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Items added on 30th April 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

30/4/2017

 
Camborne honours
Richard Trevithick
 13th April 1771- 22 April1833 

On the last Saturday of April Camborne honours the Cornishman Richard Trevithick born at Illogan in 1771, and died in Dartford, Kent.
He was one of the great inventors of the steam engine and today the theme of the event was 'Innovation' for Camborne Trevithick Day 2017 is a reminder that engineers of imagination, working on creative ideas, can still be found in the local area today
Roger Winnen

Picture
A brilliant action shot by Roger. The Replica of Trevithicks 'Puffing Devil' built in 1801stands in Bassett Street, Camborne. 29th April 2017 Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
The steam engines salute the statue of Richard Trevithick situated outside Camborne Library. 29th April 2017 Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
Heavy haulage The Crane engine in Camborne. 29th April 2017 Copyright Roger Winnen
​Long Rock Progress Craig Munday
Hi Keith
Some pictures from last week showing sterling progress with the new depot at Long Rock. The steelwork all but complete. Engineers using theodolites showed us the uprights must be within 3mm of true prior to the final cementing in. Incredible attention to detail. 

The Western end shed clearly shows the two door apertures for no 2 & 3 road. No 2 road will be the main maintenance road as the rails will be housed on steel uprights - so an all round inspection can be conducted. No 3 road will have inspection pits. 

The new stores and accommodation block can be seen to the right of the new depot. The cladding & guttering has arrived for the roof, and these sheets will start to be bolted on in the coming weeks. 


Cheers for now,  Craig      Many thanks Craig 
Picture
Long Rock Shed 28th April 2017 Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
Long Rock Shed 28th April 2017 Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
Long Rock Shed 28th April 2017 Copyright Craig Munday
40 years ago today David Tozer
Hi Keith,

Thought that these two photographs might be appropriate for your 30th April pages.

Hastings Unit 1033 heads away from Exmouth Junction with the Saturday only Exeter ( St David's) - Brighton service, whilst set 1034 brings up the rear. Yes, a 12 car DEMU. Those were the days.


Dave              
                               Many thanks for your reminder
Picture
Hastings set 1033 heads away from Exmouth Junction, Brighton bound. 30th April 1977. Copyright David Tozer
Picture
And in sequence, bringing up the rear is set 1034. A nice combination. 30th April 1977. Copyright David Tozer
St Blazey
Sid Sponheimer
Picture
Sid takes a peep inside St Blazey depot during the rail strike. 8th March 1973 - Copyright Sid Sponheimer
​Crewkerne
 John Cornelius
Picture
Marlpitts lies about a quarter of a mile west of Crewkerne. Copyright John Cornelius
 Cornish War Diary
     By Phil Hadley
      Part 2 1940


Monday 1st January 1940
Lostwithiel to Fowey branch line closes to passenger traffic to allow for military use. (Wikipedia – citation needed). Passengers for Fowey would have to go via St Blazey. It is believed the port of Fowey was used to transport ammunition to France. After Dunkirk Britain’s supply of chemical weapons which had been taken to France was brought back through Fowey. It is possible these were stored at Woodgate Pill until safe passage and storage were arranged upcountry. I am still looking for documentary evidence to confirm this.

Undated May
The Railway Executive Committee raised fares by 10%, both to urge against travel and to cover the mounting costs of the railway. (GWR Handbook 1923-1947 by David Wragg)

Monday 13th May
The government cancelled the Whitsun holiday since the Germans were sweeping through the Low Countries and into France. (The Southern Railway Handbook 1923 – 1947 by David Wragg)

Thursday 13th June
Evacuation train arrives from London in Penzance. CM

Saturday 15th June
Evacuation train arrives from London in Penzance. Many of these children from a Roman Catholic school were bused the following morning to Hayle. CM

Sunday 16th June
An evacuation train from Vauxhall to North Cornwall intended for 600 passengers only carried 417 children and 32 adults as many parents changed their minds at the last minute and kept their children. (The Southern Railway Handbook 1923 – 1947 by David Wragg)
The train arrived at Bude about 7pm when several hundred tired children and teachers detrained at the station and were shepherded into Cann Medlands Garage where a real Cornish meal was provided and the children were medically examined.  Around 30 of the children from a primary school in Croydon found themselves billeted in Week St Mary. (Week St Mary Village Community website)

Tuesday 18th June
A train to London carried, under guard by Polish soldiers, the Wawel Treasures. The state art collection from the Royal Castle of Wawel in Krakow, Poland arrived in Falmouth on the ship Chorzow having left Bordeaux on the 15th to escape the advancing German army. The treasures include the Coronation Sword and were taken by train from Falmouth to the Polish Embassy in London and then on to Canada for safe-keeping. (See photograph below)

Friday 21st June
A special train left Falmouth in the evening carrying some of the world’s top scientists and the world’s entire supply of heavy water which had been brought from Norway via France to prevent it falling into the hand of the Nazis. Lord Suffolk, on a mission to rescue top French scientists from France, rounded up a number including Hans van Halban, a German born Jewish physicist who had escaped with the heavy water out of Paris. Lord Suffolk commandeered the SS Broompark to carry the jerry cans containing the 52 gallons to Cornwall. In the overnight train from Falmouth to Paddington the heavy water was in the baggage van under military guard. Once the UK government was informed of their coup, it was hidden with the Crown Jewels at Windsor Castle, until being shipped out to Canada later in the year. This one action meant it was the Allies and not the Nazis who developed the nuclear bomb first.

Undated June
The GWR issued special instructions for the running of ammunition trains and petrol (aircraft fuel) trains.
The GWR tender ‘Sir John Hawkins’, usually based in Plymouth Sound, took part in Operation Ariel, the evacuation of troops from France after Dunkirk, bringing troops back to Millbay Docks in Plymouth.
The GWR ran 200 special trains from Plymouth and the Cornish ports to transport the returning military personnel back to their bases.

Undated July
Armoured Train D arrives to support the defence of the Bodmin Stop Line. It is powered by a LNER F4 class 2 4 2T engine. Bob Gregson, a private in the Royal Engineers, was the fireman & later became the driver. The train was originally manned by the Tank Corps but the role was soon taken over by Polish troops. A locomotive for the train was kept in steam at all times until May 1941. Based at Wadebridge, the train covered all the lines from Padstow to Bodmin Road, down the main line to Lostwithiel and down the branch line to Fowey.

Monday 8th July
In Falmouth Police Supt Norrish reports “4 bombs dropped. 2 in water near Western Breakwater, 1 practically on edge of Eastern Breakwater, 1 on docks property – made a large crater and knocked over 2 railway trucks. No casualties.” PWD

Tuesday 9th July
The guns for St Catherine’s Fort, Fowey, which had been delivered by rail to Fowey Goods Yard at the end of June were taken by lorry to the fort. (Fort Record Book)

Thursday 11th July
Two DELs (searchlights) & 2 Lister generators on trailers which had been delivered by rail to Fowey Goods Yard early in July were taken by lorry from the station. (Fort Record Book)

Sunday 21st July
“4 bombs dropped at 0229 on Falmouth Docks, 2 in water, 2 on Western Wharf. The Dock Railway was damaged and Stevedores’ hut was demolished.” (Falmouth Air Raid Book.)

Tuesday 20th August
An evening bombing raid on the station and locomotive depot at Newton Abbot caused severe delays to GWR services running into Cornwall. Four railway staff & 10 members of the public were killed with 29 seriously injured and considerable damage done to the trackwork, station buildings and rolling stock. Tiny, Brunel’s broad-gauge locomotive displayed on the down platform escaped unscathed. GWR

Saturday 7th September
On the day the London Blitz began a high explosive bomb hit the approaches to Waterloo, penetrating the brick viaduct before exploding and causing so much damage that the station had to be closed. Two lines reopened on the 19th and normal operations resumed on 1st October. Services to North Cornwall were seriously hampered during this time. (The Southern Railway Handbook 1923 – 1947 by David Wragg)

Wednesday 2nd October
An early morning raid in Penzance saw part of a store and Hoskings garage demolished. The blast damaged the railway station and many houses and buildings nearby lost their glass. WBF

Friday 11th October
“One bomb, an oil bomb, failed to ignite at Blankednick Farm, Perranworthal, only about 150 yards from the Truro – Falmouth railway.” WBF

Monday 14th October
The Monday evening edition of the West Briton reported “A fatal accident occurred at Falmouth Docks this morning. Mr Edmund Vincent Pascoe, age 46, of 27 Bar Terrace, Falmouth was caught between two goods trucks on the Docks goods line and suffered such injuries that he died soon afterwards.” He was a former 100 yard Cornish Champion and a wing-threequarter at rugby for Cornwall. He left a widow and a daughter Shelia. WB/FP

Monday 4th November
The crash on the down line at Norton Fitzwarren near Taunton killing the fireman and 26 passengers of a train that went through catch points and derailed at 40 mph caused severe delays for trains in and out of Cornwall.

Saturday 7th December
For the four weeks ending on this day the average lateness for GWR West of England services was no less than 105.44 minutes. The average for passenger trains to the West of England for the whole of 1940 was 45.80 minutes late. In 1938 it was just 5.2 minutes late.GWR

Sunday 29th December
On the night termed ‘The Second Great Fire of London’ Waterloo had to close for a time because of incendiary bombs. (The Southern Railway Handbook 1923 – 1947 by David Wragg) This caused disruption on services to and from North Cornwall for several days.
 





SOURCES (if not fully given in the text)
CG      Cornish Guardian (Cornwall Centre)
WB      West Briton (Cornwall Centre)
FP       Falmouth Packet (Cornwall Centre)
CM      Cornishman (Cornwall Centre)
PWD    War Diary of Cornwall Constabulary (County Records Office)
WBF     When Bombs Fell by Phyllis Rowe & Ivan Rabey
ECMR  East Cornwall Mineral Railways by Maurice Dart
GWR    History of the Great Western Railway by Peter Semmens
BLP      Branch Line to Padstow by Vic Mitchell & Keith Smith
RM      Railway Magazine December 1939

            Many thanks to Phillip for his hard research work
Picture
Wawel Treasure Coronation Sword passed thru Falmouth June 1940 Copyright the Phil Hadley Collection
Picture
BEF troops given food on the Falmouth Branch Line June 1940 Copyright Phil Hadley Collection

Items added on 29th April 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

29/4/2017

 
West Country Rail
Activity.  
Karl Hewlett
Dear Keith.  This week coming sees quite a flurry of different activity in Cornwall from the norm, so I have sent over some links that may interest CRS readers.

Network Rail class 150 Radio Survey Unit:

Wednesday 3rd May
Laira TMD Fuel Point to Truro Yard via Looe and Newquay
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U35706/2017/05/03/advanced


Thursday 4th May
Truro Yard to Derby RTC via Falmouth
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U35707/2017/05/04/advanced


Network Rail HST New Measurement Train:

Friday 5th May
Old Oak Common to Paignton via Penzance
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H20042/2017/05/05/advanced


Bellmond Pullman VSOE class 66 or 67:
London Victoria to Truro
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53018/2017/05/05/advanced

Truro to Truro Yard ECS stock movement
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53019/2017/05/05/advanced

Truro Yard to DBC St Blazey Yard LIP ECS engine/s
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53020/2017/05/05/advanced

Saturday 6th May

DBC St Blazey Yard LIP to Truro Yard ECS engine/s
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53021/2017/05/06/advanced


Penzance to Bath Spa
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53023/2017/05/06/advanced

Bath Spa to Penzance
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53026/2017/05/06/advanced


Sunday 7th May
Penzance Sloopers Sidings to Truro ECS
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53029/2017/05/07/advanced

Truro to London Victoria
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U53030/2017/05/07/advanced


No times are in the system yet for 'Great Britain X' tour, but I do know at the moment 34046 Braunton (as 34052 Lord Dowding) and 46100 Royal Scot are currently booked in to haul this. There are quite a lot of schedule changes already and the run on Saturday 8th May now only goes as far as Plymouth, on Sunday 7th the tour now starts from Truro (changed twice already from Falmouth and Penzance), so be prepared if it changes yet again!  I will update this tour when details come through.

Regards

Karl (Friends of Penmere Station).
​

                      Many thanks indeed for your hard work Karl
West Somerset Gala Roger Aston
Keith, As start of our holiday we at West Somerset Gala for 3 days taking too many pictures. perhaps a feature when I can get time to sort them.
As a taster here are two from yesterday (27th) 
Best regards, Roger
Agreed - we will collect all received to form a 'Feature' in the future.

Picture
6960 turning on the triangle at Norton Fitzwarren. 27th April 2017 Copyright Roger Aston.
Picture
Inge Aston enjoys her footplate pass. 27th April 2017. Copyright Roger Aston
Newquay in 1971 
Ron Kosys

​Setting the scene  - Ron Writes 
To get the most out of my 1971 Railrover, myself and my mate started off at New Street on the night of Friday 16th July, by catching the 2326 ex New Street to Newquay, with an arrival at 0615. This started back at Nottingham at 2150. This was actually the day I finished school, aged 16 ! We had to buy singles to Cheltenham, the first station stop after midnight so our Railrovers had by then become valid...
Our loco for the packed overnighter was Peak 123. After the passengers had disembarked, the stock was moved to the sidings to the north of the station to allow 1064 to arrive with the 2125 from Manchester. as can be seen from the station clock, this arrived on time at 0640.

These trains then switched... The Peak departed at 0753 for Manchester, stopping all stations to Bodmin Road, the Western departing with the 0952 to Newcastle, first stop Par.
Picture
Newquay 1064 Western Regent ex 21.25 Manchester-Newquay 17th July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
Newquay 1064 Western Regent 17th July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys
​​Liskeard viaduct 
​Sid Sponheimer
Picture
A shot of a early warship crossing Liskeard Viaduct on the 23rd of November 1965. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Taunton
John Cornelius​
Picture
Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 28th April 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

27/4/2017

 
Re-opening Wilton North station.
An  interesting thought.
 

​Consideration is being given to an idea to re-open Wilton North - the old GWR station on the Warminster to Salsibury line.  Wilton North and Wilton South lay within yards of each other close to the point where the two companies lines one ran alongside each other towards Salisbury and more recently where the metals from Exeter and Westbury join two form a common line through to Salisbury.
To view this suggestion for the reopening of this station and others at Corsham and Royal Compton Basset as well as the expansion of Chippenham to be a three platform station. Please click here   
https://transwilts.org/index.php
Picture
an HST during the period of 29 April to 2 May 2013 when trains were diverted from Paddington to Plymouth to use Waterloo to Plymouth via Salisbury and Westbury. This photo is again taken from Kingsway Bridge, but now looking South East towards Salisbury. The platform on the right was beside the Up Refuge (see 1925 Map) and used extensively during the Sheep Fairs (held beside LSWR Station) to onload/offload Sheep. Adrian Vaughan shows a photo in GWRJ 27, page 180, of sheep being loaded/unloaded here. The bridge in the background is on The Avenue and is close to the Salisbury Park and Ride site at Wilton. Both sides of the line at this point (between bridges Kingsway and Avenue) is where the NEW Wilton Parkway Station is proposed (2016/2017) to be built.. Script and photograph by Terry Waldron. Copyright Many thanks for these.
​Porthminster Viaduct reconstruction
Laurence Hansford
Laurence Hansford who grew up watching the railway scene at St Ives has very kindly given us the result of his extensive research into the replacement of the original lattice girder construction of this viaduct withe a more substantial structure.  This article is too long for the 'News Section' and has been placed in features Jan - June 2017 and also in the St Ives branch section. Laurence Hansford who grew up watching the railway scene at St Ives has very kindly given us the result of his extensive research into the replacement of the original lattice girder construction of this viaduct withe a more substantial structure.  This article is too long for the 'News Section' and has been placed in features Jan - June 2017 and also in the St Ives branch section.
Laurence Hansford who grew up watching the railway scene at St Ives has very kindly given us the result of his extensive research into the replacement of the original lattice girder construction of this viaduct withe a more substantial structure.  This article is too long for the 'News Section' and has been placed in features Jan - June 2017 and also in the St Ives branch section. Click here for the features section. As  a taster a couple of rare pictures below.  Many thanks indeed to Laurence for his endeavors which are very much appreciated.  
Picture
St Ives station with two Class 22's on a heavy train. 7th September 1963 Copyright Laurence Hansford
Picture
A Class 22 hndles a substantial freight at St Ives., a view out over the engine shed and water tower. 26th April 1963. Copyright Laurence Hansford.
​Exeter and Taunton
Steve Widdowson
Picture
45063 on shed at Exeter 8th September 1985. Copyright Steve Widdowson
Picture
The same day Steve sees 50006 at Taunton 8th September 1985 S Widdowson
​Long Rock
Sid Sponheimer
Picture
Class 47 1920 & Class 25 7675 at Long Rock on the 21st July 1973. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Bishops Lydeard
John Cornelius 
Picture
5542 is a GWR 4575 Class 2-6-2T "small prairie" tank engine which was built in 1928 and withdrawn by British Railways in December 1961, she spent the next fourteen years in a scrapyard before being acquired for preservation. After many years of hard work restoring her she entered traffic on the West Somerset Railway in autumn 2002, she has since moved to work on a number of other heritage lines . Copyright John Cornelius
What a contrast 5542 on the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh on Easter Monday 17th April 2017
Picture
Copyright Roger Winnen

Items added on 27th April 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

27/4/2017

 
Bank Holiday Monday 1st May 2017 Cornwall Railway Society Visit to the Gartell Railway Templecombe (Admission Sen Cit £7)

Penzance 06.45 St Erth 06.55 Camborne 07.07 Redruth 07.14 Truro 07.27 St Austell 07.45 Par 07.52 Bodmin Parkway 08.06 Liskeard 08.20 Plymouth 08.53 Exeter St David's 09.56 Depart Exeter St David's 10.25 Templecombe 11.43 Walk to the Gartell Railway

Return dep Templecombe 16.25 Exeter St Davids 17.42/17.45 Cross Platform change or 18.22
Plymouth 18.49 or 19.31 Liskeard 19.24 or 19.57 Bodmin Parkway 19.36 or 20.10 Par 19.46 or 20.22 St Austell 19.52 or 20.29 Truro 20.18 or 20.47 Redruth 20.29 or 20.59 Camborne 20.35 or21.07 St Erth 20.46 or 21.20 Penzance 20.54 or 21.31

Purchase an Off Peak Day Return(Valid on Bank Holiday Mondays) to Axminster and an Off Peak Day Return Axminster to Templecombe
For any further information contact Roger Winnen 0n 01736 350048 or 0777 380 8074


  • E-mails You may find that e-mails sent to our General Address are receiving the Automated reply - ' Mick not available until 4th May'. I can assure you that both Keith and Roger are available so e-mails to either of us please. Roger Winnen at winnen@btinternet.com or  Keith Jenkin at  rkjenkin@gmail.com
Laira in 1984
Barry Jones
A warm welcome to Barry Jones - the first time he has contributed to our pages.  Many thanks indeed.
Picture
A smashing action photo of 37185 with Cornish Railways logo (Wizzy Lizzy), at Laira depot, Taken on a Plymouth Railway Circle visit on the 13th Aug 1984, Copyright Barry Jones
Picture
Cornish Railways logo (Wizzy Lizzy) on 37185, Laira depot, 13 Aug 1984, Copyright Barry Jones
Par in 1986
Steve Widdowson
Here is a pic of 37251 at Par on 30th August 1986, not 100% of the move but it had something to do with a charter to Penzance with a pair of 20's.

Anyone know the chap hanging out of the second man side ? 
Picture
37251 attracts attention at Par on the 30th August 1986 Copyright Steve Widdowson
Westbury
 Martin Scane
Picture
The country continues to have good weather as can be seen from this stone train with 59101 standing at the head in Westbury yard today. 27th April 2017. Copyright Martin Scane Many thanks Martin
Redruth
 Sid Sponheimer
Picture
1035 Western Yeoman stands on Bond Street bridge, Redruth. Tommy HARRIS's timber and hardware store was to left immediatly before the bridge. There was always an odour of creosoate and freshly cut timber there. The stone two storey building nearest us was Channons whole food store. 9th May 1973 Copyright Sid Sponheimer N.B. Western Yeoman was put to traffic on the 17th July 1962 and was scrapped at Swindon on the 30th September 1976. The remains of the last signalbox base can be seen on the embankment to the right of the bridge.
Templecombe
 John Cornelius
Picture
Ellerman Lines on a train Exeter bound. 'Ellerman Lines' still exists, well half of it, it appears as a sectioned locomotive - to show the 'workings', in the National Railway Museum York. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 26th April 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

26/4/2017

 
The Marazion Pullmans
The whole story
Steve Widdowson
Unfortunately due to having rather a lot to do I forgot to include som crucial evidence with his article.  So here it is again with the missing pictures.  My apologies to Steve. 

Steve writes :-  Hi Keith, Came across the attachment plus a photo with the following caption on it.

There was another twist to the fate of the old Pullmans at Marazion near Penzance in 1990 . The 2nd owner who brought them since BR has given them up and tried to auction them in Febuary 90 in London but  they did not meet the reserve. The coaches where then put up for sale for offers in excess of £300,000 and coming with planning consent for 12 bungalows. 

They where still up for sale in September 90 when this photo was taken .
Steve  Widdowson                              Many thanks for the recall.
Picture
Pullmans at Marazion in 1990. Copyright Steve Widdowson.
Picture
The Steve Widdowson Collection
Picture
There are some errors in the paperwork above - 'The Golden Arrow' never ran to Plymouth. The Steve Widdowson Collection
The Steam Railmotor No 93
To Looe
Peter Murnaghan 
Roger Winnen

In February 1908 a Steam Railmotor was built at Swindon Works and numbered 93 and was one of the last batch built. After running some 479,000 miles it was withdrawn in 1934. The power unit was removed from the vehicle prior to its conversion into an auto trailer, being numbered 212 which ran in service until 1956. After that date it became a British Railways work study coach in Birmingham and numbered as a B R internal user no 079014.  In 1970 this vehicle was purchased by the Great Western Society who over a number of years reconstructed the coach back into the Steam Railmotor you see today. This is the sole survivor of a class of 99. This Steam Railmotor operated a special service to Looe on Sunday 11th and 18th November, 2012. These photographs were all taken on Sunday 18th November.
Picture
121118a Ray Churchfield and No 93 at Liskeard Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
121118b Preparing to depart from Liskeard Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
121118c After slowing for Terras Crossing the Rail Motor heads for Looe. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
121118d Reflections in the river at Terras Crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
121118e Number 93 departs from Looe. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
121118z The Steam Railmotor at Looe with Ray Churchfield driving. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.
See more pictures in the Features Page
Back in '81 
David Antony
David takes another dip into his collection, many thanks.
Picture
In 1981 all the HST's looked the same, remember the Post Office bridge leading across to the derelict building to the south the station. Copyright David Antony.
Picture
We are very familiar with the 'modern bubble cars', the class 153's. Remember that each one was once half of a class 155!!. Picture taken in 1981 Copyright David Antony Correction to this picture is The picture of a 155 is in fact 156407 & not a 155. Apologies
Truro  arrival 
Sid Sponheimer
Picture
Class 47 D1609. runs into Truro on the 17th April 1973 Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Carriage Cleaners
John Cornelius
Many thanks to John who has sent in this very old taken of these ladies about one hundred years ago.
Picture
Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 25th April 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

25/4/2017

 

70812 at Twerton Short Tunnel
by Alan Peters.

An unusual view of the Western portal of Brunel's Tudor-Gothic Twerton Short Tunnel, taken during the line closure between Bristol and Bath over the Easter period. Pictured is Colas Rail Freight's latest class 70 during TPOD3 (Temporary Period Of Disruption) 70812 is waiting to leave the possession for Westbury via Bristol and Taunton with a rake of Falcon wagons, the train was top and tailed with 70805 on the rear although out of shot - 23/04/17.
Copyright Alan Peters. Many thank Alan.

Picture
70812 and its train stand under Twerton Short Tunnel before departure to Westbury. Copyright Alan Peters.
Crediton Convoy
David Tozer
Todays entertainment at Crediton.
20189/20205,33035,47828 and 45060 0Z47 1400 Okehampton - St Phillips Marsh.
Dave                Many thanks David
Picture
Crediton convoy 1 20189 &20205 24th April 2017 Copyright David Tozer
Picture
Crediton convoy 2 45060 brings up the rear. 24th April 2017 Copyright David Tozer
Liskeard
Sid Sponheimer
Picture
An interesting shot taken from the walkway between the main up platform and Looe branch platform at Liskeard on the 28th June 1964 . Class 41 D603 Conquest leaves heading for Plymouth passing the sidings accessed off the Looe branch metals. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Exeter St Davids
Ron Kosys
We complete the current selection of pictures on the North Devon lines by Ron Kosys with this picture of a 'bubble' arriving at Exeter St Davids  Many thanks Ron.
Picture
Exeter St Davids 26th August 1971 1140 ex Okehampton 55016 runs into bay. Copyright Ron Kosys
Templecombe
 John Cornelius
Picture
The bogie of 30913 rests on the bridge over High Street, Templecombe. This bridge was subsequebtly replaced in single track form. Note the station name emblazoned on the canopy end. The Somerset and Dorset platform was on the far side of this island. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 24th April 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

24/4/2017

 
Marazion Pullmans
​Steve Widdowson
Steve writes :-  Hi Keith, Came across the attachment plus a photo with the following caption on it.

There was another twist to the fate of the old Pullmans at Marazion near Penzance in 1990 . The 2nd owner who brought them since BR has given them up and tried to auction them in Febuary 90 in London but  they did not meet the reserve. The coaches where then put up for sale for offers in excess of £300,000 and coming with planning consent for 12 bungalows. 

They where still up for sale in September 90 when this photo was taken .
Steve  Widdowson                              Many thanks for the recall.
Picture
They certainly looked grim then. However they are long gone and holiday bungalows grace the plot. Copyright Steve Widdowson
​Glyn Valley
Craig Munday
Picture
66034 made a fine sight at Largin passing Draw wood with 6W98 back to Westbury. 23rd April 2017 Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
33110 heads down towards Bodmin Parkway 23rd April 2017 Copyright Craig Munday
Okehampton
Ron Kosys
Picture
Ron stands on the down platform where he arrived to witness the proceedings, it's in the days while proceeded east of the station to cross from the down main to the up main line. Note the quite considerable collection of mail in sacks ready for loading. 22nd July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
A view from further west along the down platform as a member of staff walks back along the up platform to join other staff to assist loading mail bags, 22nd July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
55029 sets of towards Coleford Junction and Exeter as staff discuss the days events. Although one collection of mail sacks has gone one collection remains! One notes, to us (Westerners) , the rather strange two wheeled platform trolleys. 22nd July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys
Moresk, Truro
 Sid Sponheimer
Picture
Peak 163 leaves Truo behind and heads for Buckshead tunnel. 5th April 1973. Copright Sid Sponheimer N.B. The area to the right is now a housing estate!!
Templecombe
 John Cornelius
Picture
Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 23rd April 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

23/4/2017

 
Marazion 
Andrew Triggs

Hello Keith, A couple of shots of the rail train working today nearing and at Marazion in the sun, non station shots as requested on the site, have sent you direct to you, as Roger is at the Helston Model Railway show again today.
All the Best,  Andrew Triggs            Many Thanks
Picture
66034 Near Marazion. 23rd April 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
66034 At Marazion. 23rd April 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs
St Austell
After repaint 1987

David Antony
Picture
A colourful scene after a repaint in 1987/88. Copytight David Antony
​An interlude at
Sampford Courtenay

Ron Kosys
Picture
Running light towards Meldon D833 heads through on the down line. Nowadays only the up line remains. Copyright Ron Kosys D833, named 'Panther' was put to traffic on the 6th July 1960 and withdrawn on the 3rd October 1971 - it met its fate being cut up at Swindon on the 5th February 1972. This picture dated 20th August 1971.
Picture
Sampford Courtnay 20th August 1971 'Bubble 55016 runs in. . Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
Sampford Courtnay 20th August 1971 'Bubble 55016 at a stand before heading off towards Okehampton. Copyright Ron Kosys Are these potential passengers for an up service one wonders?
​Chacewater
Sid Sponheimer


Picture
Peak D148 passing through . Chacewater on the . 5th April 1973 Copyright Sid Sponheimer. Note, by this time the up platform had disappeared.
Templecombe
 John Cornelius
Picture
Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 22nd April 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

22/4/2017

 
Engineering trains
 Karl Hewlett
Dear Keith.  I had been notified of this engineers train a few days ago which I thought was running next weekend but in fact it is today and Sunday, fortunately the daylight run is tomorrow! Booked to run at 60 mph with 600 tonnes trailing which suggests a 'Colas Rail' class 70 and wagons:

Saturday 22nd April to Eastleigh to Par
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/B11607/2017/04/22/advanced

Sunday 23rd April Truro to Eastleigh via Penzance (to run around wagons)

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/B11608/2017/04/23/advanced

Apologies for the short notice but at least in time for the daylight run!
​Also apologies for the late posting of this notice - KJ 

Regards,  Karl (Friends of Penmere Station)
               Pictures of this train other than at stations if possible.
North Tawton & Bow
 John Root
John Root writes :-  Interesting to see these I can just remember through services between Plymouth and Exeter.
I don't know if they are still there but the inside of the waiting shed on the disused island platform at Bere Alston was a time capsule. Kept locked from around 1970. **I saw inside it in the 90's: Southern green and yellow paint -Fireplace- stove, Advertising posters for summer season holiday travel in '1969 etc. 
Western  Region had a lot to answer for in destroying the 'Withered Arm' Yes, bit of it were uneconomic but bits of it weren't- looking at the last season of holiday traffic receipts at Ilfracombe under Southern Region control compared to the first season under Weston Region: The trains re-timetabled not to connect with anything or hour long waits for Barnstable connections at remote stations like Yeoford. Death by a thousand cuts and wilful neglect??
** Does anybody know what's in there these days, is it in safe keeping or destroyed?  Many thanks for writing in.
Bere Alston
David Antony
Picture
Bere Alston in the mid 80's. Tthe disused Waiting Shed referred to in John Root's note above was a little further along the platform. . Many thanks to David Antony for this and the picture below,. Copyright
Picture
The approach to the station in the 1980's. Copyright David Antony
An Interlude at North Tawton
 Ron Kosys
Picture
The dreaded notice at North Tawton seen on the 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
The running in board at North Tawton with 55016 running in. 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
The station buildings at North Tawton on the 26th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
A view from the footbridge at North Tawton with the 15.28 Exeter - Okehampton departing. 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
North Tawton on the 26th August 1971 - at least a couple of passengers. Copyright Ron Kosys
Peak pauses at Truro
Sid Sponheimer

Picture
Peak class D78 waits the 'right away'. at Truro. 30th April 1973. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Wick
John Conelius

Picture
A delightful picture on a fine day. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 21st April 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

21/4/2017

 
Bailey Gate
​John Baxter
Hello Keith
I have for the first time today been looking at the great set of pictures of the S&D on your site and I was delighted to see one that shows the Bailey Gate running in board.  I have been looking for one like this for years as we (the Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust at Midsomer Norton) have owned the letters off this sign for many years and we have wanted to ensure that when we mount them again on a suitable wooden board that they look identical to what they did in S&D days.  I don't know if Barry Lucas is still alive (HE IS WE ARE DELIGHTED TO SAY)  but if he is can you pass on my thanks to him that he ever took this picture! It will now enable us to recreate the running in board over the next few months and then put it on display.  It is likely that we will place it into a viewing area within a new shed we are hoping to create sometime in the next 12 months. I have copied Barry's picture and if he doesn't mind when we do restore the running in board we would like to refer to his picture in one of our Telegraph magazines.

Quite happy for you to augment the website with these details.  How did we obtain these artefacts?  Well, when Bailey Gate shut, the sign was taken down by one of the last members of staff and it languished in his back garden for over 30 years we understand.  Gradually the wooden surround went rotten.  On of our members heard about this and approached the now elderly gentleman to see whether he could purchase the board and its letters.  The owner agreed to this but the board was so rotten that it partially disintegrated when lifted.  It was probably now a decade ago that we purchased all the letters which are a considerable weight as you can imagine. Now we can recreate the running in board and ensure that the letters are in their exact position.

Best wishes,  John Baxter   S&DRHT 
Here is the reply from Barry Lucas.
​Hello Keith
 Yes, I am quite happy for the photo to be used. It is very good to see the good old S&D remembered in this way. I never thought that there would be so much interest in it 50 years on. I wish the Midsummer Norton chaps all the best and may even get up there to see them one day.
 
I am enjoying my retirement and try to keep busy but I have enough to do now. Did I ever have time to go to work?
 
Barry.

Picture
And here is the sign - Bailey Gate and Struminster Marshall 5th March 1966 - Copyright Barry Lucas
We wish you all the best John. Please let us have a picture of the completed item to put on this website.
​

Colourful Combination
​Craig Munday


Hi Keith, A colourful working on the Newquay 153325 / 305 arrive at Par with the evening train. The semaphores and repainted box provide even more colour! 

Also included 1A81 HST passing the old mine working at Hallenbeagle in glorious sunshine. 

Cheers Craig,                      Many thanks to you Craig
Picture
The evening sun on the 20th April 2017 provides excellent light for these colourful units at Par Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
Seen from a location known to many as 'Apex' the evening light illuminates the Hallenbeagle Engine House and helps pick out the yellow end of 1a81. 20th April 2017 Copyright Craig Munday
Remember this?  
Steve Widdowson

Hi Keith, Came across this attached pic of TelCom livery 118 DMU Set No P460 Cars 51317, 51325 & 51310 about to depart Lelant Salting, with a service from St Ives to St Erth on 25th June 1987.                                                 Steve Widdowson    Many thanks Steve, almost forgotten
Picture
Lelant Saltings Class 118 SET NoP460, Lelant Salting , ( 51317, 51325 & 51310 ) 25th June 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson
The latest photographs of the
Long Rock Depot extension
Roger Winnen
These photographs were taken on Thursday evening 20th April 2017
Picture
170420a The latest pictures on the recontruction of Long Rock depot. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170420b The roof of the depot rises above the existing roof of the old depot. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170420c Taken from the approach to Morrisons store with the refueling facilities that have been in place since the arrival of the diesel locomotives in 1958-1959. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170420d Taken from the beach side of the depot it shows the new extension rising upwards above the old roof, once the new roof is on, presumingly the old roof will be dismantled. Copyright Roger Winnen
An interlude at Bow
Ron Kosys
Thursday 26th August 1971. Bubble, 55016.
 
Interestingly, unlike my visit to the Bridport branch on the same Railrover, EVERY service had at least one other revenue passenger as well as myself (poor English but you know what I mean...).
On this day, revenue recorders were travelling on every train, recording in detail with a Dictaphone the stations between which each passenger was travelling, along with the type of ticket they were using/holding or purchasing from the guard on the train.
 
I spent time at each of the stations that was due to close with the withdrawal of the Okehampton service.
 
Had I known a Hymek would be passing through with a train of loaded ballast from Meldon Quarry I would NOT have remained on that platform I can assure you!!

Regards Ron,
 Many thanks Ron

Picture
Bow 26th August 1971 3 One of the shortest nameboards ever! Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
Bow 26th August 1971 1 55016 departs towards Okehampton Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
and returns again heading for Exeter. Note the passengers. 26th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
The station buildings at Bow on the 26th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
55016 arrives back at Bow. 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
And finally at Bow, Hymek 7065 from Meldon passes through. 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys
More from Salisbury
Michael Forward

Picture
890815a 47330 shunting clay wagons which it had brought in from, I think Quidhampton. Copyright Michael Forward
Picture
890815b 56052 Heads east with an unknown stone working. Copyright Michael Forward
Picture
890815c 50003 'Temeraire' arrives at Salisbury with the 12.15 from London Waterloo. Copyright Michael Forward
Devonport
(Kings Road)

Sid Sponheimer
Picture
A smashing view of action at Kings Road Devonport - this station on the 'Southern' route to Bere Alston, Okehampton, Exeter and eventually Waterloo closed on the 7th September 1964. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.
Athelney
John Cornelius
Picture
This is the loco which hauled the CRS railtour, Penzance, Avonmouth , Swindon. Copyright John Cornelius
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