50 years of TOPS
Neil Phillips
Neil Phillips
Hello Roger and Keith,
Although not directly connected to the railways of Cornwall, I thought it worth mentioning that the renumbering of the BR locomotive fleet into the TOPS series, where the first two digits display the class number with which we are now all so familiar, commenced 50 years ago today – 14th November 1971 - when electric loco E26050 emerged from Crewe Works as 76050.
Initially only electric locomotives were renumbered – the first diesel, Peak 45101 (formerly D96) didn’t appear until March 1973, and throughout that summer only Derby was outshopping Peak Class 45s with new numbers. Renumbering of the other classes during works overhauls commenced in September, but mass renumbering at depot level occurred between February and April 1974, with some Peak Class 45s lingering on into 1975 as they awaited works overhauls. The entire renumbering process was completed in December 1975 when a collision-damaged D125 was released from repair at Derby as 45071. So Class 45 claimed both the first and the last renumbered diesel!
I hope this is of interest.
Best regards,
Neil Phillips
Although not directly connected to the railways of Cornwall, I thought it worth mentioning that the renumbering of the BR locomotive fleet into the TOPS series, where the first two digits display the class number with which we are now all so familiar, commenced 50 years ago today – 14th November 1971 - when electric loco E26050 emerged from Crewe Works as 76050.
Initially only electric locomotives were renumbered – the first diesel, Peak 45101 (formerly D96) didn’t appear until March 1973, and throughout that summer only Derby was outshopping Peak Class 45s with new numbers. Renumbering of the other classes during works overhauls commenced in September, but mass renumbering at depot level occurred between February and April 1974, with some Peak Class 45s lingering on into 1975 as they awaited works overhauls. The entire renumbering process was completed in December 1975 when a collision-damaged D125 was released from repair at Derby as 45071. So Class 45 claimed both the first and the last renumbered diesel!
I hope this is of interest.
Best regards,
Neil Phillips
Most certainly of interest - another milestone in the history of British Railways - many thanks Neil.
Weekend Engineering Moves
Roger Salter
Roger Salter
Yesterdays multi purpose stone blowe DR 80301 Stephen Cornish all the way from Colchester Reception Sidings to Par Liner sidings. This was photographed at Eastdon. Copyright Roger Salter
211114a Todays empty rail freight 6900 10.30 Liskeard to Westbury at Shaldon Bridge. Copyright Roger Salter
Thanks Roger
Ponsandane Footbridge
Bridget Crowley
Bridget Crowley
Subject: Footbridge at Long Rock
Dear Fr Gilbert and/or Mr Kiszczuk
For some time I have wondered about the building of the footbridge that crosses the railway from just opposite Sainsbury’s to the beach and coast path at Penzance. I can find no information after some searching on the web, just two solitary photos - one of the bridge itself and another, a view from it. Neither of these is on your website. I want to know the date of its construction for a start and don’t know where to go from here, since there is no view of it in any of the photos in the Marazion to Penzance section of your site to give me clues.
To my mind, it must be one of the most photogenic footbridges out there - and I have amassed a fair number of photos of it and from it. I’d like to write an article on it if I can find the information and would be happy to share it with your members at some point.
Please could you help by pointing me in the direction of further research that I can do on this fascinating and immensely evocative construction.
Best wishes
Bridget Crowley
Dear Fr Gilbert and/or Mr Kiszczuk
For some time I have wondered about the building of the footbridge that crosses the railway from just opposite Sainsbury’s to the beach and coast path at Penzance. I can find no information after some searching on the web, just two solitary photos - one of the bridge itself and another, a view from it. Neither of these is on your website. I want to know the date of its construction for a start and don’t know where to go from here, since there is no view of it in any of the photos in the Marazion to Penzance section of your site to give me clues.
To my mind, it must be one of the most photogenic footbridges out there - and I have amassed a fair number of photos of it and from it. I’d like to write an article on it if I can find the information and would be happy to share it with your members at some point.
Please could you help by pointing me in the direction of further research that I can do on this fascinating and immensely evocative construction.
Best wishes
Bridget Crowley
The above letter was sent to our Magazine Editors who kindly passed it on to us - in turn the request has been answered by Roger using pictures from his amazing collection.
Ponsandane Footbridge 1 Foundations for the new Ponsandane Footbridge 14th October 1984. Copyright Roger Winnen
An action shot from Ponsandane Footbridge 2 The new footbridge is open. Photograph taken 21st December 1984. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Ponsandane Footbridge 3 The bridge photographed from the Eastern Green, Penzance on 21st December 1984. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Ponsandane Footbridge 4 The station pilot engine passes under the bridge on 21st December 1984. Copyright Roger Winnen
Ponsandane Footbridge 5 British Rail men at Work on the former foot crossing at track level on 21st December 1984. Copyright Roger Winnen
Trust a Penzance man to get these pictures - many thanks Roger.
Goodrington Yard
Paul Barlow
Paul Barlow
47826 off the 06.00 Preston to Paignton shunts at Goodrington yard. 26th June 2002. Davids. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Thank heavens you recorded ever detail Paul - many thanks.
Oxford
Ron Kosys
Ron Kosys
Large logo'd 47526 runs into Oxford 19th August 1991 with a Paddington -. Oxford ecs Copyright Ron Kosys
Many Thanks Ron.