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Items added on the 31st January  2016                                                                        Those added most recently come first

31/1/2016

 
Tales of Camborne Signal Box  The late Cyril Hitchens
 Camborne Signal Box was situated at the east end of the up platform by the level crossing. As usual the base was brick with wooden sliding windows on the upper level at the front and ends. The access stairs were inside and there was an internal toilet underneath the stairs by the interlocking frame. It had a 35 lever frame and a large ratchet wheel to operate the adjacent level crossing gates. In my time the layout consisted of a spur off the main line behind the down platform, two crossovers and a lead into the goods yard. With main line traffic and frequent visits to the yard it could be a busy shift. Being next to the road down from Beacon to Camborne the were sometimes instances of comments from the public when the gates were closed across the road. I used to reply, "The crossing is owned and maintained by the railway and when we don't want it you are welcome to use it at any time free of charge!"
       Each weekday morning there was a train from Newquay via Chacewater which terminated at Camborne. The 45XX loco ran round using the crossovers at Camborne and Roskear ready for its return journey. There was also a regular local goods from Truro whose locomotive was used the shunt the yard at Camborne. Further variety was provided by the annual "Tea Treat Special" from Camborne to St. Ives, the stock of which came up from Penzance and had to be shunted to the down line and the loco run round. A further complication was the short down platform meaning that many down trains had to draw up twice and the steep gradient down towards Gwinear meant that down goods trains had to stop before the level crossing to pin down their brakes. One highlight of my time at Cambone was berthing City of Truro in the siding behind the down platform when it visited with the Westward Television Train. Another was on the occasion of Camborne School of Mines Rag Week when some students chained and padlocked the crossing gates when they were across the road. Unknown to them one of the waiting cars contained some members of a local rugby team who detained the culprits and "persuaded" them to unlock the gates.
       I have already mentioned the steep gradient up through the station and non stop steam hauled trains made a fine sight from the box as they burst under Pendarves Bridge and pounded through the platforms. However, sometimes stopping trains caused a problem and as the loco stopped right outside the box you had a grandstand view of the efforts of the crew to restart heavy trains. If the loco had come to a stand with the rods at "top dead centre" they would let the train roll back slightly before opening the regulator just the right amount to effect a start without slipping. Often this took two or three attempts. One late turn the 8.45pm Penzance to Paddington train hauled by D600 Active ran into the platform for the station stop. On completion of the station work the guard gave the right away and the driver revved the engine but could not get away because of the damp rails. After several attempts he went to check the sandboxes on the loco and found they had not been topped up back at Long Rock that night. He asked a porter (who shall remain nameless!) to spread some sand from the fire buckets under the wheels and climbed back aboard and tried to get away again. After several attempts he found the wheels were still spinning so he went back to see what was going on and found the porter spreading sand under the wheels of the coaches! This was the same porter who, when asked by a lady the time of the next train to Hayle, pointed to a plume of smoke disappearing under Pendarves Bridge and replied, "There it is, it's just gone..."
       Still on the subject of the gradient I heard a story of an incident that happened at Camborne during WW11 when I was otherwise engaged in the Merchant Navy. An up train ran into the station with wagons containing explosives to be shunted into the yard on the down side. As there were several other trains about it was decided to split the train on the main line, uncouple the explosive wagons and fly shunt them across the down main and into the yard-breaking all the rules. Initially all went well until the shunter tripped and fell at the crossover as the wagon gained speed. Luckily he picked himself up and set off on a record breaking run to catch up the wagons and pin down the brakes until they came to rest helped by the buffer stops-a lucky escape for Camborne...
         As is well known, the yard fell out of use and the crossing gates were removed and replaced by barriers monitored from Roskear Junction, the redundant Camborne Signal Box officially closing on 8th. June 1970. However, occasional steam hauled specials can still be seen speeding up the grade through the station.
                                
                                                                                                C. H. 
Exminster scrub cleared
David Tozer
David Tozer reports that the scrub on the old Exminster station site has been cleared - this provides him a new location for video shots.
Picture
We're at Exminster 70804 heads east after Saturdays work at Burngullow. 30th January 2016 Copyright David Tozer
Picture
Another surprise at Exminster was 56098 & 56098 heading a down railtour. 30th January 2016 Copyright David Tozer N.B. The 56's were working from Kilmarnock to Laira with another set of refurbished HST coaches. Must attempt to try and find out what the headboard said. The train was the 0229 5V56 Kilmarnock – Plymouth (Laira T & RSMD).
      Bere Alston        - how it was
This superb picture from the Mike Morant Collection shows the track layout before the 1970 drastic reduction, the double track main line comes in from Plymouth on the left hand side and the single line branch, then to Callington can be seen dropping away towards Calstock. On the right of this lie the then well stocked sidings. According to Tony Cooke's Track Layout Diagrams these sidings were removed w.e.f the 2nd August 1966.
It is understood that if and when the extension of the main line to Tavistock occurs the Gunnislake branch will run into a terminal bay serving a section of the former up main platform.  This platform, at its north end will be extended across the former up alignment to serve the new single line continuing on towards Tavistock. 
Picture
The complicated trackwork at Bere Alston before the revision of layout which came about w.e.f. 7th September 1970 when the signalbox closed. Picture courtesy of the Mike Morant Collection. N.B. The right hand side 'over' road bridge is still in situ though disused.

Items added on the 30th January  2016                                                                        Those added most recently come first

30/1/2016

 
Last minute pictures         from Roger Aston
Roger Aston writes to explain  - 
Keith,  Among all the super photos from Roger and Craig of the weekend work there are no photos of 70804 which was also involved. So here is one of 70804 after it had run round it's train in Truro platform 2 at 23.00 which then meant that the Double Crane wagon was then at the head of the train.
It departed before 60047 ran through with it's train that had run round in Penzance which in turn was to be followed 70810 which as shown in Roger's pictures had ran round in Truro during the afternoon.  Best Regards Roger.Many thanks Roger.
                    
Hope you'll all understand - a complicated Saturday!
Picture
The 'double crane' at the head of the train at platform 2 at Truro 30th January 2016. Copyright Roger Aston
Picture
70804 at Truro at 23.28 on Saturday 30th January 2016 Copyright Roger Aston
Bumper Bundle
​from Craig Toda
y
Hi Keith,
Here are some pictures from 30th Jan around St Austell. The various Colas trains working in the Burngullow re-laying site. I was employed on the Ground Frame at St Austell to cross over 9 coalfish from one train to join a later one due to weight issues. 
The first train to cross over was hauled by 60047, and it caught a fortunate glimpse of sunlight whilst in the platform. Other trains were photographed during the day at Par, Trewoon & Burngullow. AND we do it all again next weekend too. 
All the best for now,  Craig
   Many thanks Craig
Picture
60047 stands at St Austell 30th January 2016 Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
233 Burngullow 70010 stands on the up main. 30th January 2016 Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
234 East of Burngullow at Trewoon. 70010 30th January 2016 Copyright Craig Munday
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235 70005 At St Austell 30th January 2016 Copyright Craig Munday
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Andrew Triggs captures the arrival at 21.08 working the 15.24 Westbury TC to Burngullow via Penzance. It was an atrocious evening with gale force winds and heavy rain, and he was the only Rail Fan there.
Picture
160129j 60047 arrives at Penzance where the engine ran around its train in slopers siding. Copyright Andrew Triggs
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160129k 60047 arrives at Penzance on the 15.24 Westbury TC to Burngullow via Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
160129l Viewed from the station balcony the line up includes the sleeper top and tailed, 60047 and a 153 unit for Saturdays duties. Copyright Andrew Triggs
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160129m The sleeper in Platform 1 was tailed by 57604 Pendennis Castle. Copyright Andrew Triggs
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160129n In appalling weather conditions 57603 was photographed heading the sleeper prior to departure from Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Thanks Andrew
Photographs of the 11.45 Westbury TC to Truro Yard ballast train with 70810 arriving at Truro by Roger Winnen
Picture
160129f In worsening weather 70810 arrives at Truro to be stabled in the yard prior to Saturdays blockade at Burngullow. Copyright Roger Winnen
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160129g The engine has run around its ballast train in preparation for pushing back into the tunnel prior to entering the yard. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
160129h Pushing its train back to Highertown Tunnel in preparation for stabling in the yard. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
160129i Darker and darker it got as 70810 arrived at Truro yard. Copyright Roger Winnen
A 'Glowing Report' from the Goonhavern Old Cornwall Society 
Many thanks for this report by John Jackett
John Jackett then introduced and later thanked our speaker, Derek Buttivant from www.cornwallrailwaysociety.org.uk with Tony Wright as his technical assistant, enabling the hugely enjoyable slide show to go without a hitch.   CRS will always be very pleased to hear from contributors and welcome new members.
 
Beginning at our furthest west main line terminus at Penzance, the very first slide showed the dual lineage of standard and narrow gauges crisscrossing each other from platform to platform, a signalmans nightmare to the untrained eye!   Users of the night sleeper will be pleased to hear that the platform canopy is yet again to be lengthened to accommodate passengers – but that is a huge jump from 1850 to the near future.
 
Minerals drove the need for rail links / tramways, every port had a direct line, later we were to see that Newquay with its apparent odd present day jetty set in the harbour, had rail connections throughout the County.   The changes of Newquay layout were illustrated from 1880, through 1905 and then 1946, showing the Minerals requirement of the harbour tramway, then a 1903 slide of passengers streaming away – with the mineral requirements in decline, tourism brought huge changes.   In Truro the terminus was at Newham, another quayside opportunity for seaborn cargoes.
 
With the Chacewater to Newquay branch line passing through Goonhavern, members were treated to several slides of our heritage past.   This line in particular showed off the many still familiar Polgoda style waiting room shelters at the various Halts from Mount Hawke onwards.
 
Moving ever East and North, the very earliest County railway connected to Bodmin general by 1834, linking today at Bodmin Parkway by the Bodmin & Wenford line.   It wasn`t until 1859 that the main-line as we know it today, connected through via the recently refurbished Royal Albert Bridge between Saltash and Plymouth.
Andrew Triggs captures the scene at Par and Truro with the China Clay traffic, Ballast workings and the Bristol H.S.T.
Picture
160129a 66027 approaching Par with the 13.50 Fowy Carne Point to Goonbarrow Junction CDAs. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
160129c 70810 working the 11.45 Westbury Down TC Yard ballast at speed through Par. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
160129d 70810 in the yard at Truro. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
160129e 43126 'Bristol 2015' on the rear of the 1A 94 for London Paddington
Thanks Andrew
Paul Rundle at Penzance
Keith, Here are a Couple of pics of 60047 at Penzance last night on 6C22 for Burngullow. The first visit of a colas 60 to Penzance might even be the first into Platform 2 unless anybody knows different! Regards Paul
                                                                Many thanks Paul
Picture
60047 at the buffers of platform 2 at Penzance at 21.11 on the 29th January 2016 Copyright Paul Rundle
Picture
The driver of 60047 with one of his fans, we're sure he has many more! 29th January 2016 Copyright Paul Rundle
New Liveries
From David Tozer

​Hi Keith,
A little lucky today. I managed photographs of the GWR liveried HST and the only Class 150/2 treated so far. 43187/188 a on the 0645 Penzance - Paddington. This was then followed by the 0800 Cardiff - Paignton which had 150232 on the rear. 150232 made it's first foray into Devon yesterday with a trip to Paignton. In addition the 1025 Exeter (St David's) - London Waterloo operated by South West Trains also had a unit in a new livery 159102.  Regards  Dave
  Many thanks David
Picture
New liveried 43187 passes over Red Cow Crossing on the 29th January 2016 Copyright David Tozer
Picture
The tail end of the above train. 29th January 2016 Copyright David Tozer
Picture
The old and the new liveries as 153372 nearest & 150232 arrive at Exeter 29th January 2016 Copyright David Tozer
Picture
Led by 153372, 150232 was the pleasant surprise as it rolled into Exeter's platform 4 across Red Cow Crossing. Our first sighting of a 150 in the new livery. 29th January 2016 Copyright David Tozer
Picture
An enlargement of the above. Copyright David Tozer

Items added on the 29th January  2016                                                                        Those added most recently come first

29/1/2016

 
A Visit to Par by Leslie Curnow as he captures the Class 70 on crew training duties
Picture
160128a 70801 Seen at Par on crew training duties. Copyright Leslie Curnow
Picture
160128b Markings on the Platform end at Par leading down to the track alongside the Signal Box. Copyright Leslie Curnow
Thanks Leslie
Taken by surprise one summer evening at Marazion  in more ways than one!                  By Roger Winnen
Picture
I was taken by surprise and standing on the wrong side of the road as a Class 37 with oil and fertiliser wagons arrives at Marazion early in the evening. 10th July 1990. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
900710b More of a surprise followed with the approaching train passing the Pullman Coaches. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
900710c The Class 37 coupled to a Class 08 no doubt on route to Laira, these days it would be road transport for the 08. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
900710d Up the marsh she goes,the 37 and the 08 with fertiliser wagons. Copyright Roger Winnen
On Weymouth Shed
            Courtesy Mike Morant

Today we bring you the last of the current series of Mike Morant's pictures, with many thanks to you Mike for showing us some of your treasures.
Picture
Here at Weymouth Shed we see, the now preserved, 34023 Blackmore Vale being rather overfilled with water. A classic shot of a moment in time. Mike Morant Collection.

Items added on the 28th January  2016                                                                        Those added most recently come first

28/1/2016

 
The Flask Train runs into The Royal Navel Dockyard, Devonport and a Colas Class 70 is seen on crew training, by Craig Munday.
The class 70 is seen on crew training at Par and Keyham running past whilst the ground frame was in operation for the flask train.
DRS class 37s 37069 and 37609 are seen  bringing the flask train down to Devonport Dockyard on 27th January, 2016. The train also had two MK2 vehicles for security staff.
Thanks Craig

Picture
160127a Colas 70801 Sets off from Par with a crew training trip on 27th January, 2016 Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
160127b DRS Class 37s 37069 and 37609 Passing Keyham Station on route to the Royal Naval Dockyard at Devonport. Copyright Craig Munday
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160127c The flask train is seen entering the Royal Naval Dockyard. Copyright Craig Munday
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160127d A nice view of the Dockyard Branch with the train backing into the Royal Naval Base. Copyright Craig Munday
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160127e The points are still set for the Dockyard as a Class 150 Sprinter passes on a working to Penzance, possibly from Gunnislake. Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
160127f Taken from the branch into the Dockyard we see Colas 70801 passing on a crew training run to Plymouth. Copyright Craig Munday
Honiton Bank in steam days
          Golden oldies from Mike Roach

Picture
Merchant Navy 35014 storms up Honiton Bank with the down ACE (11.00am off Waterloo) in late June 1962 Copyright Mike Roach
Picture
41299 with the 3-coach 1.08pm Lyme Regis to Exeter local train on the same day in 1962 Copyright Mike Roach
Picture
34076 coasts down from Honiton Tunnel in June 1962 Copyright Mike Roach
Golden Oldies at Weymouth Station                 From the Mike Morant Collection
Picture
GWR Collet 4300 class 6372 at Weymouth on the 8th July 1956. This loco hauled the leg from Weymouth to Andover Junction. 6372 was a Taunton allocated engine throughout its BR years being withdrawn from there in December 1963. Mike Morant
Regarding this railtour the Six Bells Junction site  makes very interesting reading.
Powered from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst by 30925  then 30287 via Ringwood to Weymouth Junction. Then top and tailed by 1368 & 1370 to Weymouth Quay.  Next 4624 to Portland and Easton, 6372 (Above) took over Maiden Newton, Castle Cary, Trowbridge, Holt Jct, Devizes, Savernake, Luggershall, Andover Jct. Finally 32329 on to London Waterloo.  What a railtour!!
Further notes on the extremely interesting railtour please refer to the Six Bells Junction web site.

Picture
31454 at Weymouth station From the Mike Morant Collection Mike reports that 31454 was a frequent visitor to Weymouth with the 08.28 from Bristol for July 2004 and August 2005.
W S R  Major Engineering                                Robert Lindley
Hi Keith,  Thought you might like the attached shot of Williton Station on the WSR taken Jan 26th – it’s not just the “big” railway that has the heavier engineering!
The WSR has decided to re-instate the full length of the loop at Williton, so trains have use of the full length of the platform (needed in peak season). This was shortened in the early 1960’s when the culvert bridge needed replacing, so BR in their wisdom only replaced one side.
The old points position can be seen just behind the mini digger. The new bridge girders for the lengthened loop can be seen over the culvert, but not yet in the final position. The level crossing had to be completely dug up, tracks relayed and re-tarmacked. The “home” signal, the post of which can be seen centrally under the bridge, has also been moved further out, with the up starter, at present about 2 coach lengths down the platform, yet to be moved.
All is due to be completed for the school half-term holiday, when trains will again need to pass here. Kindest Regards Rob Lindley 
                                                                             Many thanks Robert
Additional Info from Chris Osment Re the photo and comments about the work at Williton. This is a complex project which has had to be done in a number of stages during the relatively short winter periods without scheduled services.
 
The existing Up Starting signal (No 4) will NOT be moved, instead an additional Starting signal (No 5) will be added just in rear of the new trap points. Apart from the actual loop extension, there is much additional signalling work to be done, which will include an extensive re-locking of the lever-frame and a new instrument shelf in the signal-box. This work will be completed during the 2106/17 winter period and the complete new layout will be implemented next year. Although there will be a longer loop during 2016, that is probably all that will be noticeable to causal observers for the time being.                              Many thanks Chris
Picture
Major works at Williton on the 26th January 2016 Copyright Robert Lindley

Items added on the 27th January  2016                                                                        Those added most recently come first

27/1/2016

 
Test Picture from David Tozer 
In the last day or so we've been having problems with the network - hope all is sorted now. 
Picture
Exeter 40084 & 40081 7th October 1977 - Copyright David Tozer
Tamper leaves Truro  
​                         Robert
Aston
Keith, Mick
Attached just two pictures of DR73907 leaving Truro this morning 12 late at 0952 to Tavistock Junction
First picture is leaving yard and 2nd is leaving Station 
Your choice if it is news or just for Plant Diary
Best regards
Roger                                    Many thanks Roger - I chose this view  KJ.
Picture
Robert Aston captures the tamper as it leaves Truro on the 27th January 2016. Copyright.
Weymouth Quay remembered
                           Mike Morant

The last two of the current series of pictures from the Mike Morant collection of locos/trains which have traversed the Weymouth Tramway to Weymouth Quay station.  Many thanks Mike
Picture
33018 standsat the east end of Weymouth Quay station. This loco was formerly D6530, it was withdrawn in February 1988 This picture dated 29th November 1986 . From the Mike Morant collection
Picture
P468 at Weymouth Quay on the 3rd April 1988 Copyright Mike Morant
P468 was used for an extensive PRC Railtour as listed below.
​Bere Alston  11.14, Plymouth 11.40, Exeter St Davids 12.50 - 13.04
Yeovil Junction13.52 - 13.54, Yeovil Pen Mill13.58 - 14.05
Weymouth14.58,  Weymouth Quay dep 16.20, Wareham 17.17 - 17.20 
Furzebrook Sidings17.35 - 17.38, Wareham17.53 - 17.57
Hamworthy18.04 - 18.11,  Hamworthy Goods18.20 - 18.23
Hamworthy18.30 - 18.34,  Dorchester Jn19.03 ~ 19.04
Yeovil Pen Mill19.35 - 19.40,  Castle Cary19.53 ~ 19.57
Taunton20.23,   Exeter St Davids20.52 ~ 21.19, Plymouth 22.33 - 22.37
and finally Bere Alston22.59  
A grand day out - Timings courtesy sixbellsjunction, Bernard Mills

Items added on the 27th January  2016                                                                        Those added most recently come first

26/1/2016

 
Great Western to the rescue as 66156 rather disgraced itself hauling the Fowey to Parkandillack clay empties on Monday morning by Craig Munday.
66156 rather disraced itself on Monday morning hauling the 6P 07 Fowey to Parkandillack empty clays. The loco failed on the bank near Holmbush, St Austell and required assistance. This came in the form of the only mainline loco in the district, GWR hired DRS Class 57 57303 from the over night Night Riviera.
Crewed by Phil Jones and Nigel Gilbert, the loco was crossed over at the St Austell G.F. and attached to the front of the errant GM 66156. The train was eventually hauled to Burngullow where it was terminated.
Single line working had been instituted over the UM between Par and St Austell around the failed train. A bit of main line Pilotman's duties for my good self!

Thanks very much Craig
Picture
Picture
160125a With Craig Munday on the St Austell GF 57303 approaches the signal for entry into the former motorail headshunt. Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
160125b 57303 uses the headshunt to gain the down main line. Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
160125c 57303 is now seen attached to 66156 and the 6P 07 Clay Empties from Fowey to Parkandillack. Copyright Craig Munday.
Picture
160125d The train is seen passing through St Austell Station on route to Burngullow where the train terminated. Copyright Craig Munday
Distant Memories of Ponsandane and Long Rock by Michael Forward
Picture
880617a 155302 Heads past the lovely goods shed at Ponsandane with the 11.50 Penzance to Exeter. Copyright Michael Forward
Picture
880617b A little further on we see '50035' Ark Royal with a good mixture of coaches and liveries. Copyright Michael Forward
Picture
880617c At the site of Long Rock Box we see 155326 sweeping around with the 06.45 Swindon-Penzance (12.10 Arrival) I wonder if any one made the complete journey!. Copyright Michael Forward
Picture
880617d 47427 Rest outside the depot after being towed out there from the station by 08801. Copyright Michael Forward
Weymouth Tramway -
​The Hastings Diesel Swansong.
Mike Morant
​Charing Cross 08.37d
Orpington08/58,  Sevenoaks09/07,  Tonbridge09/14
Hastings09.55a ~ 10.10d,  St Leonards Depot10.16 ~ 10.26, Rye11/03
Tonbridge11/48, Sevenoaks11/57,  Brixton12/25,  Woking13/04
Basingstoke13/25, Winchester13/42, Southampton13/59, 
Bournemouth14c40, Dorchester South15/17
?Dorchester Jn15/18,  Weymouth Tramline15.29 ~ 15.32,
Weymouth Quay15.50 ~ 16.05
?Weymouth Tramline16.23 ~ 16.26,  Dorchester West16/42
Yeovil Pen Mill17.09 ~ 17.10,  Castle Cary17/24, Frome17/38
Westbury15c43 ~ 18c45, Newbury19/33,  Reading New Jn19/54
Clapham Junction20/53,   Waterloo

Above are the timings for this extremely extensive over twelve hour railtour courtesy the Six Bells Junction website. It is most interesting that only three minutes was allowed to travel the Weymouth Tramline - this equates to about 20MPH - surely not!
Picture
202001 stands at Weymouth Quay on the 8th August 1987 The Mike Morant Collection
Picture
203001 The 'Hastings Diesel Swansong' departs Weymouth Quay to travel the tramway back to the main line. 8th August 1987. The Mike Morant Collection

Items added on the 25th January  2016                                                                        Those added most recently come first

26/1/2016

 
Nick Gaskell in his element !
Just a quick photo taken on my phone. all in all a very enjoyable weekend which deserved far more interest than it sadly received. My son and I managed some pictures on our main cameras which we will send when processed. Nice to get a trip behind a peak, first time in over 30 years, had me grinning like a kid again.  Nick
Picture
The Peak standing at Okehampton 24th January 2016 Copyright Nick Gaskell
More Signalbox Memories from the late Cyril Hitchens
Gwinear Road East  
Gwinear Road East was my first main line signalling job. The box had a 15 lever frame and permissive block instruments for the up loop and a detonator for the down main. Often up freights would refuge in the up loop and the loco would pull across the main lines and set back into the down yard to collect any wagons off the Helston branch which had been propelled to the far ends of the loop sidings 1,2 and 3. Movements had to be carefully timed so as not to interfere with main line traffic. Sidings 1, 2 and 3 were called No. 1 down yard and sidings 4,5,6 and 7 were called No. 2 down yard. East Box was open from 06.00 until 22.00 or until the 19.30 Ponsandane to Tavy. Jct. freight had cleared Camborne. Vehicles without rear lights were permitted within the confines of the station from the up sidings but were protected by West box keeping the point set to the up sidings until the entire train was in the up loop. The box was particularly busy during the sugar beet, broccoli and potato seasons especially on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays when as many as 13 additional trains were dealt with in a day working block to block up to Truro and beyond. On my "promotion" to West box a fireman, who was a talented artist, presented me with a cartoon showing me as a mounted cowboy with the caption "Go west young man!"
       The Helston line closed to passengers in Nov. 62 and to freight in Oct. 64. Gwinear Road station closed in Oct. 64 and I remember in the period between the removal of branch passenger services and total closure the sign just said Gwinear Road with the "For Helston The Lizard Mullion & Porthleven" blanked out. Latterly some of the sidings were removed or used for storage until the boxes were closed in 1965, East in June and West in October. During that year an inspection trolley was used in demolition and track recovery and I recall a return trip to Nancegollan, perhaps the last "train" on that section.
       
                                        C. H.


Two Wonders at Weymouth                            Mike Morant
Mike has sent in some super pictures in the past usually complete with every detail, however in the case of the two pictures below Mike WONDERS what the date was when a Sandite unit visited the Weymouth Harbour line, and for that matter for what purpose. Also the date when class 33 6335 'The Herfordshire Railtours' visited the weymouth harbour line. 
                   CAN  YOU  HELP  PLEASE?
Picture
On its way towards the harbour terminus is Railtrack Sandite/De-icing 3-car unit Unit no. 930301 which was a conversion from a 205 class DMU. Does anybody know when this unit ran the length of the tramway in the second half of the 1990's? Picture from the Mike Morant Collection
Picture
BRCW Type 2 diesel no. D6535 Hertfordshire Rail Tours on the Weymouth Harbour Tramway. This must be a railtour but I haven't found any reference to it on the sixbellsjunction web site. It isn't the occasion when Concorde flew over as the stock is different This was taken in warm weather (two of the men in the background are in shirt sleeves) and - out of shot here but on the original negative - is an operative in BR double arrow garb. Mike Morant collection
​Guy Vincent kindly advises us --  I can provide the answer to Mike Morant's query posted on 25th January regarding the 'mystery' railtour he photographed on the Weymouth Quay branch.  This was Hertfordshire Railtours 'The Corfe Mixture' which ran on Saturday 25th June 1994. The train was formed of 4-CIG 1318 and 4-BEP 2301 and ran from Waterloo to Wareham where passengers transferred to road coaches which took them to Swanage. After approximately 3 hours road transport returned patrons to Wareham and the EMUs continued to Weymouth Town where everyone alighted; 33116 then attached to the units and took them ECS to Weymouth Quay from where the return leg, propelled by 33116 as far as Weymouth Junction, started.  From Weymouth Jctn the two EMU's returned to Waterloo stopping en route to collect passengers who had elected to visit Corfe Castle after Swanage rather than going down to Weymouth.
​ Information taken from a HRT brochure in my possession, there are also some photos on Smug Mug put on by Neil Dimmer showing the train in question.
I hope this information is useful to you and thanks again for this excellent site. Best Regards, Neil Vincent. Frome, Somerset.

 Many thanks Guy

More from Mike tomorrow

Items added on the 24th January  2016                                                                        Those added most recently come first

24/1/2016

 
Gwinear Road West Signalbox                 Memories by the late Cyril Hitchens.
 The Gwinear West box that I knew was of the usual GW construction and appearance and was situated at the up end of the down station platform, an island. It had a 49 lever frame, a token machine for the branch section to Nancegollan, up and down absolute block instruments, a permissive block instrument for the permissive loop line between the East and West boxes and a detonator placer for the down main. There was also a low geared wheel and rachet for operating the crossing gates which were the second largest on the Western Region as they had to span both platforms, the up and down mains plus the Helston branch. On windy days we had to get a porter from the station to help push them open to ease the strain on the operating rods. There was also a pair of pedestrian wicket gates which could be locked from the box.
       It was an awkward and busy box to work with the main line and branch traffic as well as controlling the access to both up and down yards. West Box was open from 04.40 until the 15.30 from Paddington due off Camborne at 22.15 had cleared Long Rock. The station had a poor layout and every main line, branch and shunting movement required the closing of the gates, often for long periods which did not please road users who sometimes came to the box via the footbridge to make their feelings known. On one occasion a local doctor came to complain saying, "What about my patients?" I replied, "There's a non-stop train due so if I let you onto the crossing now you won't be in a fit state to see any patients." He did not reply!
       On one occasion, in the early diesel days I had a D63XX come up from Long Rock to shunt the down yard. It was a dull, dark, miserable morning as the loco rolled to a stand in the up platform. I instructed the driver to reverse to the crossover at the west end of the station and from there gain access to the branch platform and thence to the sidings. In the gloom I watched the loco reverse slowly back down the line and then I waited for a long time for a blast on the horn to indicate that he had crossed over and was ready to move once more. As the down postal, which should never be delayed, was due soon I was getting anxious and assumed the loco had crossed over and sounded its horn but I had not heard it. It was almost impossible to see the engine in the fog but as its lights appeared stationary I pulled the points back to normal. I did this as the loco was slowly crossing over and in so doing I completely derailed the engine blocking the up line! It took some time to clear the engine and reopen the line and the knock on effect on the day's service was considerable. Among the trains delayed was one taking supporters to watch Plymouth Argyle..... The crossover points were disconnected and the down line point clipped. Single line working was set up between Camborne and Hayle with the Camborne shunter being pressed into service as pilotman. The Helston branch continued to operate as normal. Why the crew had taken so long with the reversing movement I don't know but privately I believe they had problems getting to grips with their "new fangled diesel". Subsequently I was summoned to Plymouth to explain myself to the District Manager. He was sympathetic and saw that my action was taken in good faith so I emerged with a "verbal caution".
       On another occasion I was cycling from the level crossing to East box to open up at 06.00 in time for the 05.40 Ponsandane to Tavy. Jct. freight. West box, already open at 04.40, had a goods train in the down platform which was being backed into the refuge siding to clear a path for the down "milky" (empty tanks for St. Erth) which was already proceeding from Camborne under a caution (Reg. 5 Section clear but station blocked. Gwinear West would have sent bell code 3-5-5 in response to this). As I continued towards East box I noticed, to my horror, that the down main home signal had frozen in the off position. I kicked the balance weight a couple of times and to my relief the signal arm rose to "on". Had the driver of the milky seen the home at green as he passed under Sandy Lane bridge he would have opened up and struck the good train fair and square as it reversed into the refuge. I like to think that this "paid back" for the derailment I had caused earlier.
       An odd memory from my days standing in the box watching a non-stop steam hauled down train approach is that it always looked as if the buffer beam would strike the down platform as the loco rounded the sharp curve.......it never did. As is well known the once busy yards, the Helston branch, the boxes, the station and the popular refreshment room down beside the road have all disappeared. My last task at Gwinear Road was to was to monitor the automatic crossing barriers on some occasions after they were first installed. This included being on duty at 00.15 on Boxing Day morning 1965 to see the progress of the up milky. I parked my car adjacent to the crossing in good time and sat and waited. After a few minutes a police car turned up and an officer came over and asked if I was sleeping off the Christmas celebrations. Initially he wasn't impressed with my answer that I was "waiting for a train" but after further explanation all was well. This was my last shift at Gwinear!  
Many thanks to Mike Hitchens for allowing us to publish his Dad's memories.              Pictures in the Cornwall Main Line section.
Buckfastleigh in the 1970's
    Nicholas Horne Collec
tion

Picture
An aerial view of Buckfasteigh taken in 1970 when the new dual carriageway A38 was yet to come into being and the track bed of the Ashburton branch can clearly be seen wending its pleasant and beautiful way up towards the terminus. Since then a nightmare to some and a dream to the motorist has come to be. Image used by kind permission of the Nicholas Horne Collection courtesy of Totnes Image Bank .
A moment in time - the demolition of Exeter Middle Signalbox.
A hasty shot grabbed by Roger as our 'Severn Explorer' railtour returned home through Exeter.
Picture
New train for the Gunnislake branch?
                                        David Tozer
Keith,

With rumours that this will appear on the Gunnislake Branch. I thought that you may be interested.

https://vimeo.com/152585423

Interesting to note that the front car has a different paint scheme to the rear car which has an all over yellow end.

Will we see these on the the Devon Metro?

Dave 
A couple more from Roger Geach
Many thanks to Roger for diving into his archives for these two pictures taken in the Teignmouth and Dawlish areas. Many thanks Roger.
Picture
1046 W Marquis disturbs the peace at Teignmouth station as it thrashes through with the 1a85 Paignton to Paddington on the 6th April 1975 Copyright Roger Geach
Picture
Twenty six years later still loco haulage as 47832 leaves Dawlish behind on the 10th August 2001 Copyright Roger Geach

Items added on the 23rd January  2016                                                                        Those added most recently added come first

23/1/2016

 
The Sulzer Weekend at the Dartmoor Railway on Saturday 23rd January 2016 by Roger Winnen and Roger Salter
A fine display of Sulzer Engines was on display at Okehampton today, all trains having three locomotives for the round trip to Meldon Quarry-Okehampton and Coleford Junction to its limit with Network Rail, unfortunately we stopped out of sight of the Barnstaple Line. However the event was well supported with many railway enthusiats enjoying the day.
Picture
160123a 33103 Swordfish and 47701 Waverley attached to The Polar Express rolling stock. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
160123aa Early in the morning 'Waverley' stands in Platform 2 of Okehampton Station. Copyright Roger Salter
Picture
160123b With the Class 33103 'Swordfish' attached to 47701 'Waverley' and 45060 on the rear we see the complete train arriving after crossing over from the other platform. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
160123k 'Swordfish' leads 'Waverley' into the station to form the 10.15 to Meldon. Copyright Roger Salter
Picture
160123c On arrival at Meldon Quarry we see the crew alighting from 45060 'Sherwood Forester'. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
160123m This massive machine at Meldon. Copyright Roger Salter
Picture
160123d Viewed from the overbridge at Sampford Courtenay we see 45060 Sherwood Forester tailing the 12.55 Meldon to Coleford Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen
More in the Features Page Section

A different perspective on Torrington                                    from Mike Morant

It's nice to hear from Mike Morant again and indeed a pleasure to add pictures from his extensive collection.  Many thanks Mike.
Picture
An undated, almost distant view of Torrington Station. The A386 makes a steep descent from Torrington town before turning left to cross the railway. From the Mike Morant collection.
Picture
A little closer now, a view over the hedge. The locomotive, we are told is 41316 possibly, on the Halwill Junction to Torrington service. It looks as if the loco has been detached prior to running round. Note how fortunate it is that the majority of buildings in this picture have survived. An undated picture from the Mike Morant collection

Items added on the 22nd January  2016                                                                            Those most recently added come first

22/1/2016

 
Portishead line delay.
Two critical issues have emerged which are likely to have a significant impact on both the cost and programme of the MetroWest Phase 1 project:
  • Operation and Deliverability of upgraded Level Crossing in Ashton Vale (Ashton Vale Road). Following a number of technical issues which have arisen in relation to the operation of the level crossing and opposition from businesses in the Ashton Vale industrial estate, alternative access arrangements need to be provided and these are under active consideration. Consultation on potential options including provision of a new link via the Ashton Vale park & ride junction and/or changes to the junction on Winterstoke Road will take place in February/ March 2016.
  • Construction access and construction issues associated with the line to Portishead including Pill Station and its immediate environs, Pill Tunnel and the existing freight line between Pill station and Bower Ashton through the Avon Gorge. Full details will be available by April 2016, when the outline engineering design due to be completed. It is, however, likely to report a number of constructability, cost and programme challenges.
Yesterdays news                                      From Martin Duff
Hello Keith,
BR green 37057 has been in Devon this week on test train running. Apparently it developed a fault during Wednesday while in Riverside Yard, so 37421 was sent west from Derby to replace. It was due to go away late Wednesday night but for reasons not known, it didn't. So on Thursday, 37057 took the train to Plymouth and turned.

Meantime, 37421 went back light to Derby. The photograph shows it on the Up Through line at Temple Meads at 16.00 Thursday. It left like the proverbial "cut cat"! Regards,  Martin           Many thanks to you Martin
Picture
Bristol Temple Meads 21st January 2016 Copyright Martin Duff
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