CDA's roll again
Jon Hird
Yesterday (16.03.2024) was an important day for Cornish rail heritage. Over at the Bodmin Railway, a training and gauging run using the recently obtained CDA wagons was undertaken. As the CDA's are air braked, some of the crew needed training as the vast majority of the railways stock is vacuum braked.
This is believed to have been the first time that the CDA's have travelled down the Boscarne branch (wagons have been on display at Bodmin General previously, so the ground to Parkway has already been broken). Of course, had Wenford Dries remained open to rail traffic and the tight spots between Dunmere and Wenford widened to allow their passage, the CDA's may well have been regular travellers over this route.
It was great to hear the hiss of air and the thud of the small 4-wheeled wagons on the jointed track once again, a very well done to both the Bodmin Railway and to the National Wagon Preservation Group (NWPG) for giving the wagons a home and preserving another chapter of Cornish railway history for future generations to experience and enjoy.
This is believed to have been the first time that the CDA's have travelled down the Boscarne branch (wagons have been on display at Bodmin General previously, so the ground to Parkway has already been broken). Of course, had Wenford Dries remained open to rail traffic and the tight spots between Dunmere and Wenford widened to allow their passage, the CDA's may well have been regular travellers over this route.
It was great to hear the hiss of air and the thud of the small 4-wheeled wagons on the jointed track once again, a very well done to both the Bodmin Railway and to the National Wagon Preservation Group (NWPG) for giving the wagons a home and preserving another chapter of Cornish railway history for future generations to experience and enjoy.
The 'clay country mizzle' has followed the veteran clay carriers to Bodmin! 47306 is coupled to the rake of 8 CDA's at Bodmin General on 16.03.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
A view from above as the Bodmin Railway staff wind shut the sheets which cover the tops of the CDA's (These are left open as water pools on them and stretches them and breaks the rubber ties which hold them to the rollers). 16.03.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
The railway staff and volunteers admire the scene as the CDA's break new ground, arriving at Boscarne Junction. 16.03.2024m copyright Jon Hird.
A view from the other side at Boscarne Junction. 16.03.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Running round at Boscarne Junction. 16.03.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Trainee driver/secondman James Goodhall speaks to Operations coordinator Mat Simpson whilst the 47 runs round the wagons. 16.03.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
How's this for a sight? 47306 opens up as it leads the CDA's up the hill to Bodmin General, near Crabtree Lane. 16.03.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
A final view of the train disappearing around the curve. 16.03.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
It is hoped that these wagons will play a starring role at some events at the railway. Please keep updated by visiting the Bodmin Railways website (click here) and the website of the National Wagon Preservation Group (click here)
Around Ponsandane
& Long Rock
October 1974
Roger Winnen
& Long Rock
October 1974
Roger Winnen
740930c D1064 Western Regent at Long Rock Shed. 30th September 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen
741012a A Western passing what is left of Long Rock Signal Box. 12th October 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen
741012b Class 50 together with a Class 47 City of Truro at Long Rock. 12th October 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen
741013a Ponsandane Signal Box nearing its end. 13th October 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen
741013c Ponsandane Signal Box nearing its end. 13th October 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen
741013b Ponsandane Signal Box nearing its end. Copyright Roger Winnen
741027cLong Rock Shed. 27th October 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen
741027d Park Royal Inspection unit at Long Rock. 27th October 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen
741027e 47239 and a Class 52 Western at Long Rock. 27th October 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen
Units of yesteryears
Paul Barlow
Hello Keith
A couple from 2017 of now disappeared units types.
Kind regards
Paul
A couple from 2017 of now disappeared units types.
Kind regards
Paul
A 153 unit and 143619 have just left Exeter central on the 0700 Paignton to Exmouth 11 August 2017. Copyright Paul Barlow.
143618 on 0751 Exmouth to Barnstaple arrives at Exeter Central while 143612 departs on 0711 Paignton to Exmouth 11 August 2017. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul - modern history!
The Royal Scot
Ken Mumford
Friends,
I ventured out this morning to see 46100 'Royal Scot' passing under the Oaksey Road road bridge with1Z46 [Northampton to Worcester].
Diesel - Northampton to Hanwell Bridge Loop, then steam via Didcot and Swindon and the Gloucester branch to Worcester (Shrub Hill). This excursion returned via Moreton-in-Marsh and Oxford to Hanwell Bridge Loop where steam gave way to diesel. for the continuation of the journey to Northampton.
I ventured out this morning to see 46100 'Royal Scot' passing under the Oaksey Road road bridge with1Z46 [Northampton to Worcester].
Diesel - Northampton to Hanwell Bridge Loop, then steam via Didcot and Swindon and the Gloucester branch to Worcester (Shrub Hill). This excursion returned via Moreton-in-Marsh and Oxford to Hanwell Bridge Loop where steam gave way to diesel. for the continuation of the journey to Northampton.
Details of the bridge from which I took the next SEVEN photos! Copyright Ken Mumford.
46100 'Royal Scot' Copyright Ken Mumford
D1935 (47805) 'Roger Hoskins MA' bringing up the rear not powered! Copyright Ken Mumford.
1G11 [an IET with 'LOCKJAW' both ends] passed under the bridge first. According to Real Train Times it overtook the steam special at Challow. Copyright Ken Mumford.
Many thanks for sharing your fantastic photographs with us, Ken!