22nd August 2020

Questions
Trevor Tremethick

A couple of my periodic questions which I hope may be answered through the website. 1. 94XX pannier No. 8408, withdrawn (I think) off Swansea East Dock in 1959 and, after a sojourn at Swindon, was employed at Truro 83F as a stationary boiler. According to Peter Hands' notes in 'What Happened to Steam' she was at Truro between November 1960 and June 1963 (approx). There is a photo in Maurice Dart's book 'The Last Days of Steam in Plymouth and Cornwall' but it is a close up. Does anyone have a photo showing the location of 8408 in relation to the shed building at Truro (or can describe it)? 2. Perranporth station subway (see my photograph of the lower exit taken in April 2005). I was a small child when I used this and can't recall much about it. The top part, on the platform, had a sign saying 'Way Out' but what was down here? I know it came out close to Henry Morgan's, the Stationmaster's, house and there would have been taxis drawn up, but what signage was there? Was there a sign saying 'Perranporth Station' and / or noticeboards with timetables, posters, etc? I suppose it would be too much to hope that anyone would have photographed this area - no reason to I would imagine. I just hope someone might remember. Well, there's a couple of challenges for you!! Kind regards to all Trevor T

The Truro shed Question
This has, I understand been answered in a telephone conversation between Roger Winnen and Trevor.
​Any further comments please :- 

The Perranporth station question.
Here is Trevor's photograph of the blocked off subway :-

Picture (1) The blocked off entrance to Perranporth Subway. This also provided vehicular access to the goods yard. Picture taken on the 4th April 2005. Copyright Trevor Tremethick.

Picture (2) Perranporth station - the access pedestrian access to the island platform was through the subway and then up steps rising to platform level. The railings seen to the left on the platform provided protection. Perranporth - a picture taken on the last day - Copyright Mike Roach

I used this station once or twice - it wasn't very convenient for the beach or town which was much better served by Perranporth Beach Halt - this had opened on the 20th July 1931.  The ticket office was located within the main station block - Henry Morgan can be very briefly glimpsed in a video of the line as he sold the last ticket. The steps I recall were in two separate 'in line flights' with a landing midway. As can be seen with reference to our photographs in our section on the Chacewater - Newquay branch the station had large 'running in' nameboards at each end of the platform. The signal box can just be glimpsed at the eastern end of the platform beyond the main station building.  KJ  

Thank you for your questions and the photograph Trevor - any further comments.

Dear chaps Very many thanks for putting my questions on the website. However, the Truro shed / 8408 question is as yet some way from a full resolution despite telephone conversations between Roger and myself, so any photographs or memories from other observers will still be welcomed. I would also be very interested if anyone has photographs (or can describe) the interior of Truro shed and workshops as I was never able to visit. Anyway, thanks again, your help always appreciated. Kindest regards Trevor

Severn Tunnel Jct Shed.
Ken Mumford

31913 at Severn Tunnel Junction Shed. One of 15 W class tanks Designed in 1929 and introduced into service in 1932. Basically a freight loco but was tried on passenger trains but found to be unstable. Condemned in 1963. From the Ken Mumford Collection.

Special Day (75)
For Roger

Roger is more than 70 now, but this is a surprise presentation made to Roger by Breage Band on the occasion of that milestone.

Congratulations Roger.