Blog Archives

31st January 2021

31/1/2021

As reported Roger Winnen moved from Bodmin Hospital into Karenza Care Home at with effect from last Saturday 18th January. He is in isolation for a couple of days yet - he could do with a chat.
He is at Karenza Care home at St Agnes. Post code TR5 0UD

He is available on his mobile the number of which is 07773808074
- he could certainly do with a chat.
Due to the Covid Precautions Roger is confined to his room for ten days.

'Check Rails' at
Polbrock Bridge
Andrew and Diane Jones

Polbrock Bridge and check rails Polbock Bridge 1971 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

The Humble Permanent Way………

I was recently reminded when submitting the Polbrock Bridge photograph, how two rails sitting on sleepers are seriously underrated in engineering terms.
I have attached a photograph at the same location taken in 1971 to illustrate just one of the many factors required to safely support the weight and mass of a typical locomotive weighing possibly a 100 tons with a trailing weight of say 200 tons.
Check rails are not particularly common on the mainline except for pointwork and level crossings, but many branch lines with tight curves often relied on some form of protection to stop wheels from climbing the rail and de railing.
(Check rails installed on level crossings were predominantly to reduce debris fouling the track and keep some form of clearance.)
When studying the profile of a standard wheel set it would be noted that the flange should not make contact with the rail except when traversing a curve. When encountering a sharp curve as often found on branch lines there is a tendency proportional to speed for the wheel to try and climb the rail and to counteract this a second check rail was often installed which acted upon the back of the flange to contain the wheel set from lifting.
The branch to Wenfordbridge from Boscarne had extremely tight curves but due to the low speed limit relied on flange greasers to reduce wear, however the squeal through the Outlands section could be heard for miles!
The science behind the permanent way is extremely complex and I was reminded when taking my HNC at Devonport Tech of the involved equations used to calculate all the forces involved and thats after providing the formation and drainage which is a science in its self.
If there is enough interest I would gladly continue this subject in the future.
Best wishes Andrew and Diane

Many thanks indeed to Andrew and Diane.
We look forward to your further thoughts on the subject.

Before we leave January
Exeter & Dawlish '04
Paul Barlow

43003 & 43188 on the 12.35 Paddington to Plymouth 16th January 2004 Copyright Paul Barlow

67018 'Rapid' 14.55 Plymouth to Low Fell the 1E43 seen at Dawlish Warren. 16th January 2004 Copyright Paul Barlow

Exeter St Thomas - 67026 on the 13.03 Bristol to Plymouth the 5Z65. It's 16th January 2004 Copyright Paul Barlow

Again at Exeter St Thomas. 67026 rear headed by 67026 the 13.03 Bristol to Plymouth the 5Z65 on the 16th January 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

Hanborough
Guy Vincent

Hanborough station as it was in December 2013. Hanborough is located 70 miles and 39 chains from London Paddington on the 'Old Worse and Worse' aka Oxford Worcester & Wolverhampton line. About as basic and spartan as it is possible to be and hardly an appealing 'shop window' to advertise the advantages and benefits of travel by rail. I've always found it sad to see formerly double main line railway routes reduced to single track with abandoned platforms lying disused and neglected as here. From what I've seen on the net recently little has changed since my visit; surely enough to set Churchill spinning in his grave! Being so close to the village of Bladon, Blenheim Palace and Woodstock I am certain it could be improved and when better times return become a hub for transport connecting these well known attractions. Next to the station is the Oxford Bus and Morris Motors Museum, well worth a visit in its own right. N.B. This is rather out of our region but as yesterday we covered Sir Winston Churchill's funeral train this was his final rail destination.

Hanborough Looking towards Oxford on the 9th December 2013 Copyright Guy Vincent. A special facing crossover was installed to allow Churchill's funeral train to come into the up platform.

Hanborough Looking towards Charlbury 9th December 2013. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Hanborough Bridge at the Charlbury end. 9th December 2013 Copyright Guy Vincent

Hanborough Sign as seen on the 9th December 2013. Copyright Guy Vincent.

The then modern image 180103 leaves Hanborough heading for Charlbury, 9th December 2013. Copyright Guy Vincent

Further to the recent Han(d)borough feature there are some very interesting items online concerning the arrangements for Churchill's funeral train. For two particular favourites search: 'Nine Elms Locomotive Shed - Winston Churchill Funeral Train' and 'Pullman Car Services - Pullman Car History'. The first is a well illustrated account of the day's proceedings written by the fireman who worked 34051 from Waterloo to Hanborough and then took the loco light to Oxford MPD. For the convenience of the funeral party a facing crossover * was installed east of the station so the train was able to arrive at the 'Up' platform from where a waiting motor hearse conveyed the late wartime leader the last mile and a quarter to Bladon churchyard (* imagine THAT being allowed today!). To return the funeral party to London Paddington station, Golden Ochre liveried D1015 Western Champion was provided and the train departed Hanborough at 1620. As a precaution D1028 Western Hussar was kept on standby duty at Reading but thankfully its services were not required.

The second item includes full details of the stock used and copies of the train running arrangements for the day. The stock consisted of 'Car No 208', PMV S2464 'Carina', 'Lydia', 'Perseus', 'Isle of Thanet'. PMV S2464 was repatriated from the USA and restored in time for the 50th anniversary of the funeral. It was displayed at the NRM York in 2015 along with loco 34051 and Pullman Car 'Lydia' which was the carriage used by Churchill's family. Perseus is still in use as part of the Belmond British Pullman; on 28th February 2005 it formed part of a special charter 'The Staite Pullman' hauled appropriately by D1015 resplendent in Golden Ochre and captured passing Berkley Marsh near Frome.

Final point: Why the missing D in Handborough these days??

Guy Vincent.
Looking at Wikipedia it seems that Hanborough is an acceptable alternative for Handborough these days.

D1015 passing Berkley Marsh, nr Frome, Somerset on PTR's 'The Staite Pullman' on 28th February 2005. Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks indeed Guy.

Before we leave Hanborough as we've finally got here - the following courtesy on Wikipedia.
Hanborough railway station is a railway station in the village of Long Hanborough in Oxfordshireserving the village and surrounding district. As a result of the Cotswold line being singled the former up platform is the only one now in use for both up and down trains. It is served by GWR trains between London Paddington and Worcester Shrub Hill. It is also the nearest station to the towns of Woodstock and Witney.
There is a passenger-operated ticket machine (card payments only; not cash) at the entrance to the station platform.
The station has two car parks, which between them provide 241 car spaces. However, on most weekdays the number of passengers parking at Hanborough exceeds the number of spaces available. Oxford Bus Museum is just east of the station, in the former goods yard.
-------------------------------------------------------------

30th January 2021

30/1/2021

56 years ago today
Churchill's Funeral
Mike Roach

The 30th January 1965 was the occasion of a very important State Funeral - that of Sir Winston Churchill. This was the Last State Funeral.
Fortunately for us Mike Roach had made the 200 or so mile journey from Plymouth up to the Culham area.
Mike Roach writes :-
It was Winston Churchill's Funeral on 30 January 1965. Here are 3 photos of the train taken from 2 negatives. The location is just north of Culham midway between the Station and the bridge across the River Thames. It was a dull miserable day and not a bit conducive to photography, but I had to take it having travelled a couple of hundred miles to do it.

The coffin was in the second vehicle which was a wooden bodied parcels van.

Regards, Mike

Winston Churchill Funeral Train 30th January 1965 Strictly Copyright Mike Roach

Winston Churchill Funeral Train heads away towards Hanborough. 30th January 1965 Strictly Copyright Mike Roach

On 24 January 1965, Winston Churchill died. At his state funeral on 30 January 1965 a special train hauled by 34051 Winston Churchill was laid on to take the coffin containing Sir Winston Churchill and his family to Handborough. Handborough was the closest station, at one and a quarter miles, from the parish church of Bladon where Churchill’s body was interred. This station is about seven miles north-west of Oxford. The train was one the last state funerals in the world. Handborough station was closed to passengers on the 20th September 1965.

Highly recommended :- There is an excellent piece on Sir Winston Churchill's Funeral train on the National Railway Museum site = please click here https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/what-was-on/churchills-final-journey

34051 2C151 was built at Brighton and entered traffic in December 1946. It was withdrawn from active service in September 1965 and later given a place at the National Railway Museum York,

Many thanks to Michael Roach

Roy Hart kindly advises us that as far as he knows the last state funeral hauled by steam was that of King Frederik IX of Denmark, in January 1972. The late king was a railway enthusiast and had requested steam, I believe.
Roy

A reply to calling
Guild Train Managers
Chris Osment

Yesterdays item from Jeff Vinter brought back a few memories, as I was on the Committee of the Exeter University Railway Society circa-1969 and therefore had some involvement with the ‘Guild Trains’, which certainly did run during that period. It was not uncommon to have some unsold tickets left over after each train and I have ‘hoarded’ a few of those ever since! I have left a message for Jeff on the Railway Ramblers website.

Chris

Exeter Guild Tickets. Especially interesting is the 28th March 1970 example. It is routed via Lavington.. This station Closed to passengers on the 18th April 1966 and to goods on the 3rd Apl 67. Tickets from the Chris Osment Collection.

Many thanks Chris.

Craig on TV
You will find this very interesting

I am surprised this programme has not been flagged up in your pages especially as Craig Munday features quite a lot on it a s well as the Royal Albert Bridge, the refurbished Saltash station building interior and the accommodation coaches at St Germans. A fascinating programme presented by the enthusiastic Tim Dunn. Lots of aerial shots to salivate over. An absolute treat.

Details of which channels to find the programme 'The Architecture The Railways Built on Yesterday Channel are shown in the following link. It is being shown at various times and days over the coming days and you can also download it to watch.

The Architecture the Railways Built | Yesterday Channel (uktv.co.uk)

Regards Clive Smith

Well done Craig and many thanks to Clive for the reminder.

29th January 2021

29/1/2021

An update on the Trollies at
Meldon Quarry
Jon Kelsey

Hello Keith

We're interested in the recent postings by Brian Pibworth, particularly the earlier one entitled Meldon Trollies. I'm afraid we can't offer any authoritative insights, as they pre-date most of the current regulars. but we've got a few thoughts.

The steam locomotive cab roof in the scrap pile looks as if it came from the privately owned Hudswell Clarke PLA 0-6-0 tank restoration project which has been in Meldon yard for a long time. The owner must have rebuilt the cab - it has had one since 2009 at the latest. It seems likely that the dome belonged to it too. (The boiler has been off site for many years).

We're pretty sure the Wickham trolley is Wickham Works Number 10841, the regular Dartmoor Railway trolley. The trailer is Wickham Works number 8385, originally built as a skip trailer for work on Sevenoaks tunnel, converted to dropside form long before it came to Devon. Both are/were assets of Dartmoor Railway Community Interest Company, in administration since Feb 2020. We don't yet know the outcome. The third vehicle in that view is a Permaquip Mk3 Jackapacka, either BP053 or BP054. In the long view is also a Robel trolley.

I wonder if you would mind passing these sketchy notes on to Brian, or putting us in touch with him.

kind regards

Jon Kelsey

Secretary and Website Editor - Dartmoor Railway Supporters' Association

Many thanks Jon - your most interesting notes have been forwarded to Brian.

Newbury
Michael Forward.

50043 ‘Eagle’ ,at speed, with the 11.30 from Paignton to Paddington.. 28th June 1996. Copyright Michael Forward

Many thanks Michael.

'Merl Evans'
Swindon
Driver Alan Peters

Colas Rail 37099 named 'Merl Evans' at Swindon Platform One with 1Q15 PLPR top and tailed with 37175 vice the NMT, the train had originated at Derby and worked to Hereford, then to Swindon where it is pictured before working to Swansea via Gloucester on 26th January 2021. Merl Evans was the former head of research and development at Bachmann who sadly passed away on 16th August 2016, the locomotive was named at Derby in recognition of his outstanding contribution to British model railways during his career at Palitoy and Bachmann Europe PLC, also of note is the 89C shed plate (Machynlleth) where Merl Evans grew up.
There is a Bachmann 00 model version available of this particular Colas class 37, one of which sits on my shelf at home.

Driver Alan Peters

Merl Evans at Swindon on the 26th January 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Mel Evans at Swindon on the 26th January 2021. Copyright Alan Peters.

Many thanks for your report and pictures Alan.

Calling
Guild Train Managers
Jeff Vinter

Dear CRS,

I am writing to ask permission, please, to use Mike Roach’s photograph (as above) in a forthcoming special newsletter to South Western members of Railway Ramblers. With successive lockdowns, our annual programme of walks, both here in the SW and across the UK, has been devastated, and I have started to issue occasional newsletters to keep alive our sense of community, and to help lift local members’ spirits at a difficult, restricted and monotonous time. I will, of course, give a clear credit to both Mike and the CRS.

I will be happy to send you a sample of my first ‘Lockdown Newsletter’ if you wish to see the sort of thing that I am issuing. (It’s a lot of work, so I do not propose to continue these newsletters when life is back to normal, or significantly more normal than it is now.)

On a completely different subject, many years ago I was Treasurer and then President of Exeter University Railway Society. In the latter capacity, I served as ‘Guild Train Officer’, responsible for organising and staffing special trains from Birmingham New Street and Paddington to Exeter at the start and end of University terms. I was just one in a long line of Guild Train Officers (previously ‘Managers’), who during this third national lockdown have got to together to record the history of these unusual charter workings. However, we have a gap between 1965 and 1970. We believe that Guild Trains operated during these years, but we have no idea who the Guild Train Officers/Managers were. In the hope that some from this noble breed have settled in Cornwall, or at least support your excellent society, I wonder if you could appeal for our ‘lost’ officers/managers to come forward so that we can complete our account?

With all good wishes,

Jeff Vinter
SW Area Organiser
Railway Ramblers
www.railwayramblers.org.uk

Are there any previous 'Guild Train Manager' (Officers) out there - please get in touch.

28th January 2021

28/1/2021

Newbury
Michael Forward

Hello Keith, I hope you are keeping well and I am pleased to see Roger is being looked after nearer home.
I send a picture taken on a nice warm day at Newbury on 28 June 1986 which shows 47606 ‘Odin’ just arrived with a van train ,it uncoupled, picked up the van you can just see in the bay then continued to Paddington,another activity long gone. The old DMU superseded by Turbos which have been replaced by 387s under the wires. How quickly things change.
All the best, Michael.

Many thanks Michael

Remembering the
TPO
Paul Barlow

TPO Mail bag labels 2004 - Paul Barlow Collection.

67007 19.30 Penzance to Bristol TPO last Post 9th January 2004 Copyright Paul Barrlow.

67025 2211 Plymouth to Willesden Last TPO with wreath. 9th January 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Sorting the mail 1930 Penzance to Bristol one of the last T PO's. 9th January 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Hand stamping the post 22.11 Plymouth to Willesden 1M99 9th January 2004. Copyright Paul Baker.

On board one of the last GW Travelling Post Offfice 1M99 9th January 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

On board the TPO 9th January 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

THIS IS PAUL BARLOW using the post box on the Royal Mail. 9th January 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Pauls letter. 9th January 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

We finish up with some more bag labels. from the Paul Barlow Collection.

Many thanks indeed Paul for this insight into a memory of the past.

The TPO at
St Erth
Andrew Thompson

The down Royal Mail at St Erth. Copyright Andrew Thompson.

The Up Royal Mail runs into St Erth -the date? Well its got to be summertime. Copyright Andrew Thompson.

Royal Mail at St Erth, Copyright Andrew Thompson.

Not the Royal Mail but a Class 67 030 on a Railtour at St Erth. Any idea of the date? Copyright Andrew Thompson

Many thanks to Andrew who sent us these pictures unfortunately undated. Any ideas?

An update from an expert.

Possibly Andrew's photo was taken on Bank Holiday Monday 31st May 2004. According to Six Bells Junction Pathfinder's 'Cornubian' used 67030 on the outward leg (Ealing Broadway-Penzance) with steam locos 5029 & 5051 working the return as far as Exeter St Davids where 67030 took over, presumably having run light ahead of the tour. See SBJ for full details.

Guy Vincent

That looks to fit the bill Guy - many thanks indeed for your vigilance.

27th January 2021

27/1/2021

Chasing - a busy day
Exeter and Dawlish area
Paul Barlow

9 May 1998
First tour was 6024 King Edward I on the 0615 Coventry to Par I assume the king took the train from Bristol. The King is currently at Minehead for a heavy major overhaul which commenced in 2012.
The second was the preserved Hasting unit 1001.The 'South Devon DEMU'
This ran from Hasting via Waterloo, Woking and Salisbury to Exeter, Dawlish and Totnes, continuing through to Buckfastleigh (1417-1515); return including Exeter St. Davids – Exeter Central and back, and then via Westbury, Basingstoke & Waterloo. A very long day!
All the best , Paul Barlow

6024 King Edward 1st passes Cockwood. 9th May 1998, Copyright Paul Barlow.

Hastings to Buckfastleigh emerges from Parson tunnel. 9th May 1998, Copyright Paul Barlow.

The 15.20 Buckfastleigh to Hastings seen at Exeter St Thomas. 9th May 1998, Copyright Paul Barlow

THe 15.20 Buckfastleigh to Hastings seen at Exeter Central. 9th May 1998, Copyright Paul Barlow.

The 15.20 Buckfastleigh to Hastings seen heading for home at Cowley Bridge junction. 9th May 1998. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

Yealmpton branch
Steer Point
Paul Burkhalter

A note to add to this section of the website. The farm bridge over the railway to the east of Steer Point Station (between there and cylinder bridge) has been removed recently (after October 2020). It was a steel girder structure on masonry piers, which remain. It had been fenced off for some years, presumably being unsafe. Cheers, Paul Burkhalter

Steer Point the bridge that has been removed just east of Steer Point station. The shadow is that of Mke Roach. Taken during the branch demolition in November 1962. Copyright. Mike Roach

Many thanks Paul

Dawlish & Teignmouth
Clive Smith

As we enter another phase of wet weather here are a few pictures of a wonderful day on Monday. Hope they give a lift to those who have not been able to get out. Get well soon Roger.

Regards and stay safe.
Clive Smith

(1) Work continues on Dawlish Sea Wall Phase 2 encompassing the railway station. The piling supports that will be the foundations for the new promenade walkway can clearly be seen. The Wavewalker has been there since 10th November and is only supposed to be there a couple of months so it may not be around much longer./ 25th January 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) 43171 brings up the rear of a 2+3 set on the 10.50 Penzance - Cardiff Central with 43010 on the front. This was taken from Rockstone Bridge at Dawlish. I was working in the area and decided to take my lunch break in my car on the main road two minutes walk away and felt I needed some much needed exercise along the sea wall.. 25th January 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) 43303 leads Cross Country's 06.06 Edinburgh - Plymouth along the sea wall with 43378 on the rear. My exercise took me half way to Longstone Rock in the distance before it was time to turn back as this came into view. 25th January 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) Now at Teignmouth, this is 43092 on the rear with 43153 on the front . The train is the 12.50 Penzance - Exeter St Davids with a 2+4 formation. I was working in this area too and was parked up on the bridge behind the Teignmouth Coastwatch observation point on Eastcliff Walk for my tea break and took this at 15.34 with just a few minutes of good sun before it dipped below a bank of cloud.. 25th January 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) 43154 leading with 43027 on the rear with the 13.00 Cardiff Central - Penzance as it approaches Teignmouth station at 15.47 with the last vestiges of the glorious sun now disappeared. 25th January 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

(6) A bonus shot as this a view available from the train should you be making an essential journey. Three cruise ships are moored off Teignmouth at 16.55 as the sun goes down. The ships continue to be moored off Torbay during the covid pandemic with minimal crew as it is cheaper to keep them running on basic power than to shut them down completely in dock. . They usually move off to Southampton every ten days for restocking. 25th January 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many many thanks for your collection Clive - very well done indeed.

Swindon
Driver Alan Peters

I worked 1Q15 from a snowy Bescot to Hereford via Kidderminster then back to Gloucester and over the Golden Valley to Swindon where 37175 is pictured with PLPR (Plain Line Pattern Recognition) in place of the NMT, the train was top and tailed with 37099 'Merl Evans' which I worked back to Gloucester, the train then carried on forward to Swansea on 26th January 2021 - Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan.

26th January 2021

26/1/2021

Devonport
Clive Smith

47565 and 50021 At Devonport 20th June 1983. Copyright Clive Smith

The day before midsummer day this must be around 20.30 as 47565 and 50021 Rodney sweep round the curve with the 18.15 Penzance - Bristol TM. 47565 was allocated to Landore at this time having been at Laira for just over a year following its reallocation from Stratford complete with 'silver' roof just about visible here. This roof carried its grey paintwork at least into 1984.
Regards,Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive.

Oxford Steam
Mike Roach

6823 Oakley Grange of Oxley Shed heads north with a freight train on 30.01.1965. The loco had been at Truro and Laira Sheds in the 1950s. Copyright Mike Roach

6823 Oakley Grange of Oxley Shed heads north with a freight train on 30.01.1965. Copyright Mike Roach

34047 Callington of Bournemouth Shed reaches journeys end at Oxford and will come off the train here and return south. Copyright Mike Roach

An unidentifed loco passes through on a cement train. 31st January 1965. Copyright Mike Roach

Many thanks Mike for your pictures from your 'Treasure Trove'.

Winnens Westerns
Gwinear Road & Doublebois
Roger Winnen

D1069 Western Vanguard on the 08.00 Bristol to Penzance at Gwinear Road. 26th February 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

D1006 Western Stalwart with the Cornishman approaching Doublebois. 1st March 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

From Rogers collection - many thanks.

25th January 2021

25/1/2021

As reported Roger Winnen has now moved from Bodmin Hospital into
Karenza Care home at St Agnes. Post code TR5 0UD

He is available on his mobile the number of which is 07773808074
- he could certainly do with a chat.
Due to the Covid Precautions Roger is confined to his room for ten days.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Newquay
Clive Smith

Peak 45109 - has just arrived at Newquay on the 21st May 1983 . in the background the long gone gas holder. The driver looks back along the platform hoping that somebody is going to uncouple him from the train so that he can complete the run round exercise. Copyright Clive Smith.

Near
Polbrock Bridge
Andrew and Diane Jones

Please find attached photograph taken in Jan 1971 at Polbrock Bridge, on a very similar day as today,[no snow thankfully] 50 years ago this month. The early morning freight was still running to Wadebridge.
Today this is the access point to the mid way point of the Camel Trail and close to the forestry car park which is the only parking at this point, until the Grogley Halt carpark is reopened if the access bridge is ever repaired!
Just out of view to the right is what is locally known as ‘John Jago’s’ cottage. He was quite a character and had built a small table into the adjacent railway fence where passing train crews would leave his local paper and cigarettes.
The Camel Valley has changed considerably since this photograph was taken at this location and is now heavily forested, mainly with pine although an ancient oak plantation does exist. Many of the small field systems have reverted to nature.
The Cameltrail partnership is doing a wonderful job of maintaining the original trackbed and have tarmacked most of this stretch and due to the tight flailing of the banks you can now see the full profile of the original alignment just like BR days.
The downside of course is that the Camel Trail is now very popular, especially during covid, making it extremely unlikely that we will see trains to Wadebridge again, but recent clearance does illustrate that there is room for the trail and railway except for a few pinch points.
On balance we are more likely to see trains returning to Tavistock, but you can never say never, we just need to live long enough!

Best wishes Andrew and Diane

Polbrock Bridge - the access to the old line nowadays seen here in January 1971. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Makes a pretty picture - wish the lines were still there - however, thanks to you Andrew the trail exists.

Further in formation from Andrew concerning the location of the above photograph. In answer to your queries, the photograph was taken at a point 840 feet from Polbrock Bridge on the Grogley side. The gateway in the photograph was an occupation crossing to a small field adjacent the river camel owned by Pencarrow estate.
The crossing was also the starting point of a check rail on the left hand side facing Wadebridge continuing for 480 feet towards Wadebridge, which is where John Jago’s cottage stands. At this point in the reverse curve the check rail continued on the right hand side until reaching mile post 2 1/2miles directly under Polbrock Bridge. The check rails seem to have been added in 1932 according to the rail chair dates with the parallel line being supported with rail chairs dating from 1951, in track sections of 19 sleepers. A very complete answer as usual, many thanks Andrew.

Between
Worle & West Hewish
Martin Baker

Hi Keith
A couple of photos of of the much photographed 57601 in its unique Porterbrook livery while being evaluated by FGW.

On a glorious summer day in June 2002 we see the outbound working, 09:20 Plymouth - Paddington, at Worle then a mile up the road at West Hewish with the return 15:42 Paddington - Exeter.

It was very difficult to miss photographing this train at this location as the high intensity light could be seen approximately 4 to 5 miles away on the approach to its booked stop at Yatton, the train being in view for nearly 10 mins.

Kind Regards, Martin Baker.

Worle 57601 June 2002 Copyright Martin Baker.

West Hewish 57601 June 2002 Copyright Martin Baker.

Many thanks for your out in the country shots Martin.

24th January 2021

24/1/2021

'The eagle has landed'

Roger Winnen has been moved from Bodmin Hospital to a Convalescent Home near St Agnes where treatment on his infected leg will continue. We hope he will make a complete recovery and be able to return home in due course.

Weekend Engineering
Alan Peters

Weekend engineering at Swindon relaying the Down Main opposite the HOOB (High Output Operations Base) a night shot on 23/01/21 of Colas 70809 with 6C23 the work lights illuminating the Salmon wagons loaded with new sleepers which are being off loaded by a 360 digger with sleeper layer attached. The train originated at Hinksey Yard but will go forward to Wesbury via Melksham

Alan Peters

Weekend engineering at Swindon with Colas 70809 with 6C23. 23rd January 2021. Copyright Alan Peters

Many thanks to Driver Alan Peters for this dramatic photograph.

Eggesford Box
Chris Bellett

Hi Keith,

As previously advised I undertook some further research into the dates of level crossing conversions. These are taken from the K2 Weekly Engineering Notices. So far I have 'dug out' those for Eggesford.

New Eggesford Signalbox commissioned Sunday 28/09/1969
Existing level crossing gates recovered Sunday 23/11/1969
New four half barriers commissioned Sunday 30/11/1969.

Unfortunately there is no mention of the new signalbox working the existing gates between 28/09/1969 and 23/11/1969, so its possible they were not connected to the new signalbox and were worked by hand 'on the ground' during that time.

I will continue to search out more accurate dates for the other level crossings.

Kind Regards,
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer

Many thanks Chris, many thanks for your time well spent in research.

Okehampton & Meldon Quarry
Brian Pibworth

Good Evening, Keith.

A few more for whenever appropriate. Nice to see Alan Peters' working shots at Okehampton. I wonder if these sleepers are replacing the new wooden ones piled in the Quarry Yard in my earlier 2007 pics. (See news of 23rd January 2021) If you reckon a treated fence post might last 15-20 years, that would be about right.

All the best. Brian

Picture 1 Operating arrangements at Okehampton, at this time, were heavily biased in favour of the mainline services. This meant that the Dartmoor Pony was locked into platform 2 siding before the EWS 66223 loco entered section (Crediton?, Cowley Br. Jnc.?) and remained there until the latter had entered the Meldon Quarry complex. 22nd May 2007. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

Picture 2. On The Granite Way between Okehampton Station and Meldon Quarry. The Pull/Push Dartmoor Pony heads for Meldon with ex BR shunter D4167 "Bluebell Mel" providing traction at the rear. This loco, with TOPS number 08937, had actually operated at Meldon Quarry for a few years around privatisation. 22nd May 2007. Copyright Brian Pibworth

Picture 3.. EWS 66223 leaves the Meldon Quarry branch with a fully loaded train of 64t JNA ballast wagons. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

Picture 4, The Dartmoor Pony prepares to depart with a train much delayed by Freightliner Heavy Haul traffic. "Darfield No. 1" was completed by the Hunslet Engine Co. Ltd. of Leeds in October 1953 for the North Eastern Division of the National Coal Board and has passed through over a dozen operators since then. 30th May 2007. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

Picture 5 Freightliner 66604 brings the 6A81 Meldon Quarry - Fairwater Yd loaded HQAG autoballaster train down the gradient towards Okehampton. 30th May 2007.

Picture 6. Freightliner 66604 brings the 6A81 Meldon Quarry - Fairwater Yd loaded ballast train down, under the sharply inclined Tors Road Bridge, towards Okehampton, 70 min early. 30th May 2007. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

Picture 7 FL 66604 brings the 6A81 Meldon Quarry - Fairwater Yd loaded HQAG autoballasters past Dartmoor Railway ST "Darfield No 1" which had been waiting, locked into the siding, with the next train to Meldon. I had a much more optimistic view of my physical fitness, at that time, to have even contemplated descending from my perch on the bank near Tors Road and pedalling down to overtake the freight and record it again passing through Okie Station - and in the rain too!. Sic transit gloria.......... 30th May 2007. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

Many thanks Brian for your record of visits to the area. Will the line beyond Okehampton ever see regular passenger trains again! Only time will tell.

A fleeting glimpse of
Laira 1970
Andrew Jones

Laira in September 1970. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Dear Keith and Valerie, 2021 isn’t really starting out that well! I hope Roger is on the mend and the vaccination fairy has visited down your way.
I have attached one of those photographs which I pondered sending, but it has some historical relevance.
In the days of film and exposure meters and relatively slow ASA, it was a miracle that I managed this shot, even in Sept 1970. [if only digital photography had been invented]
It was always a thrill descending Hemerden Bank, which is the forth steepest mainline bank in the UK, with a ruling gradient of 1 in 42. On some days depending on the driver it felt like dropping in a lift!
The brakes were firmly applied adjacent Laira which certainly made for a lively ride in the mk 1 carriages of the day.
The Warship in crimson livery only had months before withdrawal and we didn’t know it at the time but much of the Victorian infrastructure by 1980 had also disappeared.

Very best wishes Andrew and Diane.

One can almost smell the brakes, thank you
Andrew & Diane.

Steamy 46 at
Exeter
Clive Smith

Not the best direction to be pointing the camera after midday on a sunny midwinter day but with the 46s rapidly reducing in numbers it was a case of needs must. The class would have less than a year left in service. 46045's boiler is steaming well at the front of the 1Z25 10.05 Penzance - Edinburgh relief on the 30th December 1983. This day had started with the 06.35 Bristol TM - Plymouth working in to Plymouth with 46052 double headed with 45130 much to my annoyance but this source of warmth with an inviting steam heated compartment was waiting to take me to Exeter.
46045 was the third from the last 46 to be withdrawn its last run being on 24-11-84 on the 07.50 Bristol -Penzance when it failed at Taunton. Happily now in preservation with the Peak Locomotive Company.
Kind regards, Clive Smith,

46052 at Exeter on the 10.05 Penzance to Edinburgh. 30th December 1983,

One can almost feel the heat of the steam as it drifts towards the waiting public on the platform
Many thanks Clive.

End of the year an un-named Railtour
Bristol to Heathfield
Paul Barlow

37416 09.20 Bristol to Newton Abbot passes Dawlish Bristol to Heathfield Railtour 31st December 1996 Copyright Paul Barlow

37416 37668 on rear 1130 Newton Abbot to Heathfield approaches Teigngrace crossing 31st December 1996. Copyright Paul Barlow

37416 on 1425 Newton Abbot to Heathfield approaches Teigngrace halt 31st December 1996. Copyright Paul Barlow

37416 37668 on rear 1130 Newton Abbot to Heathfield leaves Teigngrace crossing 31st December 1996.Copyright Paul Barlow

37416 on 1425 Newton Abbot to Heathfield near Teigngrace halt 31st December 1996. Copyright Paul Barlow

37668 on 1425 Newton Abbot to Heathfield arrives at Heathfield 31st December 1996. Copyright Paul Barlow.

37668 on 1425 Newton Abbot to Heathfield passes Teigngrace halt 31st December 1996. Copyright Paul Barlow.

37668 on rear 1130 Newton Abbot to Heathfield passes over Teigngrace crossing 31st December 1996 Copyright Paul Barlow

A busy time chasing this one Paul - many thanks.

23rd January 2021

23/1/2021

Roger Report. Today, fingers crossed, Roger moves some 20 miles from Bodmin Hospital to be relocated in a Care Home near St Agnes where work will continue on a leg infection. It looks like a nice dry day for the move. Get better soon Roger, we hope the food at St Agnes is as good as that at Bodmin Hospital -well done NHS.

Hayle Harbour
Roger Winnen

It's the 15th March 1975 and Roger has popped along to Hayle to take a couple of casual shots. Hayle Harbour Coal Office. Copyright Roger Winnen

The cranes stand idle at Hayle Wharves. on the 15th March 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks to Roger for these two moments in the past from his collection.

Meldon Trollies
Brian Pibworth

As a Lockdown task I thought I would spend some time sorting my Photoshop/Lightroom catalogue. As with any shelf/drawer/shed tidying job. I was soon diverted onto the content rather than the principles of tagging and amongst other gems, found this pic of Meldom Quarry Sidings taken from the cycle track, in May 2007.

When I blew up the shot it was clear that there were several powered trollies in view plus a scrap heap containing a steam loco parts and some spare freight bogies. I expect we have several members with intimate knowledge of Meldon rolling stock at the time and I would be most grateful for any information and ID.

More to come on Okehampton and Meldon EWS/FL stone freights when I have finished the captions.

Kind regards to you both,

Brian

Meldon Quarry sidings 2) Meldon Quarry Sidings, Wickham Trolley and und tug. 22nd May 2007 Copyright Brian Pibworth

Meldon Quarry sidings 3) Meldon Quarry Sidings,scrap heap. 22nd May 2007. Copyright Brian Pibworth

What an interesting collection - many thanks to you Brian.

Snow in 1985
Plymouth
Clive Smith

Station pilot 08955 battles away shunting the parcel vans in deteriorating weather conditions. This would be around 13.00 on the 18th January 1985 as Plymouth was being covered in heavy snow which had started with light snow about 10.00 and then picked up considerably after 12.00. 08955 was allocated to Newton Abbot depot for some time and then joined the Laira roster of gronks with 08895 and 08945 being long time stalwarts there.

As usual, masses of much appreciated detail, many thanks Clive.

22nd January 2021

22/1/2021

Underneath the arches.
Cowley Bridges
Bill Elston

A charming view of a Class 37 heading for Meldon Quarry. It is 37890 and the date is 13th January 1997. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill.

Focus on
Culham
Michael Roach

Mike brings you memories of the last days of steam traction through Culham and also pictures of the charming station before it was rebuilt with a new up platform. For more pictures of the Didctot to Oxford lie please use this link.

Culham Station Courtesy National Library of Scotland. OS 25inch 1892 to 1914 - non commercial use. In recent years the roadbridge although still in use has been bypassed by a new bridge just to the south. N.B North at the top of the page.

Culham Staion buildings, on the up side. 30th January 1965 Strictly Copyright Mike Roach

Culham View from the down platform looking north . 30th January 1965 Strictly Copyright Mike Roach

Culham - looking south. beyond the footbridge is station road bridge. 30th January 1965 Strictly Copyright Mike Roach N.B. the signal box has been demolished and a new up platform established to the north of this location. Beyond the footbridge and road overbridge a new road bridge crosses te line

Culham 6967 Willesley Hall. Built Aug 44 WD Dec 65 scrap Cashmores Newport.30th January 1965. Strictly Copyright Mike Roach

Culham 34071 '601' squadron heading north on the down side. Used on Golden Arrow. Built Apl 1948, Named 8th Oct 1948 WD Apl 67. 30th January 1965. Strictly Copyright Mike Roach

Culham 30th January 1965. Strictly Copyright Mike Roach

4047 Callington Built November 1946, Rebuilt October 1958. Withdrawn June 1967. 30th January 1965. Strictly Copyright Mike Roach

A rare view from the doorway of the goods shed at Culham showing the old up platform and signalbox. 30th January 1965. Strictly Copyright Mike Roach

Many thanks Mike.

Peak at
Newquay
Clive Smith

Clive writes - With a very long journey ahead Split box 45053 basks in the sun on the 09.50 Newquay - Newcastle on the summer Saturday 29th August 1981. Copyright Clive Smith

Split box 45053 basks in the sun on the 09.50 Newquay - Newcastle on the summer Saturday 29th August 1981. Copyright Clive Smith. Note the vast area that was once the goods yard over to the left of the picture - now a supermarket and car park.

Near the end of the good old days - many thanks Clive.

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