Tanker Trains at Eastleigh
Michael Forward
Michael Forward
Here is the first ,of two, taken at Eastleigh on 6 April 2000 and shows 66181—then only about four months old—taking a few tanks down to Fawley.it returned later with a full length train for Washwood Heath. Copyright Michael Forward
Also on 6 April 2000 we see 60047 with 66161,dead in tow, with the 10.34 from Fawley to Margam. Copyright Michael Forward
Many Thanks Michael
Reflections on activity at
Boscarne and Par
Andrew and Diane Jones
Boscarne and Par
Andrew and Diane Jones
Each day that goes by seems to get more and more complicated, if only we could all be whisked back to the 1980’s!
Please find a collection of photographs from 1983 and 2005.
Boscarne Junction still had an air of years long gone when I visited in 1983, only a few weeks before closure. I have included a close up of the wonderful and simple English Clays Lovering and Pochin logo adorning the clay hoods which was very much the order of the day in my child hood.
Unfortunately the Wenfordbridge branch line suffered from the introduction of the CDA wagons which made the clay hoods redundant.
Clay was still being produced on Bodmin Moor when the line closed and we had to endure many replacement large lorry movements until the pits closed in the early 2000’s.
Moving on, I have included photographs of Par Docks and Par Moor in 2005, the rails had been concreted over in the vicinity of the docks but much of the clay infrastructure was still in use and even in 2005 ‘Western Excavating’ logo’s and ‘ECC International’ logo’s, companies closed during the French takeover could still be seen. The four stack rotary dryer which for decades was a landmark for many miles is smoking away. (again long gone!).
Par Docks was rail connected to the processing dryers at Par Moor, but due to a very low bridge under the main road it required the use of two WG Bagnall shunters named ‘Alfred and Judy’ adapted with lowered cabs.
Par Moor was a substantial complex and I have attached photographs of the dryers and proximity to the mainline. Rails were embedded in the concrete and much of the redundant equipment was still in place, even in 2005.
As the years go by more and more of the Clay industry’s heritage disappears and although at the time I considered if it was particularly interesting, I am very glad I continued to operate the camera.
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane
Please find a collection of photographs from 1983 and 2005.
Boscarne Junction still had an air of years long gone when I visited in 1983, only a few weeks before closure. I have included a close up of the wonderful and simple English Clays Lovering and Pochin logo adorning the clay hoods which was very much the order of the day in my child hood.
Unfortunately the Wenfordbridge branch line suffered from the introduction of the CDA wagons which made the clay hoods redundant.
Clay was still being produced on Bodmin Moor when the line closed and we had to endure many replacement large lorry movements until the pits closed in the early 2000’s.
Moving on, I have included photographs of Par Docks and Par Moor in 2005, the rails had been concreted over in the vicinity of the docks but much of the clay infrastructure was still in use and even in 2005 ‘Western Excavating’ logo’s and ‘ECC International’ logo’s, companies closed during the French takeover could still be seen. The four stack rotary dryer which for decades was a landmark for many miles is smoking away. (again long gone!).
Par Docks was rail connected to the processing dryers at Par Moor, but due to a very low bridge under the main road it required the use of two WG Bagnall shunters named ‘Alfred and Judy’ adapted with lowered cabs.
Par Moor was a substantial complex and I have attached photographs of the dryers and proximity to the mainline. Rails were embedded in the concrete and much of the redundant equipment was still in place, even in 2005.
As the years go by more and more of the Clay industry’s heritage disappears and although at the time I considered if it was particularly interesting, I am very glad I continued to operate the camera.
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane
Photograph 1 Boscarne Junction the last few weeks 1983. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones
Photograph 2 Boscarne junction hoods with the ECLP logo 1983. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones
Photograph 3 Par Docks showing proximity of the Cornwall mainline and working chimney 2005. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones
Photograph 4 Par Docks the ECC international logo formed from the original ECLP logo. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones
Photograph 5 Par Moor trackwork last used in steam days by Alfred and Judy resident shunters. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones
Photograph 6 Par Moor abandoned furnace 2005. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones
Many thanks indeed Andrew, memories and photographs of bygone days at Boscarne and Par.
Demolition of Plymouths
St Leven Viaduct
Paul Barlow
St Leven Viaduct
Paul Barlow
St Leven Viaduct Plymouth demolition viewed from a passing train. 30th August 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow. Note scaffolding already obscures the right hand side of the viaduct.
Demolition of St Leven viaduct in Plymouth.12th October 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Demolition of St Leven viaduct Plymouth. 12th October 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.
St Leven viaduct demolition - quite a remarkable view from, close by, Ford Station site. Plymouth. 12th October 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.
The demolition of St Leven viaduct - a view from the Devonport side. Plymouth 12th October 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul for your collection of pictures of this now almost forgotten viaduct.
Track Clearance at
Marsh Mills
Ben Warren
Marsh Mills
Ben Warren
Whilst down there today I noticed the ECC clay line next to us has been really cut back. So I’ve took some pictures of a view you don’t often see of the China Clay branch. Only mobile pictures I’m afraid as I didn’t have my camera. The pictures are taken from the Plym Valley Railway Platform 2 of work in progress down towards the level crossing. Don’t know how long it will be now until that part gets taken up too now.
I'm sure you know that the Lostwithiel yard was taken up recently. We’ve been very fortunate to been donated some points and buffer stops that will help us massively.
Kind regards, Ben Warren.
I'm sure you know that the Lostwithiel yard was taken up recently. We’ve been very fortunate to been donated some points and buffer stops that will help us massively.
Kind regards, Ben Warren.
Marsh Mills track 1 Viewed from plat 2 Plym Valley Rly. 28th February Copyright Ben Warren
Marsh Mills track 2 Viewed from plat 2 Plym Valley Rly. 28th February Copyright Ben Warren
Marsh Mills track 3 Viewed from plat 2 Plym Valley Rly. 28th February Copyright Ben Warren
Marsh Mills track 4 Viewed from plat 2 Plym Valley Rly. 28th February Copyright Ben Warren
Thank you Ben, does anybody know why the former branch has been carefully cleared, surely not just for track recovery?