LATEST INPUT , NEWS & OLD PICTURES ETC.

19thFebruary 2019

19/2/2019

Cornish Variety
Andrew Triggs

1. DRS 57306 running off 5C99 and Slopers siding before running round and hauling the 'Night Riviera' to Longrock TMD. Copyright Andrew Triggs

2. DBC 66044 departing Burngullow for Exeter Riverside N.Y working 6C12, viewed from Trevenne Road bridge. Copyright Andrew Triggs

3. Driver Training 2+4 HST 3Z61 passing Penzance bound I.E.T 1C04 at St Austell. Copyright Andrew Triggs

4. The NMT at Respryn, working 1Q18 to Paignton. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Winnens Westerns
Luxulyan
Roger Winnen

A Western at Luxulyan hauling the 08.45 Newquay to Manchester on 14th June 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen. The former island platform here now used only on one face - the passing loop and signal box taken out of use in September 1974.

Shades of the not too distant past - Luxulyan in 1985. Copyright the Late John Cornelius.

18th February 2019

18/2/2019

Rail Grinder at Plymouth
Leslie Curnow

Whilst at Plymouth Station around midday on Saturday there was a Rail Grinder parked on the end line nearest the buffers awaiting for its next duty, perhaps work due to start at Totnes. It was DR 79263-DR79273 being a two part unit. Copyright Leslie Curnow

Thanks Leslie

Dawlish view
Paul Burkhalter

I think people are getting a bit carried away about the proposed sea defence work, and are not fully appreciating what the current plan is. The only section where it is to be raised 2.5m is between Dawlish station and the tunnel. Future work to the east of the station may extend that a further short distance. Some captions are misleading readers into thinking this will apply to more than it is. All in the interests of accurate reporting!
Cheers, Paul Many thanks Paul

A Western passes the stretch of wall to be raised. The date is 25th August 1972, the photographer is Ron Kosys Copyright

Following the emergency in 2014 repair work is in progress. A drilling rig dwarfs a passing train 14th September 2014 Copyright David Tozer

The real reason why David was out that day. An unusual view from an unusual location! 4464 Bittern on the sea wall 14th September 2014 Copyright David Tozer

Winnens Westerns
Totnes
Roger Winnen

The shadows are already lengthening for the class as D1030 Western Musketeer arrives at Totnes with a return excursion. 29th June 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

17th February 2019

17/2/2019

Peak at Penzance
Michael Forward

45123 The Lancashire Fusilier leaves Penzance on the 15th June 1985 with the 16.42 to Glasgow, quite a long trip if you traveled the full length of its journey to Glasgow. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Valentines Special
Craig Munday

Feb 14th provided a mixture of conditions. Thick fog broke away to a splendid Spring like day.

Picture (1) 66104 crept out of the gloom from Par and caught the first stirrings of dawn in the sky at St Blazey, the thick fog adding to the dramatic landscape among the semaphore lamps.
Picture (2) Then onward to Devon for forthcoming Single Line Working duties between Aish (South Brent) and Totnes in the coming weeks. Good to get my bearings and know the back roads in case of anything unexpected coming along. 43185 is seen near Blatchford viaduct still looking wonderful in the executive Inter city livery.
Picture (3) Once back at St Blazey 66104 looked more presentable with the afternoon JIA departure to Exeter Riverside.

Who says romance is dead? Cheers Craig
Cheers to you Craig and thanks.

Picture (1) 66104 St Blazey 14th February 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

Picture (2) 43185 14th February 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

Picture (3) 66104 St Blazey 14th February 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

Peak D147
and 'that' Class 58 HST drag to Plymouth in Sep 84
Neil Phillips

Neil writes:- I look at the website 2 or 3 times a week to keep up to date with developments on my old stomping ground, and beyond!

It has been a little while since you last heard from me, but a couple of things have come up recently which prompt me to get in touch. Firstly, a delayed response to Clive Smith’s request for images of Class 46 ‘Peak’ D147/46010 – I took the attached photo of this machine (apologies for the quality, it’s an Instamatic shot) parked at Laira on 8th April 1972. By this time only this one, D163 and D165 were believed to be still in green livery (all Class 45s had been blue since the start of 1970 but a few green Class 44s still lingered around Toton). For the record I found D165 – the only one of the trio to retain its white stripes – inside St Blazey’s roundhouse a few weeks earlier on 19th February surrounded by recently-arrived Class 25s and the local Class 08 fleet.

Also Guy Vincent wonders whether any images exist of 58002 dragging the HST he was on to Plymouth on 1st September 1984 (what a score - this must rival D1013 Western Ranger’s eleventh-hour Leeds expedition in the improbability stakes!) I know of two published pictures – one appears on page 92 of the colour album “Diesels on the Western Region” by Hugh Dady (Jane’s, 1985) showing the ensemble entering Exeter St David’s, and the ever-reliable Bernard Mills captured the train arriving at Plymouth North Road – with the rear power car reportedly pushing the whole lot after the ‘58’ expired near Brent!! – the photo appearing in a one-off “DIESELS” magazine published in 1996. So photos do exist, tracking them down is another matter – but I hope this helps.

Best regards, Neil Phillips. Memories are made of this - thank you. Thanks also for your research.

Class 46 D147 at Laira on the 8th April 1972 Copyright Neil Phillips

Teignmouth & Dawlish
Clive Smith

Dear all,
There is another month or more of winter to go but the last three days have seen some gorgeous spring-like sunshine and temperatures around our region. Here are a few photographs taken on Friday 15th February 2019.

The announcement the same day that the sea wall will be raised by 2.5 metres with work to start this spring, how will this impact on the scenes we have become so familiar with ? = A wonderful view will be lost.
Regards, Clive Smith

(1) The 13.08 Paignton - Exmouth formed of 2-car 150238 and a single car 153 approach Teignmouth by the rugby and football club . Both units sport the FGW Dynamic Lines livery. 15th February 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

2) Photographed from the Shaldon road bridge the 11.03 Paddington - Plymouth HST skirts the Teign estuary. 15th February 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

(3) With the shadows lengthening the footbridge north of the station at Dawlish was the place to capture the glorious late sunshine. The 13.03 Paddington - Plymouth HST looks absolutely fantastic in this stunning location. With the announcement the same day that the sea wall will be raised by 2.5 metres with work to start this spring, how will this impact on the scenes we have become so familiar with ? 15th February 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

Wish Granted!!
Clive Smith

Good Afternoon Keith. Just travelling into Plymouth on a 2+4 and stunned to see all the trees cut down at Mutley Tunnel ! Amazing what making a wish does.
I will be down their soon with my camera to recapture the good times.!
All the best, Clive. Good News indeed

February 16th, 2019

16/2/2019

Deltic on Dainton
Paul Barlow

It's difficult to believe this was 20 years ago. I drove to Dainton bank in my Triumph Herald, to photograph D9000 Royal Scots Grey on the Virgin trains 06.36 Wolverhampton to Plymouth service. I then carried on to Totnes, where I parked up and caught an HST to Plymouth. I then travelled to Exeter on D9000 on the return 1140 Plymouth to Liverpool VT service. Then travelled back to Totnes on 47851 (0913 Liverpool to Plymouth) There I picked up my trusty herald for the drive back home to Exeter. A remarkable day which was never repeated. I believe the Deltic worked from Birmingham and back.
Hope this is of interest, Kind regards, Paul Barlow It most certainly is of interest - many thanks Paul

Ideal weather to be out photographing on the Dainton banks. Deltic D9000 on the 06.36 Wolverhampton to Plymouth on Dainton bank. 20th February 1999 Copyright Paul Barlow. A lovely shot - you can almost hear the 'Deltic roar'.

Plymouth D9000 on the 11.40 Plymouth to Liverpool 1M40 20th February 1999 Copyright Paul Barlow

Totnes 47851 on the 09.13 Liverpool to Plymouth at Totnes 20th February 1999 Copyright Paul Barlow

15th February 2019

15/2/2019

Test Trains in Exeter
Alan Peters

A couple of pictures of the NMT and UTU 4 hauled by 37025 in Exeter New Yard on Valentine's day 2019, UTU 4 would normally be stabled in Riverside Yard but the yard is currently closed due to flood defence scheme.
Many Thanks Alan.

HST and 9702 remote train operating vehicle in Exeter New Yard. Copyright Alan Peters.

HST and 37 025 Inverness TMD in Exeter New Yard. Copyright Alan Peters.

The Transport Minister visits Dawlish to announce a funding package for the Dawlish Sea Wall
This was Dawlish yesterday
Roger Winnen

190214a A 158 unit on the 12.48 Exeter to Paignton service passing through Dawlish. Copyright Roger Winnen

190214b The 10.33 IET Paddington to Paignton service calls at Dawlish. Copyright Roger Winnen

190214c A Class 66 heads the stone train from Burngullow to Bow. Copyright Roger Winnen

190214d 43153 Heads the 10.00 Penzance to Paddington through Dawlish. Copyright Roger Winnen

190214e Names on trains will soon be a thing of the past as a 158 unit is seen at Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

Valentines Walk - Bude
Andrew Jones

Diane and I visited Bude today (14th February) . The weather was spring like with blue skies and 14 degrees.
Finding evidence of railways in Bude, gets more difficult by the years, but I remember as a child in 1958 witnessing an N class Maunsell crossing a river bridge with a few wagons destined for the Bude Wharf.
Back in those days my parents arrived on holiday in our 1946 Standard 8 drop head, but the suitcases were delivered by rail!
I have attached a photograph of that very same bridge taken today. There is an explanation board at the site with some local history, which I have also attached.
Much of the trackbed to Halwill is still intact with a viaduct between Marhamchurch and Titson and two viaducts at Holsworthy.
There have been local meetings to promote reinstatement of this once busy holiday route, but this would be conditional on a connection via Halwill and Okehampton.
Best wishes Andrew
Many thanks Andrew. One can only hope concerning reinstatement but it would be a major major job - there is the bridge over the old A30 near Okehampton for instance.

Bude wharf branch 1 The Bridge 14th Feb 2019 Copyright Andrew Jones

Bude wharf branch 2 Information board 14th Feb 2019 Copyright Andrew Jones

Bude Wharf Information Board - detail. 14th February 2019. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Silver roofed 47's
Clive Smith

The first picture shows 47115 ready for departure from Newton Abbot carriage sidings on the 24th May 1981 with an ECS to Teignmouth that would form the 18.08 return ADEX to Clacton. The running lines and fuelling point of the depot can be seen in the background. 47115 was a Stratford depot allocated loco at the time and sported the distinct 'silver' roof that was a trademark of that depot in the late 1970s and early 80s. At a time of uniform standard blue livery any deviation was usually frowned upon by BR . The depot broke ranks in 1977 with their famous union jack and silver roof liveried pair of class 47s that they produced to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee of that year. Although the originals did indeed sport silver painted roofs the subsequent examples the depot produced were more of a grey or even a dull white. There is a lot of debate, particularly amongst modellers, as to what type of grey was actually used. Was it the grey paint used for BR blue and grey coaches or some other hue ? Pictures from the time do show colour variations but these could be due to dirt and oil or the sun shining. Not quite fifty shades of grey but certainly a few more than one. 47115 entered traffic in September 1965 as D1703 and was withdrawn in April 1991 and cut up in. December 1995 . This loco was one of the five designated class 48s when TOPS classification was introduced at the end of the 1960s. When built, D1702 to D1706, were fitted with a Sulzer 12LVA24 power unit . The experiment was not deemed a success, and they were converted to standard 47s in Crewe Works between February and November 1970, replaced by the more familiar 12LDA28C.

Newton Abbot Silver roof 47115 24th May 1981 Copyright Clive Smith

The second picture shows 47565 at Plymouth with the 10.35 Newquay - Paddington on the 6th June 1981. Introduced to traffic as D1620 in September 1964 and later renumbered 47039, it was withdrawn in February 2000 and cut up in February 2004. The loco was allocated to Stratford in October 1980 and converted to ETH and renumbered 47565. The depot set about applying their trademark roof colour and probably before the paint was dry it was re-allocated to Laira in April 1981. Just over a year later it was re-allocated to Landore but it would appear that the 'silver' roof lasted until at least 1984 judging by the various pictures online.

Plymouth Silver roof 47765 6th June 1981. Copyright Clive Smith

As a spotter in the late 70s there was always a frisson of excitement at westcountry stations as a silver roofed 47 appeared in the distance as Stratford locos were rare and often a 'cop' or 'line in the book' be it the classic Ian Allan ABC book or the new Platform 5 . A regular sighting for me for a while was always the weekly bitumen tanks from Ripple Lane to Exeter City Basin. If anyone has any pictures of this train with one of these distinct 47s or even any 31s or 37s ,please send them to the website as a follow up this piece and the excellent City Basin feature in the February pages.

Regards Clive Smith Many thanks Clive

14th February 2019

14/2/2019

LONG ROCK OPEN DAY Saturday 13th April 2019
A chance to book your tickets to visit this unique event.
You have to book on line - no tickets will be sold at the gate.
(It is understood that the tickets are selling like hot cakes)
Click on the link below for a booking form and details - have you bank card handy.
https://billetto.co.uk/e/gwr-longrock-tmd-open-day-2019-tickets-331021?fbclid=IwAR3e3reKn6COQRNVQ5tUQnBGiepwWr-X0BtDit_-ARf5mW7lDt9hssNAY7Y

Today at
Ellerhayes
David Tozer

On yet another superb day. 66846 on the Moorswater - Aberthaw with 22 empties in tow - seen at Ellerhayes. by the former Silverton station site. It's 10.42 on the 14th February 2019 Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David.

Trevingey Crossing
Chris Harvey

Yesterdays article on Trevingey Crossing got Chris Harvey searching through his collection of four years ago. Many thanks Chris.

Almost mid summer at Trevingey Crossing on the 15th June 2004 Copyright Chris Harvey. How smart the bright red on the Voyager looks in this setting backed by the green trees. In the distance lies Coach Lane bridge and before that on the left on a short branch lay Redruth's. first station later just a goods cum coal yard. While to the right lay the start of the incline of the Tresavean branch. If only one could turn the clock back!! What an extremely interesting location this would have been.

Early February - another busy week
in the Duchy
Craig Munday

The 9th saw the relatively rare sight of a revenue earning freight in the South West on a Saturday. 66164 passes the unique LD3 signal at Liskeard alongside an IET forming a Padd to Penzance service.

Mon 11th brought some late morning sunshine to the Glynn Valley (short lived I might add)! The Burngullow to Exeter sand was too late to catch the sunlight on the front of the loco, but still makes a stiurring picture as it slogs up over Largin viaduct.

Wed 13th and I'm Penzance bound to see 37025 residing in the oil siding. Also pictured at Brea 3Z61 Penzance to Plymouth crew familiarisation trip with 43042 / 188 with trailers 44093/42364/42332/42514 forming PM88. A short HST set with conventional slam door stock for the local services.

Enjoy, Craig. Many thanks Craig

Liskeard 9th February 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

Largin Viaduct with 66044 on the 6C12 sand on the 11th February 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

A privileged and unusual angle at Penzance sees 37025. 13th February 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

Craig visits Brea and sees the 3Z61 Penzance to Plymouth on a crew familiarisation trip with 43042 and 43188 on the 13th February 2019 Copyright Craig Munday. Clearly visible is the entrance to the former North Crofty branch on the right.

Penzance by day
Andrew Triggs

1, 2 & 3 GWR are currently running training runs for 2+4 slam door HST's between Plymouth and Penzance this week, as it appears the required slide door stock will not all be ready in time for the forthcoming Timetable changes (Driver Dave Coles of Longrock Depot confirmed this for me), the formation is running as follows 43188/42514/42332/42364/44093/43042 and the headcodes are 3Z60/61/62/63, captured at Ponsandane bridge and platform 4 at Penzance 12.2.2019
4 & 5 Old solider 37025 'Inverness TMD' arrived early doors today working Test Train 3Q52 23.06 Exeter Riverside N.Y-Penzance, and as usual was stabled on Oil 2 siding 13.2.2019
Many thanks Andrew

Picture 1 13th February 2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Picture 2 13th February 2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Picture 3 13th February 2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Picture 4 13th February 2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Picture 5 13th February 2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Chilly and dark but clear
Penzance by night
Mark Lynam

Hello,
Here are a few photos from Penzance taken last night.
Thanks,
Mark Lynam - and many thanks to you too.

37025 back in Cornwall again for a 2nd time this year working the 3Q51 2042 Penzance to Exeter Riverside N.Y. (via Newquay and Looe). 13th February 2019. Copyright Mark Lynam

The driver is in position ready to go. 43186 Penzance 13th February 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam

57306 waiting to work the up Night Rivera (1A40 2145 Penzance to London Paddington). 13th February 2019. Copyright Mark Lynam.

And lastly a shot showing all the platforms in use. 220016 arriving on Platform 4 (1V60 1234 Newcastle to Penzance), 221133 on Platform 3 (1V58 1135 Newcastle to Penzance), 43098 on Platform 2 (1C88 1603 London Paddington to Penzance), and 57306 on Platform 1 (1A40 2145 Penzance to London Paddington). 13th February 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam

13th February 2019

13/2/2019

Liskeard Freight
Clive Smith

Hardly a demanding task for a peak as 45132 trundles through Liskeard with one tank. This uneconomic freight is the 05.50 Severn Tunnel Junction to St Blazey. The date is 26th August 1983 and this view eastwards has changed little. The up semaphores behind the peak have gone . The shelter then was in the process of being replaced and you will be unlikely to find a parcel trolley or a porter's sack truck on today's platforms. The tree in front of the box is slightly taller and in today's economic climate the freights will be somewhat longer.

Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive

45 132 with the 05.50 Severn Tunnel Junction to St Blazey Freight on the 26th August 1983

Trevingey Crossing
Keith Jenkin

Trevingey Level Crossing as once was. This crossing about half a mile west of Redruth station was known locally as 'suicide crossing' on the account of a local rent collector who misused money he had collected and sadly took his life here. Note the mail catching apparatus on either side of the line the right and the attendants hut. In the background can be seen Redruth Miners and Womens Hospital. KJ once drove a minvan across the track here and through the lane beyond to West End. The green and pleasant land between the crossing and the hospital is now occupied by a modern housing estate though the hospital buildings remain now converted to flats and commercial use. The source of this picture is not known.

Sign of changes to come, the alignment of the new crossing is marked out and equipment boxes are in place Trevingey Crossing 15.30 10th June 2018 Copyright Peter Jenkin

Connections are made to the public electricity supply for the crossing equipment. A view on the downside. 28th June 2018. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Viewed from the up side the new crossing walkway is laid in but the old crossing remains in use. 3rd July 2018. Copyright Peter Jenkin

Trevingey Crossing - taken from the up side. The old crossing boards have been removed and the crossing is looking smart as it awaits commissioning when the warning lights will be uncovered. 8th October 2018 Copyright Keith Jenkin

12th February 2019

12/2/2019

Fatal Accident at Falmouth
Mike Truscott

Mike Truscott is urgently seeking information concerning a fatal accident which occurred at Falmouth on the 13th January 1964 . A goods train ran away and just before crashing the loco crew jumped off. However very unfortunately the driver hit the bridge wall and fell back sustaining serious injuries. Mike has the press report but please if you can supply any further information please contact him via the CRS website.

Last week of Route Learning
Exmouth Junction
David Tozer

What is I guess the final week of route learning for DBS. 66103 passes Exmouth Junction with the 0729 Westbury -Exeter Riverside. Chaos will no doubt reign next week with GWR diversions. Regards Dave
Many thanks David We sincerely hope that what you predict won't happen.

66103 seen at Exmouth Junction on Route Learning on the 11th February 2019 Copyright David Tozer

Exeter
Guy Vincent

Seeing the excellent pictures on the site two days ago of the long lamented semaphore signalling around Exeter City Basin prompted me to scratch around for this old favourite, a colour print taken in the summer of 1984.

45069 awaiting departure from platform 5 at Exeter St Davids on the SO 1S84 1024 Paignton-Glasgow Central on 21st July 1984, the last full year of 'classic' railway activities at this station. 45069 lasted a further two years before withdrawal from service in July 1986 and was scrapped by Vic Berry at Leicester towards the end of 1988. Many a happy summer Saturday was spent between 1983 and 1986 riding behind a variety of locomotive types on a 'Devon Explorer' 1 day ticket. I even managed a class 58 (58002) pulling a failed HST on September 1st! (Pictures anyone?)

City Basin was a location of interest as when passing on any train, especially during the summer months, there was always a distinctive aroma of hot tar/bitumen in the air. Much less unpleasant than the odour one always noticed when passing the former British Cellophane factory at Bridgwater!

Guy Vincent A bit of nostalgia there Guy, Many thanks.

Exeter St Davids with 45069 on the 1S84 10.24 Paignton to Glasgow Central 21st July 1984 Copyright Guy Vincent

A cautionary tale
Brian Pibworth

I normally visit the annual Gartell Railway Model Exhibition at Templecombe in early February and enjoy doing so by public transport. This weekend I was disappointed to find an engineer's blockade in place between Yeovil Jnc. and Salisbury on the chosen Saturday, so no trains and I didn't fancy the roundabout drive. However when overnight rain cleared to a bright day on Sunday (10th February 2019) I realised that there was the prospect of an unusual trip in a South Western Railway class 159 DMU down the branch from Yeovil Junction to Yeovil Pen Mill (rumoured to be where they park the Royal Train, but given the steep gradient, I have my doubts). From there we would go express on the GWR line to Westbury then reverse and regain the LSWR mainline at Salisbury via Warminster. I had promised myself a trip to Westbury but connections are complicated, so this presented a rare opportunity to travel direct.

Time was passing fast and a quick look at Trainline showed an off peak Senior return at £21 from Axminster. This seemed a bit steep compared to my usual Supa Doopa Saver to Exeter at £6, but it was quite a long way, into Great Western territory and a foreign county to boot. To mitigate the expense I searched for the same ticket from Crewkerne which is equidistant from my home in Chard, but closer to the destination. That was better and the price dropped to £16.70, possibly because the station is in Somerset although it doesn't qualify for the Heart of Wessex Railcard.

Off I went, by car, having to divert for flooded roads and arrived at Crewkerne Station to find the booking office closed. Never mind, the machine was operating and I soon had my ticket - Crewkerne to Westbury £16.70. The train was on time and the journey interesting with the prize at the end of half a dozen freight locos and GW ICE etc all in full view from the platform and 50 min before my return train ( much more at https://www.flickr.com/photos/rabbipx) . It wasn't until I was half way home that the germ of an idea penetrated my addled brain and I called up Trainline on my phone and discovered that the ticket price had been calculated as if I was travelling via Salisbury - quite a long distance and warranting the high fee. Had I thought things through, I realised I should have booked direct to Salisbury at £10.55 but would have been diverted for engineering works via Westbury, the destination I wanted all along

I'm sure the charming lady at Crewkerne would have flagged this up had her office been open but it just goes to show that online ticketing is very logical and has no conscience.

With kind regards, Brian. Many thanks indeed Brian - glad you had a challenging and interesting journey.

The picture shows my train, the 1L48 1157 Exeter St Davids to London Waterloo, arriving at Crewkerne on Sunday 10th February 2019. Incidentally I am told that the two RSJs to the right of the LSWR cast iron post were replacements following the Merchant Navy 35020 "Bibby Line" accident here in 1953. The loco broke a axle and dislodged the nearside break gear which flailed through the canopy. No one was injured but the whole Merchant Navy fleet was withdrawn for inspection leading to a temporary loco shortage and interesting "loans" from other regions. Copyright Brian Pibworth. N.B Doesn't the South West Trains livery make this a very attractive picture.

11th February 2019

10/2/2019

A Variety of HST's
Redruth Station
Roger Winnen

190211a 43042 with a four car slam door set arrives at Redruth on driver training from Laira to penzance and return.. Copyright Roger Winnen

190211b The rear power car being 43188 The Welshman. Copyright Roger Winnen

190211c 43153 heads the 10.00 Penzance to Paddington seen arriving at Redruth Station.. Copyright Roger Winnen

190211d 43161 tails the 10.00 Penzance to Paddington at Redruth. Copyright Roger Winnen

190211e Super elevation at Redruth as 43187 The Welshman a Castle Class HST heads the 09.26 Exeter St David's to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Thank you
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith and Roger, A really big thank you for bringing so many interesting articles this month.
The photograph of Exeter City Basin signal box on the penultimate night of operation by Paul Barlow, encompass the subject in a special way, that so many of us would have seen, but just didn’t take the snap, an absolute time capsule.
The very well researched article by Roy Hart on the Dawlish Deviation, sent me checking my photographs of 1969 which I have attached.
Unfortunately 2019, marks the 50th anniversary of the destruction of the LSWR mainline from Exeter to Plymouth.
All of us in the railway community were horrified at the closure and the lack of foresight at the time, Roy has really highlighted the lack of foresight then and now.
As an engineer, it is obvious that the proposed plans for the Dawlish Deviation are political rather than practical.
The new generation IET units are a compromise too far in engineering terms.
The power train proliferates problems, with each coach individually powered and obviously there has not been enough thought built in to protect the sophisticated electronics with respect to the harsh conditions at Dawlish.
I am presenting the biography of Isambard Kingdom Brunel by LTC Rolt next month at our local book circle and was struck by philosophy of our Victorian ancestors.
Railways were designed predominantly to carry large amounts of freight and passengers at relatively low speeds, using basic technology, combined with low costs.
As we are witnessing with HS2, trying to shave a few minutes off of a relatively short distance just doesn’t stack up. The French are struggling to maintain the TGV network, because once trains are expected to exceed 100 mph, the infrastructure costs rise exponentially.
India and Australia prove the point. The Indian passenger network runs at relatively slow speeds, but carries millions of passengers at very low ticket prices.
Australian freight is carried at relatively low speeds over long distances in consists of over 1 mile piggybacked and are cost effective.
The Indian Pacific passenger train, which travels across Australia, runs twice a week, usually fully booked, it is nearly a mile long and is generally hauled by a single locomotive of 4,500 hp! (a fantastic trip if you are lucky enough to afford it).
If only our railways were run by engineers and not politicians!
I only hope common sense will prevail one day and we will see Tavistock and Okehampton re connected to the national system, providing a robust railway to the Duchy and South Hams.

Best wishes Andrew Many thanks for your appreciations Andrew - we in turn thank you and all our contributors- without you where would we be?

Rusty red rails seen between Tavistock and Bere Alston after the axe fell. Taken in April 1969 (Andrew walked from Bere Alston to Tavistock. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Between Tavistock and Bere Alston. In this one its obvious that one track is in use presumably for the recovery of track. October 1969 Copyright Andrew Jones.

Go no further! Tracks truncated north of Bere Alston in June 1971. Copyright Andrew Jones

Superb Superb
Paul Barlow

The last at City Basin for the time as we see 50002 Superb on the 10.32 York to Plymouth relief on the 25th May 1985. Copyright Paul Barlow. There is something special about black and white. The lines in the foreground lead down towards City Basin itself.

10th February 2019

10/2/2019

Exeter City Basin
Paul Barlow

The Signalbox at Exeter City Basin is 'aglow' on the penultimate night of operation. Copyright Paul Barlow. 13th November 1986. N.B Without the 'crash' of levers during the night perhaps the residents enjoyed undisturbed nights following the closure!

The same evening Paul Barlow captures this unique picture of the bracket signal both on and off. 13th November 1986 Copyright

Another unique picture, Paul happens to be there at precisely the right time to catch the bracket signal being lifted out. The position of the man at the base of the signal looks rather dangerous!! 15th November 1986 Copyright Paul Barlow

*** The last day on the Teign Valley 7th June 1958.
Try clicking below for a superb selection of copyright pictures of this fascinating line taken in black and White by Peter Joanas - these are copyright. Not to be missed. Many thanks to Clive Smith for drawing our attention to this marvellous selection and many thanks to Peter Joanas for putting them on the web. https://www.flickr.com/photos/110691393@N07/12174032874/in/photostream/

South Devon Railway
50th Anniversary Coach Trip

You may be interested in this trip - For details please contact countryexplorer@hotmail.com

Exeter Freight
David Tozer

66164 hauls the Burngullow - Exeter Riverside sand seen at Exminster on the 9th February 2019. Copyright David Tozer

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Alan Peters