LATEST INPUT , NEWS & OLD PICTURES ETC.

24th July 2019

24/7/2019

Exmouth
Colin Burges

The movement of trolleys was always shown on notices, along with the special conditions which took account of the trolleys’ characteristics, whether recording or running “light.”
When Tony Hill asked his old pals if any of them had kept such a notice, Stephen Derek, a former B.R. manager, was prompted to reply: “On reading this, I recalled an early photo I’d taken of a ‘Swiss Matisa Track Recording Machine’ leaving Exmouth, for Exeter, on Sunday 8th May, 1960, a few months following my transfer to the Trains Office at Exeter Central.”
The photograph is reproduced here with Stephen’s kind permission.
If Stephen were to take up that same position today, he would be standing in the middle of Marine Way, part of the road expansion works that necessitated the virtual destruction of the station. But, in 1960, looking at the Southern’s grand rail gateway to Exmouth of 1924, few could have guessed what the future held.

The trolley is leaving Platform One in full recording mode, with probably an Exmouth Junction Driver acting as Pilotman standing at the door; being a steam man, he may have found the cab too confined. The line in the foreground served Platform Two, part of which forms the pocket station in use today. To the left were Platforms Three and Four. There was a space between the lines serving Platforms Two and Three which must have been left for an engine release road, but this was filled with beds containing flowers and shrubs. The space was wider still immediately in front of the camera to allow for the box (right of camera), with its “bridge” where the signalmen gave and received the tokens for the two single line branches. At the end of each platform were lattice-work bracket signals which, as in the one seen, could allow a train to proceed from each platform to either the main (Exeter) or branch (Budleigh). In the background can be seen the goods shed, while out of sight are the loco shed, platform canopies and fine frontage, and the harbour branch. Copyright Stephen Derek

Actually, I was wrong and will have to amend the caption: Stephen was standing at the boundary fence beyond what is today Marine Way. About here, I would say. Photograph and comments by Colin Burges.

Castle Class
Nameplates
Guy Vincent

You and CRS members will be very interested in the following I'm sure. STEAM museum at Swindon have put on display for one month only (ending on 17th August) the complete set of newly made nameplates set to adorn the HST power cars that will make up the 'Castle Class'. Details are on the STEAM museum website and, more comprehensively, on the GWR Coffee Shop site (www.firstgreatwestern.info) including a full listing and photos of all the plates. Subject heading: 'Castles to Legend Land HST Castle Class 255 Nameplates'. Individual allocations have not yet been decided for the names, it is worth getting pictures now of the PC's before the new plates go on, especially the PC's currently named.
Regards Guy V Many thanks Guy

23rd July 2019

23/7/2019

A 'Gem' from Guy
Langport Viaduct
Guy Vincent

Langport Viaduct 1906. From the Guy Vincent collection.

A vintage postcard image c1906 showing the newly constructed viaduct at Langport, Somerset on the then recently opened Castle Cary-Curry Rivel line, part of the GWR's shorter route to the west country. This followed on from the building of the Patney & Chirton-Westbury route via Lavington which opened in 1900. At the same time as the Langport route was built a further stretch of new line was constructed from just beyond Athelney to Cogload where a flat junction was provided, this being replaced by the current split-level 'flying junction' in 1931. This high-speed stretch relegated the section of the original Taunton-Yeovil route from Curry Rivel Junction to Athelney (via Lyng Halt) to secondary branch-line status, as had happened to the Patney-Holt Junction line via Devizes in 1900. By 1933 cut-off lines had been built avoiding both Westbury and Frome so making through journeys even quicker. Langport boasted two stations, Langport East on the direct cut-off route and Langport West on the Curry Rivel-Yeovil Town section of the former Taunton-Yeovil branch line. East opened on 2nd July 1906 and closed to both passengers and goods on 10th September 1962 ahead of the Beeching report and, despite repeated calls for it to re-open this has yet to happen. West closed along with the whole of the Taunton-Yeovil route to passenger traffic on 15th June 1964.

Guy Vincent
Many thanks Guy for the rare view and the history. Flashing over it in modern stock with no forward view or even drop down windows one doesn't realise what a structure the viaduct is.

Langport East which had been closed just over a year ago on 10th September 1963 is seen here on 13th June 1964 No time had been wasted removing the platforms, the footbridge and station building was subsequently removed. Copyright Mike Roach

Many thanks to Mike Roach for this picture of Langport East. More pictures in the Taunton to Witham section.

Exeter in 1992
Phil Shattered

I'm afraid that 'Keith Shattered' cannot remember your surname but felt that your most most amusing e-mail address of 'Phill Shattered' deserved an airing. Many thanks Phill. N.B. Phill has advised me that he is called Smith - thanks Phill.

In the low light 37671 is the lead loco coupled to 37413 Seen at Exeter Riverside Yard in 1992 the silver bullet syphons live up to their name. Copyright Phill Shattered

22nd July 2019

22/7/2019

With a bonus
Exeter
Clive Smith

46009 comes off the 14.35 Paignton - Leeds at Exeter St Davids to be replaced by 45076. Exeter St Davids Middle Box looms over the scene and the Red Cow Crossing keeper's cabin is seen on the left. Just two years later would see my favourite peak smashed to smithereens on the infamous nuclear flask test train demonstration. At least 46009 went out with a bang rather than languishing and rusting away in a scrapyard and succumbing to a blowtorch.

Check the link below to see Youtubes footage of this amzing event.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPhELx2GxVE

Of great local interest is picture of 45009 running into Redruth station with Carn Brea in the background. This is glimpsed at the very beginning of the sequence. Many thanks to Clive Smith for drawing our attention to this remarkable trial and for bringing us the superb picture of 46009 at Exeter.

21st July 2019

21/7/2019

It never rains but it pours - true of the weather and also of the influx of remarkable pictures and articles to our website. We have started up two new features one covering the South Devon Diesel Gala of which you see samples below. Roger will be inserting some of the pictures but please be patient the South Devon pictures will be entered up first followed by the Royal Duchy, again samples below. Roger is making a start this evening and will continue with the aid of cups of coffee as long as he can stay awake after a heavy weekend of train spotting. One other point we cannot possibly enter up every picture we receive especially when the pictures come from photographers spaced perhaps a yard apart. In advance many thanks to all contributors - it is much appreciated. To see how the features is growing please click here and scroll as necessary;

South Devon Diesel Gala
Andrew Triggs Roger Salter Martin Duff & Roger Winnen

4. Final shot of the day with Class 31 no.5518 firing up at Hood Bridge, with the delayed 17.15 Buckfastleigh-Totnes. 20th July 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

190720y D7535 runs around at Ashburton Junction. Copyright Martin Duff

190720cD7535 and D7612 at the rear of the Totnes Buckfastleigh train with 31101 leading. Copyright Roger Salter

190720c 31101 Forms the 10.45 sercvice from Buckfastleight to Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Duchess of Sutherland works the Royal Duchy to Plymouth
and returns with it from Par

Photos by Ross Griffiths Trevor Tremethick
Martin Duff Andrew Triggs & Roger Winnen

Please click here to go into the Features 1922 Mid June to December 2019 to see more on The Duchess of Sutherland with the Royal Duchy

6233 on the Royal Duchy, hammers through Brent, at 12.46 on the 21st July 2019. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Duchess 0f Southerland on the return Royal Duchy at Defiance. at 16.21 on the 21st July 2019. Copyright Ross Griffiths

190721q 47802 With the Royal Duchy at Par. Copyright Martin Duff

190721c 46233 Duchess of Sutherland passing through Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Duchess working upgrade nearing Bodmin Parkway with the return 1Z85 17.40 Par-Bristol T.M. Copyright Andrew Triggs

All Change
Guy Vincent

Good evening Keith,
As usual, always happy to add interesting pieces to the excellent CRS website when something interesting turns up. The 'reward' is the ongoing variety of useful and interesting news and articles put on by other members, there is never anything other than good, factual material to enjoy.

Regarding 43002 at Swindon. In the event I understand that plans were changed and the power car departed on Thursday evening (18th) for the Papworth sidings complex at/near Ely in Cambridgeshire for a further period of storage. It seems that the NRM are not yet able to accept their new 'star exhibit' and it will be moved on at a later date. I hope it doesn't deteriorate as Laira made a first class job of restoring it to almost as-built condition. By the way, nothing wrong with the way you presented the pics on the site, it's exactly how I would have done it!

Where my railway interests are concerned I am indeed extremely fortunate that my wife, Cathy, has, over the years acquired a deep interest in railways as well, in particular class 37s, Deltics, class 60s and several other main line diesels. We try to see anything unusual in this area if we can but with the arrival en-mass of the new 800's our railway days out are far less frequent than they once were. With MRL operations set to change significantly in the near future it might be worth going out to see Freightliner class 70s working on some of the stone trains should they be used. DB Cargo are disposing of their six class 59-2's and they have recently been advertised for sale. Who knows where they will end up?

Anyway, I hope to be sending more contributions to you in the near future as we have a couple of steam charters due next month. In the meantime here's a shot taken from a passing train of class 47 D1944 shunting stock at Barton Hill depot, Bristol. All the best to both your good self and Roger, the Western expert!

Regards for now , Guy. As usual a letter full of interest from Guy. Many thanks to you Guy and Cathy.

If you want to know where Papworth sidings are go to Google Earth and to 'Ely' - you'll find the sidings just to the west of Ely station. They also receive mentions under 'Google'

Looking gorgeous in superb light is 47501 (D1944) seen at Bristol Barton Hill 4th July 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent.

20th July 2019

20/7/2019

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

This is the last of a sequence of photographs taken while Richard was working at Exmouth Junction Shed in the 1950's and early 60s. If you want to see the complete collection click here and scroll down to Exmouth Junction Shed,

EXJct15 35015, Rotterdam Lloyd and 35022 Holland America line at Exmouth Jct. 9th September 19.62 Copyright Richard Murrin

Steam at
Swindon
Guy Vincent

Viewers will recall the Guy made a special visit to Swindon on the 17th July to view the HST Power Car on it journey from Laira to York for preservation.
Three pictures follow also taken during his visit. Many thanks Guy.

GWR 7821 'Ditcheat Manor' 17th July 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

7821 'Ditcheat Manor' Nameplate 17th July 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Outside Steam Museum - the traverser - complete with a restored GWR six plank 10 ton mineral wagon. 17th July 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent.

On your bike
Marland & Dawlish
Clive Burges

Colin, our intrepid friend, owner of the Exeter and Teign Valley Complex at Christow is a very fit 'youngish' gentleman and also a keen cyclist.

Dear Keith, Taking advantage of the Sundays-only trains, I caught the 1108 St. David's to Okehampton last weekend and headed north from there to Barnstaple, 40 miles.
On the N.D. & C.J. Light, which is now a path between Meeth and Torrington, I passed the entrance to the former North Devon Clays' private siding at Marland, which anyone could be forgiven for missing.

On the N.D. & C.J. Light, which is now a path between Meeth and Torrington, I passed the entrance to the former North Devon Clays' private siding at Marland, which anyone could be forgiven for missing. 14th July 2019. Copyright Colin Burges.

The private siding diverged to the left. My bike is leaning against one of the very large concrete gate posts, covered in ivy. At this spot 37 years before, I had jumped down from the Class 31 sent to collect empty "Clayliner" trucks which were not to be loaded, the rail traffic having been lost; it had been decided not to use the air-braked bogie hoppers as these required special loading facilities.

Even less likely to be seen in passing are the rail posts which must once have carried a sign proclaiming "North Devon Clays" to train passengers.

Now down to Dawlish to inspect the works there.

At Dawlish, work has started on the new sea wall which will profoundly change King's Walk. One B.A.M. man is driving the swing shovel while five look on. The work, which is being done under the powers granted in the South Devon Railway Act, will be suspended for the school summer holiday. 14th July 2019. Copyright Colin Burges

It should be remembered that this wall is not the original and problems developed on the beach after it was built in 1902, the year Edward VII was crowned king, hence the name. The wall was built without a wave return curve because of the sand cover. However, the wall being further out caused wave rebound to scour the sand, meaning that even a mild sea will throw up spray over the promenade and tracks at high tide. The wall was part of the doubling of the line between here and Parson's Tunnel (incl.), completed in 1905. The spring tide meant that when I got to Starcross for the ferry, the 1310 sailing was cancelled due to low water. 14th July 2019. Copyright Colin Burges.

The publicity concerning the work on the wall is headed 'The vital artery to the South West'. One feels that Colin Burges who took the picture and owns the infamous bicycle would wish to express that there could be alternative routes for this traffic, 14th July 2019, Colin Burges.

Many thanks for your article Colin - I only wish I was young and fit again!! KJ.

19th July 2019

19/7/2019

60s at Cardiff
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are well ,lovely pictures on the site ,as ever.
Your picture of D1058 at Long Rock brought back memories as the path from which you took your picture was very close to my great Aunt Annie’s cottage.(I cannot remember her surname)I used to be taken there as a boy and,as usual, was told to sit still and not ask for anything!
When I heard a whistle for Long Rock crossing I WAS allowed to run out onto that path and was always thrilled to see the trains as they stormed by. Thanks and best wishes, Michael. Many thanks to you.

Back to earth now and I send the first of two pictures taken at Cardiff on 5 May 1992,showing 60020 ‘Great Whernside’ on iron ore wagons to Llanwern. Copyright Michael Forward

Roger, later on the same day 60034 ‘Carnedd Llewellyn ‘returns to Port Talbot with empties.Once an everyday scene but something else that has gone.
Thanks for dealing with these.
Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Due to move today - 19th July 2019
Swindon
Guy Vincent

43002 Swindon 17th July 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

43002 Swindon - Mrs. Vincent looks on enjoying a close up and detailed view,. 17th July 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Swindon HST Nameplates 17th July 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent

More of the collection of former hST nameplates in the 'Steam' Museum at Swindon. 17th July 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks to Guy & Mrs. Vincent for this record of their visit to Steam at Swindon.

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

This is the penultimate view of the collection of pictures taken while Richard was employed at Exmouth junction Shed.

EXJct14 Schools Class 30903 Charterhouse at Exmouth Junction Shed.10th June 1962 Copyright Richard Murrin

Far too good to miss
TOPS
Colin Burges

My apologies to Colin, he sent me the following extremely interesting note together with invaluable links to fascinating material early in June. Somehow I missed it. Many thanks for your reminder Colin - the material is too good to miss.

Dear Keith,

As an avid viewer of British Transport Films' work, I have often wondered whether the one I saw being made would ever come to light. I can still well remember the morning the film crew arrived unannounced and set up their bulky cameras and lamps to shoot a scene for a documentary following a consignment from Truro. It must have been one of the last productions as the unit was disbanded in 1982, although the occasional film was made thereafter.

Only yesterday, 41 years later, I saw "Using TOPS" for the first time. The 25 seconds of what was shot at Exeter Riverside that morning (actually, the crew was still at work when I went off duty at 1400), concluding with the train leaving the yard, can be seen from 11m. 47s. Arthur Harris is on the phone in the East ("Top") End Chargeman's cabin. I remember him rolling up his trouser leg to show us his wound, sustained in Italy: "All of us caught one and the Captain was killed." Receiving his call in the TOPS Office is Clerical Officer Stefan Wasniowski, who left B.R. with me in 1995. His father had come over with the Polish air force at the start of the war. "Charlie" is "B" Supervisor Charlie Holmes. Unusually, he left the railway not long afterwards. He had a knack for organization and would put down the phone after effortlessly arranging the day's trip working to talk about the next dance he was putting on. I made posters for one of these and was rewarded with his 1890 G.W.R. rule book, with its special provisions for working west of Exeter.

The director told me to keep my back to the camera because I was too pretty. I expect the instruction would be the same today, but for a different reason. In fact, I don't appear at all. But I was there.

The film depicts a vanished world, not least at Truro and St. Blazey. I wonder if any faces in the Cornish scenes can be identified by your members.

"Using TOPS" can be watched on the B.F.I. page:

https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-using-tops-1978-online

This one has some comments, many of them deriding the railway operation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-yY8nRu3RA&t=757s

Who'd have thought in 1978 that one day anyone would be able to shoot a film in high definition using a phone and post it instanter on the worldwide cesspit?

Cheers, Colin. Many thanks indeed Colin

18th July 2019

18/7/2019

The icon of Speed
Guy Vincent

'Icon Of Speed' with an impeccable history of reliability for over 40 years, first-built class 43 HST power car 43002 arrived at the former GWR railway works site during the evening of July 16th, having been brought from Laira depot on a low-loader. It is due to remain here until Friday 19th when it will be taken north to it's final destination, the Great Hall of the National Railway Museum in York for a well-earned retirement. This power car epitomises the principle of 'Safety with Speed to the West' which was the aim of the old GWR for many years. It was a pleasure to travel up to Swindon to see this loco sitting outside the STEAM museum with the new class 800s passing every few minutes on the main line beyond the works.

Guy V (second set to follow) - We look forward to this - many thanks indeed.

The 'Icon of Speed' stands outside 'Steam' at Swindon. 17th July 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent.

What a wonderful photograph - Guy Vincent views 253001. 17th July 2019. Copyright.

Standing alone at Swindon. 17th July 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent.

A last look for today outside the birthplace of many famous locomotives - Swindon. 17th July 2019. Copyright.

Many thanks to Guy for these exclusive views.

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

Many thanks to Richard for the 13th in his series of 15 pictures taken in the Exmouth Junction area.

EXJct13 T9 30715 waiting to go for scrap at Exmouth Junction Shed. Copyright Richard Murrin 13th June 1961 -

17th July 2019

17/7/2019

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

The twelfth in the series of pictures taken in the Exmouth Junction shed area. Many thanks Richard.

EXJct12 An Adams 02 30200 at Exmouth Junction. 18th March 1961 Copyright Richard Murrin

Westerns in West Cornwall 1976
Roger Winnen

760626a D1001 Western Pathfinder at the stabling point in Penzance Station yard on 26th June 1976.. Copyright Roger Winnen

760702a D1048 Western Lady departs Penzance with the 18.00 Penzance to Leeds service on 2nd July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

760703a D1022 Western Sentinel approaches Hayle on 3rd July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

760722a D1058 Western Nobleman coming onto the single line at Long Rock working the 17.45 Plymouth-Penzance on 22nd July 1976.. Copyright Roger Winnen

760722b D1005 Western Venturer approaches the terminus with St Michaels Mount in the background. Photograph taken 22nd July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

Swindon -Bristol Parkway
Leslie Curnow

Good Morning Roger
Monday 15th July 2019 was the intended last day of my three day Rover ticket was meant to be Eastleigh but missed the connection at Westbury due an additional stop at Caste Carey to collect a lot of youngsters from a music festival.
The train the 1A79 06:45 Penzance to Paddington arrived already almost full at Castle Carey only to find the platform packed with youngsters with their back packs.
After a lengthy attempt to board them in the corridors and right up to the doors ( becoming a Sardine train) left 7 late and arrived into Westbury 13 late. It left there 21 late dealing with the overcrowding.
Connection missed to Southampton Plan B was a trip to Swindon and back via Bristol Parkway.
A couple of Photos below from these locations.
One interesting site was a class 37 37884 hauling a class 313 EMU from Hornsey EMUD to Newport for scrapping at Sims Group Metal. Videoed but not photographed.
The modern theme of Swindon with no HST only IET is now very apparent also the Class 165 & 166 DMUs also taken over suburban work .
A Class 66 66618 of the 66/6 series with modified gear ratios came through hauling concrete sleepers Also another of the same series 66623 in the new Freightliner Livery on a Willesden to Stoke Gifford empty ballast wagon train and was photographed at Stoke Gifford depot on the way back.
Plan B worked to be a good day .

A Class 66 66618 of the 66/6 series with modified gear ratios came through hauling concrete sleepers. Copyright Leslie Curnow

The modern theme of Swindon with no HST only IET is now very apparent. Copyright Leslie Curnow

The Class 165 & 166 DMUs also taken over suburban work. Copyright Leslie Curnow.

Also another Class 66 of the same series 66623 in the new Freightliner Livery on a Willesden to Stoke Gifford empty ballast wagon train and was photographed at Stoke Gifford depot on the way back.
Plan B worked to be a good day .

Thanks Leslie

43175 Edinburgh Waverley
David Critchlow Mick House

I had an Email with photos from one of our distant members (David Critchblow) and thought it would be worth putting on the website as it does apply as one of our old friends 43175 even though it has emigrated to the far North. The Email reads!
Less than a year after Craig captured it at Goonbarrow 43175 and its coaches are rebranded and upgraded. Sorry about the lack of sun- typical Scottish weather as we were caught on fairly infrequent rail visits to Edinburgh (my local large town-approx 90 mins by car! The largest town within 40 minutes drive has a population simular to Launceston).
All the best Dave Critchlow (member 1903)

Further pictures are taken at Truro and Edinburgh Craigentinny

43175 at Waverley station 13/06/2019. Copyright David Critchlow.

Scottish branding on coaches of the HST set at Waverley station 13/06/20 19. Copyright David Critchlow.

Scottish branding on bin. 13/06/2019. Copyright David Critchlow.

Door controls. 13/06/2019. Copyright David Critchlow.

Then at Truro 06-04-2018. Copyright Mick House.

Now at Craqigentinny out shopped in its new Scottish livery. Copyright David Critchlow.

Many Thanks David.

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

The eleventh in the series of pictures taken in the Exmouth Junction shed area. Many thanks Richard.

EXJct11 LMS Ivatt tank 41299 at Exmouth Junction Shed. Taken on the 22nd October 1961. Copyright Richard Murrin

Non stop.
Paddington to Penzance
Peter Dale

Peter brings us a nostalgic picture of D1010 at Penzance after its epic non-stop run. This was the first ever non-stop run from London to Penzance, and likely to be the only one ever. Records show that the train was reduced to an extremely slow crawl as it approached the Royal Albert bridge - this was due to a late running up service - an anxious moment for all on board! D1010 lives on - it is currently based on the West Somerset Railway. Many thanks to Peter Dale for this one from his collection.

First non-stop Paddington-Penzance. The journey took 5hr 11min. The locomotive D1010 Western Campaigner. 7th May 1966 Copyright Peter Dale

The
'Chopper Topper'
Clive Smith

(1) 20054 & 20011 stand at Plymouth on the 8th June 1986 with F & W's 'Chopper Topper' railtour 05.10 Wolverhampton - Penzance, although the tour actually went to Falmouth but not with the 20s ! They did go to Penzance albeit light engine. Confused ? Please visit the Railtours section of this site and click on 'Diesel Railtours In Cornwall And Devon 1960 to 1989' for more pictures and to find out what happened that day.

(2) 20011 & 20054 burst out of Mutley Tunnel in Plymouth on the 8th June 1986 with the return 'Chopper Topper' to Wolverhampton. A rerun took place on the 31st August 1986.

Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks to you Clive - memories!

Picture (1) - the outward run. The Chopper Topper at Plymouth. 8th June 1986 Copyright Clive Smith

Picture (2) The Chopper Topper emerges from Mutley tunnel on the return run. 8th June 1986. Copyright Clive Smith.

Portishead branch
Peter Maliphant

Dear All,
At our meeting last week, we reviewed all the latest news and the detailed plan looking forward to the line reopening in late 2023 or thereabouts.

There are three documents that you might be interested in reading:

My presentation summarising the news and forward plan is here:
https://www.portisheadrailwaygroup.org/The%20Next%20Four%20Years.pdf
The minutes from the meeting, covering parts of the presentation and Q&A, are here:
https://www.portisheadrailwaygroup.org/PRG%20152%20-%20members%20meeting%20minutes.pdf

The full briefing by North Somerset Council, with masses of information about the DCO, is here:
http://apps.n-somerset.gov.uk/cairo/docs/doc29672.pdf

If you have any questions or comments, please do email them to me and we’ll answer as best we can.

Regards, Peter.

Peter Maliphant, Membership Secretary, Portishead Railway Group

15th July 2019

15/7/2019

The Tavistock Vintage Bus Running Day
'A day out in the late 1960s'
Roger Winnen

A very interesting programme of tours were planned for this day with ten routes operating from Tavistock to Yelverton, Princetown and Two Bridges, Milton Abbot, Site of Plaster Down Camp, Greenlands Estate, Gunnislake and Calstock Quay, Lydford Memorial and a Royal Blue service to Okehampton, Callingtonand Gunnislake.
We were able to ride the circulat tour to Princetown and to Lydford Memorial where the Double Decker overheated on the steep climb near Lydford thus we returned after filling up the radiator downhill to Tavistock.
It was a well organised day with beautiful weather

100714a OTT 85 at Princetown. Still has the modern look built in 1954 now 65 yrs old and due for the state pension. Copyright Roger Winnen

190714aa Plenty of light inside of this LS6G coach with Eastern Coachworks bodywork. Copyright Roger Winnen

190714b Princetown Station was situated in front of these dwellings closing on 5th March 1958. Copyright Roger Winnen

190714bb The branch trackbed is seen as at snakes around Dartmoor descending towards Peek Hill bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

190714c The rebuilt bridge which carried the Princetown Railway over the road at Peek Hill is designed for bikers and walkers to gain access to the moor. Copyright Roger Winnen

190714d Dousland Station photographed through the windscreen of the coach. Copyright Roger Winnen

190714e A variety of buses in Tavistock Bus Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Ivybridge 25 today
Mike Roach

Ivybridge's new park-and-ride railway station is 25 years old this year. The formal opening ceremony took place on Friday 15 July 1994 and was performed jointly by the Chairman of Devon County Council and the Regional Director of Railtrack. The 2-platform station was sponsored by the British Railways Regional Railways Sector and constructed at a cost of £380,000 which sounds like a bargain now. Although marketed as a park-and-ride station it has no booking office and is effectively a wayside halt, and the station has never had the frequent train service associated with park-and-ride. Has the station lived up to the expectations at the time of construction. The latest passenger usage figures for 2017/18 show a figure of 57,000 and falling. The population of Ivybridge is about 12,000. Meanwhile Totnes, with a population of 15,000 has a passenger usage figure of 700,000 and rising. Since the closure of the Kingsbridge Branch Totnes Station has served a large area of South Devon including Kingsbridge and Salcombe. The figure of 700,000 for Totnes Station is 39% more than Tiverton Parkway Station which also serves a large area. Many thanks Mike.

The following pictures were kindly supplied at Mikes request by Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive.

(1) 5029 Nunney Castle makes a magnificent sight at Ivybridge as it heads the 'The Anniversary Ltd' Westbury - Plymouth on the 9th May 2014. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) It's 12.25 and the late running 10.00 Penzance - Paddington HST passes 150126 at Ivybridge on the 09.00 Cardiff to Penzance on the 4th December 2018. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) A poster advertising the countryside available from Ivybridge station published in 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) The 06.47 Penzance - Paddington GWR 2+8 HST arrives at Ivybridge on the 1st May 2019 with 43172 Harry Patch leading and with Inter City liveried 43185 on the rear. A handful of passengers get ready to board the train . This is one of three direct weekday services to London from this unmanned station. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) In 2006 the Wessex Trains franchise ended and with it the 9 trains a day each way that stopped at Ivybridge. This caused a local furore because the Department For Transport proposed that only three trains each way would stop at Ivybridge under the new Greater Western franchise. Meetings were held in the town hall with Great Western to voice objections.The local MP Gary Streeter did a fantastic job in getting the service level increased. This was done by extending Penzance and Gunnislake locals to Newton Abbot until it was possible to get HSTs to stop at the station when Central Door Locking was introduced I believe later in 2006. The picture shows a demonstration at the station in protest at the proposed cuts. Copyright Clive Smith,

Many thanks to both Mike Roach for the original article and first picture and to Clive Smith for the remainder of the pictures.

The Old Ivybridge
Mike Roach

The original Ivybridge which closed on the 2nd March 1959 was someway to the west of the new station. This view was taken from the down platform. This was served by a road spur which came to the back of the station building, there was a short cut should one have already walked up the steep road from the village - the short cut entailed a climb of 67 steps!! The above picture is copyright Mike Roach.

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

Richard brings us the tenth in his series taken while he worked at Exmouth Junction. Many thanks Richard.

EXJct10 T9 30120 now a part of the National Collection at Exmouth Junction. Copyright Richard Murrin

14th July 2019

14/7/2019

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

Richard brings us the 9th in his series on the Exmouth Junction Shed and area. Many thanks Richard.

EXJct09 M7 30044 at Exmouth Junction Shed 12th March1961 Copyright Richard Murrin

Seaton Tramway
Roger Winnen

The three pictures below were taken on our visit to Seaton Tramway on the 13th July 2013. To see the complete selection please click here and scroll as necessary.

The impressive terminal building at Seaton. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Colyton station looking very smart indeed. 13th July 2019, Copyright Roger Winnen.

Celebrity Move
Guy Vincent

Afternoon Keith,
I have just been told that the pioneer HST power car 43002 'Sir Kenneth Grange' is due to leave Laira depot by road this coming Tuesday, July 16th, and is bound for the STEAM museum complex at Swindon. Presumably it will travel by way of the M5 and M4 but unfortunately times were not known by my contact. I understand that 43002 is to be on public display outside the Steam Museum buildings between 10am until 5pm on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th and will then be taken (again by road) from Swindon to the NRM in York for permanent display. The PC has been cosmetically restored and still carries nameplates and evidently made what could have been it's final journey by rail yesterday (July 13th) when it was turned by way of a 0Z77 Laira-Laira via Plymouth move partnered by 43188. This was reported in Plymouth station between 1225 and 1239.

Hopefully some of your Devonian members (and maybe Roger too) will be able to record this historic event. As I said, this info was passed to me by a reliable contact but 'don't shoot the messenger' if things don't work out as outlined. We are dealing with the railway after all!! I shall definitely make a point of keeping an eye on proceedings and, if possible, try to catch it on the M4 in the Chippenham area and definitely visit Swindon on Thursday to pay due respects!

With regards, Guy Vincent.Many thanks for keeping your ear on the rails!

43002 at Shockerwick with the .15.57 Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads on the 28.th May 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Reflections
Craig Munday

Hello Keith
A lovely start to the day Thursday but cloud soon swallowed up the sky and a muggy day for all.

6G06 entered section to Goonbarrow as I was in St Blazey box. I wandered down to the crossing at Middleway just as Rog dropped the barriers. The trees behind me are higher and higher these days casting a huge shadow, even in July. I was surprised how still the stream was and saw a marvellous reflection of the bracket signal. The train and signal were brightly lit, and made a satisfying picture as the train rumbled along the causeway.

Cheers, Craig . Many thanks Craig

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43175 Edinburgh WaverleyDavid Critchlow Mick House

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43175 Edinburgh Waverley
David Critchlow Mick House