LATEST INPUT , NEWS & OLD PICTURES ETC.

16th August 2018

16/8/2018

West Somerset Mineral Railway Torre Crossing
Robert Lindley

Robert Lindley is a volunteer on the West Somerset Railway, and, being as his is near the area of West Somerset Mineral Railway I asked if he could possibly obtain some pictures of the route of the line. This he has done and continues so to do. Many thanks indeed Rob.

The Crossing at Torre, about a mile from Washford looking north. The railway went through the wooded bit not the gateway. Beyond is rock cutting which once had a footbridge. Copyright Robert Lindley .

The crossing looking south towards the Brendon Hills. The crossing keepers hut survives to this day. 15th August 2018 Copyright Robert Lindley

Detail of the Crossing Keepers hut at Torre. It bears the date stone 1871. 15th August 2018. Copyright Robert Lindley

Please click on the link below you will see that there was a siding at this site and you will also see the footbridge referred to by Robert in the top picture. https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=18&lat=51.1524&lon=-3.3658&layers=168&b=1

Lostwithiel
John Cornelius

Looking west from the end of the down platform. The signal lenses nicely illuminated by the sky. The connection to the goods yard can be seen through the mesh of the barriers. This picture date is 18th April 2015. Copyright John Cornelius

15th August 2018

15/8/2018

Crossing Keepers Cottages on the Newquay Branch
Andrew Triggs

180813e St Blazey Bridge Crossing keepers cottage. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180813f Middleway Crossing keepers cottage. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180813g The line at Middleway Crossing needs some TLC. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The changing scene at
Bristol Temple Meads
Martin Scane

Nartin strolls up the platforms and takes this general view. A South West Trains 159 in the distance. 14th August 2018 Copyright Martin Scane

The scene is dominated by this very large 'glass' structure to theNorth East of the station. 14th August 2018 Copyright Martin Scane

158 959 departs east. 14th August 2018 . Copyright Martin Scane

At the west end 159 013 still bearing the attractive South West Trains livery stands awaiting its next turn. 14th August 2018. Copyright Martin Scane

- And finally the new order wait their next turns of duty. Winowless .bare bones' structure of the old Post Office building completes the background. 14th August 2018 Copyright Martin Scane

Many thanks to Martin Scane for bringing us these views at Temple Meads.

Lostwithiel
John Cornelius

The weed grown trackwork on the down sidings at Lostwithiel. Copyright John Cornelius

The west end of the sidings at Lostwithiel. Presumably on the same day as the picture above. Copyright John Cornelius

Lostwithiel
Roger Winnen

Lostwithiel This is probably the last passenger train ever to use the Fowey bay platform at Lostwitiel. The date is 28th April 1990 Copyright Roger Winnen. Note the platform ceased to be used when the Fowey branch closed on the 4th January 1965.

Lostwithiel The draw for the raffle was held on Lostwithiel's platform and organised by Peter Butt whom you can see addressing the hopeful multitude! 28th April 1990 Copyright Roger Winnen

Note :- Quite recently the Branch Line Branch Line Society organised a comprehensive railtour of Plymouth and East Cornwall - one of the items on their 'Wish List' was the bay platform at Lostwithiel. It is understood that Network Rail wanted an extra £1,000 to re-open the platform for one train - the B.L.S. reluctantly declined. The rails serving the Fowey platform are still there but unless somebody is prepared to pay then the CRS Railtour thirty three years ago was the last passenger train to use the platform.

14th August 2018

14/8/2018

Steam '85
Julian Stephens

Hemerdon Summit. Julian captures the scene, and you can imagine the sound as 5051 Earl Bathurst, and 7029 Clun Castle tackle the climb. 8th September 1985 Copyright Julian Stephens

Teignmouth 5-51 Earl Bathurst and 7029 Clun Castle near Teignmouth 8th September 1985 (Taken from Shaldon Bridge - one wonders what the pictures taken by the gentleman sitting lineside; who provides scale to the pictures took?) Copyright Julian Stephens

This concludes the current selection of memories from the past provided By Julian Stephens. Many thanks indeed Julian

Ticket Deals
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith, Well your ticket deal brought back memories. Between 1981 and 1985, Persil products in a joint venture, offered a deal which involved collecting tokens from any of their products, which in return gave one free return ticket for every ticket purchased. (1st or 2nd class)
I have attached the wonderful poster, depicting the offer complete with the then newly introduced HST and modernised BR uniform.
How lucky we were!
Today the highly complicated pricing structure means that a 1st class return from Cornwall to Paddington can cost anything from £35 to £235.
I recently enquired the cost of a 1st class single to Paddington from Taunton, (a 2 hour journey approx.) and was quoted £195. I then enquired the cost of a 1st class single from Honiton to Waterloo on the same day and was quoted £35 (a 3 hour journey approx.) Admittedly the South West Trains 1st class is not the same standard as GWR, but it was perfectly adequate and comfortable and if anything a more interesting trip.
Such is progress!

Best wishes Andrew The 'Good Old Days' Many thanks Andrew

From the Andrew Jones Collection

Redruth
Martin Scane

Redruth the 10.03 Ex Penzance 13th August 2018 Copyright Martin Scane

150 239 forms the 09.56 Ex Bristol to Penzance. Seen here at Reduth. 13th August 2018 Copyright Martin Scane

Lostwithiel
John Cornelius

13th August 2018

13/8/2018

A HST Gala on the Newquay Branch today
Andrew Triggs & Roger Winnen

To bring back the boardmasters from the weekends festival at Newquay, The Great Western Railway laid on 7 HSTs from Newquay to London Paddington however one train was the rerouted 10.49 Penzance to Paddington replaced by a sprinter to from Penzance to Plymouth.
Departures from Newquay were 07.30 09.23 10.55 12.42 15.07 17.03 18.55

180813a The 1Z41 09.23 Newquay to London Paddington at Chaple Crossing near Quintrell Downs. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180813a The 09.23 Newquay -Paddington departs Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

180813b The 1Z42 10.55 Newquay to Paddington passes Luxulyan. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180813b Approaching Middleway Crossing is the 10.55 Newquay Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

180813c 43070 43056 working the 1C74 09.03 Paddington to Newquay seen at Middleway. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180813f It's the Happy Hour at Newquay crowds line the platform awaiting for us to disembark from the 09.03 from London Paddington and returning at 15.07 to Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

180813g Not a happy face amongst the crowd on Newquays only platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

180813d 1Z44 15.07 Newquay to London Paddington viewed from the Treffry Aquaduct. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Steam -
Aller Junction
Clive Smith

Following on from Julian Stephens' photo of the July 1985, a second attempt to get a steam passenger train to Plymouth, here is my contribution of that ill-fated 'Great Western Limited' of 7th July. Less than two miles miles further back down the line at Aller Junction at 17.55, 5051 Earl Bathurst and 4930 Hagley Hall pass by untroubled with the 09.02 Paddington to Plymouth railtour. At least the spectators here were not disappointed. A good job I had not remained in Plymouth for this one !
What a superb place Aller Junction was for lineside photography with its box, semaphores and perfectly located overbridges. The second picture shows 50044 Exeter on the 17.27 Paignton to Paddington . How the scene has changed with colour aspect signalling, track rationalisation and the recent building of the A380 South Devon Link Road.
I haven't been to Dainton bank for a few years. I wonder if the entrepreneurial farmer who owns the field most photographers frequent still comes around with his bucket charging £1 admission ?

Regards Clive Smith Many thanks indeed Clive.

Aller Jct. 5051 Earl Bathurst and 4930 Hagley Hall 7th July 1985 Copyright Clive Smith. Just try to count the spectators - apart from lineside they are also looking over the wall.

50044 Exeter on the 17.27 Paignton to Paddington 7th July 1985. As Clive says, this was an excellent spot with the four tracks. The box and access are over a bridge no longer there. The good old days!. Copyright Clive Smith

Just the Ticket!
Promotional Offer
A chance, once in a lifetime!

I found this ticket amongst my very limited collection.
As can be seen this was a very special offer, presumably to get people back on trains, and it certainly did that!
What an excellent offer - perhaps take the family, two adults and two children to Plymouth for a day out.
We did a day trip to Plymouth, followed by one to Exeter and another to London.
However it became obvious that one could use the ticket as a single and go, well, anywhere. It didn't say that you had to come back the same day!
So on the 28th May 1981 we caught a train to Paddington and then continued, using the same ticket from Kings Cross to Edinburgh. (The ticket inspector commented that he'd never seen so many green tickets in his life!!)
The next day we purchased another 'green ticket' from Edinburgh to Oban. We saw for the first time the wonderful scenery of Scotland (and in those days one could hang out of the window and enjoy the air and the view to the full).
All good things come to an end and on the third day we again purchased a green ticket for £5 and came home via the West Coast route. What a wonderful weekend for just £15.
If only this offer could be repeated, I guess that whoever thought up this offer never got any promotion!! But many thanks for the experience. K.J. and family.

Lostwithiel
John Cornelius

Lostwithiel Level Crossing John Cornelius

A study of the box. Note 'Hoods' lie in the sidings. Copyright John Cornelius

12th August 2018

11/8/2018

West Somerset Mineral Rly
Colin Burges

Colin Burges has very kindly sent some more pictures of his own taken about ten years ago to be added to the major coverage which we already have by Robert Lindley. However more pictures will be gratefully received as exploration and research continues.

It is difficult to believe that this was once a double track standard gauge incline. 2008 Copyright Colin Burges

Even in 2008 the incline was heavily overgrown, goodness knows what it is like ten years on! Copyright Colin Burges

At the top of the incline a massive winding engine was housed in this building. The faithful steed owned by Colin rests against the wall. 2018 Copyright Colin Burges

Withiel Bridge. A substantial cut has been made through the embankment here. 2008 Copyright Colin Burges. Withiel bridge crossed a minor road about a mile west of the top of Comberow Incline. Copyright Colin Burges

Bodmin North to Padstow
Very interesting footage found on Youtube
Andrew Jones

Andrew writes :- Browsing Youtube today, I have found a remarkable clip of Bodmin North, Wadebridge and extensive working at Padstow.

The initial frames include the German built 4 wheel Dmu, which in the last years of the branch operated a shuttle from Boscarne Junction to Bodmin North. ( although not confined entirely to this duty, as I once travelled to Padstow on this unit).

We then pass by Langs fish and chips, now ‘Barneys’ and the main road crossing into Wadebridge Station.

Following on, we have a very rare glimpse from the Rock side of the estuary, of a ‘bubble car’ travelling towards and crossing the Little Petherick iron bridge.
I travelled on this unit, just weeks before closure, on the school train, which believe me was packed.

Finally we have extensive coverage of 4-6-2 West Country Class 21C120 (34020) ‘Seaton’, running round at Padstow.
The West Country Class, Bullied Light Pacifics, were introduced in 1945. Their 18 ton axle rating enabled them to work almost everywhere on the Southern Region.
34001-34048 were all named after West Country locations, 34049-34090 were named to commemorate the ‘Battle of Britain’, 34091-34108 were again West Country Locations and the last two 34109 and 34110 were again named after the ‘Battle of Britain’
Their distinctive air smoothed casing gave them the nick name ‘Spam Cans’, only 60 had their casing removed during rebuilding, which paradoxically increased the weight and restricted the rebuilds use on the system.

Many thanks Andrew. Memories are made of this!

https://youtu.be/t-HIsTyqWDo

Oldest & Newest at Westbury 6 minutes apart
Guy Vincent

Friday evening, 10th Aug 2018 New IET set 800026 departing Westbury on 1J91 1707 Paddington-Frome, followed just 6 minutes later by pioneer HST power car 43002 leading 1C91 1733 Paddington-Paignton. Still looking modern and good despite being new more than 43 years ago. Hopefully this true icon will find a home in preservation once it departs from main line duties next year. Surely an ideal partner for 41001, the only surviving prototype class 252 power car.

Guy V Many thanks Guy

Westbury 800026 1J91 1707 Padd'n-Frome 18.57 10th August 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury 43002 (253001) 1C91 1733 Padd'n-Paignton 19.03 10th August 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Return of two former GWR Power Cars in Scot Rail Livery Guy Vincent

Caught quite by chance at 1730 yesterday (Friday 10th Aug) passing non-stop through Bristol Temple Meads whilst en-route from Loughborough Brush to GWR's Plymouth Laira depot, two former Great Western power cars now freshly outshopped in Scot Rail livery. Why they have come back to the south west is currently a mystery. As they are no longer leased by GWR they will presumably not be going back into service here. Reports elsewhere this morning suggest a possible 'paperwork issue' could be to blame, however I fail to understand how anyone could authorise release of two 'Scot Rail' liveried PC's back to their former operator in error. Then again, it is now the 21st century... time will tell.

Guy V Many thanks Guy

Bristol TM 43140 & 43149 17.28 10th August 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Return of steam to 1985 to Cornwall
Respryn
Julian Stephens

I've never seen a picture taken from this angle at Respryn. Thank heavens Julian was there to capture not just the marvellous sight of 7029 bursting from under Respryn bridge but of the masses of folk who turned out at this beautiful location. Now, in 2018, 33years on I wonder how many remember this great day. Many thanks indeed for this superb and exciting view Julian. More pictures of this train in our railtour section.

Stay a while and enjoy this scene. An amazing number of people at this remote location. Respryn, 7029 Clun Castle on the return leg. 6th September 1985 Copyright Julian Stephens

Signs of the times at
Lostwithiel
John Cornelius

It is delightful that this sign remains on the up platform at Lostwithiel, possibly Cornwall Railway Vintage. Note the brackets still in position for the lower suffix 'Change for the Fowey branch'. Alas we cannot do that now! Copyright John Cornelius

A much more recent sign for this delightful station well positioned to serve the growing town. Copyright John Cornelius.

11th August 2018

11/8/2018

First attempt at a return to steam 85
Clive Smith

As previously mentioned, the long wait for steam to the South Devon banks was a day longer than expected as both 6000 King George V and 7819 Hinton Manor had both failed with hot boxes on route. 6000's hot box occurred at Taunton where 37007 and 37178 were attached to the rear of the 1Z47 09.30 Paddington to Plymouth railtour to assist the solo 7819. However with 7819 also succumbing to a hot box at Exeter St Davids, the 37s then hauled the train on to Plymouth.
The pictures show (1) 37007 and 37178 between Lipson Junction and Mutley Tunnel on a rather murky 7th April 1985. (2) Split box 37007 on the front was a particularly rare Gateshead allocated 'tractor', but this was of no interest to the dejected masses lined up outside the Royal Eye Infirmary at Plymouth who were most definitely not class 37 fans. Green Great Western liveried 50007 Sir Edward Elgar awaits in the siding behind to take the train back to Paddington at 18.15.

As a footnote although steam was banned from BR lines from 1968 to 1985 in Devon and Cornwall, the sole exception to the ban was 4472 Flying Scotsman and this loco did I believe indeed steam over the South Devon banks in 1973 whilst based at Paignton when it required wheel turning at Laira . I do remember Bernard Mills excitedly recollecting this at one of his impressive slide shows and indeed producing the evidence on film !

Regards Clive Smith
Many thanks for your reminiscences and photographs Clive.

Picture 1 - 7th April 1985. Copyright Clive Smith

Picture 2 - 7th April 1985 Copyright Clive Smith N.B. You can almost feel the disappointment in this photgraph.

The return of steam in 85
Julian Stephens

A well loaded train as 5051 Earl Bathurst, 4930 Hagley Hall, with 50045 Achilles as back up tackle Dainton Bank on the 7th July 1985 Dainton Copyright Julian Stephens

Both steam locos stalled on Dainton Bank and had various attempts to get going without success. 50045 came on the rear and banked the train from m.p. 217 to 218 right by Dainton Tunnel box. 50045 was detached there then followed to Totnes where the train was terminated rather than running through to Plymouth as booked.

A week later, on the 14th July the same pair are seen at Rewe. 051 Earl Bathurst, 4930 Hagley Hall 14th July 1985 Copyright Julian Stephens

Veteran HST's in Devon
Andrew Triggs

180808d XC 1V46 06.16 Leeds to Plymouth at Dawlish 43285 leading 43366. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180808e From the top of Langstone Rock GWR 1A85 10.00 Penzance to Paddington with unbranded stock 43138 leading celebrity 43002. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180808f 43133 leading 1C80 12.03 Paddington-Penzance passing Cockwood Harbour. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Lostwithiel
John Cornelius

A very unusual view of Lostwithiel Signalbox with very interesting stock berthed in the yard. Another Gem from the John Cprnelius Collection - many thanks John.

10th August 2018

10/8/2018

Last day of Wessex trains
Bodmin Parkway
John Cornleius

Chasing the IET's in Devon
Andrew Triggs

Returning from a visit to Somerset Andrew took the opportunity of using the Devon Ranger ticket to capture his latest collection of photographs.

180808a First time visitors 802007-802008 working the 5Z12 08.29 Stoke Gifford to Plymouth approaching Dawlish. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180808b At Langstone Rock, Dawlish Warren, 802101 working the 5Z52 Exeter St David's-Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180808c Later at Cockwood Harbour 802007-802008 return eastbound working the 5Z13 13.32 Plymouth Stoke Gifford. Copyright Andrew Triggs

A Variety of Trains crossing Hayle Viaduct during a sixteen minute slot
Roger Winnen

180809a Its 16.57 The 16.44 Penzance to Exeter St David's is formed by a 2 car 158 set. Copyright Roger Winnen

180809b Celebrity HST Great Western brings up the rear of the 12.03 Paddington-Penzance as she crosses Hayle Viaduct at 17.10 - Copyright Roger Winnen

180809c An IET on its return run to Plymouth crossing the viaduct at 17.13. Copyright Roger Winnen

9th August 2018

9/8/2018

8th August 2018

8/8/2018

40 Years Ago
7th August 1978
Severn Tunnel Junction
Roger Winnen

180807a A Cross Country Unit passes Severn Tunnel Junction on route to Gloucester. Copyright Roger Winnen

180807b 253010 Heads for Newport Cardiff and Swansea. Copyright Roger Winnen

180807c A Class 31 heads a coal train through Severn Tunnel Junction. In the background can be seen the Severn Tunnel emergency rescue train. Copyright Roger Winnen

180807d A Class 37 works an oil train westbound through the station. Also seen on the right is an 08 shunter coming out of the sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

180807e 253005 heads east through the station. The small fueling shed is visible on the right. Copyright Roger Winnen

180807f A Class 37 passes milepost 148.75 hauling a rake of cement wagons etc. Copyright Roger Winnen

How things have changed in the last 40 years!

Andrew Triggs visit
Taunton and Severn Beach

180806a Freightliner 66505 trundling light through Platform 2 at Taunton with 08.32 Stoke Gifford to Fairwater Yard. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180807a 150001 Heading west throuth Taunton with the 08.36 to Exeter St David's. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180807b Later in the day 166207 at Severn Beach working 2K30 and 2K31. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Hemerdon Bank
Clive Smith

One can almost hear and smell the engines as they gradually ascend to the summit of Hemerdon . This was the long awaited return of steam to the South Devon banks on 8th April 1985. 4930 Hagley Hall and 7819 Hinton Manor make heavy work of the 1 in 42 gradient with load 13 on "The Great Western Limited" 09.46 Plymouth to Bristol TM. The long wait was a day longer than expected as both 6000 King George V and 7819 had both failed with hot boxes on route the previous day with the westbound leg .

Regards, Clive Smith
As you say one can almost hear and smell the engines - we enjoy your excitement. Many thanks Clive.
There is evidence of considerable trespass here which rightly wouldn't be tolerated today.

4930 Hagley Hall, and 7819 Hinton Manor struggling up the bank with 13 on. Great Western Limited

4930 Hagley Hall, 7819 Hinton Manor Great Western Limited Copyright Clive Smith

4930 Hagley Hall, 7819 Hinton Manor Great Western Limited th April 1985 Copyright Clive Smith

4930 Hagley Hall, 7819 Hinton Manor nearing the summit with the Great Western 8th April 1985 Limited Copyright Clive Smith

Wadebridge Shed
John Cornelius

A golden oldie from John Cornelius - many thanks John. Copyright

7th August 2018

7/8/2018

The planned New Timetable for the Great Western Railway due to come into operation in from December 2018 has been put on hold.
Roger Winnen

An Extract from the August 2018 Railway Magazine.
The Great Western Railway together with Northern, Govia, Thameslink, Cross Country, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express, West Midlands Trains and London Overground will not change their timetable in December as usual following the chaotic problems which arose during May 2018 timetable change. However some improvements may take place on Thameslink and Northern who have been badly hit by problems. It now seems likely that the upgrade on the Cornish Main Line allowing two trains an hour could be held over until May. It remains to be seen!
It is likely that the new IETs will come into service from 20th August 2018, however training is still being undertaken.

180807a Not for much longer as 43155 The Red Arrows works the 10.00 Penzance Paddington service seen passing Marazion. Copyright Roger Winnen

180807b This network rail unit is working the 03.33 Laira to Penzance via Gunnislake, Fowey Docks and Parkandillack to Penzance - Copyright Roger Winnen

180807c This test train will be stabled at Penzance during tonight and will depart to Exeter Riverside via St Ives at 05.48. Copyright Roger Winnen

180807d 802101 On another driver training run arrives at the terminus ats 16.40. Alongside stands 150248 working the 16.44 service to Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen -

New book on the
Pentewan Railway

It is our pleasure to advise you of the publication of a new book on the Pentewan Railway. The Cornwall Railway Society have benefited greatly during the last few months not only by an excellent lecture on the history of the Pentewan Railway given by Bob Evans which was followed by a very detailed guided tour around Pentewan and its railway systems by Bob. With memories of an excellent lecture and guided tour still fresh in our minds you may be interested in the book.
This book by Michael Messenger who is also well known to the Cornwall Railway Society is now available, it is published by Twelveheads Press and available directly from them.

Bugle Station Building
Progress report by Bill Avery

This is an update for you on my attempt to save out Clubhouse. As you are aware it is the old Waiting Room from Bugle Station in 1870. With all of you helping me with valuable information, I applied to English Heritage for consideration to save it.

I am pleased to tell you that they have awarded Imerys Bowling Club £8200. This is to be used over one year to prove that the building is worth saving. Please inform all your members, etc. A programme of meetings, etc is being put together to prove our case. I will keep you updated and send you invites to attend some of them. There are to be press releases and hopefully TV coverage as well. My search for more information to help our case continues. I know that it was gone from Bugle Station by 1919 and came to the Bowling Club in 1956. Where was it from 1919 to 1956?

Thank you for your continued support. Best wishes, Bill Avery
Congratulations on your success Bill , keep up the good work.

Bugle Station building - the former building is use as a Bowling Club HQ. Copyright Bill Avery

Bodmin Parkway
John Cornelius

43130 heads a down service at Parkway - the bus connection to Padstow waits on the down side. Copyright John Cornelius

The HST departs heading west. Copyright John Cornelius

158 834 forms a down service. Copyright John Cornelius

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