunel's Railway for the 21st Century. Copyright Roger Salter

First Impressions of the Class 800's-
Derek Buttivant

Class 800 Standard Class accommodation. 4th December 2017 Copyright Derek Buttivant

I sampled the new Class 800 (IET Hitachi) train on 4 December on a journey from Reading to Cardiff. This train was formed of two five-car bi-mode units coupled together. I will send further photos and details over the next few days. Let's start with the accommodation.
The attached photos show the standard class accommodation. Like the HSTs, there are variations in interior layout between vehicles, depending on whether they contain other facilities such as crew accommodation, cycle/trolley storage compartments, etc. The first picture shows the vehicle with most seats and the extra three metres of length, compared with a Mk3 coach is noticeable. The layout feels less cramped and the seat backs seem less intrusive than in a Mk3. Overhead luggage racks are deeper, allowing slightly larger items to be placed in them. Most seats have reasonable alignment with windows but some have almost no useable window and, at the ends of the vehicle (see photo 2) where the door pockets intrude, there is no window at all. Worse still, these two seats are opposite the luggage stack so there is no window to be seen on the other side of the carriage either. This might be acceptable for short journeys but, on the class 802 units being provided for services to Cornwall, sitting for up to five hours with no view through a window, it would certainly not be. More useful would be to replace the no-view seats with additional luggage racks.

The seats with no view - standard class. 4th December 2017 Copyright Derek Buttivant

Class 800 - First Class seat with no view. 4th December 2017. Copyright Derek Buttivant.

No longer will passengers with seat reservations need to look at seat-back cards, manually inserted as on the HSTs. The IETs have a traffic-light reservation system consisting of a three-colour LED light and a display screen above every seat. A green light means that the seat is unreserved for the whole journey, a red indicates that the seat is already reserved at that point in the train's journey and the yellow light informs a would-be occupant of the seat that it is reserved at some later point in the journey, Reference to the adjacent screen provides details of between exactly which stations the seat is reserved. On the face of it, this seems similar to the system used on the CrossCountry Voyager (and Pendolino) trains but there is an important difference: the coloured lights are quite bright and visible along the whole length of the carriage as the passenger enters, so it's easy to see straight away where the unreserved (green light) seats are.
Plug sockets and USB ports are provided throughout. In first class these are now beneath the arm rests between pairs of double seats. There may be occasions when two passengers want to use these facilities simultaneously and will need to come to an arrangement for sharing! That, though, is no different from the HST arrangement. However, if the passenger in the aisle seat has a device connected to the socket, any passenger wishing to get out of the window seat will find the power cable stretched across from arm rest to table.

Class 800 - Power Points - 4th December 2017. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Class 800 Seat Reservation System 1 Copyright Derek Buttivant

Class 800 Seat reservation system 2 Copyright Derek Buttivant

The vestibules on the new trains come in several varieties. Illustrated here is the vestibule in one of the first-class vehicles which houses an accessible toilet. At first sight these areas resemble those in the Voyager CrossCountry sets but are actually considerably better. Notably, there is no "toilet chemical" smell in the new trains. Inside the toilet the various controls are clear to see and use, lighting is bright and there is plenty of space. The corridor around the outside appears quite narrow but there is room to manoeuvre the refreshment trolley through. Entrance/exit doors between train and platform are narrow and, with over 90 seats in some vehicles, the time taken for passengers to alight and board, especially with luggage, might be quite long, perhaps negating the dwell-time advantage of power operated doors. Curiously, too, in vehicles with diesel engines beneath their floors, the saloon floor height is higher than that of the vestibule floor, giving an upward slope when entering the saloon.
Class 800 trains do not have luggage vans like those contained in the HST power cars. Instead, as well as the overhead racks and end-of-vehicle luggage stacks, there are, in some coaches, full-height compartments (see third photo) capable of holding either two cycles in vertical racks or normal luggage on fold-down shelves. Note that these compartments also have reservation lights and screens, presumably so that space can be reserved for pre-booked cycles. Once again, it is questionable whether this provision is adequate, given that insufficient accommodation for cycles is the subject of complaints on existing trains with a need to pre-book and many more people now travelling with cycles.

Class 800. Vestibule. Picture taken by Derek Buttivant 4th December 2017. Copyright

Class 800. Looking towards the passenger saloon. The floor slopes upwards to give clearance for the underfloor engines below. 4th December 2017 Copyright Derek Buttivant

Cycle and luggage store. 4th December 2017 Copyright Derek Buttivant

The accompanying pictures show the kitchen on a class 800 unit. Each five-car set has a kitchen occupying part of one of the driving vehicles. These kitchens are very well equipped with much better preparation and cooking facilities than those on an HST. An important difference is that the new kitchens occupy the full width of the vehicle whereas the HST kitchens are narrow to allow for the side corridor. On the other hand, the 800 kitchens have to be at the extreme end of the train rather than between first and standard class. There is, of course, no buffet counter, all seats being served by trolleys. Obviously, passengers cannot pass through the kitchen so the kitchen/driving vehicle has a passenger entrance door only at one end, the door nearest the driving cab being solely for crew use (though with push buttons outside this clearly confused some passengers). The first Pullman service to make full use of the new kitchens is expected to run to Swansea in the near future. This will serve the first-class vehicles consisting of the remaining section of the driving coach plus the adjacent half of the next vehicle. Presumably, where two 800 sets are coupled only one will offer the Pullman dining service.

Kitchen (1) 4th December 2017 Copyright Derek Buttivant

Kitchen (2) 4th December 2017 Copyright Derek Buttivant

Class 800 trains - first impressions, part 5.
The previous four parts have looked at some of the detail of the new trains. This final part is about the overall impression - based on just one Reading-Cardiff journey. There will be some subtle differences between the class 800 units and the class 802 which will eventually operate to Devon and Cornwall. Notably, the 802 engines will be uprated to give more power, so they might make more noise. With electrification not having reached further west than Maidenhead on the day I travelled, all of my journey was with diesel power. I rode in one of the vehicles with an engine under the floor and, while it could be heard, the noise level and vibration were both significantly lower than in previous units such as the Voyagers and 180s and very much lower than in units such as the 15X and 16X series. The main line through Swindon and Bristol Parkway to Cardiff is probably about as smooth as it gets - and the ride was indeed smooth. It remains to be seen what it's like on the Berks & Hants or through Devon and Cornwall where there are more curves and plenty of bumpy sections.
Seat comfort in first class was reasonable with all seats at tables in a 2+1 configuration. Leg room here is good, though the large tables in four-seat bays, lacking a folding section, require some flexibility to get in and out of the window seats. The single seats are partially airline-style. The last refurbishment of HST first class seating, in plush-looking but rather slippery leather, resulted in almost all single seats being airline and with consequent difficulty in accommodating pairs of passengers travelling together. In standard class the 800 seating is mainly airline and quite a lot harder but it seems less cramped than in an HST. Nevertheless, the extra three metres of length means even more people to try to manoeuvre along the gangway, stow luggage and queue to exit than in the HSTs.
With ten coaches on an afternoon off-peak train, most seats were unoccupied and the trolley had no trouble passing through. It could be very different in peak conditions. With no gangway connection between the two units, extra crew are also needed to service the two separate parts of the train. There are also, of course, two very expensive kitchens to carry around, occupying virtually one full coach between them. One oddity of the new trains when running as a coupled pair is that of coach lettering. We are used to HSTs with seven or eight coaches labelled A to E or F, plus K and L (G,H and I are not used). Lettering on class 800s is A to E when operating singly, but when a second unit is added the letters continue through the alphabet - otherwise trains would have two Coach As, two Bs, etc and that would be confusing. We have also become accustomed to HSTs running in "normal" formation with 1st class at the London end and station announcements made when they are in "reverse" formation. GWR depots do their best to get HSTs turned round as soon as possible to avoid the complications of being "back to front". Single, 5-car class 800s can be similarly treated but there are bound to be occasions when one unit of a coupled pair is the opposite way round from the other. This can result in first class (and the kitchens) being at the extreme ends of the ten-car train, next to one another in the middle, one in the middle and one at the rear or one at the front and one in the middle! It remains to be seen how these various possibilities are communicated on station platforms for passengers to find the right coach. Presumably the 800s will never run with one vehicle missing or duplicate vehicles either!
Overhead scrolling information screens are clear and, as with most modern trains, give a list of calling points and name the next stop. They can provide other information such as safety notices and details of forthcoming disruption to services. They can also include the coach identity letter - important in view of the above.
Overall, I felt that the ambience of the Hitachi class 800 trains does not represent (as has been claimed) a lowering of standards from those of the HSTs. As with most changes, some are for the better and some worse. We'll see (or perhaps not!) whether they are in as good shape as the HSTs after 40 years but I shall not be unhappy to ride in the 802s when they come to Cornwall.
Derek Buttivant

Many thanks to Derek Buttivant for his extensive report on the new trains.

Architecture and Trains at Plymouth 30th Nov 2017
Roger Salter & Roger Winnen

171130a Plymouth Station today. The rebuilding of Plymouth Station recommenced in 1956 and the new station with its large office block was formally opened by Dr Richard Beeching, The Chairman of the British Raiways Board on 26th March 1962. Copyright Roger Winnen

171130k These were once the through platforms of Platform 3 and Platform 2 nearest the station exit. Copyright Roger Winnen

171130j The Moorswater bound cement passes through Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Salter

171130c 70816 Heads the Westbury to Moorswater cement throuth the middle road at Plymouth. This trains normally runs on Wednesdays but owing to a rostering problem it spent 24hrs at Westbury. Copyright Roger Winnen

171130b Situated on the Barbican at Plymouth is the former London & South Western Railway goods receiving office. Copyright Roger Winnen

171130e Cheeky Magpie after titbits in the bogie of 22021 in Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Salter

171130h 66127 Running through the centre road of Plymouth Station with the RHTT. Copyright Roger Salter

171130g The Railhead treatment train tailed by 66027 passing through Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Salter

171130d Three HST at Plymouth Station, in twelve months time no doubt it will be all change into the new 802 units. Copyright Roger Winnen

The first and second visits of IEP 802 002 Stoke Gifford to Penzance and return on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th November 2017

Photographs by Roger Aston David Potter Roger Salter Andrew Triggs Emma Shard Peter Murnaghan Kyle Greet Richard Kitson and Roger Winnen

Thursday 16th November 2017

171116m GWR 802 002 Approaches Liskeard Station on route to Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

171116a 802002 crossing Moorswater viaduct. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

171116b Seen at Bodmin Parkway this morning on its 52 mile run to Penzance. Copyright Roger Aston

171116c 802 002 is seen departing from Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Aston

171116d 802 002 Rounds the curve at Loswithiel this morning. Copyright Roger Winnen

171116e No branch connection to Fowey anymore as the IEP passes through Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen

171116f Up the bank she goes towards Treverran Tunnel and Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

171116g 802002 Leaving St Austell En-Route to Penzance. Copyright Richard Kitson

171116h 802 002 Passes under the Marazion Bypass Bridge on route to Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

171116i Approaching the end of its journey to Penzance. The IEP approaches the wooden bridge, the site of the former Ponsandane Signal Box. Copyright Kyle Greet

171116j The return working is seen passing for former Marazion Station site. Copyright Roger Salter

171116n The return 5X82 with 802 022 at Lostwithiel, modern coaching stock with original semaphores. Copyright Andrew Triggs

171116k Arrival at Saltash where a brief stop was made before crossing the border. Copyright Roger Winnen

171116l Crossing Brunels Masterpiece into Devon and on to Stoke Gifford (Bristol Parkway) Copyright Roger Winnen

Wednesday 15th November 2017

171115za 802 002 entering Liskeard with the 0748 Stoke Gifford - Penzance Copyright Peter Murnaghan

171115a The classic Hallenbeagle shot with the IEP passing the Mine Stack on its run to Penzance. Copyright Roger Aston

171115b 802 002 at Redruth on route to Penzance. Copyright David Potter

171115d 802 002 Crosses Hayle Viaduct in sunshine. Copyright Roger Salter

171115e The IEP in brilliant sunshine crosses Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Roger Salter

171115f Arrival at St Erth passing milepost 321 The new train contrast with the old footbridge at this station. Copyright Roger Winnen

171115g 802 002 Stops for a short while at St Erth on its last part of the journey to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

171115h Departing St Erth passing SE6 as she climbs the bank to Arch Lane Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

171115i Crossing over the pointwork to gain access to Platform 4. Copyright Andrew Triggs

171115j 802 002 on the final approach to Penzance at 12.57 Copyright Andrew Triggs

171115k 802002 at end of platform 4 in Penzance. Copyright Emma Shard

171115l Penzance welcomes 802002. Copyright Emma Shard

171115m No.2 Cab of 802002. Copyright Emma Shard

171115n Standard class passenger area. Copyright Emma Shard

171115o Stabled in Platform 4 at Penzance during its lunch break. Copyright Roger Salter

171115p The IEP awaits departure from Penzance at 14.00 hrs. Copyright Roger Salter

171115q Rounding the curve at Long Rock running as the 5X92 to Stoke Gifford. Copyright Andrew Triggs

171115r Here we see the IEP passing Marazion Station at 14.03. Copyright Andrew Triggs

171115s 802002 passes Arch Lane as she runs downhill into St Erth. Copyright Emma Shard.

171115t The old and new. 802002 waits at the semaphore signal before entering St Erth. Copyright Emma Shard

171115u On the return journey 802 002 is held at Camborne awaits the 13.45 Penzance Plymouth arrival at Truro. Copyright Roger Winnen

171115v 802 002 is seen departing Camborne passing what was Holman Bros No 3 Works. Copyright Roger Winnen

171115w The return working is seen passing the bushes at Chacewater Station. Copyright Roger Aston

171115x 802 002 approaching Liskeard on the return run from Penzance. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

171115y 802 002 Liskeard up platform. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

171115z 802 002 departing Liskeard for Stoke Gifford. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

South Devon Diesel Gala
3rd November 2017
Photographs by John Ball Andrew Triggs Steve Widdowson and Roger Winnen

The Clayton at Staverton. SD Gala 3rd November 2017 Copyright John Ball

Class 33 at Hood Bridge SD Gala 3rd November 2017 Copyright John Ball

The Clayton at Hood Bridge SD Gala 3rd November 2017 Copyright John Ball

Again the Clayton at Hood Bridge SD Gala 3rd November 2017 Copyright John Ball

Early morning positioning move at Buckfastleigh for 08644 D3721 and D8568 SD Gala 3rd November 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs

First Buckfastleigh departure of the day with the 09.45 for Totnes Riverside with 08644 and D3721 at Caddaford curve SD Gala 3rd November 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Same train at Hood bridge SD Gala 3rd November 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Clayton Class 17 D8568 departing Staverton for Totnes Riverside with the delayed 10,40 from Buckfastleigh SD Gala 3rd November 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Resident Class 33 D6501 approaching Hood bridge with the 12.45 from Totnes Riverside SD Gala 3rd November 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs

D8568 approaching Staverton in the afternoon sun with the 13.25 for Buckfastleigh SD Gala 3rd November 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs

South Devon Diesel Gala
4th November 2017

171104a 08644 & 'TEST CAR 1' ADW 150375 Buckfastleigh 0855 to Totnes { South Devon Rly Diesel Gala } Copyright Steve Widdowson)

171104e 33002 [ D6501 ] 1045 to Totnes RS departing Buckfastleigh { South Devon Rly Diesel Gala } Copyright Steve Widdowson

171104kD8568 arr Buckfastleigh 1045 from Totnes RS { South Devon Rly Diesel Gala } Copyright Steve Widdowson

171104a Activity at Buckfastleigh as the Clayton diesel D8568 runs around to form the 11.25 to Totnes Riverside. Copyright Roger Winnen

171104b D8568 with the 11.25 to Totnes passes 6975 at Bishops Bridge, Staverton running on the Buckfastleigh service. Copyright Roger Winnen

171104c D8568 departs from Staverton. Copyright Roger Winnen

171104d Riding on the Bubble Car 55000 in tow by D3721 (09 010) a unique trip being the 12 noon from Staverton to Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

171104e Arrival at Totnes Riverside sees D6501 Hauling the Postman on the 12.22 service to Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

171104f 33002 [ D6501 ] 1300 to Buckfastleigh @ Totnes Riverside { South Devon Rly ~ Diesel Gala } Copyright Steve Widdowson

171104f D3721 moves the train into the run around loop at Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

171104g Movements at Totnes Riverside. Copyright Roger Winnen

171104h A line up of motive power at Totnes Riverside. The Clayton D8568 is the only survivor of a class totalling 117 locomotives with a service history of only just seven years. Built in 1963 and spending its life in Scotland, this engine was delivered new on 16th January, 1964 to Haymarket and moving onto to Polmadie in September 1968. Remaining there until withdrawl from service in October 1971. This engine was then used as an industrial shunter for 11 years prior to preservation by the DTG in February 1983. Copyright Roger Winnen

171104i D8568 & 55000 @ Totnes Riverside { South Devon Rly ~ Diesel Gala } Copyright Steve Widdowson

171104i 6975 Runs into Totnes Riverside with the 12.22 from Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

171104h D8568 & 37275 Totnes Riverside { South Devon Rly ~ Diesel Gala } Copyright Steve Widdowson

171104j The classic view from the footbridge at Buckfastleigh with the Clayton about to couple onto the 14.00 train to Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

171104l 08 644 named and based at Laira Diesel Depot enters Buckfastleigh on the 13.30 service from Staverton. This was most probably the first time that this locomotive has visited a preserved railway line. Copyright Roger Winnen

171104m With threatening skies this engine looks most impressive in its blue livery. At one time this loco was allocated to Penzance as the pilot. Copyright Roger Winnen

171104c 08644 @ Buckfastleigh { South Devon Rly Diesel Gala } Copyright Steve Widdowson

171104d 08644 + ADW150375 @ Buckfastleigh yard { South Devon Rly Diesel Gala } Copyright Steve Widdowson

171104d 09010 [ D3721 ] + 55000 1355 Staverton ~ Buckfastleigh yard ECS @ Buckfastleigh { South Devon Rly Diesel Gala } Copyright Steve Widdowson

171104n From the Ashburton engine of the station D6501 can be seen tailing the 14.47 to Totnes Riverside. Alongside is D2246 (11216) Copyright Roger Winnen

171104g 33002 [D6501] Buckfastleigh~ tailing 1447 to Totnes RS { South Devon Rly Diesel Gala } Copyright Steve Widdowson

171104j Class 04 D2246 @ Buckfastleigh ' drive for fiver ' { South Devon Rly Diesel Gala } Copyright Steve Widdowson

171104o D2246 on Drive for a Fiver, entertainment for the children. Copyright Roger Winnen

171104p Inside the shed can be seen this Class 25 under restoration. Copyright Roger Winnen

171104q The light is fading as D8568 arrives at Buckfastleigh, the time is 15.25. Copyright Roger Winnen

Route Refresher
Ivybridge to near Dainton
Colin Burges

Colin a very keen and able cyclist gives a commentary on what he finds en-route.
My cyclo-ramble followed the railway as closely as possible to the other side of Totnes, but did not include Dainton as I have done this more recently. As usual my shots are mostly of things which catch my eye and which you do not always see from the train.

Ivybridge station Car Park - not a great success.

Ivybridge station Car Park. Copyright Colin Burges

Ivybridge station car park. Colin's bike is the sole occupant of the bike rack. Copyright Colin Burges

No buses, not today, not tomorrow, not at all. Copyright Colin Burges

No buses stop here! Copyright Colin Burges

The plaque unveiled with great ceremony on the 16th July 1994. Copyright Colin Burges

When Ivybridge opened in 1994, it was supposed to begin a series which might have included Cullompton, Kingskerswell, Okehampton, Plympton, South Brent and Tavistock. If you remember, the cost of Ivybridge rocketed from £0.5-million under B.R. to £1-million with Railtrack. Ivybridge was supposed to be only a part of a rail transport package for the Plymouth travel-to-work area; a park-and-ride station was also mooted for Trerulefoot.

Today, 30 cars in a car park built for 200 and an abandoned bus stop tell their own story.

Redlake Tramway exchange siding at Cantrell.

The foot of the incline from the lower terminus of the tramway would was roughly in line with the far end of the loading dock. Copyright Colin Burges.

Bittaford station and viaduct

The masonry arch of the original viaduct at Bittaford survives abutted with its replacement. The corbelling is not seen on later bridges. Above the wing wall at left is the narrow lane off which was the entrance to the Up platform of the old halt. Copyright Colin Burges

The face of the structure from which the first timber span would have sprung. Eyes remain for the wrought iron ties. CR Colin Burges

Wrought iron tie fixing. Copyright Colin Burges

A view through the two arches. Copyright Colin Burges

The road junction. The bricked up passage to the left of my bike was the entrance to the down platform Copyright Colin Burges

Wrangaton

Wrangaton 1 former Victualling depot. Copyright Colin Burges

Wrangaton 2 former Victualling depot. Copyright Colin Burges N.B. From passing trains one could look into this depot.

Siding Cross

Sidings Cross - Wrangaton - Kingsbridge Road. Copyright Colin Burges

Screenshot 2017 1887 25 inch survey .Kingsbridge Road

Aish

If you know what to look for when gazing out of the train window, the original work of the engineer can still be seen beyond the actual formation of the railway. Fields cut in two, rivers straightened, roads diverted and more can be spotted. One obvious example is at Aish, where a road descends the hill, meets the railway and follows it a short distance before joining another road to pass beneath the line. That road once continued and its remains, abandoned around 1848, can still be seen. The railway passes across the top half of the photo. Copyright Colin Burges

Brent, West of

The buffer stop for the former up refuge siding on the west approach to Brent. Copyright Colin Burges

The River Avon cascades off the moor beneath Lydia Bridge, just a short walk from Brent Station. In better times, perhaps after getting off the Kingsbridge train on a summer's evening, this might have been a pleasant interlude for the rail traveller. Copyright Colin Burges

A view alongside the former down platform looking towards the junction where the Kingsbridge branch turned off right. Copyright Colin Burges

Marley tunnel - near

Marley Head: the tunnel passes not far beneath the off-slip road at left. The A38 near Marley tunnel. Colin Burges

Marley House

Marley House: the tunnel is beneath the field in the foreground. The line might have been in deep cutting here but for the landowner's objection, I believe. Copyright Colin Burges

The site of the westernmost pumping station of the atmospheric at Rattery, equipped but never used. The line is above the wall behind the cottage. The reservoir is still there on this side of the road. Copyright Colin Burges

There may have been an error in communication when this board was ordered. It may be a dangerous bridge but I think its correct name is Hatchland. Copyright Colin Burges

Totnes bank - west side.

Taken from a rutted byway to the north of the line on the outskirts of Totnes a train is seen descending the last of the bank from Rattery. If my camera were better, it would have picked up Western Beacon in the grey above the trees at left. Western Beacon is the southernmost point of Dartmoor and overlooks Ivybridge Station, the start of my ride. Copyright Colin Burges

Totnes to Dainton line - wall out of plumb. Colin Burges

Totnes to Dainton - wall out of plumb. Copyright Colin Burges. N.B Colin comments that it is a good job passengers cannot see this - but it is safe.

Very many thanks indeed to Colin for his time and trouble not only in cycling the route but also in putting together this amazing collection.

Bodmin Exchange
Pressed Steel Bubble Car 55020 Arrives &
Judy departs for the Plym Valley Railway 20th October 2017 Roger Winnen

171020a Pressed Steel Bubble Car 55020 awaits unloading at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020b Beware of the trains at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020c 55020 with the Signal Box and Water Tower at Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020d 55020 turns its wheels on Cornish soil as she leaves the long loader. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020e 08444 was used as braking power as the Bubble descended down the ramp. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020f Judy destined for the Plym Valley stands alongside 6435 on a driving experience duty. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020g The convoy running into the yard to collect Judy. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020h Coupling up little Judy with 55020. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020i Judy departs for the low loader. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020j Judy of 1937 vintage mounts the low loader. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020k Up she comes. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020l Judy and the Bubble Car with Bodmin Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020m Judy has now been chained down ready for its journey across the border. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020n Moving to the platform of Bodmin General we see the whole convoy. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020o Last minute adjustments before departing from Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020p 08444 together with the guards van & 55020 moves away from the low loader. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020q The scene outside of the workshops at Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

171020r Reids Freight on tour with Judy. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Railway alongside the Teign & Exe Estuaries 30th September 2017-
5th October 2017 Roger Salter

171002a 66957 with the running in tour of the RHTT alongside the River Exe. Copyright Roger Salter

171003b The 2C67 08.14 153325 & 150221 Newport to Paignton skirts the Teign Estuary. Copyright Roger Salter

171003c The 2C67 08.14 Newport to Paignton with 153325 and 150221 skirts the Teign Estuary. Copyright Roger Salter

171003d 2T11 10.23 Exmouth to Paignton travels alongside the Teign Estuary. Copyright Roger Salter

171003d The 1A81 08.44 Penzance to Paddington. 253001 Sir Keith Grange nears Shaldon Bridge. Copyright Roger Salter

171003i The 610Z 09.05 Exeter Riverside to Exeter Riverside via Newton Abbot hauled by 66957 Stephenson Locomotive Society 1909-2009. Copyright Roger Salter

171003j 66957 With the RHTT at Cockwood Harbour. Copyright Roger Salter

171004p The 698G 66957 being the 09,05 Exeter Riverside to Exeter Riverside via Newton Abbot is seen passing Exminster Bridge. Copyright Roger Salter

171005c 622P 11.38 Moorswater to Aberthaw Cement Empties passes Dawlish Warren behind 70813. Copyright Roger Salter

171005d 654R 15.06 St Blazey to Exeter Riverside passes Easton behind 66185. Copyright Roger Salter

171005e The 2F17 09.12 Paignton to Exmouth 150221 passes Powderham. Copyright Roger Salter

Visit to the Helston Rlwy 5th Oct 2017 Steve Widdowson

I had a visit to the Helston Railway on Thursday 5th October.Met a great crowd of people with some good ideas I do hope they can get to Helston - Steve Widdowson. Many thanks Steve for sending in your collection - they are in the order received with the exception of the track plan.
The CRS are planning a visit to the Helston Railway on Thursday the 13th September 2018.

50413 & 56169 Class 103 ~ Royal Park DMU @ Prospidnick on Helston Rly 5th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson

D2957 as 97649 Ruston & Hornsby 165hp 0-4-0 { Wks No 327974 } @ Prospidnick on Helston Rly 5th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson

B954353 BR Brake Van at Prospidnick on Helston Rly 5th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson

What a lovely shot of Trevarno framed by the road overbridge. 5th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Through the bridge, looking on towards Truthall Halt. 5th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Truthall Halt is just in view, round the bend. 5th October 2017. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Truthall - just a few yards to the platform - through the undergrowth ahead lies the route to Helston. 5th October 2017. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

D2957 ~ as 97649 Ruston & Hornsby 165hp 0-4-0 { Wks No 327974 } @ Truthall halt end of the Helston Rly line 5th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson

What a lovely job has been made of the sign at Truthall. 5th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson.

The brakevan at the terminus. 5th October 2017. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Back at Trevarno. D2958 Ruston & Hornsby 165hp 0-4-0 { wks No 395305 } Trevarno on Helston Rly 5th October 2017 Steve Widdowson

Another look back. 5th October 2017. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

59521 class 117 TCLparked at Trevarno on the Helston Railway 5th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Yet another charming view of Trevarno with its disused platform. D2958 Ruston & Hornsby 165hp 0-4-0 { wks No 395305 } 5th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson

This together with the following view of Trevarno features a charming little station sadly disused. 5th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson

The train stands at Prospridnick. 5th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson.

D2957 ~ as 97649 Ruston & Hornsby 165hp 0-4-0 { Wks No 327974 } pushes away from Prospidnick Halt towards Truthall. 5th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson

The approach to Prospidnick with that memorable sign well displayed. 5th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson

No 2100 - Type R4 'William Murdoch' @ Prospidnick on Helston Rly 5th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks for your collection Steve - here's hoping this will encourage many more visitors next year.

PETER GRAY - a Tribute
Just about everyone with an interest in railways - and especially those in south-west England - will be familiar with Peter Gray as a superb photographer of the railway scene. Living well into his eighties, Peter began taking train pictures in the era of monochrome but took up the challenge of 35mm colour slide photography as soon as that medium became available. No matter what the medium, Peter's skills lay in his eye for composition and detail and an encyclopaedic knowledge of where and when the best pictures could be obtained. Taking the pictures was only part of it: Peter had his photos published in numerous books, magazines and articles and his art found an audience way beyond railway enthusiast devotees through journals such as the Western Morning News in which his excellent pictures were regularly published.
We in Cornwall, and especially in the Cornwall Railway Society, have had an even greater pleasure on numerous occasions when not only could we see and admire Peter Gray's photographs but we could listen to Peter explaining how they came about and pointing out so many details. His astonishingly wide range of photos covered numerous visits to railway installations abroad as well as thousands of locations of railway interest around Britain. Over the years since I have been organising the CRS meetings programme one of the greatest joys has been to receive Peter's acceptance of my invitations to come and give another talk. My wife and I have been privileged on several such occasions to have Peter staying with us for the weekend of his talk and, putting aside the ever-fascinating conversations about his railway (and other) adventures, we both recognised the quiet humanity of this gentle man. Peter's visits were something to look forward to.
After his parents' death, Peter continued to live in what, for many years, had been the family home in Torquay. Not only was that home filled with box upon box and drawer upon drawer of prints and slides, but also with books, papers and railway-related ephemera but Peter's methodical recording of all his visits and everything he had seen allowed him to put his hand on just the right picture to illustrate a book and just the right sequence of slides to enthral an audience. The enduring legacy of Peter Gray's work will be found in all the publications in which it appears and his valuable collection of photographs will remain for future generations to enjoy but, sadly, Peter's smiling, quiet but authoritative presence will no longer be there and he will be sadly missed by us all.
Derek Buttivant.
October 2017
Many thanks to Derek for his and indeed our thoughts about Peter.

On the occasion of his last talk to the Cornwall Railway Society. Peter Gray at Redruth Community Centre on the 13th September 2014 Copyright Mike Roach

The 2017 RHTT Train arrives in Cornwall for the leaf fall season

The RHTT arrived at St Blazey on 4th October 2017 ready for the 2017 season. The train was headed by original livery 66027, and snazzy 66136 in the new red colours adhorned with Yiuw-London motif. The loco colours will be irrelevant once they get coated in a few days of work.
Craig Munday

171004f RHTT seen on arrival at St Blazey with 66027 and 66136 Copyright Craig Munday

171004g RHTT at St Blazey with 66027 and 66136 in the new red colours adhorned with Yiuw=London motif. The colours will soon be irrelevant once they get coated within a few days of work. Copyright Craig Munday

171004h The RHTT on the complex point work in St Blazey Yard. Copyright Craig Munday

Guy Vincent reports on an excellent visit to the East Somerset Railway

Today (30th September 2017) I paid a visit to our local preserved line, the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore. When I got to the junction of the road leading down to the village and station, which lies just off the A361 east of Shepton Mallet, an abnormal load was seen to be making its way up the narrow lane. This load consisted of BR Ivatt 'Mickey Mouse' Tank Engine No 41312. The 1952 Crewe-built loco was just departing for its home railway, the Mid-Hants following it's appearance alongside newly restored sister 41313 (also Crewe-built in 1952), itself due to depart soon for the Isle of Wight steam railway.

Today's motive power was Ivatt class 2 2-6-0 number 46447, another IoW SR-owned loco but on loan to the ESR for a period of 10 years following restoration here from scrap condition. The loco was built at Crewe in 1950 and withdrawn in 1966, then sold to Woodhams, Barry Dock, South Wales from where it was sold in 1972. It re-entered service in October 2014.

In the shed at Cranmore was BR 41313, imminently due to leave for the I of W following a fast-track restoration that started here in early 2015 and ended with the loco's return to service after a 52 year gap on June 24th 2017. Resident GWR tank engine 5637 which was built at Swindon in 1925 was also present.

Outside the diesel and carriage maintenance shed was former Scottish 'McCrompton' D5410. Also numbered 27123 27205 and 27059 at different times this loco arrived from Kidderminster (Severn Valley Railway) for restoration in February 2016.

The former Bitumen sidings held first generation DMU cars 51909 and 56271 plus a Sentinel shunter.

Highlight of the visit for me was the discovery inside the recently built 'Sentinel shed' of a previously unknown large enamel 3 piece sign that apparently stood next to the main west of England line close by Westbury Cement Works during the 1960s. It was found during demolition work at the plant in 2016 and very kindly donated to the ESR by Tarmac Ltd. Also in the shed is a Sentinel shunter (PBA 42) dating from 1965 that itself spent several years at Westbury Cement works and still carries remnants of the Blue Circle livery.

Since my last visit the shop has expanded it's range of local interest books and now includes a quantity of pre-owned volumes too, all reasonably priced and well displayed. Add in a cafe/restaurant, a very interesting collection of relics on display in the former booking office, the period fixtures both on the station and in the yards, and a couple of hours here is indeed time well spent. An enjoyable visit with plenty of interest to see and experience.

Guy Vincent. As usual, a detailed account, together with much appreciated pictures.
Another railway well worth a visit. Many thanks Guy

BR 41312 en route to Mid-Hants Rly. 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

BR 41312 on the A361 en route to Mid-Hants Rly. 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

46447 passes Cranmore box 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

BR 41313 in the shed at Cranmore 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

At Cranmore on the 30th September 2017 D5410 (27123, 27205, 27059) Copyright Guy Vincent

At Cranmore 51909 56271 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

A memory saved from scrap. Westbury Cement Works Sign 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Ex Westbury Cement Works Sentinel 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

In out of the weather and safe and dry . Sentinel PBA42 30th September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy

Sid Sponheimer - the last show

It was very courageous that during his last few days Sid thought to put together a few pictures of his local area as his last contribution to our website. It is through his kindness and the assistance of his daughter Lisa that we bring you these pictures. Many thanks to Lisa for sending them in to us.

Sid and his wife Christine lived in a bungalow alongside the formation of the Liskeard and Caradon Railway at Tremar, the bungalow has superb views out towards the slopes of Caradon Hill.

Tremar snowscenes 25th November 2005 Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer

A peep over the fence of the trackbed crossing Tremar bridge. Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer

Sid and Christine had a wonderful garden - which Sid told us was mainly Christine's effort - he wasn't really into gardening whereas she found railways boring - everybody to their own! However this particular item in the 'rockery' was Sids contribution. Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer

The plants are carefully pushed back to reveal a L & C fishplate resting on the soil. Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer

Some distance away lay Tremabe bridge from which somebody has thoughtfully sought to preserve the key stone. Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer

Detail of the plaque adoring the above stonework. Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer.

and finally a picture from twenty years ago featuring several members of the family out on a ramble on the Liskeard and Caradon. Stainding on the setts we see Lisa whilst in the background are his wife Christine and behind her her mother. The mine is Wheal Pheonix. Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer.

The Lynton & Barnstaple Steam Gala featuring Lyn on 30th September 2017 David Tozer

170930 Caffyns Halt for the park and ride service to Woody Bay. Copyright David Tozer

170930a The first morning departure Copyright David Tozer

170930b Woody Bay Signal Box. Copyright David Tozer

170930c Lyn nameplate Copyright David Tozer

170930c No Smoking !!! Copyright David Tozer

170930d Isaac on a returning train for Killington Lane. Copyright David Tozer

170930e Isaac departing Woody Bay for Killington Lane. Copyright David Tozer

170930ee Isaac leave Killington Lane. Copyright David Tozer

170930f For sale - Faith at the engine shed at Woody Bay. Copyright David Tozer

170930h 762 Lyn at Killington Lane. Copyright David Tozer

170930hh 762 Lyn at Killington Lane Copyright David Tozer

170930i 762 Lyn at Woody Bay. Copyright David Tozer

170930j 762 Lyn approaching Woody Bay. Copyright David Tozer

170930l 762 Lyn returns from Killington Lane Copyright David Tozer

170930m 762 with the afternoon departure to Killington Lane. Copyright David Tozer

170930n Lyn at Woody Bay Station. Copyright David Tozer

170930o Axe on shed at Woody Bay. Copyright David Tozer

170930p Pilton at Woody Bay. Copyright David Tozer

The Atlantic Coast Express 35028 Clan Line from London Victoria to Exeter and return David Tozer, Guy Vincent, & Roger Winnen

170923a The Atlantic Coast Express arrives at Honiton. Copyright Roger Winnen

170923b Arrival at Honiton to take on water. Copyright Roger Winnen

170923c The Water Carrier arrives at Honiton Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

170923d 35028 Clan Line departs from Honiton Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

170923ee 35028 Clan Line arrives at Exeter Central on the Atlantic Coast Express. Copyright David Tozer

170923f Departure from Exeter Central on its run down the bank to St David's. Copyright David Tozer

170923g The return run up the Western Main Line 35028 Clan Line is seen passing Stoke Canon. Copyright Roger Winnen

170923h 35028 Clan Line passes Tiverton Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

170923i The returning Atlantic Coast express roars through Tiverton Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

170923k 35028 Clan Line at Frome Station carrying a wreath to commemorate we believe the life of renowned preservation pioneer, artist and wildlife conservationist, David Shepherd, who sadly passed away on September 19th aged 86. His name was synonymous with the East Somerset Railway, and Black Prince together with 75027. Copyright Guy Vincent. Copyright Guy Vincent.

170923n The Water Tanker for 35028 Clan Line literally arrived at Frome Station just as the train was pulling in, Copyright Guy Vincent

170923l Frome Clan Line Nameplate (Black) on 02.08.2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

170923m Frome Nameplate Clan Line (Red) on 23 09 17. Copyright Guy Vincent

The Bodmin & Wenford Railway Diesel Gala. The First visit of a Class 57604 on
16th September 2017
Photographs Andrew Triggs Craig Munday Roger Salter & Roger Winnen

170916za 57604 Pendennis Castle approaches St Austell Station. Copyright Craig Munday

170916a 57604 Pendennis Castle arriving at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170916e 57604 Pendennis Castle arrives at Bodmin Parkway after hauling the Night Riviera to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916zh Craig Munday photographs 57604 in The Exchange Siding at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Salter

170916zl 57604 Passes the shed at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Salter

170916f 57604 Has entered the exchanged siding and pulls forward to await the 10.05 from Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916zb 57604 arrives at Bodmin Parkways Exchange siding as 37142 arrives with the 10.05 from Bodmin General. Copyright Craig Munday

170916zk 37142 arr at Bodmin Parkway hauling the 10.05 from Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Salter

170916ff Photographers at the ready as 37142 arrives with the 10.05 from Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916g The scene at Bodmin Parkway. Craig Munday is seen about to clamp the points. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916h 33110 in the Branch Platform at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916j 57604 Pulls forward to couple to 33110 and the 10.45 to Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916k A view from the footbridge of 33110 with drops of rain blurring the photograph. More rain was later experienced as the day progressed. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916l 57604 Pendennis Castle coupling to 33110 at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916m The first time that a Class 57 has been on the Bodmin Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916zm A telephoto picture of the engines taking part in this years Diesel Gala. Copyright Roger Salter

170916zc Reflections of the 08444 at Bodmin General with the visiting 57604 & 50042 alongside. Copyright Craig Munday

170916zd Not much like 'Autumn' at Bodmin! More like 'Winter' Copyright Craig Munday

170916ze GWR Drivers Mick Mahoney left and Nick Dyke right are seen at Bodmin what could have been A Cornish Railways RFD lizard emblem held on the cabside of 57604. Copyright Craig Munday

170916mm 57604 Pendennis Castle and 50042 Triumph pulls forward from the yard at Bodmin General to work the 11.20 to Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916nThe departure in dismal conditions as 57605 Pendennis Castle and 50042 Triumph leaves Bodmin General for Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916zi The 11.20 to Bodmin Parkway departs Bodmin General, in the foreground is the Boscarne Junction Branch. Copyright Roger Salter

170916b 57604 and 33110 Approching Bodmin General on the 11.47 service from Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170916o 50042 Triumph is seen at Boscarne having worked the 12.15 service from Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916zj 50042 Triumph runs around its train at Boscarne Junction. Copyright Roger Salter

170916p About to depart from Boscarne on the 12.40 service to Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916q 50042 rounds the sharp bend in General Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916c 50042 Triumph approaching Bodmin General on the delayed 12.40 service from Boscarne. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170916zf The pause in activity at Bodmin showing the nice reflections of the surface rain water. Copyright Craig Munday

170916d 57604 and 50042 couples up with a reflection at Bodmin General. Copyright Craig Munday

170916r 50042 and 37142 then worked the 13.05 service to Bodmin Parkway. The train is seen departing Bodmin Parkway at 13.51 running 20 mins late. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916s In foul weather we see 57605 uncoupling from 33110 on the 14.50 from Bodmin General. 57604 Displays the Headboard of the Bodmin Diesel Group as it departs to the run around loop. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916t 33110 pulls the train forward into the platform as 57604 waits in the run around loop. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916w During the arrival of the Bodmin & Wenford Train a large family alighted at Bodmin Parkway from a London bound service. Owing to the amount of bags. bicycles, dogs and other commodities not in this picture they had to seek assistance to cross the line as the going was difficult on the footbridge. This operation took almost 30 mins. They them planned to catch a bus from Bodmin Parkway Station. No doubt a large percentage of the bus was full of luggage as well. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916u 57604 couples to 37142 for the return working of this train to Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916v A patch of blue sky as the duo depart from Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

170916d 57604 awaiting the right of way from Bodmin Parkway to Penzance via Liskeard. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The last weekend of the shuttle trains from Wareham to Swanage.
A compilation of pictures by Kevin Jenkin

Here is a batch of pictures from the final weekend of the Swanage Shuttle service from Wareham. The trains were full and standing - at least on the Saturday (can't speak for the dismal day that followed or the regular workings during the summer).

2nd September 2017 Wareham station. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

The shuttle arrives to form the 11.15 to Wareham. 2nd September 2017 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

You might be mistaken as to where we are - actually we're on the approach to Swanage. 2nd September 2017. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

A smashing viewing gallery - seen on the approach to Swanage. 2nd September 2017. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

D6515 - the class 33 which led the 'shuttle' onto the Swanage branch. It is standing at Swanage station. 2nd September 2017. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Another view of the class 33 looking smart coupled to the resplendent LT Set. 2nd Sptember 2017 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

The shuttle departs on another run to Wareham. 2nd September 2017. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Young admirers add a bit of colour to the scene as the shuttle waits in the bay at Swanage. 2nd September 2017 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Corfe Castle dominates the scene as the 37 heads the shuttle in towards well filled platforms. A down train waits to depart. 2nd September 2017 2nd September 2017 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

The class 33 looking very smart att he head of its train waits to return to Swanage. 2nd September 2017 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

The second visit by the Cornwall Railway Society to the Long Rock Train Maintenance Depot on Saturday 9th September 2017

The first four photographs were taken in 1976 When the present H.S.T. shed was under consruction by E Thomas & Sons, Ponsanooth, Falmouth.

760919a A contractors locomotive at Long Rock re the new sidings being laid. Copyright Roger Winnen

760919b The new HST shed under Construction and the old steam shed in the background which opened in 1914. Copyright Roger Winnen

761003a Erection of new HST Depot at Penzance .Copyright Roger Winnen

761114a The new buildings is making headway with the old shed in the background. Copyright Roger Winnen

170909a We! the party are proceeding under caution as we enter Long Rock Depot on our second visit. The truncated line ran around the back of the depot prior to the extension being built, however this will soon be reconnected to serve the additional roads. Copyright Roger Winnen

170909b We enter the old HST shed, Patrick Grobbelaar The Depot Manager stands on the left. Copyright Roger Winnen

170909c Looking down through the depot we see the original roof supports and the new roof nearly two metres higher covering the entire area of the shed and its extension except for both ends of the H.S.T.shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

170909d The sleeping cars of the Night Riviera and Penzance allocated 08410 rest at one end of the shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

170909e The sleeper coaches remain at the depot until Sunday Nights 'Night Riviera' however the day coaches of the Night Riviera has departed on the 10.28 service from St Erth to Plymouth and onto Exeter departing Plymouth at 13.35. The service returns from Exeter St David's departing at 17.50 hours. With the change of the timetable on 11th September, 2017 this Loco Hauled on Saturdays ceases to run during the winter service.. Copyright Roger Winnen

170909f One small step for 'one and all' as the party tour the inside of the sleeping carriages. Copyright Roger Winnen

170909ff Climb every mountain as the party enters the sleeper. Copyright Roger Salter

170909g 08410 stands near the pull down shutters at the Penzance end of the depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

170909gg After speculation regarding the 08 allocation at Penzance after the transfer of the Class 57s to the depot, Patrick confirmed that this shunter would be staying a hoped that an additional 08 may be forthcoming when the upgrade of the services in Cornwall takes place. Copyright Roger Salter

170909h The Cornish Flag can be seen on its bufferbeam. Copyright Roger Winnen

170909ii Looking outside from the depot with the new extension in place. Copyright Roger Salter

170909j The new two road extension with its servicing pits and overhead gantry for lifting vehicles and bogie replacements. Copyright Roger Winnen - Copy

170909jj The overhead lifting gantry is in place at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

170909k Protective covers wappped around tyres on this prolift truck. Copyright Roger Winnen

170909kk The Railway Protographer has to improvise with the hard hat turned to take photos. On the left is Derek Buttivant. Copyright Roger Salter

170909ll The 15.52 Penzance to London Paddington passes Long Rock Shed. Copyright Roger Salter

170909n The lift shaft under consruction in the new stores area. Copyright Roger Winnen

170909o Looking down the lift shaft. Copyright Roger Winnen

170909p Behind the party on the upper area will be the stores area for Long Rock Depot. Patrick is explaining to the party that Hitachi the builders of the IEP units will have a base in the depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

170909q We toured the upper area of the administration offices, and employees rest room facilities located on the first floor. From this level we could see across the width of the depot, beyond the wall is the mainline and the Eastern Green Beach. Copyright Roger Winnen

170909r Looking across the area from above. Copyright Roger Winnen.

170909s Spencers at work during our visit to Long Rock. Copyright Roger Winnen

A 'Peep' at the Open Day
At Old Oak Common
Saturday 2nd September 2017
Photographs by Martin Duff, Jamie Dyke, David Field, Craig Munday, Roger Salter and Andrew Triggs

Many thanks to all of you for sending in photographs of this event. Roger Winnen has had the unenviable task of making a selection to represent an amazing and 'one off' day.

170902a Waiting for the crowds to attend the Last Open Day at Old Oak Common. Copyright Craig Munday

170902aa Craig Mundays photoraph of the line up at Old Oak Common. Copyright Craig Munday

170902c A multitude of liveries in the glorious sunlight of Old Oak Common. A line up of Class 50s 50044 Exeter 50026 Indomitable 50017 Royal Oak 50007 Hercules. Copyright Roger Salter

170902cc The Class 50 line up. Copyright Martin Duff

170902d The Fifty line up. Copyright Martin Duff

170902e The sextet of the Class 50s at Old Oak. From left to right 50007 Hercules 50017 Royal Oak 50026 Indomitable 50044 Exeter 50049 Defiance 50050 Fearless. Copyright Craig Munday.

170902f 56049 looking very smart in its Colas Livery. Copyright Jamie Dyke

170902g 57604 Pendennis Castle looking spick and spam. Copyright Jamie Dyke

170902h 57602 Restormel Castle brought me up from home, pity I couldn;t have stayed with her all the way. Copyright Roger Salter

170902i GWR Night Riviera Stock inside the Carriage Shed at Old Oak Common. Copyright David Field

170902j-bombardier-elizabeth-line-crossrail-maintenance-sidings-looking-towards-london. Copyright David Field

170902k View of the OOC site from the roof of the Elizabeth Line Depot. HST Servicing Shed and Carriage Sheds will close by 2018. Hitachi North Pole Depot seen Top Left Copyright David Field

170902b Looking down on Old Oak Common. Copyright Jamie Dyke

170902n 66779 Evening Star the final Class 66 built. Copyright Jamie Dyke

170902o The line up of steam 60163 Tornado 6430 70013 Oliver Cromwell and 1501. Copyright Martin Duff

170902oo 70013 Oliver Cromwell which hauled the last steam train the 15 Guinea Special on British Railways metals 11th August 1968. Copyright Roger Salter

170902p 60163 Tornado. Copyright Roger Salter

170902q Steam represented with 60163 Tornado 6430 and 70013 Oliver Cromwell. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170902r 6023 King Edward 11 7903 Foremarke Hall. Copyright Roger Salter

170902rr Railmotor No 93 on short trips in the depot. Copyright Roger Salter

170902s Western Region Diesel Hydraulics D821 Greyhound and D1015 Western Champion. Copyright Roger Salter

170902t Classic WR Line up of 50035 Ark Royal D1015 Western Champion and D821 Greyhound. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170902u Resident 08493 ;Neil' (named Scousey) on the other side. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170902v 08493 Neil in splendid Bristish Railways black livery complete with the lion and the wheel. Copyright Roger Salter

170902w Newly named 43093 Old Oak Common Diesel Depot 1976-2018. Copyright Roger Salter

170902x The nameplate Old Oak Common 1976 - 2018. Copyright Martin Duff

170902y 57603 on the jacks. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170902z 57603 and 41001 'on the jacks' inside the main depot building. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170902za FGW liveried 43009(L) and 43186(R) inside the carriage sheds at Old Oak Common. Copyright David Field

170902zb FGW liveried 43071 inside the carriage sheds at OOC Copyright David Field

170902zc FGW Liveried 180103 inside the HST Servicing Shed at OOC 2 Sep 17. All Class 180s will be withdrawn from GWR service at the end of 2017 Copyright David Field

170902zd The Pressed Steel Bubble Car and the Class 31 stands outside the shed at Old Oak. Copyright Craig Munday

170902ze From the HST through to the present day Motive Power at OOC. Copyright Roger Salter

170902zf The line up pf Motive Power with the press in attendance at the Open Day. Craig Munday is possibly in this photograph. Copyright Roger Salter

170902zg Classic Line up 'through the years' at the western end of the depot. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170902zh Class 47 47828. Copyright Roger Salter

170902zi Class 14 Teddy Bear on display at OOC. A Class which only lasted less than five years in traffic on the Western Region. Copyright Roger Salter

170902zj 50007 Hercules and 50017 Royal Oak stands in the depot. Copyright Roger Salter

170902zk 50044 Exeter and 50026 Indomitable Copyright Roger Salter

170902zk A reminder when you could see six Class 50s in Penzance on a Sunday Morning. 50s 50050 Fearless 50049 Defiance 50044 Exeter 50026 Indomitable 50017 Royal Oak 50007 Hercules. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170902zl 6023 King Edward II, 7903 Foremarke Hall, D821 Greyhound, D1015 Western Champion, 50035 Ark Royal, 43002 Sir Kenneth Grange, 180102, 800103 Queen Victoria Copyright David Field

170902zm Looking in on the depot. Copyright Roger Salter

170902zn A final overall photograph from outside the depot. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many Thanks to the organisers and the photographers for a fine show!