Blog Archives

17th February 2020

17/2/2020

Royal Wessex Railtour
Radipole Halt
Ron Kosys

Today we begin with the first of a series of pictures taken of the Royal Wessex Railtour as recorded by Ron Kosys who followed this railtour as it journeyed to Weymouth.

33113+33114 head the Royal Wessex Railtour seen at Radipole as it heads towards Weymouth. The date is the 10th December 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

10th December 1988
Hertfordshire Rail Tours
The Royal Wessex
Locos Used33113 & 33114 'Sultan'Route :
Loco(s)Route
33113 + 33114London Waterloo - Clapham Junction - Wimbledon - Raynes Park - Motspur Park - Epsom - Leatherhead - Horsham - Pulborough - Arundel Jn - Ford - Chichester - Havant - Farlington Jn - Cosham Jn - Netley - St Denys - Northam Jn - Southampton Central - Redbridge - Brockenhurst - Bournemouth - Poole - Wareham - Dorchester Jn - Weymouth Town (1)
33113 (2)Weymouth Quay - Weymouth Jn
33114 + 33113Weymouth Jn - Dorchester Jn - Yeovil Pen Mill - Castle Cary - Westbury - Trowbridge - Melksham - Chippenham - Wottoon Bassett Jn - Swindon - Didcot Parkway - Reading - Twyford - Slough - Acton Main Line - Acton Wells Jn - Dudding Hill Jn - Cricklewood Curve Jn - London St PancrasNotes :
(1) Passengers had to make their own way to Weymouth Quay to rejoin the train.
(2) 33114 on rear.
The above courtesy of Six Bells Junction Railtour Files.

Many thanks Ron.

Six by or near the sea
Martin Scane

Martin Scane writes, We have just spent a couple of days in Teignmouth primarily to attend Network Rail’s consultation event on their proposals for the realignment of the track between Parson’s Tunnel and Teignmouth. Anyway, I managed a few photos today in amongst the showers.

12th February 2020. Copyright Martin Scane.

150247 approaches Teignmouth 12th February 2020. Copyright Martin Scane.

Approaching Teignmouth 12th February 2020. Copyright Martin Scane.

1A88 Penzance to Paddington heading towards Sprey point. 11th February 2020. Copyright Martin Scane

66137 passes through Teignmouth station on the 11th February 2020. Copyright Martin Scane.

Teignmouth 57312 with the Laira Long Marston redundant stock train. 11th February 2020. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin - sorry about the delay in publishing. Things have been rather hecion around here during the last few days.

16th February 2020

16/2/2020

Trevemper Siding Newquay
Trevor Tremethick

Not a vast amount appears to have changed since Peter Bragg's 2014 visit, the site being occupied by many 'used cars'. We walked up what must have been the trackbed towards where the ground frame had been for 100 yards or so until we found it gated off and what looked like a farmyard beyond.

The first two pictures show cars parked on the A392 side of the massive goods shed which retains its roof timbers. The third 'detail' picture is on the 'siding' side. I read somewhere that there had been two sidings here but I'm not sure about that. The remaining pictures are in order of our walk, firstly in the Tolcarn direction and then southerly back to the shed. In the final view (somewhat overgrown since Peter's visit) you can just about see one of the uprights of the former buffer stop.

I have a lot of questions unanswered about this siding. I found a railtour of 14 July 1963 (Railway Enthusiasts' Club 'The Cornish Rail Tour') that took in Trevemper Siding along with most of the other Cornish lines by the look of it. I wonder if this was the last train (apart from the demolition contractor) to use the siding. It was a single unit railcar. Were any photographs taken on this tour? I have never seen a picture of the siding actually in use before it was lifted sometime around October of '63.

I also wonder what kind of business activity took place here when the Chacewater-Newquay branch was open. I imagine agricultural. In the Middleton Press Book about the Newquay branches it mentions the site being occupied by a firm called 'Taylor and Low'.

Back in the old days, as a child, I must have passed the entrance to Trevemper Siding a number of times on the train but don't recall ever noticing. For me it remains a place of mystery! Was there a ground frame hut, or just levers in the open? Was there a separate locking key or was it operated by the Shepherds to Tolcarn(e) Junction key token? You can probably tell I am not a signalman!

Anyway, I hope all this will be of some interest - at least that magnificent shed is still standing!

Oh, by the way. Although I did this on Valentine's Day, I did buy Barbara a nice pendant from the craft shop at the former St Agnes station!

Best wishes

Trevor Tremethick

.Dear Keith,

I can provide answers to some of Trevor Tremethick's questions:

Trevemper Mill lay alongside the old Treffry/Cornwall Minerals Railway line from Newquay to Shepherds and Treamble. When the GWR was reconstructing this line in 1903/4 to complete the Perranporth branch, they made a deviation at Trevemper to avoid a sharp curve. The old trackbed (or part of it) remained as Trevemper siding. The routes of both the old line and the deviation are clearly visible on 6 inch or or 25 inch OS maps. The siding was connected to the new single line by a ground frame (2 levers) in a hut. Michael Dunn's study of nameplates records that the order for the casting of the plate 'Trevemper Siding Ground Frame' was made in March 1904.
Although the siding was inside the Tolcarn Junction advanced starting signal, it was outside the down home, so had to be released by the Shepherds - Tolcarn electric train staff (token in later years). If a trip working from the Newquay end was required, the Tolcarn signalman asked 'clear' to Shepherds and withdrew a token. The train ran (propelling) to the siding, then surrendered the token on return.
Traffic in later years was just the odd wagon of coal. The siding remained open to traffic after the passenger closure because of an unexpired private siding agreement. I am sure that no revenue-earning traffic was carried in these months.

Roy Hart

Great article on the siding, a look at NLS maps 25inch will answer the query about the two mystery siding spurs to the east, off the “main line “ of the siding. Keep up the good work Bob Ayres

Trevemper Goods Shed 14.02.2020 Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Trevemper Goods Shed Detail 14.02.20. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Trevemper Goods Shed North Wall 14.02.2020 Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Trevemper Siding end of line. Part of buffer stop in undergrowth. 14.02.20. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Trevemper Siding trackbed view south to Goods Shed. 14.02.20. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Trevemper Siding trackbed view towards Tolcarn Jct. 14.02.2020. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Thanks Trevor

Bevois
Ron Kosys

33102 seen here at Bevois with the 1V15 the 14.40 Sundays Waterloo to Exeter on the 18th August 1991. Copyright Ron Kosys. Note the Network South East livery, also note the gentleman enjoying the fresh air from the open window of the first coach - a privilege now sadly denied us all. The, nowadays the concrete plant has disappeared, and turning about lies the level crossing and Northam Depot..

Many thanks Ron.

HST Castle Class Update
Guy Vincent

Castle Class 255 HST Update

In August 2019 it was reported that GWR planned to name a number of the HST power cars they were retaining for their new 'Castle Class' 255 short-formed HST sets. A total of twenty three names were given and the plates were displayed at the 'Steam' museum in Swindon and this event was duly reported on the CRS site. Now, 6 months on I have compiled a list of power cars and names so far fitted with the dates they were first reported in service following in brackets.

This is the current situation with the GWR Class 255 HST power car fleet as at 15th February 2020. All those in the main list are now in the all-over green livery.

43004 Caerphilly Castle (16.12.2019)

43005 Un-named
43016 Un-named
43040 Un-named
43041 St Catherine's Castle (09.10.2019)
43042 Tregenna Castle (29.01.2020)
43092 Cromwell's Castle (25.09.2019)
43093 Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018 Note. One nameplate has been replaced by a copy sticker.
43094 St Mawes Castle (06.01.2020)
43097 Environment Agency
43098 Walton Castle (10.02.2020)
43122 Dunster Castle (05.02.2020)
43153 Chun Castle (19.10.2019)
43154 Compton Castle (20.01.2020)
43155 Un-named
43158 Kingswear Castle (05.02.2020)
43170 Chepstow Castle (13.11.2019)
43186 Taunton Castle (19.12.2019)
43187 'The Welshman' (10.2016) Vinyls
43188 'The Welshman' (10.2016) Vinyls
43189 Launceston Castle (13.11.2019)
43192 Un-named
43194 Okehampton Castle (14.09.2019)

43198 Driver Brian Cooper 15 June 1947 - 5 October 1999 & Driver Stan Martin 5 June 1960 - 6 November 2004

Note: One nameplate is carried on each side commemorating the two drivers who sadly died in the Ladbroke Grove and Ufton Nervet collisions respectively.

It has been reported that First Group has purchased another four power cars from Porterbrook in order to form two further 'Castle Class' sets. These are 43088 43156 43160 and 43162. 43156 and 43162 have already moved from Laira to Doncaster for modifications and repainting. First Group also own collision-damaged 43195 which is at Laira for spares recovery and will not be returning to traffic.

Castle Names still to be applied:

Berry Pomeroy, Cardiff, Castle-an-Dinas, Castle Drogo, Newport, Powderham, Rougemont, St Michaels Mount, Trematon (Total 9) It is thought that the 'plates are being applied at Laira during periods of extended maintenance / exams.

It is unclear at this stage whether or not 43093 43097 43187 and 43188 will lose their current names. 43198 will not as it received the plates it now carries from 43033 and 43139 last autumn.

On 13th February a total of nine 4-coach sets were reported to be in use requiring 18 power cars. Typically M-F the '255's' work various turns between Penzance and Cardiff with one early morning trip starting at Gloucester.

I'll try to keep this list up to date and report further changes and namings as I become aware of them.

With regards

Guy V

A very sincere 'Thank you' to you Guy for all the work involved with providing us with such a detailed listing. Another interesting point is who, or what committee make the final decision on the names to be used.

15th February 2020

15/2/2020

Images of Engineering Trains at Bodriggy Hayle
Paul Roach

All photographs are Copyright to Paul Roach

Many Thanks Paul

Hayle Viaduct Possession
Andrew Triggs

Hello Roger/Keith
Braving the elements today to photograph the Engineering trains in the Hayle area as part of the 8 day possession for CRS...unsurprisingly I got rather wet but as Queen sang 'The Show Must Go On', 6 shots enclosed anyway (using my mobile phone camera)
All the Best
Andrew

DBC 66197 at Hayle station. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Colas 66847 'Terry Baker' to the east of the station. Copyright Andrew Triggs

. DBC 66111 near Bodriggy (Taken with permission on private property) Copyright Andrew Triggs

GBRf 66712 'Peterborough Power Signalbox' at Bodriggy. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Freightliner 66562 on the embankment near Bodriggy. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Colas 66850 'David Maidment OBE' with Colas Tamper at St Erth. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Photos of the New Bridge installation at Hayle Causeway
Roger Salter

During atrocious weather yesterday & early this morning with storm Dennis coming I managed these photos of the replacement work at Causeway Bridge on the St.Ives Branch Line.
The new bridge section finally arrived as the driver couldn’t travel on Cornish roads at night but needed to wait for the 1000ton lift crane to have its jibs attached
This morning Network Rail were busy clearing the track & embankment for old bridge removal, weather permitting!!!!

200215a The new bridge for the St Ives Branch arrives on site in appalling weather conditions. Copyright Roger Salter

200215c The Crane Jib sections arrive to assemble the giant heavy lift crane. Copyright Roger Salter

200215d Assembling the jib to the heavy lift crane capable of 1000 tons. Copyright Roger Salter

200215e Putting the works together. Copyright Roger Salter

200215f The completed crane. Copyright Roger Salter

200215g As yet another named storm rolls in 'Dennis' work continues on releasing the old bridge on the St Ives Branch. Copyright Roger Salter

200215h The 1000 ton crane assembled and ready for action. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Southampton Parkway
Ron Kosys

33102 seen at Southampton Parkway with the 1L08 1026 Su Salisbury to Waterloo 18th August 1991 Copyright Ron Kosys

14th February 2020

14/2/2020

57312 1100 Laira-
Long Marston at Powderham
Paul Barlow

57312 1100 Laira-Long Marston 5D94 Hst Mk3 coaches for storage seen passing Powderham 12.02.2020. Copyright Paul Barlow

Thanks Paul

A Matter of interest!

I have heard today that the planned replacement of a bridge between St Erth and St Ives will now take place between Saturday 15 and Thursday 20 February with a replacement bus service on all those days. This is the bridge over the road at the Old Quay House leading onto Hayle Causeway. The work has been spread over extra days because of anticipated difficulty operating a large crane in strong winds.

Other work between St Erth and Penzance will also take place starting on 15 February and ending before start of service on Monday 24 February.
Kind regards,
Derek Buttivant

Thanks Derek

Forthcoming Engineering works over this next week
Roger Salter

200212a Wood Shuttering over the bridge by The Quayside Inn on the Hayle Causeway. Copyright Roger Salter

200212b The embankment cleared of trees at this location. Copyright Roger Salter

200212c Hayle Viaduct prior to the start of engineering works. Copyright Roger Salter

Bodmin Road
Roger Geach

Bodmin Parkway station on the 30th March 1984. Copyright Roger Geach. A very interesting picture taken before the rather cheap and nasty station building was replaced by the brick built structure which now occupies the down platform today. Note the signal mounted on the footbridge and also the gathering of 'brutes', parcel trolleys on the platform.

Many thanks Roger.

Sampford Courtenay
Ron Kosys

33102+33208 pass through the former station site at Sampford Courtenay on the 23rd June 1989 with the 7V80 to 0408 Woking to Meldon Quarry. This former station on the LSWR route from Coleford Junction to Okehampton and Plymouth closed to passengers on the 5th June 1972. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

Staffords Bridge
Bill Elston

Looking nice in Midland Main line livery we see 43043 and 43077 Newquay to Leeds. 30th May 1998 Copyright Bill Elston

47145 on a Paignton to Manchester, 30th May 1998. Copyright Bill Elston.

King 6024 heading north over Staffords Bridge, 30th May 1998 Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill.

This weekend and next week
Important Notice
Engineering Work

Dear all
This weekend see's an ambitious week long possession commence. It has an unprecedented eight engineers trains working in it. Two main sites at Hayle viaduct and Paradise crossing near Truro will see the trains split between them.
Friday night into Saturday sees the convoy arrive with all the following freight companies active: Colas, DBC, Freightliner & GBRf. The Hayle trains first, then the Paradise ones. The engineering trains will remain busy over the whole week with trains coming and going - many in daylight leaving and entering the possession at Truro.
Real time trains is the best way to follow their progress using this menu https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/
Just a word of caution, the engineers traffic may run out of these schedules depending on progress on the work sites, so down trains will be easier to follow.
Happy hunting!
Craig Many thanks Craig - the forecast is not good.

13th February 2020

13/2/2020

Saltash Station
Paul Burkhalter

Hi team,
Progress on the building restoration continues as shown in my photo from this morning (12 February 2020). Note the colour scheme is chocolate and cream!
Cheers,
Paul Burkhalter

Saltash Station refurbishment as seen on the. 12th February 2020. Copyright Paul Burkhalter.

Many thanks Paul - we now look forward to seeing the finished item inside. Note the excellent artwork on the protective hoarding.

Newton St Cyres
Ron Kosys

33107+33063 head the 09.38 Tonbridge to Meldon through Newton St Cyres on the 28th July 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

Horse Cove
Paul Barlow

A classic picture at a classic location as 48773 powers the07.18 Paddington to Plymouth - the 'Staine Hind' past Horse Cove on the 16th May 1998. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Some time ago on the
Bodmin and Wenford
Andrew Jones.

.Dear Keith and Valerie, Please find attached Arthur Peppercorn A1 60163 Tornado attacking the grade at ‘Charlies Gate’ during her visit to the Bodmin and Wenford in early June 2017.
It only seems like yesterday, doesn’t time fly!
This type of locomotive is not really suited for the Bodmin Line and the driver would have been very careful to prevent a slip, especially at this location.
Photography is always spectacular at ‘Charlies Gate’ and even at the relatively low speed for an A1, it still was immensely exciting.
The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust which was formed in 1990 has changed the face of preservation with one of the first new build steam locomotives to have been built this century.
The trust is now well on with another new build a Si Nigel Gresley class P2 2-8-2 Mikados, to be named ‘Prince of Wales.’
This will be the most powerful passenger locomotive to be built in Britain.Although only 6 were ever built, the last being scrapped in 1961, the new build will make improvements to the original design.
There are also a number of other locomotives being new built including a Hawksworth County, 1014 to be named ‘County of Glamorgan’ .
We are living through an exciting period and I hope to live long enough to see some of these new locomotives when they visit Cornwall or Devon.
Very best wishes to you both Andrew and Diane.

Tornado at Charlies Gate in June 2017 Copyright Andrew Jones

Many thanks to Andrew & Diane

12th February 2020

12/2/2020

Cowley Bridge Junction Exeter Rail Fair 1994
Roger Winnen

940429a A Convoy of engines passing Cowley Bridge Junction headed by 47085 Repta. Copyright Roger Winnen

940429b 50031 Hood followed by D212 Andania and 55001 St Paddy at Cowley Bridge Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

940429c 6024 King Edward 1st on route to Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

940501e Class 59004 working the Plym Exe Cursioner Railtour. Copyright Roger Winnen

Sleeper and showers
Ponsandane
Andrew Triggs

This morning in between the Winter showers I caught the Night Riviera at Ponsandane double headed with 57603 leading 57602, 5 minutes previously it had been raining heavily but luckily clearing as the Sleeper was running 60 late at this point arriving at Penzance at 08.50, it made for a very atmospheric shot
All the Best, Andrew.

Ponsandane late running sleeper. 57803 and 57602. 11th February 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew.

Crediton
Ron Kosys

33114 heads through Crediton with the 6O74 11.20 Meldon-Tonbridge on the 5th September 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

Exeter Riverside
Paul Barlow

A bit of blue looking very smart as 35005 ''Canadian Pacific' with a Kingswear to Birmingham Railtour pulls past Exeter Riverside 9th September 2002. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

South Devon
Miscellany & Round Up
Clive Smith

Nice to see the cements working the other day and the Castle HSTs continue to provide interest. The big question is how long the class 143 pacers will continue before the inevitable trip to the scrap line or escape to a preserved railway for the lucky ones. The pacers are now permanently coupled with 150s at the 'London end' and early morning on the sea wall is the best time for photos if the sun is shining. The pacers no longer work to Barnstaple since the mid-December enhanced service to Paignton. With the delays in release of turbos caused by the delays in the flex 769s for the Gatwick - Readings, the anticipated cascade of the turbos has not happened although they have worked the odd Exeter - Bristol train. 16th January saw the first turbo passenger working west of Exeter and it was to Plymouth ! The turbo went ECS Bristol - Exeter and then worked the 07.25 Exeter - Plymouth before returning ECS back to Bristol.

Regards, Clive Smith

(1) 143617 brings up the rear of the 09.24 Exmouth - Paignton on the 22nd January attached to the class 150 with disability toilet provision. This was taken from what is called 'Aller No. 3 Bridge' on the Paignton branch on the outskirts of Kingskerswell. There were a number of very useful rail bridges around Aller where some great photographs could be taken. Sadly with re-signalling, track rationalisation and finally the building of the new A380 Kingskerswell by-pass these bridges have been demolished. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) Class 143 pacer 143619 is the rear 2-car with a 150 being the front set of the 09.55 Exmouth - Paignton at Teignmouth on the 2nd February. Copyright Clive Smith

(3) 43093 'Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976 - 2018' heads the 11.44 Exeter St David - Plymouth through Dawlish Warren on the 2nd February. On a grey day the sun managed to just break through for this train . Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) On an overcast 6th February Colas 70812 rounds the corner from Teignmouth station on to the sea wall with the 06.25 Moorswater - Aberthaw cements. The running of this train seems to be getting more erratic with it being 100 minutes late and the sun had moved to a worsening position. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) It's 4.15 on the 6th with the sun low in the sky providing a shaft of light into Teignmouth station where pacer 143617 is paired with a 150 on the 15.53 Paignton - Exmouth. Copyright Clive Smith.

Another very interesting picture display with comprehensive notes from Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive.

11th February 2020

11/2/2020

Nr. Totnes
Clive Smith

Rail Operations Group 57312 approaches Totnes station with 5D94 11.00 Laira - Long Marston stock move with a barrier coach and redundant HST coaches. This was the day after Storm Ciara but the weather was still tempestuous interspersed with some bouts of sunshine, thankfully while this was passing.

Regards
Clive Smith

Totnes Stock move 57312 5D94 10th February 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive

Swaythling
Ron Kosys

It isn't often that we feature Swathling station in our columns, but is available on the Freedom of South West Rover ticket and thus within our bounds. Many thanks Ron.

Viewed from the footbridge. 33113 passes Swaythling station with the 3B01 the 15.59 Waterloo-Bournemouth. 25th June 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys

A King viewed from
Langstone Rock
Alison Barlow

6024 passes Langstone rock Dawlish hauling the 12.02 Paignton to Paddington on the 5th September 1999. Photo Alison Barlow /Paul Barlow. Copyright.

Very nice to have a lady contributor,
many thanks to Paul and Alison.

Seeing RED at
Par
Martin Scane

Filling the screen - Martin see 66167 at Par on the 10th February 2020. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin.

10th February 2020

10/2/2020

The majesty of steam at
St Austell
Paul Barlow

Castles 4936 and 5029 stand at St Austell with the 04.50 Birmingham to Penzance on the 7th April 2001 Copyright Paul Barlow.

4936 5029 with the 04.50 Birmingham-Penzance at St Austell 7th April 2001. Copyright Paul Barlow.. The footbridge looks good - better than the modern monstrosity'

7th April 2001
Pathfinder Tours
The Double Duchy
Locos Used67010 & steam: 4936 'Kinlet Hall' & 5029 'Nunney Castle'
Stock Used12 mark 1's (plus support coach when steam locos were on the train)Route :
1Z36 : Birmingham International to Penzance
1Z37 : Penzance to Birmingham International
Loco(s)Route
67010Birmingham International – Stechford - Proof House Jn - Birmingham New Street – Soho South Jn - Galton Jn - Stourbridge Junction - Kidderminster – Droitwich Spa - Worcester Shrub Hill – Abbotswood Jn - Cheltenham Spa – Standish Jn - Yate - Westerleigh Jn - Bristol Parkway - Filton Jn - Stapleton Road - Bristol Temple Meads – Worle Jn - Uphill Jn - Bridgwater - Taunton
4936 + 5029Taunton - Exeter St Davids - Dawlish Warren - Newton Abbot - Totnes - Plymouth - Saltash - Liskeard - Par - Truro - St Erth - Penzance
67010Penzance - (reverse of outward route) - Birmingham International

Courtesy Six Bells Junction Railtour Files.

Many thanks Paul for bringing us steam in such a splendid urban setting.

Fairwood Junction
Ron Kosys

33106 hauls sets 8014 & 8015 towards Westbury seen here at Fairwood Junction with the 10.30 from Weymouth 23rd September 1089. Copyright Ron Kosys

2020 Railtour list
Courtesy Karl Hewlett

My usual list for 2020 of railtours and heritage movements for the South West as it stands in February. There are some very good tours and traction this year, but I must stress to all that the below can change, so keep a watchful eye out on any particular tour/s you are interested in. Some of the steam trips are also subject to whether St Blazey's turntable is operational with some tour operators suggesting ending in Plymouth if not:

Sunday 8th March 'The Devon Crompton' 33012 and WCRC loco either 33025, 33029 or 207 T&T with WCRC 37/47/ or 57

London Victoria, Salisbury Plt 3, Yeovil Jcn Plt 3 (photo stop), Yeovil Pen Mill, Yeovil Jcn Plt 2, Honiton Plt 1 (photo stop), Exeter St Davids, Coleford Jcn, Exeter St Davids Plt 3, Exeter Riverside Yard, Taunton, Bristol Temple Meads Plt 5, Bath Spa, Westbury, Salisbury Plt 2, Basingstoke, Woking and London Waterloo.

Thursday 23rd April 'The Great Briton' 6233 'Duchess Of Sutherland'

Cardiff Central, Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth and Penzance.

Saturday 25th April 'The Great Briton' 6233 'Duchess Of Sutherland'

Penzance, Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Taunton, Westbury, Reading, Ascot and London Waterloo.

Thursday 7th May 'Moors & Mountains Explorer Day 1' Steam TBA

London Victoria, Salisbury, Yeovil Jcn, Exeter St Davids and Kingswear.

Friday 8th May 'Cornish Riviera Statesman' WCRC 47/57

York, Sheffield, Derby, Hinckley, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Par and Penzance.

Saturday 9th May 'Torbay Riviera Statesman' WCRC 47/57

Penzance, Par, Plymouth, Newton Abbot (Rev), Paignton, Newton Abbot (Rev), Plymouth, Par and Penzance.

Saturday 9th May 'Moors & Mountains Explorer Day 3' Steam TBA

Kingswear, Exeter St Davids, Taunton, Bristol Temple Meads, Gloucester, Chepstow, Cardiff and Carmarthen.

Sunday 10th May 'Cornish Riviera Statesman' WCRC 47/57

Penzance, Par, Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Bristol Temple Meads, Gloucester, Birmingham New Street, ???? and York.

Saturday 30th May 'Minehead And The West Somerset Railway' 7029 'Clun Castle'

Dorridge, Birmingham Moor Street, Birmingham Snow Hill, Worcester Shrub Hill, Bishops Lydeard (WSR steam loco on), Minehead, Bishops Lydeard, (7029 on), Worcester Shrub Hill, Birmingham Snow Hill, Birmingham Moor Street, Tyseley, Solihull and Dorridge.

Saturday 6th June 'The South Devon Explorer' 6233 'Duchess Of Sutherland' And WCRC Class 47/57 Diesel

Guildford, Reading, Westbury, Bristol Temple Meads (6233 on), Taunton, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Totnes, Exeter St Davids, Taunton, Bristol Temple Meads (6233 off), Westbury, Newbury, Reading, Guildford and Woking.

Friday 26th June 'Visit Torquay Saltburn Railtours' WCRC Diesel TBA

Saltburn to Torquay

Monday 29th June 'Visit Torquay Saltburn Railtours' WCRC Diesel TBA

Torquay to Saltburn.

Saturday 27th June 'Mazey Day Cornishman' 2X Class 50 and GBRF Class 66

(GBRF class 66), Birmingham New Street, Worcester Parkway, Gloucester (class 50's on), Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Penzance, Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Bristol Temple Meads, Gloucester (class 50's off), Worcester Parkway and Birmingham New Street.

Saturday 18th July 'English Riviera Statesman' WCRC 47/57

Peterborough, St Noets, Hitchin, Potters Bar, ????, Exeter St Davids, Newton Abbot, Paignton, Newton Abbot, Exeter St Davids, ???? and Peterborough.

Sunday 19th July and 30th August 'The Royal Duchy' 6233 'Duchess Of Sutherland'

Bristol Temple Meads, Yatton, Taunton, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Par, Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Taunton, Yatton and Bristol Temple Meads.

Saturday 25th July and 15th August 'The West Somerset Steam Express' 6233 'Duchess Of Sutherland'

London Paddington, Reading, Newbury, Westbury, Bishops Lydeard (WSR steam loco on), Minehead, Bishops Lydeard (6233 on), Westbury, Newbury, Reading and London Paddington.

Sunday 26th July and 9th August 'English Riviera Express' either 46100 'Royal Scot', 34046 'Braunton', 70000 'Britiannia' or 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley'

Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, Bradford On Avon, Westbury, Exeter St Davids, Kingswear, Exeter St Davids, Westbury, Bradford On Avon, Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads.

Sunday 2nd August 'English Riviera Express' either 46100 'Royal Scot', 34046 'Braunton', 70000 'Britiannia' or 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley'

Bristol Temple Meads, Weston Super Mare, Exeter St Davids, Kingswear, Exeter St Davids, Weston Super Mare and Bristol Temple Meads.

Wednesday 12th August 'Devonian Express' 2X Steam eeither 46100 'Royal Scot', 34046 'Braunton', 70000 'Britiannia' or 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley'

Cardiff, Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, Bradford On Avon, Westbury, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Westbury, Bradford On Avon, Bath Spa, Bristol Temple Meads and Cardiff.

Saturday 15th August 'West Country Explorer' Steam TBA

London Paddington, Westbury, Taunton and Exeter St Davids.

Saturday 22nd August 'The South Western Adventurer' 2X DRS Class 68 T&T

Norwich, Ipswich, Chelmsford, Stratford, Taunton, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Taunton, Stratford, Chelmsford, Ipswich and Norwich.

Friday 28th August 'Dartmouth Regatta Statesman' WCRC 47/57

Rugby, Birmingham New Street, Cheltenham Spa, Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter St Davids, Kingswear, Exeter St Davids, Bristol Temple Meads, Cheltenham Spa, Birmingham New Street and Rugby.

Monday 14th September 'Mayflower 400 To Plymouth And Cornwall: Day 1' 61306 'Mayflower' And 61264

London Paddington, Reading, Plymouth and Penzance.

Tuesday 15th September 'Mayflower 400 To Plymouth And Cornwall Day 2' 61306 And 61264 T&T

Plymouth to Par and return (Three round trips).

Thursday 17th September 'Mayflower 400 To Plymouth And Cornwall Day 3' 61306 And 61264

Penzance, Plymouth, Reading and London Paddington.

Regards, Karl (Friends Of Penmere Station).

Many thanks to you Karl for your time and trouble - readers may care to print off the above list for your own personal use.

9th February 2020

9/2/2020

Steam in Trouble at Exeter
Roger Winnen

During the Weekend event of the Exeter Rail Fair 94

940501a The return working from Barnstaple approaches Crediton. Copyright Roger Winnen

940501b 80080 Awaits at Exeter St Davids prior to hauling the special to Exmouth.. Copyright Roger Winnen

940501c Stalling on the 1 in 37 bank approaching Exeter Central on route to Exmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

940501d The train in difficulties at a stand between a set of catch points. Copyright Roger Winnen

Branch Line Society Fixture

The Branch line Society has arranged a private all line railtour visit to the new North Cornwall Miniature Railway, on Sunday 22 March 2020 at 10.00, it is a charity event raising funds for the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

As I'm sure you know, this is a substantial new 10¼ " gauge line, three quarters of a mile long which is under construction with an interesting spiral to gain height in one corner, a branch and a triangle.

The outer loop is complete and it is expected that the inner loop will also be by the time of our visit (subject to the weather).

We would be delighted if any members or contacts of the North Cornwall Railway would like to join us as there is a generous party limit, and we are waiving our usual non-members fixtures supplement on this occasion.

Please do support this fixture and pass the details on to anyone who might be interested.

Details will be sent out to participants who have booked nearer the day.

North Cornwall Miniature (10¼" gauge) Railway, Sunday 22 Mar 10.00: An 'all available lines' visit to this new PRIVATE railway which only opened on 18 Aug 2019 near St Teath, between Wadebridge and Camelford. The 10¼"gauge line is about ¾ mile long, an outer elliptical circuit with a spiral at one corner, a tunnel and a triangular junction to a branch. An inner circuit is under construction and, subject to the weather, should be completed for our visit. It is hoped that hot drinks will be available (donations would be appreciated). Adult £11 each; U18s, must all be adult accompanied, £5.50 with proceeds to Cornwall Air Ambulance. Here is a view of it:

North Cornwall Miniature Railway. Image from Paul Steward February 2020.

Participants should allow time to visit the adjacent largest toy museum in the west. Bookings via our website https://www.branchline.uk/home.php go along the top banner to 'Fixtures' and down to Sunday 22nd March - booking is simple with payment accepted by most Debit or Credit cards. An immediate confirmation of booking will be made by email with full details going aout about six days beforehand. IMPORTANT: Please book in advance (there is no pay on the day) so we know how many are coming.
Any publicity would be gratefully received, and any queries please do ask,
Thank you and very best wishes to all.
Paul Stewart, Great Malvern (Branch Line Society Newsletter Editor.)

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS WORTHY CAUSE IF YOU CAN.

Class 158 at Exmouth Jct
David Tozer

With the forecast looking grim for tomorrow I went for a walk - just to get out the house. I call it my round the block stroll which takes in the old former brickworks site now a park opposite Exmouth Junction. Most of the lineside is utterly useless for photography, however I found a useful gap in the shrubs. I was fortunate in as 158798 was signalled out of Exmouth Junction Sidings by Morrison's working the 1308 5B78 to St James' Park. From here it will work the next Barnstaple service. 158798 is GWR's only true three car Class 158. Dave

158798 is GWR's only true three car Class 158. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Seaton Junction
Ron Kosys

33102+33002 are seen passing through Seaton Junction on the 24th May 1992 with the 1O38 the 14.28 Sundays only Exeter to Waterloo. Taken from the very long public right of way footbridge which still spans the station site. The station site with only a single line passing through is very much a shadow of its former very busy self although the up platform buildings still stand the rails are far away. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron - especially for all the details.

Aller Junction
Paul Barlow

50041 Bulwark approaching Aller Junction 1125 Manchester-Newquay the 1V84. It's the 28th August 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow..

ADA Our transport for the da 28th August 1982. Seen here at speed on the M5 !!! Copyright Paul Barlow.

You may have noticed that over the last seventeen days all the pictures were taken on the same day - the 28th August 1982. Above is a picture of Paul's transport for the day - probably affectionately known ad ADA or perhaps 'Aida'. Many thanks to you Paul and to 'Aida' for bringing us such a variety. You will be pleased to know that there are more pictures from Paul's collection continuing tomorrow.

Bristol TM
Martin Scane

BTM the 13.56 ex Cardiff to Penzance has just arrived. The crane is associated with a nearby building site. 8th February 2020 Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin.

Sunrise at
St Blazey and Par Docks
Craig Munday

The arrival and shunting of 66154 at St Blazey occurred under a wonderful morning sky illumination - pre-sunrise. I grabbed some shots of the shunting and trip down to Par Harbour. The shots have been put through Lightroom, but I wanted to capture the colours in the sky as well as the train. The Par Harbour trip is notoriously difficult to photograph with the train times and light at that time of the morning, so this was a bit different.

Best wishes
Craig

P.S. I hope you are recovering well Rog after your operation, and Keith best wishes to you, I hope Val is comfortable in hospital and will soon be coming back home well?
Many thanks for your best wishes Craig, both Roger and I are operating under rather difficult conditions.

66154 at Par Docks. 5th February 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Looking back towards St Blazey - en the sky to the north has assumed a dramatic redness. 5th February 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Back now waiting for the gates to be opened. 5th February 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

66154 back at St Blazey. 5th February 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

A final St Blazey shot - the colour has almost gone. 5th February 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks indeed Craig for your early morning forage down to the docks at Par - some very unique shots there.

8th February 2020

7/2/2020

Classic steam at
Salisbury
Ron Kosys

53809 Ex S & D 53809 sits in the West Bay – Platform 5 – at Salisbury 22nd September 1987, Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

Aller Junction
Paul Barlow

46046 just south of Aller Junction on the branch 0924 Nottingham-Paignton 28th August 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow. Note the semaphores - completing the scene.

Many thanks Paul.

Redruth
Martin Scane

A picture not yet 24 hours old as Martin snaps a down service before boarding his train heading east. Redruth 43004 on the 13.12 to Penzance. 7th February 2020 Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin.

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