26th July 2022

Mike Hitchens Collection
Part 2

A Class 47 approaching Redruth with the parcels. Mike Hitchens collection.

MH6 A named 45-46 Passes Carn Brea. Mike Hitchens collection

MH5 45-46 at Camborne-Remember the signal here which often meant that passengers were delayed within sight of the station. Mike Hitchens collection

MH4 Class 45- 46 at Gwinear Road. Mike Hitchens collection

MH7 Class 158 Crossing Hayle Viaduct pre Supermarket days. Mike Hitchens Collection

Thanks Mike

You must look at this.
​North Dorset
​- the S &D 

Dear member,
We thought you might like to see the latest film about the North Dorset Railway – ‘Vision to Reality’ which has recently been uploaded to YouTube and is available on the internet by following this link -
Ep5 Flying The S&D - NORTH DORSET RAILWAY (UK) - Vision to Reality - 4K          (Ep5 Flying the S&D Vision to Reality)

We are very fortunate to have the film maker James as a volunteer and I hope that you will agree that this is a superb and very skilled piece of film making. You may also be interested in his other railway films on his YouTube channel called ‘rail flicks’.
When you have half an hour free, we wish you happy viewing with thanks to James and all those involved in making this film.
Thank you for your support and best wishes
Colin Fisher
NDR Secretary on behalf of the Trustees

Many thanks to you Colin for sending us the link to this remarkable video. As one of the fortunate passengers to travel the S & D on its last day of public service in 1966 I remember Shillingstone well - this and other works under 'Rail Clicks' are very Well Worth Watching

Record Players in Trains
Richard Giles

​Dear Editor,
 A regular reader of your excellent CORNISH RAILWAY SOCIETY website particularly the Latest Input, News, Old Pictures etc. Section I was interested to read the seemingly out of place Record players in cars, Radios in Trains item by authors Rebecca Packer/Keith Jenkin. This immediately reminded me of the 1954 built Mark 1 SO coach 3735 which back in 1973 was converted into a SALOON DISCOTHEQUE (classified SD), with all internal seating removed for the dancefloor. I seem to remember seeing the interior pictured in one of the National Magazines around the time with the usual disco lighting and dancing underway by the participants but c’ant remember if there was a DJ present but back then there would have only been vinyl and possibly cassette (both of which are seeing a current revival, the latter even now having a Top 20 chart!!). The coach only saw three years use in this unusual guise but I did manage to note it on 12th December 1976 condemned at Stoke Cockshute sidings during an official visit. The coach running number which was M2990 which it was carrying when I saw it at Stoke.
 
 Hope of interest and possible use, keep up the good work and well done to all the contributors!
 
Regards, Richard Giles, Clevedon, North Somerset. 

Many thanks for your input Richard and for your appreciation of the website. The website keeps on going with our appreciation to our many contributors such as your good self dropping us a line.
​

Teigngrace
Peter Griffiths

 A pleasant walk along the Stover Canal followed by tea and cake at Locksbridge Tea Garden.
It was disappointing to see Nature gradually reclaiming the adjacent Newton Abbot to Heathfield branch line, now mothballed.

And hard to believe that just a few years ago, class 56 and 66 diesels rumbled through here.

Hopefully of interest.
(Photo dated 23 July 2022)

Kind regards
Peter Griffiths

Teigngrace Mothballed. 22nd July 2022. Copyright Peter Griffiths,

'One can only hope she is not dead, but sleepeth'!
Many thanks Peter - enjoy your tea and cakes.
​

Contributions from Colin
Colin Burges

​Dear Keith,

These pieces may be of interest to your readers:

https://www.teignrail.co.uk/scouting/65-return-to-bridport/

https://www.teignrail.co.uk/scouting/67-vale-of-berkeley/

https://www.teignrail.co.uk/scouting/69-return-from-okehampton-ii/

Best wishes from all at Christow, Colin

These delights from Colin which feature in depth coverage of the various routes and surrounding areas also appear in our Features Section  2227 to 2229.  Many thanks to Colin - he's and expert with the pen and camera.

Different liveries
Bill Elson

As promised a few days ago, I’m resending a couple of photos of pc 43173;
 
a )  at Exeter, in Intercity Swallow livery, dated  10th August, 1996.
 
b ) nr Exeter, in Great Western Trains ‘Merlin’ livery, dated 4th August, 1997, about 6 weeks before its demise in the Southall
     crash of 19th September, 1997.    It was named  Swansea Univercity.
 
Hope they of interest,
 Cheers, Bill  Elston

​

43173, 10th August 1996. Copyright Bill Elston. - Copy

43173, 4th August 1997. Copyright Bill Elston - Copy

Many thanks Bill - hope you enjoyed your holiday.
​

Well out of our area -
Mysterious Pillar
​Alan Mundy

Durham area - mysterious concrete pillar query by Alan Mundy 26th July 2022. Copyright.

​Dear Railway Society,
On a recent walk along an old disused railway line in Durham, my friend came across several of these concrete posts off to the side of the trackbed. Would you be able to shed any light on what might have been their purpose?
Alan Mundy  

Thank you for your query - but it is well outside our area. Does anybody know please.