3rd April 2022

60th Anniversary for
4566
David Cook

I thought that the CRS membership might be interested to know that tomorrow, 3rd April is the 60th Anniversary of 4566 being withdrawn from service at Plymouth Laira (3.4.62) following her transfer from Penzance (September 1961). I make no apology for including the only photograph I have after her withdrawal, one that I think may be buried deep within the CRS website!
 
It was taken by the late Sid Sponheimer who very kindly allowed me to make a copy for my collection. Looking at an enlarged scan on my computer I noticed that there appears to be another 45xx in front of 4566. Does anyone know which one this might be as I assume that it is likely that a CRS member may well have visited Laira at the time and recorded the numbers of withdrawn engines stored pending sale for scrapping.
 
I have in my possession a copy of Traffic Notice No. 319 (Cont’d) which is headed “Sale of Condemned Locomotives for Demolition” (what an interesting description!). It reads as follows:
 
Please note that the following condemned locomotives will be forwarded to Barry Docks via Gloucester on the 3.25am Tavistock Jn. to Swindon as under:
 
5572 ex Laira   -   Friday 20th July
5539 ex St. Blazey   -   Monday 23rd July
4566 ex Laira   -   Tuesday 24th July (this train was hauled by 3854)
5521 ex Laira   -   Wednesday 25th July
 
I am told that the movements of 5539, 4566 & 5521 were witnessed by a friend of the person who sent me this information. At the time I doubt that anyone could have imagined that all of the above engines would survive their stay at Barry and into preservation.
 
Keep up the good work
 
Regards
 
David Cook
(4566 Group)

Plates removed and looking very dejected 4566 at Laira on the withdrawn lines - 3rd April 1962. withdrawn. Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer

4566 enters Nancegollan with an up train on Helston Flora Day 8th May 1957 Copyright the late Jon. Wood Collection

Nancegollan 4566 - Maurice Dart collection

Many thanks for this reminder Cooky - a relief all round.
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Feeling Blue?
Driver Alan Peters

DCR blue liveried 60 028 hurries past Hinksley Yard with the 6Z52 empties Oxford Banbury Yard to Willesden. 30th March 2022. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Pictured at Hinksley Yard on a grey 30th March 2022. Blue liveried 66148 'Maritime Intermodal Seven'. Copyright Drive Alan Peters.

April Fools Day provided DRS blue liveried 57 306 Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate 175 on the Penzance to Paddington night sleeper, the train then works to Reading Traincare for servicing where the loco is seen on the rear of the train.

Alan Peters hopes we are not feeling so blue after seeing this trio.  Many thanks for cheering us up Alan.
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Cogload
Paul Barlow

A down HST relaxes after having topped the climb over Cogload flyover. A nice view from the canal bank. 26th March 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul - looks like a chilly day.
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Redruth
Martin Scane

The 10.43 to Paddington and 10.44 to Penzance both on time at Redruth this morning. (2nd April 2022) I badly wanted the HST to wait another 10 seconds before departing.

Redruth 2nd April 2022. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin - you can't get it 'zactly' as you want it everytime, still a very nice picture with the footbridge outlined by a blue sky.
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At Bristol Temple Meads on arrival. 2nd April 2022. Copyright Martin Scane

On the return run - picture at Bath Spa 3rd April 2022. Copyright Martin Scane

Thanks Martin - a good trip I guess?
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At Combe Jct. 
Andrew and Diane Jones

Photograph 1 Combe ground frame 2 protecting the Moorswater connection. March 2022. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Photograph 2 Combe No 2 Notice on the hut. March 2022. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Photograph 3 Combe Ground frame No 2 Hut March 2022 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Photograph 4 Remains of Combe Platform Loop now providing protection to Moorswater and safe guarding the Looe branch March 2022 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

​A rather sad ending to my recent visit to Combe Junction. Surviving (just) all the rationalisation over the years it does seem that time has caught up for this last bastion of ECLP in East Cornwall.
Road access from the A38 makes this an ideal road/rail loading point but who would use it?
So in this so called enlightened world we live in I wonder if Moorswaters green credentials will be recognised and someone will take it on, only time will tell.

Photograph 5 Looking south from Lamellion over bridge, general layout of Combe platform March 2022 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Photograph 6 Looking north from Lamellion bridge towards Moorswater but for how much longer March 2022 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

At Moorswater 
Andrew and Diane Jones

Photograph 1 We have reached Moorswater where nature has started to take over just months after the last cement

Photograph 2 At Moorswater road crossing rusty rails will it ever see use again boundary sign between rails bottom left of photograph

Photograph 3 A close up of the Boundary sign between rails at Moorswater. March 2022

Photograph 4. Looking north towards loading point and terminus March 2022 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Photograph 5. A relic of the past hidden in the trees at Moorswater. March 2022. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Many thanks to you Andrew and Diane for the above items.  As you say, will there ever be another train to Moorswater - time will tell.
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