23rd August 2021

The 'Hanging Judge'
Tim Comer

​Hi, Phil Smiths photo with the driver smiling on the class 33 was Bath Road dvr John Mason, who was also a JP, comically known by some of his colleagues as the hanging judge. Retired Dvr Tim Comer

Driver John Mason smiles at the camera. This is the photograph from Phil Smith asking who is he. He looks a very nice chap indeed.

Thank you for writing in Tim, Perhaps his sentences weren't a severe as suggested by the nickname - I wonder if he knew of his honourary title - I suppose he must have. He looks a good sport.
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Overpainted (1)
Phil Smith

Through the worn paintwork you can just make out traces of the original number. Picture by Phil Smilh. Copyright.

45145 was D128 . It was withdrawn on the 9th Sept 1987 Reinstated 19th Oct 87 Withdrawn at 11.11 on 23rd Feb 1988,  Scrapped    MC Metals Glasgow  Dec 1991.  Copyright Phil Smith. (Most unusual to have the precise time of withdrawal.

Thanks Phil.

Overpainted (2)
Paul Barlow

Damaged paint work 33012 reveals part of it's old number and green paint 2nd February 1980 Copyright Paul Barlow.

 According to Wikipedia 33012 was originally D6515 and subsequently named Lt Jenny Lewis RN.  The loco is operational on the Swanage Railway.

Many thanks Paul.
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Chacewater Station
Query from Michael Webb.

Hello
I’m hoping you can help me. I have an entry from my Great Great Grandfathers Journal.
 
1853 JUNE 11
Having procured a small assortment of Tools, the time of taking a temporary farewell of my wife, children, parents and friends has arrived being the most unpleasant part of the business.
However, the hope of making money and again meeting my family in better circumstances soothes the sorrow of being parted and bidding good bye, I left Chacewater by 7.30 p.m. train soon arrived at Truro.
 
I haven’t been able to find much information regarding this short journey.
My research finds there was a station build at Chacewater in late 1853.
Are you able to provide any detail, or direct me to such a site.
 
Thank you in anticipation of your reply.
Regards
Michael Webb
 

We hope we can help - any answers. The down station building was severely damaged by fire - any dates or information on this please.

I am greatly indebted to Roy Hart in far away Burma who supplied the following information within minutes of the query being inserted on this website. 

Dear Keith,
The West Cornwall Railway from Truro to Penzance opened on 25th August 1852, but not all the stations were available on that date. At first the terminus at Truro was at Higher Town, near Penwithers. In 1853 the railway obtained an Act of parliament authorising an extension to Newham. 
There does not appear to be an official opening date for Chacewater station, but going by public timetables, it opened between 14th December 1853 and April 1854.
As opened, Chacewater was a simple platform on the down side, the line being single track.

Hope this helps. Roy.

50036 'Victorious' passing Chacewater, up service, Easter 1979. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

The above is of course the station building  which replaced the original which was destroyed or severely damaged by fire.  Mr. S.J. Jeffery was a subsequent Station Master prior to closure.