Blog Archives

31st January 2020

31/1/2020

Bradford on Avon
Ron Kosys

Here is the third of a set of three photographs taken from exactly the same location on the same day - there's enthusiasm for you. Well done, Ron

56001 with tanks in tow seen near Bradford on Avon on the 11th May 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

Near Aller Jct.
Paul Barlow

A sight for sore eyes as 46026 powers the 10.00 Bradford to Paignton towards Aller Junction on the 28th August 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow. There appears to be quite heavy traffic on the adjacent road 'improvements' to which have caused many changes to this view.

Many thanks Paul

South Devon Railway
Photo plea.

Hi,
Thought you might like to know these details which Giles Gilbert has kindly informed me of, of the planned ballast workings for Monday to Friday on the South Devon Railway next week with L.92.
I would love to be able to go to Devon next week to photograph this rare opportunity, but unfortunately with the way my wife's health is these days, I can not consider doing so. However, you or someone you know may be able to take advantage of this knowledge and get some much needed photos for historical records. I believe Jack Boskett lives that way & no doubt would be able to go and take some excellent photos. So, if you know how to contact him, could you please do so.
I would therefore obviously like to be e-mailed any photos that anyone can take of these special ballast workings for L.92 { alias ex-GWR 0-6-0 PT # 5786; 90 years old this month, having entered service at Aberdare on 18/01/1930, having been built at Swindon in December 1929 }.
Hoping that this can benefit yourself or someone else you know.
Kind Regards & very best wishes,
' Pannier Pete ' , Peter Hudson
[email protected]

We, the CRS website would also be interested in any pictures - we'll publish what you send - with credits, of course.

30th January 2020

30/1/2020

Bradford on Avon
Ron Kosys

This is the second of a set of three taken at the exactly the same location on the same day. Many thanks for your perseverance Ron.

56057 Bradford on Avon 11th May 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys.

Staffords Bridge
Paul Barlow

A pleasant scene at a country location as 45125 heads the 07.55 Paignton to Glasgow the 1S39 past Staffords Bridge. near Exeter on the 28th August 1982, None of the cattle seem interested in the passing train though one seems to be wondering what Paul is up to!!

Many thanks Paul.

Then and now 158 trials on the
St Ives Branch
Craig Munday

The recent use of 158747 on the St Ives service takes me back to the early nineties 1992 when 158714 was trailed on the line. The bay platform was excluded from the test I recall, so used the Bay siding instead.
Here are some pictures from the previous decades and yesterday (28th).

Kind regards, Craig.

158714 at St Erth - trial on the St Ives branch 1992 Copyright Craig Munday

A lovely scene from days gone by - 1992. Heritage sets form the St Ives train plus another on a main line working. Copyright Craig Munday,

158714 at St Erth on a trial run 1992. Copyright Craig Munday. Note the milk factory in the background.

158714 at Lelant 1992. Copyright Craig Munday

158747 near Lelant on the 28th January 2020. Copyright Craig Munday. The bright sky makes for interesting colouring on the water of St Erth river as it meanders its way to join the Hayle river,

Many thanks Craig.

Marston Bridge
Ken Mumford

This working passed me at Marston Bridge (east of Swindon Station and Highworth Junction)10 or so minutes late (according to me).

67027 was leading whilst 67023 was trailing.

Kind regards, Ken J. Mumford.

1Z22 Tyseley to Bristol. 29th January 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Eastleigh
Kevin Jenkin

Those of you who know the area will realise just how serious Tuesdays derailment at Eastleigh was and the 'knock on' effects caused by it. There are many services through Eastleigh - both by South West Trains and Cross Country as well as it being an important freight hub/
We understand that operators and passengers will continue to suffer until next Monday.

29th January 2020

29/1/2020

Cockwood
Paul Barlow

. A 'nice' bit of smoke as 45013 approaches Cockwood with the 1E29 0900 Paignton to Sheffield. Its the 28th August 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

Bradford on Avon
Ron Kosys

It's the 11th May 1988 as 56053 powers towards Bradford on Avon with a Robeston to Theale train. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks to Ron.

Cogload
Graham Thornton

A superb black and white image from the Graham Bowden Collection. The date is the 14th August 1976. Copyright

Cogload Jct Box from a down service descending after passing over the flyover, 25th May 1987. Note canal bank & pillbox. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Graham

BIG BIG PROBLEMS
Eastleigh
Kevin Jenkin

A poor quality dusk and rain phone photo of the derailed freightliner at Eastleigh station. This has caused chaos with most services in the Southampton / Winchester area cancelled. A journey from Winchester to Swaythling involved a lengthy queue at Winchester and a rail provided taxi to Eastleigh station, and then a long walk.
The derailment took place in late morning and severe disruption is set to continue tomorrow.
All wagons remain generally upright. It's not a good season for South Western Railway.

Eastleigh Big problems were caused by this derailment. 28th January 2020. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

N.B. Kevin's journey - Winchester to Swaythling took two and half hours as opposed to the normal 30 mins. He will be working from home today while the clear up at Eastleigh continues!!

Many thanks Kevin

28th January 2020

28/1/2020

Roger Winnen
gets New Bearings

You'll all be pleased to hear that this morning Roger Winnen underwent an operation at Hayle Hospital and has now had a replacement right knee joint fitted. We all wish him well and hope that he will be 'up and running' soon.!!
Dave Tozer has just spoken to Roger who seems well pleased.

158 747 on the
St Ives branch
Mark Lynam and Andrew Triggs

Two of our very regular contributors get to the branch to get the first photographs of 158 747 performing on the branch. Well done - both of you.

158747 at St Ives before working the1018 to St Erth 09.52 28th January 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam

158747 at St Erth 10.16 28th January 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam

158747 at St Erth 11.00 28th January 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam

Whilst Mark covered the stations Andrew was out along the branch.

158 on Sr Ives branch 13.26 28th January 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs

158 on the St Ives branch. Passing Lelant station at 13.42 28th January 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

158 0n the St Ives branch passing Lelant Golf Course. 13.53 28th January 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many thanks to both of you.

St Budeaux Ferry Road.
Alan Peters

A rare chance to see freight on the Gunnislake branch with a ballast drop between St Budeaux and Bere Alston, pictured at St Budeaux Victoria Road.
Regards Alan Peters,

A rare chance to see freight on the Gunnislake branch with a ballast drop between St Budeaux and Bere Alston, pictured at St Budeaux Victoria Road in the early hours of Tuesday 28th January 2020 working 6C40 is the return trip to Westbury with Colas Rail Freight 66849 'Wylam Dilly' top and tailed with 5 x auto hoppers and 66847 'Terry Baker' named after one of Colas Rail's Drivers who passed away in 2018. Copyright Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan

Llanwern
Ron Kosys

59202 seen here near LLanwern on the 17th April 1999 with the 7B52 10.47 Port Talbot to Llanwern. Very heavy Iron Ore Train. Copyright Ron Kosys

Dainton
Paul Barlow

A smashing view taken on the 28th August 1982 from the bridge just west of Dainton tunnel of 45 148 heading the 06.56 Leeds- Newquay 1V69 service. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Something to see at
Coleford Railway Museum
Roy Hart

Dear Keith,
I was interested to read the piece on Cogload box. Indeed, the building can be found today at the Coleford Railway Museum in the Forest of Dean. The box building has been beautifully restored, but the interior is not original: the frame comes from Shelwick Junction, near Hereford. Visitors are encouraged to play!

This museum, created by the late Mike Rees, is a gem and really worth a visit. It is situated in the town car park - the site of one of Coleford's two railway stations.

Roy Hart

Many thanks Roy.

Class 158 to St Ives
David Tozer

Real luxury - it is understood that a class 158 is working the St Ives branch today. For proof see above.

27th January 2020

27/1/2020

Fairwood Junction
Ron Kosys

59002 seen at Fairwood Junction on 20th April 1988 with a Eastleigh-Merehead stone empties train. Copyright Ron Kosys. Notein

Many thanks Ron.

Cogload Junction
Guy Vincent

Guy writes;= I was interested to see the piece from Norman Finnimore concerning Cogload Signal Box. I well remember this box which from 1972 was a fringe box to the then new panel box at Bristol Temple Meads some 40 miles away. It was quite remote from civilisation and the only means of access was by way of the towpath of the adjacent Bridgwater and Taunton canal. There was no mains water supply and I recall that up until closure water cans were dropped off and empties collected by certain service trains, the 1010 Portsmouth Harbour-Taunton and 1425 Taunton-Bristol TM being used for this purpose on March 15th 1986,water being sent up from Taunton station.

The excellent Taunton Trains website has a set of photos taken in late 1987 showing the signal box being removed from the lineside and transported away in two sections to its new home at the Coleford Railway Museum in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Go onto the main Taunton Trains site and look first at the Memories section then under the sub-heading 'Big Change' which deals with the 1980s resignalling project. The box has been fully restored in original GWR colours and is now plated up as 'Coleford Junction Signal Box'. I shall make a visit later this year and report back.

Here are a couple of 'from the window' shots of the site of the 'box taken from a slow-moving HST on the down Bristol line in August 2017, note the access gate in the railway boundary fence (just visible in Norman's picture), the WW2 concrete pillbox and the former signalman's 'privy' still in-situ to the left of the site where the signal box formerly stood, also 'Saturn Bridge' on the adjoining canal.

With best regards, Guy Vincent

Cogload signalbox site. 14th August 2014, Copyright Guy Vincent.

Cogload Junction 14th August 2014. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy.

26th January 2020

26/1/2020

Cogload
Norman Finnimore

Norman writes :- The photo off memory by Mike Wennen has got me pondering as i knew that box in the 1950,s & saw my first Diesel Warship class there which is by the way,
I have pulled levers & the steps/stairs were on the left looking across the rail, There was a Black hut & toilet on the left & a wicket gate + vehicle crossing gate, The pill box was further left & a wicket gate to the right of that leading to the canal towpath hence the concrete post & wire, (a farmer would not do that). The door to the levers underneath was on the right (Durston end). In the box the levers were along the lineside of the box & the stove & desk were behind,Off memory no windows on the canal side but end windows each end,
I will gladly discuss on 07860663877, Regards N Finnimore

Many thanks Norman

One last steam up
Kilmersdon
Emma Shard

With her boiler ticket coming to an end, the Helston Railway gave Kilmersdon one last steam up for the railways volunteers to enjoy before she leaves the railway for her overhaul. I had the pleasure of being her trainee fireman for the day. 25.1.20.
Emma Shard.

Kilmersdon after arrival at Truthall 25th January 2020 Copyright Emma Shard

Kilmersdon ready to set off from Prospidnick 25th Janaury 2020 Copyright Emma Shard.

Many thanks Emma.

Merehead Trains
Ron Kosys

59001 11th August 1988 -Merehead Copyright Ron Kosys

59001 11th August 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys .

Many thanks Ron.

Take note
Royal Train 1937
David Ward

David writes- Though not a member I am married to a very genuine Cornish Girl from Camborne for nearly fifty years. I live in Kent.

Now in my 80's I use to belong to the local railway society where I live writing many articles for them and at one time programme organiser. As I no longer have a car now relying on my Old Age Bus and Rail Card for occasional excursions. I try to keep up with Railways and their development both Old and New around the world belonging to a couple of the professional railway sites and having an Eldest Daughter who is a Transport Planner in Sustainability and projects

I like your web-site the interest and the daily upgrades.

One of the things I hold is the following document that you might be interested for your documents page. This is interesting as it came to Camborne in 1937.

Continue with the excellent web-site and Best wishes for the future.

David Ward.

David Ward Collection

Many thanks for copy of this rare document David.

25th January 2020

25/1/2020

Spotlight on
Torre Station
Roger Winnen

Torre Station opened on 18th December 1848 and was the terminus originaly known as Torquay on the line from Newton Abbot. The line was extended by the Dartmouth and Torbay Railway on 2nd August 1859 which opened the present Torquay Station at Livermead, so the original station was renamed Torre. The original station can still be seen standing alongside the track just north of the platform. The original signal box built in 1883 contained 16 levers and was replaced in 1921 by this 3 story box seen today now redundant with 42 levers.
Torre Station sees alot of traffic from students attending the local schools and colleges nearby during term time.

200118e Torre Station with its original Brunel Station buildings on 18th January 2020. Copyright Roger Winnen

200118h A continuaton of Torre Station showing the other railway sheds etc. Copyright Roger Winnen

200118f Looking from the footbridge towards Newton Abbot. The original station would have been between the platform end on the right and the goods shed in grey cladding in the distance. Copyright Roger Winnen

200118k Torre Station Footbridge. Network Rail are seeking planning permission to replace this footbridge as th station buildings are grade 2 listed. Copyright Roger

200118j The redundant Torre Signal Box built in 1921 with 42 levers. Copyright Roger Winnen

200118m Departure from Torre of a Class 150 together with a Class 143 to Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

200118i A sprinter combined with a 143 Pacer departs for Newton Abbot. and Exeter. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bradford on Avon
Ron Kosys

56050 Bradford Junction on the 20th April 19 .1988 Wootton Bassett to Merehead Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron

Dunmere area
Dave Anthony

Hi guys,
Had a stroll from Wadebridge to Bodmin today and between Dunmere and Bodmin North came across this strange structure. I'm presuming it's a gangers / platelayers hut that's been adapted to serve as a shelter for us strollers. The outer shell being Exmouth concrete but there's a row of modern block with a sleeper on top...

Cheers, Dave Anthony

PW Hut between Dunmere and Bodmin North 24th January 2020 Copyright Dave Anthony. What a good spot to rest your legs especially if its raining.

24th January 2020

24/1/2020

Cardiff 1988
Michael Forward

37162 approaches east end of the station with a load of hoppers. 17th February 1988. Copyright Michael Forward

37255 in the attractive red stripe livery passing though. Copyright Michael Forward. 17th February 1988. Michael saw many of the class during a three hour period.

Many thanks Michael.

Stoke Gifford
Ron Kosys

56033 seen at Stoke Gifford on the 8th April 1988 with a train of empties bound for Tytherington Quarry. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

Taunton 50's
Bill Elston

The two 50s did indeed go up to Long Marston, conveying just one ex-Scotrail sleeping car.
Please see photos attached. Also waiting to depart for Cardiff at that time was 150238 probably the last FGW.
blue class 150 unit. Best Regards Bill Elston.

50049, 23rd January 20 20 Copyright Bill Elston

50007, 23rd January 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

150238 at Taunton . 23rd January 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

Brent 50's
Clive Smith

Absolute dire light as 50049 top and tails with 50007 on the 5Z50 09.00 Laira - Long Marston stock move containing one Caledonian Sleeper carriage. I thought this was a redundant HST stock move. The 50s came down from Wembley yesterday with three sleeper coaches so not sure what was going on. Apologies for the picture quality taken on an absurdly high ISO rating.The moorland mizzle had descended off Dartmoor making a decent photo out of the question. What a contrast from a few days ago.

Regards. Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive.

Penzance & Newquay
Mark Lynam

Last night saw Colas Rail liveried 37254 working a Network rail test train from Penzance to Exeter via Newquay and Looe. I managed to capture it at Penzance and Newquay.

I have also included a photo of 57605 at Penzance on the sleeper.

Thanks, Mark Lynam

57605 at Penzance complete with Cornish Daffodils'. It's 21.02 on the 23rd January 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

37254 Penzance at 20.46 on the 23rd January 2020 Copyright Mark Lynam

Mark gets full marks for this as he wizzed over to Newquay to get the next one see below.

37254 at Newquay 23.18 on the 23rd January 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark.

Stuck in the Mud
A snippet from the West Briton.

The item concerned a transporter stuck in the mud causing delays on country roads near Helston.
It is understood the heritage Helston Railway was taking delivery of the engine on Friday but the transporter being used to move it became stuck in the mud. It blocked the road between Crowntown and Trannack, at the viaduct in Prospidnick.
Two tractors were brought in to try to drag the diesel engine, named 'Alf Benney', clear.

23rd January 2020

23/1/2020

'New units' fail at
Portsmouth Harbour
Guy Vincent

Two class 442 units standing in platform 3 at Portsmouth Harbour station on the early evening of Monday January 20th. These units, formerly known as 'Wessex Electrics', have recently been returning to traffic with South Western Railway after a protracted rebuilding programme by Gemini Rail Technology at Eastleigh Works. New from BREL Derby in 1987-88 they replaced the much older class 432 '4-REP' traction units and class 491 4-TC sets that operated between Waterloo and Weymouth in association with the 19 Push-Pull class 33 locos 33101-33119. In order to keep costs down the 442s when built used the traction motors from the REP units (dating from 1951) and these have now finally been replaced by new equipment. Modifications have since had to be made to the traction equipment to surpress interference with signalling equipment in the Earlsfield area. In total 18 of the 5 car sets are being overhauled for SWR from the original total of 24 at a reported cost of £45,000,000.

Sadly this pair were failed just prior to departure and ran empty to Fratton depot instead of forming their intended 9P56 1615 Portsmouth Harbour-London Waterloo via Petersfield, Guildford and Woking. Class 442s run as class 9 services due to a number of route restrictions that apply to their use. Enter 'class 442 modifications' into your usual search engine to find out more.

With regards, Guy Vincent.

Portsmouth Harbour 442413 & 442417 20th January 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent N.B. A very interesting view seen in the winter sunlight, note the masts of the 'Victory' overlooking the scene.

Many thanks Guy

50's at
Creech St Michael
Bill Elston

Over to Creech today (22nd January 2020) to catch 50007 leading 50049 0n 5Z50 Wembley to Laira ecs. ( looks like three sleeping cars )
These will probably work ecs from LA to Long Marston.
Thankfully the fog lifted

Kindest regards, Bill

50007,leads at Creech St Michael. 22nd January 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

50049 brings up the rear at Creech St Michael. , 22nd January 2020. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill

Wentloog Freightliner at
Westbury
Guy Vincent

Freightliner class 70 no 70007 pulls away from Westbury this afternoon (21st January 2020) on the daily 4O57 1329 Wentloog-Southampton Maritime loaded freightliner. This service was re-routed in December to run via Bath, Westbury and Salisbury rather than via Badminton, Reading West and Basingstoke in order to free up paths on the Great Western main line for the enhanced Bristol-Paddington super-fast services now operating.
Guy Vincent.

Westbury 70007 4O57 13.29 Wentloog to Sothampton on the 21st January 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Plenty of clagg at Westbury as 70007 pulls away with the 4O57 1329 Wentloog-Southampton Marine service 21st January 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent. (Looks like a future Home Page picture to me!)

Many thanks once again Guy.

Nearing
Westbury
Ron Kosys

56052 Westbury 13.08.88 Sa West Drayton 13th August 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

The area is overlooked by a large iron age hill fort and white horse carved into the Bratton hillside. The first Westbury white horse is believed to have been cut to celebrate victory over the Danes in the Battle of Ethandium in 878AD; The horse is clearly visible in the background.

Many thanks Ron.

Clay country & Devon Cement
Craig Munday.

Hi Keith

A rare fault on a class 70 caused 70805 to fail just outside Plymouth on 15th. Just behind (with massive fortune) was DBC class 66 66099. The red shed coupled onto the rear and assisted the formation into Plymouth station. The class 66 went on its route refreshing jaunt to Par, and a fellow Colas 70 arrived later in the day to carry on the cement service to Moorswater.

During the recent fine sunshine, bright red class 66 66094 has worked the afternoon clay 21st. There are some nice spots to catch it, and as the sun gets higher into the season, Golant will be back on the circulation.

Here are some shots taken at Rocks of the loco doing the shunting (as is the norm for the time being) at Rocks. The two shunting locos positioned out of the operations rather forlorn in the sidings.

The train is then seen at Middleway, and St Blazey.

Also featured are the currently stored Imerys shunt locos at Rocks, and 150207 working the morning Newquay to Par service.

Thanks Craig

66099 at the rear of the failed cement 6C35 seen at Plymouth on the 15th January 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

66094 at Middleway on the 21st January 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

66094 has now reached Goonbarrow (Rocks) 21st January 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

At Goonbarrow we see 150207 on the 2N03 service to Par. Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks for your colourful collection Craig,

22nd January 2020

22/1/2020

Wanstrow
Ron Kosys

Wanstrow station on the Strawberry Line (Yatton to Witham branch) was closed to passengers on the 9th September 1963. It was about two miles from the junction with the main line at Witham..

59002 is seen at Wanstrow with a train of empties heading for Merehead Quarry. The date in the 11th August 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

Plymouth Friary
Paul Barlow

Labels from the Paul Barlow Collection - treasured memories behind these. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks to Paul Barlow.

Yesterday at
Plymouth Friary
Paul Burkhalter

Paul Barlows images from1983 were very interesting, so much so that I have just been (21st January 2020) to the same location to capture a 'now' version of his last picture in B & W so as to mirror the older images. Still three tracks in-in situ but little used as the Cattewater line has no traffic. I didn't turn in the other direction as it is a depressing scene of 'crinkly tin' retail buildings with no rail interest at all.
Cheers Paul Burkhalter.

Many thanks to Paul Burkhalter.

If you go to our section featuring Friary there is more to be seen and also, very soon we hope to add a report and pictures taken at Friary by Colin Burges in 1989.

Glorious sun at

Teignmouth
Clive Smith

What glorious weather we've had the last few days. The subject matter is not very exciting but with the stunning sea wall and excellent light conditions with red cliffs and blue sea and skies, who cares ?
Regards, Clive Smith.

(1) One of the two prototype 3-car class 150s 150002 rounds the sea wall into Teignmouth station. This unit along with 150001 are scheduled to be moved to another TOC soon. I had pitched up to hopefully capture some class 143 pacers before they disappear but it seemed the formations coupled with 150s put them at the 'London end' . Not good on a sunny day. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) 43194 heads the 13.00 Cardiff - Penzance into Teignmouth. This nearly was a superb double HST passing shot but the 'up' was just two seconds too early and had just gone behind this Castle set. Drat. 21st January 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) This was taken at 15.42 with the low winter sun slowly dropping in the sky immediately behind me with the shadows encroaching up the track. The train is the 15.15 Paignton - Manchester Piccadilly. Today was the first day of consultations between Network Rail and local people about their proposals to rebuild the sea wall further out to sea and reduce the beach size. The section here running along Holcombe Bay to Parsons Tunnel will be massively affected. 21st January 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

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