9th February 2020

Steam in Trouble at Exeter
Roger Winnen

During the Weekend event of the Exeter Rail Fair 94

940501a The return working from Barnstaple approaches Crediton. Copyright Roger Winnen

940501b 80080 Awaits at Exeter St Davids prior to hauling the special to Exmouth.. Copyright Roger Winnen

940501c Stalling on the 1 in 37 bank approaching Exeter Central on route to Exmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

940501d The train in difficulties at a stand between a set of catch points. Copyright Roger Winnen

Branch Line Society Fixture

The Branch line Society has arranged a private all line railtour visit to the new North Cornwall Miniature Railway, on Sunday 22 March 2020 at 10.00,  it is a charity event raising funds for the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

As I'm sure you know, this is a substantial new 10¼ " gauge line, three quarters of a mile long which is under construction with an interesting spiral to gain height in one corner, a branch and a triangle. 

The outer loop is complete and it is expected that the inner loop will also be by the time of our visit (subject to the weather).

We would be delighted if any members or contacts of the North Cornwall Railway would like to join us  as there is a generous party limit, and we are waiving our usual non-members fixtures supplement on this occasion.

Please do support this fixture and pass the details on to anyone who might be interested.

Details will be sent out to participants who have booked nearer the day.

North Cornwall Miniature (10¼" gauge) Railway, Sunday 22 Mar 10.00:  An 'all available lines' visit to this new PRIVATE railway which only opened on 18 Aug 2019 near St Teath, between Wadebridge and Camelford. The 10¼"gauge line is about ¾ mile long, an outer elliptical circuit with a spiral at one corner, a tunnel and a triangular junction to a branch. An inner circuit is under construction and, subject to the weather, should be completed for our visit. It is hoped that hot drinks will be available (donations would be appreciated). Adult £11 each; U18s, must all be adult accompanied, £5.50 with proceeds to Cornwall Air Ambulance. Here is a view of it:​

North Cornwall Miniature Railway. Image from Paul Steward February 2020.

Participants should allow time to visit the adjacent largest toy museum in the west. Bookings via our website   https://www.branchline.uk/home.php   go along the top banner to 'Fixtures' and down to Sunday 22nd March - booking is simple with payment accepted by most Debit or Credit cards. An immediate confirmation of booking will be made by email with full details going aout about six days beforehand. IMPORTANT: Please book in advance (there is no pay on the day) so we know how many are coming.
Any publicity would be gratefully received, and any queries please do ask,
Thank you and very best wishes to all.
Paul Stewart, Great Malvern (Branch Line Society Newsletter Editor.)

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS WORTHY CAUSE IF YOU CAN.

Class 158 at Exmouth Jct
David Tozer

With the forecast looking grim for tomorrow I went for a walk - just to get out the house. I call it my round the block stroll which takes in the old former brickworks site now a park opposite Exmouth Junction. Most of the lineside is utterly useless for photography, however I found a useful gap in the shrubs. I was fortunate in as 158798 was signalled out of Exmouth Junction Sidings by Morrison's working the 1308 5B78 to St James' Park. From here it will work the next Barnstaple service. 158798 is GWR's only true three car Class 158. Dave

158798 is GWR's only true three car Class 158. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Seaton Junction
Ron Kosys

33102+33002 are seen passing through Seaton Junction on the 24th May 1992 with the 1O38 the 14.28 Sundays only Exeter to Waterloo. Taken from the very long public right of way footbridge which still spans the station site. The station site with only a single line passing through is very much a shadow of its former very busy self although the up platform buildings still stand the rails are far away. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron - especially for all the details.

Aller Junction
Paul Barlow

50041 Bulwark approaching Aller Junction 1125 Manchester-Newquay the 1V84. It's the 28th August 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow..

ADA Our transport for the da 28th August 1982. Seen here at speed on the M5 !!! Copyright Paul Barlow.

You may have noticed that over the last seventeen days all the pictures were taken on the same day - the 28th August 1982. Above is a picture of Paul's transport for the day - probably affectionately known ad ADA or perhaps 'Aida'. Many thanks to you Paul and to 'Aida' for bringing us such a variety.  You will be pleased to know that there are more pictures from Paul's collection continuing tomorrow.

Bristol TM
Martin Scane

BTM the 13.56 ex Cardiff to Penzance has just arrived. The crane is associated with a nearby building site. 8th February 2020 Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin.

Sunrise at
St Blazey and Par Docks
Craig Munday

​The arrival and shunting of 66154 at St Blazey occurred under a wonderful morning sky illumination - pre-sunrise. I grabbed some shots of the shunting and trip down to Par Harbour. The shots have been put through Lightroom, but I wanted to capture the colours in the sky as well as the train. The Par Harbour trip is notoriously difficult to photograph with the train times and light at that time of the morning, so this was a bit different. 

Best wishes
Craig 

P.S. I hope you are recovering well Rog after your operation, and Keith best wishes to you, I hope Val is comfortable in hospital and will soon be coming back home well? 
Many thanks for your best wishes Craig, both Roger and I are operating under rather difficult conditions.

66154 at Par Docks. 5th February 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Looking back towards St Blazey - en the sky to the north has assumed a dramatic redness. 5th February 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Back now waiting for the gates to be opened. 5th February 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

66154 back at St Blazey. 5th February 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

A final St Blazey shot - the colour has almost gone. 5th February 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks indeed Craig for your early morning forage down to the docks at Par - some very unique shots there.