Cornwall  Railway  Society
  • July 22 Home Page
  • LATEST INPUT , NEWS & OLD PICTURES ETC.
  • INDOOR & OUTDOOR MEETINGS PROGRAMME
  • CORNWALL RAILWAY SOCIETY GENERAL INFORMATION CONTACTS & WEBMASTERS MEMBERSHIP FORM ETC.
  • FEATURES, MAIN INDEX & OUTDOOR EVENTS REPORTS.
  • CORNWALL GALLERIES
  • DEVON GALLERIES
  • North & East of TAUNTON & HONITON
  • Military and Industrial Tramways & Light Railways
  • Pleasure Tramways & Light Railways
  • RAILTOURS, AERIAL VIEWS ,MISCELLANEOUS
  • STEAM & DIESEL RAILTOURS 22 ONWARDS
  • CORNISH RAILWAYS WAR DIARY
  • LOCAL YOUTUBE
  • Historical Outdoor Events INDEX
  • ARCHITECTURE
  • INDEX TO ARTICLES WRITTEN BY COLIN BURGES
  • ARTICLES SECTION.
  • ENGINEERING PLANT DIARY
  • News reports Jan to Aug 2012
  • Links
  • MAPS, PHOTOS, AERIAL VIEWS
  • Official Documents available to the General Public
  • Public notices and posters collection
  • Features July to December 22

Items added on 31st January 2017                                                                                         Those added most recently come first

31/1/2017

 
Holt Junction
​Martin Scane
Picture
4472 passing through Holt Jct - between Thingley Junction and Bradford Junction. Thought to be the railtour advertised below. Courtesy Six Bells Junction website. N.B. Holt Junction remained open for trains for Devizes and Patney & Chirton until 18th April 1966. Copyright Martin Scane
16th August 1964  Warwickshire Railway Society
Swindon & Eastleigh Tour

Loco Used4472 'Flying Scotsman'Route :
LocoRoute
4472Sheffield - ??? - Saltley - Bordesley Jn - Camp Hill - Kings Norton - Bromsgrove - Cheltenham Spa - Standish Jn - Stroud - Kemble - Swindon
4472Swindon - Thingley Jn - Melksham - Bradford Jn - Westbury - Warminster - Salisbury - Romsey - Southampton - Eastleigh
4472Eastleigh Yard - Winchester - Worting Jn - Basingstoke - Southcote Jn - Reading West Jn - Didcot - Oxford - Wolvercot Jn - Aynho Jn - Banbury - Leamington Spa - Hatton - Tyseley - Small Heath - Bordesley Jn - (?reverse of outward route?) - Sheffield
Treamble branch
Colin Burges

This three mile 20 chain branch line was an extension of the Treffry Tramway route from Tolcarne to East Wheal Rose the extension having been carried out by the Cornwall Minerals Railway in 1874.  The branch was further extended to by a mile to Gravel Hill however this section closed in 1888.  In 1905 part of the route between a new Junction at Shepherds to Tolcarne was upgraded to form the Perranporth to Newquay section of the Chacewater to Perranporth branch which had opened in 1903.  The line from Treamble to Shepherds closed 1st January 1952. N.B. It is understood that during WW2 a passenger train travelled the branch - this was a troop train. KJ remembers seeing a steam hauled demolition train on the branch during 1956.
Picture
Quite recently Colin Bruges exploring the route using his faithfull bicycle found that little remains of the branch other tha this structure over the branch formation which is still maintained by Network Rail.​ Structure No. 1 on the Branch, the bridge carrying the former A3075. It is more than a mile from the junction at Shepherds 13th August 2016 Copyright Colin Burges
Picture
Treamble Terminus Colin Burges The sort of oddity that I snap. In the dark of the old loading bay, a solitary, enterprising ash has made a bid for the speck of light in the roof. Copyright Colin Burges
Taunton
John Cornelius

Picture
Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 30th January 2017                                                                                         Those added most recently come first

30/1/2017

 
Zebra Crossing on a railway?
Colin Bruges

Before looking down five pictures can you think of anywhere where there is a zebra crossing across the tracks?
​Colin Bruges spotted this one.

Dorchester Railtour
Mike Morant
Picture
LNER Gresley A4 pacific no. 4492 Dominion of New Zealand, AKA no. 60019 Bittern, in pre-war guise with valances fitted and blue livery is in charge of the returning Dorset Coast Express as it enters Dorchester South station on 9/8/2011. Note 34067 Tangmere at the rear. Sometimes the banker continued to Wareham but on this occasion dropped off at Dorchester which was probably why the train stopped. The drop-off was pretty sharpish because 34067 had already reversed out of sight by the time that I had snapped the front end of 4492 and walked to the back of the train. [Mike Morant]
Picture
LNER Gresley A4 pacific no. 4492 Dominion of New Zealand, AKA no. 60019 Bittern, in pre-war guise with valances fitted and blue livery is in charge of the returning Dorset Coast Express draws to a halt at Dorchester South station on 9/8/2011. [Mike Morant]
Picture
LNER Gresley A4 pacific no. 4492 Dominion of New Zealand, AKA no. 60019 Bittern, in pre-war guise with valances fitted and blue livery is in charge of the returning Dorset Coast Express draws at Dorchester South station on 9/8/2011. Culliford bridge from which many of my Dorchester shots have been taken and the signal box are both visible in the background. [Mike Morant]
Cogload Jct
John Cornelius

Picture
A London bound train passing Cogload Copyright John Cornelius
Picture
Copyright Colin Burges
You might recognise it now - Weymouth Quay - of course the tracks have been out of use for a number of years.

Items added on 29th January 2017                                                                                         Those added most recently come first

29/1/2017

 
Lympstone Troop Trains
Notes from David Tozer 
Lympstone Commando was opened in 1976. Believe it or not but it was constructed in three weeks by a small gang from the Southern Region Building Department at Exmouth Junction. They used a recycled platform from a halt on a line that had been reduced double to single track. (Weston Milton Halt) I know this to be correct as  I have for many years enjoyed a pint or two with one on the men who built it. He is now ninety five.

As for the extra trains these ran in the place of a timetabled service which was withdrawn on the day the train ran. It was always a case of pot luck to get photographs as the train only ran when the camp was closed.

It is interesting to note that a sign on Lympstone Commando states that only passengers who have business at the C.T.C can alight. However since constuction in 1976 a new cycle/walkway has opened which passes between the camp and the railway platform. It now begs the question as to why members of the public cannot board/alight here as the manned security gate to the camp is now on the opposite side of the cycle/walkway to the platform.

I must confess I am always reluctant to take photographs of the platform as the camp has several security camera along the their fence.

I suspect that these operation of trains ceased following the privatisation of passenger services. 
Best regards   David Tozer                Many thanks David
Lympstone Commando Halt
John Cornelius

​ Good morning Keith, Here's a couple of pics I took of Lympstone commando halt  back in September, when I had a couple of sessions photographing the branch stations.
Trains only they stop there if army personnel require to alight or join the train. The day I took these pics I was lucky as the trains I was on stopped in both directions. I stood ready by the door and as soon as the train stopped, I opened the door and got a couple of quick pics from the doorway,  I  did not venture onto the platform.  cheers JOHN C.  
                              You deserve a medal - thanks
Picture
Lympstone Commando 1 16th September 2016 Copyright John Cornelius
Picture
An intending passenger takes a snap. Lympstone Commando 2 16th September 2016 Copyright John Cornelius
Lympstone Commando
Colin Burges

Now that there is public access between the camp's security gate and the Exmouth Branch, it seems odd that the halt is still restricted.

A few years ago, while ticking off the 104 operational stations in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall (out of the 490 there were), I got myself off by claiming that Lympstone Commando was not a network station. Nevertheless, just to cover it both ways, I stopped one day and asked the security officer if I could use the halt, explaining my obsessive mission. He said that I could and stupidly I rode on, thinking that I would catch the train later. When I returned, there had been a shift change and the relief told me that no matter what his colleague had advised, he could not allow a civvy to go through the gate. He pointed to the cameras and said that he would be shot if he were seen.

So, always take an opportunity when it presents itself.

Actually, the halt is railway property so theoretically there is nothing to stop someone getting off and staying there.

The branch now having an extra stop at Newcourt, with another planned for Hill Barton (Met. Office), it would not be outlandish to consider the closure of Lympstone Commando. The camp's perimeter fence is so close to Exton Station and the River Exe path now connects the two. Though it is a closure I would accept, I am not going to be the one to promote it!
Up Wenford Way
Colin Burges
Picture
Colin takes his faithful bike exploring around Wenford. Here are the once very nusy dries. 2016 Copyright Colin Burges
Picture
Beyond the end of the loco worked branch an incline served the De Lank quarry . The remains of the bridge over the road in Lower Lank which carried the line to De Lank Quarry from the head of the incline. 2016 Copyright Colin Burges
Mystery Solved
Mike Roach

Hi Keith
You may recall this mystery picture from a couple of years ago, taken in 1961. No-one identified it at the time. Thanks to Colin Burges we now know where it is. The bridge abutments have changed very little, a testament to the quality of construction.
Regards  Mike Roach     It's great to have solved the mystery 55 years on.
Picture
55 years separate this picture and the next one above. De Lank Quarry, Wenford. 1961 Copyright Mike Roach
Salisbury
John Cornelius

Picture
Rodney is one of the lucky few having survived into preservstion. Copyright John Cornelius
Yesterday at Truro
Jamie Dyke 

​Here are some photos of 43185 working 5A89 out shortly to form 1A89 1339 to London Paddington. I was very lucky with the sun today as it was very much sunshine and showers. Will only put a couple of shots up as I did see Andrew there as well, and I have noticed he has put some up as well! As a bonus we also have 75406 'Eric Machell' in the sunshine in Truro Yard and colourful Ex London Midland duo 153325 and 153333 on the Falmouth. Many Thanks, Jamie                                Many thanks to you to.
Picture
Truro 43185 arriving at Truro with 5A89 shortly to form 1A89 to London Paddington. 28th January 2017 Copyright Jamie Dyke
Picture
Truro 5A89 ready to depart for Paddington 28th January 2017 Copyright Jamie Dyke
Picture
75406 'Eric Machell' in the sunshine in Truro Yard. Note also one of the smart new red buses awaiting further duty on rail replacement services. 28th January 2017 Copyright Jamie Dyke
Picture
Making a colourful combination 153325 and 153333 depart for Falmouth Docks at 1250 28th January 2017 Copyright Jamie Dyke

Items added on 28th January 2017                                                                                         Those added most recently come first

28/1/2017

 
50 years ago today Saturday 28th January, 1967
The last timetable workings took place of the Bodmin Road to Padstow service.
With this in mind I decided to visit the former line in various places to see what remains to this day. With no trains in West Cornwall I used the replacement bus service to Truro which connected with the Cross Country Truro-Manchester Piccadilly service. Arriving at Bodmin Parkway I made use of the Route 11 service from Liskeard to Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow
Roger Winnen
Picture
170128d Bodmin Parkway today much altered from 50 years ago. The branch trains used the left side platform as the Bodmin & Wenford does today. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170128e After the closure of the branch, a bus replacement service began to operate, Western or Southern National, Western Greyhound and now Plymouth City Bus. Service 11 from Liskeard to Padstow. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170128f Bodmin General Station where I had a friendly invite to have look around this Heritage Line, this being a non operational day. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170128g Wadebridge Station now the John Betjamin Centre, perhaps one day we might see trains once more in Wadebridge! Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170128h Here we see Padstow Station buildings being restored and extended for the Padstow Town Council and for a museum. Copyright Roger Winnen
More Pictures on the Features Page
HST Movements at Truro during the blockade for engineering work
Andrew Triggs

Picture
170128a 43185 Great Western viewed from the level crossing on the rear of the 1C04. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
170128b Departing ECS to Highertown Tunnel prior to working the 13.39 to Paddington. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
170128c We have now arrived at Platform 3 awaiting to depart at 13.39. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Plain Line Pattern Recognition train.

Friday 27th Jan and Network Rails Plain Line Pattern Recognition train (PLPR) was photographed for us by its Colas driver Alan Peters as it stands in Bristol Temple Meads station before its departure to Tyseley.
The train was Top and Tailed by Europhoenix 37611 (BR Blue unbranded) and DRS 37601, she was travelling from Bristol via Severn Tunnel Junction, Didcot and Leicester before its arrival at Tyseley.
Many Thanks Alan.

Picture
Europhoenix 37611 (BR Blue unbranded) stands in Bristol Temple Meads station. Copyright Alan Peters.
Padstow
50 years ago
Mike Roach
​28 JANUARY 2017 marks 50 years since the last trains ran from Padstow to Bodmin Road, and up to Bodmin North as well. This was a Saturday. There were no trains on the Sunday. There were 3 Southern National buses advertised on the Sunday. Not all trains travelled the full 16.5 miles from Padstow to Bodmin Road. Some travelled Padstow - Bodmin General only; some Wadebridge - Bodmin Road, and some Padstow - Wadebridge There were only 2 trains each way up to Bodmin North Halt in the last timetable. 
Bodmin Road
Picture
Bodmin Road It's August 1961. A main line down train stands at the platform. This 5573 has just brought in a train from Wadebridge, run round, taken water and is ready for the return journey. Copyright Mike Roach
Picture
Two years later. 4655 has run round its train and steam is being raised ready for the climb to Bodmin General. Note the Water Crane with its long gantry spanning the tracks to provide watering for both branch and up main line trains. Note also the bags of parcels dumped on the platform, perhaps security didn't need to be as it is nowadays. 9th September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
Bodmin General
Picture
Bodmin General 4655 9th September and 4655 has made the bank up from Bodmin Road. A collection of vans waits sorting alongside the goods shed. 9th September.1963 Copyright Mike Roach
Boscarne Exchange Platform
Picture
Boscarne Exchange Platform - a winter scene 6th February 1976 Copyright R.Winnen
Nanstallon Halt
Picture
The Royal Duchy Railtour at Nanstallon. on the 30th April 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
There was once a manned crossing at the north end of Nanstallon Halt Copyright Julian Stephens
Grogley Halt
Picture
Grogley Halt 1st June 1974 Copyright Trevor Tremethick
Wadebridge
Picture
Steam and diesel in attendance at Wadebridge 27th April 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
Padstow
Picture
Padstow station 4th January 1964 Copyright Mike Roach
Now a quick look at the other two stations closed on the 3rd January 1967
Bodmin North was briefly served by a railbus from Boscarne Exchange Platform but in the end even this arrangement ceased with two trains a day on the Bodmin Road to Padstow service revesring at Boscarne Junction to run up to Bodmin North before continuing on to Padstow.
Dunmere Halt
Picture
Dunmere Halt in July 1962 Copyright Mike Roach
Bodmin North
Picture
Bodmin North in December 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

Items added on 27th January 2017                                                                                         Those added most recently come first

27/1/2017

 
Camborne
Edward Hannan
Edward reminds us that once again this weekend that buses replace trains.
Picture
Camborne at 12.48 today 27th January 2017 Copyright Edward Hannan
Exeter - Lympstone
Troop Train
​John Conelius
Good morning Keith,  Here are three interesting pics I took at Exeter st Davids in 1977. It is of an empty stock train for a troop special from Lympstone Commando to a destination somewhere up country. It was top'n'tailed out to Lympstone Commando by 25315 & 46004, with 46004 becoming the train engine on the return for the journey north.  I think 25315 was detached at central station on the return.
I wonder if this was a rare occurrence of a class 46 being on the Exmouth branch.
Perhaps Dave Tozer can enlighten us of such movements? 
​cheers JOHN C.                             Many thanks John
Some time ago David Tozer very kindly sent in pictures of a troop train at Polsloe Bridge passing along the branch, that was in April 1985 and featured 31219 with 47407 as the train engine.  See these in the Exmouth branch section - maybe David can tell us more?
Picture
Copyright John Cornelius
Picture
Copyright John Cornelius
Picture
Copyright John Cornelius
Monkton Park
Mike Morant
Picture
The return of the Dorset Coast Express from Weymouth to Victoria on 8/9/2010 was hauled by Gresley A4 no. 60019 Bittern and is shown here on the descent from Bincombe Tunnel. [Mike Morant]
Picture
The return of the Dorset Coast Express from Weymouth to Victoria on 8/9/2010 was hauled by Gresley A4 no. 60019 Bittern and is shown here at Monkton Park a little way short of Dorchester South Junction. [Mike Morant]
Picture
The return of the Dorset Coast Express from Weymouth to Victoria was hauled by Gresley A4 no. 60019 and was ‘banked’ by Stanier 5MT no. 44932 as shown here on 8/9/2010 at Monkton Park a little way short of Dorchester South Junction. [Mike Morant]

Items added on 26th January 2017                                                                                         Those added most recently come first

26/1/2017

 
Delightful Dunmere
Roger Winnen
Picture
Dunmere Halt Roger Winnen Collection 007
Somerton
John Cornelius
Picture
Many thanks John. 50019 came into service in May 68. It was named on the 18th April 1978, withdrawn 19th September 1990. It now 'lives' on the North Norfolk Railway. Copyright John Cornelius.
Christow
​Cameron Allen

​Cameron Allen wrote in on the 24th January:-  Do you know where these pictures where taken. They were taken from around mid 1950s to 1963 on an Exeter branch line. Thanks.  Cameron Allen  
Roger Winnen thought they might be Christow but as a final check they were forwarded to Colin Burges who runs the Teign Valley Railway at that location. Colin conforms that they are indeed Christow and that pictures are new to him.  The CRS hope to visit Christow on Saturday 2nd June, why not come along - details to follow. 
Picture
Christow. Copyright Cameron Allen
Picture
Christow. Copyright Cameron Allen.
Christow was part of the original Exeter Railway and although this name lives on today with, of all people, the Highways Agency, it was never as far as I know the "Exeter Branch," even colloquially. Certainly after 1923 it was generally referred to as part of the Teign Valley Branch.  Colin Burges

Items added on 25th January 2017                                                                                         Those added most recently come first

25/1/2017

 
Praze girder bridge.
David McILrath

Dear CRS,
Barbara Barnes of the Helston Railway preservation society has suggested I get in touch with you as someone who may be able to help me in my search for pictures of the girder bridge crossing the B3303 at Praze an Beeble prior to the line closure in 1963.
I have many pictures of the site following the removal of the girder bridge but none prior to its removal following the closure of the line. The reason for my request is that I am making a scale 4mm model railway of this section of the Helston Branch Line.
 Kind regards,  David McILrath

Can anybody help please with a photograph of the bridge.  The road surface both at this bridge site and that at the next one towards Gwinear was raised  after removal.
The Butlins Express at Minehead in August 2007
Andrew Triggs

The Butlins Express ran during July and August in 2007 from Bristol Temple Meads to Minehead and return, the operator was Victa Westlink. The locomotives were 31452 'Minotaur' and 31454 'The Heart of Wessex', sadly it was the only year that it ran.
Picture
070801a 31452 'Minotaur' stabled at Minehead. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
070801b The nameplate of 31452. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
070801c Stabled at Minehead with the Butlins Express 31454 'The Heart of Wessex'. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
070801d 31454 The Heart of Wessex nameplate. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Thanks Andrew
Dorchester 2010
Mike Morant

Picture
The outward Dorset Coast Express hauled by Gresley A4 no. 60019 Bittern approaches Dorchester South station’s up platform which caught most of us by surprise on 28/7/2010. [Mike Morant] Note the collection of enthusiasts on Culliford Road bridge.
​Taunton
John Cornelius
Picture
Western Warrior entered traffic on the 15th March 1963, and almost twelve years later on the 12th March 1973, was scrapped at Swindon. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 24th January 2017                                                                                         Those added most recently come first

24/1/2017

 
Intercity Surprise
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
A tip off that celebrity 43185 was leading 1A81 08.44 from Pnz had me rushing my porridge as I planned to get this power car at Coombe as I did with 43002 recently. 
The sky was clear over the sea behind me, but a bit gloomy "over Truro way".
Nevertheless the light held and the train ran by in grand style, with some colour in the gorse coming through too. 
All the best for now,  Craig 
Many thanks Craig, we had a surprise when the 'celebrity'  crossed Redruth viaduct this morning as we went shopping. 
Picture
Coombe 43185 heads the up Penzance - Paddington service. 1a81 24th January 2017 Copyright Craig Munday
Exeter Riverside
John Cornelius

Picture
Copyright John Cornelius
Western Mail
Roger Winnen

Picture
A Western heads the Postal seen crossing the causeway at Hayle. 21st April 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen
Mail Tale or Trail !
Brian Pibworth 
Good Morning Keith,

Roger Winnen's evocative picture of the Western Postal in the 1970s raised a distant echo from my former life in academe.

I must issue an initial disclaimer as to perfect accuracy of this tale but it was certainly accepted at the time.

In the distant past, when primary schools were administered by Local Authorities, Somerset County Education Department dispatched their admin letters, every Friday afternoon, in a brown A4 known as the "Weekly Envelope"  which would usually reach places like Chard on the following Monday or Tuesday - but not always.  From time to time schools would wait several days for the delivery and when it came the envelope would have rubber stampings from Bristol or Derby of all places.

When we made enquiries about this roundabout route we were told that weekend second class bulk mailings were put on the Down mail at Taunton to be sorted on the way to Penzance. They were then dropped off from the up train to be picked up at Taunton and distributed in the normal way.  This presumably took pressure off Taunton Sorting Office at weekends and provided more business for the mail train.  Unfortunately if  bags and packets missed the drop at Taunton they ended up at the train's final destination and then did the reverse journey a few days later, so causing some poor demented headteacher to fend off demands from County as to why he or she hadn't responded to some "important" letter which "must" have arrived in the Weekly Envelope.

It seemed a good explanation at the time but maybe it was just County Hall coming up with an ingenious excuse for missing the post.  My only regret was being too busy to check out the railway aspects at the time, although the idea that the pile of bumf had enjoyed a weekend in Cornwall had a certain charm.  Perhaps someone with insider knowledge could shed  light on the realities?

With kind regards, Brian
A lovely story Brian, I'm sure it's true.  Many thanks for writing in.  e-mails are bit faster than 'snail mail' !

Items added on 23rd January 2017                                                                                         Those added most recently come first

23/1/2017

 
More, a lot more on the
​Avoncliff PW
Guy Vincent
Avoncliff Relaying Job  22.01.2017 (Week one of two) 

Today (22nd) Network Rail contractors were engaged in a 28 hour possession, the first of two, removing contaminated ballast and installing a liner on the Up Trowbridge line through Avoncliff Aqueduct and Halt on the Bath-Westbury line, a distance of around 100 yards.    New ballast was laid, the previously used steel sleepers (about 20 years old) were relaid and new rails put in place including a pre-assembled IBJ for signalling purposes.   A fair amount of preparatory work was necessary prior to this work so here is a brief account.
This account and many pictures will appear as an article in the Features section for the weekend of the 22nd January 2017.
​ Click here and scroll down to  
Major Work in Wiltshire January 2017
                                                            Avoncliff tracks being refettled  by Guy Vincent
Picture
Frost still lingers in the Avoncliff valley as 66019 handles the Spoil train on the 22nd January 2017. Copyright Guy Vincent
Picture
Job done, very well done as Avoncliff Halt looks a picture on the 23rd January 2017. Copyright Guy Vincent
Camborne Footbridge - gone abroad!
Paul Burkhalter

Hi Keith,
At noon yesterday  (22nd) I observed a road trailer with the upper part of the footbridge parked up in the A38 westbound layby on the Devon side of the Tamar Bridge. Seemed odd that it was on this side of the road! 
Does anyone know where it’s going for refurbishment?
Sorry no pics – unexpected encounter!
Cheers,  Paul.        
Many thanks Paul.      Can anyone help please??
Class 47s on the Exeter-Waterloo Services at Salisbury
Michael Forward

Picture
910718a 47707 'Holyrood' with the 09.45 from Exeter and the 11.05 to London Waterloo. 18th July,1991. Copyright Michael Forward
Picture
910718b 47709 one of three 47s in view with the 11.00 from London Waterloo, the 12.31 departure to Exeter. 18th July 1991. Copyright Michael Forward
Picture
921222a Another colourful shot with 47703 'The Queen Mother' heading the 12.07 from Exeter, the 14.09 to London Waterloo. Copyright Michael Forward
RAILTOUR  RAILTOUR
​Bodmin & Wenford
BRANCH  LINE  SOCIETY - ALL  LINES  COVERED
​Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Sunday 12 March 2017: General Station, Bodmin, PL31 1AQ, (SX073664).  https://goo.gl/CYWIZI  Our third visit to this lovely and very friendly 6m 14ch standard gauge railway. If you were on either or both of the previous trips in November 2013 and November 2014 there will be extra track to help complete our coverage. A fourth trip is not likely in the foreseeable future so come on this one while you can. Starting Bodmin Parkway at 12.15 (connection from Bristol Temple Meads 08.28 and at 09.47 from Penzance) and expected to finish 16.30. Maximum party 60; £20 BLS and PLEG members (£22 non-members) including a hot Cornish pasty, stock list, detailed track map and souvenir ticket. Travelling in three brake vans, with ex-BR Class 08444, Industrial P403D 'Denise' and (as part of 50th Anniversary of the class) 50042. Real ale will be for sale on the train. Route, subject to availability, includes the full length of the Refuge Sidings, Loco Shed No3 Road, Parkway Shed roads (including inside one), Parkway end of line/run-round, Boscarne Jn end of line/run-round, Bodmin General run-round. Please apply to Kev Adlam, 53 Kemble Close, Wistaston, CREWE, CW2 6XN,  enclosing a cheque payee 'Branch Line Society' or CPA with an email address or SAE (and a second SAE if an immediate acknowledgement is required).
Perranwell Viaduct
Roger Winnen

Picture
Perranwell Viaduct on the Chacewater - Newquay branch between Perranporth and Goonhavern taken on 2nd March 1974. The mine engine house in the background is that of New Chiventon lead mine. This mine produced 300 tons of 73% lead ore, 1,300 ounces of silver, 25 tons of arsenic, 640 tons of zinc ore and 15 tons of pyrite between 1864 and 1878. Courtesy Mining in Cornwall. Picture by Roger Winnen Copyright
Eggesford Signalbox
John Cornelius

Picture
It had a modern signal box which was built to replace the one washed away when the closeby and very adjacent River Taw broke its banks. This signalbox was in existence at Eggesford until 1987, however the line has since been rationalised and the passing loop automated with the use of spring points. Token exchange is now carried out by the driver in an unmanned hut located on each platform. The conductor/guard is also required to operate the level crossing at the station as well as this is not automatic. Token release and train signalling is carried out by Crediton signalbox. Copyright John Cornelius
Dorchester Railtour  2010
Mike Morant

30777 Weymouth - Byfleet & New Haw - Surbiton - Wimbledon - Clapham Junction - Queenstown Road (Battersea) - London Waterloo
Picture
The returning Dorset Coast Express hauled by Maunsell N15 no. 30777 Sir Lamiel passes gingerly through Dorchester South station on 28/7/2010. [Mike Morant]
Picture
The returning Dorset Coast Express hauled by Maunsell N15 no. 30777 Sir Lamiel passes gingerly through Dorchester South station and continues on its way on 28/7/2010. [Mike Morant]

Items added on 22nd January 2017                                                                                         Those added most recently come first

22/1/2017

 
Wareham
Mick Hymans

Welcome to a new contributor to our website - Mick Hymans
Picture
A Maunsell U class comes through Wareham with a mixed freight. This 2.6.0 loco was built in 1926 and lasted until January 30th 1964. It is nice to see that the station advertises the Swanage branch and that the up platform still has signals for the bay. Picture from Mick Hymans Copyright
The weeks Trio
Craig Munday

Hi Keith,  Hope you are well. A bit of a round up for you. 
A sad pictures of a CDA clay wagon being scrapped at St Blazey yard this week. 
The cement passing Bodmin Parkway on its way to LIskeard, and finally Moorswater.
The clay climbing the bank at Milltown in super light on 20th Jan.
All the best,  Craig                   Many thanks indeed.
Picture
CDA scrapping operations at St Blazey 16th January 2017. Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
On the 18th January 2017 the cememnt 6c35 - avery nice picture. Craig Munday
Picture
20th January 2017 6g07 at Milltown headed by 66154. Copyright Craig Munday
Taking a look inside 
Avoncliff Aqueduct
Graham Mann
Picture
Avoncliff Aquaduct 1 Copyright Graham Mann
Picture
Avoncliff Aquaduct 2 Copyright Graham Mann
Picture
Avoncliff Aquaduct 3 Copyright Graham Mann Looking south towards the Halt.
The Removal of Camborne Station Footbridge
After 77 years for restoration
Roger Winnen & Mick House

From the vantage point of the temporary footbridge erected at Camborne Station and the up platform a small crowd gathered to watch the removal of the bridge which was erected in 1940. This bridge will be restored and reinstated in Camborne within a couple of months. Camborne was very cold on Saturday evening, I stayed from 16.00hrs until completion of the lift at 19.30hrs to witness the event. Roger Winnen.
Picture
170121k The Camborne Footbridge reinforced with tie bars awaiting removal. Copyright Mick House
Picture
170121m The first of the bridge to be lifted out. The housing which was attached to the top of the bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170121n Heavans above! The bridge is lifted for the first time since placed there in 1940. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170121o Being loaded on the Globetrotter extended articulated lorry. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170121p As Sunday dawns the bridge has gone for restoration. Copyright. Mick House
More photographs of the Camborne Footbridge will be found in the Features Pages
Looking back 44 years
Perranporth Beach Halt 
Roger Winnen

10 years after closure Roger Winnen took a wander around the Beach Halt area - this is what he found.
Picture
Perrancombe valley. Remains of the trackbed near Perranporth. 4th February 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen.
Picture
Perranporth Beach Halt, the South end of platform - the rest has gone to the Dell at Falmouth. Now Falmouth Town. 4th February 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
Perranporth Beach Halt - The remains of.. 4th February 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen Passengers exited the platform at the north end and the turned back to follow a sloping path to the public road.
Picture
Liskey Road Bridge near to Perranporth Beach Halt. 4th February 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
The cutting to the north of Liskey Road Bridge curving towards Perranporth station which was behind the photographer. 4th February 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen

The final day of track renewals between Redruth and Truro.
Week three, day two of work between Wheal Bois and Scorrier 22/01/2017.
By Mick House.

The final day and as the number of photos that came in yesterday far exceeded the number anticipated I have separated today’s collection.
I would like to give a big thank you to all of our contributors, in particular Colas driver Alan Peters and Network Rails Graham Mann for photos within the work site.
Photos will be added to the features page when they come in.
Click here for the features page
Bournemouth Shed
Geoffery Matthews

Picture
34023 Blackmore Vale on shed 22nd May 1966 Copyright Geoffrey Matthews. Picture taken when on an official shed visit. Blackmoor Vale is a preserved locomotive having moved to the Longmoor Military Railway for a short ime it then moved to the Bluebell line in 1971 where it has been for ever since.
Wick 
John Cornelius

Picture
Preserved loco 50031 Hood. Copyright John Cornelius
<<Previous

    Archives

    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011