Blog Archives

Items added on the 31st May, 2015 Those added most recently come first

31/5/2016

Bodmin Changes
Bodmin and Wenford Railway

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
We have had to move the English Electric Diesel Day from this Sat 4th June. In it's place this Saturday 4th we will be running a 'Diesel Day' on the Red Timetable.

Congrats to Adam Lewis
New South Devon Signalman.

From Charles Fennamore to Mike Roach. .Just a quick one from yesterday, showing our new platform starting signal, with some protection around it as per usual H & S requirements. Adam Lewis, who I was about to pass out for the box is standing by the signal. Adam works for GW trains on the platform at North Road, and is one of our enthusiastic younger bods.

Picture and comment above from Charles Fennamore. His Copyright.

,
Making the most of a Glorious
May Bank Holiday Monday
South Devon Mixed Traffic Gala
Roger Winnen
With glorious weather during the weekend, I made a visit to the South Devon Railway where 6412, 1369, 3205 D6975 and 55000 were in action for the Mixed Traffic Gala. There is always plenty to see at these special events which is well worth a visit!

160530a The token being handed in from the 09.25 Buckfastleigh to Totnes on arrival at Ashburton Junction Signal Box,Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

160530b 6975 Departs Staverton with the 10.00 Buckfastleigh-Totnes service. Copyright Roger Winnen

160530c 3205 Nears Nappers Halt with the 11.00 service from Buckfastleigh to Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

160530d 55000 on the 11.42 service from Staverton to Totnes seen passing Nappers Halt. Copyright Roger Winnen

160530e After crossing the Staverton Road at Nappers Crossing the Single Bubble Car heads for Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

160530f A Tranquil seen as 3205 approaches Nappers Halt on the 12.00 noon from Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

160530g Diesel and Steam meet at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

Attacked on the R.A.B
Lewis Slee

We are most grateful to Lewis Slee who has sent in four more pictures from his family albums.

Star Class 4038 Queen Berengaria Built January 1911 Outside steampipes fitted August 1932 and withdrawn April 1952 Pre 1932 Copyright the late Michael Slee

One of the two gentlemen in this picture is Lewis Slee's father who fortunately survived the unique experience of being machine gunned by the Luftwaffe whilst crossing the Royal Albert bridge during world war two. Dad recalled that he and his fireman were taking a train across the Royal Albert Bridge and could see a raid taking place on the dockyard further down the river. As they watched one of the fighters broke off and flew straight towards the bridge. On seeing this they did exactly what they had been told not to do. That is is to stop the loco, jump out, and clamber beneath it for protection. According to him the aircraft only machine gunned the loco and they heard bullets ricocheting off the bridge and boiler. After the attack aircraft turned went back to rejoin its colleagues on the raid on the dockyard.

The late Michael Slee picked a quiet moment to photograph the scene at the top of Hemmerdon bank, not a train in sight. It could almost be today, but note the telephone wires and also the signal wire. Copyright Michael Slee

Steam and power as a King climbs the last few yards to the summit at Hemerdon. Copyright the late Michael Slee.

What was probably a 'box camera' with its slow shutter speed couldn't stop the train. However, here is a rare picture taken from inside the fence of a double headed train with a Grange or Hall as the pilot starting the decent down the bank. Copyright the Late Michael Slee.

Remembering 'Motorail'
John Cornelius

Here is one of those 'track level' photographs, taken by John Cornelius, of a scene now long gone as a class 47 stands with the motorail service at St Austell. John, at the time, was B.R. staff and could as such get to this 'privileged position' and may thanks to him for so doing,

1678 became 47 534 and eventually ended its days in June 1995 when it was scrapped. Copyright john Cornelius

Items added on the 30th May, 2015 Those added most recently come first

31/5/2016

Exeter Great Western Hotel
Mike Morant

A very striking label courtesy of the Mike Morant Collection. A 2-minute walk from Exeter St. Davids train station, this relaxed hotel is 1 mile from the University of Exeter and a 12-minute walk from the Royal Albert Museum and Art Gallery

Class 47 at Newquay
John Cornelius

It is most appropriate that yesterdays news of a class 57 visit to Newquay to rescue an errant HST should be followed on this web site by one of a class 47 visiting Newquay 44 years ago - not, of course very rare, in those days. Many thanks to John Cornelius.

Items added on the 29th May, 2015 Those added most recently come first

29/5/2016

Class 57 drag from Newquay
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
A remarkable day on the Newquay line with the failure of 1S55 working 11.32 Newquay to Edinburgh enroute from Newquay to Goonbarrow on Sunday 29th May 2016. The service was returned to Newquay & GWR’s 57605 scrambled from Long Rock to assist the passenger onward from Newquay as 1T55 as far as Plymouth. The loco was crewed by Mike Mahoney from Penzance with John Beale from Par conducting. Fitters from Long Rock attended to couple the loco to the errant set at Newquay.
Nice to think that even in 2016 the railway can throw a surprise! Great inter-company co operation too.
Kind regards, Craig Munday

57605 near Roche 29th May 2016. Copyright Craig Munday

57 605 near Trencreek on the final stretch to Newquay. 29th May 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Two happy fitters prepare to couple 57605 to the 'duff' HST set at Newquay station. 29th May 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Driver Mike Mahoney from Penzance with conductor John Beale from Par plus the rest of the happy crew. 29th May 2016. Copyright Craig Munday

Driver Mike Mahoney at the controls - note the token on the drivers desk. 29th May 2016. Copyright Craig Munday

Almost ready to make a rather late start from Newquay. 29th May 2016. Copyright Craig Munday

Craig gets ahead of the train to see it arrive at Goonbarrow Junction. 29th May 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

And sees it depart to loop heading towards Par. 29th May 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks to Craig Munday for the above exclusive pictures.

Riding the Beds "The Loco Hauled"
Andrew Triggs

160528d 57605 Arriving Par with the 10.15 ECS from Long Rock on Saturday 28th May, 2016 Copyright Andrew Triggs

160528e 57605 srrives at Totnes with the 13.35 Plymouth-Exeter. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160528f Running ECS from New Yard to Platform 1 at Exeter St David's. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160528g 57605 Propelling away from Penzance in the fading light. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The Loco hauled with us until September.
"West Country Local" making its second run on Sat 28th May 2016
Ron Westwater

160528b 57605 Heads the 2P70 11.25 Par-Plymouth across Largin Viaduct. Copyright Ron Westwater

160528c 57605 returns on the 2C51 17.50 Exeter St David's -Penzance, seen crossing Forder Viaduct. Copyright Ron Westwater

Advance Warning
Karl Hewlett

Dear Keith. Thought as the visit of the first class 68 was quite a last minute affair and sent us looking for our camera equipment rather quickly, I would give the societies readers a bit of advanced warning of this next week. Although mainly at night, I'm sure some night owls will be interested and one or two daylight chances as we get closer to the lightest day of the year.
Colas Rail operated test train, should be either T&T 37's or one with a DBSO trailer.
Wednesday 1st June Exeter Riverside to Penzance via Looe, Fowey and Newquay:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U42067/2016/06/01/advanced
Thursday 2nd June Penzance to Bristol High Level Siding via St Ives, Falmouth and Parkandillack:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U42068/2016/06/02/advanced
Assume it will sit either in the old motorail bay, or possibly Slopers Sidings at Penzance for Wednesday daytime.
Regards, Karl (Friends of Penmere).

Many thanks Karl, will you be at Falmouth?

Looking at the schedules given above, can anybody from Network Rail tell us exactly what the test train is doing, what it is measuring, or recording during the hours of darkness or very early mornings. The times given see it on the 1st June at Looe 23.16 - 26, at Newquay 02.24 - 34, at Fowey 04.14 - 24. Then on 2nd June , St Ives 23.22 - 38, Falmouth 02.21 - 31, Parkandillack, 02.43 - 03.29.

Shed bash 4
John Cornelius

Two of the locomotives have survived and are preserved. Number 298 (later renumbered 30587) is owned by the National Railway Museum and is loaned to, and normally based at, the Bodmin and Wenford Railway. Number 314 (30585) is owned by the Quainton Railway Society and normally based at their Buckinghamshire Railway Centre. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 28th May, 2015 Those added most recently come first

28/5/2016

The Hornet goes home to Crewe
David Tozer

160528a The Hornet goes home. 68027 is seen at Silverton after departing Exeter Riverside at 10.00 for Crewe Gresty Bridge. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Shed Bash 4
John Cornelius

Currently in service on the Severn Valley Railway, this locomotive left Woodham Brothers in August 1970. It has been in service since late 2006 following an overhaul. Following several years painted in Great Western Green, it has now been painted in BR Unlined Black with the Early Crest for the first time in preservation

Items added on the 27th May, 2015 Those added most recently come first

27/5/2016

The Expected Class 68017 arrives in West Cornwall running 42 minutes early from Exeter St David's
Roger Winnen, Roger Salter, Andrew Triggs, Roger Aston & Craig Munday

160527a Class 68017 comes to Cornwall prior to working Railtours in the area during the Summer months. She is seen passing through St Erth Station which is much ineed of the Weed Killer. Copyright Roger Winnen

160527b Seen heading towards Penzance with the signal pulled off for the down main. The other signal on the right gives access for the St Ives service to cross over to the down main to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

160527e 68017 Hornet photographed at Rosevidney. Copyright Roger Salter

160527c 68017 Hornet at Penzance Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

160527f On board 68017 the modern driving cab at Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

160527h 68017 departs Penzance seen at Chyandour Three Tunnels. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160527i 68017 Approaching the wooden overbridge at Ponsandane. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160527j Going away with St Michaels Mount and the base of Ponsandane Signal Box visible. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160527d 68017 Hornet on its run back to Exeter Riverside taken at Marazion. Copyright Roger Winnen

160527g The returning 68017 passes Marazion. Copyright Roger Salter

160527k 68017 Passes the site of Chacewater Station on its return run to Exeter Riverside. Copyright Roger Aston

160527l The milepost is in the bushes as the very smart Class 68 is seen passing through Chacewater. Copyright Roger Aston

160527m 68017 Buzzes past Crugwallins nr Burngullow in fine sunshine on its return working to Exeter Riverside. Copyright Craig Munday

160527n The Class 68 in the Clay District approaching Burngullow. Copyright Craig Munday

There Tis, 'Gone'!!
Robert Lindley

These views from our Taunton reporter - many thanks Robert

A new vista opens up albeit temporarily. The view on the 27th May2016 Copyright Roberl Lindley

This view shows the new concrete pillars of the road bridge ( due to be installed in September) and if you look closely behind them, you can see the old railway bridge girders. It is interesting to note that behind those gates used to be a substantial railway house in the gap between the goods loop and the engine shed which I understand was the Station Masters house, but this was demolished in the early 70"s 27th May Copyright Robert Lindley

Shed Bash 3
John Cornelius

Today the first of two shots taken at Penzance on Johns shed bash in 1961. We are most grateful to John for his daily contributions to this website.

Items added on the 26th May, 2015 Those added most recently come first

26/5/2016

In the Gloom as the first Class 68 into Devon reaches Exeter this evening.
David Tozer

160526e 68017 from Crewe Gresty Bridge at 15.20 made it to Exeter St David's this evening arriving at 20.21. Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David
Watch out for it in Cornwall tomorrow
Penzance arrive 13.33 depart 14.27

Keith Your info (David Tozers) was spot on - 68017 ‘Hornet’ currently shut down on Platform 4 at Exeter St Davids! Chris Jenkin Message timed at 21.57 on 26th May - many thanks for this update to Chris Jenkin

Cornish Loco Fest
Ron Westwater
An early start but 4 different locos seen in a few hours on Thursday 26th May, 2016...is it really Cornwall

160526a At 05.43 70807 heads over Coombe by Saltash Viaduct with the 05.00 Lostwithiel to Westbury Down TC. Copyright Ron Westwater

160526b 57605 Totnes Castle heads the 1C99 23.45 Paddington-Penzance at Trerulefoot. Copyright Ron Westwater

160526c 66027 Heads over the causeway at Golant with the 6G06 07.37 Goonbarrow to Fowey. Copyright Ron Westwater

160526d 66002 at Par prior to working the 6B00 ThO 07.15 St Blazey to Parkandillack. Copyright Ron Westwater.

Many Thanks Ron

Taunton Goods Loop Bridge
Robert Lindley

Many thanks to Robert for these pictures showing preparations for the removal of the goods loop bridge. These were taken yesterday - apologies for the delay.

Taunton Goods Loop Bridge demolition 25th May 2016 Copyright Rob LIndley

Taunton Goods Loop Bridge demolition View towards the Station with the Crane holding a section while the cutters torch does its work. 25th May 2016 Copyright Rob LIndley

Taunton Goods Loop Bridge demolition 25th May 2016 Copyright Rob LIndley

Taunton Goods Loop Bridge demolition View from the station ramp. The old engine shed wall ( down to window sill level) can be seen on the right 25th May 2016 Copyright Rob LIndley

STOP PRESS - Pictures on BBC News of the bridge actually being removed today - 26th May 2016.

Have your Cameras Ready Tomorrow
The first visit of a Class 68 to Cornwall

It is reported that a Class 68 will be coming to Cornwall on Friday 27th May,2016. Times shown on realtime trains show a departure from Exeter at 10.22 to Penzance arrive 13.32 and departing again at 14.27 to Exeter Riverside.
Many Thanks David

Shed Bash 2
John Cornelius

It is a great pleasure to include a picture of 5744 at Truro Shed. Truro shed was notoriously difficult to access which dictates the rarity of pictures of locos on shed. We are lucky that John Cornelius was on an organised shed visit in May 1961.

Further information on 5744 from Roy Hart - Many thanks

Dear Keith,
Readers may wonder about the strange chimney: 5744 and 3709 of the same class came to Truro in 1960 from Didcot, where they had been fitted with wild west type spark arrestors for shunting in the vast Milton ordnance depot (latterly the site of Didcot power station). They came to Truro when that depot closed, with the spark arrestors still fitted.
Truro crews found that the spark arrestors hindered the draughting, making the engines poor steamers on sustained running such as Falmouth or Perranporth runs, so the arrestors were removed. I recall that this little stovepipe chimney gave the engines a rasping 'bark'. Both engines were regularly seen on Perranporth and Falmouth trains. When Truro closed to steam in March 1962, 3709 was transferred to Exeter and 5744 to Westbury.
Roy

Items added on the 25th May, 2015 Those added most recently come first

25/5/2016

Tranquil and Classic Locations in Cornwall
Craig Munday

160525c Respryn. The banks have been all cleared at Respryn right back to Brownqueen which makes lovely vantage points once more. The 1C82 passes in glorious sunshine on 24th May, 2016. Copyright Craig Munday

160525d Calstock Viaduct is the tranquil scene for 2P94 19.13 Gunnislake to Plymouth with a solitary Class 153. Its strange to picture the same train as it passes the urban sprawl of Dockyard and Keyham in less than a hour. Copyright Craig Munday

Thanks Craig

Its 03.05hrs on 25th May.
Class 37025 is seen with a test train at Lostwithiel
Paul Rundle

160525a Class 37 37025 Seen at Lostwithiel on the returning 22.48 Exeter Riverside to Exeter Riverside via Lostwithiel. Copyright Paul Rundle.

The Cornish Explorer climbs out of Hayle
Matthew Geyman

160430a 57313 in West Coast Livery seen climbing out of Hayle on the return Cornish Explorer Penzance to Chester on 30th April,2016. Copyright Matthew Geyman

Many Thanks Matthew

Shed Bash 1
John Cornelius

Fifty five years ago today John Cornelius was on an organised trip to visit various sheds in Cornwall. Here is the first of his marvellous pictures

On the 25th May 1961 a group of enthusiasts organised a shed visits in Cornwall. John Cornelius

Items added on the 24th May, 2015 Those added most recently come first

24/5/2016

A very pleasant hour or so
on the banks of the River Tamar
Ron Westwater

160523a Its Monday morning 23rd May, 2016 on the banks of the Tamar, not a train in sight but what a view at 05.23. Copyright Ron Westwater

160523b 57604 Pendennis Castle crosses Coombe by Saltash Viaduct with the 1C99 MO (Sun) Night Riviera Paddington-Penzance. 23rd May,2016. Copyright Ron Westwater

160523c The Golden Hind crosses Coombe by Saltash Viaduct 1A76 FGW 05.05 Penzance to Paddington on 23rd May,2016. Copyright Ron Westwater.

160523d Seen from the Tamar Road Bridge the 2U12 06.00 Penzance to Cardiff formed of 150 and 153 sprinter units crosses Coombe by Saltash Viaduct on 23rd May,2016. Copyright Ron Westwater

160523e A Cross Country 220 trundles over the Royal Albert Bridge on the 1S43 06.28 Penzance to Glasgow Central on 23rd May,2016. Copyright Ron Westwater

Re Old Picture
David Collings

Dear Keith,
I was browsing along the CRS web-site just now and I came across the early print of Gwinear Road Station produced by S & J Govier. I think the photo could have been taken at least 4 or 5 years later than Roy suggests. The reason this might be the case is because the coaches behind the locomotive (one of the 850 Class) were not built until February 1895, if they are what I think they are ! They appear to be an early pair of Brake Composites which preceeded the well known B Sets by quite a few years. These earlier coaches were buillt to Diagram E40 on Lot 729. There is an article about these vehicles in the Helston Railway Journal, No.4, and by sheer coincidence there is a further piece about 6-wheeled siphon vans which follows on. The coaches in the picture on the the web-site are also tail-ended by a 6-wheeled siphon. If you haven't a copy of the above Journal I would be happy to send you a copy for reference.
By the way, I think the CRS web-site is truly remarkable and one of best I have come across when it comes to documenting railway history. Well done ! Regards David Collings
Many thanks David for this information.

Gwinear Road - picture found in garage sent in by Lawrence Parker. The subject of comment by David Collings above.

Items added on the 23rd May, 2015 Those added most recently come first

23/5/2016

Falmouth Signalbox
Frank Sperritt

The location of Falmouth Signalbox giving a good aspect of most of the station and the branch dropping away to the docks is seen in this 1965 picture by the late Frank Sperritt.

Falmouth Signal box in 1965 taken by Frank Sperritt, Copyright Pat Sperritt

The levers at Falmouth Signalbox in 1965. Picture by the late Frank Sperritt, Copyright Pat Sperritt

The token instrument and the log book are seen in this picture taken by the late Frank Sperritt in 1965. Copyright Mrs Pat Sperritt. Over twenty tokens giving access to the branch as far as Penryn are seen in this machine. one wonders where they all are now?

We are most grateful to Mrs. Pat Sperritt, widow of the late Frank Sperritt for giving us permission to publish his pictures of Falmouth signalbox. Also thanks to Julian Hanwell for meeting with Mrs Sperritt.

'21 Today'
Digby and Sowton

Doesn't time fly? It is understood that there will be a small celebration at Digby and Sowton today to celebrate its anniversary. So 'Hip Hip Hip hooray 21 today'. Many thanks to David Tozer for reminding us - maybe he'll be there for the occasion.

Looking from the Exmouth end of Digby and Sowton from the footbridge which gives access to a large housing estate we see 153333 on the 2nd July 2012 Copyright David Tozer

150926 at D & S working the 0820 Paignton to Exmouth. Second visit this year by a 150/9 - second in three days. All we need now is 150938 which has the undamaged car from the Plymouth collision. 23rd May 2016. Copyright David Tozer

Digby housing complex and a small car park lies to the west of the branch access being via a footbridge and the industrial area lies to the east of the branch, access being down a ramp.

Items added on the 22nd May, 2015 Those added most recently come first

22/5/2016

Taunton Disruption
Goods Loop bridge removal

Many thanks to Andrew Jones for drawing our attention to a major engineering event in Taunton starting tomorrow - the 23rd May when Station Road will be closed to all traffic for nigh on a week with a possible extension into the following week. The former Goods Loop bridge is being removed in connection with road works. Many years ago the Cornwall Railway Society 'Avon Explorer' was booked to go over that bridge but due to a misunderstanding between signalmen only passed along the goods loop towards Silk Mill Level Crossing and not over the bridge. Very frustrating.

Bomb scare on
W Somerset Railway

On Wednesday 18th May services on the West Somerset Railway were brought to a stand for five hours when a suspect device was spotted by railway staff by Watchett station. A Bomb Disposal team was called and they declared the item safe - normality returned to Watchett Town and station.

7828 Odney Manor at Williton station next day 19th May 2016, on the 15.11 to Minehead. The extended loop at Williton is very well illustrated in this picture was receiving attention from the signalling dept. Copyright Andrew Jones

Clevedon
Peter O'Brien

Pictures of Clevedon station are quite rare, it is a pleasure to put this one taken by Peter O'Brien who rode on the branch on that very last day on the 1st October 1966 Many thanks Peter

Clevedon station on the very last day of service, 1st October 1966. Copyright Peter O'Brien

Late last night
Paul Rundle

Hi Keith Here is 47739 awaiting the road at Plymouth after running round 6X54 , the railvac is working in the Ivybridge area. Regards Paul

The St Blazey allocation of Class 37s
at Work and at Rest in the Roundhouse
by Colin Moss

Welcome to Colin Moss, a new contributor to our website, a new person, new pictures - great.

840801a Chargeman Ralph Mutton is about to hand over the token for the Fowey (Carne Point) Branch at Lostwithiel to the driver. 37207 'William Cookworthy' in full 'Cornish Railways' regalia as painted by St Blazey guard Vic Millington, August 1984. The working is Rocks-Carne Point. Copyright Colin Moss

840801b Its August 1990. 37673 Which was the chosen 37 to be exhibited at the then new sectorization livery launch. The working is ex Moorswater, taken at Golant. Copyright Colin Moss.

840801c Its August, 1984 and gathered around the half roundhouse. Left to Right 37247 37273 37181 37185 37207 the end of their day's duties at St Blazey Roundhouse in Aug 1984. 37247 was destined to return to St Blazey as refurbished 37671 Tre Pol and Pen, 37273 became 37410. 37181 became 37687. 37185 never carried another tops number. 37307 became 37403. Copyright Colin Moss

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