Penmere Platform and Truro
Copyright Roger Winnen
Copyright Roger Winnen
Comparing the photographs taken by Howard Sorenger in 1968 what a changed has taken place in upkeep of the Penmere Platform today mainly due to The Friends of Penmere Platform. Many hours of hard work has go into todays displays.
Penmere Platform photgraphed this afternoon 15th June 2023 Copyright Roger Winnen
Penmere Platform photographed this afternoon. Copyright Roger Winnen
Penmere Platform Copyright Roger Winnen
Penmere Platform awards displayed. Copyright Roger Winnen
230615i Owing to problems on First Great Westerm this after we asee a service arriving at Platform 3 from Falmoth Docks. Copyright Roger Winnen
230615p The returning service departs for Falmouth Docks. Copyright Roger Winnen
The semiphore signal is pulled off for the road to Falmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen
Cornish holidays
Falmouth & Penmere
Howard Sprenger
Falmouth & Penmere
Howard Sprenger
New member here...
I was born and raised in Derby and throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s we regularly visited Falmouth for our annual holiday. Our visits sometimes coincided with the Falmouth Model Railway Show, but often didn't, so I took to visiting the club's Arwenack Avenue clubroom on a Friday evening where I was always given a very warm welcome. The star attraction was the extensive club layout of Falmouth station complete with overall roof, and a particular highlight was meeting Pat English, whose series on the Helston branch had featured in several issues of "Model Railway News" through 1967. One year (probably 1968) I took with me a model of Nancegollen signal box that I'd made from his plans, and was very grateful for the encouraging words he had for the efforts of a 14-year-old. I remember becoming friendly with a couple of lads of around my own age - one was called Brian (surname forgotten) [we think Aston] and the other was Trevor Tremethick, whose name features regularly here.
Attached are a few snaps taken on 12th August 1968 when the original buildings at Falmouth and Penmere still survived - I think the Falmouth buildings had gone by the following year and Penmere lasted a while longer. Some enthusiasts might recognise the date as being the day after the famous "Fifteen Guinea Special" that marked the end of steam on BR, so I was astounded to see a steam loco at Falmouth when I arrived on the DMU from Penmere. It was, of course, the dock shunter. Needless to say, they were very happy times, and fostered a love of Cornwall and its railways that has lasted for the best part of 60 years.
Best wishes, Howard Sprenger, Blisland, Bodmin.
I was born and raised in Derby and throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s we regularly visited Falmouth for our annual holiday. Our visits sometimes coincided with the Falmouth Model Railway Show, but often didn't, so I took to visiting the club's Arwenack Avenue clubroom on a Friday evening where I was always given a very warm welcome. The star attraction was the extensive club layout of Falmouth station complete with overall roof, and a particular highlight was meeting Pat English, whose series on the Helston branch had featured in several issues of "Model Railway News" through 1967. One year (probably 1968) I took with me a model of Nancegollen signal box that I'd made from his plans, and was very grateful for the encouraging words he had for the efforts of a 14-year-old. I remember becoming friendly with a couple of lads of around my own age - one was called Brian (surname forgotten) [we think Aston] and the other was Trevor Tremethick, whose name features regularly here.
Attached are a few snaps taken on 12th August 1968 when the original buildings at Falmouth and Penmere still survived - I think the Falmouth buildings had gone by the following year and Penmere lasted a while longer. Some enthusiasts might recognise the date as being the day after the famous "Fifteen Guinea Special" that marked the end of steam on BR, so I was astounded to see a steam loco at Falmouth when I arrived on the DMU from Penmere. It was, of course, the dock shunter. Needless to say, they were very happy times, and fostered a love of Cornwall and its railways that has lasted for the best part of 60 years.
Best wishes, Howard Sprenger, Blisland, Bodmin.
Falmouth Terminus 12th August 1968. From a print. Copyright Howard Sprenger Collection. The track has only recently been lifted, note the sleeper impressions.
Falmouth Terminus 12th August 1968. From a print. Copyright Howard Sprenger Collection
Falmouth Terminal buildings. 12th August 1968. From a negative . Copyright Howard Sprenger Collection
Penmere Platform
A study of the timber building at Penmere - note the gas lighting, 12th August 1968. Copyright Howard Sprenger. Already in a run down state - the broken gate lies propped against the building.
Another fine study of the now almost forgotten platform building at Panmere - 12th August 1968 - Copyright Howard Sprenger.
Train arriving from Truro. 12th August 1968 From a print. Copyright Howard Sprenger. Note the now demoiished bridge.
Many thanks for your pictures and memories. Both Rger and myself were were very pleased to see a record of the almost forgotten buildings at Falmouth & Penmere - do you have any more railway related pictures of that vintage.
Kingswear visit
Guy Vincent
Guy Vincent
Good evening Keith
Today we paid a visit to the Dartmouth Steam Railway and were rewarded with surprise haulage by the line's resident type 3 diesel D6975 or, if you prefer, 37275. This was due to fire risk we were told although at the other end of the seven coach formation GWR steam loco 4277 'Hercules' was working in the 'up direction' towards Paignton and on the second set of carriages GWR 2-6-2 no 4555 was working solo. For the record 37275 worked the 1035, 1150, 1305, 1450 and 1610 departures from Paignton and then assisted between Brittania Crossing and Churston on the rear of the 1110, 1220, 1410, 1525 and 1640 services from Kingswear. So long as the rain holds off it seems likely that this operation may well continue.
Guy Vincent
Today we paid a visit to the Dartmouth Steam Railway and were rewarded with surprise haulage by the line's resident type 3 diesel D6975 or, if you prefer, 37275. This was due to fire risk we were told although at the other end of the seven coach formation GWR steam loco 4277 'Hercules' was working in the 'up direction' towards Paignton and on the second set of carriages GWR 2-6-2 no 4555 was working solo. For the record 37275 worked the 1035, 1150, 1305, 1450 and 1610 departures from Paignton and then assisted between Brittania Crossing and Churston on the rear of the 1110, 1220, 1410, 1525 and 1640 services from Kingswear. So long as the rain holds off it seems likely that this operation may well continue.
Guy Vincent
Kingswear 37275 rear of 1110 KGW-PGN 14th June 2023. Copyright Guy Vincent.
37275 heading 1450 PGN-KGW at Kingswear 14th June 2023. Copyright Guy Vincent
Many thanks Guy - glad you had some good weather - we badly need rain now.
BTM report
Martin Scane
Martin Scane
Hi Keith I’m back up country but not football related (the season finished some weeks ago). Whilst waiting for my train back to Cornwall here are three snaps taken at Bristol Temple Meads. First a view from the East End of the station. Second 43186 Taunton Castle at the head of the 10-55 to Taunton. Third 66510 with the early running 4E18 Fairwater Yard to Doncaster conveying old concrete sleepers Cheers Martin
BTM 1 14th June 2023. Copyright Martin Scane
BTM 2 14th June 2023. Copyright Martin Scane
BTM 1 14th June 2023. Copyright Martin Scane
Many thanks Martin - you are a good and very regular passenger.
'New' Rocks shunter on Trial
Rock (Goonbarrow)
Emma Shard
Rock (Goonbarrow)
Emma Shard
After arriving at Rocks china clay works last week, today 08752 was given a quick test run up the former Goonbarrow branch to the head shunt just past Wheel Henry with a rake of empty CDA wagons before being put into service tomorrow. 14/06/2023.
With Thanks. Emma Shard
With Thanks. Emma Shard
1. 08752 on the remains of the former Goonbarrow branch just past Wheel He... CDA's 14th June 2023. Copyright Emma Shard.
2. The end of the line. 08752 can go no further at the head shunt on the branch.14th June 2023. Copyright Emma Shard
3. Looking towards Rocks clay works from the cab of 08752, CDA wagons are positioned. 14th June 2023. Copyright Emma Shard
Many thanks Emma - keep up the good work.
Through the fence.
Laira Report
Trevor Tremethick
Laira Report
Trevor Tremethick
Hi Keith and Roger
Called here today on the way back from the garden centre for a squint through the ‘jungle’ on the Embankment Road side.
43093 ‘Berkeley Castle’ (formerly ‘Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018’) is currently the only spare power car in the graveyard (if I am correct in calling it that). Three workers walked by on the other side of the fence, but the traffic on Embankment Road was too loud for me to call to them
On the operational roads were 43029 and 43042 at opposite ends of a Castle set, beside 43301 of Cross Country. Unable to identify the inboard HST. Frustratingly, there is a power car right over the other side by the old steam shed sidings and I can’t get it. It seems to have been there a long time.
It would be good to have a list of power cars withdrawn as against those still in service, but I realise that would be a big ask and would be constantly changing.
Best wishes to all
Trevor
Called here today on the way back from the garden centre for a squint through the ‘jungle’ on the Embankment Road side.
43093 ‘Berkeley Castle’ (formerly ‘Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018’) is currently the only spare power car in the graveyard (if I am correct in calling it that). Three workers walked by on the other side of the fence, but the traffic on Embankment Road was too loud for me to call to them
On the operational roads were 43029 and 43042 at opposite ends of a Castle set, beside 43301 of Cross Country. Unable to identify the inboard HST. Frustratingly, there is a power car right over the other side by the old steam shed sidings and I can’t get it. It seems to have been there a long time.
It would be good to have a list of power cars withdrawn as against those still in service, but I realise that would be a big ask and would be constantly changing.
Best wishes to all
Trevor
43093 at Laira, June 14, 2023. Copyright Trevor Tremethick
43093 at Laira, June 14, 2023. Copyright Trevor Tremethick
43029, 43301 and unidentified HST at Laira, June 14, 2023. Copyright Trevor Tremethick.
43042 Tregenna Castle at Laira, June 14, 2023. Copyright Trevor Tremethick
Many thanks Trevor - keep up the good work and walking.
Trains and boats
Falmouth Docks
Dennis Clarke
Falmouth Docks
Dennis Clarke
Hi Keith, My wife and I travelled to from Hayle to Falmouth today on the train. I took a couple of pictures at Falmouth Docks station of 150232, having arrived on the 10:45 from Truro. There is also a picture of a mosaic which is on the platform there. The cruise ship, The World, departed whilst we were there which was interesting to observe, Regards, Dennis
Falmouth Docks - 14th June 2023. Copyright Dennis Clarke.
Falmouth Docks 2 - 14th June 2023. Copyright Dennis Clarke.
Falmouth Docks 3 - 14th June 2023. Copyright Dennis Clarke.
Ship ahoy -'The World' - busy days at Falmouth Docks - 14th June 2023. Copyright Dennis Clarke.
Many thanks - I see you and Mrs. Clarke had a good day at Falmouth. May you long keep on visiting the 'Railway World' plus and extras.
Time for amusement
The end of hot and tiring day!
Chris Bellett
The end of hot and tiring day!
Chris Bellett
Hello Keith/Roger,
I thought that you might like the attached for a bit of amusement. Taken at the B&WR after a long hot day on 13th June 2023. The drivers and fireman’s overalls deserved a good rest…….
Take Care,
Chris Bellett, Retired S&T Engineer, CRS Member
I thought that you might like the attached for a bit of amusement. Taken at the B&WR after a long hot day on 13th June 2023. The drivers and fireman’s overalls deserved a good rest…….
Take Care,
Chris Bellett, Retired S&T Engineer, CRS Member
Bodmin general. End of a long and hot day! 14th June 2023. Copyright Chris Bellett.
Time to put your feet up and bottoms down - a very nice creative phototograph. Many thanks Chris.