2nd June 2021

St Ives branch closure notice
Chris Bellett

Hi Keith,
I suspect we all know the reason for this one:
..................................................................................................

From the Western and Wales Route Weekly Operating Notice WW Week 10

GW690 ST.ERTH TO ST.IVES ENTIRE LINE OF ROUTE FROM 0001 MONDAY 7 JUNE 2021 UNTIL 1200 HOURS ON MONDAY

14 JUNE  2021

The St.Ives single line beyond St.Erth signal SE62 will be temporarily taken out of use. The St.Erth – St.Ives train staff will be retained by the local manager. The associated Local Instructions are suspended during this time.

............................................................................................

Kind Regards,
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer

Many thanks Chris
​

G7 Weather Forecast

The long term weather forecast for 7th to the 14th June is good - fine and dry for the period.

Todays Forecast - Railtour timings. 
However the forecast for today when a railtour double headed by class 47's  is due down from Wolverhampton was not good - rain - plus thunder. The railtour is due to pass Redruth at 12.31 on the way to Penznce and return passing Redruth at 15.26. Arrive Penzance 12.59 Depart 15.00.  However forecast is now better - have a good day.
N.B; Heavy rain started at Redruth at 06.15.
                             Photographs to Roger please.

​

Changes at the the Westbury Holding sidings. Westbury
Alan Peters

Changes are taking place on the holding sidings at Westbury (The former loco depot) the area was occupied by Colas Rail with porta cabins and fuel point, however this has now been cleared and the fuel point moved to expose the former rails of the depot which in turn have been dug up to relay two new sidings, it is unclear if these are additional yard sidings or expansion for GWR stabling.  Driver Alan Peters

Alan Peters

Colas 70815 sits on the block of the holding siding at Westbury in company with another class 70 and class 66 on 27/05/21, this road is used exclusively by Colas Rail for stabling of their locomotives, note the fuel facilities have been relocated and can be seen to the right of the locomotives. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Looking like a new double track mainline, these are the recently laid sidings at Westbury where the Colas Rail porta cabins and fuelling point were situated on the former Westbury loco depot on 27th May 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Going back nearly a year. Westbury holding sidings holding sidings at Westbury when 37025 visited for fuel complete with test train on 16th July 2020. Copyright Alan Peters

Westbury holding sidings 4 holding sidings at Westbury the same area on the 27th May 2021 when the new sidings were being prepared. Copyright Alan Peters

Many Thanks Alan.
​

Cheesewring Quarry
Andrew and Diane Jones

Dear Keith and Valerie,
Please find attached 3 photographs of Cheesering Quarry today (1st June 2021) near Minions on Bodmin Moor, owned by the Duchy of Cornwall.
Once connected to an extensive railway network, a few rails still exist. Although difficult to illustrate, the remaining rails in the quarry formed a set of points. (please see photographs)
Unfortunately some re working of the quarry in the 1980’s removed a number of relics including a crane.
The quarry opened in 1845 and was famous for supplying a 22 feet granite column for the Great Exhibition of 1851, it also supplied all the granite sets for the Liskeard and Caradon Railway. The granite cladding for Tower Bridge was also quarried there.
Working ceased in the early part of the 20th century.
Best wishes Andrew and Diane

Cheesering 1 1st June 2021 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Cheesering2 1 st June 2021 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Cheesering3 1st June 2021 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Many thanks Andrew and Diane - keep safe.
​