Timber Traffic
Mick House
Mick House
A bit of history - Mick sends us a picture of the former unloading point for the timber trains from the Heathfield branch. More recently a trial train was run seen below being loaded at Hackney Sidings, Newton Abbot.
Pontrilas log siding 14th July 2005 Copyright Mick House.
Hi Mick,
Good to see that pic as I understand that siding was removed some years back that would now be so useful as the logs could be unloaded straight off the train to the sawmill, an example of short sightedness. The wagons were unloaded at Abergavenny and taken by lorry the few miles to Pontrilas!
Al
Good to see that pic as I understand that siding was removed some years back that would now be so useful as the logs could be unloaded straight off the train to the sawmill, an example of short sightedness. The wagons were unloaded at Abergavenny and taken by lorry the few miles to Pontrilas!
Al
The trail Timber train loading at Hackney Sidings 17th January 2022. Copyright Driver Alan Peters
Thank you Mick and Alan - it would be interesting to know if this trial was considered a success and whether this will become a regular flow.
Clay needing assistance
Craig Munday
Craig Munday
The failure of DB Cargo's 6609 near Rockmill brought the Newquay line to a stand on the evening of the 1st March. The GWR DMU was returning from Newquay and had to tarry a while at Bugle whilst a plan was made to rescue the stranded empty CDA wagon train.
The GWR sleeper empty stock was fortunately returning from Exeter bound for Penzance, and 57604 was commandeered for the rescue. This was part of what makes me proud to work in the industry, people pulling together to sort a challenge, irrespective of which company they work for.
The locomotive is seen at St Blazey in the pouring rain receiving instructions from Chris the Signaller on where the failed train is, position of detonator protection and where the train crew of the clays will be met. The crew listen intently as this is crucial information. This is an occasion, of course, when a train enters the single line without receiving a token!
The second image shows the ensemble - with 57604 now leading - stopping to drop off the token and then heading off to Lostwithiel up loop, so 57604 can rejoin the sleeper stock.
Best wishes
Craig Munday
The GWR sleeper empty stock was fortunately returning from Exeter bound for Penzance, and 57604 was commandeered for the rescue. This was part of what makes me proud to work in the industry, people pulling together to sort a challenge, irrespective of which company they work for.
The locomotive is seen at St Blazey in the pouring rain receiving instructions from Chris the Signaller on where the failed train is, position of detonator protection and where the train crew of the clays will be met. The crew listen intently as this is crucial information. This is an occasion, of course, when a train enters the single line without receiving a token!
The second image shows the ensemble - with 57604 now leading - stopping to drop off the token and then heading off to Lostwithiel up loop, so 57604 can rejoin the sleeper stock.
Best wishes
Craig Munday
57604 6Z05 seen at St Blazey receiving instructions. 1st March 2022. Copyright Craig Munday
57604 6Z05 drops off the token at St Blazey. Copyright Craig Munday.
Two classic night scenes at St Blazey from the camera of Craig Munday - many thanks.
Buckhorn Weston
Paul Barlow
Paul Barlow
4498 on the 14. 17 Salisbury to Yeovil junction seen at Buckhorn Weston on the 19th October 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul.
2022 Reopening Day
Bodmin and Wenford Announcement
Mothers Day
Bodmin and Wenford Announcement
Mothers Day
We have had to make the difficult decision to delay our reopening due to a number of operational reasons.
We had been due to reopen on March 15th having been closed for two and a half months after our popular Santa Specials in December. We will now reopen on Sunday 27th March, just in time for Mothering Sunday.
Anyone who has already booked tickets for those dates when the railway will now be closed will be contacted shortly and offered either a refund or to change to an alternative date.
To celebrate the reopening, Mums will be able to travel free on Sunday 27th March. Simply use the code MUMSFREE2022 when booking a family of three or a family of four online and the discount will be applied. Or simply turn up on the day and mums will travel free.
“Whilst we are disappointed that we are unable to reopen as originally planned, we are pleased that we are able to reopen in time for Mother’s Day,” said Julie Burley, Bodmin & Wenford Railway’s Business Manager
“To celebrate the reopening, we are allowing mums to travel free. This is the perfect chance to allow your mum the chance to sit back and enjoy a leisurely train ride through the Cornish countryside. We look forward to seeing lots of people on 27th March,"
We had been due to reopen on March 15th having been closed for two and a half months after our popular Santa Specials in December. We will now reopen on Sunday 27th March, just in time for Mothering Sunday.
Anyone who has already booked tickets for those dates when the railway will now be closed will be contacted shortly and offered either a refund or to change to an alternative date.
To celebrate the reopening, Mums will be able to travel free on Sunday 27th March. Simply use the code MUMSFREE2022 when booking a family of three or a family of four online and the discount will be applied. Or simply turn up on the day and mums will travel free.
“Whilst we are disappointed that we are unable to reopen as originally planned, we are pleased that we are able to reopen in time for Mother’s Day,” said Julie Burley, Bodmin & Wenford Railway’s Business Manager
“To celebrate the reopening, we are allowing mums to travel free. This is the perfect chance to allow your mum the chance to sit back and enjoy a leisurely train ride through the Cornish countryside. We look forward to seeing lots of people on 27th March,"
Many thanks to Chris Bellett who sent in this notice.