5th July 2022

A Ponsandane landmark for over 80years nears its end!
Roger Winnen

220705b The former Mounts Bay Coach Depot at Ponsandane will soon be raised to the ground three months into the work to create additional sidings, car parking etc at Ponsandane. Copyright Roger Winnen

220705c The roof being stripped of its asbestos sheeting. Copyright Roger Winnen

220705e The 13.55 Bristol Temple Meads to Penzance passing the ongoing site work at 18.30. Copyright Roger Winnen

220705f The former Bus Garage dominated by Sainsbury Super Store. Copyright Roger Winnen

Days of Coal  Didcot
Michael Forward

Here is a shot taken just East of Didcot in 27 October 1995 in the late afternoon .The shadows cover 58028 with a stone train bound for Acton .Class 60074 ,having run round it’s load of coal from Avonmouth, heads into Didcot power station. Some of what we see has gone but 60074 is still active in the DB fleet, not sure about the 58. Best wishes, Copyright Michael Forward

Class 60 with tanks Gloucester
Michael Forward

, Another 60, this one 60010,waiting for the road at Gloucester station with loaded tanks from Robeston to Westerleigh. Sorry, I have lost the date but it was last Summer some time . Thanks, Michael. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Fun and games this morning
The Sleeper
Mick House

57 604 Pendennis Castle to the RESCUE. By Mick House.

​57 604 Pendennis Castle came to the rescue, when 57 603 Tintagel Castle got into trouble last night. All was going well as 57 603 left Paddington on time, but she did not get past Reading and finally left at 03.57 instead of the booked time of 00.49, with 57 604 double heading the train home to Penzance arriving 85 minutes late at 09.19.  

1) 57 604 & 603 head towards Apex Bridge. 5th July 2022. Copyright Mick House.

2) The pair about to pass under Apex Bridge. 5th July 2022. Copyright Mick House.

Well done Mick - a bit of a wait for you but many thanks.
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This mornings running in turn at
Exeter
Martin Duff

10.40 Laira to Exeter running in turn this morning. 253051 & 43303. Received at 13.10 5th July 2022 Copyright Martin Duff

10.40 Laira to Exeter running in turn this morning. Copyright Martin Duff

10.40 Laira to Exeter running in turn this morning. Copyright Martin Duff

Many thanks to you Martin
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HST Odds & ends
Bill Elston

​Hi Keith,
 Attached are a couple of photos of power cars running light.
I have a few more such oddities to come, and hope they will be of interest.
Best wishes,
Bill

43161 with a barrier coach - seen at Gissons on the 23rd February 1995 Copyright Bill Elston

43157 all on its own at Exeter, 1st November 1996. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill - any more oddities will be appreciated.
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Gothers Tramway
Robert Ayres

The details of this tramway can be viewed on NLS maps 25” to the mile version, much of the route is still in existence but appears to be in use as farm or other tracks. Some parts are ploughed out by later agricultural activity. Best wishes Robert Ayres.

Our very good friend Maurice Dart has a section on the Gothers Tramway in his book 'Cornwall Narrow Gauge' - published by Middleton Press. I, KJ, have written to Maurice to see if any more photographs of the line and locos have come to light.

Above is a copy of the 25" OS MAP Featuring the Gothers Tramway - reproduced with permission by NLS for Non commercial purposes.

'Armchair Explorers' such as myself can spend some enjoyable time  comparing the above route map with current views obtainable both on Google Earth and Google Earth Street View - you will find traces of various buildings still in situ. On Google Earth simply put in St Dennis as a starting point.

Many thanks to Robert Ayres for drawing our attention to this map.
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Seen at Swindon
Ken Mumford

A tribute to the nursing profession. 4th July 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford

59202 provides a slash of colour at Swindon. 4th July 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.
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Forget Chelsea
- here's what Swindon can do.
Ken Mumford

I must confess that I was stunned at the photo of Bristol [Temple Meads] and its weed growth on the CORNWALL RAILWAY SOCIETY website received this morning! (Martin Scane).
For a short time this lunch-hour I ventured down to our local station and took these photos as Swindon Station's contribution to the Chelsea Flower Show - though not perhaps as impressive as that at Bristol !!!!!
Kind regards to you both,
Ken  Mumford

Bristol Temple Meads - needs the weedkiller. 4th July 2022. Copyright Martin Scane

Swindon station Flower Show Contender [1] 4th July 2022 Copyright Ken Mumford.

Swindon station Flower Show Contender [2] 4th July 2022 Copyright Ken Mumford.

Swindon station Flower Show Contender [3] 4th July 2022 Copyright Ken Mumford. (Probably first prize for colour and arrangement)

It's a pity to draw attention to weed growth - the railways have a massive problem controlling it at this time of the year. I seem to recall that it was stated that the railways had a lot to do with the propagation of plant species along the routes - the trains distributing the seeds!  However don't check my garden or Ken's for that matter!  Time to stop working on the website and getting out into the garden!  Thanks Ken - I expect that it's time you 'bent your back again'!