LATEST INPUT , NEWS & OLD PICTURES ETC.

9th August 2022

9/8/2022

Lunchtime at Pinhoe today
David Tozer

159011 with the 1225 Exeter to Waterloo. Copyright David Tozer

47830 'Beeching's Legacy' returns home to Southampton seen passing through Pinhoe today. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Time is running out for three
Cornish Signal Boxes
Roger Winnen

Truro Signal Box on 4th August 2022 due to close in 2023 together with Par & Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen

220804d Truro Box from the level crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen

St Austell Signal Box has been closed since 1980 42 years ago and still standing. Copyright Roger Winnen

Taken from the bridge at St Austell with the former staff association building in the background, the box is looking worse for wear! How long will it remain! Copyright Roger Winnen

Hayle Weighbridge
Roger Salter

Rails to nowhere except into the drink

Many Thanks Roger

Highly recommended

The Aeronian
XP Summer Special
Editor Ken Mumford

Subject: THE AERONIAN XP SUMMER 2022 SPECIAL
Friends of the AERON VALLEY RAILWAY SOCIETY,

Here is an extra SUMMER SPECIAL issue for you to read. The AVRS Committee trust that you will find something in it to read and which might cause you to respond to the next 'normal' issue [due out towards the end of August/beginning of September subject to any unforseen commitments by your Editor] and a contribution maybe - hint! Your Editor has been working on it as our good friend (David Patten of RAILTALK) sent THE AERONIAN XP SUMMER SPECIAL on which he has worked his 'magic' and to whom the AVRS are extremely grateful for his work.
Below is a note [from David Patten] on the locos that are shown in THE AERONIAN XP SUMMER SPECIAL as at LONG MARSTON.

Kind regards, Ken - your AVRS Editor

Snippets from the current
Aeronian XP Publication

aeronian_summer_22.pdf
File Size:	7523 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Ken Mumford in addition to supplying us with many photographs of happenings in the Swindon area - his home town is also for his sins editor of the very fine Aeronian XP Presentation. The complete Summer Special, which contains 28 pages is available, using the adjacent link.

To whet your appetite here are a few snippets from the current edition. As you will ee the Aeronian XP tackles a wide variety of subject - trains, buses, trams, Lorries and cars. Enjoy.

Instow Signal Box

An appeal.
You will note that Ken has - address above, asked if you, our readers, can supply any information and articles etc he would be most grateful. Meantime our appreciation to hard working Ken.

A footnote from Ken
Good morning Keith and Valerie,
Your 'plug' [thankfully not a bathroom one!] is very much appreciated. A very good time and effort work by your good self. It is hoped that anyone who enjoys THE AERONIAN XP SUMMER SPECIAL will want to have their own personal copy - this can be arranged via our Chairman, Terry Davis.
Thank you, again, Keith.

An opportunity missed
Trerulefoot station
Colin Burges

Dear Keith,
Your coverage of Trerulefoot omits mention of its suitability as a "park and ride" station within the Plymouth "travel to work" area. This old newspaper piece talks of it and has it on an aspirational map.

https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/new-plymouth-metro-could-include-1136309

It could have been the counterpart of Devon's Ivybridge. It is often said that the failure of this B.R.-era venture to live up to its full potential - a "park and ride" for the South Hams - dampened any further development of plans for new stations and the recreation of the old "Plymouth Suburban."
Cheers, Colin

Many thanks for that Colin, a park and ride from Trerulefoot would certainly have provide a quicker route to Plymouth. Perhaps still an idea for the future.

That's it - job done
Colin Burges

That's it: I've now been to every one of the stations in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset. It's sad in two ways: the hard reality of the railway deserts with their abundance of ruins and abandoned earthworks; and that I will never again visit many of the places I remember. There are still some "refreshers" to do.

https://www.teignrail.co.uk/scouting/70-hamworthy-junction-to-salisbury/

Are you sure that there would be no interest in a C.R.S. cycling group?
Cheers, Colin

Many thanks Colin. - I hope you won't be retiring from exploring - you've done a grand job.

8th August 2022

8/8/2022

43184 Seen at Powderham today
Martin Duff

43184 Seen at Powderham today working the 15.27 Plymouth Leeds. Copyright Martin Duff

Thanks Martin

Out in the Midday Sun
David Tozer

A few photos taken at Silverton late this morning. Thankfully in the shade of a large tree.
43160 and 43016 with the 0900 Cardiff (Central) to Penzance.
66620 with the late running 0828 6C27 Westbury to Exeter Riverside Hanson's.
Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

A great little gem from the past
A Bulldog at Penzance

By kind permission of Alan Clark

An interesting photograph taken at Penzance of a Bulldog most probably from the mid 1920s through to the mid 1930s as the station was remodeled from 1937. Any comments on this photo would be much appreciated

I would date this picture to just before the first world war, say 1912. The coaching stock in view is from the Edwardian period or earlier. The few females in view are wearing the vast hats which were in vogue at this time The picture seems to be recording a special event of some kind, going by the crowds. Bulldogs (along with Dukes and Atbaras) were the star engines at PZ until outnumbered and replaced by 'moguls' during the first world war.
Cheers,
Roy Hart

Trerulefoot
Chris Harvey

Hi Keith, Saturday (6th August 2022) was a hot day spent roaming around Trerulefoot with the camera. The best two efforts are attached - the landscape shot shows 800 013 + 800 007 on the 1310 Penzance - Paddington, whilst the other image shows 802 017 + 802 022 rounding the curve on the climb up from St Germans, with the 1104 Paddington - Penzance.
Best Regards, Chris Harvey.

104A Trerule. 802 017 + 802 022 rounding the curve on the climb up from St Germans, with the 1104 Paddington - Penzance. 7th August 2022. Copyright Chris Harvey

800 013 + 800 007 on the 1310 Penzance - Paddington 7th August 2022. Trerule. Copyright Chris Harvey.

Many thanks to you Chris. Chris is a welcome regular contributor based, I believe in Bodmin. .

Trerulefoot [Courtesy Wikipedi]a (pronounced /ˈtruːlfʊt/, Cornish: Bentrer
Roy Hart mentiones that Trerulefoot lies between Menheniot and St Germans (i.e, west of St Germans). It was the site of a signal box, intended to break the long section between Menheniot and St Germans. It opened around 1910 and closed in 1925. A second box -situated right next to the overbridge -was opened in 1938 and replaced by Intermediate Block Signals (IBS) in 1954. This box only had 6 levers, but was big enough for 40, so it is supposed that it would have been the junction for the new Looe branch which was projected in the 1930s.
Otherwise, when Trerule is mentioned, I always think of that terrifying road sign: 'Beware of oncoming traffic in middle of road'. Is it still there?wall) is a village in southeast Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It is located on the A38 trunk road a .Trerulefoot has a farm shop, two cafés and a petrol filling station.
Many Thanks Roy

imap://rkjenkin%40gmail%2Ecom@imap.gmail.com:993/fetch%3EUID%3E/INBOX%3E43217?part=1.2&filename=Aeronian%20Summer%2022.pdf&type=application/pdf

7th August 2022

7/8/2022

70000 Britannia passes Newton Abbot with the return English Riviera Railtour
Roger Winnen

For further photograghs of this railtour
Click on Steam & Diesel Railtours 22 Onwards

Passing at
Cullumpton
Keith Turley

The mask at Cullompton 6th August 2022 Copyright Keith Turley

AXC retro Inter City executive liveried class 43 power car No.43184(253051) with classmate No.43303 on the rear, pass Cullompton working the 1E63 16:27 Plymouth to Leeds serviced. Copyright Keith Turley.

Many thanks Keith

Passing at
Marston Footbridge
Ken Mumford

I got to this vantage point [Marston footbridge] about 45 minutes before the class 33 double-headed special was due.

Marston footbridge - east of Swindon. 33025 and 33029 double head 1Z33 Burton-on-Trent left at 05.45 to Weymouth. 6th August 2022 Copyright Ken Mumford

A going away shot of the above train, Copyright Ken Munford.

5C48 Reading Traincare depot to Bristol (St. Philip's Marsh)

Many thanks Ken.

Scrap train at
Shrivenham
Andrew Jenkins

Sent via Ken Mumford,
A scrap train did run on Thursday (4th August) in the normal path. It was an Ilford EMU Depot - Newport Docks (Sims). It was hauled by 37884 with two scrap EMUs (322 481 and 321 901), see attached photo.

Regards, Andrew Jenkins.

37884 + 322481 + 321 901 at Shrivenham MG_9512 (CH76-108) 4th August 2022.Copyright Andrew Jenkins

Thanks Andrew.

'On yer bike' - or not?
Swindon cycle rack
Ken Mumford

Bikes on Swindon Station [1] 4th August 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford

Bikes on Swindon station [2] 4th August 2022 Copyright Ken Mumford.

Ken wonders how this may be - many bikes left abandoned on the cycle rack - some with flat tyres some very rusty. May I (KJ) suggest that the cycles might have been stolen from somewhere by somebody in a hurry to get to the station - are they cycle locked one wonders?

Thanks for that Ken - do you use your bike to get to the various photographic locations?

Lest I forget Part 2
South Devon Spring Gala 2012
Paul Barlow

Paul sent in a smashing collection featuring the South Devon Spring Gala 2012 - here are some more.

SDR Spring Gala 2012 D7612 departs Buckfastleigh 7th April 2012. Copyight Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 78019 1047 Totnes- Buckfastleigh. Copyight Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 D7612 1125 Buckfastleigh-Totnes 7th April 2012. Copyight Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 D7612 1125 Totnes-Buckfastleigh at Dartbridge. Copyight Paul Barlow (Superb reflection)

SDR Spring Gala 2012 80072 near Buckfastleigh with a mixed train. Copyight Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 The 'Bubble' car on its way to Totnes. Copyight Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 Pannier 1369 on its way to Totnes near Hood bridge. Copyight Paul Barlow

Many thanks indeed Paul - memories form before Covid.

6th August 2022

6/8/2022

The Clay in Plymouth Contrasting liveries at Truro
Roger Winnen

220804a 66104 on the 6c53 11.51 Parkandillack to Exeter Riverside departs Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen.edit

220804b 66104 departing Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen. edit

220804c Castle Class 43 Old Oak Common heads for Penzance as the 09.25 Penzance to Edinburgh arrives at Truro. Copyright Roger Winnen.edit

Circular Tour 1960
Michael L. Roach

In the latest edition of Steam Days, August 2022, Leslie R. Freeman describes a full day circular tour from Plymouth to Plymouth via North Devon using a rover ticket. The trip took place on Wednesday 1 June 1960 via Okehampton, Halwill Junction, Torrington, Barnstaple Jnuction, Ilfracombe, Barnstaple Junction, Dulverton and Exeter. Leslie and a friend left Plymouth at 08.25 and arrived back at 22.00 hours. Just ten weeks later a friend (IDM) and I made a very similar circular trip from Plymouth to Plymouth via North Devon, although we left earlier and got back earlier. Despite this many of the trains were at similar times, but some were different because we travelled on a Saturday. The date was Saturday 6th August 1960, and we used a circular tour ticket; the only time I ever used one. Although there were probably a couple of other occasions when a CTT would have been an advantage I was probably put off by the need to visit the station and give a couple of days notice of the trip to allow the fares to be worked out and the tickets written out. The individual hand-written paper tickets, measuring 100mm by 120mm, were stapled into a card cover and were torn out as the ticket was checked on each leg. The day finished with an empty card cover as shown in the scans, and we covered 215 miles at a cost of 46 shillings (£2.30). Every train was steam hauled using several different classes, and from Launceston to Exeter St Davids it was all new line for me.
We left Plymouth at 7.10am and travelled via Tavistock South, Lydford and Launceston to Halwill Junction where we had the same loco and one coach but a few more passengers being a Saturday starting with 4½ and arriving Torrington with 7½ passengers. After Halwill Junction our route was identical to Leslie Freeman's route. By leaving Exeter St Davids soon after arrival we managed to have steam down the main line in the shape of St. Phillips Marsh 5924 Dinton Hall on the 10-coach 9.20am Bradford to Paignton running a mere 5 minutes late. Bearing in mind that 1960 was around the peak year for holiday trains and the line's terrible reputation for late running on Summer Saturdays the Hall had obviously put up a good performance taking its ten coaches over Whiteball.
Looking back, and I could not have known this at the time, the highlight of the day was having a small prairie tank to haul our train from Barnstaple Junction to Dulverton. I visited the Taunton to Barnstaple line many times over the next four years before steam gave way to diesel early in September 1964 and never again saw a 4500/5500 tank on the line. Their reign of several decades had given way to near 100 percent Churchward 2-6-0 Moguls soon after our trip. Leslie's train from Barnstaple Junction to Taunton travelled via Barnstaple (Victoria Road) but the station closed to passengers ten days later and our train travelled via the east curve avoiding Victoria Road. All the trains ran well to time, and although the train from Barnstaple Junction departed five minutes late it fair romped along gaining time and culminating in an arrival at Ilfracombe eleven minutes early.
Here are the trains we travelled on that day:
Time      From                                                 Dist.      Loco.                    Notes
7.10       Plymouth to Launceston                      34¾       5531 + 2C
9.20       Launceston to Halwill Junction            14          34108 + 2C
10.52      Halwill Junction to to Torrington          20½       41314 +1C            *
12.45      Torrington to Barnstaple Junction         14¼       41312 + 5C           *
1.32       Barnstaple Junction to Ilfracombe        15          31840 +3C
2.55       Ilfracombe to Barnstaple Junction        15          31849, 34061 + 2 PV + 3C
3.55       Barnstaple Junction to Dulverton         24¾       5571 + 3C
5.30       Dulverton to Exeter St. Davids¼          24¾       2AC + 1471          *
6.55       Exeter St.Davids to Newton Abbot       20          5924 + 10C           9.20am Bradford to Paignton
7.55       Newton Abbot to Plymouth                  32          6845 + 5C             local stopping train
                                                                                                                 * same loco as Leslie Freeman's trip
MLR / 4 August 2022

From the MLR Collection - Copyright

Many thanks Mike for your, as usual very accurate record of a remarkable day out - good value too.

To give readers a 'taste' for Mike's journey here are four pictures not taken on the circular tour but taken a couple or more years later. Mike didn't own a camera for his circular tour.

Launceston 5572 about to run round August 1961. Copyright Mike Roach

Halwill 41223 arrives, the Torrington Bay in the background. Oct 1964. Copyright Mike Roach

Barnstaple Jct 10th Aug 1963 Copyright Mike Roach steam loco 73xx Mogul 7333 probably waiting to haul a service to Taunton.

Dulverton 6th Aug 1960- Copyright Mike Roach

Again Many thanks.

Paul Barlow at
Rewe

The rear of 43239 43303 passing Rewe on the 0606 Edinburgh to Plymouth. 5th August 2022, Copyright Paul Barlow

43158 43041on 1050 Penzance to Cardiff Rewe 5th August 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow

43184 and 43303 on the 12.27 Plymouth to Edinburgh 1S.51 passes Rewe just north of Exeter 5th August 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow

Nearing journeys end - 43303 . 43239 approach Rewe on the 06.06 Edinburgh to Plymouth. 5th August 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul - we are well Rewewarded!

Another named Castle
Taunton
Bill Elston

Another Castle name to report, namely Lydford Castle on pc 43010, seen today at Taunton.

Best wishes, Bill Elston

Newly named Lydford Castle 34010 approaches Taunton. 5th August 2022. Copyright Bill Elston.

Lydford Castle - seen at Taunton on the 5th August 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill - not many to catch now.

Swindon Scrap
Colin Pidgeon

These are Colin Pidgeon's photos of today's scrap train. Previously these scrap trans usually ran on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so this is unusual UNLESS it is something that is going to be a regular working in the future.

Left Wimbledon 3 mins EARLY - was it seen off by The Wombles or were they too busy clearing Wimbledon Common of litter? Its route was via th West London Line, Acton (Main Line), Reading and Swindon [passed ON TIME] and arrived at Newport [Sims] 19 minutes EARLY!

NOTE Colin's comment about this train - please see below.

37884 on 5Q86 Wimbledon Park CSD to Newport Docks. 5th August 2022. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

5902 proceeds towards its doom. 5th August 2022. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Many thanks Colin - like many of the scrap trains the stock looks too good to scrap. This item forwarded by Ken Mumford.

5th August 2022

5/8/2022

Not an advert, yet it is.
Moseley Heritage Museum
Andrew and Diane Jones

Dear Keith and Valerie,
With this glorious weather set to continue, I decided to pick up my passport and travel west to the wonderful Moseley Heritage Museum near Redruth.
Colin Saxton and his fantastic team of volunteers are busy recreating many aspects of life well known to children of the 50’s and 60’s.
Several model layouts are operated during your visit as well as amazing Meccano constructions only dreamt of in my childhood, (except in the window of Gamages department store in London at Christmas).
You can ride behind ex Crofty and Geevor battery locomotives on an ingenious circuit of the farm.
There is an exhibit of Standard and Broad gauge track which illustrates the potential of Brunels concept.
The site entrance is completely free of charge (donations are much appreciated) and is open on Thursday, Sunday and Monday afternoons.
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane

Moseley Heritage centre main yard and extensive track work 4th Aug 2022. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Moseley Heritage centre Broad gauge and standard gauge comparison 4th Aug 2022 Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Moseley Heritage centre About to embark on a circuit of the farm behind a battery loco 4th Aug 2022. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Moseley Heritage centre 7 and a quarter gauge loco ready to take passengers on a short trip 4th Aug 2022. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Moseley Heritage centre A view in the engine shed 4th Aug 2022. Copyright Andrew& Diane Jones

Moseley Heritage centre 3 Rail Hornby Dublo layout 4th Aug 2022. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Thank you to Andrew and Diane for visiting and writing this report. I must admit to hanging my had in shame at living barely two miles away from this this fabulous collection I have not visited it more frequently - it really is worth the effort and no expense to visit. Go back in time to your childhood - you'll be astonished. K.J.

St Pinnock Viaduct
Andrew & Diane Jones

Dear Keith and Valerie, Please find attached a photograph of St Pinnock viaduct taken today - 4th August 2022.
I have deliberately used a silhouette format which in my opinion enhances the grandeur of this iconic structure, just 1.25 miles west of Doubleboi,s towering over Trago Mills. Similar to the much lamented Walkham Viaduct which was hastily removed in the 1960’s and latterly replaced at great expense by a slightly lower construction, known as the Gem Viaduct forming part of the Drakes Trail by Devon Council.St Pinnock is 151 feet high and 633 feet long, grade 11 listed in 1985 and the highest viaduct on the Cornwall Railway.
Andrew & Diane Jones

St Pinnock Viaduct 3rd August 2022. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Many thanks Andrew and Diane - you got an unusual view there.

Wadebridge Railway Carriages
National Railway Museum
Andrew and Diane Jones

Our friends up the Valley were very excited on a visit to York last week to come across the National Railway Museum.
I suspect many members of the CRS have come across this marvellous exhibition of all things great about Britain and its remarkable industrial past.
So it came as a surprise to my non railway enthusiast friends that the exhibit of carriages built for the Wadebridge railway in 1834 are still in existence and are the oldest preserved passenger coaches in the world! Please see photographs sent to me and copyright of Gail Wilson.
Apparently they were found in a shed during the early 1900's and were thankfully preserved.
Obviously sprung buffers were a later development and 1st class passengers benefit from all weather protection and some rudimentary suspension.
In 1952 Charles Clinker uncovered a huge precious collection of written logs and documents from the earliest days of the railway hidden in a derelict loft nearby and are available through the museum to view.
The National Railway Museum is free of charge and if you haven't been make it a priority if you are up north.

Best wishes Andrew and Diane Article submitted 2nd July 2022

Bodmin and Wenford Carriages Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Bodmin and Wenford Carriages in York Musuem. Copyright friends of Andrew and Diane Jones

My apologies to Andrew and Diane Jones and friends for the late inclusion of this article; I am afraid it got parked during a busy period.

Crabtree Viaduct
Clive Smith

43184 heads the 1E63 15.27 Plymouth - Leeds over Crabtree Viaduct. Not the usual photo from the footbridge over the track as the sun was in the wrong place, but an opportune moment to take advantage of the tide being out and stepping onto the river Plym foreshore. 4th August 2022.
Regards, Clive Smith

Celebrity 43184 heads the 1E63 15.27 Plymouth - Leeds over Crabtree Viaduct. 4th August 2022. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive. A smashing picture taken from a most unusual spot - congratulations for grabbing the celebrity in such a way. Didn't know it was called Crabtree.

4th August 2022

4/8/2022

Despite the leaden skies there was plenty to photograph along the sea wall albeit no sign of 43184.
Teignmouth
Clive Smith

47593 + 47614 round the bend at Teignmouth with the 1Z69 the 06.52 Looking very smart the Nottingham to Paignton English Riviera Statesman 3rd August 2022. Copyright Clive Smith

47593 + 47614 return along the sea wall at Teignmouth 3rd August 2022. Copyright Clive Smith

43160 on the seawall with the 14.01 Cardiff Central - Penzance. 3rd August 2022. Copyright Clive Smith

Red DB 66104 passes through Teignmouth with the 6C53 15.14. St Blazey to Exeter Riverside JIAs 3rd August 2022. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive, leaden skies but good light.

Avocet line
Polsloe Bridge
David Tozer

I made a trip yesterday from Polsloe Bridge to Topsham and return.

For many months Polsloe Bridge platform has been under restoration. From the attached photos you can see before and after. The mesh netting between the plillars has been replaced with a galvanised fence. The concrete pillars were stripped back to the reinforcing rods in places and repainted. As yet the lighting which was previously attached to the poles between the concrete pillars has not been replaced.

At Topsham I photographed two car Class 165 165127 working the 1420 Paignton to Exmouth. Usually these are three car 166's.

Dave

Polsloe Bridge 6th April 2016 Copyright David Tozer

Polsloe Bridge 6th December 2021 Copyright David Tozer

Polsloe Bridge 2nd August 2022 Copyright David Tozer

Class 165 165127 working the 1420 Paignton to Exmouth. Usually these are three car 166's. Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks David.

Trencreek
Newquay Branch
Mark Lynam

Today saw the first Castle Set HST working on the Newquay branch so far this year.

3rd August 2022 43154 + 43093 at Trencreek working 1A94 1455 Newquay to London Paddington as far as Plymouth vice IET. Copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks Mark - the ever growing Newquay lies in the background.

Eastleigh
Dennis Clarke

I was at Eastleigh yesterday. The Campbell Road bridge next to the works was being surveyed for an upcoming repaint. Gladly, the team there said they were not aware of any plans to increase the height, so the excellent view should still be available. Here are a couple of photos. 70008 working the 4M55 Freightliner from Southampton to Lawley Street and 07007 and 442412 in the works, Regards, Dennis

A rub down and a touch of paint needed on Campbell Road bridge. 2nd August 2022. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Eastleigh 70008 working the 4M55 Freightliner from Southampton to Lawley Street 2nd August 2022 Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Eastleigh 07007 and 442412 in the works. 2nd August 2022 Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Good News about the bridge Dennis - many thanks.

3rd August 2022

3/8/2022

Named Class 47s
47 Years ago in 1975
Roger Winnen

750404u 47080 Titan with a parcels train at St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen

750424b Class 47080 Titan on the 18.00 Penzance to Leeds near Rospeath. 24th April 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

750404b Class 47 47078 Sir Daniel Gooch at Par 0n 4th April 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

750424b Class 47078 Sir Daniel Gooch at Plymouth on 5th April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

A quick visit to
Cowley Bridge Jct
Keith Turley

Hi. Keith and Roger. AXC. retro. 'Inter City executive' liveried class 43 power car No.43184 (253051) with classmate No.43303 on the rear,working the 1V44 06:11 Leeds to Plymouth service. Copyright Keith Turley.

Recently repainted into G&W orange livery Freightliner class 66/6 No.66605 passing Cowley Bridge Junc. on 2nd August 2022, working the 6C27 08:28 Westbury to Exeter Riverside yard (Hansons) loaded aggregates service. Copyright Keith Turley.

Many thanks Keith

Yesterdays Photographs
Colin Pidgeon

Ken Mumford stuck at home recovering after having two big toe - toes nails removed - sends thanks to Colin.

GWRs tribute. Seen at Swindon by Colin Pidgeon- copyright.

You MAY have seen something about this on television!!

47813 seen at Swindon - 2nd August 2022. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Many thanks to Colin Pidgeon.

2nd August 2022

2/8/2022

Around Cardiff
Adrian King

It's very nice to hear from Adrian who sends us three pictures from Cardiff. Adrain writes - Hi Keith, I do hope you and everyone at CRS are keeping well and making the most of the summer weather. It's been a while now since I've sent anything so here's hoping you'll be able to use the enclosed photographs taken today 1st August '22 in Cardiff.

1. Heading for Barry a TFW Class 153 service leaves Cardiff Central making it's way over the river bridge spanning the River Taff immediately outside the western end of the station.

2. A general view of Queen Street Station Cardiff and a Class 153 No. 153361 about to depart for Cardiff Central, August 1st '22.

3. Cardiff Bay Station with the local shuttle No.153935 having just arrived before returning to Queen Street.

Cheers
Adrian King

1. Heading for Barry a TFW Class 153 service leaves Cardiff Central making it's way over the river bridge spanning the River Taff immediately outside the western end of the station. Copyright Adrian King

2. A general view of Queen Street Station Cardiff and a Class 153 No. 153361 about to depart for Cardiff Central, August 1st '22. Copyright Adrian King.

3. Cardiff Bay Station with the local shuttle No.153935 having just arrived before returning to Queen Street. Copyright Adrian King,

Many thanks Adrian and nice to see an unusual view of the River Taff - puts things in perspective.

Triumph on B & W
Mark Lynam

Saturday (30th July) Saw 50042 out at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway on a driver experience course, pulling three restored clay hoods and a brake van. Steam loco 4612 was out on passenger services. The DEC worked between passenger services on the opposite branch, with three trips in with the clay hoods. Another three are done in the morning light loco before passenger services start.

Thanks,
Mark Lynam

1. 50042 climbs up the grade from Bodmin Parkway at 12.28 seen from the overbridge at Colesloggett Halt. Copyright Mark Lynam

2. The same working at 12.48 at Beacon Road Bridge about to enter Bodmin General, this was held further down the line for the Steam loco to runaround and rejoin its stock on platform 1, while the 50 went into Platform 2.

3. 50042 sits on Platform 2 at Bodmin General at 13.18, the end of the service train can be seen in the distance going down the Parkway branch which had just left Platform 1. Copyright Mark Lynam

4. 50042 returning from a trip down the Boscarne line taken from Beacon Road overbridge at 14.27. Copyright Mark Lynam.

5. 4612 was working the days passenger services seen here at Bodmin General at 15.25 after working 15.00 Bodmin Parkway to Bodmin General about to runaround. Copyright Mark Lynam.

6. 50042 arrives back at Bodmin General at 16.22 after its final working of the day down the Boscarne Branch, it then was shunted onto the shed road for the last passenger service of the day to arrive from Parkway. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark.

1st August 2022

1/8/2022

Ramillies at Dawlish
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are well ,I enjoyed the pictures of signal boxes.I wonder how much longer ones like Penzance will last? Here is a picture taken at Dawlish almost 39 years ago and it shows 50019 ‘Ramillies’ with the 10.50 service from Penzance to Brighton.A hot and hazy day on 6 August 1983. All the best, Copyright Michael Forward

Hello Michael
An anticipated start will be made on the resignalling of the Cornish Main Line within the next 12 months or so, however it is believed that St Erth and Penzance Signal Boxes will remain operational and should last many more years
Roger

Many Thanks Michael

A golden oldie
Southampton
Roger Geach

47475 on a Portsmouth Harbour Cardiff departs Southampton 27th February 1988. Copyright Roger Geach.

Nice to hear from you Roger - many thanks.

Just over ten years ago
South Devon Gala
Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 3205 80072 1207 Totnes-Buckfastleigh 07.04.2012 Copyright Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 55000 1002 Totnes-Buckfastleigh 07.04.2012 Copyrght Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 1369 1239 Buckfastleigh-Bishops Bridge 07.04.2012 Copyright Paul Barlow

1369 1335 Bishops Bridge-Buckfastleigh milk 07.04.2012 Copyight Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul, a reminder of the good old days before covid was ever heard of.

The Royal Duchy Railtour
Bristol Par & return

6233, at Creech 31st July 2022 Copyight Bill Elston.

The returning Royal Duchy at Harford Bridge - 31st July 2022. Copyright Clive Smith

More on this railtour can be found in our Steam and Diesel Railtours 22 section - please click here.

Many thanks to our contributors.

31st July 2022

31/7/2022

Forgotten Signal Boxes in the South West
Roger Winnen

741130b Truro Cattle Market Signal Box which closed on 7th July 1925 was then used as a PW hut.. Photograph 30th November 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

760627zss Burngullow Signal Box photographed 27th June 1976. It closed in the Mid 1980s when Par Signal Box took contril of the new single line to Probus. Copyright Roger Winnen

770621c Chacewater Signal Box with the Blue Circle cement silo behind closed 12th June 1977. Track on the platform was for a renewal connection into the cement siding Photographed 21st June 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

771126d Coombe Junction Signal Box. 26th November 1977. This box closed on 9th May 1981. Copyright Roger Winnen

770716a Dereliction Ivybridge Signal Box closed on 17th December 1973, This photograph was taken on 16th July 1977. Copyright Roger Winnen

Yesterdays
English Riviera Charter
Paul Barlow, Keith Turley & Martin Duff.

With no trains running at all in Cornwall due to strike action Roger Winnen was stranded at home.

However three valiant supporters turned out - here are three of their pictures - more in Steam and Diesel Railtours 22 onwards. Britannia ran in light steam due to fire risk.

70000 Britannia 47593 {47614 trailing on rear) 0507 Kettering to Kingswear 1Z60 approaches Staffords bridge 30 July 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow

70000 Britannia in light steam passes Cowley Bridge Jct with th Kettering to Kingswear English Riviera Charter. 30th July2022. Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks Paul, Keith and Martin.

<<Previous

Archives