17th September 2022

The looe branch
Peter Murnaghan
Mission accomplished

As you know, the mid-Cornwall resignalling project will see the closure of signal boxes at Lostwithiel, Par and Truro in November 2023.  As part of the scheme, on the branch to Looe, the existing open level crossings at Lodge Farm and Terras where, at the latter, trains must make a compulsory stop before proceeding, will be upgraded to locally controlled Automatic Barrier crossings.  The train crew will still operate manually the points at Coombe Junction.
As the two open crossings have a limited future, I was out today to capture 150 261 crossing the Cornish lanes without gates.
Best wishes, Peter

150261 at Lodge Farm Crossing. 15th September 2022. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Terras crossing (1) 16th September 2022 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Terras Crossing (2) 16th September 2022. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Terras crossing 3 16th September 2022. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Many thanks Peter - a very worthwhile exercise taken place in good weather and with a high tide at Terras to complete the scene. One wonders why the operation of Combe Junction cannot be simplified with  high level control panel accessed from cab level.

Burn
for Butterleigh Halt
Colin Burges

Despite clocking 45 miles on Thursday, it won't be listed as a ride because I was only filling in some gaps in my Exe Valley coverage.

Nearly two hours of the day was lost in chinwagging: before I'd even got my truck off shed, a B.T. chap from the neighbouring exchange stopped me, followed later by long sessions with the pharmacist who lets the cottage at Upexe Crossing and Mike, the chap who looks after B.T. grounds, who was at the Bickleigh Exchange.

On my way up the main road, I had to satisfy my curiosity, aroused for some time: Why was the footpath gate leading to Burn Halt almost overgrown? I found what I had guessed I would find.

A passenger could easily miss the entrance to Burn Halt from the Tiverton turnpike. 16th September 2022. Copyright Colin Burges

The path across the meadow to Burn Halt has a lamp standard at the halfway point. 16th September 2022. Copyright Colin Burges

The gate to the halt is at right. 16th September 2022. Copyright Colin Burges

In the distance is Copenhagen Farm Crossing. 16th September 2022. Copyright Colin Burges

The public footpath, there before the railway and the halt, takes a diagonal across the meadow. The No. 55 substitution times its passing perfectly. 16th September 2022. Copyright Colin Burges

Looking the other way, the suspension bridge that took the path to Traymill Farm, on the other side of the valley, is blocked. 16th September 2022. Copyright Colin Burges

The bridge was a bit rickety and the scout never tried riding across it. It must be all of 20 years since he last walked across. 16th September 2022. Copyright Colin Burges

It's unlikely that the county council will be able to justify replacing this crossing so the footpath is effectively lost. 16th September 2022. Copyright Colin Burges

The faithful steed at Sandy Lane leads towards Rewe and the main line foot crossing. I'm not sure whether N.R. has the right to block the path. A notice warning of the crossing's closure and the reason for it should have been posted but access along the right of way to the lineside I would have thought should have been maintained. 16th September 2022. Copyright Colin Burges

16th September 2022. Copyright Colin Burges

Many thanks indeed Colin - I think you've won your 'cycling proficiency' badge time and time again. You take us where most mortals would fear to tread!
​