Blog Archives

31st March 2020

31/3/2020

Our Public Notices and Posters
Section has just been updated with:
Newbury Races.
Football at Wembley.
Follow link below:
Public notices and posters collection

47813 John Peel
Alan Peters

Cotswold Rail 47813 'John Peel' is seen at Laira for fuel after a stock move for Great Western on 19/07/07, Cotswold Rail 47's made regular trips to Laira during the HST re-power program where power cars were taken to Brush in Loughborough for refurbishment - Copyright Alan Peters

Many Thanks Alan

The Measurement Train at Dawlish Warren
Roger Salter

The first is the interesting reversal etc . at Dawlish Warren of the Measurement Train, seeing it down early morning to Penzance then back to reverse at the Warren for Paignton

The 06.09 Reading Triangle sidings to Paignton with 43013 Mark Carne CBE passes Langstone Rock Dawlish. Copyright Roger Salter

The 06.09 Reading Triangle sidings to Paignton via Penzance with 43062 John Armitt at the rear. Copyright Roger Salter

After returning from Penzance at 15.05hrs 43013 Mark Carne CBE leave the down loop at Dawlish Warren for Paignton. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Cranmore
Clive Smith

   21st January 1984
   Hertfordshire Railtours
The Mendip Artificer
Locos Used08849, 37187, 37189 & 45121
Stock Used4413+5001+4977+3950+1738+16195+35186+3948+4989+4806Route : 1Z26 throughout
Loco(s)Route
45121London St Pancras - (via MML) - Bedford Midland
45121Bedford Midland - Fenny Stratford - (via Bletchley Flyover) - Claydon LNE Jn - Oxford - Swindon
08849 (1)Swindon - Highworth BL Sidings
45121 (2)Highworth BL Sidings - Swindon
45121Swindon - Chippenham - Trowbridge - Westbury
37187 (3)Westbury - Frome - Merehead Quarry Jn - Merehead (No.1 Arrival Siding)
37189 (4)Merehead - Merehead Quarry Jn - Cranmore
37187 (3)Cranmore - Merehead Quarry Jn - Frome (5) - Westbury
45121Westbury - Salisbury - Woking - Virginia Water - Brentford - South Acton - Cricklewood - London St Pancras

      Courtesy Six Bells Junction Railtour Files.

37187 is at the front of the 1Z26 08.00 Hertfordshire Railtour from St Pancras. We'd already been to the British Leyland sidings on the Highworth branch from Swindon dragged by 08849. Now we were visiting the Cranmore and Merehead lines in Somerset top and tailed with 37187 and 37189. Surprisingly this tour kept pretty much to time and we had an hour at Cranmore to visit the railway centre and see some of artist David Shepherd's paintings.

Cranmore The Mendip Artificer 21st January 1984. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive.

Exeter
Roger Winnen

A class 33 arrives with Bituman Tanks from City Basin on the 21st April 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks Roger

30th March 2020

30/3/2020

Cotswold at Kingswear.
Alan Peters.

Cotswold at Kingswear, 47813 'John Peel' is seen waiting to return to Northampton as 1Z48 top and tailed with Cotswold 47810 'Captain Sensible' with the Blue Pullman coaches on 14/07/07, the rail tour was advertised by Steamy Affairs which went bust, being taken over by Cotswold rail who eventually ran out of steam themselves Alan Peters

47813 John Peel stands at Kingswear Station. Copyright Alan Peters.

Many Thanks Alan.

Penzance & St Erth 40 yrs ago
Roger Winnen

800821a Plenty of activity in this photograph of Penzance taken during the early evening of Thursday 21st August 1980. Copyright Roger Winnen

801227a The 19.50 Penzance to Par local service was withdrawn from 5th January 1981. This photograph was taken on the evening of the 27th December, 1980. The old station roof remained until 1990. Copyright Roger Winnen

800203f Siphon G 1047 converted for newspaper traffic at Ponsandane on 3rd February 1980. These vehicles totalling 365 in number were built between 1913 and October 1955. 1047 built in September 1955 was one of the last four built and was condemned with the remaining vans in the class in January 1983.. Copyright Roger Winnen

810101a The 10.23 Penzance to Leeds arrives at St Erth on New Years Day 1981. behind a Class 50 locomotive. Copyright Roger Winnen

Filton
Phil Smith

With power on 47626 hauls its long train around the Filton Curve past the junction signal - its the night Sleeper. Taken in 1987 Copyright Phil Smith

Thanks Phil

29th March 2020

29/3/2020

Exeter
Alan Peters

Looking good in Cotswold Rail 'One' livery 47818 waiting to depart Exeter St Davids with the blue Pullman on a charter from Colchester to Kingswear 7th July 2007. Copyright Alan Peters.

I was the Driver from Exeter to Kingswear and back to Exeter when I worked for Cotswold Rail for a short period, not one of my better moves I can assure you! Copyright Alan Peters.

With many thanks Alan.

Mutley East
Clive Smith

HST Drag Mutley East 45046 12th June 1983. Copyright Clive Smith.

Memories of the past. Many Thanks Clive.

Classic
Hayle
The late John Cornelius

28th March 2020

28/3/2020

Railway Scenes viewed from Restormel Castle
Roger Winnen

800823a An HST viewed through the castle walls at Restormel. Copyright Roger Winnen

800823b A westbound HST viewed through the castle walls on 23rd August 1980. Copyright Roger Winnen

800823e The St Austell bound motorail passes Restormel Castle on 23rd August 1980. Copyright Roger Winnen

800823f Looking towards Loswithiel we see a Peak passing an HST on a Saturday afternoon. Copyright Roger Winnen

A nostalgic trip down the
Weymouth Tramway
Paul Barlow

Paul remembers :-
My journey started from Exeter with an HST on a Plymouth to Leeds Service to Bristol temple Meads, connecting with a Cardiff to Portsmouth service at Bristol. This was headed by Bath road allocated 31419 which was very poor condition covered in oil, and losing about 20 minutes by the time I got to Southampton.
At Southampton 73119 rolled in to the station with 0954 Waterloo to Weymouth Quay, this was removed at Bournemouth for 33104. I travelled on this to the quay branch siding where it stopped to attach the quay branch bell. I seized my opportunity there and with no one looking climbed off the train. No central door locking or plug doors then! Or officious staff!!
I then walked in front of the train to the quay station taking photos along the way.
I returned from Quay station back to Southampton with 73119 taking the train from Bournemouth.
I then returned to Bristol via Fareham with 33001 to Fareham and 33020 back to Bristol. At Bristol a 3 car 'Heritage' DMU worked the stopper to Taunton which I then connected with a Paddington to Plymouth HST back to Exeter.
A very memorable day out!. Kind Regards Paul Barlow

33104 0954 Waterloo to Weymouth Quay at Bournemouth. 25th September 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

Entering the street tramway off the Quay branch siding. This is where Paul bailed out to walk the branch ahead of the train. 25th September 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

In Corporation Street, 25th September 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Paul walks ahead of the B;R; human pilot. 25th September 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

The procession down the tramway. 25th September 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

33104 has run round and is ready to start the journey back along the quay. 25th September 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

And finally 73119 is about to work the 1530 Weymouth Quay to Waterloo at Bournemouth. 25 Sept 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul for your record of a grand day out.

27th March 2020

27/3/2020

Mutley Tunnel
Clive Smith

Another photo from my one time favourite spot as 45149 bursts out of Mutley Tunnel with the 1E21 10.21 Penzance - Bradford Exchange 'Cornishman'. This photographic spot is now impossible to access.

Regards Clive Smith.

Mutey Tunnel 45149 emerges 10th April 1982. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive.

Looe branch

Liskeard - Looe Withdrawal. Western Morning News 14th Feb 1965 Guy Vincent Collection

A reminder of just how close we came to losing much of our rail network in Cornwall.

Thank heavens we can still travel to Looe these days even if not in one of these wonderful things where the view was there for us all to enjoy. 117305 seen at Looe 11th November 1996. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Happy days. 5531 arrives on the 9th September 1961 Copyright Mike Roach

Many thanks to Roger and Mike for these memories - long may they continue - it was a near thing!

26th March 2020

26/3/2020

That Virus
Craig Munday

Hi Keith,
A quite extraordinary time in history sees our liberty stripped away for the first time in generations.

I am pleased to be keeping busy with my job, and I have grabbed some pictures whilst I can. I will try to obtain some in the coming weeks as I travel around the area.

For the weekend just passed, a number of engineers trains were expected to be employed on the Newquay branch, sadly the work did not go ahead and the trains returned loaded.
Freightliner 66513 / 564 worked one set of autoballasters and 70801 worked another. They are seen in the yard at St Blazey.

A picture at St Erth of 802016 among the semaphores.

Then on 23rd GBRf liveried class 50s 50007 & 50049 worked down to Laira from Long Marston with GWR power car 43091 and trailer 12126. They returned next day (after the lock-down was announced).
The down working is seen at Aish near South Brent, and the locos on Laira (their former home).

Strange times ahead, stay safe everyone., Craig

At St Blazey

66564 at St Blazey on the 21st March 2020 Copyright Craig Munday

St Blazey next morning, 66564 22nd March 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

St Blazey 66513 on the 22nd March 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

At St Erth.

St Erth 802016 - 22nd March 2020 Copyright Craig Munday

At Laira

Laira 23rd March 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

Laira 50049 busy shunting power car 43086 on the 23rd March 2020 Copyright Craig Munday

50049 - 23rd March 2020 Copyright Craig Munday

Laira 50049 the A374 Plymouth Road bridge in background. 23rd March 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

Finally at Laira a shot of 50007 and 50049 at rest in their home shed. 23rd March 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

At Aish

Near Aish crossing Brent, 50007 leads the convoy 50049 on the rear. 23rd March 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

We hope that you too stay safe Craig and many thanks for these and any other pictures while we are in 'lockdown'.

A small point but nevertheless a correction
Anthony Passage
Alan Haydock

Good Evening,
While browsing you website this evening I was struck by something odd about the photo of Antony Passage near Wearde Quay on the page about the deviation of the main line at that location. I know the area slightly and could not put my finger on why it looked odd. On checking Google Street View it appears that the photo on your web page is reversed! (Please see attachment now corrected, the converted chapel has been modified or rebuilt since).
I hope you don’t mind me pointing this out in the interests of accuracy, a small point on a superb website! I live in North Wales but spent some time in the West Country following Class 50s in the 1980s and was lucky enough to travel on the “Penzance Fryer” with D200 in November 1985.

Best Regards, Alan Haydock.

The Deviation at Anthony Passage. Corrected by Alan Haydock ** This image taken on the 28th March 1998 was originally published reversed is the work of Roger Winnen. Copyright)

Many thanks for pointing out our error Alan.

25th March 2020

25/3/2020

The Memorial at Penzance
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are well and I see you have been enjoying the sun,lovely up here too.
Fascinating pictures of the Memorial to Hannah Bennett,the times I would sit on the wall there and rest my back on it without taking any notice of the dedication.It was a great place to watch the trains,Western National ‘buses and keep an eye on the ships and yachts in the bay.
I attach my picture of the memorial, in the distance.That it is still there is good as 08840 in the Sea siding has gone,also the signals and the Heliport Photograph taken 19th June 1975.
Thanks and all the best, Michael.

Thanks Michael

Cogload
Bill Elston

Hi Keith,
I was over at Cogload again for my permitted daily exercise under the new regime, and by sheer coincidence 50007 and 50049
rolled past me taking HST power car 43086 to store at Long Marston, photos attached.

Hope you are all keeping well, Regards Bill Elston

50049+43086, 24th March 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

50007+43086, 24th March 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill, enjoy your permitted daily exercise.

Railway Photography Without Leaving The House!
Bittaford
Clive Smith

50049 heads the 5Z50 09.00 Laira - Long Marston power car and stock move this time with power car 43086 and 50007 on the rear. With the country on lockdown as of today with the coronavirus pandemic I thought well as I am not supposed to leave the house unless it is essential I thought I would try a telephoto shot on maximum zoom from my bathroom window. Bit of contortion required to get into position on the window ledge but thankfully the sun was out and still in the east. Nice view of the South Hams landscape and the chimney of Cantrell Works further down the line.

Regards, Clive Smith

Pictures below from home and of home!

50049 heads the 5Z50 09.00 Laira - Long Marston power car and stock move this time with power car 43086 and 50007 on the rear. 24th March 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

Bittaford 50007 leads HST Power Car 50049 on rear (Long Marston - Laira stock move). Copyright Clive Smith. The location is Cantrell Works between Bittaford and Ivybridge just down the road from my house which can be seen in the distance just behind 50049.

No apologies for repeating yesterdays picture of Clive's which includes his home - now we know exactly where you live, got it, good. Many thanks Clive.

The 50's at
Stoke Cannon
David Tozer

Keith,
I went to Stoke Canon and was rewarded with the attached. Yes, a b........ Voyager right across in front of me. The 50's were the other side. Got a glimpse on me video footage.
Guess the moral is that when told to stay at home, one should!!
Keep well. Dave.

Well tried David, still it happens to the best occasionally. Our sympathies but one has to smile! Thanks for sending the picture in.

24th March 2020

24/3/2020

Falmouth Docks
Mark Lynam

Yesterday saw a 158 working Falmouth branch alone. Now with the longer evenings it's possible again to get a shot with the sun round the platform side. I drove to the station just for a photo, and didn't travel on the train.

Thanks, Mark Lynam.

158766 seen approaching Falmouth Docks on 2F85 1715 Truro to Falmouth Docks. 22nd March 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam

158766 at Falmouth Docks waiting to form 2T86 1745 Falmouth Docks to Truro. 22nd March 2020. copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark.
You are very lucky to get those pictures just before the lockdown commenced. We wouldn't encourage anybody to make a special journey or put themselves at risk during these troubled times of Coronavirus. However if your permitted exercise takes you lineside and you spot something special lets share it.

Bittaford
Clive Smith

GBRf 50007 heads the 5Z55 09.16 Long Marston - Laira power car and stock move conveying 43091 with 50049 on the rear. The location is Cantrell Works between Bittaford and Ivybridge just down the road from my house which can be seen in the distance just behind 50049.

Regards, Clive Smith

Bittaford 50007 hauls HST Power Car 50049 on rear[ Long Marston to Laira on a stock move. Copyright Clive Smith. 22nd March 2020.

A nice picture in the sun, you are lucky where you live. Many thanks to you Clive.

23rd March 2020

23/3/2020

An eyrie light!
Fugro Test Equip.
David Anthony

In the darkness of the night the Fugro Test apparatus fitted on 150221 makes for an unusual spectacle - well caught.. 18th March 2020 Copyright David Anthony

Footbridge repaint complete
St Austell
Dave Anthony

St Austell footbridge - looking splendid 22nd March 2020. Copyright David Anthony

Too good to use ! St Austell footbridge - looking splendid 22nd March 2020. Copyright David Anthony

Many thanks for the above three images Dave.

22nd March 2020

22/3/2020

In Solitude and Isolation
The Station Wall Penzance
Roger Winnen

Sunday afternoon at Penzance was very quiet indeed, spending over one hour overlooking the station from the wall only three persons passed me by on foot.
Looking at the passing buses most remained empty, the trains were a little better with the 12.03 from Paddington formed of a 9 car IET producing only a handfull of people.
We are into bleak times.

200322aMemories from the Station Wall at Penzance. This memorial erected in 1886 to Hannah Bennett by her children. What tales could be told over all those 134 years. from this location. Copyright Roger Winnen

Hannah Maria Shepheard was born 18th Dec 1809 in Plymouth. She married William (...)er Bennett on the 14th Jan 1828 (19 years old). They had 4 children in 1864 their youngest daughter married in Penzance to a George Waters. Hannah and her family lived at 6 Penrose Terrace just up from the former Cliff Hotel. Hannah died in 1881 aged 71 years. William died in 1894 aged 86 years. To her memory her doting children had this memorial drinking fountain placed on Chyandour Cliff in 1886 This information was taken off a local website with many thanks.
Roger Winnen

200322b The Welshman arriving at Penzance with a 2 + 3 car HST formation on the 14.30 from Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

200322c 43189 Launceston Castle departs Penzance with the 17.15 to Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

Self Isolation at
Cogload
Bill Elston

Hi Keith,
I decided to ‘self isolate’ over at Cogload for a while, and the following turned up in quick succession. around midday.
a) 158767   on a Cardiff – Taunton, and return.
b) 143620    allowed out on its own, ecs Bristol – Exeter
c) 70801,     Westbury - St Blazey ballast

Hope these are of interest, Bill Elston.

158767 on a Cardiff to Taunton and return - 20th March 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

143620 is allowed out on it's own, 20 March 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

70801 on a Westbury to St Blazey with ballast. 20th March 2020 Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill for your pictures taken in 'self isolation'. One wonders for how much longer it will be possible to even go outside, such is this effect of Corona virus. Are we all to be subjected to 'Self Imprisonment' - grim thoughts. Let's hope for a happier summer for you and us all.

70801 at Dawlish Warren
Alan Peters

In connection with weekend engineering on the Newquay Branch 6T26 from Westbury to St Blazey is seen from a trackside view at Dawlish Warren, Colas Rail 70801 with 10 auto hoppers wait for a Plymouth bound XC service to pass, note the recently resorted camping coaches 20/03/20 - Copyright Alan Peters

Thanks Alan

Hayle Heritage
John Gabb

First of all a warm welcome to John Gabb who joined the Cornwall Railway Society at our last meeting.

John writes
Dear Keith and Roger,

Thank you for emailing me so promptly after we spoke at the CRS meeting on Saturday evening.
I really appreciate and value your offer to share your photographs, information and knowledge about our local railways with me; I will happily reciprocate. As I mentioned, a colleague, Dave Birch, and I who are both volunteers at the Hayle Heritage Centre are currently tasked to prepare an 'exhibition' covering the railways of Hayle. We hope to cover not only the Hayle Railway (and its successors) as such but also the National Explosives works branch and the wharves branch (as well as the companies/activities it served).
Attached are two photographs which may be of interest. The first comprises the photograph, which we have in the Hayle Heritage Centre, which was probably given by the Peckett company to the National Explosives works when it purchased locomotive no.1448 in 1917. I think it is a stock photograph of the M5 class of locomotive and, therefore, not a photograph of the particular locomotive, no. 1448. The second is a photograph no.1448 in service in 1952 at J. C. Hill & Company in Cwmbran, to whom no. 1448 was sold in 1924. I understand that this locomotive was scrapped in 1966.
My thanks again for your help and I look forward to future contact with you and Roger.
Wishing you well and, particularly, good health during the current Corona virus crisis,

John Gabb

National Explosives works 0-4-0 Peckett locomotive, Type M5, No. 1448. Copyright the Hayle Railway Centre.

no.1448 in service in 1952 at J. C. Hill & Company in Cwmbran, to whom no. 1448 was sold in 1924. I understand that this locomotive was scrapped in 1966. Copyright .

Many thanks John, we look forward to further input from you and the Hayle Heritage Centre.

We would further like to know over what extent of the branch from Hayle Harbour to the Explosive Works did the loco operate - has anybody any knowledge please?

Hayle Heritage Centre
'Closed over winter. Reopening in Spring 2020. Our free-entry Heritage Centre, housed within the Grade II* listed former Harvey & Co. offices, holds a large and diverse collection. Hayle dominated the global engineering market in the 1800s for its production of mining machinery and this legacy is preserved in our industrial history collection. Other local industries are also reflected, with objects relating to Hayle Power Station, the Dynamite Works and Metal Perforators J & F Pool. The wider social history collection covers local traditions, leisure and pleasure, ancient history, working life, maritime history and wartime Hayle. Our large oral history collection offers a first-hand account of life in Hayle, as told by local people.'

Hayle Heritage Centre is well worth a visit = we will check concerning visting during the Corona Virus Scare and advise.

<<Previous

Our Public Notices and PostersSection has just been updated with:Newbury Races.Football at Wembley.Follow link below:Public notices and posters collection

Cotswold at Kingswear.Alan Peters.

Archives

Our Public Notices and Posters
Section has just been updated with:
Newbury Races.
Football at Wembley.
Follow link below:
Public notices and posters collection

Cotswold at Kingswear.
Alan Peters.