23rd March 2022

23/3/2022

All Change on the approach to Camborne Station
Roger Winnen

As you can see on the photographs below the tree loppers have been felling trees in the vacinity of Camborne Station

220323a The 11.50 Penzance to Plymouth crosses under the Pendarvas Road Bridge at Camborne. Copyright Roger Winnen

220323b The 07.52 158 service from Bristol departs Camborne for Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

220323c The 06.37 IET Paddington to Penzance departs Camborne. Copyright Roger Winnen

220323d The view from the other side of the bridge with Blaythorne Social Club formally Holmans Social Club on the right. Copyright Roger Winnen

Two from Liskeard
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, Hope you are well ,very exciting to see the two DCR 60s down your way and well covered on the site. I attach a picture taken by Michael Adams at Liskeard on 8 August 1986 showing 47245 on a down mixed freight. Copyright Michael Adams

We now see the Down Riviera Express with 43035 leading the way,nicely framed by the signals. Thanks, all the best. Copyright Michael Adams

Many Thanks Michael

Combe Jct. Pt 1
Andrew and Diane Jones

Diane had an appointment in Liskeard today which just gave me time to witness the ex Looe 10.08, non stop service to Liskeard. Its stated that coombe junction is a 600 yard walk from Liskeard station, what they don’t tell you is that the hill leading down to Combe is very steep and certainly not feasible at my age, so luckily I had the car.
There are few places so enchanting as Combe Junction on the Liskeard to Looe branch line.
Although devoid of its picturesque signal box it wouldn’t take much imagination to travel back in time.
The ‘Titfield Thunderbolt’ could easily have been filmed here on this lazy outpost of the GWR, overlooked by mainline trains from the lofty viaduct at the head of the valley.
In part one of this article, I have illustrated the reversal procedure, having descended the almost perfect horseshoe and lost considerable height from Liskeard Station the modern day guard has to climb down from the DMU, notify by phone the signal box at Liskeard and proceed to unlock the ground frame with the branch token, although a fairly relaxed procedure, in the teeth of a gale I should think it isn’t much fun!
The lady guard reminds me of the time when class 37’s ruled the day on the clays at Moorswater, and being quite taken back by a female driver (something unusual at the time),who climbed down from the cab in a rather short skirt and managed somehow to maintain her modesty!

Regards - Andrew.

Photograph 1 DMU 150221 working the 10.08 non stop service to Liskeard at Combe Junction 21st March 2022 Copyright Andrew Jones.

Photograph 2 The guard about to phone Liskeard signalbox 10.08 service 21st March 2022 Copyright Andrew Jones.

Photograph 3 Unlocking the ground frame at Combe Junction with branch token clearly visible 21st March 2022 Copyright Andrew Jones.

Photograph 4 150221 pulls forward through the occupation crossing but short of Combe Junction platform 21st March 2022 Copyright Andrew Jones.

Photograph 5 The rather striking Dartmoor Line graphics on the side of 150221 waiting reversal at Combe Junction 21st March 2022 Copyright Andrew Jones.

Photograph 6 150221 having reversed now on the rear climbs up to Liskeard on the 10.08 service 21st March 2022. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Many thanks Andrew - making good use of spare time - hope Diane is okay.

Spring in the air
Craig Munday

I was around the Truro - St Austell corridor recently following some issues there on 17th and took some pictures of the castle sets in their glory amongst the backdrop just beginning to bud.
66176 our old "friend" from 2014 has also visited. This was our loco marooned by the Dawlish washout and remained on the CDA circuit for an exceptional time. Nice to see it back, still in the same livery as then!

A set passing Scorrier was also recorded.

The 18th saw me at Par with glorious light all day. Some westbound trains were photographed in the afternoon sunshine.

Out on nights, the Night Riviera was spotted at St Austell with DRS liveried 57306 on the job.

Castle set 43198 at Scorrier 17th March 2022. Copyright Criag Munday

66176 Treviscoe 6C53 17th March 2022 Copyright Craig Munday.

Full House at Par 17th March 2022. Copyright Craig Munday.

43041 crossing Fal Viaduct 18th March 2022. Copyright Craig Munday.

Castle set Dowgas 18th March 2022. Copyright Craig Munday.

57306 on the 1A50 at St Austell 20th March 2022 Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig for your colourful March collection.

Almost complete -
Bodmin General
Chris Bellett

Hi Keith,
Attached are the latest site photographs of the continuing rebuild of Bodmin General bridge Nos.13A and 13B. I understand that the work will be completed, and Beacon Road reopened, on Wednesday 23 March 2022, today.
Take care.
Chris Bellett, Retired S&T Engineer, CRS Member

Many thanks Chris - let services commence!

It's a lovely day so lets go to
St Ives
Mark Lynam

Good evening Keith/Roger,

Below are a few photos taken on the St Ives branch from last Friday 18th March in the afternoon spring sunshine.

Thanks,
Mark Lynam

All pictures copyright Mark Lynam.