2nd October 2020

Ex Penlee Quarry Locomotives at Bromyard
Tim Ratcliffe

In 1962 Three locomotives were purchased from MacSalvors at Pool Redruth by A.R.C. (South Western) these being Ruston & Hornsby 2' gauge. Numbers LM 30 229656 of 1944 was  ex Malvern Works in September 1961 and earlier at St Keverne Quarries.  LM 44 (Yard no AD 574) 246793 of 1947 & LM 45 (Yard no AD 573) 213848 of 1942 The later two being purchased from the Admiralty.
On the closure of the rail system at Penlee Quarry on 31st July 1972 these engines were sold to W Morris, Bromyard & Linton Light Railway, Herefordshire in June 1975.
Below are photographs taken of the removal of these engines, 229656 being purchased by Tim Ratcliffe for preservation at the Leighton  Buzzard Narrow Gauge Light Railway of which we are extremely grateful for these photographs.

Dear Sirs,

My enquiry relates to the history of this particular locomotive, and as there is a picture of it in Maurice Dart's book Images of Industrial and Narrow Gauge Railways - Cornwall, I wondered if this message could be forwarded to him if no one in the society already knows the answer. I see that Mr Dart's address is displayed on one of your previous web pages, however I feel it more appropriate to contact him through yourselves.

When I purchased this locomotive in 2012 and moved it to the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway in Bedfordshire, I was told by the previous owner that this loco was the one that had been washed into the sea during the great 'Ash Wednesday' storm of March 1962. I wondered if there was any way of confirming this please? I know that another Ruston loco fell off the end of the pier and into the sea, but this was one of the larger Rustons - 200748, and much later on.

The locomotive has now been dismantled, and the chassis has been sent away to be shot blasted this very week, Although progress is being made, it is likely that restoration will still take a very long time. The photo shows the chassis at the time it was dismantled - now some 5 years ago. Note the Fruedenstein is visible in the background!

Thank you in advance for any assistance in this.

Regards - Tim Ratcliffe - Society Officer - Museum Fleet I/C Locomotives, LBNGR  

The restoration of RH 229656 taking place, in the background is the well tank 'Penlee' which stood on a plinth at the Quarry for many years. Copyright Tim Ratcliffe

Hello Tim
I have just spoken to Maurice Dart who has confirmed that this engine was one of those effected by thr Ash Wednesday Storm at Newlyn in March 1962 of which I can remember to this day whilst working at the Dry Dock in Penzance   Maurice tells me that he paid a visit to W  Morris, Bromyard & Linton Light Railway some years ago and photographed the engines.
Roger Winnen

All photographs are the Copyright of Tim Ratcliffe

This photograph is the Copyright of Tim Ratcliffe

This photograph is the Copyright of Tim Ratcliffe

This photograph is the Copyright of Tim Ratcliffe

This photograph is the Copyright of Tim Ratcliffe

This photograph is the Copyright of Tim Ratcliffe

This photograph is the Copyright of Tim Ratcliffe

 All of the locos were parked on a short section of unconnected track next to the running line for many years, with no access for lifting equipment. Various pictures taken over the years show the trees and bushes gradually getting higher and higher. The solution devised was to jack one up sufficiently to allow two substantial beams to be placed under each end with rollers to traverse the loco across to a position above the running line. After this the loco was raised up on a cradle of sleepers either side of the track so that a flat wagon could be pushed underneath. The loco was then jacked down until it was securely in place on the wagon. An alternative method evolved to first jack the loco up to the required height and then roll it across onto the wagon - it was much the same. I remember several very hot and sweaty Sundays in June and July recovering each of the three locos on a different day. RH229656 was moved down the line on it's wagon on the 7th July - the same day as Andy Murray was winning the Men's Singles at Wimbledon.

The last part of the exercise did require a crane as the locos had to be flown over a fence and onto the waiting transport - this was on the 12th August.

Regards - Tim

Many Thanks for your Information & Photographs of the ex Penlee Quarry Engines

GWR Diversions
Bill Elston

I was out along the ex-LSWR line today, photographing diverted IETs. ( for my sins ).
Regards Bill.

Photo 1, Yeovil Jct, 802102 on 1A80 Plymouth – Pad, passing 800309 on 1C74 Pad – Ply. at around 1115. 1st October 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

Photo 2, Broom level crossing, near Axminster, 802110 on 1A82 Ply – Pad, heading away towards Chard Jct. 1st October 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

Photo 3, Axe Farm L C ,800310 on1C78 Pad – Ply, heading towards Axminster. 1st October 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

Photo 4, North Perrott Wood Lane bridge, 802101 on 1C82, Pad – Ply, heading towards Crewkerne. 1st October 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill