Blog Archives

31st January 2022

31/1/2022

Milton
Driver Alan Peters

Who would have thought in 2022 it would still be possible to see class 56's affectionally known as 'Grids' on ballast trains on the Western Region of Network Rail. This was the case when 56094 was rostered to work top and tail with 70809 as 6C22 at Didcot and is seen alongside the A4130 at Milton waiting to move up towards Didcot Parkway where the engineering works were taking place over the weekend of 29th and 30th January 2022

Driver Alan Peters

Grid 56094 on Ballast 29th January 2022.Copyright Alan Peters.

Smashing picture - many thanks Alan.

Line to be reopened
Chris Bellett

GW580 EAST SOMERSET JN TO CRANMORE
BETWEEN MEREHEAD WEST AND NETWORK RAIL BOUNDARY
Between the above dates the section of line between Merehead West (951A points) at 4m 57ch and the Network Rail boundary
at 5m 48ch, has been taken out of use to allow for vegetation clearance to bring the line back into use.

From the Western and Wales Weekly Operating Notice No.45/22

Kind Regards, Chris Bellett, Retired S&T Engineer, CRS Member

Map showing branch from Witham to Cranmore.

Witham station taken on the 7th September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach. The branch line to Cranmore and formerly to Yatton can be seen bearing off to the right.

Many thanks to Chris Bellet for the info and to Mike Roach for the photograph of Witham in the good old days.

Aller Junction
Paul Barlow

57313 1130 Laira-Hackney yard 5Z05 at Aller junc. Not sure of the reason for this move 27th February 2005 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul. A very smart looking set with the Thunderbird.

Onslow Siding
Bernard Mills

Barnard writes :- Looking at the Cornwall galleries, I notice on the Lostwithiel to St Germans you mention Onslow Siding just to the east of Bodmin Parkway, and note the opening and closure of the signal box dates. If this is any help, here is my picture of Onslow Siding Signal Box taken not long before closure from the PRC Clayliner tour 11 May 1968, you can put in there if you like. Bernard

Onslow Siding Signal Box, 11th May 1968.. Copyright Bernard Mills

Many thanks Bernard.

30th January 2022

30/1/2022

Up the larks this morning
Sunday Morning at Rewe
David Tozer

Rewe 800311 1A77 08.35 Exeter to Paddington 30th January 2022 Copyright David Tozer

About 18 mins later, again at Rewe we see 66956 06.15 6Y15 Totnes to Fairwater yard. HOB Train 66957 on the rear. 30th January 2022 Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David - a smashing spot there.

Summer Saturdays in the70s
the Newquay Branch
Part 2
Roger Winnen

750625h Arrival at Newquay of 50050 on Saturday 25th June 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

780625d 47001 hauls one of the three trains from Newquay on 25th June 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen

780625g Newquay Signal Box dating from 1946.. Copyright Roger Winnen

780625n The Ground Frame at Quintrell Downs.. Copyright Roger Winnen

780625o A Cross Country DMU is framed through the Pagoda at Quintrell Downs 25th June 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen

780625c Token exchange as 50016 Barham passing a DMU at St Dennis Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

Creech
Bill Elston

43042, 28th January 2022 Copyright Bill Elston

1V50 Leeds - Plymouth with 43366 and 43207. Copyright Bill Elston.

66957, 28th January 2022 Copyright Bill Elston

57605, 28th January 2022 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill. I hope this selection is okay.

29th January 2022

29/1/2022

Summer Saturdays in the 70s on the Newquay Branch
Roger Winnen

780625b 50016 Barham on a early morning train calling at Par on route to Newquay.25th June 1978 Copyright. Copyright Roger Winnen

780617a Its the 17th June 1978 50027 Lion passing Bugle on route to Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

780715d Two 25s 25155 & 25307 working 12.12 Newquay to Nottingham at Bugle. Keith Jenkins oldest son Kevin can be seen taking notes of the train as it passes through the station. Copyright Roger Winnen

780617e A Class 50 50027 Lion heads through Bugle on a train to Newquay. Its 17th June 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen

780625l A Peak arrival at Newquay, the engine has uncoupled from its train to use the crossover to the now abandoned Platform 1. . 25th June 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

A classic shot taken yesterday.
Parsons Tunnel
Paul Barlow

06.11 1V50 Leeds - Plymouth with 43366 and 43207 passes 800309 on 0815 Penzance to Paddington at Parsons Tunnel on the 28th January 2022

You were there at exactly the right time Paul - congratulations and many thanks.

Snow plough
Laira
Stephen Widdowson

Snowplough at Laira 965238 Taken in the height of summer 2oth June 1987. Copyright Stephen Widdowso.

This is the last of the current selection of 'black and whites' kindly supplied by Stephen Widdowson. We hope that the rest of this winter will not produce a need for such an item of rolling stock. Many thanks Stephen.

Letter from Canada
Ponsanooth Viaduct
David Lamder

Greetings from British Columbia, Canada
Your society's name was given to me by Kresen Kernow as the possible source of information on the above viaduct which I am modelling in 1/76 scale circa 1920 before the current one was built.
I have John Binding's book "Brunel's Cornish Viaducts" and an original drawing from Railtrack which shows a mistake in John's book re the number of masonry columns. John says 9 but the drawing shows 10 and if you add up all the dimensions in his book then only 10 fits the overall length.
I am well on with the model and am looking for little details like that of the man refuges alongside the track over the viaduct.
Can your society help me please with any details of these parts?
Best Regards
Dave Lamder

Thank you for your letter David, I wonder if any of our experts can provide answers to your questions reference the viaduct. Perhaps once complete you can let us have photographs of the finished project - maybe from several angles - it can then be placed on our website for future reference.

Shepherds
Camping Coach

The above picture was first placed on the website with an appeal from Bernard Mills to identify the locction

The above picture was first placed on the website with an appeal from Bernard Mills (who had purchased the image from e-bay) to identify the location. Several of you identified the site as being at Shepherds on the Chacewater to Newquay branch. An isolated location in th middle of nowhere, but of course using the branch line service one had access to the beaches at Newquay and Perranporth, and in those good old days the chance to explore Cornwall.

OS Map image from the National Museum of Scotland.

This image supplied by Mrs. Glanville clearly show the parking spot of the coach - the facilities would have been provided in the station buildings close by. Maybe the odd train on the Treamble branch off to the right would have provided some 'passing entertainment'.

John Roberts wrote :- Yes, definitely Shepherds, I recognise the track layout and overbridge. Note the sleeper in front of the coach to stop it running away! Somewhere I saw a list of camping coaches, maybe it was on this site, and one of the entries was Shepherds - cattle dock - one coach. There was one at Nancegollan but the track layout doesn’t match the photo.Further ponts from John Roberts - I was interested in the plan of Shepherds. It looks as if there were a level crossing over the original Treamble line, but the original road was cut off by the new station, so presumably the road was diverted over the new bridge in 1905.
The website says that the Treamble traffic ceased in August 1949, but is still shown in the 1949-50 Working Timetable. I had assumed that the Treamble branch would have been shunted by the morning Truro to Newquay goods, but that train is allowed only 15 minutes at Shepherds. A separate train runs to Treamble and back, but there's no indication how it gets to Shepherds. I surmise that the Truro goods is double-headed to Shepherds and the second loco then runs to Treamble and back, and returns to Truro double-headed with the afternoon Newquay to Truro goods. This seems very inefficient!
The Truro - Newquay goods is actually timetabled to continue to and from St Columb Road. Do we know what traffic necessitated this and why it wasn't conveyed by the Par - Newquay goods?
There maybe further post on this item.

And for Neil Phillips, I still have my Triang crane and match wagon, although they haven’t seen light of day for a good few years!
Keep it coming! John.

Re the crane see item 2006 in Features Jan to June 2022. A pair of St Blazey Survivors By Neil Phllips

Many thanks to all who wrote in.

28th January 2022.

28/1/2022

57605 departing Long Rock
with the 3A50 on 28th January 2022
Andrew Triggs

Morning Keith/Roger,
Popped over to Longrock this morning to capture 57605 'Totnes Castle' departing with 3A50 10.44 Longrock T&RSMD-Reading Traincare Depot 'Night Riviera' ECS, another grim day weather wise alas, roll on the Spring time
All the Best
Andrew

Gaining the Main line from Longrock Depot at 10.58. Copyright Andrew Triggs

57605 progresses slowly away from the Depot, while the formation clears the Reception road. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many Thanks Andrew

British Telecom DMU at Plymouth
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Following on from other pictures of this DMU,here it is with 51302/51317 arriving at Plymouth with the 12.09 from Gunnislake on 13 June 1986.All the best, Michael. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

St Erth 87
Stephen Widdowson.

St Erth - a black and white study. The St Ives branch signal is off in preparation for a trip to St Ives, 20th June 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson

A day on the
The Lymington branch
Paul Barlow

Paul writes - Something a bit different from 2005. Shots of the then soon to be withdrawn slam door SR EMUs at Brockenhurst and Lymington. With the exception of Lymington branch services, all SR slam door stock was withdrawn in May 2005. The Lymington service were operated by two dedicated 3-CIG EMUs as a heritage operation until May 2010. Unit 1499 was preserved at the Dean Forest Railway. not sure if it is still there.

Hope these are of interest. Kind regards. Paul Barlow

1499 on the 11.59 Brockenhurst to Lymington. 'The Lymington flyer'. 5th January 2005 Copyright Paul Barlow

CEP 2311+1395 on the 07.54 Waterloo to Bournemouth while in the bay 1499 0959 Brockenhurst to Lymington. 3th January 2005 Copyright Paul Barlow

On the Lymington Branch, 2311 is described as a CIG whereas it's a CEP (This correction has been applied to the photograph above many thanks to John Roberts). The end detail is very different from CIG 1499 in the background. The CEPs and BEPs were built for the Kent Coast electrification in 1959 and 1961, whereas the CIGs and BIGs were build in two tranches, the Brighton Line in 1965 and the Portsmouth Line in 1970. The latter had less attractive interiors and less comfortable seats, a trend which seems to continue to this day! The era was completed with the REPs and TCs for the Bournemouth electrification in 1967 and the outer-suburban VEPs. The REPs were replaced by WESs, and when the Networkers were built for Kent, some of the CEPs moved to Brighton and Bournemouth whence they were later displaced by Eurostars and Desiros respectively. No 2311 was originally a BEP, but its buffet car was replaced by a TSO; it was one of the last three CEPs in service and is fortunately preserved on the Eden Valley Railway.

A study of 1499 on the 09.59 Brockenhurst to Lymington Copyright Paul Barlow. 5th January 2005 Copyright Paul Barlow

1499 1044 Lymington Pier to Brockenhurst at Lymington Pier station 5th January 2005 Copyright Paul Barlow

1499 10.44 Lymington Pier to Brockenhurst at Lymington 5th January 2005 Copyright Paul Barlow

1499 on the 10.59 Brockenhurst to Lymington.jpg at Lymington. 5th January 2005 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks to you Paul for your record of your visit to the delightful Lymington branch on a bright January day.

Laira Open Day 1991
Bill Elston

Look in our Features Jan to June 2022 for Bill's continued coverage of this event as the participants head for home.

37671, Heading for Paddinton 15th September 1991 Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill.

27th January 2022

27/1/2022

Something stirred in the early hours - Newquay branch
Engineering Trains
Driver Alan Peters

70803 is seen waiting for the the points to be set the Newquay side of Goonbarrow J to run round 6C28 as in an engineers possession the signals 02,22 on the 26th January 2022 Copyright Driver Al Peters

An evocative view of Goonbarrow Signalbox.. 03..06 26th January 2022. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Imerys PD405D 'Ajax' stabled at Rocks Clay Drier, 26th January 2022. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Marvellous pictures - many thanks Alan.

Where is it?
Bernard Mills

I have a question for you, may be if put on CRS site someone may know the answer – and then you can leave it there in the right place. A negative that has come my way, just says Camping Coach Cornwall 07-08-1961. I am wondering if it could be Shepherds, or maybe Nancellgollan – I am sure someone will recognise the location.
I had a knee re[placement operation just under 7 weeks ago, taking a long time to get over but I am now off the crutches and walking ok. The operated knee is inflamed and painful at times, but is improving as time goes on. So in railway terms I am on restricted working, not taken a picture this year yet. I could only drive the car as from last Monday week, and using the clutch etc only doing local journeys in it. Bernard

BM0372 Camping coach Cornwall 07-08-1961 Copyright Bernard Mills.

Let's see if anybody knows - I tend to think Shepherds. Best of luck.

2006
A pair of St Blazey Survivors
By Neil Phllips

I snapped this pair of 4-wheelers during a visit to St Blazey in August 1995.

Towards the end of ‘Clayhood’ operation in early 1988 B743835 (built Swindon 1960) found itself off the track and abandoned at Coombe Junction! It was later recovered and rebuilt at St Blazey to serve as the depot’s ‘gate guardian’. It was still there in 2004 but would later move to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway where it was rebuilt again and still survives.

Cowans Sheldon 6½-ton crane ADS2008 was one of a number constructed during WW2 and may have been a St Blazey resident for decades, assuming that this is the same crane buffered up to Class 08 D4009 in my photo taken in April 1969 (the black/yellow warning panel application matches – these cranes displaying no standard pattern for this). In between my own two photos it was recorded with its runner wagon, 1958-built ex-‘Conflat A’ ADB502826, at Exmouth Junction in 1979, possibly there for repairs. At that time the runner still retained its side chain pockets but evidently these had been removed by 1995. It is currently preserved on the Swanage Railway, apparently still paired with its long-term running mate! (In 1962 this type of crane was the subject of what was, for its time, a remarkably accurate model by Tri-ang Railways – due to its popularity tens of thousands were made over the years and it is still easy to find secondhand.)

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

Clayhood B743835 St Blazey. Copyright Neil Phillips.

DS2008_DB502826 St Blazey Copyright Neil Phillips

D4009 St Blazey np. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Many thanks for your detailed research Neil.

Daytime Night Riviera
Down Penzance Way
Andrew Triggs

2 shots of todays 'Night Riviera' ECS training run to Exeter St Davids with 57605 'Totnes Castle' on duty on a gloomy grey January day at Marazion
All the Best
Andrew Triggs

1. 57605 rounding the curve from Longrock, shortly after departure, running 2 early at 12.28. Copyright Andrew Triggs

2. Passing Marazion, running as 5A50 12.30 Longrock T&RSMD-Exeter St Davids.26th January 2022. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks indeed Andrew

You must take a look at this.
Railway Postcard Collection
Phil Hadley

Hi,
I hope this finds you well. I have been creating a series of short videos on YouTube of my postcard collection and have done one on the railways in Cornwall which may be of interest to you and to the members of the Cornwall Railway Society. The link is below. Take a look and if you feel it is suitable feel free to either embed it or post the link on your website.
All for now,
Phil

A Cornish Postcard: On The Railways

Many thanks Phil - I am sure that perusing your collection will bring many surprises - This link has been added to our Features Section as well. I hope all will take a look.

Laira Open Day 1991
Bill Elston

A collection of Bills pictures of this event will be found in Features January to June 2022, Click here to find it.

26th January 2022

26/1/2022

Bodmin General Bridges
13 & 13a Rebuild
Chris Bellett

A few update photographs taken today (26 January 2022) of the progress on the rebuilding of Bridges 13 and 13A at Bodmin General. These photographs were taken trackside by myself deemed competent to work on the track on the B&WR and I may remind other photographers that they should not attempt to trespass on the railway to take similar photographs.
Take Care,
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer
CRS Member

All photographs are the Copyright of Chris Bellett

Many Thanks Chris

47522 Near Oxford
Michael Forward

Hello Roger,Once again a picture by Ron Kosys has inspired me to send you one of my own and it shows 47522 ‘Doncaster Enterprise’ heading away from Oxford at Port Meadow bridge on 24 June 1989 with the 11.40 Poole to York,14.04 from Oxford. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Exeter St David's
David Tozer

Good Morning Gents,
According to my latest ALRUG Magazine GWR have got funding for the extension of the former Exe Valley bay platform(No 2) at Exeter St David's. This will enable five car IET's to layover.
I suspect that this will see the two buildings demolished in due course.

Thanks David

A 31st anniversary picture
Lavrean
Roger Geach

50015 Valiant hauls the Cornish Centurian on the Par - Newquay branch Lavrean (Goonbarrow) 26th January 1991 Copyright Roger Geach

This was the 'Cornish Centurian Railtour - for many more details see eth excellent
www.sixbellsjunction.co.uk/90s/910126pt.htm Six Bells Junction Website. https://www.sixbellsjunction.co.uk/90s/910126pt.htm

Many thanks Roger - memories of a great day out chasing - the good old days.

Little Petherick Creek
Martin Scane

We had a trip over to Padstow today and took a walk along the cycle path which is, of course, the old track bed of the Wadebridge to Padstow line. I wonder if these two photos of the magnificent bridge over Little Petherick Creek are of interest. Note the Queen Victoria Jubilee monument overlooking the bridge. We waited patiently but, alas, no sign of a T9, an N Mogul or a Bulleid light pacific I’m afraid. Martin Scane

Little Petherick Creek Bridge. Very nicely composed with the Queen Victoria Jubilee monument overlooking the bridge, a high tide, and a nice clump of gorse. 25th January 2022. Copyright Martin Scane.

Little Petherick Creek Bridge 25th January 2022. Copyright Martin Scane

Many thanks Martin for your record of a good day out.

GW and National System Maps
Barry Jones

A few days behind the news but the cover of the GWR network map folder is indeed near Trerulefoot in Cornwall looking towards St Germans at what Network Rail describe as “Probathic Road” overbridge although I suspect the correct spelling would be Polbathic! Network Rail also have some quite bizarre bridge names in the western suburbs of Plymouth.

The cutting-back of the last year or two has opened up this view once more. Even in 1982 it was quite overgrown. The brochure photo was perhaps taken in the winter of 2019/2020.

Best wishes, Barry Jones

158765+158763, Polbathic Road Bridge (2C20 1117 Plymouth to Penzance), 21st July 2020 Copyright Barry Jones

50006 at Polbathic Road Bridge near Trerulefoot, 31 May 1982, 19825062N Copyright Barry Jones

Many thanks Barry for your observations - keep up the good work.

Naming of bridges
GW and National System Maps Clive Smith

Further to Barry Jones's article yesterday (Above) and the naming of road bridges. A good friend of mine who is a resident of Polbathic and who regularly walks the lanes there has informed me that it is called Probathic Road overbridge to differentiate from the Polbathic Road underbridge some 200 yards east. Network Rail apparently don't like to have the same name for bridges hence, the slight difference in name.
Regards
Clive Smith

Thanks for that Clive - now we know.

Light At The End Of The Tunnel
Shaugh Tunnel
Clive Smith

A dog walker emerges from the southern portal of Shaugh Tunnel . There are some lights at one side of the tunnel wall just above the ground but no lights above. Quite dark compared to tunnels on other cycle routes.

The tunnel was built in 1859 on the the Plymouth to Tavistock South railway that was later extended to Launceston. It was closed on the 29th December 1962 and now forms part of the Plym Valley Cycle Trail Sustrans Route 27.

Regards, Clive Smith

Shaugh Tunnel. 25th January 2022, A quite remarkable picture. Copyright Clive Smith.

An excellent picture Clive for which many thanks. A reminder to all to get out and about and take a walk.

25th January 2022

25/1/2022

Newquay Engineers
Craig Munday

Bugle 70 803 taking an enormous train through Bugle on the 24th January 2022._The back of the train was near Goonbarrow Jct. Copyright Craig Munday

70 803 Bugle 24th January 2022. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig. Out and about as usual.

The train ascending the valley near Treffry viaduct can be seen on You Tube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MFDMGHmZUc
Best wishes, Craig
N.B. This Video is well worth watching

Bodmin Parkway
Steve Widdowson

Bodmin Parkway Signal Box. Already disused as an operational box but serving a useful purpose providing refreshments. 20th June 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Including the footbridge makes for a smashing picture - many thanks Steve.

Nr Wrangaton
Clive Smith

57605 'Totnes Castle' heads the 5C99 11.06 Reading Depot - Penzance sleeper ECS towards Wrangaton from Aish taken from Cheston Bridge on Primrose Lane. First Group this week released a provision for expressions of interest from suppliers for five bi-mode locomotives for use on Great Western Railway’s Sleeper Service.This would appear to signify the beginning of the end for the class 57s on the sleeper service although they probably have a couple of years at least.
Regards, Clive Smith.

57 Totnes Castle heads the Reading to Long Rock ECS Sleeper stock 24th January 2022. Copyright Clive Smith

A very nice location Clive - many thanks also for the information concerning possible Class 57 replacements. The hill in the distance is Brent Hill at 1019', a noticeable feature.

Roving around Cornwall January 2022
Mark Lynam

43093 at Marazion working 2U20 1050 Penzance to Cardiff Central. Friday 14th January 2022. Copyright Mark Lynam

43290 + 43299 at Marazion working 1Q18 0606 Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton via Penzance NMT. Friday 14th January 2022 Copyright Mark Lynam

43290 at Penzance working 1Q18 0606 Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton via Penzance NMT with GWR 43158 behind which worked 2C07 0650 Bristol Temple Meads to Penzance. Friday 14th January 2022 Copyright Mark Lynam

57603 in the sidings at Longrock depot with the sleeper stock. Friday 14th January 2022 Copyright Mark Lynam

150232 in the afternoon winter sunlight at Porthkidney working 2A29 1448 St Erth to St Ives, the tide rising at this point. Monday 17th January 2022 Copyright Mark Lynam

37175 at Penzance which would later work 3Q51 2243 Penzance to Exeter Riverside N.Y. Wednesday 19th January 2022. Copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks Mark

24th January 2022

24/1/2022

News Extra :-
In view of items of current News we are adding five more items to the current news column which started at 05.00 this morning - it's now 15.15.

Newquay branch Engineering
Driver Alan Peters

The line between Par and Newquay is currently closed due to planned engineering works which includes a 600m relay near Roche where Colas Rail 66846 is seen with a train of new concrete sleepers, out of the picture is the Balfour Beatty NTC machine tailed with 70803 in the early hours of 21st January 2022
Driver Alan Peters

66846 at work on the Newquay branch relay. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

The return trip of 6C26 from Roche with the NTC machine and empty sleeper wagons top and tailed with Colas Rail's 70803 and 66846 at the rear pictured awaiting permission to cross St Blazey Bridge CCTV crossing which was under possession 23rd January 2022
Driver Alan Peters

The return trip waits to cross St Blazey Bridge crossing with the 6C26 from Roche. Copyright Diver Alan Peters

The same train waiting to leave the possession between Par and St Blazey, to form 6C26 the 19:58 to Westbury departing some 238 minutes early!

About to leave the posession between St Blazey and Par. It returned some 238 minutes early. 21st January 2022. Copytight Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan.

Stock Transfer
Cogload
Bill Elston

57605, at Cogload. 24th January 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

My apologies for the late appearance of this item on the website - due to personal overload. KJ

Stock Transfer
Cowley Bridge
Keith Turley

Hi Keith and Roger.
On 24th January 2022 GWR class 57/6 No.57605 'Totnes Castle' is seen passing Cowley Bridge Junc. working the 5C99 11:06 Reading Traincare Depot to Penzance T&RSMD the night sleeper stock transfer moveRegards Keith Turley.

Sleeper ECS Reading to Penzance. 24th January 2022, Copyright Keith Turley

Day Sleeper
Exminster
David Tozer

57605 'Totnes Castle' with the 1106 5C99 Reading Depot to Penzance Depot ECS working.
Dave Tozer

Sleeper ECS Reading to Penzance. 24th January 2022, Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks David

Todays ECS Sleeper passing Camborne
Leslie Curnow

Good Evening Roger

I noticed that an empty stock working was showing on the system today the 5C99 from Reading Train Care depot to Penzance
11;06 departing a little later at 11:18 and passing Camborne hauled by 57605 Totnes Castle at 16;55 by which time the light was fading but managed to get a photo on its approached. Presumably this working was in readiness for the overnight diagram tonight.

Many thanks Leslie

Heavy ballast train on the
Newquay Branch today
Andrew Keast

I was fortunate enough to be a Middleway as 70803/66847 passed on 6C27 06:18 Westbury-BZ. The train later stalled going up the Luxulyan Valley. Here are a couple of photos.

7080366847 passed on 6C27 0618 Westbury-BZ. Copyright Andrew Keast 24th January 2022. Copyright Andrew Keast

Many thanks Andrew, we're lucky you were there.

Wearde
Ross Griffiths

Good Afternoon,
Out for a walk today (23rd January 2022) and found myself at Wearde, just west of Saltash, where to my surprise I noticed that a lot of vegetation clearance has been done, to the extent that you could be forgiven for thinking that they're planning on reinstating the long-extinct loop! Thought this may be of interest for anyone that likes to take photographs here as you can now get much better broadside views of the trains - although I didn't realise that until the Castle Class set had passed!
Castle set info - 43097 leading with 43156 trailing on the 1055 Cardiff Central to Penzance.

Be well, Ross Griffiths

43097 approaching Seen passing Defiance Patforms. 23rd January 2022. Cpopyright Ross Griffiths.

43156 Seen leaving Wearde and heading for Penzance. 23rd January 2022. Copyright Ross Griffiths

Glad you had a good walk Ross - a nice spot there.

=============================================-

Looking back
Bodmin 2004
Paul Barlow

A few shots from Bodmin in September 2004. I believe this was 37142s first run in preservation. Weather was quite wet and miserable to start with, causing some rail adhesion problems with the first train. The sun appeared in the afternoon.
Kind regards, Paul Barlow.

37142 Bodmin Parkway backs onto the 1105 to Bodmin General. 18th Sept 2004 Copyright Paul Barlow

37142 and 50042 Bodmin Parkway backs off the1035 from Bodmin General. 50042 was failed and was dragged on the rear of 18th Sept 2004 Copyright Paul Barlow

37142 leaves Bodmin General on the 1355 to Bodmin Parkway 18th Sept 2004 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks indeed Paul and congratulations on keeping such good records - it's all history now.

15th September 1991
Laira Open Day
Bill Elston

Hi Keith,
As promised, I’ve attached some more photos taken at Laira. The pair of 33s (33042 and 33064) at Plymouth station had worked in from Paddington for the occasion.
Best wishes, Bill Elston

3042, Laira Open Day 15th September 1991 Copyright Bill Elston

86609, Laira Open Day 15th September 1991 Copyright Bill Elston

90132, Laira Open Day 15th September 1991 Copyright Bill Elston

Can you spot yourself amongst the crowds?

Many thanks Bill - brings back memories.

Branch lines & Baldhu
Craig Munday

The 21st was a great day for light and sunshine. I grabbed a couple of pictures for work at Baldhu at the site of the old box and noted the recent vegetation clearance while I was there. Does this reveal the former sidings at the location on the upside? By chance, two Castle sets passed there, Plymouth bound 43022/160 on the up and 1C71 from Bristol on the down 43009/041. The former Truro down Intermediate block section (IBS) signal T45 can be seen on the down. This is now a standard stop signal controlled from Truro box.

66009 was seen at Treviscoe on the return, as well as a Road-railer removing the old wooden sleeper track panels at Holywell crossing near the Victoria Inn at Roche.

A busy week for trains next week with some daytime Night Riviera movements during daylight and engineering trains into the Newquay blockade on Monday 24th.

Cheers. Craig

Craig raised a query concerning sidings etc at this site - I hope he won't mind the following section from our main site being included.

Baldhu Signal Box (Class 4)

The Baldhu Signal Box that I knew in the 1950.s was situated near milepost 304 and was opened in September 1938. Its purpose was to shorten the section between Penwithers Junc. and Chacewater. The box was constructed with the usual brick base and had large wooden sliding windows. Access steps were outside and there was a chemical toilet at the top. It was open throughout the day and was operated by early and late shifts. On occasions I worked there I reached it by turning off the Chacewater – Truro road and rode my motorbike past a farmhouse where one of the regular signalmen lived.
The job was known as a ‘snip’ as the frame consisted of two signals (distant and home) on the up and the same on the down. There was also a detonator placer operated by a black and white lever. It was a great vantage point to watch a variety of steam hauled trains running past. Comments were made about the regular signalman who worked there for many years and had never pulled a pair of points during his entire career!
Baldhu box closed on the 10th March 1957 and was replaced by a colour light signal intermediate block signals controlled by Chacewater on the up main and Penwithers Junction on the down. The running lines were track circuited all the way up to their respective IB home signals. If the line was clear to the IBS the signalman at the rear could lower his signals, including the distant, to allow a train to proceed to the IBS. If a train was stopped at the IBS the driver was required to contact the signal box at the rear using the signal post telephone in order to carry out rule 55 (train detained at stop signal). The signalman then had to sign the train register and place a collar on the signal controlling the entrance to the IBS section to remind him that it must not be pulled off until the line is clear.
Today trains speed past and there is very little evidence that a signal box ever existed at the site.

The late Cyril Hitchens

A liitle more on BALDHU by Roy Hart

Baldhu box opened in 1938 as part of a plan to increase line capacity in Cornwall. The box was large for the 6 levers that it carried -it was of the same size as Goonbarrow Junction or Chacewater. This is because the plan was to have up and down goods loops at Baldhu. The loops would occupy the expanse of flat land on the up side (still visible today) which remained after the main line was doubled on a new formation in 1913-14. The plan was never carried out. Baldhu box remained until 1957.

Baldhu box was opened in 1938 as part of a plan to have two goods loops there. The plan was abandoned and the box remained operating just six levers (up and down home and distants plus two detonator placers). The box was of 'type 12' -a modern GW design (Penzance is of this type). The windows reached down to the floor. Baldhu was well known for its fine display of geraniums. I suppose there wasn't much else to do up there!

Roy Hart.

Thanks again Roy

Treviscoe 66009 6P24 21st January 2022, Copyright Craig Munday (The red loco looks especially nice in this location.

Road railer track panels Holywell Crossing 21st January 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Good morning Craig - we're very pleased to receive pictures of your weeks work and roaming.

Staverton Builders Limited, The Great Western Society and Bob Saunders.
Totnes Quay branch
David Hunt

I have sent this to Devon Archive regarding Staverton Builders Limited who was wound up in the 1970 and think you may be interested.

I googled the above firm and found what you have recorded. And not much. In the 1960’s. I used to visit Staverton Builders Yard at Totnes regarding railway locomotives. A Mr Bob Saunders was an employee (don’t know exactly what but engineering /architectural background) and he was one of the leading lights who tried to purchase the line from Newton Abbot to Mortonhampstead and when that failed he and others were able to purchase the line from Totnes to Ashburton and called it the Dart Valley Railway. The owners of the Dart Valley Railway decided to close the railway when they were successful in getting the Paignton to Kingswear Line and sold the line from Totnes to Buckfastleigh to what is now the South Devon Railway. The Buckfastleigh to Ashburton section was compulsory purchased for to put the New Road along the track bed of the railway.

At that time the preservation of Railway stock and coaches had just started and the South West Branch of the Great Western Society and others had purchased 3 locomotives and stock but had nowhere to keep them until Bob Saunders offered to let them store their locomotives and stock on the line into Staverton Builders Limited Yard at Totnes.

The line to Staverton Builders Yard was a backward line off of Totnes Quay Line.

If you use ‘ southdevonrailwayassociation.org/archives-hml ‘ you will find a photograph of Bob Saunders - the one without the hat.

Also if you go to ‘ Plymouth to Newton Abbot Inc of Cornwall Railway Society ‘ and scroll down the list until you come to Totnes the next is the Totnes Quay Branch and photographs the first of which is 1363 inside of the Staverton Builders Yard. The third is 1369 passing the Agricultural Merchant Warehouse looking inwards towards Staverton Builders Yard and the 6th is 1466 inside Staverton Builders Yard.

The photographs with 2 tracks show the items on the short length of track - furthest from the photographer - wich was at one time the line to accommodate animals from the nearby Livestock Market.

David Hunt

Many thanks David - very useful information there.

23rd January 2022

23/1/2022

The changing scene at Ponsandane
Penzance
Andrew Triggs

The dilapidated Shunters Cabin at Ponsandane has recently been demolished and the site cleared, I have included 2 shots from 2011 to go with 2 from last weekend of the now cleared site
All the Best. Andrew

A not unattractive building is razed to the ground.

Penzance Ponsandane Shunters cabin 3 no more - the area cleared. 15th January 2022 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many thanks Andrew - one wonders if this is in preparation for additional sidings from Long Rock Depot.

Colin revisits the
Marsh Barton area
Colin Burges

Alphington Crossing was removed last year. It saw minimal usage and Clapperbrook Lane is a quite adequate alternative; its pedestrian provision will be improved as part of the new station's works.

Here's a view from the former crossing of the station taking shape. The line speed is 100 m.p.h.

Colin visits the site of Alphington Crossing - from there an over the fence view of the new Marsh Barton station taking shape, 20th January 2022. Copyright Colin Burgess

The railings are part of the original bridge over the Alphin Brook. Just behind me is the bridge spanning the much wider flood channel, about which I contributed a few words in 2017 http://www.cornwallrailwaysociety.org.uk/latest-input--news--old-pictures-etc/items-added-on-12th-february-2017-those-added-most-recently-come-first

Last year, I saw two young ladies (pleasant enough, but not the sort you would take home to meet mother) "decorating" the concrete, I would think with the blessing of the authorities. I don't know whether they were responsible for this inscription, which can be seen from the train. The correct use of apostrophes suggests that it was approved by someone with an English Language C.S.E. If the apostrophes were missing or in the wrong place, I should have had to creep down there with my aerosol.

20th January 2022 Copyright Colin Burges

I'm glad you've beaten the plague. You must now be indestructible.
Best wishes, Colin

Thanks Colin - I trust you are well.

Exeter Central
David Tozer

David reminds us of the rather garish livery on the BT unit which came as a bit of a shock to the system when we were used to the rather mundane BR blue. This can be compared with the black and white pictures of the same unit at St Erth shown on the website on the 21st January 2022 - taken by Stephen Widdowson.

The BT unit calls at Exeter Central with possibly a service to Exmouth. Cooyright David Tozer.

Many thanks David

Martin Returns
BTM and Taunton

Not much about at Temple Meads today (22nd January 2022) as I waited for my train back to Redruth, We have a Castle Set waiting to leave for Cardiff and s 166 unit arriving. Plus another Cardiff bound Castle set leaves Taunton as I awaIted my connection.

BTM - Castle Class set ready to deaprt for Cardiff.. 22nd January 2022. Copyright Martin Scane

From the down platform at Taunton a Castle Class set departsfor Cardiff. 22nd January 2022. Copyright Martin Scane

Many thanks Martin - glad you had a good journey up and back.

22nd January 2022

22/1/2022

Westbury
Martin Scane

A trip up to chilly Wiltshire today. I’ll be returning from Bristol tomorrow.
I had 30 minutes to wait at a very quiet Westbury.
Here’s s lone 70 looking rather lonely in the up yard. I liken the 70s to the old Southern Q1s (ugly ducklings to my eyes).
And a pair of 66s waiting with stone empties on the freight road adjacent to platform 1. Not the easiest of places to take a photo! Regards Martin

Many thanks Martin - we'll see what you see tomorrow.

Stranger at
Laira
Stephen Widdowson

PWM 652 later renumbered 97652 seen at Laira 20th June 1987 built by Ruston & Hornsby at Lincoln in May1959 and allocated to Bristol Bath Road but worked at Taunton. This was a group of five engines completed for the Western Region mainly for departmental services. The first loco PWM 650 was built in 1953 and delivered by road to Swindon. This engine is now under restoration at the Heritage Shunters Trust, Rowsley, Derbyshire. PWM 652 was scrapped in 1990, although being bought by Vic Berry of Leicester it never made it to that location and was cut up at Laira Copyright Stephen Widdowson

Grateful thanks to Andy Dunican for supplying the relevant information on this class of motive power. Many Thanks Andy.

Many thanks Steve for supplying the photograph

Rare Workings & Train Heating
Paul Barlow

Rare class 25 working A very under exposed shot of Haymarket based 25011 working to Exeter, on the 1612 Bristol to Plymouth 4B10 parcels train. 25011 was remove

Two other shots of departmental class 24 train pre heat units. I never ever saw these in use.

All the best, Paul.

Very rare visitor indeed.

A very under exposed shot of Haymarket based 25011 working to Exeter, on the 1612 Bristol to Plymouth 4B10 parcels train. 25011 was removed at Exeter and Laira based 25155 took the train forward to Plymouth. 25011 went on to work the 1930 Exeter to Paignton. The 4B10 often produced unusual locos but this was the rarest I every saw. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Train heating locos.

TDB968008 ex 24054 Newton Abbot shed. 30th March 1978. Copyright Paul Barlow

TDB968009 ex 24142 at Laira. 20th September 1978. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Rare pictures indeed - many thanks Paul.

Yesterdays Question - Todays Answer.
Mike Roach - Guy Vincent

Mike queried why the lines in the Carmarthen / Pembroke Dock & FIshguard areas are shown dotted.- or different to the rest of the map. The answer comes from Guy Vincent.

To answer Michael L Roach's query regarding the broken lines on the GWR route map between Carmarthen, Whitland and Pembroke Dock. This is a route served by Transport for Wales with GWR only providing a small number of services during the summer period, usually from mid-May to late September. Many thanks Mike and Guy - now we know.

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