12th July 2022

Treffry Aqueduct
Roy Hart 

I enjoyed Roger's pictures.
Sadly, all has not been well with the viaduct, which dates from 1844. The structure is listed on the Historic England Register of Buildings at Risk.

As is well known, the viaduct doubled as an aqueduct, carrying , below the trackbed, the leat which powered Carmears incline (which brought wagons up from Pontsmill).  In recent times, the leat has been flooding into voids in the arches, leading to major weakening of the structure. Three or four years ago, the leat was diverted away, permitting the arches to 'dry out'.
I don't know the present state of play, but I believe that grants were applied for to make good the structure.

By the way, there is one other railway site in Cornwall on the HE At Risk register: St Blazey turntable. Here, though, I gather that the news is good.

Cheers, Roy.

Treffry’s Tramway aquaduct from Maurice Dart CD 2 with his permission.

Many thanks to Roy for his information and question and thanks to Maurice for the use of his picture.  Any more information please.

Inter City 125 43184 at Coryton
Clive Smith

Driving into Dawlish around 14.00 I thought I could be on for a quick shot of 43184 on the 1V50 06.06 Edinburgh - Plymouth from the top of Lea Mount at Coryton Cove. It's just a minute across the road to get here after parking and with the trees and bushes in leaf there's just a narrow gap to capture anything. My finger was poised as I only had a nanosecond for the shot so I was none too pleased when a GWR IET decided to choose that exact moment to put in an appearance ! With 43184 probably due an exam any day now after seven days of intensive working I'm hoping the new celebrity power car will get turned around providing further photo opportunities for us down west at differing locations. Regards Copyright Clive Smith

Many Thanks Clive

Inter City 125 43184 at Aller
Clive Smith

43184 brings up the rear of the 1V44 06.11 Leeds - Plymouth running 35 minutes late at Aller Taken on my thirteen year old compact camera which allows a single shot. I was a bit apprehensive taking a side on photo at speed but luckily I didn't fluff it. Copyright Clive Smith

Many Thanks Clive

Junctions replaced at
Filton
Driver Alan Peters

Whilst the Severn Tunnel has been closed for engineering work, the opportunity was taken to replace the lead from the Filton Chord, the new concrete point work is seen at the old Filton Station on 9th July 2022 Copyright Alan Peters

The Colas Rail Kirow 1200 crane in action on the Filton Chord as it prepares for the relay of the new pointwork for Filton No2 Junction 09/07/22 Copyright Alan Peters

Bow Station
Alan Peters

A very quick photo stop at Bow for Colas Rail 6C26 working from Okehampton to Westbury, 70808 and 70815 had worked top and tail to the site of the future Okehampton Parkway where the train was split with part of the train going past the Stop board at Okehampton (the current limit of working) to Military sidings both portions were to recover spoil from the Fatherford works several months ago. 70808 is seen at Bow station on Sunday morning 10th July 2022, note Gloria the mannequin sporting tennis attire for Wimbledon! Copyright Alan Peters

Many Thanks Alan

Virgin HST at Eastleigh
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Pretty hot up here,oh for a nice sea breeze! Here is a shot taken at Eastleigh on 6 April 2000 of a Manchester to Bournemouth HST with power car 43088 leading and 43006 on the rear.( By this date no longer in the timetables as ‘The Pines Express’) Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Treffry Aquaduct.
Views from 'on high'
Roger Winnen

Looking from the Aquaduct down on to the Newquay Branch with D1021 Western Cavalier coasting down towards Par. 10th July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

A Class 50 makes smoke as climbs Luxulyan bank on the Newquay Branch heading for Newquay. 10th July 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

The throttle is opened wide as the 50 heads for Luxulyan tunnel. 10th July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen.

To get to this location Roger would have taken a local train from Par to Luxulyan and then walked from there back down the beautiful valley.

Having left the station within yards is the the Kings Head pub from were a Class 47 is seen passing the car park being well stocked with vintage cars. Copyright Roger Winnen

Walks on the
Treffry Tramway

In our early days we were treated to a talk on Treffrys Tramways given by Arthur Anstis a St Blazey Resident and Railway worker. It was through him and connections with his manager Mr Arthur Epplet that we were able to visit and walk on sections of the Newquay branch most definitely not open to the public. In todays pictures we see an exploration of the Newquay Treffry Tramway along the old route to the harbour.

Cornwall Railway Society members walking the Newquay Tramway. 27th September 1980. Copyright Roger Winnen

At Newquay harbour we received special permission to explore the tunnel which carried the tramway down from street level to harbour level.  This was blocked at the top end by commercial developments. Below are a few of the party who inspected the incline. Well worth the 25p admission.

Standing outside the tunnel mouth at Newquay Harbour. Copyright Roger Winnen. 27th September 1980. Copyright Roger Winnen.

A sketch map of Treffy's Tramways

In memory of the late Arthur Anstis and Arthur Epplet
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