7th September 2020

       IMPORTANT NOTICE
Due to Convid 19  the  Cornwall Railway Society Meetings for the Autumn have been cancelled,  this is common with many other organisations.  It is however hoped that we will be able to return to our monthly indoor meetings at the Memorial Hall Redruth with effect from  9th January 2021. We have an exciting provisional  programme  prepared for next Spring and later in the year when we hope to resume our outdoor events. It all depends on restrictions current at the time. Current membership for 2019/20 will be extended to cover 2020/21.

Exeter Refueling
Alan Peters

A couple of pics of the fuel and water run on Tuesday 1st September 2020 with 37025 "Inverness TMD" and the Network Rail test train from Exeter Riverside (pictured in glorious weather) to Exeter Depot where 37025 is pictured being fueled on the GWR fuel point, the train then returned back to Exeter Riverside ready for the evening trip to Penzance. Driver Alan Peters

Glorious weather for the smashing photograph of 37025 at Exeter refueling. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

37025 at Exeter ready for the evening run. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks indeed Alan.

Long Rock
The late John Cornelius

Copyright the late John Cornelius.

Dawlish All Change 
Part 1 Clive Smith

Well the day has arrived.The Dawlish station we have come to love for so many years is about to get a radical transformation starting on Monday 7th September 2020 to provide facilities for the disabled with a lift and new footbridge and a huge rebuilding to protect it from the sea with a raised promenade between the station and the sea. I have taken the odd random photos here over forty years but on Saturday 5th I took the opportunity to focus on what will be lost and record it for posterity. A weekend off, a good weather forecast and a high tide at 08.55 meant this was now or never.  Here are five pictures showing a variety of traction during the morning's activities at this gem of a station on this iconic stretch of railway. Part 2 will focus on the infrastructure that will soon disappear. Please use the link below to see the planned development   https://www.google.com/search?q=Dawlish+railway+station+major+improvement+plans+approved&oq=Dawlish+railway+station+major+improvement+plans+approved&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60.3473j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8​

​(1) 43040 has arrived at 08.39 with the 05.40 Penzance -Exeter St Davids. The rear power car is 43004. The fencing on the left will disappear. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) Pacer 143603 and a 150 cross the Colonnade Viaduct over the small stream Dawlish Water with the 08.15 Paignton - Exmouth. The pacers are seemingly on endless borrowed time but the bridge is to be replaced and there will be no more barrow crossings. The area to the left of the bridge and under it is to be revamped. The recent alterations to the sea wall along Marine Parade can be seen between the tracks and the sea. Copyright Clive Smith

(3) An unidentified 150 leading 150216 arrives at the station with the 08.25 Exmouth - Paignton. Built out over the sea wall with wooden fencing this used to be a wooden plaform in my memory which goes back a bit. The walkway along the sea wall goes under the platform. This will soon be replaced by a new taller sea wall incorporating a high-level wider and safer public promenade. Gone will be the days when I had to make a dash in between breaking waves at high tide to walk along the sea wall here. Won't be half as fun as getting a good soaking due to poor judgement. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) A Cross Country Voyager set hurries through Dawlish with the 08.10 Bristol TM - Paignton. This view will be dominated by the new footbridge and lifts. Copyright Clive Smith

(5) West Coast Railways 57316 top and tails with 57601 on the 1Z27 07.15 Swansea - Paignton 'Northern Belle' Pullman charter as it passes the old boathouse. The boathouse is due to demolished on Monday 7th September. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks for an excellent article Clive Part 2 tomorrow.