12th August 2018

West Somerset Mineral Rly
Colin Burges

Colin Burges has very kindly sent some more pictures of his own taken about ten years ago to be added to the major coverage which we already have by Robert Lindley.  However more pictures will be gratefully received as exploration and research continues.

It is difficult to believe that this was once a double track standard gauge incline. 2008 Copyright Colin Burges

Even in 2008 the incline was heavily overgrown, goodness knows what it is like ten years on! Copyright Colin Burges

At the top of the incline a massive winding engine was housed in this building. The faithful steed owned by Colin rests against the wall. 2018 Copyright Colin Burges

Withiel Bridge. A substantial cut has been made through the embankment here. 2008 Copyright Colin Burges. Withiel bridge crossed a minor road about a mile west of the top of Comberow Incline. Copyright Colin Burges

Bodmin North to Padstow
Very interesting footage found on Youtube
Andrew Jones

 Andrew writes :- Browsing Youtube today, I have found a remarkable clip of Bodmin North, Wadebridge and extensive working at Padstow.
 
The initial frames include the German built 4 wheel Dmu, which in the last years of the branch operated a shuttle from Boscarne Junction to Bodmin North. ( although not confined entirely to this duty, as I once travelled to Padstow on this unit).
 
We then pass by Langs fish and chips, now ‘Barneys’ and the main road crossing into Wadebridge Station.
 
Following on, we have a very rare glimpse from the Rock side of the estuary, of a ‘bubble car’ travelling towards and crossing the Little Petherick iron bridge.
I travelled on this unit, just weeks before closure, on the school train, which believe me was packed.
 
Finally we have extensive coverage of  4-6-2 West Country Class 21C120 (34020) ‘Seaton’, running round at Padstow.
The West Country Class, Bullied Light Pacifics, were introduced in 1945. Their 18 ton axle rating enabled them to work almost everywhere on the Southern Region.
34001-34048 were all named after West Country locations, 34049-34090 were named to commemorate the ‘Battle of Britain’, 34091-34108 were again West Country Locations and the last two 34109 and 34110 were again named after the ‘Battle of Britain’
Their distinctive air smoothed casing gave them the nick name ‘Spam Cans’, only 60 had their casing removed during rebuilding, which  paradoxically increased the weight and restricted the rebuilds use on the system.
 
       Many thanks Andrew.  Memories are made of this!
 
https://youtu.be/t-HIsTyqWDo
 

Oldest & Newest at Westbury 6 minutes apart
Guy Vincent

Friday evening, 10th Aug 2018  New IET set 800026 departing Westbury on 1J91 1707 Paddington-Frome, followed just 6 minutes later by pioneer HST power car 43002 leading 1C91 1733 Paddington-Paignton.  Still looking modern and good despite being new more than 43 years ago.  Hopefully this true icon will find a home in preservation once it departs from main line duties next year.  Surely an ideal partner for 41001, the only surviving prototype class 252 power car.

             Guy V                                   Many thanks Guy

Westbury 800026 1J91 1707 Padd'n-Frome 18.57 10th August 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury 43002 (253001) 1C91 1733 Padd'n-Paignton 19.03 10th August 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Return of two former GWR Power Cars in Scot Rail Livery            Guy Vincent

Caught quite by chance at 1730 yesterday (Friday 10th Aug)  passing non-stop through Bristol Temple Meads whilst en-route from Loughborough Brush to GWR's Plymouth Laira depot, two former Great Western power cars now freshly outshopped in Scot Rail livery.   Why they have come back to the south west is currently a mystery. As they are no longer leased by GWR they will presumably not be going back into service here.   Reports elsewhere this morning suggest a possible 'paperwork issue' could be to blame, however I fail to understand how anyone could authorise release of two 'Scot Rail' liveried PC's back to their former operator in error.  Then again, it is now the 21st century...  time will tell.  

                      Guy V                             Many thanks Guy

Bristol TM 43140 & 43149 17.28 10th August 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Bristol TM 43140 & 43149 17.28 10th August 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Return of steam to 1985 to Cornwall
Respryn
Julian Stephens

I've never seen a picture taken from this angle at Respryn.  Thank heavens Julian was there to capture not just the marvellous sight of 7029 bursting from under Respryn bridge but of the masses of folk who turned out at this beautiful location. Now, in 2018, 33years on I wonder how many remember this great day.  Many thanks indeed for this superb and exciting view Julian. More pictures of this train in our railtour section.

Stay a while and enjoy this scene. An amazing number of people at this remote location. Respryn, 7029 Clun Castle on the return leg. 6th September 1985 Copyright Julian Stephens

Signs of the times at
Lostwithiel
John Cornelius

It is delightful that this sign remains on the up platform at Lostwithiel, possibly Cornwall Railway Vintage. Note the brackets still in position for the lower suffix 'Change for the Fowey branch'. Alas we cannot do that now! Copyright John Cornelius

A much more recent sign for this delightful station well positioned to serve the growing town. Copyright John Cornelius.