3rd November 2020

 Ponsandane Goods Depot
Roger Winnen

This goods depot was built in 1938 replacing one situated at the Penzance  Station then under reconstruction, enlargement and reclaimation on the seaward side. This photograph was taken in 1976 just prior to the building of the HST Depot at Long Rock. Ponsandane Goods Shed last into the mid 1980s, Holmans Dry Dock rented out the building in 1985 to undertake work on M.O.D. pontoons brought down from Marchwood by rail to Truro then road transport to Ponsandane. 7029 Clun Castle was involved with this at Truro as she shunted the rolling stock in Truro yard prior to departing with the return journey of the Great Western 150 celebration WR railtour. In the late 1980s demolition took place of the Goods Depot and today Morrisons Supermarket operate from the site.

The Comings and Goings at Exminster
David Tozer

David says

A final couple of photo, possibly until I am released from the confines of lockdown in my local area.
The flask train with 66301 and 66304 on route from Devonport Royal Dockyard to Crewe Coal Sidings
 

Photographs Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Castle to Newquay
Mark Lynam

Good afternoon,
Today the Newquay branch is being worked by 43189+43092 on a Castle Set vice 150, being the only to work to Newquay so far this year.
Thanks,
Mark Lynam

43189 at the buffer end at Newquay. It's 13.10 on the 2nd November 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam .

43092 ready to make the return run on a bright and breezy day. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark.

Castle to Newquay 
Richard Curtis

Good morning Keith,
Whilst busy laying out new ballast for the Little Western Railway in Trenance park (that’s another story for another time). I was surprised after a heard the sound of a horn with a train approaching the foot crossing at the top of wildflower land before the Trenance viaduct that there were a considerable more number of wheel sets coming toward me than the normal 2 car unit that I’ve been used to seeing. It was in fact a GWR Castle set, unfortunately I’m to far away to get a look at numbers and names, but the red names plates definitely stand out. Unfortunately my phone was in the workshop, I then went and retrieved my phone to await for the set to return to Par. Just as it did at 10.24 the sun came out from behind a cloud and gave me no time to get to a better spot. I’d be interested to know if this is due to a rolling stock shortage, crew training or if this is to be more of a regular occurrence. Attached is a poor picture but the best of a bad bunch.
Kind regards, Richard 

The 10.24 from Newquay viewed from Edgcumbe venue. Copyright Richard Curtis.

Many thanks Richard, well caught. Can anybody answer his questions please?

40 years apart at
Exeter Central
Paul Barlow

Hello Keith, Another before and after, this time at Exeter Central. Almost 40 years between the pictures.
Hope all is well
All the best,  Paul Barlow 

Exeter Central in 1980 33017 arrives at Exeter Central on the 09.20 Brighton to Exeter. It's the 1st November 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Exeter Central Almost 40 years later, the nearest I could get to the same position, note chain link fencing on extreme right. Copyright Paul Barlow.

I know which picture I prefer, but many thanks indeed, well done Paul.

Weymouth
Tramway Demolition
John Smerdon & Fred Fame

Good afternoon Keith, Yesterday (1st November 2020) my daughter and family went to Weymouth. My son in law, Fred Fane, took the opportunity to take some more pictures on my behalf of the tramway track removal. The contractors are progressing quickly and have removed the track all along Commercial Road to a short distance beyond the Debenhams store and close to the multi-storey car park. It will not be long before they leave Commercial Road and enter Cosens Quay car park beside the southern end of the marina. Please feel free to use whatever photos you like for your feature. If lockdown permits I will try and return next week and get some pictures as they progress towards Town Bridge and along Customs House Quay.
 Regards,  John Smerdon 

Commercial Road looking north 1st November 2020 Copyright Fred Fane

Looking south along Commercial Road after resurfacing. 1st November 2020 Copyright Fred Fane

Outside Debenhams store. 1st November 2020 Copyright Fred Fane.

Looking south towards Cosens Quay car park beside marina. 1st November 2020 Copyright Fred Fane.

Many thanks to you John and to Fred Fane for your efforts to follow the tramways destruction. One hopes this series of photos can continue despite the Lockdown but if not - sobeit.  Take care everyone, keep safe.There are many more pictures in the Features July to December section item 2023.