22nd December 2020

Moorswater
Roger Geach

Peaks were once a common sight in Cornwall. Here is 45002 on the 1v82 the 10.23 Manchester to Penzance having just crossed over Mooorswater viaduct, It the 13th July 1974. Copyright Roger Geach,

Many thanks Roger, and a Happy Christmas to you too.
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Adventures on a bicycle in
Hayle 1964
Laurence Hansford

​It's close to Christmas 2020, and what a year it has been. At Christmas time is is customary to pick up a book and read a little. Here our very good friend and regular contributor of articles Laurence Hansford, formerly of St Ives, sends us a copy of his childhood recollections and ventures on his bicycle.​ Click here to go to Features July to December 2020 and scroll to item 2025

From Laurence's very interesting article.

Griggs Forge Lelant. A photograph taken on the 16th December 2020. Copyright Roger Winnen. The forge Laurence recalls was in behind the black doors with a letterbox.

The level crossing over the old A30 at Hayle where the Hayle Wharves of power station branch crossed the old A30. Traffic continues to rumble over the crossing while the freight powered by a '63', from the wharves patiently waits for the barriers which were controlled from the diminutive signal box on the left ate lowered. August 1964. Copyright Laurence Hansford.

Now the barriers are fully down, D6349 is slowly drawing its train across the A30. The chap with the peaked cap just beyond the control cabin is obviously a railway employee. The tallest chimney of the power station emits a wisp of smoke from the well controlled furnaces below. The metals bearing off to the left lead to a head shunt a spur off which took rail traffic along beside Penpol Terrace under the viaduct passing the site of the original Hayle Railway station and back under the viaduct once more to serve the once busy wharves. The line was always horse worked. August 1964. Copyright Laurence Hansford.

To read Laurence's tales of his childhood adventures please click here and scroll to item 2025.
Or to see our coverage of the Hayle Harbour or Power Station branch plus the Hayle Railway go to our section on the Hayle area please click here.

Flogging a donkey or two!
David Tozer

It was said that the last day of service for the 143's would be 12th December 2020. Well today, 21st December 2020 two were in service photographed at Polsloe Bridge.

143617/150221 with the 1223 Exmouth to Paignton

143618 on the rear of the 1154 Paignton to Exmouth with 150244.

Even more confusing GWR said yesterday the Exmouth to Paignton service would be reduced to hourly this week. Today it was service as normal.

Dave 

143617/150221 with the 1223 Exmouth to Paignton. Copyright David Tozer

143618 on the rear of the 1154 Paignton to Exmouth with 150244. Copyright David Tozer

Makes life interesting - many thanks Dave.
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Passing traffic at the crossing at
Purton Common Lane
Ken Mumford

37025 [Inverness TMD] heads the 1Q15 Derby - Swansea via Swindon test train at Purton Common Lane Crossing, 22nd December 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford

A little later 37254 heads 1Q15 return working from Swindon to Gloucester. 22nd December 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

The ladies and the horses were gaily decorated at Purton (Collins Lane) crossing. 22nd December 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford. If anybody knows the ladies names - Ken will send on the pictures - good old Ken!

Many thanks Ken for your unusual pictures - well the last one especially. Don't tell Mrs. Mumford.