Blog Archives

31st May 2019

31/5/2019

37698 in Load Haul Livery comes to the rescue
16.10 Paignton Paddington on 11th April 1999
Roger Winnen

The 16.10 Paignton to London Paddington awaits departure from Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

990411c 37698 in Load Haul Livery was despatched from Exeter St David's to Torquay to assist the train to Exeter. Copyright Roger Winnen

990411d With the 37 attached we pass Torre Goods Shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

990411e A quick photograph at Newton Abbot before rejoining the train to Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

990411f Load Haul 37698 has arrived at Exeter St David's where this engine was detached. The HST continued its jorney on one power car. Copyright Roger Winnen

The old order at
Truro
The late John Cornelius

Five marvellous shots from the camera of the Late John Cornelius - he is sadly missed.

The Late John Cornelius

Remember these lovely units with the forward view?

30th May 2019

30/5/2019

The new order of the Train Services in the Summer Timetable for West Cornwall
Roger Winnen

190530a 43172 Harry Patch on the 2 + 4 car slam door stock of the 11.41 Penzance Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen

190530b The orange army at work finishing off St Erth Station prior to its completion by 1st June 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen

190530c Many hands make light work. Copyright Roger Winnen

190530d Installation of new paving slabs on the widened platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

190530e The enlarged passenger circulating area at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

Cowley Bridge
Clive Smith

Laira 3-car 118 set P461 (W51303+59470+51318) approaches Cowley Bridge Junction with the 12.25 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids on the 20th February 1982. The River Exe here has seen major flood prevention work take place in recent years. The Barnstaple line is generally the preserve of the reviled class 143 pacers supplemented by 150s with the occasional 158 appearing. However this could soon be changing following the imminent testing on the branch and other lines in Devon of class 165 turbos. Testing was supposed to have taken place overnight earlier this month on the Barnstaple, Exmouth and Paignton branches as well as to Plymouth but was cancelled. Not sure if this is progress as the turbos are already well over 25 years old and their 3+2 hard seating built for Thames Valley commuting leaves a lot to be desired. As someone with long legs who commuted in the Reading area for the best part of a decade I could be biased.

All the best, Clive. Many thanks to you.

Cowley Bridge. 12.25 Barnstaple to Exeter. 28th February 1982. Copyright Clive Smith

Posing for posterity
at Newquay
Paddy Bradley

No doubt at Newquay. Paddy Bradley Collection.

Newquay. Courtesy the Paddy Bradley Collection.

Note from Roy Hart. This picture shows a scene during the reconstruction of Newquay station, ready for the opening of the Perranporth branch which came in 1905, so the picture is in the year or two before that. The group are standing around a temporary ground frame which controls points during the engineering work (the old CMR signalbox was replaced by a conventional GWR one. The old station had but one platform while the new one had three, plus a new engine shed and goods shed.).
The men are carrying flags, warning horns, detonators etc., so that they can hand-signal the trains. They will be qualified signalmen.
Many thanks Roy.

29th May 2019

29/5/2019

Today's HST Power Car Move
12.32 Laira to Long Rock via Penzance
Andrew Triggs & Roger Winnen

2 Photographs for CRS of todays GWR Power car move running as 0Z79 12.32 Laira T&RSMD-Longrock T&RSMD (via Penzance) captured at Ponsandane bridge 43094 leading 43042 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Heading away towards Penzance Station. Copyright Andrew Triggs

190529a The two Power Cars seen arriving at Penzance Platform 2. Copyright Roger Winnen

190529b At rest under the station roof at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Royal Albert Bridge
Saltash
Paddy Bradley

The Royal Albert Bridge - a view from the Devon side long before the road bridge which was opened on the 26th April 1962. Road traffic was carried by a ferry which landed on the slipway to be seen close by the foot of the bridge on the Cornwall side, the landing on the Devon side was somewhat to the left way off this picture. Postcard from the Paddy Bradley Collection.

Walking the Royal Albert bridge
Saltash
Peter Butt

Pictures of an amazing walk by Peter Butt. Do you have a head for heights - if not you'd better skip Peters article.

The party have climbed to the top and make their way across. Would this walk ever be permitted these days - I think not! Copyright Peter Butt

Peter Butt high up atop one of the spans - not a walk for the faint hearted - look, nothing other than the hand rail to cling on to. Just one slip or a gust of wind and you're over the side!! Copyright

Here he is - close up - Peter Butt.

To read all about it and see all of Peters pictures click here and scroll down.

N.B. You will need to scroll through two other very interesting articles to get to Peter's hair raising account.

P.S. I've just phoned Peter Butt to let him know that his walk over the RAB is being recalled today. It was a fantastic trip, he said, luckily he didn't trip. One memory in his mind is when one member of the party had his safety helmet blown off in the wind - they watched it spiralling down until it hit the water far below!!!!! KJ

P.P.S. The bridge design :- http://www.royalalbertbridge.co.uk/the-bridge-design.html

28th May 2019

28/5/2019

Variety in and around
Bodmin
Roger Winnen

190527d Austerity 75178 approaches the summit of Boscarne Bank seen on the approaches to Bodmin General Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

190527e Denise attached to a variety of rolling stock in the siding on the appproaches to Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

190527f My classic viewpoint from the rear window of the train as we see 50042 Triumph and 37142 in Barrack Sidings, Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

190527g Austerity 75178 runs around its train at Bodmin Parkway for its service to Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

190527h Austerity 75178 arrives at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

Passing traffic
Exminster
David Tozer

A couple of photographs from Exminster this afternoon. (27th May 2019) 43016/43040 with the 1455 2P87 Exeter (St David's) - Plymouth. Also a friendly toot from the driver, no doubt appreciating that along with a fellow photographer that we were on the right side of the line on the overbridge. Then the 08.29 5V84 Neville Hill-Laira stock move with 47813 and blue barriers vans 6340 + 6344 and Cross Country power 43303 tagged on the rear. Regards Dave Many thanks.

43016 & 43040 27th May 2019 Copyright David Tozer

47813 & 43303 27th May 2019 Copyright David Tozer

Traction Engine + Trailer
Paddy Bradley

Earlier this month we published the picture below - one from the collection of Paddy Bradley asking where it might be. At first it was thought to be at the foot of East Hill, Tuckingmill. However further research by the owner of the photograph has firmly fixed where it is.

The mystery picture - the reverse of the postcard is shown below. Paddy Bradley Collection. Notice the letters on the shop front just visible between the Traction Engine and the Trailer.

The script has been positively identified as the handwriting of the late Jack Trounson.

Rather than at Tuckingmill the location of the photograph has been established as at Redruth.

An aerial view of Redruth station and the town dated late 1950's. This view from the Paddy Bradley Collection shows many things of interest particularly to 'Redruthians'. Note the station with the goods siding having been recently removed - there is no sign of the signal box which closed in 1955.The bare earth of the fairground top centre shows where roundabouts and dodgem rinks were located. Just beyond this lay the Redruth Old station. More clearly can be seen the route of the Tresavean branch which came in at the top left and descended to pass under Trevingey Road to make a junction with the main line facing Penzance. Also clearly visible is the old gas works with its gas holder. However, concentrate on main road into Redruth from the Camborne direction - just above the middle of this picture can be seen four pitched roofs - these are in two sections. These roofs are of the West End Departmental stores a fine shopping area which gave lot of class to this end of Redruth. this was twice destroyed by fire and now has been rebuilt as flats though retaining the fine frontage. However the area of interest in this case is just below this and Chapel Street which heads off to the right in this picture. Note on this road a white building with three upper windows. Paddy Bradley Collection.

A close up from the view above. West End with the West End Departmental Store is to the right of the road with four pitched roofs. Redruth Fore Street is in the foreground. Chapel Street is off to the left - the Chapel is very evident. Note the very distinctive shop front of Manuell's with three windows on the upper storey. At the time the building of Thurston Hoskins, Solicitors. now alongside didn't exist. From the Paddy Bradley Collection.

Manuell Shop Penryn Street Redruth. From the Paddy Bradley Collection.

A recent photograph taken from very much the same location as that of the traction engine. Note the three windows on the Manuell Shop front Now Emporer's Garden . Thurston Hoskin Solicitors building alongside - West End Departmental Store twice ravaged by fire and now flats looms in the background. 13th April 2019

For further details of the Treamble Branch and Gravel Hill and the Iron Works at Treamble please click here, and scroll down.

27th May 2019

27/5/2019

More Trains and more seats this Summer
Deck Chairs on the platform to relax
Roger Winnen

Photographed at St Erth this morning. Copyright Roger Winnen

190527b Relax in the large deckchairs, take the weight off your feet whilst waiting for the train at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

190527c More trains more seats this summer. Located at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

Paignton & Kingswear Saturday 25th May 2019
Andrew Triggs

Evening Roger/Keith
4 shots from Saturdays visit to Paignton to catch the 'Retro Devon Seasider' Rail Tour from Huddersfield with DRS 37407/059 providing the Motive Power on the day, beforehand we managed a trip to Kingswear and Dartmouth on the P&D Railway, the weather being kind on the day
All the Best
Andrew

1. Dartmouth Station, famous for no Trains...or Track!
Copyright Andrew Triggs

2. USATC 2-8-0 No.6046 arriving at Kingswear with the 12.15 from Paignton Copyright Andrew Triggs

3. 5Z44 13.40 ECS with 37407/059 departing Paignton for Goodrington Sidings.Copyright Andrew Triggs

4. The return 1Z45 16.00 Paignton-Huddersfield 'Retro Devon Seasider' with DRS 37059 leading 37407 departing Paignton. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Cardiff
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Hope you are well .I see you have been getting about as usual and are now a ‘veteran’!
I send the first of two pictures taken at Cardiff on 4 December 1981,namely 56035(‘Richard Trevithick’) double heading with 56040 on empty iron ore wagons from Llanwern to Port Talbot.
Thanks and best wishes, Michael

Now we see 37188 heading West with empty oil tankers. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

The Last Fortnight
Mark Lynam

A few photos I have taken around Cornwall the last couple of weeks.
Thanks, Mark Lynam and thank you too Mark.

43093/43188 formed the last ever Penzance to Paddington HST seen at Penzance before working 1A78 0650 Penzance to London Paddington on Saturday 18th May.

43093 seen on the blocks at Paddington. They would later work the final Paddington to Plymouth HST at 18.03. Copyright Mark Lynam

Sunday 19th May saw the new timetable come into force and therefore the Summer through trains to Newquay, this year of course in the shape of IETs, 800301 being the first IET in passenger service to Newquay. Copyright Mark Lynam

50042 was out at Bodmin on the diesel only diagram yesterday seen running around its stock at Bodmin General before working 1545 to Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Mark Lynam

XC HSTs return - 43207 seen at Penzance before working 2C80 2130 Penzance to Plymouth, while GWR 43092 is seen on Platform 4 after working 2C51 1750 Exeter St Davids to Penzance, waiting to head to Longrock depot for the night. Copyright Mark Lynam

Newquay
Summer Saturdays
Clive Smith

We are back on the summer timetable at last and that means long trains at Newquay station for the next three and a half months. Here are a couple of pictures of the station in its glory days. What a wonderful station Newquay was. On summer Saturdays it would come to life with three platforms in operation and two carriage sidings. All controlled by semaphore signalling from a box at the end of the platforms. Such a contrast with today's one track-one platform rump of a station.

Regards, Clive Smith
Many thanks indeed Clive for your detailed introduction and your similarly detailed captions all is much appreciated.
If only we could go back to those days once again!!

(1) Split box 45053 basks in the sun on the 09.50 Newquay - Newcastle on Saturday 24th August 1981. This loco had arrived on the first overnight of the morning to serve Cornwall's premier resort , the 21.31 from Nottingham. At the time this train used to be re-engined at Newton Abbot with a loco from the depot there but tended to be a 47 or 50. Copyright Clive Smith

(2) The signalman collects the token and walks back to the box as 45057 passes Newquay's semaphore signals on a dreary morning with the 21.17 from Newcastle on the 2nd July 1983. This would be around 08.45. I had arrived two hours earlier behind 45150 on the 21.39 from Manchester. This photo was taken following a hearty fried breakfast at 7 in the morning in one of the cafes opposite the station that used to do a roaring trade from the bleary eyed holidaymakers that had just arrived from the other end of the country. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) The dominant gas holder is now long gone. 45057 is seen here on the 12.20 to Nottingham on the 2nd July 1983. Copyright Clive Smith.

26th May 2019

26/5/2019

The new order at Long Rock
on Sunday Mornings
Roger Salter

_190526a The new order at Long Rock on Sunday Morning. Copyright Roger Salter

Class 37 Railtour
'The Devon Seasider'
Clive Smith David Tozer Martin Duff & Roger Winnen

The 05.50 Hudderfield to Paignton and return hauled by 37407 and 37059. A great start to summer Saturdays in the west with a pair of DRS class 37s visiting Paignton including a large logo one. Looking forward to the Mazey Day pair to Penzance next month.
Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive

The 'Devon Seasider' passes Exminster. 12.44 on the 25th May 2019. Copyright David Tozer.

(1) After a signal check 37407 and 37059 storm away from Newton Abbot with Retro Railtours' 1Z44 05.50 Huddersfield - Paignton 'Devon Seasider' tour on the 25th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

190525a 37407 and 37059 arrives at Torquay with the 05.50 Huddersfield Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

190525b A brief stop at Torquay before departure for Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

190525c Classic Torquay with the palms. Copyright Roger Winnen

(2) With a fair bit of clagging 37059 and 37407 roar through Newton Abbot with Retro Railtours' 1Z45 16.00 Paignton - Huddersfield return 'Devon Seasider ' tour. 25th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

190525d Departure from Paignton was 16.00 hrs. We see the arrival at Exeter St David's Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Classic Rolling stock for this railtour. Copyright Martin Duff

Window Labels for the Railtour. Copyright Martin Duff

190525e The sun nicely light up the Class 37s in Platform 5 at Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

Classic Traction at Torquay & Churston
Martin Duff & Roger Winnen

190525f The !2.33 Paignton Glasgow arrives at Torquay. Copyright Martin Duff

190525g The Class 37s depart for Paignton. Copyright Martin Duff

190525h Classic Traction as Class S160 arrives at Churston on the 14.25 Paignton Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

190525i The station yard at Churston with D2192 and 75014 Braveheart. Copyright Roger Winnen

Penzance HST's
Brian Pibworth

Good Morning Keith,

Recent pictures of HSTs in different livery reminded me of 20th August 2016 when I was perched on the sea wall at Penzance, photographing Ringed Plovers, when along the line came a bird of unexpected plumage in the form of a Cross Country HST.

I'm not primarily a train-spotter nor much cop at numbers but it seemed unusual at the time and I don't seem to have recorded another similar substitution.

Regards to all, Brian
Many thanks indeed Brian - smashing pictures of an event which we never thought we'd see again.

1) XC 43384 at the head of the 1V48 0745 from York arrives at Penzance Station. 20th August 2016 . Copyright Brian Pibworth

2) 43384 at the head of the 1V48 0745 from York in Penzance Station. 2oth August 2016. Coyright Brian Pibworth.

3) FGW/GWR 43030 & XC 43303 at Penzance. The GWR train will soon leave as the 1A94 1552 Penzance to London Paddington while the XC arrival from York will form the 1E75 1625 Penzance to Leeds. 20th August 2016. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

25th May 2019

25/5/2019

Moorswater
Alan Peters

I worked the Aberthaw - Moorswater cement from Bristol Temple Meads on 22nd May 2019 in superb weather with clear blue skies, the run round took place at Liskeard instead of Lostwithiel giving an earlier arrival at Moorswater where 70813 is involved in shunting the loaded PCA wagons and looking like a class 70 sandwich, note the GWR short set crossing Moorswater viaduct - Driver Alan Peters
Many thanks Alan for a smashing picture - you timed it just right.

A most unusual shot taken at Moorswater on the 23rd May 2019. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks too Alan for the Home page pictures you have provided for this month.

Penzance Pacer
Mike Roach

It's the 18th of December 2008. One wonders what the subject of discussion between crew members is as Pacer 142 030 makes a rare visit to the far South West. Passengers are already boarding for the return journey to its home territory for this unit. Copyright Mike Roach.

Another shot of 142 030 standing very nearly at the buffer stops on platform 3 at Penzance. 18th December 2008. Copyright Mike Roach.

Many thanks Mike

Dartmouth Station
Wim Deblier

Wim writes :- Hello,
I would like to model the Dartmouth railway station building for my OO scale layout. There are plenty of photographs available online, but I’m looking for the general dimensions of the building to work out the correct size of my model. Could you help me with this, please?
Many thanks,
Wim Deblier. Belgium Can anybody help please.

Dartmouth station in the 1960's. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Oaksey & Kemble
John Scragg

John Scragg sent us these fantastic pictures of 44871 working the London Waterloo to Worcester Shrub Hill and return working on the 23rd May 2019. Many thanks John.

44871 on the outward working seen at Oaksey which is two and a half miles south of Kemble at 13.05 on the 23rd May 2019 Copyright John Scragg

Kemble at 19.54 on the 23rd May as 44871 is witnessed at the station. Note the platform for the Cirencester branch in still in location. Copyright John Scragg.

24thMay 2019

24/5/2019

The First HST Cross County Service
Penzance to Dundee
Roger Salter

190524a The first Cross Country HST working the Penzance to Dundee service this morning. Copyright Roger Salter)

We thought they'd gone!
Liskeard
Peter Munaghan

This came as quite a surprise for Peter. Here we see HST Power Car 43002 on the 14.26 Penzance to Plymouth on the 23rd May 2019. Power car 43198 was on the rear. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Redruth
Paddy Bradley

A very interesting postcard of Redruth Station. This view depicts so well the old sidings off to the left. the roof of the original signalbox in the foreground. Beyond the footbridge stands the goods shed dominating the station buildings. Note also the wooden shed which still exists in a 'tatty state across the road from the station entrance. What would Redruth be with Carn Brea Hill with its Castle and Monument. Also see the distant mine buildings. A Gem from the Paddy Bradley Collection.

And as expected, and much appreciated, additional comment from Roy Hart.
I would date the picture 1908-9. Note that the carriages are now elliptical-roofed instead of clerestory, which would not have been the case only a year or two earlier. These coaches were the famed 'dreadnoughts' -70 footers.
The signal box opened in 1894 and closed in 1914 -the goods shed and the down sidings went at the same time. Notice how small Redruth station building was -almost invisible in the picture. It was rebuilt in the present form in 1927.

____________________________________________________________________________

The Cornwall Railway Society party visiting the Exeter and Teign Valley Railway at Cristow on the 3rd June 2017. Eric is third from the right and his good lady Diana stands beside him. Photograph from the Roger Winnen Collection.

Sad News Eric Dowson
We are very sorry to report that our good friend and member Eric passed away at the age of 80 at Camborne – Redruth Hospital on Saturday 18th May 2019. Eric leaves his wife Diana, and daughter Hannah and Grandchildren Amira and Thomas. Father in law of Edmund. Eric was a loyal member supporting the CRS at both indoor and outdoor events often assisting with transport to and from CRS activities.
You are invited to Eric’s funeral which will be held at Treswithian Crematorium at 12.00 on Friday 31st May. This will be followed at 13.00 by a gathering at the Penventon Park Hotel, all are welome.
The above photograph below shows Eric and Diana at a CRS outdoor event held at the Exeter and Teign Valley Railway centre at Christow on the 3rd June 2017.

23rd ay 2019

23/5/2019

Time is running out for the
Lelant Saltings Park & Ride
Roger Winnen

From Saturday 1st June 2019 the Park and Ride from Lelant Saltings to St Ives will be relocated to operate from the new facilities now nearing completion at St Erth Railway Station. From this date Lelant Saltings will only be served by one train in either direction shown in the new Great Western Railway Timetable.

190523a Except for through trains between Penzance and St Ives on the branch a shuttle service is provided from Lelant Saltings whilst the ongoing work nears completion at St Erth Copyright Roger Winnen

190523b Passengers alighting from the connecting bus from St Erth and the Park and Ride at the Saltings await to join the train. - Copyright Roger Winnen

190523c The next departure for St Ives awaits departure. Copyright Roger Winnen

190523d Two 150 class units filled to capacity leave Lelant Saltings for St Ives. Copyright Roger Winnen

190523e Queue Here for the platform and trains. Copyright Roger Winnen

190523f The 2018 First Bus on Rail Replacement to St Erth Station whilst the St Ives Branch platform is under reconstruction. Copyright Roger Winnen

Drinnick Mill
Paddy Bradley

Picture Copyright the Paddy Bradley collection.

Another fascinating picture from the Paddy Bradley Collection. This picture is worthy of a close study. Note that all men are wearing headgear of some form or other - in those days one was considered to be undressed without a hat. Four of the uniformed gentlemen sport watch chains and presumably have watches. Three of them are grasping shunters poles which would have had quite a bit use as Drinnick Mill was a busy place. Finally it is pointed out that the locomotive has a wooden buffer beam. Many thanks to you Paddy.

As usual, a very quick and much appreciated response from our Rangoon Correspondent
Dear Keith,
The gent in the centre (wearing frock coat) is the stationmaster. Drinnick Mill had a stationmaster until the 1950s.
Until 1966, there was a goods office and a signal box.
Trains operated both north and south out of Drinnick until 1911, when the ' Carpella break' occurred. The GWR were in dispute with the local clay company about mineral rights beneath the railway. The high court found for the clay company, so the line was severed south of Drinnick for 12 years or so. During this time, new signal boxes were opened at Parkandillack and Kernick because the bulk of the clay was going north to St Dennis.
The engine looks like an 850 class: it will have been shedded at St Blazey. There was an engine shed at Burngullow until about 1906.
We are, of course, in the pre- clay hood era; china clay was normally transported in barrels at this time.

Roy Many thanks Roy

Sunny Cornwall
Paul Negus

Paul Negus, who normally commutes from Bristol to Yatton has extended his range to be in Cornwall at a period of exceptional sunny weather. Hope you enjoy your stay Paul, and thanks.

The beach get the sun but unfortunately the St Ives terminus is not well lit at this hour. A pair of 150's wait to form the next shuttle service back to Lelant Saltings. Lelant Saltings will be closing w.e.f. 1st of June when the newly re-vamped station at St Erth is re-opened on the 1st June, 21st May 2019 Copyright Paul Negus.

All that remains of Marazion station is the former down platform building which has somehow survived the ravages of time. A Castle class train passes the station which closed on the 5th October 1964. The stations view of the sea has been eclipsed by a rake of modern flats standing, where for several years, a rake of Pullman coaches enjoyed the view. 21st May 2019. Copyright Paul Negus.

22nd May 2019

22/5/2019

Plymouth Millbay
Paddy Bradley

From the Paddy Bradley Collection - any ideas as to the exact location. Class 850 N0. 2019 Built1894-9 First Z2 at Plymouth Millbay. 1907

Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
Exmoor Associates Meeting
Colin Burges

On Saturday (11th May) I rode out from Junction Station to join the pioneering Exmoor Associates at their meeting in Goodleigh Village Hall. This is the organization, run by the ever-resourceful Mike Buse, which is piecing together the Lynton & Barnstaple ahead of the track laying gang. It has eight holdings, one being the line through Snapper Halt, where members retired after the meeting to see the lads spiking down the rails on a length of token track. I chatted to Mike at length about his work and congratulated him on the outstandingly good aerial film he had had made.

Turn up the volume, sit back and dream:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=oDUN--CAJBo

A view of the quite extensive holding looking on towards Lynton. 11th May 2019/ Copyright Colin Burges

Looking towards Barnstaple the little waiting shelter can be seen to the right by the pole. 11th May 2019. Copyright Colin Burges

Then I rode on to Chelfham for a quick call before climbing the hill to Bratton Fleming, where a visit had been arranged to the private section of line there. However, sitting in the sun being plied with tea and cake was so pleasant that I decided to terminate at Chelfham.

On my return I scooted through all the short cuts unavailable to the motorist to come out at Town Station, where I called at a little shrine, the release road buffer stop, minus its timber.

At Barnstaple Town terminus a buffer remains. If you look at close-ups of buffer stops, you'll see a cutaway in the timber for the claw hook of the coupler. 11th May 2019. Copyright Colin Burges

The location of the 'shrine' at Barnstaple Town. 11th May 2019. Copyright Colin Byrges.

Barnstaple Town Station as it was. Colin Burges.

Cheers, Colin. Many thanks for your update on progress.

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