LATEST INPUT , NEWS & OLD PICTURES ETC.

26th April 2019

26/4/2019

Major works at
St Erth Station

GWR have announced that major work is about to take place at St Erth station. Between Tuesday 7th May and Friday 31st May 2019 and most trains to and from St Ives will start and terminate at Lelant Saltings. A connecting bus service will be provided between these two stations and a shuttle service will operate on the St Ives branch between Lelant Saltings and St Ives. GWR says that when fully open the new Park and Ride will provide opportunities for car users to switch to more sustainable transport with better integrated rail bus bike and walking facilities for all. This will work presumably eventually see the closure of Lelant Saltings station.

25th April 2019

25/4/2019

Public Notices and Posters Collection, has been updated.
Cheap Day Tickets part 2.
Cheap day tickets, Weekdays & Sundays by any train from various Western Region stations and Cheap tickets to Taunton to see Somerset play cricket during 1963, from various Western Region stations.

Bus Circuit
Colin Burgess

From the Colin Burgess Collection.

An interesting letter on railway operations from Colin Burges :-

Among my bits I found this. It would have been displayed in a standard G.W.R. frame beside one of the phones on the named omnibus circuit.

On such simple circuits, all the phones were connected and all the bells rang, so it was up to the station to listen for the code, which was in practice quite instinctive. Others would pick up just to hear what was going on, often joining in and doing what today would be called "teleconferencing."

The instruction was "Listen before Ringing," because if the ringer were pressed while someone was talking, he would be interrupted by a screech. I remember the old boys bellowing down the receiver: "Anyone on?!"

The sets could be the familiar wooden-cased type seen on the walls of signal boxes, made by Ericsson, or more modern plastic desktop models with buttons instead of a dial. Long distance sets had relays so that the battery at one end triggered the bell at the other. In the simple box-to-box variety, the battery at one end powered the bell at the other.

It was a phone like this that the signalman in Night Mail used, when he spoke close into the transmitter: "That you, Harry? You'll have to shunt the local - I've got the postal on."

When I worked on the St. David's exchange, the insulation was so bad on the circuit to Barnstaple that when it rained and the line was crackling the best that could be done was getting Eggesford to pass on a message, which may have resulted in a woman who'd lost her shopping bag having a seat reserved.

As had been done from the beginning on the telegraph or block, the 11.0 a.m. time signal was sent to all points using a piece of wood to give 8-5-5 on a row of bus circuit buttons.

By my reckoning, only six out of 22 locations on this Cornish circuit remain.

Many thanks for your 'in house Memories Colin.

Truro Shed
The late John Cornelius

Memories are made of this too. We remember a our very good friend the Late John Cornelius in this classic picture taken from alongside the turntable - the turntable was the most noticeable thing one would see as, on an up train you emerged from the deep cutting which followed the tunnel.

24th April 2019

24/4/2019

Important Notice
Visit to Bovey Tracy Museum & Dawlish
Thursday 25th April 2019

Hello Everyone
The weather is on the change for tomorrow when thunder storms are forecast. Dawlish is not a place to be if that happens
It is however too late to cancel this event, and I would suggest that participants for this event should purchase an Off Peak Return to Exeter instead of Dawlish where we would have shelter if need be
For any further information please ring Roger Winnen 01736 350048

Ivybridge HST's
Clive Smith

Good Morning Keith
Two recent pictures from my locality in the recent sunshine.
Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive

(1) Celebrity Inter City liveried 43185 heads the 09.00 Penzance - Paddington 'Cornish Riviera Express' at Daveys Cross east of Ivybridge station on Saturday 20th April 2019. Just less than a month to go on front-line service to Paddington. This iconic named service should have gone over to IET fully on the 8th April yet the HSTs soldier on and despite being IET on a number of recent Saturdays this was a surprise. The rear power car is 43091. Copyright Clive Smith

(2) 43172 Harry Patch about to stop at Ivybridge with the 07.41 Penzance - Paddington on the 22nd April 2019. The rear power car was 43162. Copyright Clive Smith

Inside
Drump Lane Goods Shed
Paddy Bradley

Inside Drump Lane Goods shed. With the number of women working it is thought to be during the war years. Note the Oxydol Washing Powder box. The person with a package on the shoulder could be Emilyn Parkens! A quick head count shows eight people at work. A gem from the Paddy Bradley Collection.

23rd April 2019

23/4/2019

Important Notice
Visit to Bovey Tracy Museum & Dawlish
Thursday 25th April 2019

Hello Everyone
The weather is on the change for tomorrow and Thursday when thunder storms are in the forecast for Thursday. Dawlish is not a place to be if that happens
It is however to late to cancel this event, and I would suggest that participants for this event should purchase an off Peak Return to Exeter instead of Dawlish where we would have shelter if need be
For any further information please ring Roger Winnen 01736 350048

Penzance and St Ives
Mark Lynam

What a glorious bank holiday weekend it's been! On Friday I went from the South Cornish Coast at Penzance to the North Cornish coast to Carbis Bay and then St Ives.

Celebrity 43185 at Penzance station before working 1A82 0900 to London Paddington. Copyright Mark Lynam

158766 departs Penzance working 2P84 1051 to Plymouth. Copyright Mark Lynam

150234+150244 at Carbis Bay on 2A22 1304 St Ives to St Erth. Copyright Mark Lynam

From the bridge by the station at Carbis Bay this time on 2A25 1348 St Erth to St Ives. Copyright Mark Lynam

At St Ives Station, about to work 2A30 1504 St Ives to St Erth Copyright Mark Lynam

And lastly a shot from the main road into St Ives looking down onto the station and Porthminster beach before150234+150244 depart on the 2A38 1703 St Ives to St Erth. Copyright Mark Lynam

Thanks Mark

Taunton & Bridgwater Peaks
Clive Smith

Some early 1980s peak action shots from Somerset.
Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive.

(1) Semaphore signalling abounds as 45065 arrives at Taunton on a very wet day with the 09.36 Leeds - Plymouth relief on the 5th April 1983. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) 46052 accelerates through Taunton station with the 10.00 Bradford Exchange - Paignton on the 4th September 1982. Back then the island platform was inaccessible as it was permanently out of use and would be for some years to come. Copyright Clive Smith

(3) 46044 speeds through Bridgwater on the 9th April 1983 with the 09.36 Leeds - Plymouth relief. For many years Bridgwater station and its environs were notorious for the 'Bridgwater Pong' a quite odious smell that emanated from the nearby cellophane works. Copyright Clive Smith.

Scorrier
Paddy Bradley Collection

Scorrier with its signalbox and down station building. From the Paddy Bradley Collection

Scorrier - an interesting view from the down platform. Note the buildings, the milk churns and the signals. From the Paddy Bradley Collection.

A note from Roy Hart. Both pictures were taken in the 1900s. Not the 'Beware of the trains' sign by the box: no footbridge yet. The line from Chacewater was doubled in 1900, when Scorrier box opened. Beside the box can be seen the staff apparatus for the single line to Redruth. The line to Redruth (Drump Lane) was doubled in 1930, when Scorrier box closed.
Roy Many thanks Roy

22nd April 2019

22/4/2019

HSTs & Penzance Vintage Bus Running Day
Martin Duff

Breakfast time at Long Rock finds 43155 “The Red Arrows” at the head of an HST formation. This later left as the 13.00 to Paddington. Copyright Martin Duff

Bristol VR appears on Chyandour Cliff above Penzance station just at the right time - 43162 “Exeter Panel Signalbox” approaching with ECS for the 11.00 to Paddington. Copyright Martin Duff

43172 “Harry Patch” tails the ECS for the 11.00 to Paddington. Copyright Martin Duff

Bristol VR bus passes Chyandour Cliff above Penzance signal box. Copyright Martin Duff

Penzance hosts 4 HST’s at once. Albeit 3 are the modified 4 car sets on local work. 43155 “The Red Arrows” leads the 13.00 to Paddington at platform 1. Copyright Martin Duff

Thanks Martin

Out in the country
Chris Harvey

Chris Harvey writes - Please find attached an image from a sunny 19th April 2009. Captured using a 135mm lens and with the camera perched on the lineside fence, 43191 is shown speeding around the curve between Brownqueen tunnel and Respryn, on the front of the 1100 Penzance - Paddington. Best Regards, Chris Harvey, Bodmin,
Many Thanks Chris.

43191 between Respryn and Brown Queen Tunnel 19th April 2009. Copyright Chris Harvey

A bundle from
Craig Munday

I've been a bit camera heavy of late capturing the last weeks of the HSTs on the Paddington run. Also been out for 37610 working the NR test train which paused at St Austell just after midnight in the week 18th.

I was fortunate to capture both celebrities at Lostwithiel crossing. 43002 working a down slam door stopping service, and 43185 working an up train. Probably won't get this combination again.

Other HSTs taken included 43172 Harry Patch at Merthen Farm & Pentraze, where a new property is being erected where the old farm buildings were.

Fal and Hayle viaducts also feature in the wonderful sunshine, and a down evening HST passes Wheal Bois crossing near Scorrier too.

May the sun continue to shine! All the best, Craig
Many thanks Craig

Celebrities 43002 and 43185 at Lostwithiel Level Crossing 17th April 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

St Austell with 37610 on the 3Q52 just after midnight. 18th April 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

We now sweep down to Hayle to see a 158 combination crossing the viaduct, 20th April 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

43172 leads 1A85 at Merthen Farm 20th April 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

43185 1A82 Crosses Trenance Viaduct St Austell on the 20th April 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

A distant view as 43094 on the 2E66 crosses Fal viaduct on the 21st April 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

Back down to Pentraze (Between Chacewater and Truro) to see 43172 on an up service. 21st April 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

Sad Days
Bristol Area
David Field

Good Evening Keith,

Please find attached a few photos taken earlier today at St Philips Marsh, Bedminster and Filton Abbey Wood. All show HST's of some variety.

The ones taken at St Philips Marsh show power car 43159 in its final 2 hours on the depot before heading off lease with 43079. Both later made the journey up to Long Marston for storage with a train of Mk3 coaches, leaving St Philips Marsh at 1001.

I caught them both at Filton Abbey Wood where they were running 6 minutes late. The train kicked up a fair bit of dust from the newly laid ballast on Filton Bank as it passed, which is evident in the last two photos.

A Happy Easter to you, your fellow CRS members and the website readers.

Kind Regards, Dave Field. Many thanks David.

Ex-GWR 43159 sits at St Philips Marsh at 0805 on 21 Apr 19 prior to going off lease. It left S P M at 1001 with 43079 heading 4 Long Marston 07.07 21st April 2019 Copyright David Field

Ex-GWR 43159 heading off lease on 5Z43 1000 St Philips Marsh HSTD to Long Marston running 6 late approching Filton Abbey Wood. Copyright David Field

Ex-GWR 43079 at the rear of 5Z43 1000 St Philips Marsh HSTD to Long Marston running 6 late through Filton Abbey Wood at 1022 on the 21st April 2019. Copyright David Field

Earlier in the day GWR's 43088 approaches Bedminster at 08.43 on 21 April 2019 with the 1A10 0815 Weston Super Mare to London Paddington service. Copyright David Field.

43063 at the rear of the 1A10 0815 Weston Super Mare to London Paddington service, near Bedminster at 0843 on 21 Apr 2019. Copyright David Field.

21st April 2019

21/4/2019

Calling all gardeners, a remarkable picture at Scorrier
Scorrier
Paddy Bradley

Another dip into the Paddy Bradley Collection brings this picture of a well groomed garden which I doubt if anybody alive today can remember. Many thanks indeed to you Paddy.

A very well manicured garden set in a piece of land bordered by Scorrier station approach, from which this picture is taken, and the public highway which at this point bends to pass under the main line. To the right lay the trackbed of the Portreath to Poldice Tramway which had originated at Poldice mine and passed at road level the Fox and Hounds. The tramway continued to pass under the main line by means of a curious skew bridge which also carried the platforms above and headed towards Portreath. In the background can be seen the Fox and Hounds Public House. The Poldice Tramways Directors Truck was found in a shed to the rear of the Fox and Hounds long after the tramway it was closed - it was derelict and abandoned in 1866-7. this is now in Truro Museum. In later years this garden site was occupied by a large mobile home in which it is believed the Scorrier Station Master Jack Cantell and his son John lived. We are indebted to Mervyn Munday, whose Dad Reginald was one time 'Mine Host' at the Fox and Hounds' for this information. One wonders if the gentlemen posing in this picture are Father and Son? The site once the ornamental garden and then a site for a caravan is now the location of a well appointed house. As to a date for the picture Roy Hart suggests - I notice in the corner of the picture that the flag is flying. Are we celebrating an event, I wonder? Going by the oufits, could be Queen Victoria's Jubilee (1897) or maybe Edward VII coronation (1902). Picture from the Paddy Bradley Collection.

A sunny day and a walk by the
St Ives Branch
David Anthony

On the 19th April I took a walk between Hayle and St Ives and attached a few photographs of what I saw. A lovely walk on a nice day.
Cheers, Dave Anthony A well trodden path recommended to all

Carbis Bay 150249 leading the 10.00 St Ives - St Erth after leaving Carbis Bay on the 19th April 2019 Copyright David Anthony

An old boundary marker dated 1912 on the South West Coast Path between Lelant and Carbis Bay 19th April 2019 Copyright David Anthony

Detail of the old boundary marker dated 1912. 19th April 2019 Copyright David Anthony

A service train from the footpath. 19th April 2019. Copyright David Anthony

The approach to St Erth station - once rather secluded is now fully obvious as the new and very much enlarged car park is created. 19th April 2019. Copyright David Anthony.

20th April 2019

20/4/2019

Major work - a new footbridge at
Patchway
David Field

Good Evening Keith,
Apologies for the late submission, but I thought I would forward on some of the photos I took today at Patchway, where it certainly was a Good Friday as the station received the steps, lift tower steel work and main span of its new accessible footbridge.
The remainder of the footbridge will be fitted out over the next few weeks, and open during the summer.
Kind Regards, Dave Field
No need for apologies - everything gratefully received.

1. Network Rail Notification of Patchway car park closure for footbridge installation. Copyright David Field

2. Platform 1 lift tower steel frame is installed at Patchway at 1258 19th April 2019. Copyright David Field.

3. Patchway's new footbridge lift towers steelwork is installed and awaits the main bridge span at 1411 19th April 2019. Copyright David Field.

4. Patchway's new footbridge main bridge deck is lifted in by the 450T crane at 1522 19th April 2019. Copyright David Field

5. Network Rail staff watch the new bridge span at Patchway being installed from the temporary footbridge's steps 1532 19th April 2019. Copyright David Field

6. Patchway's new footbridge main span is being bolted in place at 1553 19th April 2019. Copyright David Field.

7. With the main span secured, and crane removed, the first rail movement under Patchway's new footbridge takes place. 19th April 2019. Copyright David Field

Many thanks to David Field who spent much of the day at Patchway carefully recording this event. The detailed captions are much appreciated.

Weymouth Tramway
Clive Smith

33112 passes near The Town Bridge on the Weymouth Tramway on the16th August 1982 with the 09.54 boat train from Waterloo. An assortment of cars of the day line the road with an Austin Maxi most visible at the front by the 33. A Triumph Herald and a Morris Minor Traveller can be seen further along and look closely and there is a Ford Anglia but what is the car next to the Maxi ?

Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive - answer below.

Weymouth Tramway 33112 with the 09.54 from Waterloo on the 16th August 1982 Copyright Clive Smith

19th April 2019

19/4/2019

The Good Friday HSTs
Roger Winnen

190419a 43163 Exeter Panel Signal Box works the 07.41 Penzance to Paddington seen crossing Coombe by Saltash Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

190419b Soon to be a thing of the past, pouring out my tea at the buffet.. Copyright Roger Winnen

190419c 43018 Tails the 07.41 Pz Paddington service. Copyright Roger Winnen

190419d Celebrity 43185 Great Western works the 09.00 The Cornish Riviera from Pz instead of the booked IET.Copyright Roger Winnen

190419e Another surprise 43172 Harry Patch working the 15.00 Plymouth Paddington service. Copyright Roger Winnen

190419f A side on view of this power car. Copyright Roger Winnen

Lovely
Lostwithiel
Will Kilner

A smashing bit of sunshine at Lostwithiel as 66126 trundles twice over the crossing in the process of running round its train. Seen here at 16.28 on the 18th April 2019 Copyright Will Kilner

Thirty two minutes have passed since the last photograph. Will appreciates the view and the beer in this charming town. Here’s a shot from today of 66126 crossing the River Fowey in Lostwithiel with a freight at just after 5pm. The boat in the foreground and the late afternoon sun in my favour made for a nice picture - one I celebrated with a pint in the nearby Globe! 18th April 2019. Copyright Will Kilner

Well done Will, and many thanks.

Very old
Redruth
Paddy Bradley

Redruth Station with both Broad Gauge and Standard Gauge tracks. Note there is no footbridge. At the far end of the down platform points can be seen serving the sidings behind the station on that side. East Carn Brea mine pumping engine can be seen on the exteme left. Paddy Bradley Collection

Comment from Roy Hart (Burma).
I would say that the photo is about 1875. Mixed gauge arrived at Redruth in 1866, but the rails look more modern, with cross-sleepered track, so later than 1866, I reckon. The wooden viaduct is still there, so before 1888. The down side sidings went in 1914.
The cottages on the right are 'Jacks Platt' a- well-known Redruth slum area, finally demolished by nazi bombers in WW2. The post office (1957) occupies the site today.
All the best, Roy. Many thanks Roy.

Mystery Hut at
Redruth
Peter Jenkin

This sadly neglected hut situated across the road from the station has remained in this state for a considerable number of years. It has had transport connections. It was certainly used as a rest room by Western Nations Bus drivers and no doubt CMT before that. Comparison with the picture above suggests that it was in existence before the buildings alongside. Maybe station staff used it as a 'tea room' too. Rumours have had it that it might be a tea room again or whatever. We hope somebody declares ownership and does a major restoration job.

The old wooden hut which is believed to be listed - it certainly is listing somewhat! The Post Office was built on 'Jacks Platt' - there was formerly a way through here to Fore Street. This photo 6th April 2019. Copyright Peter Jenkin.

The old wooden hut looking down the street. Note the very ornate building's alongside. 6th April 2019. Copyright Peter Jenkin

Next to the mystery hut is the office of the Malayan Dredging Company. 6th April 2019. Copyright Peter Jenkin

Next building down is Abbot and Wicket Office. Roof detail. Photographed by Peter Jenkin 6th April 2019.

Abbot and Wicket Office. Roof detail with the date 1891. Photographed by Peter Jenkin 6th April 2019.

18th April 2019

18/4/2019

Penzance Midday
Martin Scane

Many thanks Martin.

Looking almost like an old postcard. The 12.04 waits to depart from Platform One - nice to see a long train in there. 16th April 2019. Copyright Martin Scane.

Three 50's at
Bodmin
Will Kilner

I know you’ve had a tremendous selection of open day-related images submitted, but I thought your readers may be interested in this line up at Bodmin Parkway on Sunday, early afternoon. Three 50s together in Bodmin must have been extremely rare, even in BR days?
Many thanks indeed Will.

A busy scene just after 11am Sunday as 43092 arrives on an up service, 73107 prepares to run light to Bodmin General, and 50007 sits in the siding. 14th April 2019. Copyright Will Kilner

Just before midday Sunday, 37142 arrives at Bodmin General and passes 66714, stabled in a siding, before the pair worked together on the return journey. 14th April 2019. Copyright Will Kilner.

Peak To Weymouth 1983
Clive Smith

On September 24th 1983 full headcode panel 46037 worked the 16.15 Bristol TM - Weymouth I seem to recall for some reason it was booked either a peak or a type 4 for Saturdays for the last month of the summer timetable. Certainly ran with three peaks including 46045 twice. Perhaps Guy has a better recollection of this month and type 4s on the Weymouth's.
Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks Clive

(1) 46037 waits under the overall roof at Frome. 4th September 1983 Copyright Clive Smith

(2) The token is handed to the driver of 46037 at Yeovil Pen Mill before the 16.15 Bristol TM - Weymouth enters the single line section. A large parcel is either waiting to go on the train or has been dropped off. 24th September 1983. Copyright Clive Smith

(3) 46037 now waits at Maiden Newton the junction for the Bridport branch closed in 1975. 24th September 1983. Copyright Clive Smith

(4) 46037 has arrived at Weymouth Town station under the old roof. 24th September 1983. Copyright Clive Smith

(5) A run round later and 46037 is now at the front of the 19.57 Weymouth - Bristol TM. 24th September 1983. Copyright Clive Smith.

Last nights
Test Train
Mark Lynam

Here is a photo of tonight's test train at Penzance 3Q53 2243 Penzance to Exeter Riverside NY. 37610 Copyright Mark Lynam

17th April 2019

17/4/2019

37610
Tonights Test Train
Roger Winnen

190417a 37610 With the 22.43 Test Train to Exeter Riverside. Copyright Roger Winnen

190417b High Tide at Penzance with 37610 on tonights test train. Copyright Roger Winnen

Winnen's Westerns
Exeter SD
Roger Winnen

D1063 Western Monitor at Exeter St David's on the Atlantic Coast Express. Copyright Roger Winnen

Test Trains
Karl Hewlett

Dear Keith.

The annual testing circuit for Devon and Cornwall has crept up on me, perhaps a little short notice but here are timings for a couple of runs due to take place: Apologies - we missed the Tuesday working.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H32597/2019/04/16/advanced

Wednesday 17th April Penzance to Exeter Riverside New Yard

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H32596/2019/04/17/advanced

Network Rail class 950 99600/99601

Tuesday 30th April Bristol High Level Siding to Laira T&RSMD via Westbury and Whatley Quarry

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U41201/2019/04/30/advanced

Wednesday 01st May Laira T&RSMD to Truro Yard via Moorswater, Looe and Newquay

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U41202/2019/05/01/advanced

Thursday 02nd May Truro Yard to Derby RTC via Falmouth Docks

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U41203/2019/05/02/advanced

Regards, Karl (Friends Of Penmere Station). Many thanks Karl.

Liskeard?
Paddy Bradley

Another picture from the Paddy Bradley Collection. Said to be Liskeard or Looe. We think neither, Any ideas?

Message at 07.21 17th April 2019. Dear Keith,
Definitely not Liskeard or Looe. Looks to me like the original station at Newquay.
Roy

P.S. The original Newquay station was a one-platform job. Behind the photographer the track ended at a turntable (see old maps). Yes, this became platform 1 by the gasholders when the station was rebuilt in 1903. The station shown in the photo was built by the Cornwall Mineral Railway. As for the wall on the right, I'm not sure. There is a photo of old Newquay station in one of John Vaughan's books, as far as I recall.
Many thanks Roy.

<<Previous

Archives