Blog Archives

28th February 2019

28/2/2019

Last train to
Moretonhampstead
Mike Roach

The last passenger trains ran up from Newton Abbot to Moretonhampstead 60 years ago on 28 February 1959. I was there on the last day and travelled on the last timetabled train out of the terminus at 7.00pm. At Newton Abbot I transferred to the last stopping train of the day from Newton Abbot to Plymouth at 7.40pm. This was the last train to stop at Wrangaton, Bittaford Platform, Ivybridge, Cornwood and Plympton. The train was allowed 75 minutes to cover the 32 miles. However the 7.40pm train continued to run but now allowed 65 minutes for the 32 miles. Owing to the closure of these stations and reduction in services, the Bulleid Pacifics lost their jobs on the interchange workings over the WR between Exeter and Plymouth.

Something that happened about the same time was the introduction of the All-Line Railrover Ticket at a cost of £15 per week second class.

Also reported was that the Royal Albert Bridge had been fitted with floodlights for its forthcoming 100th anniversary year.

Regards, Mike Roach Many thanks for your report Mike

As mentioned above Mike was on the last public passenger train, however there was at least one more chance to travel in a passenger train to Morthonhampstead. This picture captured by the Late Sid Sponheimer shows the 'South Devon' Pheonix railtour'. What a shame this line in its entirety didn't rise from the ashes!

11th June 1962
South Devon Railway Society
South Devon Pheonix
Loco Used5153
Stock Used :- six corridor coaches in chocolate & cream
5153Paignton - Moretonhampstead
5153Moretonhampstead - Paignton
Notes :
(1) Route confirmation required. Reported to have carried just over 200 passengers.
Source : Gary Thornton

Courtesy the Six Bells Junction Railtour Files.

Rattery
Clive Smith

After my failed attempt to photograph the 13.03 Paddington - Penzance the previous day (26th February 2019) due to the delayed train just missing the setting sun, I pitched up again on the busy and narrow A385 road bridge wearing a high viz bib to avoid being flattened by a bus or truck. With Wednesday 27th February 2019 being the last day of the recent glorious weather this was my last attempt.The news filtered through that Inter City liveried celebrity HST power car 43185 was leading the train . This was going to be nail-biting as the train was due off Totnes at 17.06 working 'single line' to Aish after picking up at a Network Rail pilot-man and the sun would be below the horizon at around 17.23. I don't often pray for a train to be on time but this was one as the evening colour was stupendous but about to disappear. Finally Real Time Trains flagged 1C82 as leaving at 17.11 and the photo was on. The picture was taken at 17.16 and the sun was about to dip below the horizon as can be seen in the second picture taken immediately afterwards. Sometimes everything falls into place just perfectly.

Regards, Clive. Many thanks Clive, your luck was in!!

Before the sun fell. From the A385 Road Bridge at Rattery. 27th February 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

The sun dips towards the horizon - almost gone. The scene at the 385 Road Bridge 27th February 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

Seaton Junction
Brian Pibworth

Good Evening Keith,
At last a picture of Seaton Junction from the station side, in sunshine, with an unusual train passing through.
With kind regards, Brian. Many thanks Brian

Seaton Junction 27th February 2019 Copyright Brian Pibworth. GWR 802106 leads the diverted 1A85 1122 Plymouth to London Paddington down Honiton Bank and through the closed station of Seaton Junction, Devon. This is the second week of GW main line diversions brought about by engineering work in Whiteball Tunnel. Lineside photographers are on the footbridge which carries a right of way across the trackbed which once supported 2 mainlines 2 loops and the Seaton Branch Line. Nearer the camera is the passenger footbridge between the Branch and Mainline platforms, none of which is now accessible to the public.

Lostwithiel
Richard Kitson

Castle class at Lostwithiel forming the 3Z61 27th February 2019 Copyright Richard Kitson

27th February 2019

27/2/2019

Dragon Power Cars Liskeard
Mick House

Today at Liskeard, two Dragon HST power cars 43 187 without yellow jacket and 43 188 with.

43 187 Dragon without yellow jacket. Copyright Mick House.

43 188 Dragon with yellow jacket. Copyright Mick House.

153 361 to the rescue
Mick House

2L26 running from Looe (09.29 right time) to Liskeard failed in section today at Coombe No 1 Ground Frame (09.46). 153 361 was dispatched to retrieve the stricken unit. Unfortunately I did not capture an image of the stricken unit.

153 361 arrived at Liskard behind 150 219 on the 2C45 Plymouth Penzance. Copyright Mick House.

150 219 detaches from 153 361. Copyright Mick House.

153 361 crosses from the down main to the up main. Copyright Mick House.

153 361 joins the Looe branch. Copyright Mick House.

St Erth Station
Roger Winnen

190227a 43004 heads the 10.00 Penzance-Plymouth service seen arriving at St Erth. 27th February 2019 Copyright Roger Winnen

190227b The 10.10 HST Departure from St Erth to Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

190227c Alterations to the road layout at St Erth which includes traffic lights viewed from the footbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

190227d Paving the area outside of the main St Erth Station buildings. Copyright Roger Winnen

70811 A double first we think!

70811, it’s first time on the Aberthaw to Moorswater cement working and we think the first time in Cornwall.
Reports by Mick House and Richard Kitson

Passing Liskard at 11.59, 87 minutes late. Copyright Mick House.

70811 runs round at Lostwithiel station. It finally departed for Liskard at 14.27, 185 minutes late. Copyright Richard Kitson.

Many Thanks, Richard.

The Moorswater Cement approaching Exmouth Jct
David Tozer

Running some 122 minutes late 70811 with the 2230 Aberthaw - Moorswater Cement approaches Exmouth Junction.

190227a The Moorswater Cement approaches Exmouth Junction. Copywright David Tozer

Thanks David

Double Headed Sand
Craig Munday

The sand / aggregate traffic from Burngullow continues its daily trips through the County bringing us a lovely photo opportunities each day in the recent sunshine. The double heading has been an additional bonus for the trip up the bank to Exeter Central during the Wellington blockade.
I will be Totnes bound over the coming weeks to act as Pilotman for the SLW over the Down Main Aish to Totnes for the Marley tunnel work. The engineering work has produced a high volume of 8 coach HST workings too.
Kind regards, Craig Busy times for you Craig, Many thanks.

Brent Hill dominates the scene. Pictures from Aish showing a HST slowing for the signal DM230 to talk to the Signaller and drop off the Pilotman for the next Up working at signal UM 230 beyond the crossovers. The sand sets off "Wrong road" along the Down line bound for Exeter having been briefed by the Pilotman. 23rd February 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

Aish - The sand sets off "Wrong road" along the Down line bound for Exeter having been briefed by the Pilotman. 23rd February 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

66035 & 149 set off from Burngullow with the blue rake and pass over Gover viaduct in glorious light. 25th February 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

66127 is seen on Rundles Walk with the afternoon clay. The first occasion this working has caught the sun with the 16.29 departure time from Goonbarrow. 25th February 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

A HST passes Coombe (St Stephens) in fine afternoon sunshine with a westbound service.25th February 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

66126 & 044 race through St Austell passing the remaining pillars from the former GWSR footbridge. The station taking on a very "standard" look in its absence. 26th February 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

Winter Sunshine Continues
Clive Smith

The brilliant sunshine brings an early 'Summer' in February as Clive gets out and about with his camera.

Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive

(1) Perfect light and sun position on the 26th February 2019 for 66126 and 66044 on the 10.00 Burngullow - Exeter Riverside at Harford Bridge Ivybridge. 17C and t-shirt weather. Copyright Clive Smith

(2) Timing is everything so I thought I would have a stab at catching the late evening sunshine at Tigley. The 13.03 Paddington - Penzance would be an HST and was due through around 17.10 in what was low stunning light but fading quickly. Sadly by 17.20 there was no show and the light there was now failing so I abandoned the shot and drove to Rattery to do a recce for a possible shot on Wednesday as the vista is more open there. As I parked at 17.26 the delayed HST appeared so I managed a rushed shot as the last rays of the sun disappeared. No idea what the delay was at Totnes station but probably to do with SLW to Aish. 26th February 2019 Copyright Clive Smith.

Bond St Bridge, Redruth
Martin Scane

I was walking into Redruth at lunchtime and managed to snap 43029 at the head of the 12.46 to Penzance (ex Plymouth) calling at the station with the power car just on the edge of the bridge over Bond Street. A beautiful day as can be seen by the colour of the sky. Regards Martin Scane Once a very common sight as the driver stops a full length HST on Bond Street bridge from whence, if he wishes to, he can pass time looking along Bond Street and down Alma Place. However once the work on Whiteball tunnel is complete and train services return to normal this view will be extremely unlikely.

12.46 Plymouth to Penzance seen on Bond Street bridge 26th February 2019 Copyright Martin Scane

26th February 2019

26/2/2019

A very rare beast on the Southern
David Tozer

A very rare beast to visit the route between Exeter and Castle Cary via
Honiton and Yeovil.
A Cross Country HST worked the 2212 5Z12 Exeter (St David's) - Bristol
(Barton Hill W R D) last night.It sat at Pinhoe for twenty minutes. The
2330 5Z37 Bristol (Barton Hill W R D) also ran overnight passing Pinhoe
at 0237. An HST swap, I guess.
Possibly the first Cross Country HST on this route.
Dave

PS Sorry no photos

Launceston Visitor
Darjeeling Loco
David Tozer

Many thanks to David Tozer who has spotted the link below concerning a visit by Darjeeling No. 19 to the Launceston Steam Railway.
https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2019/02/steam-locomotive-no-19-to-visit-the-launceston-railway.html

Glorious Weather
Penzance
Mark Lynam

What a glorious sunny day it's been in Cornwall today! Here are 5 photos from today. (25th February 2019)

Thanks, Mark Lynam and thank you too Mark.

57602 at Longrock Depot which worked the sleeper overnight. 25th February 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam

43171 departs Penzance on 2A84 1000 Penzance to Plymouth. 25th February 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam

The usual 2+4 set, although on an earlier working. 2C43 0921 Plymouth to Penzance. 43170 leading. 25th February 2019. Copyright Mark Lynam

Celebrity 43185 arrives with the 2C71 0945 Plymouth to Penzance. 25th February 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam

43086 leads with the return working 2A88 1204 Penzance to Plymouth. taken from one the sea defence boulders. 25th February 2019. Copyright Mark Lynam

Coldrennick Viaduct
Chris Harvey

Please find attached two shots of Coldrennick Viaduct, taken 18 years ago on 17th Feb 2001. It looks to have been a frosty and crisp morning - wonderful conditions for photography. The FGW HST is the 0816 Penzance - Paddington, and the Virgin HST is the 0922 Penzance - Edinburgh.
Best Regards, Chris Harvey Many thanks Chris

Coldrennick Viaduct 17th February 2019 Copyright Chris Harvey

Liskeard and Caradon
Railway

A Fascinating article about the Liskeard & Caradon Railway and stunning pics in the sunshine on the Cornwall Live link provided. I see the site's archives have an extensive feature by Roger and Peter Murnaghan so the link may be duplicating the feature but the pics are in perfect light.

https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/gallery/retracing-abandoned-tracks-cornwalls-highest-2575776

The Liskeard and Caradon at Kilmar Tor. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

The lower levels of the line approaching Cheesewring Quarry. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

25th February 2019

25/2/2019

It could be chaos at
Long Rock this Summer!
Roger Salter

Signs erected at Long Rock level crossing that will seriously effect taking photos especially parking for the Depot Open Day on 13th April 2019
Cornwall Council, in their wisdom, have decided to do the work in the summer months!!. All being part of the Long Rock improvement work funded by the European Union Development Fund.

Penzance Celebrity
Andrew Triggs

Afternoon Roger/Keith, 43002 has reappeared from Laira and arrived on the rear of 1Z05 from Exeter St Davids today at Penzance, spruced up and receiving a brush painted cab and front end repaint, also we had the pleasure of Railgrinders DR79263/273 on Oil 2 siding
All the Best Andrew Many thanks Andrew

A beautifully framed picture. 24th February 2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs

24th February 2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Approaching Westbury
Guy Vincent

43041 'Meningitis Trust' leading the 1A77 0858 Taunton-Paddington approaching Westbury at 0937 on a foggy 24th February. This PC was part of set 253020, one of the first batch of HST's delivered for the Western Region in 1976-7. It will be staying with GWR for a few more years as a member of the new class 255 'Castle class' 2 + 4 HST sets although top speed will be limited to 100 mph.

Westbury South 43041 1A77 08.58 Taunton to Paddington 24th February 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent

Approaching Aller
Clive Smith

With a wave from the driver the 09.19 Plymouth - Paddington diverted via Yeovil approaches Aller on a lovely Sunday morning 24th February 2019. Just 15 minutes earlier these fields were covered in a superb sunlit ground mist. Sadly the sun burnt it off. Would have been up there in my top pics. Regards Clive Smith
Not a 'mist opportunity' but still a smashing picture, thanks Clive.

Approaching Aller. 0919 Ply to Padd via Yeovil Jct. 24th February 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

24th February 2019

24/2/2019

Special Announcement of the start of a new section
Public Notices and Posters Collection.

We have started a new section entitled Public Notices and Posters Collection.
This can be found by scrolling down the left hand side of the screen to the bottom.
This section will cover scanned copies of paper notices of the 1960s; this will include all manner of railway advertising literature published at the time such as,
Cheap Day Tickets, Excursions and Holiday Runabout Tickets.
We start this section with the notice of The Blue Pullman that was released by British Railways Western Region in October 1962, also a British Transport Commission notice for the withdrawal of passenger train service notice for Swansea (Victoria), Craven Arms and Shrewsbury.

Sand Train at Plymouth
Leslie Curnow

Good Evening Roger
The best available facilities for a photo on Saturday morning was my mobile so zooming is not at its best.
Number 66126 and 66044 head the Saturday 683L Burngullow to Exeter Riverside Sand train onto the through line at Plymouth awaiting the green light to follow the 12:18 1Z51 Cross Country Plymouth to Exeter being two units together.

Thanks Leslie

HST Pioneer Sunset
Guy Vincent

Pioneer class 43 power car 43002 returned to traffic today following a short period out of use at Laira where it has been smartened up for the last few weeks it has left in normal service. Today it called in at Westbury at the head of 1C86 1503 Paddington-Plymouth. For the record the full train formation was coaching stock set LA64 consisting of 44076 42108 42092 42166 42582 42094 40734 41166 and second power car 43025. Well worth keeping a look out for this one now as it has been mentioned elsewhere that most HST diagrams are due to finish by the end of March.

Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy

Westbury 43002 1C86 HST Pioneer Sunset 23rd February 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Portishead branch News
Re-opening a step nearer

From a letter received on the 20th February 2019

Dear Member,
Last night North Somerset Council approved a number of very significant steps for the project to reopen the Portishead line.

The most significant is committing an extra £15 million from NSC’s own Tier 3 business rate funding to reduce the funding gap. This means that the funding is now in place for roughly three-quarters of the total cost and hopefully makes it easier for WECA, central government, Network Rail or other sources to come up with the remainder over the next few months.

Other commitments approved include:

Signing the Initial Promotion Agreement which underpins WECA and NSC working together through to delivery of the railway
Spending a further £4.5 million in 2019/20 and £7.2 million in 2020/21 to progress the project, taken from the existing Local Growth Fund source
Spending £300k on land purchases
Jointly promoting Phase 1 with WECA (para 3.2)
Tram Trains review by NSC and Network Rail will report by end February that tram trains are more expensive than heavy rail and that it will be easy to convert Portishead to trams later if needed
The Bristol Feasibility Study (referred to in Chris Grayling’s letter last year) will report later in 2019 and it assumes that MetroWest Phase 1 and 2 are implemented

The DCO Submission is now scheduled for June 2019 (para 3.08), presumably to allow some of the above and other work required to be completed first.
You can find the whole document here under 19 February MetroWest Phase 1: http://apps.n-somerset.gov.uk/cairo/committees/comidx163-2018.asp

This all sounds very encouraging. In particular, if NSC are committing a further £15 million, then possibly WECA and Central Government could each do something similar, to close the funding gap completely.

Regards, Peter.

Peter Maliphant
Membership Secretary
Portishead Railway Group

23rd February 2019

23/2/2019

The last hours of
St Austell Footbridge
Saturday 23rd February 2019
Roger Winnen

The main structure of this 1882 footbridge is scheduled for removal tonight, going to the Helston Railway for restoration. From information gathered today at St Austell today, the supports on the platform for the bridge may be removed later. Farewell to an old friend of 137 years.

190223a The 10.31 Plymouth Penzance service arrives at St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen

190223b The 10.58 Penzance to Plymouth service arrives under the old footbridge at St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen

190223c The dismantling process of the bridge which the main section is due to be lifted out tonight. Copyright Roger Winnen

190223d New bolts are securing this bridge prior to its removal to the Helston Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen

190223e Not anymore will two bridges span the tracks at St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen

Last hours
St Austell Footbridge
Dave Anthony

Please find attached a photo of the old footbridge at St Austell as of 15.00hrs today 22/2/19.
If all goes to plan it will be gone by Sunday morning.
Cheers Dave Many thanks Dave

St Austell Footbridge 15.00 22nd February 2019 Copyright Dave Anthony

St Austell Footbridge
Nick Kiszczuk

Below are a few pictures taken on Saturday 16 February showing the old GWR footbridge in a sorry state of repair, and in process of removal, part of the history of St Austell has been removed to the skip.

190219a The old bridge taken from the taxi car park Copyright Nick Kiszczuk

190219b The old footbridge taken from the new bridge Copyright Nick Kiszczuk

Thanks Nick

A lovely day at Penzance
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are well and enjoying the warm sunshine.a very balmy 15 degrees here today.
I send this picture taken on a warm and sunny 15th June 1985 showing 47594 nearing the end of its journey, at 14.25 on a service from Swansea.
Best Wishes from Michael.

Many Thanks Michael

Plymouth and the Newquay Branch
Andrew Triggs

1. DBC 66035 'Resourceful' with DBC 66107 arriving at Plymouth working the Sand (6C12) from Burngullow at 11.10. Copyright Andrew Triggs

2. 66127, still in former EWS livery, shunting the CDA's at Goonbarrow Junction, viewed from the passing 2N08 to Newquay. Copyright Andrew Triggs

3. 150248 approaching Middleway crossing, Newquay branch, working 2N08 to Newquay. Copyright Andrew Triggs

4. As the sun fades, 66127 approaches Middleway crossing, with 6G12 from Goonbarrow Junction. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Somerset & Dorset
Closure abandoned
Mick House

The following picture is of a treasure from the collection of Mick House - it features the temporary abandonment of the closure of the Somerset and Dorset Railway. Final closure came on the 7th March 1966,
Many thanks to Mick for making this poster available to us.

Peterston Jubilee
Mike Roach

I was interested to read that Adrian King never saw a Jubilee 4-6-0 at Cardiff General as I didn't either. Believe that they normally came off at Pontypool Road or Bristol TM. However Adrian might be interested in the attached photo which first appeared with a story of mine in the Autumn 2018 Newsletter of the WRRC (Welsh Railways Research Circle). The photo shows Jubilee 45662 passing through Peterston Station 7 miles west of Cardiff late afternoon on Sunday 2 September 1962. The mark in front of the left-hand pony wheel is not a flaw but a flower growing in the ballast. Original caption below. Can anyone identify the train from the headcode please.

Regards, Mike. Many thanks Mike

Jubilee 4-6-0 number 45662 "Kempenfelt" of Shrewsbury Shed passing eastbound through Peterston Station. The loco was withdrawn from service 2 months later in November 1962 and scrapped. Richard Kempenfelt was an 18th century Royal Navy officer. The cattle pens on the left were behind the down platform and were situated between two sidings which constituted the sum total available in the small goods yard which had closed two months earlier. Copyright Mike Roach.

Wearing Two Hats
Clive Smith

Railways have always been my main hobby but once or twice a year I will embark on a bird watching outing. PLease don't call me a twitcher I have enough problems being called a trainspotter. This will either entail an organised boat cruise from Exmouth to Topsham with Stuart Line or some well known RSPB hide usually near a good pub. Thursday 21st February was our date booked months ago and yet again the weather was superb so lending itself to railway photography as well. With both binoculars and camera around my neck and mobile phone on real time trains I attempted to wear two hats at once. Fine in practice however the boat went where the birds and one seal were not the trains and criss-crossed the estuary looking for them. We spent nearly 15 minutes in glorious light near Starcross station with not one train passing. Similarly as we closed in on Exton with the sun directly behind us again no trains passing. The two pictures I have included are the best of a rather poor effort. The two HSTs that passed around 16.30 were some distance from me and the light was in the wrong place. Or rather the boat was. Perhaps we railway enthusiasts should hire a boat to cruise up the Exe and along the sea wall at Dawlish and Teignmouth. The boat provides a microphone and Roger could provide commentary. Just a thought...oh and bring a good lens.

Regards Clive Smith Many thanks Clive for something different.

(1) Visit South Devon emblazoned 153333 single car brings up the rear of the 12.23 Exmouth-Paignton at Topsham. 21st February 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

(2) A Cross Country Voyager approaches Cockwood with 1Z54 15.44 Exeter St Davids - Plymouth. 21st February 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

(3) The same unit as the first picture skirts the estuary at Powderham with the 15.53 Exmouth - Paignton.22st February 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

(4) Golden Plovers take flight. The railway is just to the right by the trees (a very tenuous reason for this photo). 21st February 2019 Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) . Just a solitary sunbathing seal . It's amazing what you miss as you speed by on the train. 21st February 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

22nd February 2019

22/2/2019

A Pair of Class 66s on the sand at Plymouth
Roger Winnen

190221g 66126 and 66044 arrives in the centre road at Plymouth with the 09.56 Burngullow to Exeter Riverside sand train. Copyright Roger Winnen

Diversions on the Southern Route to Yeovil Jct
Roger Winnen

190221a IET 82106 departs Exeter St David's on the 11.22 Plymouth Paddington service via Yeovil Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

190221b 82106 Climbs the 1 in 37 to Exeter Central. Copyright Roger Winnen

190221cc 43018 Passes through Pinhoe on the 11.03 Paddington Penzance service - Copyright Roger Winnen

190221d Seen passing and going away from Axminster is the 13.15 Plymouth Paddington service. Copyright Roger Winnen

190221f 43151 heads the 10.03 Paddington Penzance service through Axminster running 26 mins late. Copyright Roger Winnen

Passing through
Exeter Central
Paul Barlow

43018 43156 Exeter central 1103 Paddington-Plymouth 21st February 2019 Copyright Paul Barlow

Led by 43156 - 43018 brings up the tail of the train and heads into Exeter central 1103 Paddington-Plymouth 21st February 2019 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

Totnes Up & Down
Clive Smith

The closure of the up bore of Marley Tunnel continues and the third day Wednesday 20th February 2019 saw some non-passenger trains on the single line working between Aish and Totnes station down platform. Here are a few pictures I managed to grab.

Regards Clive Smith Many thanks Clive

(1) Network Rail track assessment unit 950001 on the 05.48 Penzance - Exeter Riverside via St Ives approaches Totnes station 'wrong line'. Taken from the A381 road bridge. 20th February 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

(2) 66035 and 66107 pass Three Arches Bridge west of Totnes 'wrong line' with the 09.56 Burngullow - Exeter Riverside sand. Pairs of 66s are required to take the onward services up Exeter Central bank on to the Southern diversion around Whiteball. Not sure why a pair is needed in Cornwall. Maybe our man Craig knows. 20th February 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

(3) Cross Country voyager passes Three Arches Bridge 'wrong line' with the 1Z51 12.18 Plymouth - Exeter St Davids. 20th February 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

Cardiff
Adrian King

6806 Blackwell Grange bringing a service into Platform 3 on a summer Saturday in 1962. Copyright Adrian King

I have to say I've been delighted to see South Wales feature on the website in recent months. Those shots by Ken Mumford, Mike Roach, Michael Forward Roger Geech and others, are all first class. Although I still can't get over Ken's photo of a 'Jubilee' at Cardiff a locomotive I never saw anywhere near the Welsh capital. I've included one of my early photographic attempts at Cardiff General which shows 6806 Blackwell Grange bringing a service into Platform 3 on a summer Saturday in 1962.

I have a question to ask in the hope one of the CRS faithful may have the answer. Does anyone know the exact date Flying Scotsman first visited Cardiff ? A train spotting friend and I 'mitched' a day off school to see the famous loco which I think was in March/April 1963 but can't be sure.
Best Regards Adrian Many thanks Adrian

21st February 2019

21/2/2019

Very interesting film
Barnstaple area
David Anthony

Trawling through YouTube...
I don't know if you have seen this one before but coming from 1898 I think it's rather special. Courtesy of the BFI

Barnstaple Junction across the bridge to Town on the front beam!

https://youtu.be/dziGmOLe3KU

Dave Anthony
Most interesting well worth clicking on - many thanks to you Dave.

Southern Diversions 2
David Tozer

The cause of late running at Whimple. Dave

59005 passing through Whimple with an up train. 20th February 2019 Copyright David Tozer.

Southern Diversions 2
Brian Pibworth

Please find attached another set of diversions through East Devon, at Axminster and Honiton this time, and even featuring the 1C82 Paddington - Penzance. The locations are a bit more photogenic than Seaton Jnc. but the sun didn't shine and the wind was freezing.
Usual backup captions if you need them.
With kind regards, Brian Many thanks again Brian

Southern Diversions
David Tozer

Another bad day yesterday. Not helped by crazy timetabling. The 1328(previously 1344) stone empties is booked off Pinhoe at 1350. Coming the other way is the 1103 from Paddington departing at 1356. Thus the stone cannot go forward on the single line.
It has run again this morning so I am hoping to get out to Whimple for it.
Regards Dave Many thanks David

802101 Arena Park 19th February 2019 Copyright David Tozer

59205 Pinhoe 19th February 2019 Copyright David Tozer

59205 awaits 43085 at Pinhoe on the 19th February 2019 Copyright David Tozer

Southern Diversions
Brian Pibworth

The first day of diversions of Plymouth - Paddington services via Yeovil Junction brought rain, sleet and hail to East Devon.

As the lineup included a lone daytime freight it was well worth the effort, although my choice to go to Seaton Junction, after Axminster, was a mistake. I have modelled the station in 00 gauge for several years and had a somewhat romanticised view of the location, but its overgrown and generally neglected state came as something of a shock. I suppose we should be grateful that the buildings remain and are used for modern purposes, but compared with the well maintained station in Great Western Road, Chard, it looks very depressing.

Hope these pics tell the story and let me know if the captions don't arrive intact.

With kind regards, Brian Many thanks indeed Brian.

20th February 2019

20/2/2019

The original Class 47s
Plymouth 1984
Clive Smith

The initial build of Brush Type 4 locomotives D1500 to D1519 were mechanically different from the remainder of the type, using Westinghouse-supplied brake system whilst the rest of the class used Metcalfe-Oerlikon brakes. These twenty were also fitted with steam heating boilers for train heat duties as well as electric train heating. With work for class 47s declining due to the introduction of new rolling stock, and spare parts becoming difficult to source, some withdrawals started being made. The first locomotives to be targeted were the non-standard pilot batch of twenty, now numbered 47 401- 47 420. Three locomotives were withdrawn as life-expired in February 1986, and the remainder of the batch that had not recently been overhauled followed in the next two years. All twenty were withdrawn by 1992. For quite a while the twenty were allocated to Finsbury Park largely working out of Kings Cross on the East Coast Main Line. A few were reallocated to Gateshead earlier in the 1970s but with the introduction of HSTs in the late 70s and the demotion of Deltics from front-line service, the remainder went to Gateshead in 1979. For spotters these locos suddenly became more widespread and the pictures show two examples at Plymouth far from their former stamping ground. They were known as 'alternators' for some reason I can't remember . Something to do with AC or DC generators for the ETH supply. Bit technical for me but if anyone does know please enlighten us. The original of the class 47401, plus 47402 and 47417 have thankfully been preserved.

1) On a wet day 47411 stands at platform 4 Plymouth with the 07.50 Bristol TM - Penzance on the 29th December 1984. This loco entered traffic in February 1963 as D1510 and was withdrawn in July 1989 and cut up in December 1994. Copyright Clive Smith

2) Meanwhile a few minutes later up at the other end of the station 47407 Aycliffe stands in the 'Park' sidings,sporting a modified livery and new nameplates attached just the previous month. The loco was waiting to take over the 08.53 Penzance - Newcastle. Entering traffic in January 1963 as D1506, it was withdrawn in August 1990 and cut up in December 1995. Copyright Clive Smith

Thanks Clive

Moving the Milk at Bodmin
Roger Winnen

1501 built in 1949 moves the milk at Bodmin General on 14th April 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

Moving the milk at Bodmin. Hawksworth design 1501 on 14th April 2013 - Copyright Roger Winnen

Weymouth Quay Station 1982
Clive Smith

One can never see enough photos of the Weymouth Tramway line. Here are some views of the harbour and Weymouth Quay station. For an excellent collection of photos at nearly every location on this fascinating line and various classes of locos and units please check out the section in the website's gallery pages.

(1) In the middle of the holiday season on 16th August 1982, 33112 uncouples from the 09.54 'Boat Train' from Waterloo. The sailing is ready and looks packed. Copyright Clive Smith

2) Sealink's Earl Godwin sets sail with the 13.30 to Guernsey and Jersey on the 5th June 1982. Copyright Clive Smith

Many Thanks Clive

Winnen's Westerns
Penzance
Roger Winnen

You can almost smell the smoke as D1037 Western Empress departs Penzance on 19th July 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Diversional Problems
David Tozer

David reported that on the first day, Monday. The 04.47 Plymouth - Paddington was 10 late Exmouth Junction, the 0715 Exeter - Waterloo - cancelled between Exeter and Yeovil Junction due to a train planning error!! and the 0550 Gillingham - Exeter - 7 late . The diversions are due to Whiteball Tunnel being closed for engineering work. We hope that after these initial problems that services will run smoothly. Many thanks for your report David.

Who's Picture
Michael Manning

Picture supplied by Michael Manning details below.

Michael Manning, who is working on a book concerning the history of the railway route through Tavistock North, wonders if anyone can identity or claim ownership of the photograph reproduced below. Credit will duly be given.

19thFebruary 2019

19/2/2019

Cornish Variety
Andrew Triggs

1. DRS 57306 running off 5C99 and Slopers siding before running round and hauling the 'Night Riviera' to Longrock TMD. Copyright Andrew Triggs

2. DBC 66044 departing Burngullow for Exeter Riverside N.Y working 6C12, viewed from Trevenne Road bridge. Copyright Andrew Triggs

3. Driver Training 2+4 HST 3Z61 passing Penzance bound I.E.T 1C04 at St Austell. Copyright Andrew Triggs

4. The NMT at Respryn, working 1Q18 to Paignton. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Winnens Westerns
Luxulyan
Roger Winnen

A Western at Luxulyan hauling the 08.45 Newquay to Manchester on 14th June 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen. The former island platform here now used only on one face - the passing loop and signal box taken out of use in September 1974.

Shades of the not too distant past - Luxulyan in 1985. Copyright the Late John Cornelius.

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Dragon Power Cars Liskeard
Mick House

153 361 to the rescue
Mick House

Special Announcement of the start of a new section
Public Notices and Posters Collection.