Blog Archives

Items added on 10th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

10/4/2017

Advance Advice
Visit to the Launceston Steam Railway
Thursday 13th April 2017
Penzance depart 09.35 St Erth 09.43 Camborne 09.56 Redruth 10.03 Truro 10.15 St Austell 10.31 Par 10.38 Bodmin Parkway 10.51 Liskeard 11.04
Group Travel Bus 236 Departs from Outside Liskeard Station by the Stag Inn at 11.27 (Have your
Bus Passes Handy) arr Launceston Westgate Street at 12.15. Depart Launceston Westgate Street at 12.20 on Group Travel service 223 and alight at the entrance to the Newport Industrial Estate at 12.24 which is near the Launceston Steam Railway.
Trains depart from Launceston Station at 13.00 14.00 15.00 16.00
Trains returning depart from Newmills at 13.20 14.20 15.20 16.20
Fares for Senior Citizens £9.15 unlimited travel

Buses depart from the Newport Industrial Estate at 40 mins pass the hour to Launceston Westgate Street.

A through Plymouth City Bus service is shown on Route 12B from Newport Industrial Estate at 16.16 then Westgate Street at 16.25 arriving at Plymouth Station at 17.47

A further Plymouth City Bus service 12B departs Launceston Westgate Street at 17.25 arriving at Plymouth Station at 18.34
Train depart from Plymouth at 18.42 Liskeard 19.07 Bodmin Parkway 19.19 Par 19.31 St Austell 19.39 Truro 20.00 Redruth 20.10 Camborne 20.18 St Erth 20.28 Penzance 20.42
or Plymouth depart 19.01 Liskeard 19.24 Bodmin Parkway 19.36 Par 19.46 St Austell 19.52 Truro 20.18 Redruth 20.29 Camborne 20.35 St Erth 20.46 Penzance 20.54
Purchase an Off Peak Day Return to Plymouth.
In the event of the 09.35 Penzance to Manchester service being cancelled please travel on the next available service being the 10.00 Penzance to London Paddington and alight on arrival at Plymouth at 11.57
Cross the road outside of the Station for the 12.04 or 13.04 bus being 12B Lauceston Bus which arrives 13.22 or 14.22
For any problems contact Roger Winnen on 01736 350048 or 0777 380 8074

Box Tunnel
and Brunel's birthday

Concerning Box tunnel and the speculation that it was designed on such a bearing that the sun would shine through it on Brunel's birthday - 9th April. Please use the link below to see GWR's proof of this on the birthday of the great man.

https://www.gwr.com/about-us/media-centre/news/2017/april/gwr-proves-brunels-sunshine-theory-is-there-light-at-the-end-of-brunels-box-tunnel
Many thanks to GWR for providing this information.

Box Work
Adrian King

Hi Keith
Hope your keeping well and the sun is still shining in Cornwall. I thought you may be interested with these couple of photos. We paid a visit to our son on the weekend, he lives near Box in Wiltshire and I took the opportunity to visit the main line which was closed over the weekend for major drainage works. With the assistance of a very helpful engineer working at the site these are a few of the shots (it was he who took the one which is on the line itself) taken on Sunday afternoon of the work in progress at the western end of Middle Hill Tunnel.
Cheers Adrian Many thanks

Box Middle Hill tunnel. 9th May 2017 Copyright Adrian King. Picture taken by railway staff.

Box Middle Hill tunnel works. 9th April 2017. Copyright Adrian King

Cornish Gnome
Low bridge ahead
Roger Winnen / Keith Jenkin

A really charming scene - 'olde worlde'. The Dell at Falmouth with a Metropolitian C & W Works DMU and the old garage with its pumps. 31st March 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen.

Just to the right of the picture above lies the railway bridge over Avenue Road. Several years ago now a lady driving a double decker on route 41 caused it to be considerably modified as it attempted a 'pass' under the bridge shown below. Whether the bus the bus continues in service as an 'open topper' is not known!!

It's the 3rd May 1998 and the 'Cornish Gnome' pauses at Falmtouth Town station. The loco stands on Avenue Road bridge. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Kingskerswell Station
Roger Winnen

As early as 1849 the residents of Kingskerswell were petitioning the South Devon Railway to stop trains at Kingskerswell, they would even pay towards the station. It was not until 1st July, 1853 that a station was provided on the then single line, however a loop was installed at Kingskerswell in 1861 followed by the line doubling in 1876 when a second platform came into use. The Station Buildings were situated at one end of the road overbridge which was on arches, with steps leading down to the platforms. The station closed on 5th October,1964.

170408d The remains of Kingskerswell Station today with its GWR railings in situ. Copyright Roger Winnen

170408e A booking office stood on one side of this road overbridge and steps descended to both platforms. Copyright Roger Winnen

170408f The 11.23 Exmouth to Paignton is seen passing the abandoned platforms of Kingskerswell Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

170408g The 12.13 Paignton to Exmouth passes through the deserted platforms. Copyright Roger Winnen

170408h A landmark for the station which can be viewed from the train window is The Parish Church of St Mary, Kingskerswell where a Wedding Service was taking place. The station is situated about two hundred yards after passing this church. Copyright Roger Winnen

170408i The 08.07 Manchester to Paignton heads towards its destination. Copyright Roger Winnen

Masbusy Summit
John Cornelius

Almost ten years after the closure of the Somerset and Dorset John re-visits site of the notorious bank between Shepton Mallet and Binegar. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 9th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

9/4/2017

Southampton Town Quay
Roger Salter

170401a Railway lines still visible at Town Quay Southampton which is now a Car Park. Copyright Roger Salter

170401b Railway Lines at Town Quay, Southampton. Copyright Roger Salter

The Sun Rises over Long Rock
Roger Winnen

170408a The sun rises above Long Rock TMD viewed from the 06.50 Penzance Paddington service. Copyright Roger Winnen

170408b With the rising sun we pass the wash plant at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Winnen

170408c Looking back to Long Rock depot we see the enormous extension being added to the building. Copyright Roger Winnen

Melksham
Guy Vincent

Three pictures showing the former GWR station at Melksham taken approximately 112 years apart. Picture 1 shows a busy scene with an 'up' passenger train standing at the Chippenham-bound platform in about 1905. This platform (and the footbridge) was demolished along with all buildings in 1969-70 following closure of the station to passengers from April 18th 1966. The train has a clerestory coach in it's formation and beyond the railway the tall chimney of Spencer's Engineering Works in Beanacre Road dominates the skyline. The firm moved here in 1903 from a much smaller site in the town and for several decades was a major local employer. Their output included heavy engineering works such as girder bridges which were sent all over the world in kit form for on-site assembly. The company was taken over by the Elliot-Automation Group of Companies in 1962, later this became GEC who closed the Melksham factory in April 1988. Much of the site was cleared and redeveloped as housing from 2003 as can be seen in picture 2.

Happily the passenger trains returned to Melksham from 13th May 1985 and although only a short section of the down platform is currently in use there are plans to extend it at the Chippenham end to accommodate the class 165-6 Turbo trains when they are cascaded to the Bristol area. The passenger service has had a very chequered history over the years but seems to be on the up at last and the line's prospects are probably better and stronger now than at any time since the early 1950s.

Picture 2 was taken on Saturday April 8th 2017 and shows brand new Colas loco 70813 on it's first revenue-earning working heading 6C26 1123 Hinksey (Oxford) - Bristol East Jctn engineers train consisting of seven open flat 'Salmons' loaded with new concrete sleepers plus one other empty wagon. 70811 is out of sight at the rear of the train (See P3). Both these locos were unloaded at Seaforth Docks, Liverpool on Thursday March 30th and, following checks and commissioning made their way south, first to Shrewsbury (Coleham) on Wednesday 5th then onto Bescot behind 56096 on the afternoon of 7th. Today (8th) the two locos ran light as 0Z67 0801 Bescot-Hinksey to begin their careers on the national network. The sleepers are for a renewal job taking place between Twerton Tunnel and Newton St Loe between Bath and Bristol. Due to other works involving closure of Bath Spa station the train was routed via Swindon, Melksham, Westbury and Castle Cary to Taunton where it reversed, 70811 then heading via Bridgwater, Nailsea and Bristol Temple Meads to the work site.

Guy Vincent
Many thanks to you Guy for this very detailed account of life and the future of Melksham station.

Melksham GWR Station c1905 with Train A superb postcard from the Guy Vincent collection

70813 heading the 6C26 1123 Hinksey-Bristol East Jctn via Taunton. Melksham. 8th April .2017 Copyright G Vincent

Melksham 70811 tailing 6C26 1123 Hinksey-Bristol East Jctn via Taunton. 8th April 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Melksham - flash back to 1967

Melksham station just over a year after closure to passengers. This is fifty years ago now. We're looking towards Trowbridge and the road bridge from which Guy took his pictures can be clearly seen. Copyright Keith Jenkin. Much has changed and not for the better. Your 'down' picture illustrates how the former up track was retained as the running line with the former down line cut off beyond the A365 road bridge and slewed into the siding that used to serve the Wiltshire Farmers Ltd Grain silos.

Reference the above. For comparison from the same viewpoint. Melksham on the 9th April 2017 (Down) Copyright Guy Vincent

Melksham in 1967. Note the goods shed and signalbox. Copyright Keith Jenkin Also, haphazard and piecemeal demolition of the up platform face has already started but the running-in board frame and lighting apparatus are both still in place.

Reference the above. For comparison from the same viewpoint Melksham (Up) on the 9th April .2017. Copyright Guy Vincent

Glorious sunshine again today and Portsmouth-Cardiff trains diverted to terminate / start back from Swindon due to engineering works around Bath Spa. 150002, now 33 years old and in ex works condition, found itself working a diagram over the Trowbridge-Chippenham single line via Melksham. This was captured passing through the station non-stop on the 1F20 1308 Portsmouth Harbour-Swindon (rear of train nearest camera). 9th April 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent,

Beanacre
Guy Vincent / Keith Jenkin

From closure in April 1966 until the latter part of 1968 one passenger train service ran over the line Monday-Saturday. This was the 14.55 Westbury-Swindon (2B70 or 2B73) calling at Trowbridge and Chippenham and usually worked by a 'Hymek' pulling a couple of passenger coaches / parcels vans.

Hymek, Roger Geach suggests 7007) at Beanacre in January 1968. This must have been the working which Guy refers to above. Fancy that - discovering what this train, unknown as far as I was concerned is. Many thanks to Guy for his detective work. Picture by Keith Jenkin.

The same train heads on towards Thingley Junction January 1968. Note the pill box guarding the military sidings at this location. One wonders if the pill box is still there?

Cookham at Taunton
John Cornelius

It was built in 1938 at Swindon Works, withdrawn from service in December 1965 and purchased directly from British Railways for preservation by John Mynors, a member of the Great Western Society, in 1965-66. Initially it was stored at Ashchurch, until moving to Didcot in August 1970. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 8th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

8/4/2017

The Hythe Pier Tramway
Roger Salter

170330a The Hythe Pier Tramway. Copyright Roger Salter

170330b The Hythe Pier Tramway. Copyright Roger Salter

170330c The Hythe Pier Tramway. Copyright Roger Salter

170330d The Hythe Pier Tramway. Copyright Roger Salter

170330e The Hythe Pier Tramway. Copyright Roger Salter

170330f The Hythe Pier Tramway. Copyright Roger Sslter

170330g The Hythe Pier Tramway. Copyright Roger Salter

170330h At the end of the pier. Copyright Roger Salter

37669 at Lostwithiel making a tremendous roar as it heads away
Michael Forward

890920a Taken on 20th September, 1989 37669 is returning to St Blazey after coming up from Fowey. Copyright Michael Forward

Casper in Cornwall
Peter Murnaghan

Keith, Roger,
I had my first sighting of Casper the Ghost this evening and managed to grab a rather nice shot of him crossing Moorswater Viaduct with the 1755 Plymouth to Penzance on Friday 7th April.
Best wishes, Peter. Many thanks for the ghostly image.

Casper the ghost crossing Moorswater viaduct 17.55 Ply Pz 7th April 2017 Peter Murnaghan Copyright

Box, the third portal,
fascinating footage
Karl Hewlett

Dear Keith.
Found this footage on Youtube, shows a bit of the underground railway in operation at Box Tunnel's third portal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENsf4J0xgPU
Kind Regards
Karl (Friend of Penmere).
Many thanks indeed Karl. Please click above for the railway and underground Art Gallery.

Western at Moorswater
Ron Kosys

This picture is copyright of Ron Kosys taken on the 13th August 1972. I don't know if a western ever traversed the branch such that it was actually at Moorswater rather than on Moorswater viaduct. Does anybody know?

Minehead Illusion
John Cornelius

Good morning Keith, I wish the pic had been 7823, as it was my last manor which I saw at Aberystwyth in Aug 1961, but sadly was inside the shed,so I never got a pic. The pic of the loco is actually 7828,but what makes it look like 7823, is the smoke box door handle is at angle and partially covering the eight, thus giving the impression it is a three. hence the illusion,hope this answers your query. I'm really enjoying the web at present with all the multitude of items coming through. excellent. CHEERS JOHN C. Many thanks for the explanation and your picture John, I was confused.

Items added on 7th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

7/4/2017

Something new this month

We take a look at the Liskeard and Caradon Railway using a collection of old and recent pictures mostly taken between 1973 and 2003.(Go into Cornwall Galleries and scroll down to near the bottom)
Alec Kendall's 148 Page Book published on behalf of the Caradon Heritage project covers the last years of the Liskeard and Caradon Railway which is available to members and supporters of the Cornwall Railway Society at the bargain price of £9 post free. Cheques made payable to Peter Murnaghan and sent to Woodhill Manor, Liskeard PL14 6RD Highly recommended KJ

Moorswater
CDA era
Ron Kosys

We now conclude the current series on the Looe branch with these pictures of early CDA operations at Moorswater. Many thanks Ron.

37673 Moorswater 12th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

37673 on route from Moorswater on the 12th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

37673 arrives at Coombe from Moorswater 12th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

The valley fills with sound as 37673 lifts its load of CDA's away from Coombe and heads for Liskeard . 12th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

And finally the next day we see 37673 at Tywardreath with another load of CDA's heading for Lostwithiel. 13th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Near Tisbury
Roger Geach

50035 Ark Royal on Exeter to Waterloo nr Tisbury 11th October 1986 Copyright Roger Geach (The cows aren't taking much notice - now if it was steam!!)

Saltash
Chris Harvey

Saltash bridge, fresh paintwork, lovely low light and a dark cloudy background, the 1256 Penzance - Paddington heads for Dovon on the 2nd April 2017 Copyright Chris Harvey

The foreshore at Saltash is dominated by the 'Union Inn; which dates from the days of Drake and Raleigh. Here we see 43163 rolling the 11.00 Penzance - Paddington out of the Duchy towards Plymouth. 2nd April 2017 Copyright Chris Harvey

Somerset Levels
John Cornelius

Easy going for Hymek D7058. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 6th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

6/4/2017

Sunshine for the Cement
Ron & Jenny Westwater

70802 on the 6C35 0250 Aberthaw to Moorswater head upgrade from St Germans to Trerulefoot. 5th April 2017 Copyright Ron Westwater

70802 on 6C35 0250 Aberthaw to Moorswater head over St Germans viaduct. 5th April 2017 Copyright Jenny Westwate

After running around at Lostwithiel 70802 heads back up the Glynn valley to Liskeard with the 6c35. 5th April 2017 Copyright Ron Westwater

Jenny catches the classic Largin view. 5th April 2017 Copyright Jenny Westwater

The return working crosses Forder Viaduct 6th April 2017 Copyright Ron Westwater

Many thanks to Ron and Jenny.

The latest photograph of the
Long Rock Depot extension
Roger Winnen

170406a The latest photograph taken at 17.27hrs today of Long Rocks Depot extension. Copyright Roger Winnen

The last of the
Clay hoods
Ron Kosys

Fortunately for us Ron was about to witness some of the last and the very last 'hood' working from Coombe. He was also very fortunate to be accompanied by his uncle, railway staff, which in those days was sufficient for him to get privileged views.

Ron writes - I mentioned that I had a relative who was based at Plymouth HQ. I did call on him before he retired for a bit of assistance in photting the hoods before they finished.
Unfortunately I did leave things a little too late but I did ‘score’ with a few things, including my ultimate goal of a few 50s with hoods (they’ll appear at some point....).

My uncle played a blinder and I had the assistance of someone for a few hours over three or four days, so any shot you see was taken under supervision. It should also be remembered that things
were so different back then, incredibly 29 years ago now!! I was very pleased to have a cab ride on 50149 pre-arranged on the Heathfield branch, that included the ‘now closed’ very northerly section to the
sidings used for Heltor Co's Gulf oil terminal , before that was lost to road tansport. Unfortunately my shots of that were not the best – the weather was pants!! Many thanks Ron.

37675 Moorswater 21st January 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

37675 at Lostwithiel on the 22nd January 1988 Lostwithiel-Fowey Copyright Ron Kosys

A lovely, 'privilaged' shot at Lostwithiel 37674 on the 21st August 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Coombe 10th February 1986 - the very last of the 'hood's is dragged up the bank by 37674. Copyright Ron Kosys

- and a quick drive up to Liskeard to see the last of the 'hoods' come off the branch. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Redruth
Roger Geach

Roger writes :- Thought you may like another Western at Redruth ....
1049 on 1b81 the 0800 Bristol to Penzance stood at Redruth 25th August 1975. The buffet was next to the loco on this train , the only one to have a buffet in Cornwall in those days.
The buffet returned on the 1M74 1400 Penzance to Birmingham service.
Cheers Roger Geach As a Redruthian I was delighted to receive this one, I was on shift work at the time and remember watching this train passing - the same buffet car every day - was it number 1840? KJ

1049 Western Monarch on the 1B81, the 0800 Bristol to Penzance stood at Redruth on the 25th August 1975. The buffet was next to the loco on this train , the only one to have a buffet in Cornwall in those days. The buffet returned on the 1M74 the 1400 Penzance to Birmingham service. Copyright Roger Geach To the extreme left, just beyond Bond Street bridge can be seen Redruth's starter signal - this was worked from Drump Lane Signalbox.

Delightful Dunster
John Cornelius

Three years ago - many thanks. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 5th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

5/4/2017

Something new this month

We take a look at the Liskeard and Caradon Railway using a collection of old and recent pictures mostly taken between 1973 and 2003.(Go into Cornwall Galleries and scroll down to near the bottom)
Alec Kendall's 148 Page Book published on behalf of the Caradon Heritage project covers the last years of the Liskeard and Caradon Railway which is available to members and supporters of the Cornwall Railway Society at the bargain price of £9 post free. Cheques made payable to Peter Murnaghan and sent to Woodhill Manor, Liskeard PL14 6RD Highly recommended KJ

Around Lostwithiel today
and Goonbarrow earlier.
Craig Munday

Hello Keith, Between our show performances at the Keay theatre this week (Dolly Parton's 9-5 - tickets still available!!!) we took a stroll up to Milltown to see 1C77 and 66175 on the clay. 43005 and a green set was nice on the Down London. About 7 mins later, the squealing of flanges could be heard as the clay empties departed the down loop at Lostwithiel about a mile & half away. The 66 made swift work of the bank with the train bound for Goonbarrow.

I have included a reflection picture taken at Goonbarrow recently thanks to a fair puddle on the approach road.

All the best, Craig Many thanks Craig.

Milltown 5th April 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Milltown with 66175 5th April 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Taken on the 1st April 2017 at Goonbarrow but no joke - a smashing photograph by Craig Munday

Around Exeter today
David Tozer

Keith, A couple taken today.

70802 at Powderham with the cement to Moorswater.

158883 the latest SWT Class 158 to return from Brush, Loughborough painted in the new SWT livery. I pose the question what livery will 158884 appear in as these units have been painted in numerical order now that SWT has lost the franchise. 158883 was working the 1707 Honiton - Exeter (St David's)

Regards Dave . Many thanks David
Pictures from video footage.

70802 5th April 2017 Copyright David Tozer

158883 5th April 2017 Copyright David Tozer

Looe branch '72
Ron Kosys

Coombe Junction 13th August 1972. Copyright Ron Kosys With 26 passenger entries and exits between April 2014 and March 2015, it is the second-least used station in Great Britain,

Sandplace 13th August 1972 Copyright Ron Kosys Information ourtesy of Wikipedia The Liskeard and Looe Railway was opened on 27 December 1860 to carry goods traffic; passenger trains started on 11 September 1879, but Sandplace did not have a station until December 1881. A goods siding was provided a little distance south of the station but has been closed for many years.

A delightful view of Sandplace on the 13th August 1972 Copyright Ron Kosys. If only we could travel on heritage, or' 'heritage like' trains today.

Minehead visitors
John Cornelius

A bit of light hearted relief at Minehead. Many thanks to John Cornelius and W & G

Items added on 4th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

4/4/2017

Exploring the Luxulyan Valley
Andrew Triggs and Nathen Stockman

170331d Looking across the Treffry Aqueduct which had one time carried the railway from Ponts Mill to Luxulyan. We then set to walk this abandoned line to Pontsmill and onto to Par via the Carmears Incline. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170331e Looking across the valley which shows up the arches of this famous Aqueduct. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170331f Walking the dogs Daisy and Kes, giving them a history lesson on the old Railways of Cornwall. Remaining rail in situ on the route to the top of in incline. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170331g The Velvet Bridge on the Carmears Incline. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170331h The remaining track on the Pontsmill Branch, the Royal Train was stabled overnight on occasions at this location, before setting off next day to destinations in Cornwall. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170331i This is the loop that forked left to the Prideaux Wood wharf siding immediately above the standard gauge Prideaux Wood new siding. Copyright Andrew Triggs

And now for something completely new.
Phil Hadley, a new contributor to our website, has very kindly sent us a copy of the results of his researches into the history of Cornish Railways during World War 2. Perhaps a distant memory for some of us, but nevertheless extremely interesting.
We intend to add to this section monthly, year by year.
You are very welcome to add your memories and photographs (If you have any) to Phil's Diary, though these will be 'vetted' by Phil before publication. The diary will be available off the main menu CORNISH RAILWAYS DIARY.
So 'Welcome to you Phil', we very much look forward to seeing the results of your research.

CORNISH RAILWAYS
WORLD WAR TWO DIARY
Compiled by Phil Hadley
Part 1 1939

Friday 1st September 1939
The 6:30am from Paddington, headed Evacuation Train No 103, brought 544 children and their teachers to St Austell station where they are met by Lady Vivian of Glynn House, Bodmin and her team of W.A.S. women. WB

The Railway Executive Committee was given its formal powers by the signing of the Emergency (Railway Control) order. Their headquarters were in the closed Down Street Station on the Piccadilly Line, deep underground. GWR

Saturday 2nd September
An evacuation train of 12 coaches arrived 20 minutes ahead of schedule at Camborne bringing 960 arrivals including a large number of mothers with young children and expectant mothers. Among the number were 300 children from Maida Vale High School for Girls & Marylebone Grammar School for Boys. WB

Sunday 3rd September
A train with its identification number of 116 painted boldly across the front of the engine boiler brought to Truro 230 children and mothers from Acton to be billeted in the Truro area with another 159 changing onto buses to head for Penryn. WB

Tuesday 5th September
Military ambulance trains and civilian evacuation trains all fitted up and ready for service. The GWR has 6, the SR 3. Most are based in London. RM

Monday 11th September
The Railway Executive Committee put the railways of Britain on a wartime footing. Passengers were informed by a poster warning Passenger Train Services will be considerably curtailed and decelerated, Reduced Fare Facilities were cancelled, the reservation of seats and compartments was discontinued and Restaurant Car facilities were withdrawn. GWR

Monday 25th September
The GWR’s evacuation timetable comes to an end. GWR
The full emergency service begins on the GWR and LMSR. RM
The maximum permitted speed for trains was raised from 60 to 75 mph with the schedules and timetables being adjusted to take account of this. GWR services were also reinstated via Westbury rather than the ‘Great Way Round’ via Bristol. GWR.
This had little impact on journeys within Cornwall as the curves and banks usually prohibited the speed anyway.
Prior to these changes the best time from Paddington to Penzance had increased by 125 minutes on its pre-war norm to 8 hours 35 minutes, while the total number of trains in both directions decreased from nine to six. GWR

Monday 16th October
Restaurant Car services were reintroduced on the GWR after light-proof curtains had been fitted. GWR
The full emergency service begins on the SR, the last of the Big Four to do so. RM

Sunday 1st December
The GWR started their series of specials to allow parents to visit their evacuated children. 4,000 parents were carried on this day and numbers increased during the month as these proved very popular. GWR

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

The Looe branch
Ron Kosys

Ron looks back at his July 1971 visit to the Looe branch and wonders why he didn't photograph Looe!!

17th July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Causeland looks lonely - not a passenger in sight. 17th July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Tomorrow we return on another holiday, in 1972, to see more of the line. Many thanks Ron.

Swanage Spring Gala
John Cornelius & Roger Salter

John took a visit to the Swanage Railway Spring Gala a,d sent us a record of the event - more in Features Many thanks John.

Swanage Railway Gala 1st April 2017 Copyright John Cornelius

170331j 34052 Sir Keith Park at Corfe Castle with the goods. Copyright Roger Salter

170331k 34092 City of Wells with the tablet exchange at Corfe Castle. Copyright Roger Salter

170331p 34052 Lord Dowding brings in the goods from Corfe. Copyright Roger Salter

Visit Features Jan to June 2017 for more pictures,

Evercreech Revisited
John Cornelius

It's was then only nine years after closure but to the 'passer by' it scarcely resembles a station. Copyright John Crnelius

Items added on 3rd April 2017 Those added most recently come first

3/4/2017

Chasing a Ghost named Casper
Guy Vincent

News reached me early on Sunday morning the GWR's 'ghost train' unit 153305 was coming over to Westbury from Bristol on the back of 150002 ready to work the day's 'Trans Wilts' Westbury-Swindon shuttle service. So over to Bradford-on-Avon for the first shot of the day, 150002 & 153305 on 2O71 08.23 Bristol to Weymouth.
Next it was off to Melksham to be 'spooked' again by 153305 on the 10.30 Westbury-Swindon. Even the friendly GWR conductor thought it was great, giving a cheery wave as the unit pulled away.
Later in the afternoon I met up with 'Casper' again at Trowbridge on the 16.20 Westbury to Swindon, this was on my way home from Freshford where a diverted Cross Country HST (43378 &43357) made a nice sight gliding through the valley in glorious spring sunshine. Winter finally seems to be out of the door!
Thanks Guy

150002 & 153305. 2O71 0823 BTM-Wey 02.04.2017 GV IMG_9381 (2) Copyright Guy Vincent

153305 Melksham 1030 WSB-SWI 02.04.2017 GV IMG_9386 Copyright Guy Vincent

153305 Melksham 1030 WSB-SWI 02.04.2017 IMG_9387 Copyright Guy Vincent

153305 Trowbridge 1620 WSB-SWI 02.04.2017 GV IMG_9411 Copyright Guy Vincent

43378 & 43357 1325 Plymouth-Edinburgh at Freshford 02.04.2017 GV IMG_9404 Copyright Guy Vincent

Corsham - when it was open
Chris Osment

Keith,
Much older than the recent ‘news’ pictures about Corsham – is that mixed-gauge track? This shows one of the two signal-boxes which preceded the 1898 brick GWR box.
Regards
Chris Osment Many thanks for this picture Chris.

Corsham long before Closure - it closed to passengers w.e.f 4th Januray 1965, it had already closed to good w.e.f 10th June 1963. This picture courtesy the Chris Osment Collection

A proposed new station for Corsham
Derek Buttivant

Seeing the recent article and pictures of Corsham on the CRS web site prompts me to mentioned that the TransWilts partnership (responsible for promoting improved services between Westbury and Swindon via Melksham) recently held a conference to launch their proposals for three new stations in Wiltshire-Wilton, Royal Wootton Bassett and Corsham. Artists' impressions of all three stations were presented at the conference, below is how Corsham Station might look. A far cry from the original!
Of the three proposals, the one at Wilton(a park and ride station to be sited on the Salisbury-Warminster line rather than on the Yeovil route) seems to be furthest developed because it is included in the recently awarded First/MTR South West Trains franchise. Corsham of course, is not on the TransWilts route but is being promulgated as a worthwhile development together with Wootton Bassett as a part of a plan to provide better local train services on the Swindon-Bath-Bristol Temple Meads corridor.
Thanks Derek

An artists' impression of how the Corsham station might look. "Paul Johnson (TransWilts)"

The Queen Mother
John Cornelius

The Helston Branch Line Bus service Redruth
Roger Winnen

000304a The Helston Branchline Bus service T34 stands at Redruth Station operated by Truronian Bus T35 JCV. In later years Truronian were acquired by the First Group Company. Copyright Roger Winnen

Springtime in Cornwall
The start of the 21st Century
Roger Winnen

000305b The 10.24 Penzance to Edinburgh crosses Angarrack Viaduct amid the daffodils on Sunday 5th March 2000, Copyright Roger Winnen

Items added on 2nd April 2017 Those added most recently come first

2/4/2017

Mainly around Carn Brea today
Roger Winnen

170402d Viewed from the upper deck of the First Kernow T1 service 43163 Visit Plymouth is stabled at Long Rock Depot adjacent to the beach Level Crossing prior to working a London bound service. Copyright Roger Winnen

170402a 150124 Heads the 12.05 Penzance to Exeter St David's passing Cowlins Mill, Carn Brea. Copyright Roger Winnen

170402b Going away in the GWR new livery 153318 is incorporated into the 12.05 Penzance to Exeter St David's, also seen is GWR 150247 in green livery at the rear. Copyright Roger Winnen

170402c Approaching the former Carn Brea Station site we see 43018 on the 12.56 Penzance to Paddington service. Copyright Roger Winnen

Liskeard
Ron Kosys

A good number waiting to board at Liskeard's Looe platform. 17th July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Corsham
Guy Vincent

Following on from yesterdays posting (Box tunnel) here are some more recent images showing the former station site at Corsham, the early 20th century footbridge deck that was replaced in March 2014 and the area once occupied by a goods yard and signal box etc. For well over thirty years residents and local campaigners have been trying to get a station re-established here but so far to no avail. In 2014 the area above the former yard was filled with new houses so more difficulties now need to be overcome as there is little, if any, space close by to provide sufficient car parking facilities. Access will always be a problem as the line falls through a long, deep cutting for over two miles prior to entering the eastern portal of the 1.83 mile long Box tunnel.

G Vincent Many thanks Guy for this article and pictures

Powering up the bank
John Cornelius

Plenty of power here! Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 1st April 2017 Those added most recently come first

1/4/2017

Box Tunnel
Guy Vincent

The following were produced as postcards when stone quarrying was at it's height. Many people now confuse the location of Corsham's passenger station with the former goods loading platform which remains today. The station (98m 26ch) was east of the goods and stone yard in a deep cutting and, following closure in January 1965, was demolished. The GWR plate footbridge remained in place until March 2015 when a new bridge replaced it ( the green structure visible in Peter's second picture). This bridge takes a public footpath across the deep cutting where the station was situated. Finally, two views showing the well-known western end of Box tunnel. As ever, note how vegetation has taken over and now spoils the view from the small area set aside for such a purpose next to the A4 road bridge.

Guy Vincent Many thanks to Guy for this article and pictures

Box Tunnel West End c1910 Guy Vincent Collection

Box Tunnel, East End c1905 Guy Vincent Collection

Box Tunnel East End c1910 (F Moore Painting) Guy Vincent Collection Here you see a stone wagon standing in the right hand portal.

Corsham GWR Station and Yard (view east) Cuy Vincent Collection

Corsham GWR Station Stone Wharf (view south from signal box) Guy Vincent Collection

Corsham, Worked-Stone Yard c1930 Guy Vincent Collection

Many thanks to Guy, more of his of Corsham station to follow tomorrow.

Long Rock Depot
News from Craig Munday

Another meeting at Long Rock allowed some pictures of developments at Long Rock. Around half of the steel structure is now in position.

Three locos were dotted around the depot, food for thought for the years to come when Penzance becomes the home depot for the GWR Class 57/6s. 57605 was the sleeper loco, and hired in from DRS 57310 was also present, along with resident diesel shunter 08410.

Also included is 1A83 10.00 from Penzance passing the site of Marazion station under a rather threatening sky.

Cheers for now, Craig Many thanks Craig

Lostwithiel
Preserved Class 37
Andrew Jones

This photograph was taken in 1996, at Lostwithiel, shortly after 37674 was named ‘St Blaise Church 1445-1995 at St Blazey on the 21st December 1995.
Released from English Electric, Vulcan Foundry as D6869 on the 23rd August 1963 she continued in service until the 17th May 2007, officially removed from stock on the 9th September 2007. A working career of 44 years. The loco still exists at the Wensleydale Railway.
I suppose the 37’s were the diesel version of a ‘Black Five’ and still, today, serve important roles on the Network.
The class totaled 309, with many rebuilds and upgrades throughout their life. 36 are currently in Preservation.
Was the class 37 the most successful Diesel Electric design from the modernisation period? It certainly gets my vote!

Best wishes Andrew Many thanks Andrew

37674 named St Blaise Church on the 1st December 1995. This picture, taken in 1996 by Andrew Jones, Copyright. This loco still exists on the Wensleydale Railway.

Liskeard - Looe platform
Ron Kosys

Liskeard - the first train of the day approaches. 17th July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys 'Ron has travelled down from Plymouth on this train and taken the mandatory walk from the down main platform to the Looe branch platform. Very few passengers have ever traversed the link line between the main line and Looe branch. John Ball is one of our privileged members, he was the lone passenger on the last service of the day from Looe and was asked if he minded getting out at the main platform - he didn't!!

Creech Troughs
John Cornelius

A wonderful action shot - Copyright John Cornelius

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