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5th December 2019

4/12/2019

 
Riding the Rails
Roger Winnen

Picture
191205a The 09.00 Plymouth to Penzance passes Truro Signal Box on Thursday 5th December 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
191205b 66113 Arrives at Par from Exeter Riverside on a route learning duty, it is believed that Westbury men are learning the road to Par. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
191205c Soon the engine departs back to Exeter as its reflections is seen in the waiting room glass. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
191205d On arrival at Plymouth I find the engine waiting in the through road between Platforms 4 & 5. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
191205e Soon to arrive in the through road was the RHTT train headed by 66151 and tailed by 66199 bound for St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
191205f Plenty of grim covers this engine. No doubt she will have a wash & brush up very soon as the leaf fall season is approaching its end. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
191205g We again see this train passing Liskeard following the 15.11 Plymouth Penzance service. Copyright Roger Winnen
Freezing at
Warminster
Guy Vincent
Warminster station just before dawn on the morning of Wednesday December 4th.   Freezing fog in the air as recently 'de-formed' 2 car set 158765 waits time prior to departing as 2E17 0723 to Great Malvern.  This unit was formerly part of 3 car set 158955 with vehicle 52747 which has now re-joined its former partner 57747 to form 158747.   All very confusing!

       Regards,  Guy Vincent.   
As usual full of many details.
           Many thanks indeed Guy - a cold day for you too.
Picture
Warminster Freezing 158765 2E17 0723 WMN-GMV 4th December 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent.
Twenties return to
Westbury
Guy Vincent

Picture
Westbury 20132 and 20118 forming the 6Z20working 4th December 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent (details below)
Yesterday (3rd) 20118 and 20132 were delivered to Westbury by DC Rail Freight owned 56091, the three locos having come south from Leicester to Bristol Barton Hill behind 50008.  The '56' quickly departed light to Willesden while the twenties stayed overnight and at lunchtime today took away three HOBC vehicles running as 6Z20 1328 Westbury-West Ealing.  

Also attached are two shots from February 2014 showing 20142 and 20189 when they came south to collect some stored locos from the Dartmoor Railway and move them to Derby for assessment.  Since then 47375 has been exported to Hungary, 31459 now resides on the Wensleydale Railway and 47769 remains under repair / in store at Barrow Hill.

                    Guy V                      
Many thanks Guy
Picture
20142 and 20189 Beautifully caught by the station nameboard at Bradford on Avon. 24th February 2014 Copyright Guy Vincent
Picture
20189 20142 47375 31459 47769 Fairwood near Westbury, Wilts on 0Z20 the 07.45 Okehampton-Derby Gas Tank Sidings 25th February 2014. Copyright Guy Vincent. Full details above,
Penzance and back 
Andrew Triggs

Evening Keith/Roger
5 shots of today's Test run of the returning 57603 'Tintagel Castle' with DRS 57306 'Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate 175' for CRS, I found out about the run around 40 minutes before the photos were taken at Marazion and Longrock
All the Best, Andrew'

Many thanks Andrew, we all benefit by you working close by - cheers.

Picture
1. 57306 leading 57603 on the return from Truro approaching Marazion 4th December 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
2. The going away shot passing the former Marazion station site 4th December 2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
3. Slowing for the Red signal at Longrock. 4th December 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
4. Gaining the Reception road at Longrock T&RSMD. 4th December 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
5. On arrival on Reception road at Longrock Depot. 4th December 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs
An interesting website
Highly recommended
From Martin Scane

I don’t know if you are aware of this website but I came across it today :

http://www.davidheyscollection.com/index.htm

You may need several days, if not months, to digest everything but is full of interesting facts and thousands of photographs.
If you haven’t seen it before, I’ll leave you to have a browse.

Regards, Martin Scane. 
   
Thanks for the advice Martin - an excellent site indeed. 

4th December 2019

4/12/2019

 
50049 Defiance at Exminster
David Tozer

Picture
Well a nice surprise today. 50049 'Defiance' with the 5Z50 Laira - LongMarston, photographed at Exminster in the fading afternoon light. Copyright David Tozer
Many Thanks David
Dawlish delights 5
Dawlish
Paul Barlow
Picture
31602 and 31452 on the 05.50 Leamington Spa to Penzance. 15th June 2001. Copyright Paul Barlow. A nice shot with the tide in - how different will this view look in a few months time?
Many thanks Paul
Plenty of interest at
Paignton
Roger Winnen

Picture
It's the 26th May 1975 as a healthy crowd of spotters watch as 47122 Leaves Paignton, and in the distance a Western approaches. Note Paignton North Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

3rd December 2019

3/12/2019

 
Dawlish Delights 4 
Parson Tunnel
Paul Barlow
Picture
47810 heads the 09.00 Paignton to Edinburgh 1S66 about to enter Parsons tunnel on the 3rd July 2002. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul
Copied courtesy Wikipedia :- The line now enters its first tunnel, Kennaway, beneath Lea Mount, beyond which is Coryton beach, the farthest point accessible by the sea wall footpath from Dawlish. The Coryton tunnel leads to the next beach, Shell Cove, accessible by foot only via the shore at very low tide or by a private path from the clifftop. The railway then passes through Phillot Tunnel and Clerk's Tunnel, emerging onto a section of sea wall at Breeches Rock before diving into Parson's Tunnel beneath Hole Head. The last two tunnels are named after the Parson and Clerk Rocks, a natural arch in the sea off Hole Head.
Beyond Parson's Tunnel is a short viaduct across Smugglers Lane and then the footpath resumes for the final stretch past Sprey Point to the cutting at Teignmouth Eastcliff. On the landward side of the railway near Sprey Point can be seen the remains of a lime kiln used during the construction of the line.
Fare Deal to
Bath 1961
Colin Burges

​Dear Keith, This not quite complete handbill was used as scrap paper and pasted face down in a book, hence its scruffiness.
Picture
From the Colin Burges Collection.
​Would anyone like to say how many stations and halts were within 80 miles of Bath's principal stations? Included would have been the S. & D. as far as Templecombe.

My contribution is finding that Silverton was exactly 80 miles from Bath.

AND  -  How many fewer were there by the end of the decade?

      Cheers,  Colin.  Any Ideas.
Something to pass the day!!
​

2nd Deember 2019

2/12/2019

 
Home Again
'St Piran at Penzance'
Roger Winnen
Picture
191202g 08645 is seen under the roof at Penzance Station after uncoupling from the Night Riviera stock.. Copyright Roger Winnen
Many Problems in Devon
Roger Winnen

Today saw many problems, a fatality incident with the 09.25 Penzance to Dundee striking a person in the Dawlish area held up trains on both lines for over an hour causing long tailbacks and cancellations.
For most of December trains on the Southern, are being staffed by the management who are running a service of one every two hours between Exeter Central and Salisbury, as the continued dispute over the guards remained unsolved.

Picture
191202a 75014 Braveheart being preparred for The Christmas Train of Lights which will be running on 17 days during December 2019. Trains depart at 16.45 18.45 and 20.45 Adults £19.25 Con £18.75. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
191202b 66151 Heads the RHtt through Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
191202c 66199 Brings up the rear guard action of the RHTT. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
191202d A fatality in the Dawlish area by the 09.25 Penzance to Dundee caused long delays as both lines were blocked and trains were terminated short of their destinations. Here we see a Cross Country Voyager in Platform 2 at Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
191202e With strike action on the Southern a two hourly service ran from the bay platform at Exeter Central to Salisbury. Arriving is the 15.03 service. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
191202f The return service to Salisbury being the 15.09 service composed of 2 three car 159 sets. Copyright Roger Winnen
Bath Shoppers
Steam delights
Excellent weather and steam brought great interest to Bristol, Bath and Swindon as John Simons, Guy Vincent and Ken Mumford prove. 
​         
Many thanks to you all - superb pictures.
Firstly at Bristol Temple Meads - John Simons
Picture
7029 Clun Castle arriving at BTM 13.02 1st December 2019. Copyright John Simons
Picture
7029 Clun Castle stands at BTM at 13.09 on the 1st December 2019. Copyright John Simons
Picture
7029 Clun Castle at BTM 13.23 1st December 2019. Copyright John Simons
Picture
Later in the day 7029 Clun Castle at BTM at 16.16 on 1st December 2019. Copyright John Simons
Picture
Ready to go! 7029 Clun Castle at BTM at 16.26 on the 1st December 2019. Copyright John Simons
Secondly at Bath Spa - Guy Vincent
Today (1st Dec) two steam-hauled charter trains brought a combined total of approximately 750 people into Bath at lunchtime for an afternoon visit to the annual Christmas Market.   First to arrive was superbly restored 'Castle' 7029 'Clun Castle' on 1Z88 0855 Solihull-Bristol Temple Meads. This had 47773 at the back for assistance as required.   Second was Thompson 'B1' 61306 'Mayflower' with 1Z22 0920 London Paddington-Bath Spa which had come via Andover and Salisbury. Diesel 47237 was hidden away on the rear.    It was especially nice to see a superbly resplendent ex GWR design loco back where it belongs on the Western Region as sadly such appearances are few and very far between.  

               Regards,  Guy Vincent. 
Many thanks Guy.

Picture
Bath Spa 7029 1Z88 Clun Castle rolls in with the 08.55 Solihull to BTM at 13.56 on the 1st December 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent
Picture
Bath Spa 61306 with the 1Z22 the 09.20 Paddington to Bath at 15.02 on the 1st December 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent
And at the end of the day at Swindon.  Ken Mumford.
Ken writes :- Friends,  7029 'Clun Castle' came very slowly on the through line as there was a red signal at the east end of the station caused by an IET having just departed. However as 7029 was halfway between the platforms [photo 2], that red signal turned to a single yellow and the driver of 7029 really opened up the regulator and we saw an determined effort for that locomotive heading for the Didcot area to make up time lost by that signal check.
More to come, hopefully, later. Ken  
Thanks Ken
Picture
Clun Castle at Swindon. 18.18 1st December 2019. Copyright Ken Mumford.
Picture
Clun Castle heads east amidst poor light, steam and overhead wires. Power of two kinds!! Copyright Ken Mumford.

1st December 2019

1/12/2019

 
Dawlish Delights 3
​Dawlish Delights
Paul Barlow
Picture
Having just passed through Dawlish we see 47847 on the 10.15 Manchester to Paignton the 1V44. 29th June 2002. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Now and then
Holsworthy
Colin Burges
On the 19th November 2019 Colin Burges took a drove to Holsworthy to collect two wheelbarrows, he also took along his faithful bicycle to explore sections of the Bude branch and other stations. To see his record of a good and lengthy day out please click here and look for article 31.  Many thanks Colin.
Picture
Holsworthy station on the 19th November 2019. We are looking towards Halwill Junction. Copyright Colin Burges.
Looking back to happier days, or perhaps they weren't happier as it was the last day of the Bude branch and indeed of much of the withered arm - they all closed on the 3rd October 1966. There being no Sunday service the last day was 1st October.
Picture
Holsworthy on the 1st Otober 1966, last day of the Bude branch. Here we see the North Cornwall Farewell Railtour on its way to Bude. Copyright Keith Jenkin.
A query - an Isolated bit of track at St Ives
St Ives
Paul Stewart

Several days ago we received a query from Paul Stewart - the editor of the esteemed Branch Line News.
Good Day,
My name is Paul Stewart and I edit Branch line News for the Branch Line Society.
A member has sent me this recently taken picture of what appears to be standard gauge track on the shore end of West pier at St Ives (first attachment)
I have located it on a 1906 OS 25" to the mile map (marked with my crude freehand yellow arrow above - second attachment), if so its probably was just as it is now - very short. It is not shown on the 1876 25" map, but appears consistently after the 1906 revision. It doesn't show on any 6" to the mile maps so good job we can access the 25" maps. I have found:  https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/40697-rail-lines-on-st-ives-harbour-wall/

Below is another view from Google Earth (and third attachment).
The Industrial Railway Society have no information about it, do you please?
Was this the full extent of this isolated railway or was it intended to be longer, and does anyone know what it was used for please?
Any information received with gratitude and interest.
All the best -- Paul Stewart (Great Malvern).
Picture
The Isolated Railway Smeatons Pier. St Ives. Copyright Ian Loveday
Picture
Courtesy of the National Library of Scotland. An extract of the map showing the location of the track.
The above letter from Paul Stewart justified a little more research and a trip to St Ives - this was on a superb day.
Picture
A view across St Ives Harbour from Malacoft Bus station showing Smeatons Pier. It's very near low tide and it is receding. The track referred to is at the landward end of this pier. Copyright Keith Jenkin.
Picture
The land end of the original pier. 29th November 2019. Copyright Keith Jenkin.
Picture
A close up of the land end of the pier. there are three arches here each with a span of twelve feet. The section above the arches is completely level and it is here that the track is laid. Looking through the arches one can see they are blocked by a now permanent timber bulk barrier. 29th November 2019. Copyright Keith Jenkin.
Picture
A view of the track from the opposite end to that from Ian Loveday. As can be seen the track gauge is being checked with a tape measure in the foreground - it is four feet eight and a half inches. The section of track is approximately seventy feet long. When required timber bulks about thirteen feet long would have been lifted over the right hand wall and lowered into prepared slots in masonry piers beside the arches. 29th November 2019. Copyright Keith Jenkin.
Picture
A view from the seaward side of the three arches. The hefty bulks of timber are in evidence - the timbers have been bolted together using vertical metal straps. Quite why the opening have been left in the centre and left hand arch barricades is not known, but it is assumed have been carefully calculated by somebody in authority. 29th November 2019. Copyright Keith Jenkin.
Picture
The final picture taken from above clearly shows the slots in the breakwater piers which house the timbers. 29th November 2019. Copyright Keith Jenkin.
We do not have any pictures of the crane though it is possible that St Ives museum could have - this is unfortunately closed until Easter.  
However there is a sketch in Cyril Noall's book 'The book of St Ives' which does show a very distant view of what is possibly the jib of a crane - it looks quite long - perhaps 30' with the body of the crane at the seaward end of the track. 
​It seems that the arches were constructed at considerable expense, more than that of the pier, to encourage scouring of the sand from the harbour - at this they don't seem to have been very successful!
Engineering details of the piers construction can be found at
 
http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=425

This also a YouTube video of the replacement of the timber barriers  - this can be found at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lpp2-rzMtIQ and other views of the pier at :-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-ItFxM-kNg
A plug for the
Branch Line Society
and why not.

We would be very grateful if you might include a link to our website please:    branchline.uk  

Our latest newsletter (last week) featured the two RNLI funicular railways in Cornwall, which we recently visited one being the most southerly railway in mainland Britain. The whole newsletter is 85 pages (there are 24 a year)  so I have created a special PDF of the report - for highest quality it is best downloaded
 and viewed in full screen  as there is a landscape page. 
If anyone is interested in joining us for a possible repeat of the day next year they can email me per the PDF,
due to the access roads and lack of parking everyone has to travel on the minibus/es.
All the best - Paul.

Seems like a very good read - a chance to join a countrywide organisation.

30th November 2019

30/11/2019

 
Class 70  70813 at Penzance
Roger Winnen
70813 Arrived at Penzance just before 23.00hrs on Saturday evening with a network rail train from Westbury to St Erth via Penzance.  It is scheduled to depart Camborne after 07.00 hrs in the morning however it may depart much earlier if the job is finished.
Picture
191130a 70813 Heading the 17.30 Westbury to St Erth via Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
191130aa 70813 with the rail train in Platform 2 at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
191130b Side by side at Penzance An IET and 70813. Copyright Roger Winnen

Dawlish &Teignmouth delights 2 Teignmouth
Paul Barlow
Picture
47840 leans to the curve and emerges onto that glorious run along the seafront at Teignmouth with the 130.3 Paignton-Manchester the 1M40. It's the 29th of June 2002. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Exeter St Davids
Ron Kosys

​It's the 26th August 1971 at Exeter St Davids as our very good friend Ron Kosys catches three abreast.  He says - D829 Magpie waits to head east to Waterloo, 1040 Western Queen waits to head west and 3808 waits to head – frankly I’ve absolutely no idea.  Many thanks Ron.

Picture
829 Magpie, 3808 1040 Western Queen at Exeter St Davids 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys. Note, of course, that the central line is still in use.
Saltash
Clive Smith

45123 The Lancashire Fusilier sweeps off the Royal Albert Bridge with the down 1V71 'Cornishman' 06.51 Bradford Exchange - Penzance on the 10th April 1982. This train had one month left before going over to HST. The station awning is still in situ but would not exist for much longer. Not sure when it came down but it was not there in February 1984. Saltash used to be a grand station with booking office, goods office and sidings and was one of the stations a young Bernard Mills started his railway career as a Plymouth area relief clerk in the early 1960s. The Tamar Suspension Bridge was opened in 1961 and tolls were announced as lasting for no more than ten years. Forty eight years from 1971 the 19th November  saw tolls go up from £1.50 to £2.00. 
Regards,  Clive Smith.  
Many thanks Clive for your old picture and very current commentary.
Picture
45123 The Lancashire Fusilier sweeps off the Royal Albert Bridge with the down 1V71 'Cornishman' 06.51 Bradford Exchange - Penzance on the 10th April 1982. Copyright Clive Smith.

29th November 2019

29/11/2019

 
Dawlish delights 1
​Dawlish
Paul Barlow
Picture
Get ready with your cameras! A classic shot as enthusiasts pause to observe and photograph the scene at Dawlish on the 6th July 2002. 47829 in Police Livery hauls the 10.17 Manchester to Paignton 1V45. Copyright Paul Barlow. Note the boarded up signalbox.
Trevingey, Redruth
Paddy Bradley

Picture
The down Cornish Riviera Express, Trevingey Crossing, Redruth, Paddy Bradley Collection.
No apologies for using the above picture on the second day running - our great friend Roy Hart from distant Burma came back almost intantly with the following very valuable information. Many thanks Roy. ​I would date this picture about 1908. The engine (though the name is indistinct) appears to be Bulldog no 3304 River Tamar. She was converted fro m a 'Duke'.
The coaches are 'concertinas' -70 footers introduced in 1906-7. In the background is Redruth Junction up home signal, with lower distant for Redruth station. Distant arms were red in those days. The Berks and Hants cut-off had just opened, reducing the schedule for the train by 20 minutes. In the foreground, of course, is the hut and apparatus for mail set-down.
Picture
Setting up the mail apparatus at Trevingey Crossing on the 6th April 1923. Paddy Bradley Collection.
Picture
Trevingey Crossing. The gentleman in the Trilby is probably an inspector. Copyright the Paddy Bradley collection.
Picture
A Great Western Saint Class locomotive at Trevingey Level Crossing. The mail bags and nets ready for the 'Up mail 6th April 1923. The Apparatus was still working in 1933. In the background Carn Brea Village and Carn Brea Hill. From the paddy Bradley Collection.

28th November 2019

28/11/2019

 
Dawlish Warren
Michael Forward
Picture
I now send the last of my pictures from 13 June 1983 and it shows 50047 ‘Swiftsure’ on a late afternoon down ecs working passing the classic signal box, happy days. Copyright Michael Forward
Thanks Michael
Eastdon near Dawlish Warren Part 4
Roger Salter
Picture
191108a 367Q 08.50 Westbury to St Blazey RHTT at Eastdon. Copyright Roger Salter
Picture
191108b The 1A87 12.55 Plymouth to London Paddington at Eastdon showing the cleared embankments with the land owners permission. Copyright Roger Salter
Picture
191108c The 2F33 13.08 Paignton to Exmouth showing the cleared embankments at Easton. Copyright Roger Salter
Picture
191108g The 1V50 Edinburgh to Plymouth showing the cleared embankments at Eastdon. Copyright Roger Salter
Thanks Roger
Redruth
Paddy Bradley
Picture
From the Paddy Bradley Redruth Collection.
Many thanks Paddy.
Chacewater
Roger Winnen

Picture
D1065 Western Consort with the 09.30 Paddington Penzance at Chacewater. Copyright Roger Winnen. N.B. Cement wagons and signals.

27th November 2019

27/11/2019

 
Beautiful Bath Spa
Roger Winnen

27th June 1995
Picture
950627a A London bound HST at Bath Spa Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
950627b A Class 58 with a bin liner train cross the arches at Bath.. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
950627c A pair of Class 37s heads towards Bristol. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
950627d Now a thing of the past as an HST From London Paddington passes through Sydney Gardens Bath on route to Bristol. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
950627e A Bristol bound HST service leaves Bath. Copyright Roger Winnen
Roskear Junction
The late John Cornelius

Picture
An undated but very clear view of Roskear Junction Signalbox. Copyright the late John Cornelius Collection.
Weymouth
Clive Smith

Picture
Weymouth. 37427 stands with the 1Z63, the 13.05 from Yeovil Pen Mill/ It's the 16th April 1988. Copyright Clive Smith.

26th November 2019

26/11/2019

 
Dawlish Part 3
Work on the Sea Wall
Roger Salter
Like King Canute trying to hold back the tide at Dawlish
Picture
191111b The work on the Dawlish Sea Wall can only be done at low tide. Here the grabs are being King Canute trying to gain precious time. Copyright Roger Salter
Picture
191111c Working on the foundations at Dawlish. Copyright Roger Salter
Picture
191111d Work completed for the foundations at ground level. Copyright Roger Salter
Picture
191111e The 09.25 Penzance to Tiverton Parkway at Dawlish showing the works to extend the sea wall. Copyright Roger Salter
Picture
191111f The tide stops for no man. Copyright Roger Salter
Colas 66's at
Bristol Temple Meads
Andrew Triggs

4 shots for CRS of the Colas 66s on the RHTT in the centre road awaiting working 3S59 14.57 Bristol Kingsland Road-Bristol Kingsland Road circuit. The two locomotives being 66850 'David Maidment OBE' and 66846
               All the Best,  Andrew.  Many thanks Andrew 
Picture
The two locomotives being 66850 'David Maidment OBE' and 66846 on the centre road at Bristol Temple Meads. 23rd November 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Picture
'David Maidment OBE' on the centre road at Bristol Temple Meads. 23rd November 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Picture
66850 66846 on the centre road at Bristol Temple Meads. Ready to leave. 23rd November 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Picture
Another shot of grimy 66846 standing just outside a gloomy Bristol Temple Meads. 23rd November 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Ron Kosys focusses on the
Royal Albert Bridge
Ron Kosys

One of the disappointments of digging out my very first slides from my mid to late teens, is discovering that despite taking real care of every single one in exactly the same way, a number of them have unfortunately ‘turned’ and died on me.
For some reason the majority of images that I took around 10th August 1972 – clearly on the same roll of film – have suffered the same fate.
 
On 10th August 1972 I spent the morning on the Gunnislake branch, travelled by dmu to Saltash before walking across the Tamar road bridge and spending the afternoon on the Devon side of the bridge photographing all and sundry , the majority of which was of course loco hauled.
Here are three that I’ve had great difficulty scanning and restoring the colours to an acceptable level. Unfortunately I’ve failed completely, these three being ‘the best’. Oh well, these things happen... Are they better in black and white??
 
84 works off the bridge with a northbound parcels train.
1026 Western Centurion heads into Cornwall with a wonderful mixed freight.
1059 Western Empire – despite its headcode – works the Penzance portion of the 1130 off Paddington.
Best regards Ron. 
Many thanks indeed Ron we're so lucky that you have saved what you did.

 
Picture
D84 rolls off the Tamar Bridge with an up freight. 10th August 1972 Copyright Ron Kosys. It is working the midday Penzance to Crewe 4M05 Parcels and Perishables service ..note the wide variety of pre- nationalisation and BR parcel vans; thought to be, from Engine:- LMS BG, three SR PMVs, BR MKI BG, LNER six wheel Stove, BR BG, LMS BG, then possibly a Departmental bogie coach, BR CCT, BR BG, and an SR BY Bogie van. Load 12. It all goes by road now ! Additional info from Tony Hill.
Picture
With the home signal pulled off D1026 Western Centurian works a down train seen about to roll onto the RAB, St Budeaux 10th August 1972. Copyright Ron Kosys. N.B. The distant signal is a fixed signal in respect of the speed limit over the bridge.
The following two pictures are off the same negative the first in black and white the second colour. Obviously taken before the singling of the line between the RAB and St Budeaux station. Although not obvious from the first picture it is obvious from the second colour view that the down loop has not received much traffic - the rails are definitely rusty. Well done in your editing Ron.  The down main line and the down loop were taken out of use w.e.ef. 2nd July 1973.
Picture
1059 Western Empire Tamar Bridge 10th August 1972 1130 Paddington - Penzance. Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
1059 Western Empire Tamar Bridge 10th August 1972 1130 Paddington - Penzance. Copyright Ron Kosys
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