Blog Archives

21st March 2019

21/3/2019

Time is running out
Riding the HSTs Today
Roger Winnen

The demise of our 8 coach HSTs is fast approaching, from April 6th the 09.00 Penzance to Paddington and the 15.03 return working goes over to the IETs likewise the 07.02 Plymouth Penzance which forms the 10.00 Penzance Paddington service and the return 16.03 Paddington Penzance also changes to IETs. The Golden Hind the 05.05 Penzance to Paddington and return workings to Plymouth also revert to the IET mode.

190321a 43023 SQN LDR Harold Starr 'one of the few' stabbled alongside Ponsandane loading bank Copyright Roger Winnen

190321b 43009 Arrives at Exeter St Davids working the 10.00 Penzance Paddington service. Copyright Roger Winnen

190321c 43180 arrives at Exeter St David's with the 11.03 Paddington to Plymouth service. Copyright Roger Winnen

190321d Bringing up the rear is 43154 seen at Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen -

190321e 43196 arrives at Penzance with the 14.03 from London Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

Holiday at Dawlish Warren
Part 2
Roger Salter

190313b The 09.26 2+4 car HST overtakes the cement at Dawlish Warren. Copyright Roger Salter

190313c The 677l 05.16 Aberthawe to Moorswater cement round the curve at Langstone Rock behind 66846. Copyright Roger Salter

190306a 668 09.56 Burngullow EEC to Exeter Riverside with double header 66091 and 66112 at Cockwood Harbour. Copyright Roger Salter

190306b The 14.43 Exeter Riverside to St Blazey passes Dawlish Warren running 87 mins early. Copyright Roger Salter

190307a The 686E 09.56 Burngullow EEC to Exeter Riverside Double Header 66086 & 66126 passes Rockstone Bridge Dawlish. Copyright Roger Salter

190307b The going away photograph of the 09.56 Burngullow EEC to Exeter Riverside working. Copyright Roger Salter

Winnen's Westerns
Long Rock
Roger Winnen

Taking a peek from the main line towards the depot gives us a glimpse of D1053 Western Patriarch and a glimpse of a Park Royal unit. 29th June 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Great Britain X11
Kerl Hewlett

'The Great Britain XII' is to make another return this year but only as far as Devon, with Duchess 46233 'Duchess of Sutherland' on Saturday 27th and returning on the Sunday 28th April. This leg of the nine day tour is steam hauled throughout, 0Z20/5Z21 will be a WCRC class 47/57 to shadow the tour and to haul the ECS to/from Hackney Yard but no path to move 46233 separately, so assume it will be on the rear? Times are:

Saturday 27th April
1Z20 London Paddington to Plymouth via Bristol Temple Meads
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55305/2019/04/27/advanced

5Z21 Plymouth to Newton Abbot Hackney Yard ECS
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55303/2019/04/27/advanced

0Z20 Bristol Temple Meads to Plymouth
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55306/2019/04/27/advanced

Sunday 28th April

5Z24 Newton Abbot Hackney Yard to Plymouth ECS
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55307/2019/04/28/advanced

1Z25 Plymouth to Minehead WSR
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55040/2019/04/28/advanced

Regards, Karl (Friends Of Penmere Station).
Many thanks for your research Karl

20th March 2019

20/3/2019

Diversions on the Southern
David Tozer

On Tuesday due to a fatality at Hele & Bradninch three GWR services were
diverted via Honiton.
43018/153 with the 0741 Penzance - Paddington
43154/180 with the 0900 Penzance - Paddington
802009/802005 with the 1003 Paddington - Penzance.
We all thought that after the recent closure of the route between Exeter
and Taunton we would never see an HST this way again in passenger
service. Will the 0900 Penzance to Paddington be the last, I wonder.

That said we still have the NMT once a month.

43154 Pinhoe 19.3.2019 Copyright David Tozer

802 009 & 802005 Pinhoe 19.3.2019 Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Winnen's Westerns
Marazion
Roger Winnen

Looking slightly worse for wear and heading east we see D1016 Western Gladiator approaching Marazion, the station being in the distance. 1st June 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Where is this?
St Austell
Paul Delcour

In scanning slides from a holiday in 1975 in Cornwall I was stunned to find I had been on a train crossing the Royal Albert Bridge and possibly behind a class 52. Now passionate about British trains I did not remember that.
Could I impose on you and put this slide to you and ask if anyone knows which station this is? I have searched several station, but cannot find it or it has changed too much since 1975.
I’d be most grateful. Yours sincerely, Paul Delcour Hilversum, Netherlands. Only too pleased to help Paul. Well known to us in Cornwall, but very interesting note the point off the down main beyond the station and that the signalbox is still in use. The portocabin cabin seen to the right of the Western was the reception office for the Motorail which operated between Kensington Olympia and St Austell. The view is taken of course from the footbridge which was very recently replaced together with the downside station buildings which were replaced a number of years ago.

A very nice picture taken of a Western with a lengthy up train running into St Austell station in 1975. Copyright Paul Delcour, Hilversum, Netherlands.

Gauging train at
Quintrell Downs
Shane Webster

A 2+4 Castle Class was tested on gauge clearances on the Newquay branch this morning as far as Quintrell Downs. The set worked as 5Z20 09.14 Laira T&RSMD to Quintrell Downs and returned as 5Z21 11.44 to Laira T&RSMD. Many thanks Shane

Castle Class on test at Quintrell Downs 19th March 2019. 43170 passing over the level crossing. Copyright Shane Webster

Castle Class on test at Quintrell Downs 19th March 2019. 43106 stands at the Level Crossing end of the train. Copyright Shane Webster

Castle Class on test at Quintrell Downs 19th March 2019. 43170 stands at the Newquay end of the train. Copyright Shane Webster

19th March 2019

19/3/2019

Holiday at Dawlish Warren
Part 1
Roger Salter

190304c 6971 09.56 Burngullow to Exeter Riverside 66149 passes through Dawlish. Copyright Roger Salter

190307b The going away photograph of the 09.56 Burngullow EEC to Exeter Riverside working. Copyright Roger Salter

190308a The 6711 09.56 Burngullow EEC to Exeter Riverside behind 66091 and 66112 running 16 minutes early at Cockwood Harbour. Copyright Roger Salter

THE FOLLOWING INFO HAS BEEN OBTAINED FROM A FELLOW ENTHUSIAST
Double-Headed due to the diversion of the service from Exeter –Yeovil due to engineering work at Whiteball Tunnel. The two locos are required to haul the shortened train up the 1 in 37 incline from Exeter St. Davids - Exeter Central.
The aggregate is for use in the production of building blocks in London. It is known as block mix

190313a 66846 Enters the loop at Dawlish Warren on the 05.16 Aberthawe to Moorswater cement. Copyright Roger Salter

153 Looe Farewell
Mark Lynam

It is understood that the 153's serving the Looe branch will shortly be moving to 'pastures new' in Wales. Mark Lynam takes a last trip.
Thank you very much Mark.

153329 at Liskeard ready to work the 13.19 2L83 service to Looe.18th March 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam

153329 at Looe ready to work the 2L85 13.51 to Liskeard 18th March 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam

Nostalgia - 153329 again at Looe ready to work the 2L85 13.51 to Liskeard 18th March 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam

153329 stands at Coombe Junction Halt working the 2L86 Looe to Liskeard 18th March 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam

No doubts as to the speed limit here on either line as 153329 leaves Coombe Junction climbing towards Liskeard working the 2L86 Looe to Liskeard on the 18th March 2019. A sign warns of Lodge Crossing ahead on the line towards St Keyne and Looe.Copyright Mark Lynam

18th March 2018

18/3/2019

Public Notices and Posters Collection, has been updated.
Today along with notices from my collection we have one from the collection of Alan Harris.
Redruth Rugby Football, Rail & Bus and Rail Rover.

Long Rock Depot
Sunday Morning
Roger Salter

Signs of the end of the HST’S were apparent at Long Rock early today when the largest number of class 802’s were present so far namely 802103,802010 & 802016.The closing of the beach car park until July has hampered access although pedestrian access is provided

190317a The 08.05 Penzance to Paddington approaches Long Rock level crossing. Copyright Roger Salter

190317b 802010 Stabled at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

190317d 80216 43185 Great Western 802010 hiding at Long Rock as the hail shower approaches. Copyright Roger Salter

190317e A Cross Country Voyager and the two 08s at Long Rock Depot. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Dawlish Warren / Teign Estuary
Clive Smith

Some nice sunshine on Sunday 17th March 2019 allowed me to capture some of the changes taking place in our region in good light.

(1) An HST on the 08.35 Plymouth - Paddington skirts the River Teign viewed from Shaldon Bridge.

(2) Both sporting FGW Dynamic Lines livery, the 09.49 Paignton - Exmouth is viewed from Ringmore Road in Shaldon formed of a 2-car 150 and single car 153.

(3) An IET passes through Dawlish Warren with the 09.57 Paddington - Plymouth. The train would look so much more classier with an attractive streamlined livery rather than the drab all-over green. (and I think its a case of 'and so say all of us')

Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks Clive

Picture (1) 17th March 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

Picture (2) 17th March 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

Picture (3) 17th March 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

Winnens's Westerns
Par
Roger Winnen

750614d D1072 Western Glory at Par on the Derby to Penzance service. Copyright Roger Winnen

17th March 2019

17/3/2019

Public Notices and Posters Collection, has been updated.
This time a Narrow Gauge Selection.
Attractive Afternoon Outing, See the Rheidol Valley and Welshpool & Llanfair.

The bookstall at
Redruth
Paddy Bradley

Yesterday afternoon I had a very pleasant surprise when Paddy Bradley, Redruth Historian, called to see me. His mission was to see if I had any pictures of Redruth upside platform with a Wymans Bookstall? Unfortunately I haven't. I can clearly remember the bookstall, dark green I believe with a roller blind down the front. As I recall it it was midway long the length of the station building possibly where the weighbridge plate inset into the platform still lies. HAS ANYBODY GOT A PICTURE OF THE BOOK STALL PLEASE?

One of my earliest views taken at the station was on the 3rd of May 1964 when 34002 Salisbury came to a stand at the down platform with the 'Cornubian. This was the last steam train to stop at Redruth. This view was taken from very near to the site of the bookstall. Copyright Keith Jenkin

As can be seen from this view looking along the down platform there doesn't appear to be any bookstall there. Other than the lamp standard and board crossing this view is little changed today. 3rd May 1964. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

N.B. There is a photograph on e-bay said to be taken at Redruth - it is not, more likely at Truro.

Winnen's Westerns
Penzance
Roger Winnen

D1001 Western Pathfinder arrives in Penzance viewed from the Sea Wall. 28th June 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

16th March 2019

16/3/2019

Train Liveries in the Summer of 1993
Roger Winnen

930827 The Heritage 117 DMU at Saltash on a Penzance Plymouth working. Copyright Roger Winnen

930827b The Gunnislake unit passes under the Royal Albert Bridge on 27th August 1993. Copyright Roger Winnen

930827c An up vans train is seen hauled by a Class 47 coming off the Royal Albert Bridge This photographic spot has been ruined in recent years. Copyright Roger Winnen

930827f Metro Cammel 53327 in Network South East livery is seen at Looe 0n 27th August 1993. Copyright Roger Winnen

930827g The Network South East Unit approaces Terras Crossing on the Looe Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

930828d The 08.10 158 service from Truro is seen at Falmouth Docks on 28th August 1993, it is quite rare to see a 158 unit on the branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

930828e The 158 Unit in the Falmouth Bay Platform at Truro. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Old and the New at
Long Rock today
Ollie Turrell

08645 on the right replaces 08410 in GWR livery on the left.
Copyright Ollie Turrell

Many Thanks Ollie

Five from Clive
Clive Smith

Five pictures with some loose connections.
Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks indeed Clive.

(1) Taken on the 14th March 2019 at Harford Road Bridge west of Ivybridge station. 43180 leads the 15.00 Plymouth - Paddington with 43191 on the rear. This was a set swap at Plymouth as 43192 and 43160 went down on the 11.03 from Paddington. Copyright Clive Smith

(2) Rewind back to 1983 on the 27th March and here is 43180 passing Mutley on its way to North Road with eternal westcountry stalwart 08641. My notes from then state 0E51 and the shunter then took 43192 to Laira suggesting a power car swap. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) 50040 Leviathan emerges from beneath the Plymouth Mutley multi-storey car park on the 7th March 1982. You can see the height of the top floor to get a shot from up on high. Great that the trees have been cleared in 2019. Look out for a feature on Mutley by Mike Roach in the coming months. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) Back to the present and on the 15th March 2019 a trip to Plympton to have a look at some cars gave me the chance to get some HST shots at Tavistock Junction. 43165 heads the 09.03 Paddington - Plymouth. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) The set then returned on the 12.55 Plymouth - Paddington with Remembrance liveried 43172 Harry Patch leading. What is going to happen to this iconic power car in the next few months ? Copyright Clive Smith

Trenython Manor
Helen Tripp

Helen Tripp writes:-
Do you know if or where any records of residents / staff maybe held.
I am in the process if researching my family history & believe my Great Grandfather was either resident or a member of staff there around the early 1900 's
Thank you for your time, Kind regards, Helen
It is a bit of a 'Long Shot' but can anyone help Helen please.

For more details of Trenython Manor please click here https://www.trenython.co.uk/history-trenython/

A copy of an OS map about 1900 showing the location of Trenython Manor relative to the west entrance of Pinnock Tunnel. Pinnock tunnel is situated on the former Par to Fowey direct rail route. Due to the topography it is doubtful if the residents of Trenyton Manor would have seen steam emitting from the tunnel mouth, however the Manor is visible from the track bed some distance prior to the tunnel.

15th March 2019

15/3/2019

08645 Back at
Long Rock

Andrew Triggs & Roger Salter

The new resident 08645 taken today at Longrock for CRS, the previously named 'Mike Baggott' following arrival by road from Swansea Landore Depot, destined to replace 08410 (which is going for dispoal, as it is non standard with the rest of the GWR 08 fleet) Copyright Andrew Triggs

Built Horwich,13/2/1959 was D3812 named MIKE BAGGOTT 30/8/2008 at Landore Depot 24/7/2018
An excellent film on you tube of the 24/7/2018 the last HST to leave Landore with this shunter still there is well worth the viewing Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Andrew & Roger

What a brilliant idea
Family Railcards
Mike Roach

Hi Keith
The Family Railcard is 40 years old this year. It was introduced experimentally from 17 June 1979, later becoming permanent. Here are scans of the first application form of May 1979.
Regards, Mike. Many thanks Mike

The first Family Railcard application form. From the Mike Roach Collection

Reverse of the first Family Railcard application form. From the Mike Roach Collection .

HST's down West
Clive Smith

Dismal but usable weather on Thursday 14th March 2019 but with the run down of HSTs expected soon it's not possible to wait for sunny days on a day off. The photos at Ivybridge are not possible from these angles in full sun as the views of the trains and track here would be in considerable shadow. Further to my elation at the recent tree removals at the east end of Mutley Tunnel I took the opportunity to take a photo looking west from the top floor of the multi-storey car park. The cutting leading to the car park has been wonderfully opened up again. This should now look superb with steam engines working hard leaving Plymouth. Please note that the lower floors of the car park are gated off for pass holders only. Not the case years ago. As well as Mutley, whole sections of line out to Ivybridge have also been cleared of trees.

Regards Clive Smith Many thanks Clive

(1) 43088 leads the 09.03 Paddington - Plymouth at Daveys Bridge east of Ivybridge. 43161 is the rear power car. This train was diagrammed for BR liveried 43002 to lead but the set worked the 09.30 to Bristol TM.. Thursday 14th March 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

(2) 43160 brings up the rear of the 11.03 Paddington - Plymouth at Langham Levels west of Ivybridge station. 43192 is the front power car. 14th March 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

(3) 43161 leads the 12.55 Plymouth - Paddington at Plymouth towards Mutley Tunnel. I managed to leg it from getting off a train at the station at 12.46 and taking this at 12.56. Not bad for an old crank with arthritic knees.! Thursday 14th March 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

Footnote
Keith Jenkin

I bought a new lap top to try and overcome loading problems – the salesman advised me to change to a cheaper Internet provider. I tried and the chaos which ensued resulted in six days of frustration while I tried to get re-provided. My apologies to all who tried to contact me by e-mail. I seem to be back in service once more. Many thanks especially to my colleague Roger Winnen who has kept the ‘News Flag’ flying during this period

14th March 2019

14/3/2019

Newton Abbot Carriage Shed Update 13th March 2019
Clive Smith

The site has been cleared and the new Aldi is rapidly taking shape. This was the view on the 13th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

Many Thanks Clive

Vanished Signal Box's
West Cornwall
Roger Winnen

760911a Drump Lane Signal Box frontage on 11th September 1976.. Copyright Roger Winnen -

760911b Redruth Drump Lane Goods Depot with the signal box far right on 11th September 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

760911c Track Diagram Redruth Drump Lane. Copyright Roger Winnen

761120b Chacewater Signal Box Sign on 20th November 1976.. Copyright Roger Winnen

761120a Chacewater Signal Box on 20th November 1976.. Copyright Roger Winnen

Forthcoming Special Trains in Cornwall by Karl Hewlett

I have been very busy of late so I haven't been able to put much information forward, or answer any questions put onto the CRS website. However today I have managed to find some time to do a bit more sleuthing around and can give you this information:

Saturday 23rd March 'The Terminator Phoenixed' 50007 and 50049
London Paddington to Penzance
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54942/2019/03/23/advanced

Penzance to Penzance via Slopers Sidings
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54948/2019/03/23/advanced

Penzance to London Waterloo
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54943/2019/03/23/advanced

Saturday 13th April 'The Springtime Cornishman' DRS Class 68 and 88 in multiple
Tame Bridge Parkway to Penzance
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54983/2019/04/13/advanced

Penzance to Tame Bridge Parkway
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54984/2019/04/13/advanced

Sunday 23rd June 'The Summer Cornishman' 60163
Provisional Times
Bristol Temple Meads 08:00/21:30
Taunton 09:30/20:30
Exeter St Davids 10:10/19:30
Liskeard 12:25/17:35
Par 13:15/17:00

Saturday 29th June 'The Mazey Day Cornishman' 55009
Provisional Times
Bristol Temple Meads 08:15/21:00
Truro 12:25/16:45
St Erth 12:50/16:20
Penzance 13:00/16:10

Loco's currently pencilled in for the following: 'The Great Briton XII' Saturday 21st April London Paddington to Plymouth via Bristol Temple Meads, Sunday 28th Plymouth Taunton 46229.

'The Dartmouth Express' Sunday 8th June Bristol Temple Meads to Kingswear and return either 46229/60009.

'The English Rivera Express' Bristol Temple Meads to Kingswear and return (all SUN), 16th, 30th June and 07th July either 34046/46100/70000.

'The Royal Duchy' Bristol Temple Meads to Par and return (all SUN), 21st July, 4th August, 01st and 15th September either 45305/60009.

All these subject to change.

Regards

Karl (Friends Of Penmere Station).

Many Thanks Karl for your help in supplying this information for our Cornwall Railway Society Website which is much appreciated. Roger Winnen

Public Notices and Posters Collection, has been updated.
Day Tickets on the S&D, Evening Train Service from Paddington and Day Excursion to London Paddington.

Many Moons Ago
Railway Enthusiasts
Andrew Triggs

Evening Roger
4 certainly different shots from many years back for the Cornwall Railway Society Website...Yours truly at various locations you'll recognise (Rediscovered when visiting my Mother's house today). It may well amuse our website's viewers!
All the Best
Andrew

1. Me at the Age of Steam, Crowlas in 1977 (Silver Jubilee Day) Copyright Andrew Triggs

2. Ouside the GWR Museum, Swindon in August 1977 (with my Sister) Copyright Andrew Triggs

3. Dart Valley Railway at Buckfastleigh, with my friend Simon (still good friends today by the way) in August 1979. Copyright Andrew Triggs

4. Me at Newquay station, aged 15, on 19th August 1983. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many Thanks Andrew

Cardiff
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Great pictures on the site ,as always.I was interested to see a picture of Grange 6806 at Cardiff,was this loco. shedded at Penzance in the 1950s,I seem to remember it?
Adrian King’s positive comments about my pictures of Newport have spurred me on to dig out some photos from Cardiff and here are two taken on 17 February 1988 and I have noted that class 155 dmus were to take over the Cardiff to Portsmouth services from the new timetable on 16 May 1988.
Hello Michael 6806 Blackwell Grange was a Penzance engine when I started loco spotting in 1953 where it remained until the late 1950s
All the best Roger

Here we see 33029 waiting to depart with the 13.05 service to Portsmouth,in the background is 47598 on the 13.00 to Holyhead.
Copyright Michael Forward

One hour earlier we see 33029 on the 12.06 from Cardiff to Portsmouth Harbour,happy days(over 30 years ago!) Copyright Michael Forward
Thanks and Best wishes, Michael.

Many Thanks Michael

Yesterday around Totnes
Clive Smith

Monday 11th March 2019 saw some good periods of sunshine in Totnes with the occasional annoying cluster of clouds causing camera light levels to drop and rapid adjustments to be made .

(1) 43162 leads the 09.03 Paddington - Plymouth out of Totnes station. The rear power car was celebrity Inter City 43185. For once I have not included it as its white livery reflected the sun back at me. Most annoying. Copyright Clive Smith

(2) Either the sun is too bright or an odd cloud obscures it. Can't win. Further west at Three Arches Bridge 66059 coasts down the gradient with the 10.58 Burngullow - Exeter Riverside sand . There was a very strong smell coming from the brakes. Copyright Clive Smith

(3) 43092 leads the 11.03 Paddington - Plymouth at Three Arches. Copyright Clive Smith

Thanks Clive

Yesterday Around Bodmin Parkway
Roger Winnen

190311a The 09.00 Penzance Paddington departs Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

190311b The 09.35 Penzance to Manchester slso at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

190311c Promoting a safer railway across the country. Copyright Roger Winnen

190311d 43198 Oxfordshire 700 heads the 10.00 Penzance Paddington through Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

190311e 66059 Heads the first part of the Burngullow Stone to Exeter Riverside. Copyright Roger Winnen

Important Announcement
Keith Jenkin has lost his broadband connection which will take up to possibly 10 days to be restored. Please forward photographs and correspondence either to general@cornwallrailwaysociety.org.uk or winnen@btinternet.com
Many Thanks Roger Winnen

46026 The Lynn Liner Railtour
Plymouth November 1984
Clive Smith

46026 The Leicestershire And Derbyshire Yeomanry awaits departure from platform 5 at Plymouth on the 3rd November 1984 with the F&W 04.00 Plymouth - Kings Lynn railtour. This was not billed as the class 46 farewell as it was advertised for 'unspecified traction' but it was heavily rumoured to be one. There were just six left by November 1984 and they were not in the best of health. However 46026 duly arrived the previous evening on a relief train from York and all was set. Just a small matter of getting up at an ungodly hour. This was easily resolved by simply not going to bed. I met fellow enthusiasts off the relief and bags were dumped in the luggage lockers and we headed for the pubs and clubs of Plymouth. The night was young and were mainly in our mid-20s. When the clubs kicked out at 02.00 it was kebab and burger time in Union Street and then back to the station for probably the last 46 departure from Plymouth. How I managed to compose this night exposure I will never know. Seem to remember waking up at Cheltenham so managed a good solid three hour sleep. Nowadays its a cup of horlicks and an early night if I want an early start.

Regards
Clive Smith

Thanks Clive

Clay Workings at Par Lostwithiel and Plymouth
26th and 27th August 1993
Roger Winnen

930826a 37672 Arrives at Par from the Parkandillack Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

930826b The shunter in attendance at Par awaiting the engine to run around its train prior to going to St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

930826c A Class 37 passes Lostwithiel Signal Box wit a clay working to Fowey. Copyright Roger Winnen

930826d 37413 Loch Eli Outward Bound arrives in the up loop at Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen

930826e 37413 Loch Eli now in the down loop at Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen

930827a A Class 37 with empty CDAs passing Plymouth Station on route to Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen

930827b The CDAs are seen going away towards Mutley Tunnel and Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen

Signal Boxs Etc on the Newquay Branch in 1976
Roger Winnen

760918a Quintrel Downs Siding East Ground Frame. Copyright Roger Winnen

760918b Quintrel Downs Station Sign. Copyright Roger Winnen

760918c An Oil Lamp at Quintrel Downs Copyright Roger Winnen

760918d This goods sign still remained at St Columb Road however the station closed to goods traffic many years earlier. Copyright Roger Winnen

760918f St Dennis Junction Signal Box Sign taken from the other side where the tracks went down to the Retew and Meledore Mills Branch.. Copyright Roger Winnen

760918e St Dennis Juntion Signal Box with the lines to Retew and Meledore Mills in the foreground and the branch to Par going behind the signal box.. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Class 50 Terminator Phoenixed
Clive Smith

A quarter of a century ago, Class 50s Nos. 50050 and 50007 left London Waterloo for Penzance, returning east to Paddington for their final British Rail journey. On 23rd March 2019 Pathfinder Tours are repeating the itinerary, this time from Paddington and returning to Waterloo with two Class 50s .The expected 50s are 50007 and 50049 both appearing in GBRF livery. Time at Penzance is believed to be 13.30 to 15.30. The return will run up the Southern to Waterloo. The Class 50 Alliance’s 50s will be available to operate selected GBRf trains on a ‘spot-hire’ basis, on work that includes moving locomotives to heritage railway events and rail tours. Here are a few pictures of these locomotives in three former liveries. I was unfortunate not to photograph 50049 as 50149 in its railfreight livery but thankfully Ron Kosys captured that elusive loco with some of his diligent pursuing and his excellent images and tribulations were shown in these pages over the past year.

1) 50007 Hercules stands at Plymouth with the 19.27 Penzance - Paddington postal on the 8th September 1982. Livery is BR blue with small BR arrows on the cab. Copyright Clive Smith

(2) 50007 Hercules arrives at Newton Abbot with the 06.35 Bristol TM - Plymouth on the 27th May 1983. The livery is now BR large logo. Copyright Clive Smith

(3) Sporting another controversial livery and new name 50007 Sir Edward Elgar waits to leave Bristol Temple Meads with the Sunday 11.21 Liverpool - Penzance on the 25th March 1984. This was the Great Western Railway 150th Anniversary green livery. Copyright Clive Smith

(4) My only picture of 50049 Defiance . Here it double heads 47500 on the 07.40 Penzance - Liverpool at Plymouth on the 4th December 1982. The livery is BR blue with small BR cab-side arrows. Coincidentally 47500 also later sported the GWR 150 Anniversary livery and was renamed Great Western. Copyright Clive Smith

Thanks Very Much Clive

The west end of
Bristol Temple Meads today
Martin Scane

Hi all
A couple of rushed shots at the Western end of Bristol Temple Meads whilst I waited for mt train to Cornwall at 17.45 today.
I always rather like the multi coloured houses.
Regards
Martin Scane

Many Thanks Martin

45144 at Weston Super Mare 1982
Clive Smith

Not a location that features often, 45144 Royal Signals was one of the few peaks to carry head-code panels into the 1980s. Here it stands at Weston SM with the 09.45 Weston Super Mare - Glasgow on the 23rd October 1982. The last three months of 1982 were quite fallow months for peaks west of Bristol due to a lack of diagrams. This was thankfully rectified in January 1983 with a daily morning diagram to Penzance from Bristol returning in the afternoon.

Regards
Clive Smith

Thanks Clive

Hail and Sunshine
Craig Munday

After a mammoth few days of downpours, the occasional sunny spell on 7th was most welcome. I ventured over to Nick's at Merthen Farm for a shot of 1A85 and the sand from his lovely (private) field on the upside near Carlyon Bay. On arrival the prospects weren't good as huge clouds runbled across the sky at break neck speed. (Driven by the over active Jet Stream I hear)?
The HST passed in good light and I held my breath as the sand ran close behind from Burngullow. The result was rather nice with two locos 66126/186 in the original livery - thoughtfully back to back to show off the yellow zig-zags! Gosh we're a fickle lot behind the camera.
All the best
Craig

7th March 2019 The 1A85 Penzance to Paddington service passes Merthen Farm. Copyright Craig Munday

7th March 2019 66186 66126 6C12 Merthen Farm. Copyright Craig Munday

Many Thanks Craig

70802 on the Moorswater
Al Peters

Colas Rail 70802 finally made it to Moorswater on 6th March with the Aberthaw Tarmac cement train running some 247 minutes late following flooding in Axminster, the train then had to run round the 24 loaded PCA wagons in Exeter Riverside Yard and then wait for the single line working between Totnes and Aish having a knock on effect with timings. The train is pictured under Moorswater viaduct with one of the old piers of Brunel's viaduct still evident that was replaced in 1881 behind the loco - Alan Peters

Thanks very much Al

Inside of Marley Tunnel
Al Peters

A rather haunting picture working inside Marley Up single bore tunnel during possession work, here is Colas Rail 70816 top and tailed with 15 auto hoppers is ready to drop ballast inside the tunnel on 4th March 2019, single line working was in place between Totnes and Aish to keep trains running throughout the possession through the Down tunnel - Driver Alan Peters

Thanks Very Much Al a very haunting picture

Important Announcement
Keith Jenkin has lost his broadband connection which will take up to five days to be restored. Please forward photographs and correspondence either to general@cornwallrailwaysociety.org.uk or winnen@btinternet.com
Many Thanks Roger Winnen

Penryn and Perranwell
Roger Winnen

761120a Penryn Station building 20th November 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

761120b A Morris Minor Registration LJY 220 is seen parked at Penryn Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

761120c Perranwell Station sign. Copyright Roger Winnen

761120d Perranwell Station photographed on 20th November 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

Class 52 Commemorative Railtour
Roger Winnen

This tour was organised by the then British Rail on Saturday 27th November 1976 this being three months prior to the final withdrawal of the Western fleet at the end of February 1977.
D1010 Western Campaigner hauled this special from Plymouth to Newton Abbot, Exeter St David's, Bristol Temple Meads, Birmingham New Street, Oxford (break) Reading West, Mortimer (photo stop) Salisbury, Yeovil Junction, Exeter Central, Exeter St David's and Plymouth.
A part of this route is outside of our normal website but the few additional pictures I think are worth including.

761127c D1010 Western Campaigner awaits departure from Plymouth at 07.45. Copyright Roger Winnen

761127d D1010 Western Campaigner at Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen

761127e D1010 Western Campaigner running through Bristol Temple Meads with the 52 railtour. Copyright Roger Winnen

761127k A photo shot at Oxford. What would the BT Police say today I wonder! Copyright Roger Winnen

761127m D1010 Western Campaigner at Oxford. Copyright Roger Winnen

761127q Photographic Stop at Mortimer Station on the Reading to Basingstoke line. Copyright Roger Winnen

761127g D1010 Western Campaigner on the return run at Yeovil Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

761127h D1010 Western Campaigner with the railtour at Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

Winnens Westerns
Penzance
Roger Winnen

D1001 Western Pathfinder stands in Platform 2 at Penzance. Plenty of coaches can be seen in the sidings. 24th May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

"Fruit D's"
Mike Roach

The recent query concerning night times trains at Reading produced a considerable amount of information for which we are most grateful to Mike Roach and Tony Hill. Further to this Mike Roach adds more below.

Thanks Keith, It was good to see a "Fruit D" wagon listed at the head of the 3.45pm Penzance to Paddington Perishable train in 1956-57 as those 4-wheel wagons had a lot of character and the design dated back many decades to ordinary covered wagons and the "Fruit A" via the Fruit B and C. The bodywork consisted of horizontal wooden planks fixed to external steel framing. The Fruit D was still being built by Swindon Works in BR days right up to 1955 or 1958 (sources differ), and some lasted long enough to be painted in BR corporate blue in the mid 1960s. The last time I saw a Fruit D in use was at the front of the very last down Cambrian Coast Express on 5 March 1967 between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth. On this trip they probably carried parcels rather than fruit. Although the wagons only had 4 wheels they did have a long wheelbase and were rated XP by British Railways meaning they could be used in express passenger trains. The GWR painted the Fruit Ds brown while BR painted them maroon at first. They had 3 double doors each side, were ventilated for the carriage of soft fruit, and were fitted with gas lighting (not sure why). It seems quite strange to me that Swindon should have been building wooden bodied vehicles in the mid-1950s, when they had been building all-steel wagons to carry coal as far back as 1905. Perhaps the answer is that Swindon had the skills to repair timber bodied vehicles and used those skills to build batches of new ones occasionally, and perhaps they were cheaper, or there were shortages of steel after WW2.
Regards, Mike
Many thanks Mike for this considerably detailed extra information.

N.B. For images of Fruit D's please click here.

6th March 2019

6/3/2019

Public Notices and Posters Collection, has been updated.
Let’s go to the Theatre and the Races or even a railway Museum.

The delights of
Teignmouth & Dawlish
Clive Smith

Tuesday 5th March 2019 saw me in the lovely coastal resorts on a day of varying weather. Here are a selection of the better shots I managed before the weather took a turn for the worse.

Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive.

(1) 43158 leads the 09.16 Plymouth - Paddington (via Yeovil) through the cutting between just to the west of Teignmouth station. A bright morning and the right time of day illuminates the train. Not an easy place for photos due the shadows cast. 5th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) A quick few steps over the road to catch 43191 on the rear of the same train as it passes through Teignmouth station. A different view of the station to the one I took last Friday. 5th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) Single car unit 155369 leads a 2-car class 143 pacer on the 12.13 Paignton - Exmouth after leaving Dawlish. This was 12.45 and the clouds had started to roll in and a few spits of rain occurring in the increasing wind. 5th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

(4) 66086 and 66126 on the 09.56 Bungullow - Exeter Riverside sand just passed Dawlish. The train had been checked behind the local stopper so its slow speed resulted in a better shot in the deteriorating light . Alas the HST I photographed did not come out so clear. This was taken from the Rockstone Flats footbridge a minute walk from the main Exeter Road that links Dawlish and Starcross. 5th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) Notice board at the beginning of the path that leads down to the footbridge over the railway. 5th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

Appeal answered twice over
Westbury
Martin Scane

An Uncle of mine (John) is seeking some information on the 3.40 (15.40) perishables from Penzance to Paddington (especially in the period 1955-62). I wonder if it is possible to publish this request for information on the CRS website? If not then absolutely no problem. John recalls this train at night (11.00ish) at Westbury behind usually a Castle or occasionally a King. It would have been closely followed by the 16.10 perishables (meat). I wonder if these two were sometimes combined? The main question is threefold . What would have been conveyed on the 3.40 and presumably this was very much seasonal? We are thinking flowers, potatoes, broccoli etc. What was the formation? Parcels vans, Siphons, ex SR Utility Vans etc with a passenger brake at the rear? Would the make up vary seasonally or even weekly/daily? Did the train run all year and was it 6 days per week? If anyone has some info perhaps they could contact me initially by email or telephone on 07977550051. Regards Martin Scane Can you help??

A several days ago the above appeal was published, and in within a day a reply was received from Mike Roach which was passed directly on to Martin. Many thanks for that Mike. In addition Tony Hill has very kindly sent in two scans of a working time table. Many thanks for that Tony, who wrote:-
I think YES is the answer to most of Martin's questions.
However with thanks to Stephen Derek (formerly of Exeter Central SR District Office and WR HQ Paddington) and to (the late) John Morse [ex Bristol DMO & RHQ Paddington] , I can supply a photocopy of the 3.45pm Penzance to Paddington Parcels Train's formation, which was published on page 106 of the:
"British Railways - (Western Operating Area)
'Programme of Working of Coaches and Vans in Through Trains'
for 17th September. 1956 to 16th June 1957 - (or until further notice)"
Many thanks also to Stephen Derek and the late John Morse.

WR Train Formations. From Stephen Derek and Tony Hill

3 45pm Penzance to Paddington. From Stephen Derek and Tony Hill

5th March 2019

5/3/2019

CRS Meeting
Don't forget - This coming Saturday March 9th
18.30 Annual General Meeting
19.00 (approx.) Members' Evening
At this members give short (10 to 20 minutes) talks on any railway theme, illustrated or not.

Meetings are held at the Memorial Hall Redruth Methodist Church - for more details of the venue please click here

Train spotting days in
Cardiff
Adrian King

I hope you will be able to use these two photographs as the quality is not up to the usual high standard's shown on the CRS website. I took them at Cardiff General which was one of our regular haunt's for trainspotting on Saturday's in the early sixties. The first on a typically wet & miserable afternoon in June 1962 showing the very relaxed driver of 7036 Taunton Castle waiting to be off with an express for Swansea. The second photograph shows an unidentified Hall waiting with its train at Platform 2 heading eastbound for Newport.
Cheers Adrian Many thanks Adrian

Cardiff General June 1962 the driver of 7036 Taunton Castle strikes a pose prior to setting off to Swansea Copyright Adrian King

Cardiff General Summer 1962 an unidentified Hall stands at Platform 2 heading east for Newport Copyright Adrian King

St Austell Footbridge Flatpack
Julian Stephens

Following its dismantling over the previous weekend, the remains of the old footbridge at St. Austell Station were seen last Friday (1st March 2019) having been unceremoniously dumped in the car park behind the Up platform buildings. What was left could be viewed from Palace Road.

Best wishes, Julian Many thanks Julian
We hope to follow the continuing history of this bridge in the future.

Christmas Work at Westbury
Guy Vincent /Colin Burges

Following on from the excellent and very extensive coverage of the work with on the spot reports as it happened in December/January by our very good friend Guy Vincent. Guys reports are in our Features section.

Colin Burges writes to advise us:-
You may also like to post the link to the account in the January/February issue of Rail Engineer concerning this work.

https://www.railengineer.co.uk/2019/01/30/christmas-2018-westbury-north-junction-renewal/

Cheers, Colin Many thanks Colin

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Public Notices and Posters Collection, has been updated.Today along with notices from my collection we have one from the collection of Alan Harris.Redruth Rugby Football, Rail & Bus and Rail Rover.

Public Notices and Posters Collection, has been updated.This time a Narrow Gauge Selection.Attractive Afternoon Outing, See the Rheidol Valley and Welshpool & Llanfair.

Public Notices and Posters Collection, has been updated.Day Tickets on the S&D, Evening Train Service from Paddington and Day Excursion to London Paddington.

Archives

Public Notices and Posters Collection, has been updated.
Today along with notices from my collection we have one from the collection of Alan Harris.
Redruth Rugby Football, Rail & Bus and Rail Rover.

Public Notices and Posters Collection, has been updated.
This time a Narrow Gauge Selection.
Attractive Afternoon Outing, See the Rheidol Valley and Welshpool & Llanfair.

Public Notices and Posters Collection, has been updated.
Day Tickets on the S&D, Evening Train Service from Paddington and Day Excursion to London Paddington.