Blog Archives

Items added on the 30th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

30/4/2016

Two more for the pot
Linda Geyman

Although a little late for the News we had to include these pictures of the Royal Scot from Linda Geyman, a new and welcome contributor.
Many thanks.

The 'Royal Scot' snapped leaving Hayle. 27th April 2016. Copyright Linda Geyman.

Another fine shot of the 'Royal Scot' leaving Hayle 27th April 2016 Copyright Linda Geyman

BR days Bodmin branch
Jim Lewis

A chance glimpse beween the houses as in June 1979 an 08 makes its way from Bodmin General to Boscarne Copyright Jim Lewis

Taunton Revisited 4
John Cornelius

Items added on the 29th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

29/4/2016

Remember the steam of Tuesday and Wednesday?
Watch this superb video by Alan Perryman
Don't miss this!!

In addition to three stills which have been added to our collection in Latest News for the 27th April 2016 Alan Perryman has kindly sent the web address for a truly magnificent video made by him recalling this exciting visit. To see it click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-zz6YhLwsE

Freight to Exmouth Junction
David Tozer

Morning Keith,
Having not seen diesel locomotives for years we get our third visit this year to Exmouth Junction.
70804/70802 top and tailed the 0610 Westbury - Exmouth Juction bringing back the Swedish Railvac , not doubt for use during this weekends engineering blockade. The engines left at 0956
Regards Dave, Many thanks David

70804 & 70802 arrive with the Railvac on the 29th April 2016 Copyright David Tozer

No doubt the location as 70802 & 70804 are coupled together ready to return - 29th April 2016 Copyright David Tozer

Bodmin General Goods Shed
Jim Lewis

Today we welcome a new contributor to the CRS site - Jim Lewis. Jim has sent in a collection of photographs in Cornwall we start off with the demolition of the Goods Shed at Bodmin General. Previously unrecorded by us. Thank you Jim.

Firstly a view of the station at Bodmin with the Goods shed more or less complete. You can see the length of tha long siding which served it. The signalbox is there and the loco shed. If only one could have stopped the clock at this moment in time what a lot of work it would have saved the B & W Railway! The date is July 78 Copyright Jim Lewis

Now a look from the end of the terminal platform. The bridge from which the previous picture was taken lies in the background while to the left lies the former goods shed - sadly roofless. July 1978. Copyright Jim Lewis

Swinging his camera slightly to the left we see the villain of the piece, the large excavator ready for the demolition. July 1978. Copyright Jim Lewis

Taunton Revisited 3
John Cornelius

What a fine sight the Earl makes as it waits to leave Taunton. The bay platform behind the locomotive remains in use to this day. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 28th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

28/4/2016

Taunton Revisited 2
John Cornelius

After the hurry and scurry of the weekend Pulmans and steam on Tuesday and Wednesday it is a relief to look back quite a few years ago to Taunton in the days of steam - with many thanks to John Cornelius.

160428e The former Taunton avoiding line bridge viewed from the hole in the wall on Taunton Station. Photograph taken on 28th April, 2016. Copyright Roger Winnen

160428d The Taunton avoiding line bridge viewed from the hole in the wall of Taunton Station on 28th April, 2016. Copyright Roger Winnen

Trains again on the Weymouth Tramway
Roger Winnen

160428a What a surprise to see a train rounding the curve on Weymouth Quay again! Copyright Roger Winnen

160428b The Land Train on the Weymouth Quay Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

Items added on the 27th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

27/4/2016

Steam train times for today

Depart Penzance 10.06
Pass St Erth 10.18
Hayle Arr 10.24 - 10.27
Camborne Arr 10.42 - 1045
Truro 11.02
Burngullow 11.19
Par 11.26
Lostwithiel 11.34
Largin 11.46
Liskeard 11.54
Saltash 12.10
Plymouth 12.22 - 13.47
Ivybridge 14.07
Totnes 14.24
Newton Abbot 14.47
Dawlish Warren 15.04
Exeter St Davids 15.16 - 1531
Cowley Bridge 15.34
Tiverton Up Loop 15.50 - 16.05
Taunton 16.22 - 16.55
Worle Jct 17.29
Bristol Temple Meads 17.51

46100 at Silverton on the 27th April 2016 Copyright David Tozer

Royal Scot coming into Newton Abbot 27th April 2016 Copyright Jon Morley

A smashing shot at Liskeard on the 27th March 2016 as the 'Royal Scot' runs through the up platform. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

46100 on the climb up the Glyn Valley 27th April 2016 Copyright Alan Perryman

46100 Approaching West Largin 27th April 2016 Copyright Alan Perryman

46100 Bodmin Parkway 27th April 2016 Copyright Alan Perryman

Andrew Jones waited at Respryn Bridge for the Royal Scot to come thundering through. 27th April 2016 Copyright Andrew Jones

CB9 climbs towards the Burngullow summit at Crugwallins 27th March 2016 Copyright Julian Stephens

The Royal Scot crossing Truro viaduct on the return journey. 27th April 2016. Copyright Phil Tremain

Royal Scot at Apex, near Hallenbeagle. 27th April 2016 Copyright Mike Eddowes

Alongside Cowlins Mill, from the footbridge over the old Carn Brea station site. 27th April 2016. Copyright Keith Jenkin

The same location as below - the tail of the train has just passed North Crofty Junction. 27th April 2016 Copyright Peter Jenkin

Just before Cowlins Mill 27th April 2016 Copyright Peter Jenkin

Gwinear Road Level Crossing 27th April 2016 Copyright Mick House

Gwinear Road Level Crossing. The class 57 brings up the rear of the train possibly providing a little assistance? 27th April 2016 Copyright Mick House

Bodriggy 46110 on the 1z82 27th April 2016 Copyright Craig Munday. Craig adds - 46100 powers away from the station stop at Hayle with 10 coaches and a class 57 on the rear and passes Bodriggy school. The children were allowed out in the playground to see the train pass, a lovely gesture.

Another shot at Bodriggy - this time by Matthew Geyman who thinks he may have Craig Munday in his sights! It was Matthew who phoned the head at Bodriggy School who in turn kindly let the children out of class to see the Royal Scot go by. An unforgettable experience for a child. Copyright Matthew Geyman

Near Hayle, 10.20 27th April 2016 Copyright Matthew Geyman

Near Hayle 10.20 27th April 2016 Copyright Matthew Geyman

On the rear just to supply power if needed is the class 57. From Marazion road overbridge 27th April 2016 Copyright Kyle Greet

Just getting into her stride 46100 approaches the road over bridge at Marazion with the up GB9 railtour. 27th April 2016. Copyright Kyle Greet

160427a Its 07.40 and the Royal Scot awaits duty at Penzance. Shame about the load of rubbish! The recycling men normally calls on Tuesdays! Copyright Roger Winnen

160427b The early morning sun brings a glint on 46100 Royal Scot being preparred for today's run to Bristol. Copyright Roger Winnen

160427d The Royal Scot nameplate taken at 06.20 Wednesday 27th April, 2016. Copyright Roger Salter

160427b Royal Scot propels its support coach to slopers siding for the run around facility. Copyright Roger Salter

160427h 46100 moves with its support coach from the siding. Copyright Roger Winnen

160427i Backing onto its train in Platform 1 at Penzance for its 10.06 departure. Copyright Roger Winnen

160427e The Great Britain 1X the 10.06 to Bristol alongside the 10.00hrs service to London Paddington. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160427j Ray Churchfield stands in front of Royal Scot prior to its departure from Penzance. It was mentioned that Ray would be retiring shortly. Copyright Roger Winnen

160427k This photograph taken from the 10.00 to Paddington shows the Railtour waiting to depart at 10.06 with plenty of smoke. Copyright Roger Winnen

160427g The site of the former Marazion makes a nice spot to photograph steam departing from Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160427f 46100 Royal Scot makes a fine sight as she passes Marazion. Copyright Roger Salter

160427l Cameras at the ready as Royal Scot passes Camborne. Copyright Roger Winnen

160427m 46100 Storms through Camborne Stion. Copyright Roger Winnen

160427n 57316 Tails the train passed the site of the former Holman Bros Works. Copyright Roger Winnen

160427o Replemishment in the former Platform 2 at Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

160427p Now topped up 46100 departs from the No 2 Bay in Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

160427q The scene at Plymouth Station with the steam awaiting departure. Copyright Roger Winnen

160427s 46100 departs Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

160427t The Great Britain heads for Mutley Tunnel. Copyright Roger Winnen

Items added on the 26th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

26/4/2016

Steam - Latest News

First in - a smashing shot of Royal Scot Many thanks to John Cornelius.

160426aThe Great Britain passing through Platform 3 at Taunton. Copyright Roger Winnen

160426ab 57316 Brings up the rear of the Great Britain 1X as it passes Taunton Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

160426b Passing the Great Britain at full linespeed at the former Tiverton Junction Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

160426c 46100 Royal Scot awaits departure from Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

160426d The Royal Scot nameplate. Copyright Roger Winnen

160426e Departure from Exeter St David's at 14.30 for Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

Looking grand 46100 Royal Scot at Dawlish Warren 14.56 26th April 2016 Copyright David Tozer

160426f 46100 Opens up at Totnes to climb Rattery Bank. Copyright Roger Winnen

160426g Its all change at Plymouth, 46100 is replaced by 57316 seen on the tour at Plymouth. 46100 runs around and couples to its support coach. Copyright Roger Winnen

The passengers continued their journey to Penzance diesel hauled - departing Plymouth at 16.32

160426m 57316 Heads down the marsh at Marazion with the Great Britain X1 Railtour. Copyright Roger Salter

160426n After its arrival at Penzance. 57316 is seen backing its train out to slopers siding for its overnight stay. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160426nn 57316 is seen arriving at Penzance with The Great Britain 1X Railtour from London Victoria. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160426h 46100 heads for Laira Depot and its triangle to turn the formation. Copyright Roger Winnen

160426i Welcome to Cornwall. The first known visit of a Royal Scot to Cornwall. Copyright Roger Winnen

160426j Truly in the Royal Duchy as Royal Scot enters Saltash Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Heading out towards Combe Viaduct at Saltash. 26th April 2016 Copyright Ross Griffiths

Combe viaduct at Saltash 26th April 2016 Copyright Ross Griffiths

Liskeard 26th March 2016 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

46100 making leisurely progress up the bank towards St Austell with Carlyon Bay in the background. 26th April 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

In dying light but before a small crowd of onlookers the 'Royal Scot' heads over Trevingey Level Crossing (West of Redruth) 20.45 26th April 2016. Copyright Keith Jenkin

The cab is lit by a glow from the fire as 'Royal Scot' crosses Hayle Viaduct almost in darkness. Copyright Matthew Geyman

160426k At rest for the night 46100 Royal Scot at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

160426L Looking magnificent at the terminus. Copyright Roger Winnen

160426n Royal Scot in the sidings at Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

160426o A fine study of 46100 at Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

Royal Scot is reported to be heading the train with 57 316 assisting at the rear. The train left Taunton approx 1 minute late. It will be stopping at Tiverton Junction down loop from 13.42 to 14.07. This will allow our reporter Roger Winnen to overtake it for his next photostop at Exeter. Message timed at 13.35.

Dear Keith. An update for your website. The 'Great Britain IX' has had another loco change, it is now 46100 on its own plus a WCRC diesel. 44871 has apparently failed. The assisting diesel 57313 is basically a re-engined class 47 with it's Vac brake removed and is owned by WCRC. Regards Karl. Hewett. Thanks Karl

Steam Train Times for today

Railtour depart London Victoria at 08.44 with 46100 Royal Scot and 44871.
Due Plymouth 16.01. Steam detached. The train proceeds to Penzance diesel hauled depart 16.32 arr Penzance 18.27.
The steam taken off the train at Plymouth goes to Laira arr 17.15 and then having turned departs at 18.48.The passing times in Cornwall are Saltash 19.23, Liskeard 19.42, Lostwithiel 20.01, Par 20.09, Truro 20.36, Camborne 20.51, arr Penzance 21.15.

The Green 150
David Tozer

Morning Keith, At long last the Exmouth Branch has seen a refurbished Class 150/2. The second unit to be treated 150247 worked the 0953 Exmouth - Barnstaple this morning. During the day the Exmouth - Barnstaple trips do not pick up/set down passengers at Polsloe Bridge Halt, hence it was moving quite swiftly. Regards Dave Thanks

Exmouth - Barnstaple 150247 at Pinhoe. 26th April 2016 Copyright David Tozer

The train preceeds non stop on towards Exeter Central. 26th April 2016 Copyright David Tozer.

Taunton Revisited 1
John Cornelius

John Cornelius writes - Hi all, been scanning a few more pics today,great fun.
These are for the 'WESTERN' fans,recalling some of my happy days spent at Taunton station
Many years ago. enjoy, cheers JOHN C

Items added on the 25th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

25/4/2016

A Patriotic Picture
Chris Harvey

Chris Harvey brings us a last picture of the Belmond Pullman as it enters Cornwall on Saturday 23rd April 2016 - what a wonderful selection we have had on a wonderful weekend - many thanks to Chris and all others

66027 enters Cornwall on the back of the 12.31 from Plymouth on Saturday 23rd April 2016

Chard Junction blocked
John Cornelius

John Cornelius brings us a picture and details of an incident at Chard Junction just over 19 years ago. Many thanks John

The pic today. This happened around 06.30 at Chard Junction on March 16th 1997, when a machine leaving an engineers possession suffered a broken hydraulic oil pipe and became a total failure on the crossing, stopping lorries from reaching the milk factory and causing a queue back for nearly a mile.Luckily trains were not affected as they used the loop. The only road traffic that could get by was cars, small vans and cycles.
The crossing was blocked for around three hours whilst waitng for a spare pipe to be brought to site.
When it arrived, it didn't take the mechanic long to fix it and to everyone's relief the machine was moved off the crossing and into the yard and the delayed traffic was able to get moving again.
Just another day of life on the railway. cheers JOHN C.

And while we are about it and in the area John also brings us pictures of an engineering operation at Chard Junction where the milk factory sidings came in very handy.

Not a frequent train traveller
Comment from Robert Perry

I was second in the queue to leave a HST (1713 ex Liskeard) when it came into Truro on time yesterday (Saturday) evening. The train came to a halt, the “door unlocked” sign came on, and I assumed that the person in front would open the door. Nothing happened. I said to him “You’ll have to open the door” but the only “reply” was complete incomprehension. So I said “You have to open the door and turn the outside handle.” This time, sheer disbelief! We were still getting nowhere, but fortunately a passenger on the platform who was waiting to get on seized the situation and opened the door so we could all leave the train. The man I’d been talking to just said that he couldn’t remember the last time he’d been on a train where the passengers had to open the doors in order to leave it, and couldn’t believe that we still had trains like that. I just confined myself to saying that down here we were used to it. Roll on the IEPs if ever they make it to Cornwall!
Robert Perry, Truro
Thanks for that Robert - long may the HST's reign with their drop down windows.

I had the reverse of Robert's experience, on the Bodmin and Wenford a couple of years back. As the train came to a stand at Bodmin General, we all moved towards the doors. A cut-glass voice from elsewhere than Cornwall shrieked "We will have to wait for the doors to be unlocked". A voice from behind me was heard to reply ..."then you are in for a long wait, darling"!.
Roy Hart (Rangoon) Many thanks Roy - any central locking out there?

Having read Robert Perry's amusing tale this morning I thought to send you a similar story from a visit to Didcot Steam Centre last October. My grandson and I were waiting on the platform together with an elderly couple for the Steam Centre 'shuttle' train which runs back & forth between stations on the site. The train duly arrived and came to a halt with one of the carriage doors immediately alongside us, we all stood to one side giving the gentleman waiting inside the coach the opportunity of letting himself out first, only to hear him shout 'There's no handle inside I can't open the door'. There followed much laughter from the couple and myself as the complexities of the 'leather strap' on the inside of the door had clearly represented too much of a challenge for the man waiting to get off the train. Suffice to say we opened the carriage door and he was able to get off, although not without repeating his claim that there was 'No handle on the inside' - ahh they were the days ! Cheers Adrian King Many thanks

Look inside the 'Belmond'
David Hibberd

We've seen the Belmond Pullman from the outside at many locations over a glorious weekend, however, it has left the county now and headed back to London Victoria. Just to finish off our coverage of this notable event in the railway calendar a couple of shots inside to sample the eleganance, the sheer luxury.
Many thanks to David Hibberd for these two pictures.

Inside the Belmond Pullman, picture by David Hibberd a passenger on the 23rd April 2016. Copyright

Items added on the 24th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

24/4/2016

Signalling Problems at Penzance
Craig to the rescue.

Hi Keith
Due to signalling problems at Penzance early on Sunday (Today), Pilotworking was required between Penzance & Marazion along the single line. I was appointed and sent all the trains on their way along the single line section. I sent 5 prior to riding out on the St Ives train and bringing back 5Z83 the Belmond Pullman which has been present in the Duchy over the weekend. The locos were fueled on Long Rock which delayed its departure bound for Truro.
The faults were fixed around midday which allowed the photos of the ECS being run around in Slopers siding.
All the best, Craig
Many thanks Craig for your 'on the spot' report.

The Belmond Pullman has arrived and the stock pushed back - the 67's move away from the stock. 24th April 2016 copyright Craig Munday (A)

The 67's draw towards the signal box and the station prior to running around the train. 24th April 2016 Copyright Craig Munday (B)

With the Belmond Pulman on its way the green HST moves into platform 4 24th April 2016 Copyright Craig Munday (C)

Meanwhile due to the signalling problem an HST is stuck in platform 3. 24th April 2016 Copyright Craig Munday (D)

The Belmond Pullman backing into platform 1. 24th April 2016 Copyright Craig Munday (E)

The Belmond Pullman reaches St Erth somewhat late on the 24th April 2016 (F)

The Return working of the Belmond Pullman on Sunday 24th April, 2016
Plymouth to London Victoria via Penzance

160424a The 08.36 Tavistock Jct to Truro and London Victoria via Penzance crosses Angarrick Viaduct. Copyright Roger Salter

160424c Great Westerns Green H.S.T. is also seen on the 09.47 Penzance to Paddington service crossing Angarrack Viaduct at 10.08. Copyright Roger Salter

160424b After signalling problems in Penzance, the two Royal Class 67s is seen adjacent to the former Ponsandane loading banks, in the process of running around its train in slopers siding. Copyright Roger Salter

The Belmond Pullman
In Cornwall - an update

Yesterdays travels of the Belmond Pullman coupled with absolutely brilliant weather for photography has resulted in us being swamped. However we make a start today with pictures taken by gentleman who was also aboard this luxury train.

Hi Keith, You probably overwhelmed with photos but I was lucky enough to take the dining trip today from Truro to Plymouth, back to Penzance and return to Truro. Truly a wonderful trip.
Enclosed some photos. First one is Falmouth Branch train whilst waiting for Pullman at Truro
2nd onwards taken at Penzance station approx 1410
Last 3 at Truro 1500
Hope maybe of interest, regards, Dave Many thanks David

Awaiting the Belmond Pullman at Truro 23rd April 2016 Copyright David Hibberd

On one of the class 67's on the Belmond Pullman - seen here at Penzance. 23rd April 2016 Copyright David Hibberd

No doubt of the the name of the train! 23rd April 2016 Copyright David Hibberd

Fine detail on the Belmond Pullman at Penzance 23rd April 2016 Copyright David Hibberd

The Belmond Pullman ready to leave from platform one at Penzance. 23rd April 2016 Copyright David Hibberd

The white roof of the Belmond Pullman makes quite a change at Truro 23rd April 2016 Copyright David Hibberd

A last look at his carriage of the day before it leaves Truro - the Belmond Pullman 23rd April 2016 Copyright David Hibberd

Belmond Pullman - the train engine 66027 hauls the train plus the two 67's eastwards out of Truro. 23rd April 2016 Copyright David Hibberd

Items added on the 23rd April 2016 Those added most recently come first

23/4/2016

To find an update of the Great Britain 1X departure times from Penzance on Wednesday 27th April, 2016. Please scroll down this page.

The Belmond Pullman
In Cornwall

The Belmont Pullman made several passes through the county today - we'll try to put them on in the order they occurred.

The location is Trevingey Level Crossing, the time is 09.20 on the 23rd April 2016. The down ECS Belmont working approaches. Copyright Keith Jenkin

The pristine stock continues its journey to Penzance where class 66 was attached to the rear for the return journey. 09.20 23rd August 2016 Copyright Keith Jenin.

160423o 67005 and 67006 Passing Rosevidney on route to Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

160423j The Belmond Pullman arrives at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160423a 67005 Queen's Messenger and 67006 Royal Sovereign arrives at Penzance on the first length of its journey from Truro. Copyright Roger Winnen

160423b 67005 The Queen's Messenger and 67006 Royal Sovereign at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

160423p 66027 Backing onto the train at Penzance prior to its departure at 10.20. Roger Salter

160423c 66027 Attaches to the front of the train for its journey to Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

160423k Passing Marazion Station with the 10.20 return working to Truro. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160423q 66027 Hauls the Belmond Britsh Pullman through Marazion. Copyright Roger Salter

Matthew Geyman catches sight of the return working from Penzance headed by 66027. a loco more usually associated with clay workings. 10.20 23rd April 2016 Copyright

Against the same background with the Knill Monument on the hill the two 67's return up the county of the back of the train. Copyright Martin Geyman 23rd April 2016

The Belmond Pullman crosses Angarrack viaduct on the first up journey. 23rd April 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

160423d 66027 Heads the Belmond Pullman through Redruth. Copyright Roger Winnen

160423e The luxury of the Pullman Cars seen as the train passes through Redruth. Copyright Roger Winnen

160423f Every little helps, super power on the Belmond British Pullman as it enters Redruth Tunnel. Copyright Roger Winnen

Resparveth Grampound down in the afternoon 23rd April 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

160423l Crossing Hayle Viaduct at 13.58 with the 12.31 Plymoth St Austell via Penzance with the 67s leading. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160423m The second return working passing through Hayle Station at 14.35, viewed from the black overbridge. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Found in the garage
by Lawrence Parker

Hi, Found this whilst cleaning old garage of house just purchased.Any use to the society ? I think I can make out Gwinear Road !!!!
Lawrence Parker, Callington. Many thanks Lawrence

Definitely a posed picture! A copy of a very old picture found in a garage at Callington. It was, as suggested, taken at Gwinear Road. Kindly sent in by Lawrence Parker.

Comment from Roy Hart - Burma, today. An expansion of the picture shows that the main line has been 'narrowed' - it looks like fresh ballast, so the work could have been recent: this would put the scene at about 1893, I'd say. Many thanks Roy.

What do you call a 'Nine Header' ?
John Cornelius

We recently featured several pictures of triple headed trains, just to prove that our miniature railways can even beat that by a factor of three again. John Cornelius sends us this picture of no less than nine locos on one train on the Romney, Hythe, and Dymchurch Railway. Can any other railway beat that. Sorry it is well out of our normal region but proves that 'Little railways can do large things'! Many thanks John

Items added on the 22nd April 2016 Those added most recently come first

22/4/2016

Totnes Quay and
Ashburton branch revisited

Five quite remarkable pictures have come to light which were taken by the late Cedric Owen. Cedric, a keen enthusiast was well known to us in West Cornwall for the several shows he gave us using his epidiascope - a remarkable large piece of equipment, which, by illuminating postscards with a powerful, (and very hot) lamp threw the reflected and rather faint image onto a screen. Thankfully things have moved on since then! This collection dedicated to the memory of Cedric is brought to us by Sid Sponheimer. Many thanks Sid.

Plymouth Railway Circle / South Devon Railway Society
Farewell to the Ashburton Branch
Loco 4567 Stock UsedBrake VansRoute :
Loco(s)Route Totnes - Ashburton Jn - Totnes Quay- Ashburton Jn - Staverton - Buckfastleigh - Ashburton- Buckfastleigh - Staverton - Ashburton Jn - TotnesNotes. Reported to be the first passenger train over the Totnes Quay line as well as being the last passenger train over the Ashburton branch, the line being closed to all traffic with effect from 10th September 1962. Courtesy the Sixbellsjunction website

A further historical note on this railtour from Roy Hart who writes from a sweltering Burma - On the Totnes pictures by Cedric Owen (one of the great characters of the era!) - the engine had been condemned and taken out of service in the week prior to the special. It was specially steamed for the trip and then finally taken off for scrap. Thanks for that Roy

Complete with the PRC headboard the railtour stands ready to depart from Totnes down platform. 8th September 1962. Copyright the late Cedric Owen.

The first and last passenger train on the Totnes Quay branch returns to the main line. A remarkable picture of a once only event captured by the late Cedric Owen. As well as the long 13 brakevan train the telegraph post with its mulititude of arms and wires is another memory of the past. Copyright the late Cedric Owen.

Luckily, very luckily for us, Cedric was able to obtain this lineside picture of the railtour, after having been back to Totnes station, moving out acoss the main line to gain Ashburton Junction and the branch. This picture nicely framed by telegraph poles. 8th September 1962 Copyright

The last ever passenger train runs into Buckfastleigh - or so it was thought! 8th September 1962. Copyright the late Cedric Owen.

And finally, at the end of the line. 4567 draws its train into Ashburton station on the 8th September 1962. Will this station ever be re-opened - one hopes so. Copyright the late Cedric Owen

40's from the west
John Cornelius

An absolutely fantastic picture which only a member of railway staff could get. John who was a signalman at the time at Athelney has climbed a nearby signalpost to get this panorama which puts everything into perspective. The signalbox, the level crossing, the bridge over the waterway and in the distance the tower of Lyng Church. Copyright John Cornelius. N.B. John has asked that it be made clear that he was not on duty at the time the picture was taken but took over later on.

A picture taken earlier in the day as the railtour reunited with 40083 40081 at Newton Abbot passes Dawlish. 16th October 1997 Copyright Roger Winnen

Items added on the 21st April 2016 Those added most recently come first

21/4/2016

All Change
Steam in Cornwall Next Week with the first ever visit of a Royal Scot to the Duchy
46100 Royal Scot and 44871 or 45407 are booked to depart Penzance on the Great Britain 1X next Wednesday 27th April to Bristol at 10.06 St Erth 10.18/10.21 Hayle 10.24/10.27 Camborne 10.42/10.45 Truro 11.02 St Austell 11.20 Par 11.26 Liskeard 11.54 Plymouth 12.22/13.47 Totnes 14.24 Newton Abbot 14.45 Exeter St David's 15.16/15.31 Taunton 16.22/16.55 Bristol Temple Meads 17.51
Tuesday 26th April the Great Britain 1X departs London Victoria at 08.44 Tiverton Loop 13.42/14.07 Exeter St David's 14.26/14.30 Newton Abbot 15.08 Plymouth 16.01 The steam will go to Laira for turning. The tour will then depart Plymouth behind a Class 47 at 16.33 Liskeard 17.03 Par 17.23 Truro 17.45 Camborne 18.06 Penzance 18.27.
The steam will depart Plymouth 19.08 Liskeard 19.42 Par 20.09 Truro 20.36 Camborne 20.51 Penzance 21.15
Thanks Martin

Walking the Sea Wall between Teignmouth and Dawlish Warren
Andrew Triggs

160420a The 1C79 11.06 Paddington Plymouth approaches Teignmouth. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160420b Cross Country 0606 Edinburgh-Plymouth on the sea wall at Teignmouth with 43285 and 43384. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160420c From the hill above Kennaway Tunnel, the 1C83 13.05 Paddington-Plymouth approaches. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160420d The 1C84 14.06 Paddington-Penzance is viewed between Dawlish Warren and Dawlish. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160420e From Langstone Rock, the 1A91 16.02 Plymouth to London Paddington. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Craig Munday
On tour

Been out & about in the lovely sunshine of April. My best mate Iain down from the North West wanted to see my usual haunts!
The Weedkiller MPV stabled at St Blazey 19th April 2016
66027 on 6P24 at Golant with a super tide 19th April 2016.
08410 and friends at Penzance on the evening of 19th April 2016
66027 on clay workings at Treffry aqueduct 20th April
1A81 at Highertown on 20th Apl 2016. Fantastic pictures are now available from the top of tunnel by the County Arms following vegetation removal.
66027 on clay workings at Treffry aqueduct 20th April 2016
Cheers for now, Craig Many thanks Craig

66027 Golant 19th April 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

08410 and friends at Penzance on the 19th April 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

An up service approaches Highertown tunnel on the 20th April 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

66027 runs down the bank to pass under the Treffry on the 20th April 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Class 40's to the west
John Cornelius & Roger Winnen

Railway Pictorial Publications Railtours
Deltic to Devon (and Cromptons to Cornwall) Railtour
Locos Used 33017, 33022, 40081 & 40083
LocosRoute
40083 + 40081 London Paddington - Westbury - Yeovil Pen Mill - Yeovil Junction - Honiton - Exeter St Davids - Dawlish - Newton Abbot.
33017 + 33022 Newton Abbot - Plymouth - Bodmin Road - Par
33017 + 33022 Par - Bodmin Road - Plymouth - Newton Abbot
40081 + 40083 Newton Abbot - Exeter St Davids - Taunton - Westbury - Reading - London PaddingtonNotes:
(1) This tour was booked to use a class 55 'Deltic' but an industrial dispute on the E.R. involving fitters meant that none of the class were being refuelled or given maintenance since the Wednesday prior to the tour hence the E.R. CM&EE were not able to supply a class member for the tour. Due to this all happening so close to the tour running date R.P.P.R. elected to run the tour with alternative motive power rather than postpone or cancel. A letter given to passengers on the tour explained the situation and also the fact that this was the first time any R.P.P.R. tour left the originating station without the advertised motive power. A full refund was offered to any passenger not wishing to participate in the tour as a result of the non-availability of the advertised Deltic. This info courtesy Six Bells Junction

40083 40081 were stabled on shed at Newton Abbot while the train went on to Cornwall. 16th October 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

The Class 33s running light engine back after the railtour has been to Cornwall passing Dawlish. 16th October 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

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