Then and now
Polbrock Bridge
Andrew and Diane Jones
Polbrock Bridge
Andrew and Diane Jones
Dear Keith and Valerie,
As I approach my 70’s, memories start to blur and scenes I once took for granted appear slightly muddled.
The attached ‘then and now’ photographs illustrate the dilemma of ‘did I actually imagine this!’
Polbrock Bridge on the Wadebridge railway owes its existence solely to allow access to Pencarrow Estate land on the southern bank of the river Camel. Originally an unmade road, the lane crosses the railway and the river and was only tarmacked after the second world war.
Anyone returning after 40 years would have difficulty recognising the view from the road bridge. Vegetation has taken over, with many small fields in the valley returning to nature.
When visiting old railway locations this is often the case and can be disappointing even though in this case the Camel Trail now provides a direct route for many thousands of walkers and cyclists.
The second photograph captures the sad demise of the railway, but in the ‘then and now’ illustration it is still possible to recognise the original route.
Time travellers beware!
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane
As I approach my 70’s, memories start to blur and scenes I once took for granted appear slightly muddled.
The attached ‘then and now’ photographs illustrate the dilemma of ‘did I actually imagine this!’
Polbrock Bridge on the Wadebridge railway owes its existence solely to allow access to Pencarrow Estate land on the southern bank of the river Camel. Originally an unmade road, the lane crosses the railway and the river and was only tarmacked after the second world war.
Anyone returning after 40 years would have difficulty recognising the view from the road bridge. Vegetation has taken over, with many small fields in the valley returning to nature.
When visiting old railway locations this is often the case and can be disappointing even though in this case the Camel Trail now provides a direct route for many thousands of walkers and cyclists.
The second photograph captures the sad demise of the railway, but in the ‘then and now’ illustration it is still possible to recognise the original route.
Time travellers beware!
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane
Polbrock Bridge as I like to remember it in 1978. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.
Polbrock Bridge today 40 years of growth was there ever a railway? Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.
Polbrock Bridge the final insult to a railway which served the local population well. A sad sight. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.
Polbrock Bridge proudly still standing today apart from deteriorating brick work and make shift protection. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.
Sad memories but thanks to you one can still travel the route by horse, bike or shanks pony. Many thanks for your contributions.
Taunton 2010
Bill Elston
Bill Elston
Further to Guy Vincent’s piece on the ‘new’ 66734, attached is a photo of the original loco when numbered 66402 at Taunton on 25th june 2010.
At that time, some Taunton – Cardiff stoppers were worked by top/tail Virgin class 57/3 thunderbird locos, but one had clearly failed and 66402 drafted in at short notice .
It originally worked for DRS, but had then transfered to Freightliner, still blue but debranded.
All the best, Bill Elston.
At that time, some Taunton – Cardiff stoppers were worked by top/tail Virgin class 57/3 thunderbird locos, but one had clearly failed and 66402 drafted in at short notice .
It originally worked for DRS, but had then transfered to Freightliner, still blue but debranded.
All the best, Bill Elston.
Taunton 66402 25th June 2010 Copyright Bill Elston.
Many thanks Bill
Westbury
Guy Vincent
Guy Vincent
66734 'Platinum Jubilee' departing Westbury for Cardiff Tidal this morning following an overnight layover in Westbury yard. I was making my way to the station for my next duty when the loco slowly crept 'up' the down reception line and set off towards Trowbridge.
Researching the history of this loco has not been easy but I believe I am correct in saying it was built in 2001 and used abroad carrying the number PB04 & DE63 ( works number 20008254-6). Owned by Porterbrook Leasing of Derby a variety of liveries has been carried, most recently green. The loco arrived at Immingham Docks from Cuxhaven (Germany) on 10th December 2021 and was modified for UK use at Doncaster Roberts Road depot before moving south to Eastleigh for the 'Jubilee' paint job. It would be interesting to see this loco close by Freightliner's 66587 which is also finished in a pink / mauve livery (photo attached taken in 2019). This latter loco has recently been working off Taunton Fairwater with the 'HOBC' as noted this week by fellow contributor Bill Elston.
Regards, Guy Vincent.
Researching the history of this loco has not been easy but I believe I am correct in saying it was built in 2001 and used abroad carrying the number PB04 & DE63 ( works number 20008254-6). Owned by Porterbrook Leasing of Derby a variety of liveries has been carried, most recently green. The loco arrived at Immingham Docks from Cuxhaven (Germany) on 10th December 2021 and was modified for UK use at Doncaster Roberts Road depot before moving south to Eastleigh for the 'Jubilee' paint job. It would be interesting to see this loco close by Freightliner's 66587 which is also finished in a pink / mauve livery (photo attached taken in 2019). This latter loco has recently been working off Taunton Fairwater with the 'HOBC' as noted this week by fellow contributor Bill Elston.
Regards, Guy Vincent.
Westbury 66734 0Z34 1049 Westbury-Cardiff Tidal, 3rd June 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent
Southampton Maritime 66587 Pink seen on 18th June 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks Guy