LATEST INPUT , NEWS & OLD PICTURES ETC.

20th August 2018

20/8/2018

Teignmouth Parade
Clive Smith

A stroll along the sea wall from Teignmouth to Parson's Tunnel provided an opportunity to photograph Sunday's 'Torbay Express' and a few HSTs on the Londons in the late morning sunshine. This was their last full day of service on the Plymouth and Penzance route.
What sterling service they have provided for 40 years.
Many thanks indeed for your pictures Clive.

43159 0757 Paddington to Penzance 19th August 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

What a superb picture, almost like a BR holiday poster of years gone by, the engine looking magnificent and a lady waves. 35028 Clan Line leaves Parsons tunnel Torbay Express 0800 BTM to Kingswear. The train was approaching a signal check - hence not much. check hence not much steam. 19th August 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

43004 at the rear of the 11.00 Plymouth to Paddington. 19th August 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

43022 leads the 08.22 Paddington to Penzance on the 19th August 2018. Copyright Clive Smith.

Par
John Cornelius

158 864 calls at Par on an up service. Undated - Copyright John Cornelius

19th August 2018

19/8/2018

Video - Feedback Requested.
Yesterday Mick House and Ian Mercer up loaded a video - 'Down Sleeper'. We ask for feedback on this and would be grateful if you would take a look and let us know. We had good reports from USA and New Zealand but please let us know how you see it. It takes some time to load.

Steam Specials
this weekend
Guy Vincent

Frome. LNER 60009 1Z09 0815 Padd'n-Minehead 18th August 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

No sign of summer now, just thick, dull cloud as LNER 60009 'Union of South Africa' calls at Frome for a water top-up working 1Z09 0815 London Paddington-Minehead on Saturday 18th. This loco is due to be retired from main line service when it's boiler ticket expires in 2019 and the owner, John Cameron plans to place it on permanent display in a purpose-built museum and visitor centre now under construction on his estate at Balbuthie, Fife. A three road display shed will accommodate 60009 along with Gresley 'K4' 61994 'The Great Marquess' and Mk 1 support coach 35486 (seen here behind 'Union'). With a few more west country runs planned for the remainder of 2018 now is the time to get out and see it in action.

Westbury SR 35028 1Z27 0800 Bristol TM-Kingswear Torbay Express 19th August 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Today Sunday 19th and another 'Torbay Express' (0800 Bristol Temple Meads-Kingswear) arrives in platform 2 at Westbury headed by SR 'Merchant Navy' 35028 'Clan Line'. I first saw this loco at this very same location on Saturday April 27th 1974 when it headed the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society's 'Southern Return to Steam' charter from London Waterloo via Salisbury. A local newspaper reported that over 2000 people turned out to see this train in the Westbury area alone; today about 25 passengers boarded with around another 25 watching the proceedings from the platforms. You already have a picture on the site of the April 1974 special departing Westbury for Basingstoke. This was courtesy of Brian Pibworth and added on June 24th 2016. Happy days indeed.

Regards, Guy Vincent. Many thanks indeed for this weekends pictures, especially the one taken this morning - you do us all proud!

The Dockyard Goods
Plymouth
Clive Smith

08576 makes slow progress through Plymouth station on 26th February 1982 Copyright Clive Smith

08576 makes slow progress through Plymouth station on 26th February 1982 with what was known locally to Plymouth enthusiasts as 'the dockyard goods', the 7B71 11.12 Keyham to Friary. This freight followed the marshalling at Keyham goods yard of various 'as required' trip workings, these being from the naval base itself or the Royal Navy armament depots at Bull Point and Ernesettle. The train was worked by a class 25 in the 70s switching to an 08 in 1980 with the ending of class 25s based at Laira.. Of particular note in the consist is a Southern Region PLV behind the 08. Note also the rows of BRUTES full of parcels on platform 4 and the red Royal Mail parcels truck waiting in the loading bay . The station pilot 08 sits at the end of the 'park sidings' and look at the embankment falling away to the right which is bereft of trees - unlike today.

Regards, Clive Smith.

Very interesting, many thanks indeed, a picture well worth studying.

Norden Mining Museum
Colin Burges

This 1865 wagon I thought deserved a snap, making C.R.S. members seem like youngsters. Note the sprung buffers at one end and dumb buffers at the other, and a brake that acts on the wheel tread or the rail. 7th August 2018. Copyright Colin Burges.

To read Colin's interesting article on his bicycle tour in the 'Corfe' area please click here and scroll down.

Gupworthy
Robert Lindley

As I was passing, here is a picture of the end of the line at Gupworthy, high on the Brendon hills. The building you see was the weigh-bridge. The Station house itself lies beyond. I’ll try and get another photo when the leaves have gone! Cheers Rob
A most interesting find, congratulations and many thanks.

Gupworthy Terminus, West Somerset Minerals Railway. The weighbridge house, the station lies beyond. 16th August 2018 Copyright Rob Lindley

You will find a map of the location - 25" courtesy the National Library of Scotland using this link.
https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=17&lat=51.1099&lon=-3.4818&layers=168&b=1

Plymouth & Dartmoor Tramway
Leigham Tunnel
Peter Murnaghan

In 1985 Peter came across this tunnel on the outskirts of Plymouth City. Plymouth and Dartmoor Tramway, the south end of Leigham tunnel 1985 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

The north end of Leigham tunnel, the nearby cottages are named 'Tunnel Cottages' picture again in 1985 Copyright Peter Murnaghan. The young Peter with his two eldest boys, James and Dan.

I believe these pictures are at either end of the tunnel. KJ

For history please use this link :-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plymouth_and_Dartmoor_Railway

Please use this link to access the National Library of Scotlands 25" Map of the this area.
https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=50.4080&lon=-4.0973&layers=168&b=1

Par
John Cornelius

18th August 2018

18/8/2018

Please see previous note re CRS Outdoor event, a visit to the Plym Valley on Sunday 26th August 2018 with timings

The Down Sleeper. By Ian Mercer & Mick House.

The video below was shot at Wheal Busy Crossing, on the ground, on the morning of the 20th July 2018 with 57603 Tintagel Castle heading the down night sleeper and then in the air on the morning of the 21st July 2018 with 57602 Restormel Castle in charge of the train. Ground video by Mick House and air video by Ian Mercer.

Video Copyright Ian Mercer & Mick House.

The above was a test video. Please let us know if you have any success with it. I know that others have tried to load video on to this site with little success. The best way, it seems is to send your video to YouTube and give a reference so that e can create link. Many thanks to Mick and Ian for trying. I think we may need to delete this to avoid giving us problems with our normal content. KJ

Doncaster Bound
David Tozer

Dave gives the location as Ellerhayes otherwise Silverton. Many thanks David.

43153/040 and coaches 42221/42224,44101 and 42351. Doncaster bound - 5E23 1331 Laira - Doncaster. The time is 14.32, the date, yesterday 17th August 2018. Copyright David Tozer.

Four from
Mark Lynam

43176 at Apex on the delayed 1C84 1403 London Paddington to Penzance. 19.11 16th August 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam

43187 2+4 'Castle' set working 2C51 1755 Plymouth to Penzance at Apex Scorrier 19.30 16th August 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam

802005 Scorrier 19.42 16th August 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam

802005 Scorrier (2) 19.42 16th August 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam

Above 802005 working 5Z60 1749 Laira TMD to Longrock TMD ready for yesterdays press special to Exeter taken at 19.42 with Hallenbeagle engine house in the distance. Many thanks Mark - note how the shadows lengthen!.

Par
John Cornelius

Nice and crisp and clear an everyday scene then. Just one passenger awaits an up service nobody else in sight, a bus crosses the bridge. Copyright John Cornelius

17th August 2018

17/8/2018

An Important announcement
The Plymouth Bus Rally on August 25th & 26th 2018 has been cancelled

Sunday 26th August 2018
A visit to Plymouth for the Annual Bus Rally together with a visit to the Plym Valley Railway at Marsh Mills
An important notice made within the last few daya states that the Plymouth Bus Rally on 25th 26th August 2018 has been cancelled
However all is not lost as the Plym Valley Railway are operating on those days
Purchase an off peak day return to Plymouth.
Penzance 09.47 Camborne 10.08 Redruth 10.14 Truro 10.27 St Austell 10.44 Par 10.54 Plymouth 11.43
Yellow Flash Bus Route 51 depart outside of Plymouth Railway Station at 12.05 to Marsh Mills. Plenty of trains available back into Cornwall at 16.25 17.35 18.25 18.53 subject to drivers availability.

6023 King Edward 11 & 75014 Works the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway
Andrew Triggs and Roger Winnen

180816e King Edward 11 running around its train at Paignton Queens Park Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180816f The 13.00 Paignton to Kingswear service approaches Churston Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180816g King Edward 11 viewed from under the Brunell Roof at Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

180816h The firebox doors are open prior to departure for Paignton at 14.10. Copyright Roger Winnen

180816i The King departs Kingswear at 14.10 for Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

180816d 75014 Braveheart working the 14.55 Kingswear to Paignton service. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180816c 6023 King Edward 11 heading out of Goodrington with the 15.00 Paignton to Kingswear. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180816k The sun has just in as 6023 approaches Kingswear on the 15.00 from Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Cathedrals Express
Alton to Paignton
Andrew Triggs

The planned 17.14 return working from Paignton was severly delayed owing to an engine probem, the tour eventually departed Paignton at 18.53 99 mins late and arriving at Alton 51 late at 23.51 hours.

180816a The Cathedrals Express 1Z62 Alton to Paignton with 47580 and 47804 at Dawlish, high above Kennaway Tunnel. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180816b The Cathedrals Express in Goodrington Sidings at 14.08. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Reflections at Plymouth
Clive Smith

47482 awaits departure from Plymouth platform 7 with the Sunday 16.45 to Paddington. The date is 5th December 1982. Copyright Clive Smith. Viewers will be envious to know that for a period Clive worked on the 7th Floor of the Intercity building.in the background.

Par
John Cornelius

180817 Par an important interchange with the Newquay Branch often procucers quite a crop of passengers. Here in this undated view the'crop' having just detrained for an up service from which the board has now been pulled off. The main line climbs steeply away westwards, a siding known as Chapel Siding can been seen heading towards St Mary's Methodist Chapel, Par. Nowadays the 'crop' often carry multi coloured surfboards. Copyright John Cornelius

16th August 2018

16/8/2018

An Important announcement
The Plymouth Bus Rally on August 25th & 26th 2018 has been cancelled

Sunday 26th August 2018
A visit to Plymouth for the Annual Bus Rally together with a visit to the Plym Valley Railway at Marsh Mills
An important notice made within the last few daya states that the Plymouth Bus Rally on 25th 26th August 2018 has been cancelled
However all is not lost as the Plym Valley Railway are operating on those days
Purchase an off peak day return to Plymouth.
Penzance 09.47 Camborne 10.08 Redruth 10.14 Truro 10.27 St Austell 10.44 Par 10.54 Plymouth 11.43
Yellow Flash Bus Route 51 depart outside of Plymouth Railway Station at 12.05 to Marsh Mills. Plenty of trains available back into Cornwall subject to drivers availability.

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

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 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.

<<Previous

The Down Sleeper. By Ian Mercer & Mick House.​

Archives

The Down Sleeper. By Ian Mercer & Mick House.