Maurice Dart
It is with great regret that we announce the death of Maurice Dart, age 92, who died on Tuesday 2nd April 2024.
He was a member of the Cornwall Railway Society and was one of the old guard of the railway enthusiast world.
Maurice wrote many books over the years, together with arranging many walks and visits over Branch Lines around Cornwall and farther afield.
He will be truly missed.
RIP Maurice
It is with great regret that we announce the death of Maurice Dart, age 92, who died on Tuesday 2nd April 2024.
He was a member of the Cornwall Railway Society and was one of the old guard of the railway enthusiast world.
Maurice wrote many books over the years, together with arranging many walks and visits over Branch Lines around Cornwall and farther afield.
He will be truly missed.
RIP Maurice
Grateful thanks to Philip Hawke.
I was saddened to hear of Maurice's passing. I took the attached image showing Maurice in his element (and the elements). After he had captured the shots he wanted, I gave him a lift from Par back to St. Austell. Train details are: 19910605_14:00hrs_Par_Station_50008+DB999506 Regards Julian Stephens
In memory of Maurice Dart that passed away on Tuesday Here with the CRS &Branch Line Society on our China Clay outing in 22/11/2013 Roger Salter & Roger Winnen
Looe branch modernisation
Peter Murnaghan
Hi,
Following the installation of Locally Controlled Barriers at Lodge Farm crossing, I can report that the un-gated level crossing at Terras Bridge has now been upgraded in the same way. No longer does every train need to stop at the crossing, sound the horn and proceed across the road at walking pace. The new arrangement at this popular picturesque location is undoubtedly safer and this was perhaps the last un-gated crossing over a public road, in the South West - unless anybody knows otherwise.
My 'before' picture of 150 261 was taken is September 2022 and the 'after' pictures show 150 249 on 3rd April 2024.
Best wishes,
Peter
Following the installation of Locally Controlled Barriers at Lodge Farm crossing, I can report that the un-gated level crossing at Terras Bridge has now been upgraded in the same way. No longer does every train need to stop at the crossing, sound the horn and proceed across the road at walking pace. The new arrangement at this popular picturesque location is undoubtedly safer and this was perhaps the last un-gated crossing over a public road, in the South West - unless anybody knows otherwise.
My 'before' picture of 150 261 was taken is September 2022 and the 'after' pictures show 150 249 on 3rd April 2024.
Best wishes,
Peter
Terras Bridge crossing sans-barriers in September 2022. Copyright Peter Murnaghan
The same angle on 3rd April 2024 as 150 249 crosses the road. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.
Details of the signage visible to road users before they reach the crossing. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.
Many thanks Peter, although the old crossing was rather charming, it's good to see money being spent and upgrades being put in place on our branch lines.
The St Ives Branch on Easter Monday
Roger Winnen
Roger Winnen
240401f St Erth Station looking westbound. Copyright Roger Winnen
240401g The 05.40 Bristol to Penzance service arrives at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen
240401h Departing St Erth climbing to Arch Lane Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen
240401i Deep foundations being built for the new St Erth Footbridge which includes a lift. Copyright Roger Winnen
240401j A replacement bus operattes a service linking the car park on the south side of the line to the station car park alongside the St Ives Branch platform. Copyright Roger Winnen
240401k Crowds awaiting for the 10.18 service to St Ives. Copyright Roger Winnen
240401l The FGW Blue livery 150219 makes up half the train. Copyright Roger Winnen
240401m Passing through Lelant Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
240401n St Ives Station car park. This whole area was used by the railway into the early 1970s. Copyright Roger Winnen
240401o The 11.03 service to St Erth departs St Ives, to the left of the train the former Engine Shed stood.to the end of steam Copyright Roger Winnen
240401p A view of St Ives from the first overbridge on the line. Copyright Roger Winnen
240401q 150219 at Carbis Bay Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
240401r Lookiing down from the road overbridge at Carbis Bay which was a venue for local Sunday School Excursions down to the beach. Copyright Roger Winnen
240401s 150219 Departing Carbis Bay for St Erth Copyright Roger Winnen
240401t Carbis Bay nicely picked out alongside the station platform. Copyright Roger Winnen
Lunchtime at Par
Jon Hird
I spent 25 minutes in the Par area today (03.04.24) at lunchtime, and was rewarded with the below photographs, including both freight trains in operation in the area.
66130 had just arrived from Treviscoe and had reversed into Chapel Siding. The armless 'up' bracket signal still standing. 03.04.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
43092 departs for Penzance passing the former signal box. Copyright Jon Hird.
Next I had planned to head to Treesmill, but made a last minute decision to visit a location I hadn't been to for about 20 years, Tywardreath. Sadly the path I had previously used to get to 'the shot' seems to have vanished (or I've just forgotten where it is!) and the only route I could see to where I wanted to be was through a field full of sheep. I was close enough, and the wind speed low enough, to send the drone off to do the work though, so off that went. I watched a GWR IET unit climb the hill racing the shadows of the patchy clouds up above and I wasn't holding much hope of getting the next train in sunshine. Copyright Jon Hird.
Shortly after the IET has passed, I heard the familiar sound of a GM engine winding up as a '66' started the climb up the bank. The clouds parted and just 4 minutes after the previous photo, I took this one of 66101 with 13 JIA's in tow working 6G09, the 12:30 Goonbarrow - Fowey internal clay train. Copyright Jon Hird.
Sending the drone up to 70m and spinning it around netted this view of the line stretching away towards Treesmill and Stoneybridge overbridges as the 66 continues its slog towards the summit at Treverrin Tunnel. Copyright Jon Hird.
Swindon Specials
Colin Pidgeon & Ken Mumford
5Q49 [Bicester MOD to Lydney Up Goods Loop] with locomotives 37901 'Mirless Pioneer' toping ex-Heathrow Connect coaches with 37611 'Denise' on the rear, crosses from the Down Main on the eastern appriach to Swindon station to get to the platform 3 from the western end it will branch off to the right up what is often referred to as the Gloucester branch. 02.04.2024, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
The same train approachng Purton Common foot crossing and then heading away north towards Kemble and Gloucester where it will head down the north side of the River Severn to Lydney. Copyright Ken Mumford.
A final view of 37611 on the rear of the train at Purton Foot Crossing. Copyright Ken Mumford.
Many thanks to both Colin and Ken for providing these photos of the veteran locomotives on this most interesting movement.