24th August 2021

Up and running!
Re Roger Winnen

You will all be pleased to know that Roger entered Hayle Hostpital for 'Heavy Maintenance'  a new knee joint -this morning 24th August.  At 16.30 he was reported to be sitting up having and having a cup of tea - we wish him a speedy recovery. (But no running for a while)

New IET Naming
Cornwall Live

Foodbank champion and a tireless teenager charity fundraiser have had a train named after them in recognition of their amazing selflessness and dedication. Don Gardner, founder of the Camborne Foodbank and Kieron Griffin, from St Newlyn East near Newquay, Cornwall, had a GWR train named after them.

How nice and congratulations.
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A view from 
Carn Brea
Chris Harvey

Please find attached another shot from the archives! Here is the view looking west towards Camborne from Carn Brea on 8th August 2015. Almost lost in the landscape is the rear power car of the 0818 Plymouth - Penzance, running west away from the camera. St Ives is in the far right background.

Best Regards,
Chris  Harvey. Bodmin

A view from Carn Brea 8th August 2015 Copyright Chris Harvey.

Many thanks Chris. The views obtained from the top of Carn Brea are indeed rewarding however the reduced resolution via the Weebly link ay make it difficult to spot the 'Castle Class' HST crossing the Brea embankment in the centre of the pictures.

A collection from
Cogload
Bill Elston

I paid Cogload a visit today (23rd August 2021), for the first time in ages, and attach the following four photos.

Hope they are of interest, Cheers. Bill Elston

1) 43092, with 43155 on a Cardiff - Penzance working, 23rd August 22rd August 2021, Copyright Bill Elston.

2) 43207, with 43366 on 1V44 Leeds - Plymouth. 23rd August 2021. Copyright Bill Elston.

3) 66561 on 0835 Fairwater-Westbury trip, running almost 2 hours late, 23rd August 2021. Copyright Bill Elston.

4) 66522 on Fairwater - Doncaster wood yard spent sleeper train running about 75 mins late.. 23rd August 2021. Copyright Bill Elston.

A welcome return. Many thanks Bill.
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Vintage
Stoke Canon
Paul Barlow

45126 approaches Stoke Canon with the 0800 Newcastle to Newquay 1V84 1st September 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.
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Test train at Honiton
Andrew Hickson

A couple of photos at Honiton of 950001 on today's 0351 Derby to Laira.
Andrew  Hickson

Test train at Honiton. 23rd August 2021. Copyright Andrew Hickson

A second view of the Test train at Honiton. 23rd August 2021. Copyright Andrew Hickson

Test train at Pinhoe
Keith Turley

On 23rd August 2021, Network Rail class 150 DMU No.950001
passes Pinhoe station on the former LSWR main line, working the 2Q08 03:51 Derby RTC (Network Rail) to Plymouth Laira T&RSMD. via Westbury Yeovil Junc. and Honiton, Network Rail test train.
Regards Keith Turley.

Pinhoe Test Train. 23rd August 2021 Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks Keith.
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More pertinent dates
Chacewater
Roy Hart

A second (i.e. up) platform came in 1888, along with a crossing loop and signal box.

The line to Scorrier was doubled in 1902; that to Truro in 1914.

The Perranporth branch opened in 1903, but as the junction was at Blackwater, Chacewater station was unchanged

I n 1912 a new up island platform was provided, to hold up Perranporth trains and to enable branch trains to terminate if required. A new signal box was provided at the same time.

1924: branch extended as independent line into Chacewater and triangle at Blackwater abolished.

The rather mean little station building on the down side (probably the original) burned down in 1956 and was rebuilt.

Branch closed 4 Feb 1963; station closed 5 Oct 1964; box closed 12 June 1977.

That's about all, I think!

Roy

- And now you have it - many thanks Roy.
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On departure from
Chacewater 
Michael Webb

Following on from the original inquiry from Michael Webb a couple of days ago - see news. I asked him if he had any more information. He replied as below from LOCKED DOWN Sydney. So Many thanks to you Michael - may you soon come out of lock down. In years to come anybody will wonder about the dreadful  virus was all about!!

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.
 

An up to date reply from Michael Webb - 
​
​Hi Keith
Thanks so much for that information…..exactly what I was looking for….. and Roy also.
 
I am in Sydney…locked down!!!!
 
His tools were for his trade, a mining Captain.
His departure was to Quebec in the hope of finding minerals there for the British American Land Company (BALC).
From Truro he travelled by coach to Plymouth and then train to London.
From Euston Station by train to Liverpool and then steam ship to New York.
A fascinating travelogue.
Regards
Michael Webb

What an interesting yet dreadful journey into the unknown. Many thanks to you Michael.