Exminster today
David Tozer
David Tozer
St Phillips Marsh, Bristol has only two three car Class 165's on its allocation which appear to be rotated with other Reading units. Today 165101 has appeared on the Exmouth to Paignton circuit. Unit 165101 is photographed at Exminster with the 1123 Exmouth to Paignton. Copyright David Tozer
Many thanks David
The proposed 'Metro Link'
Newquay to Falmouth
Andrew & Diane Jones
Newquay to Falmouth
Andrew & Diane Jones
I came across this article yesterday headed new proposed direct rail link from Newquay to Falmouth called ‘Metro Link’. Well I thought at last the missing link between St Dennis Junction and Parkandillick is to be restored, however think again!
When you mix politicians with railways you know things are not going to end well.
Apparently a bid is being made under the ‘Governments levelling up fund’ (LUF) to provide a coast to coast route, which is erroneously being labelled a new direct route.
A number of local MP’s have signed up to this, but it becomes clear that a part from some suggested
passing loops this whole proposal is in my opinion just a paper exercise.
I wonder if there has been any investigation in to who would use a through route from Newquay to Falmouth as this is already available using some well placed connections.
I have attached google earth photographs of the missing link at Parkendillick and the proximity of the A30 to St Dennis Junction.
Surely opening up the freight branch, would genuineingly provide a more direct route and serve the communities of St Dennis and Nanpean and Foxhole, which are all deprived areas. Obviously a short section of railway would need to be reinstated and some upgrading of existing track, but with freight usage at an all time low this could easily be achieved.
The other proposal would be to provide Park and Ride from St Dennis Junction to Newquay which would alleviate congestion in Newquay and the adjoining roads.
There is a huge tract of wasteland available for parking and the infrastructure costs would be minimal.
Hopefully this unfortunate national strike doesn’t kill off our remaining clay traffic to Fowey, which has been on a knife edge for years. The frustration at seeing our once environmentally integrated rail system slowly withering is hard to swallow, so at the risk of sounding like my granny, its time for the railways and government to take a hard look at what its trying to achieve!
Very best wishes Andrew
When you mix politicians with railways you know things are not going to end well.
Apparently a bid is being made under the ‘Governments levelling up fund’ (LUF) to provide a coast to coast route, which is erroneously being labelled a new direct route.
A number of local MP’s have signed up to this, but it becomes clear that a part from some suggested
passing loops this whole proposal is in my opinion just a paper exercise.
I wonder if there has been any investigation in to who would use a through route from Newquay to Falmouth as this is already available using some well placed connections.
I have attached google earth photographs of the missing link at Parkendillick and the proximity of the A30 to St Dennis Junction.
Surely opening up the freight branch, would genuineingly provide a more direct route and serve the communities of St Dennis and Nanpean and Foxhole, which are all deprived areas. Obviously a short section of railway would need to be reinstated and some upgrading of existing track, but with freight usage at an all time low this could easily be achieved.
The other proposal would be to provide Park and Ride from St Dennis Junction to Newquay which would alleviate congestion in Newquay and the adjoining roads.
There is a huge tract of wasteland available for parking and the infrastructure costs would be minimal.
Hopefully this unfortunate national strike doesn’t kill off our remaining clay traffic to Fowey, which has been on a knife edge for years. The frustration at seeing our once environmentally integrated rail system slowly withering is hard to swallow, so at the risk of sounding like my granny, its time for the railways and government to take a hard look at what its trying to achieve!
Very best wishes Andrew
The missing link from the A30 St Dennis junction and Bodella with available trackbed in good condition. Courtesy Google Earth.
The site of St Dennis Junction and the A30 with ample space for a large carpark and potential large income stream. Courtesy Google Earth.
Parkandillack - An incident at the current end of the line. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Parkindillack Late 1970s Steam Crane in operation. 006 Photograph by Fred Elton. Roger Winnen Collection
Many thanks Andrew - my opinions of this are as yours - KJ
Class 50s at Bristol
Michael Adams
Michael Adams
Hello Roger, Thanks for dealing with the last pictures, here are two more from Michael Adams ,the first showing 50013 ‘Agincourt’ with the 14.00 Penzance to Birmingham on 1 August 1981. Copyright Michael Adams
Now we see 50024 ‘Vanguard’ with the 10.23 Manchester to Plymouth on 23 December 1981. Copyright Michael Adams
Thanks Michael
33's Nr Honiton
Clive Nye
Clive Nye
33 056+33 101 near Honiton with the 33.55 Exeter St Davids to Brighton. on 19th August 1978. Copyright Clive Nye.
Many thanks Clive.