5th April 2022

Exeter 47s & 31
Michael Adams

Here are a couple by Michael Adams taken at Exeter St.Davids,firstly of 47050 on 14 July 1986.This class 47 was the first to receive the new railfreight livery. Copyright Michael Adams

The second picture shows 31286 with the 16.55 service to Barnstaple on 1 August 1981. Copyright Michael Adams

Thanks very much Michael

Development at Ponsandane
Roger Salter & Roger Winnen

A visit today at Ponsandane revealed that the former Mounts Bay Coaches Garage together with the former Bousefield Store alongside was to be demolished. The original layout at Ponsandane dates from 1940 when additional sidings and loading banks were built. From the A30 road they were Sandy Road-Sandy Bank-Kings Bank-New Bank and Old Bank. These have fallen into disuse over the years and been infilled. However we learnt sometime ago that space was at a premium at the Long Rock Depot and additional space was needed for stabling stock. At present they are removing the infilling of Kings Bank and New Bank sidings, the rails were still in situ.
An article by Jack Matthews appears in the Great Western Railway Journal No 53 of Winter 2005 giving much detail of the Ponsandane Yard

220405a Looking across the A30 at Ponsandane showing the various buildings awaiting the bulldozer. Copyright Roger Winnen

220405b Bousfield Store at Ponsandane. Copyright Roger Salter

220405b Mount Bay Coaches have also been relocated to another site close by after spending 50yrs or so at this location. Copyright Roger Salter

220405c Rear of the buildings awaiting demolitian. Copyright Roger Salter

220405b All hands at work removing the infill between Kings Bank and New Bank sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

220405c A large undertaking removing the soil before new track is laid. Copyright Roger Winnen

220405d Digging out the infill of Kings Bank and New Bank sidings at Ponsandane. The former rails are still in situ. Copyright Roger Salter

220405d The area of land being upgraded into sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

Memories - 'Tornado' strikes the B & W 
Charlies Gate
Andrew and Diane Jones

Please find photographs of GWR 4612 piloting A1 60163 Tornado down the bank towards ‘Charlies Gate’ on the Bodmin Line, a combined tractive effort of 57,275 lbf, waiting to be unleashed!
An unusual combination even on the 4th June 2017.
The power was so spectacular on the return that I just stood and watched forgetting, to lift the camera!

Best wishes Andrew and Diane

4612 piloting Tornado 4th June 2017 an Charlies Gate. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Tornado passes by quietly at Charlies Gate. 4th June 2017 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

A very memorable memory, many thanks to
Andrew and Diane Jones.
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Cogload
Paul Barlow

A down HST from the Bristol direction approaches Cogload junction Signal Box on the 26th March 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow. The flyover is just visible above the train.

Many thanks Paul.
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