Blog Archives

8th February 2021

8/2/2021

Summer Saturday Parade at
Exminster
Paul Barlow

The beginning of a long journey. Here we see 47839 on the 08.59 Paignton to Glasgow the 1S66 at Gissons, Exminster . It's the 18th July 1998. Copyright Paul Barlow.

47854 on the 10.00 Paignton to Newcastle 1E33 Exminster. 18th July 1998. Copyright Paul Barlow.

50031 Hood on the 07.18 Paddington to Penzance, 'The Cornubian' a Pastime rail tour. 18th July 1998. Copyright Paul Barlow. N.B. Participants on this railtour which arrived at 13,50 and departed at 15.35 didn't have much time to enjoy te delights of Penzance!!

43023 07.15 Paddington to Paignton in Intercity swallow livery passes Gissons Bridge Exminster. 18th July 1998. Copyright Paul Barlow.

47825 06.20 Derby-Paignton 1V35 Gissons Exminster. 18th July 1998. Copyright Paul Barlow. Ragwort adds a splash of yellow trackside, the M5 bridge spans the shallow valley.

As usual Paul had his notebook handy to note every passing working.
Many thanks Paul.

On Long Rock Shed
Roger Winnen

D1046 'Western Marquis' ticks over at Long Rock Shed. Its the 9th March 1975. copyright Roger Winnen.

Let's hope that Roger has a successful return to his 'Home Shed' in Mount Street, Penzance, following his month away in hospitals and care. Now take it easy Roger, we all wish you all the very best.

7th February 2021

7/2/2021

Roger Report.
It's fingers crossed for my colleague who has been absent from our web pages and from home for about a month now. After a fall and a serious leg infection he was transferred to Bodmin Hospital and then on to a convalescent home at St Agnes where he was kept in isolation for a fortnight.Roger's and our hopes are that tomorrow he will taken home to Penzance where Welfare Services will check that he is okay climbing the stairs etc. We all sincerely hope that this 'trial' is satisfactory and that very soon Roger will be 'back on air'; OUR VERY BEST WISHES TO ROGER.

Penzance up date
Penzance
Andrew Triggs

3 shots for CRS from our beach walk today, where there was work on going on the wash plant line just short of the western end of depot, certainly some different traction to the usual types!
All the Best, Andrew.

Long Rock Trackworks see unusual traction on the track!! 6th February 2021 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Long Rock Trackworks 6th February 2021 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many thanks Andrew - good to have a report from the far west.

Bovey Tracey
The late John Vines

Two evening views of Bovey Tracey, by then the truncated terminus of the Moretonhampstead branch. The line was still open to this point, although the rails in these views are rusty, so we will have to imagine the occasional visit of a Class 22 pottering down from Heathfield to the adjacent goods yard. The tracks are of course now on the alignment of the town's by-pass and the station building and goods shed survive.

BOVEY TRACEY Summer 1969. Copyright The late John Vines, Courtesy Andrew Vines.

BOVEY TRACEY 2 Summer 1969 Copyright The late John Vines. Courtesy Andrew Vines.

Many thanks Andrew for digging in Dads Archives and producing these wonderful pictures from the summer of 1869. I understand that there are more to come in due course, a memory of your Dads Hobby for which we are all extremely grateful.

Bovey Tracey
The late Sid Sponheimer

Bovey Tracey 3796 busy shunting. - Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer. Here we go back even further care of our good friend the late lamented Sid.

Bovey Tracey 3796 busy shunting. - Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer

Bovey Tracey 18th November 2018 . Copyright Clive Smith

A day out at the Teign Valley

The CRS Party and Colin Burgess. Photograph taken by our friend from Crewe.. It's the 3rd June 2017. Happy memories of a good day out. And who's that on the extreme left in this view? It's Roger Winnen caught in front of the camera for once.

Best wishes to Mr & Mrs Roy Hart

Roy and Nway at Redruth a couple of years ago.

Much appreciated are the comments and articles supplied to our site by Roy Hart - a fellow Redruthian now resident in Burma. You will be aware of the current unrest and problems in the area - our best wishes to Roy and Nway.

6th February 2021

6/2/2021

Churchill's Funeral Train
David Harvey

Having taken Winston Churchill to his last resting place the Funeral Train returns from Hanborough led by D1015; 30th January 1965. Copyright David Harvey.

There are more pictures of Sir Winston's funeral train in our Didcot to Oxford section - you'll find it mentioned near Culham and again at towards the end of this section. Please click here.

Many thanks to David for sending this picture to us and to Simon Howard for securing permission for us to publish it.

Rear end assistance from
Westbury
Martin Baker

A few shots I have just scanned form a visit to Westbury in April 1988 and illustrates how much of the railway was unfenced back then.

The long steady gradient from Westbury through Upton Scudamore to Warminster required frequent banking of aggregate trains.

47063 heads for Eastleigh with 47079 providing assistance at the rear, returning back to the yard an hour later.

079 was one of the early locos to get the Petrochemical sector livery having previously appeared in GWR green as GJ Churchward. Subsequently became 57009 Freightliner Ventura and now sports the DRS blue.

Kind Regards
Martin Baker

This location is reached along a footpath which commences outside Westbury station and heads SW parallel with the railway. The sding in the foreground is a head shunt for Westbury Down Yard,

47063 heads for Eastleigh with 47079 providing assistance at the rear, returning back to the yard an hour later. It is April 1988. Copyright Martin Baker.

Here is 47 079 providing a push on the heavy train, April 1988, Copyright Martin Baker.

The sun is still shining nicely as 47079 returns an hour later. April 1988. Copyright Marin Baker

Many thanks Martin - well worth the wait.

Carbis Bay
Andrew Thompson

Some more photos all my photos are usually either June or Sept . (Is that Boris alighting?)
Andrew

CARBIS BAY -( BORIS HALT) 153 273 and 150 241 Copyright Andrew Thomptson

150 241 travels along a misty coast. Copyright Andrew Thompson.

Thank you Andrew - did you visit the beach?

5th February 2021

5/2/2021

Bruton
Clive Smith
In 1989

50031 speeds through Bruton in Somerset with the Saturday 13.02 Paddington - Paignton on a scorching hot 22nd July 1989. On checking a weather website I found that this date had Heathrow Airport recording 34.2C, the hottest day in the UK since 1976 !

Bruton 50031 Hood 22nd July 1989 Copyright Clive Smith

Very hot, a good day to be where the other Smith was - many thanks Clive.

Dawlish
Phil Smith
Also in 1989

DAWLISH 50034 Furious heads an up service in 1989 Copyright Phil Smith

Many thanks Phil - It struck me that this very interesting and complex view would be a very good picture for a Jig Saw Puzzle.

Many thanks to the two 'Smiths' nice to get you together!

St Erth
Andrew Thompson

Remember the excitement caused by the appearance of the bright red of Virgin Trains - it made for some interesting photographs.

158865 calls. possibly with a service to Portsmouth Harbour. Copyright Andrew Thompson

ST Erth 1997 A Red class 47 on a down Virgin Trains service waits at St Erth. Copyright Andrew Thompson

An up HST waits by those impressive signals at St Erth - long may they remain. A 1997 picture by Andrew Thompson. Copyright.

Many thanks Andrew for those memories of the past.

Bournemouth Rail Gala
Alan Cheetham

Alan kindly sent this cover for a programme but the contents was to detailed to print.

4th February 2021

4/2/2021

Venture to
Meldon Quarry
Driver Alan Peters

Hi,
Now that Network Rail has completed the purchase of the Okehampton line is hoped that some engineering trains will be able to run to Meldon to run round to save top and tailing trains, a visit was made in typical wet Dartmoor weather to see if this was possible on 2nd February 2021 where Meldon Viaduct station waits to welcome trains in the future, rolling stock is still stored at Meldon quarry where 61743 DMSO from a class 411 Southern Region 4-CEP is seen.

Alan Peters

MELDON QUARRY A The stock Meldon quarry where 61743 DMSO from a class 411 Southern Region 4-CEP is seen 2nd February 2021 Copyright Alan Peters

MELDON QUARRY The station hopefully awaits passengers again.. 2nd February 2021. Copyright Alan Peters. A nice double slip point seen to the right of the picture.

Alan breaks almost new ground with this trip to Meldon. Many thanks Alan.

Time for tea at
Okehampton
Driver Alan Peters

Hi,
Colas Rail Drivers and Groundstaff enjoy a brew courtesy of the Dartmoor Railway Supporters Association and their dog at Okehampton railway station on 2nd February 2021, with regard to route familiarisation for forthcoming engineering over the coming months as the line is upgraded ready to join the national network now ownership has been transferred to Network Rail. See picture below.

Alan Peters

(Many thanks from the Colas team to Tony Hill and members of the Dartmoor Railway Supporters Association for the refreshments)

What a happy scene as Colas Rail Drivers and Groundstaff enjoy a brew courtesy of the Dartmoor Railway and their dog at Okehampton railway station on 2nd February 2021, with regard to route familiarisation for forthcoming engineering over the coming months as the line is upgraded ready to join the national network now ownership has been transferred to Network Rail. 2nd February 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Concrete sleepers continue to be stockpiled in the car park once the site of the turntable and engine shed, more sleeper trains are planned hauled by Colas Rail and GBRf. 2nd February 2021. Copyright Alan Peters.

The former Platform 2 once the Down Line, now a siding sees former DCR 31452 and resident 'Gronk' D4167 (08937) stabled with a rake of MKI and MKII coaches. 2nd February 2021.. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

How lucky we are when Alan gets these jobs in the developing rather than contracting railway scene. Many thanks again Alan.

The WSR in summer 1969
The late John Vines

Two views of Blue Anchor and one of Williton, which make an interesting comparison with the scenes today. Back in 1969 the branch had been thoroughly rationalised, but both stations were retained as crossing places with level crossings, so were more or less complete with their GWR infrastructure. - Andrew.

Blue Anchor station - the level crossing in the Summer 1969. A rake of chocolate and cream camping coaches rests in the siding. We are looking towards Minehead, in the distance Dunster Castle surveys the scene. Copyright The late John Vines.. Courtesy Andrew Vines.

A charming scene - Blue Anchor in the Summer 1969. Copyright The Late John Vines Courtesy Andrew Vines

WILLITON Summer 1969. Copyright The Late John Vines Courtesy Andrew Vines

Many thanks Andrew for your Dads pictures.

Route Learner today at Exhibition Way
Exeter
David Tozer & Keith Turley

Keith,
Having been scheduled to run from Monday to Friday the route refresher finally ran today with Class 150/2 150207. Working as the 1224 5Z30 Exeter (TMD) to Castle Cary via Honiton. Managed just to get this 'going away' shot in the gloom at Exhibition Way as the unit heads to Pinhoe. Lucky I have a railway line not far from me.

I have spoken to Roger several times. Hope he gets sorted out soon.
I have my 'Jab' on Saturday.
Keep safe.
Dave. Your message received at 13.21

150207 on Route refresher 12.18 on the 4th February 2021. Copyright David Tozer

Thank you for your 'traffic report' and picture David. I expect that you like the rest of us would like to be on the 'route refresher' - there could be a market for such trains?
Again like the rest of us we all wish Roger a speedy recovery - it's been a long time and I fear a little longer yet. Best of luck with your jab.

150207 on Route refresher 16.38 on the 4th February 2021. Copyright Keith Turley

A rare and welcome visitor to the former LSWR main line,
GWR class 150/2 DMU No.150207 passes Pinhoe on 4th February 2021, working the 5Z31 14:58 Castle Cary to Exeter Central via Yeovil Pen Milland Yeovil Junc. driver route refresher.
Taken while out for my daily exercise in the rain.
Keep safe and stay well.
Keith Turley. Your message arrived at 18.02.

Many thanks to you Keith - methinks you were on the same bridge as David Tozer. I can pass your e-mail address to David Tozer if you are willing?
Perhaps you could both be 'snapping' if not singing in the rain!!

The route learner at
North Parratt
Bill Elston

A GWR route learner, 150207, travelled today from Exeter St David’s to Castle Cary, via Honiton and Yeovil, and return to Exeter Central.
I caught it coming back at North Perrott in poor light ( but at least it didn’t rain).

150207 at North Parrott Its 14.53 on the 4th February 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill.

3rd February 2021

3/2/2021

Roger Winnen. He is in isolation at Karenza Care Home since Saturday 18th January.- his 'sentence' has just been increased to 14 days - he should be 'freed', within the home next Saturday.
He could do with a chat 07773808074

Fit for Presidents and Prime Ministers!
St Ives Branch
Paul Barriball

In response to my request for pictures of the work in progress on the St Ives branch Graham Mann contacted a former colleague Paul Barriball of who Graham said Paul was my Works Delivery Manager at Network Rail and he’s still performing that role, he’s also a 'dyed in the wool Cornishman'! Here are two of the pictures from Paul. You'll find more in the expanding feature 2103 'The St Ives Relay'

The new track at the St Ives terminus as it basks in the morning sun and Paul Barriball's shadow. Copyright.

The new permanent way from the footbridge which carries the coastal path over the line between Carbis Bay and St Ives. Copyright Paul Barriball.

An earlier picture as the old ballast is removed near Hawkes Point. Copyright Paul Barriball.

Many thanks to Paul and Graham

Focus on
Radley
Michael Roach

On the 30th January 1965, the day on which Mike travelled up from Plymouth to see Churchill's funeral train he also fitted in a visit to Radley - here we see it in its former glory rather than in its current rather sparse state. You can compare then with now in our section 'Didcot to Oxford'.

Radley complete with station buildings and semaphore signals. 30th January 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Radley - taken from the down platform. 30th January 1965 Copyright Mike Roach Mike

Radley - we're on the down platform. The sign reads 'Radley change for Abingdon' Trains for the branch departed from the outer face of this platform. 30th January 1965 Copyright Mike Roach. Apologies for the film fault on this picture.

Many thanks to you Mike.

Warship to Wadebridge
Neil Phillips

Andrew and Diane Jones’ photo of the check rails at Polbrock Bridge on the Bodmin to Wadebridge line brought back a memory that during the first week of September 1971 I was participating in a week’s youth club camp in the meadow on the far side of the bridge in this scene. Normal procedure during the week was for the crew of the early morning freight, worked by a Class 08, to wake everyone up with copious use of the loco’s whistle while passing the tents – as if the squealing of the train’s wheels traversing these reverse curves wasn’t enough! A couple of us were interested enough to poke our heads outside to see which loco St Blazey had supplied, that week invariably either green D4008 or blue D4009. On the morning of 6th September D4008 went down to Wadebridge as normal, but failed to return at the expected time. Just as this thought was sinking in a lot of squealing could be heard approaching from the Bodmin direction and from under the bridge emerged two red bogie re-railing vans being propelled by Warship D805 ‘Benbow’! Clearly D4008 had encountered a spot of bother at Wadebridge and the re-railing team had been scrambled with Type 4 superpower! A couple of hours later D805 reappeared on the return journey and by the time D4008 trundled past in the afternoon, very late by then of course, I was paddling a canoe on the River Camel!

How many times a Warship reached Wadebridge is anyone’s guess, but I know it happened at least once as I was in the right place at the right time to witness it. It occurred to me later that this demonstrated the versatility of the lightweight Warships as those locos’ successors, the ‘Peak’ Class 46s, were at the other end of the Type 4 spectrum in terms of weight and wheel count, and were thus almost certainly incapable of such a working.

It was a pity that I was not in a position to capture such a rarity on film, but in recent years a photo has surfaced of D805 at Bodmin General after having run round its two vans on the return run. Note the Exeter to Waterloo headcode up a Cornish branchline! This photo confirmed the date (and the lovely weather!) I have attached this but please be aware that the photographer is unknown so copyright may be an issue. If you publish it hopefully it can be correctly credited in due course.

Best regards, Neil Phillips.

Please note:- We displayed for a short while very rare picture of D805 at Bodmin General. But thanks to Dave Andrews we are advised that this was the work of Brian Murrish. Perhaps in due course we can have permission to publish this picture with due credits.

Happy camping days - thanks for the memories Neil.

Yeovil Pen Mill
John Smerdon

Hello Keith, My exercise walk yesterday took me along the footpath beside the river Yeo, which was formerly the track bed from Yeovil Town station to Yeovil Pen Mill. I was just in time to picture the 1314 departure of Turbo no. 166215 for Weymouth. I wonder how much longer the signalbox and semaphore signals will survive?

Kind regards, John Smerdon.

A quiet day at Yeovil Pen Mill station. Turbo no 166215 just leaving for Weymouth. 1st February 2021. Copyright John Smerdon

Many thanks john.

A summers day at
Newbury
Michael Forward

NEWBURY 3 50 10 Monarch heading west with the 11.35 Paddington to Paignton dull but warm 28th June 1986 Coyright Michael Forward

NEWBURY 4 50028 ‘Tiger’ about to call at Newbury with the 12.45 service from Paddington to Paignton. Copyright Michael Forward.

Many thanks Michael

2nd February 2021

2/2/2021

Yatton
The late John Vines

It is in tribute to the late John Vines that we present two more of his fine pictures sent to us from his collection by his son Andrew.

Yatton: (1) A Western' rushes through non-stop on the 09.50 Weston-super-Mare to Paddington. N.B. The Western is probably D1052 Western Viceroy judging by the weathering on the front which matches other pictures at the time of this loco. Summer 1969. Copyright The late John Vines, Courtesy Andrew Vines. Note :- The curved roof over the Yatton Platform came from Dauntsey station when that closed.

The old Clevedon bay, complete with signal and associated infrastructure, including the magnificent 129 lever signal box and 'drop arm' starter on the down main visible to the left. Copyright the late John Vines - courtesy Andrew Vines.

Many thanks Andrew

Engineering work on the
St Ives Branch
Craig Munday & Roger Salter

Due to the current 'Lock Down' and the stay at home policy we have not received many pictures of this major operation on the branch. If, however, while 'taking exercise' you have taken any pictures of the 'operations'; and would like to show them please send them in. They will be included in a Features Number 2103 Relaying the St Ives branch.(Scroll down to see these) This includes details obtained by Craig Munday and Mick House for which many thanks.

A daytime picture taken overlooking the terminus from Draycott Terrace. It is the second day of the work and the old tack has been cut into sections and taken away and already sleepers are in position for the new metals. It is 10.57 on the 5th January 2021. Copyright Roger Salter

In contrast night time work recovering spent ballast on the branch with 6W50. 66020 is leading and 66107 at the St Ives end. Carbis Bay 25th January 2021 . This picture is Copyright Craig Munday. What a lovely picture on a cool and calm night, the lights of St Ives shine in the distance.

Many thanks to Craig and Roger for these pictures.

Flowerpot
Exeter
Bill Elston

A chance meeting taken at a location know as 'Flowerpot'. We see Flower Pot Exeter. 50037 'Illustr being towed by 37673, passing 50019 'Ramilies' towing 50046 ''Ajax[ and 50004 'St Vincent' to Exeter TMD., the date, 27589.27MAY89 - Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill.

1st February 2021

1/2/2021

Down at
Aller Junction
Martin Baker

When asked for pictures for this months Home Page Martin kindly supplied four from the same location, here for your pleasure, are the other two.

50 019 'Ramiliies' hauls , 50024 'Vanguard' and 50050 ‘Fearless’ . on a move to Laira. Copyright Martin Baker

A now impossible 'going away' shot from the same location. The photographers location was swept away when the bridge on which he was standing was demolished over Christmas 2013. Copyright Martin Baker.

Many thanks for these and the Home Page Pictures Martin.

A rare bird at
Plymouth
Clive Smith

Very rare down our way and certainly not often seen on passenger trains, 47373 is about to leave Plymouth on the 11.00 Plymouth - York relief on the 2nd August 1985. This 47 was allocated to Tinsley at the time and had been based at the Knottingley depot in the coalfields of Yorkshire between 1967 and 1979 and was one of two 47's based there with specially equipped remote-control, slow-speed control and flashing amber light (on the cab roof) for use when working within power stations on MGR duties. The other being 47277. To the right of 47373 is 47622 waiting to take over the 1E91 08.53 Penzance - Newcastle.
Regards, Clive Smith. As usual no details are spared from Clive's excellent description of this rare photograph.

Many thanks indeed Clive.

Scrap trains to no more?
Marsh Barton
Paul Barlow

Hi Keith, A few shots of one of the scrap trains to Pearse's scrapyard in Marsh Barton Exeter. This was an early start as it left riverside yard at 0648. These train have continued to run on and off up until about 2 years ago. Don't know if there are any plans for them to restart? Maybe somebody knows more? This line is the remains of the Teign Valley branch to Heathfield.
All the best, Paul

37894 0648 Exeter Riverside to Marsh Barton bridge 18th August 1998. Copyright Paul Barlow.

37894 0648 Exeter Riverside to Marsh Barton St Thomas. 18th August 1998. Copyright Paul Barlow.

37894 0648 Exeter Riverside to Marsh Barton. 18th August 1998. Copyright Paul Barlow

Is this another bit of history? Many thanks Paul.

Marsh Barton
Graham Mann

Hi Keith. Maybe some interest for your readers.

The piece on the Marsh Barton scrap train this morning brought back memories for me, I can’t remember the year but to enable Sainsbury’s to be built I was tasked with shortening the branch which included removing the connection to the scrap yard.

Coincidentally this connection which was in reasonable condition was of the same hand that I required for another project in Exeter Riverside Yard involving converting 3 sidings into run rounds.

After these projects were completed, as normal I attended a financial review for Riverside Yard and as we only had to procure one new connection rather than two, we came in significantly under budget and it was implied by the financial manager that I’d carried out a form of financial manipulation, after restraining myself from throttling him I give a very strong and vociferous response.
Recycling is nothing new for me we were into it big style particularly following privatisation.

Regards
Graham Mann
Mob. 07920155651

Many thanks for that Graham. Your background information is of special interest - typical. At least you can have your say now! Happy retirement!!

Forward>>

Route Learner today at Exhibition WayExeterDavid Tozer & Keith Turley

Yatton​The late John Vines

Archives

Route Learner today at Exhibition Way
Exeter
David Tozer & Keith Turley

Yatton
The late John Vines