25th March 2022

A significant event at
Bodmin General
Chris Bellett

The freshly refurbished signalbox looking very smart seen on the 23rd March 2022. Copyright and Engineer Chris Bellett.

Hi Keith,
 A significant event took place at the B&WR yesterday (23 March 2022).  At 13.30 hours we signed into commission a revised signalling arrangement that introduced some new signalling facilities and motor operated points, as previously notified.  This was the first major change to the signalling at Bodmin General since the ‘new’ system was installed some 12 years ago.  The work was what we refer to Stage 5 of the eventual scheme to connect in the new Platform No.2.  Next winter will see a further step towards that final commissioning.
 
The photograph shows the Bodmin General lever frame slumbering in the early spring sunshine, freshly painted and awaiting its first passenger train service this coming Sunday, Mother’s Day Sunday, 27 March 2022.
 
Take Care.
 
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer
CRS Member

Many thanks and congratulations Chris - Don't forget that this coming Sunday is Mothers Day.  Free travel for all Mums.
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Truro
Paul Barlow

158959 leaving Truro on 0752 Bristol to Penzance 22 March 2022 Copyright Paul Barlow. A young person watches the Penzance train depart while he sits and waits the Falmouth connection. We also get the benefit of no less than four semaphore section starter signals in one shot.

Very nicely framed and composed - many thanks Paul. 
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Pilning Bank
Phil Smith

47624 seen in the 1980s powering up Pilning bank in the mists of time. Copyright Phil Shattered Smith

Many thanks Phil, keep digging in your bank too.
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A query
CMS 5 or GMS 5
Mark Graham

Hello there,
I wondered if you might be able to offer any assistance in identifying the location in the attached early postcard.
I would estimate that it is pre 1920 and shows a horse drawn tramway cart with the letters CMS 5 on the side (could possibly be GMS but looks more like a C). There is also a steam navvy and it looks like a railway or tramway is being constructed.
There a shortish squat stone tower in the background which looks like the sort of thing found around the Cornish mining industry to my inexpert eye.
There is no information on the back of the postcard but it has a standard British backing of the era.
Any suggestions most welcome.
Kind regards,
Mark Graham 

A Tramway, possibly somewhere in Cornwall - any ideas please. Mark Graham

Many thanks for your query Mark - any ideas anybody?
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An apology
KJ

An apology is due to both Steve Widdowson and to Neil Phillips.  A few weeks ago Steve sent in some superb pictures from a collection of a late signalman  friend Dave Padget and willed to him with a request to ask if  anyone who could furnish more details to go with the pictures. At the same time they were sent to our knowledgeable contact Neil Phillips.  These were placed in our Features section as item 2214,  but at the time incomplete.  Time and a half went by and I’m afraid due to other activities this item wasn’t properly advertised as it should have been. Meantime various pictures got out of order – my very good friend and colleague Roger Winnen has taken it on to at least order this wonderful collection as best he can. If you can help with any other information please do so referencing it to the picture number.
Below are three examples from this feature – please use this link to get to that features section and scroll as necessary. Apologies to all concerned and of course many thanks.
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Peak Laira Jn ~ Dave Pagett ~ S Widdowson collection

W51078 + W59436 + W51106 P587 At Barnstaple. Dave Pagett # S Widdowson collection

D1031 Western Rifleman at Newton Abbot {Milktrain} ~ Dave Pagett ~~ SW collection

I hope you will peruse and enjoy - my apologies to Steve and Neil for the delay and thank to Roger for sorting it out.
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