12th March 2021

12/3/2021

This weeks report from
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, The St Austell blockade reopened with the customary 50mph temporary speed restrictions over the relaid track sections. Today's computerized tamping machines leave the newly laid rails dead straight, a far cry from the 20mph of years ago whilst the track bedded in.

On the 8th March, a series of GWR HSTs are seen in action. 43029 on the outskirts of Redruth at Trevingey. Moving on to Hayle, 43040 looks great passing over the viaduct and the Isis gardens bedecked in daffs, an RNLI flag proudly fluttering in the winds. Finally for the 8th 43153 heads west over the new bridge at Trewoon.

The next day, 150261 is seen Newquay bound having passed over Middleway CCTV crossing at St Blazey. Some Environment Agency work next to the line has seen the fir trees removed, this now allows a lit photo of trains on the causeway before lunchtime. The shadow once cast by these trees was considerable.
66150 is seen at Goonbarrow ready to work the afternoon clay trip to Carne Point.

The 12th March saw me out in the Grampound area as the NMT passed by. Some extremely lucky sun saw me strike lucky with my shot as the 6 coach test train heads east with red former LNER power car 43299 on the rear.

The next two weeks sees a modified timetable whilst the upside river bridge is replaced at Lostwithiel. Single Line Working over the down by Pilotman will be in place for the two weeks between Par and Lostwithiel over the Down Main.

All the best, Craig.

43029 and 43010 on an up train Trevingey Level Crossing - the train is the 2E07 8th March 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

43040 and 43170 on the 2C67 cross Hayle viaduct. 8th March 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

We scoot up the line now to Trewoon bridge where the unbleached and unstained concrete is in evidence. 2C26 43153 43092 8th March 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

66150 approaches Middleway Crossing on the 9th March 2021 Copyright Craig Munday. One hopes there was a 'toot' for Alan Peters who lives nearby!!

150261 approaches Middleway Crossing, again on the 9th March 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

A nice shot of the NMT with 43299 seen near Grampound Road. 12th March 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks Craig - you certainly get around - a pity I missed you at Trevingey Cossing.

The LNER/VTEC Livery of the Power Car adds brightness
Andrew Triggs, Roger Salter &
Roger Winnen

2 shots for CRS of todays visitor 43299, in former LNER/VTEC livery working 1Q18 with 43062 at Marazion. Really good to see Roger out and about today
All the Best
Andrew

210312e The 06.11 Reading Triangle to Paignton via Penzance, passes Hallenbeagle. Copyright Mick House

210312e The 06.11 Reading Triangle to Paignton via Penzance crosses Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Roger Salter

Leading 1Q18 43299 approaching Marazion at 11.17. Copyright Andrew Triggs

210312a 43299 Arrives Penzance on the NRM Train. Copyright Roger Winnen

210312b Broadside at Penzance displaying the old LNER livery. Copyright Roger Winnen

210312d 43299 in Network Rail logo with the NRM at Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

Now on the rear heading for Paignton passing Marazion at 12.04 Copyright Andrew Triggs

210312f Departure from Penzance at 12.02 sees the train hurrying through Marazion. Copyright Roger Salter

47626 Sir Daniel Gooch Oxford
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I was pleased to read you had been able to get down to the station and I hope you will be able to return soon,there is always something to see. Thanks for putting the pictures on the site, here is a third and last one I have of 47626 ‘Sir Daniel Gooch’ this time heading through Oxford on 24 May 1987 with the Calvert (landfill site) to Bath empty binliner. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael for your Best Wishes

Around the
Exe Estuary (3)
Paul Barlow

Seen from the hills around Powderham. First Great Western set has its uniformity broken by an old liveried coach in the set. This is the 17.33 Paddington to Penzance on the 23rd June 2002. Copyright Paul Bowman.

Many thanks Paul.

St Austell Ground Frame
Craig Munday

Craig Munday works the levers. in 2012 from Craigs collection.

Craig Munday working the levers!
If you don't know him, here he is, a popular and familiar figure whose duties allow him to travel far and wide fortunately for us carrying his camera. Here we see Craig operating the levers at a happier time - the Ground Frame now only controls the crossover.
This week we are covering a sad event which sees the end of the line down to the Goods Yard - this was cut back to be only 400 yards long when the yard closed but kept as a handy refuge until last weekend.
To see more of the Goods line and a little of the Goods Yard please click here this will take you to Features January to June 2021 - please scroll to select item 2106.

St Austell Goods Station etc
Paul Cambridge Keith Jenkin
Julian Stephens Mike Roach
& Roger Winnen

760627a The Branch Line Society Railtour at St Austell Goods Sidings. This tour was unable to access any further owing to tight clearances. Copyright Roger Winnen

St Austell Goods Yard. railtour visit Jul 76.Participants explore the yard on a sunny day. Copyright K. Jenkin

Another rare picture D4007 shunts St. Austell yard, 5Nov71Copyright Paul Cambridge

St Austell Goods 50046 Ajax +50047_Swiftsure having gone about as far as possible. 04Oct86 Copyright Julian Stephens

Old Camping coaches converted for the S & T use at St Austell. Copyright Mike Roach

Pendomer
Bill Elston

A nice splash of colour on the former LSWR today, as Network Rail's NMT made its monthly visit. It is seen passing Pendomer whilst returning from Exeter to Salisbury, led by 43062 and tailed by LNER-liveried 43299. Note Network Rail branding.
Take care, Bill.

43062 Pendowmer 11th March 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

Very distinctive 43299, Pendowmer 11th March 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

A very colourful going away shot of 43299, Pendowmer 11th March 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill

Guy takes a last look at
Weymouth Street Tramway
Guy Vincent

An hour in Weymouth today (11th March 2021) gave me time to walk the route of the former tramway. Since my last visit in January the job looks to be all but finished with the rails now gone from beneath the town bridge and all public roadways. Further resurfacing has been carried out and for 90% of the distance between and the ferry terminal there is no evidence the line ever existed. At the terminal itself it appears demolition could be imminent as the area has been fenced off and signs of stripping-out inside the main building can be seen. RIP Weymouth Tramway.

I've added four pictures of railtours on the line taken in the 1980s and 1990s.

Guy Vincent.

Weymouth Quay - Memories, a gaily decorated 73134 passes along the tramway. 21st May 1988. Copyright Guy Vincent

Weymouth Quay . Two for the price of one - 33202 and 33204 on the 23rd April 1994 Copyright Guy Vincent

Pretty obvious really! From the Guy Vincent collection. - copyright.

A very sincere thanks to you Guy for your record of your visits to the tramway as it is being demolished, it was very fortunate for us that you happened to be there in call of duty during the period of the Pandemic.

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12th March 2021

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