Blog Archives

21st May 2020

21/5/2020

Chetnole
Bill Elston

Hi Keith,
I popped over the border into Dorset today and visited Chetnole on the Yeovil to Weymouth line.
Photo 1 shows blue 166215 on the 2Z78, 1533 Westbury to Weymouth; photos 2 and 3 are of
37610 (leading) and 37612 on the Tyseley to Bristol High Level siding via Weymouth test train.
As you can see, what a green and pleasant land we live in!

Stay safe, Bill .

Blue 166215 on the 2Z78, 1533 Westbury to Weymouth. 20th May 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

37610 Test train Tysley to Bristol High Level siding via Weymouth. 20th May 2020 Copyright Bill Elston.

37612 at the rear of the Test train passes Chetnole. 20th May 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

Fine pictures on a glorious day in a green and pleasant land, many thanks Bill.

Steam at
Respryn
Chris Harvey

Please find attached a shot of a steam-hauled charter captured at Respryn in May 2004, which you might be able to use.
Doubled-headed by Castles 5029 and 5051 (the latter totally hidden by steam and smoke), here the the 1520 Penzance - Ealing Broadway "Cornubian", charging east through Respryn towards Bodmin Parkway. I remember that the noise was absolutely terrific!
Note the tribute to Bryan Dudley-Ward on the headboard, a legendary steam driver who had passed away earlier that year.

Best Regards, Chris Harvey.

Two Castles 5029 and 5051 at Respryn. 31st May 2004. Copyright Chris Harvey

Bryan Dudley-Ward is commemorated on the headboard, 31st May 2004. Copyright Chris Harvey

Many thanks to you Chris.

20th May 2020

20/5/2020

'Hotting Up'
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are still well and I was Interested to see you had made it to Hayle,though not by train!
From Monday we have a train service, hourly, instead of the ‘bus replacement so a small step back to normality.
I send a picture of 47489 leaving Penzance on 10 September 1987 with the 10.27 to Edinburgh,’The Cornish Scot’ on a sunny and warm day.
Thanks and best wishes. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Morning in Cornwall 'Hayle'
Leslie Curnow- Roger Winnen

200520a 43194 Okehampton Castle crossing Hayle Viaduct with the 11.15 Penzance to Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

200520b 57605 Totnes Castle on a return working from Long Rock via Truro to Long Rock. Copyright Roger Winnen

200520c 43154 Compton Castle at the rear working the 10.15 Penzance to Plymouth at Hayle Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Good to see you this morning Roger
A photo of 2P13 1210 Penzance to Plymouth headed by 43122 Dunster Castle arriving at Hayle today 20th May 2020 crossing the Viaduct with its four coaches with 43198 at the rear.
Copyright Leslie Curnow

Thanks Leslie, nice to see you this morning at Hayle

Not just the weedkiller!
Ken Mumford

Ken writes - Friends,
I did see if I could take photos at the station but the two members of staff were extremely good even though Train-spotting as they said was not an exercise (unless I walked up an down the platform!). They suggested that I tried the Town side of platform 4 but the fence was too high! So, I tried Marston Footbridge and I was surprised when nobody was on the footbridge, so I made my way to the top of the footbridge and I had it ALL TO MYSELF until I left about two hours later!

66155 leads the weedkiller on the 19th May 2020 (From Marston footbridge) Copyright Ken Mumford

66017 brings up the rear. 19th May 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford

66622 on a westbound freight. 19th May 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

Nr. Wrangaton
Clive Smith

This is Cheston Bridge on Primrose Lane just east of Wrangaton looking towards South Brent where lineside vegetation was cut back in early 2019. I came here the previous day at 19.15 in hope to photo the class 66 top n tail weedkiller train that has been operating in the area, but the low sun and large trees created too much shadow so I thought a mid-afternoon visit would produce a good photo. The train is the 1V50 06.06 Edinburgh - Plymouth with 43207 leading and 43321 on the rear. The hill in the background is the 1020 feet high Brent Hill.

Regards, Clive Smith

Wrangaton, Cheston bridge on Primrose Lane. XC43207 19th May 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive.

Night time at
Exeter (7)
Paul Barlow

47103 17.52 Paddington to Penzance Fridays only 50015 Valiant 20.20 To Basingstoke seen on the 22nd October 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

This is the last of Paul's night time sequences at Exeter, a real enthusiast if ever there was. Many thanks Paul.

19th May 2020

19/5/2020

Exminster
David Tozer

66155 & 66017 Heads the 17.56 Exeter Riverside to Newquay weed killing train passed Exminster on 18.5.2020. Copyright David Tozer

Pacer unit 143620 & Sprinter 150202 passing Exminster on 16.12 Paignton to Exmouth 18.5.2020 Copyright David Tozer

802001 802017 approaching Exminster on the 15.04 Paddington-Penzance service on 18.5.2020. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Combe Down tunnel
Guy & Charlotte Vincent

Combe Down Tunnel (2m 02ch - 3m 05ch, ELR SAD) is situated to the south of Bath on the former Somerset and Dorset Railway (Bath Extension) and was opened to traffic on 20 July 1874. It is 1829 yards (or 1672 metres) in length and runs in a north to south direction with an initial right-hand curve of 29 chains radius followed by a long straight that ends with a further right-hand curve of 68 chains radius to the southern exit in Horsecombe Vale. Of single bore width there is a 1 in 100 falling gradient that commences inside around 400 yards from the Lyncombe Vale northern portal. With no ventilation shafts (for many years it was the longest unventilated tunnel in the UK) this was a very unpleasant place to be especially when working a heavy or slow northbound train and at least one fatal accident occurred due to a locomotive crew being overcome by fumes and losing consciousness. Not far in from the north portal there is a large cavern-like void above the roof that has been completely brick-lined, almost like a baker's oven.

Following closure of the S&D in 1966 the tunnel fell into disuse and was abandoned, later being taken over by Wessex Water and the portals were secured with large steel doors and masonry. From 2008 a well organised appeal and programme of works saw the tunnel revived with essential maintenance completed followed by a complete refurbishment including the installation of lighting throughout and a smooth tarmac surface for walkers and cyclists. The tunnel reopened as part of the Two Tunnels Greenway project on 6th April 2013 and is now managed by Sustrans. Throughout the tunnel on both sides there are refuges cut back into the walls where those unfortunate enough to have had to be present when a train was passing would have retreated to. Much of the tunnel is unlined with a sandy, creamy rock-like surface that varies in texture, width and height, this is coated with a good amount of soot from the hundreds of thousands of steam locomotive chimneys that used to pound their way through. Some sections are brick-lined and there are many interesting 'rings' built at differing times. For the guidance of today's users the tunnel is numbered from Zero to 84 N-S with ground distance markers every 100 metres. For much of the straight section moody violin music continually plays on a solar-powered loop system. The attached photos were taken (with the aid of a new and very expensive iphone!) by Charlotte Vincent, walking south to north on Saturday May 16th 2020.

Guy Vincent. N.B. Blue font for S & D

Many thanks Guy and Charlotte.

Combe Down Tunnel (0) (South) 16th May 2020 Copyright Charlotte Vincent

Combe Down Tunnel (1) (South) 16th May 2020 Copyright Charlotte Vincent

Combe Down Tunnel (2) (South) 16th May 2020 Copyright Charlotte Vincent

Combe Down Tunnel (3) (South) 16th May 2020 Copyright Charlotte Vincent

Combe Down Tunnel (4) (North) 16th May 2020 Copyright Charlotte Vincent

Combe Down Tunnel (5) (North) 16th May 2020 Copyright Charlotte Vincent.

Combe Down Tunnel (6) North Portal 2m02ch. 16th May 2020 Copyright Charlotte Vincent

Many thanks to Guy and his daughter Charlotte for the above views and the history.

St Austell Clay
Scott Peters

A lone passenger looks on as EWS 66159 thunders through St Austell with a train of CDA's on 14/05/2007, note: the roof was already missing off the footbridge and the old station lighting - Scott Peters

St Austell 66050 14th May 2007 Copyright Scott Peters

Many thanks Scott.

Night time at
Exeter (6)
Paul Barlow

45035 waits with the 14. 32 Leeds to Plymouth the 1V94 0n the 20th November 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

18th May 2020

18/5/2020

Trains crossing Hayle Viaduct
Roger Winnen

Unable to travel by train to Hayle resulted in me using the T1 Bus service from Penzance. Restrictions on the Network advises passengers that travel by train is only for key workers, as I found out when trying to purchase a return to Gunnislake last Saturday.
Years ago I would have qualified as being a Key Worker as I worked on the Docks and the Quay area of Penzance. That would surely be a Jethro Joke!

200518a An 802 Crosses Hayle Viaduct with the 09.11 Penzance to Paddington service. Copyright Roger Winnen

200518b 43170 Chepstow Castlewith the 05.28 Bristol-Penzance crossing the viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

200518bb These photographs were taken on land adjacent to this bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

200518c 43092 Cromwells Castle heads across the viaduct 0n the 10.15 Penzance-Plymouth service. Copyright Roger Winnen

200518c 158747 Heads the 2+2 formation of the 06.44 Bristol to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

The return of the Pacers!
Newton Abbot
Clive Smith

Yes it's the return of the pacers ! These photos are at Newton Abbot on Sunday 17th May 2020. Not much to get excited about these days but the obituary for these stalwarts will have to be postponed again. I thought they had been given the last rites back in mid March when steps were being taken to cutback services with rail staff self isolating and reduced services starting. The eight GWR 143s at Exeter were 'mothballed' until needed again when there was an upturn in services but with class 165 turbos set to be eventually introduced, it looked unlikely the pacers would return with so many of their northern cousins being stored and withdrawn. They have been used in the last two months as train crew taxis to take staff from Exeter to Taunton but have not seen passenger use since the third week of March if I am correct.
Regards Clive Smith.

(1) 143611 leading a two car 150 on the 15.39 Paignton - Exmouth.. 17th May 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) Five minutes after taking a photo of 143611 on platform 3 the announcement was made for a down service 'formed of 4 cars' so I waited to see if another pacer would produce and it did. 143619 bringing up the rear with a 150 on the 14.57 Exmouth - Paignton. The building to the left is the new Aldi that was built last year on the site of the old Victorian Carriage and Wagon Shed which was demolished after a fire. There was some sort of wall from the building left there for quite a while but that has now been reduced to rubble. 17th May 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive.

Another delight from Craig
Recent Pictures
Craig Munday

Hi Keith

Some pictures from recent days. It's a pretty standard set of workings these days. Most trains in dark green GWR livery. One exception was Colas Rail's 37116 working up to Parkandillack last week for route learning purposes.

It is pictured at Little Treviscoe, Treviscoe & Parkandillack.
Alan Peters and Andy Smith are pictured next to their steed at Parkandillack on 13th May.

Also seen are some Castle set HSTs including a five car set from 12th May at Coombe.

I was out at Angarrack on 14th, just after the 8pm NHS clap from deep in the village, quite poignant when 802020 drifted over the viaduct shortly afterwards.

One very well known photographer captures another - Alan Peters by Craig Munday. Alan Peters and Andy Smith are 'captured' by their steed at Parkandillack. 13th May 2020. Copyright Craig Munday. N.B. I can't say the masks are an improvement!!

37116 at Parkandillack. 13th May 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Now time for a nice reflection shot. 37116 pauses at Treviscoe. Copyright Craig Munday. 13th May 2020.

Craig gets where others, can't or have difficulty in getting to. The level crossing at Little Treviscoe. 13th May 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Coombe 12th May 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

I was out at Angarrack on 14th, just after the 8pm NHS clap from deep in the village, quite poignant when 802020 drifted over the viaduct shortly afterwards. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks for this evidence of your travels in Cornwall on the 12th,13th and 14th May 2020.
Keep on clicking Craig.

Night time at
Exeter (6)
Paul Barlow

45061 stands to depart at Exeter with the 14.32 off Leeds to Plymouth. 23rd October 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow.

17th May 2020

17/5/2020

Roche and Goss Moor
Roger Winnen

Roche sign To GWR Station Roche. Photograph taken 10th July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

760710b Gloucester 3 Car Cross Country unit on a Plymouth Newquay working. Saturday 10th July 1976 crossing Goss Moor. Copyright Roger Winnen

760710c An unidentified Class 50 on a Midday service from Newquay to Paddington crosses Goss Moor. Copyright Roger Winnen

Night time at
Exeter (5)
Paul Barlow

31158 on the 18.35 Paignton to Exeter on the 10 March 1983. Unit P461 is seen on platform 4. Copyright Paul Barlow. The trackbed could do with a bit of litter picking!

Many thanks Paul

Teignmouth 2017
Adrian King

A Lodon bound HST makes its way out along the sea wall towards Dawlish. Sunday 20th August 2017. Copyright Adrian King.

A Class 143 Pacer unit 143612 makes its way under Eastcliff overbridge on the approach into Teignmouth. 20th August 2017. Copyright Adrian King. A nicely framed picture.

A shot taken from the Saunders Road overbridge catches an unidentified Voyager. 21st August 2017. Copyright Adrian King.

Many thanks Adrian.

Focus on
Carbis Bay
Laurence Hansford

We are extremely lucky that Laurence has opened his treasure trove of 1965 pictures of this well known location famed for its golden beach and the steep climb there and back.

Carbis Bay station viewed over the top of the Viaduct towards St Erth. Copyright Laurence Hansford.

Cross Country set approaching over the viaduct. The large pipe attached to the outside (something like 18 ins dia.) followed the line all the way as far as the engine shed and carried Carbis Bay’s sewerage into St Ives where it was all discharged out at sea when the tide changed! I understand that some years ago the flow was reversed and it was superseded by an even larger one carrying St Ives’ sewerage all the way in the other direction to a new treatment works at St Erth. I believe the new pipe is buried in the ballast across the viaduct, raising the track and necessitating the present handrail fixed on top of the granite parapet. Copyright Laurence Hansford.

Cross Country set leaving Carbis Bay, heading towards St Erth. At the time all the buildings were virtually unaltered from original and lighting was still provided by oil (Tilley Lamps). All the lamp post shown in the old photo had disappeared (for the “war effort”?).

Rather delightful cast iron weight restrictions signs fixed either side of the road bridge leading down to the beach. Checking on Google Street View, the bridge is still there carrying modern traffic, the posts are also still there almost rusted through but the signs are long gone; I wonder where they went. Copyright Laurence Hansford.

Station seen through the over-bridge looking towards St Ives. Look how many people there are on the beach! Copyright Laurence Hansford.

A close up of the above picture - bathers crowding the beach - not many surf boards around in those days. Copyright Laurence Hansford.

The track looking east towards Hawkes Point and St Erth Copyright Laurence Hansford.

Carbis Bay station with nobody around after a train has left… unless you enlarge the image and look carefully when you can see the station porter on his way back near the top of the incline. Copyright Laurence Hansford.

The above picture enlarged. The porter can be seen nearing the station building at the top of the slope. Copyright Laurence Hansford.

Summer Saturday 6 car train heading off for St Erth. In the 1960s after the end of loco hauled trains, 6 car trains were normal on Summer Saturdays as well as at other times. Copyright Laurence Hansford.

Passengers pouring off a train from St Ives; note the tickets being collected by the Guard. At quiet times this would be done by the Porter but when he was too busy (presumably selling tickets or whatever), the train would stop with the Guards Van as near as possible opposite the slope and the Guard would nip out and perform this duty. It is probable that the Guard is E. Norris who also features on the St Ives station staff photograph. Copyright Laurence Hansford.

Train bound for St Ives arriving at Carbis Bay. Here you get a good view of the station name laid out in white painted stones. In earlier times when the station was better staffed, the letters themselves were filled with bedding plants and the grass kept short. Copyright Laurence Hansford.

A few moments later as the train pulls in. Note the Guard getting ready to jump out. Copyright Laurence Hansford.

Many thanks Laurence for a wonderful collection of nostalgic views.

16th May 2020

16/5/2020

Keeping it Local
Andrew Triggs

Good Afternoon Roger/Keith
As we are now allowed to venture outside once again I took advantage of Saturdays fine weather to capture this mornings traffic to and from Penzance, making it as far as Marazion, it was seriously good to get out and about with the Camera once again, certainly true that you can really miss something you take for granted in the normal World
All the Best
Andrew

GWR 802018 working 1A80 08.15 Penzance-London Paddington past Marazion. Copyright Andrew Triggs

43155/43098 working 2E12 08.51 Penzance-Exeter St Davids clearing Longrock. Copyright Andrew Triggs

FGW Blue 150's 150219/238, the last remaining pair in the old livery departing Penzance, working 2P14 09.55 to Plymouth. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Powerful image of 43122/198 passing Marazion station working 2C45 09.27 Exeter St Davids-Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

08645 'St Piran' outside the Depot building in the sunshine. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Night time at
Exeter (4)
Paul Barlow

33033 waits to depart with the 20.20 Exeter to Basingstoke on the 12th November 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Timetables for the
St Ives Branch
Laurence Hansford

Dear Keith,

I feel very mean because I haven't contributed anything for what seems a terribly long time. I hope this makes up for it to some extent.

Firstly, in response to a recent request I have dug out a couple of old working timetables and scanned the sections dealing with the St Ives Branch. The first one is as close as possible to the required date, covering the period 17th June to 8th September 1963 and was the last one when the Branch was fully signalled.

The other one I include for interest only and is the GWR equivalent for the period 7th October 1946 to 4th May 1947 (I wish I had been able to come across a copy of a pre-nationalisation summer one, but no luck). I apologise for the state of the front cover but when I managed to acquire it in, I think, 1957 it was already pretty dog-eared and the cover torn. At the time I thought I was doing a good job in repairing it with Sellotape but over the years the paper deteriorated to a buff colour and is very delicate. The Sellotape, instead has gone brown and brittle but at least I still have it and the interior is legible.
Many thanks Laurence - very nice to hear from you again.
N.B. If you turn to our St Ives branch section you will find that Laurence has contributed a large amount of valuable material.

Summer 1963 timetable. From the Laurence Hansford Collection.

Summer 1963 timetable. From the Laurence Hansford Collection

Winter timetable. cover. From the Laurence Hansford Collection

Winter timetable 1946 - 47. From the Laurence Hansford collection.

Many thanks Laurence

15th May 2020

15/5/2020

4+2s at Apex Bridge
Mick House

Today I went to Apex Bridge to see two Castle sets one on a down Plymouth Penzance 43 188 Newport Castle on the front and 43 093 Old Oak Common at the rear, followed by an up Penzance Plymouth with 43 187 on the front and 43 170 Chepstow Castle on the rear, they were both timed to pass me at between 13. 40 & 13.50 and were both roughly on time.
Report by Mick House.

43 188 Newport Castle. Copyright Mick House.

43 093 Old Oak Common. Copyright Mick House.

3 187. Copyright Mick House.

43 170 Chepstow Castle. Copyright Mick House.

50044 Exeter nr Journey's End
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are still keeping well and enjoying the sun,although we have a chilly wind here. Nice pictures of 37116.
I send a picture of 50044 ‘Exeter’ nearing journey’s end .at 10.30am with the 05.45 from Barnstaple on the 11th June 1986
Thanks and best wishes,
Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Twenty one years ago in the
Exeter area
Bill Elston

One days photography exactly twenty one years ago.

1) D9000 arriving on a charter. You can almost hear the sound!! 15th May 1999. Copyright Bill Elston.

2) 60005 on the 'silver' bullets with D9000 standing ready to go, Copyright Bill Elston.

3) D9000 taking off, heading for Par, lovely clag! 15th May 1999. Copyright Bill Elston

4) LNER class V2 60800 'Green Arrow' passing Rewe. 15th May 1999. Copyright Bill Elston.

15th May 1999
Pathfinder Tours
The Eastern Envoy
Locos Used37350, D9000 'Royal Scots Grey' & steam: 60800 'Green Arrow'Route :
1Z37 : Reading to Par
1Z?? : Par to Reading
LocoRoute
D9000Reading - Didcot Parkway - Swindon - Bristol Parkway - Bristol Temple Meads - Exeter St Davids - Plymouth - Par
60800 Par - Plymouth - Exeter St Davids - Cogload Jn - Westbury - Bedwyn -Reading West - Reading West Jn - Didcot Parkway
37350 Didcot Parkway - Swindon - Bristol Parkway - Bristol Temple Meads
Courtesy Six Bells Junction Railtour files.

Many thanks Bill.

The Eastern Envoy
A bonus from
Trevor Tremethick

Morning chaps
I've just noticed the nice pictures of D9000 on the above special. I was at Whiteball and then Saltash on that day. You've probably seen mine already (can't remember if I ever sent them) but here they are anyway.
Kind regards, Trevor Tremethick

D9000 'Royal Scots Grey' at Whiteball on the 'Eastern Envoy' 15 May 1999. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

A great engine on a great bridge. D9000 'Royal Scots Grey' crosses the Tamar on the 'Eastern Envoy' 15 May 1999. Copyright T Tremethick

D9000 'Royal Scots Grey' passing Saltash on the 'Eastern Envoy'. Copyright T Tremethick

Very many thanks Trevor.

Night time at
Exeter (3)
Paul Barlow

33111 is just backing off the 1710 Ex Waterloo service standing for the booked class 50. 18th November 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

14th May 2020

14/5/2020

Laitys Road bridge
Leslie Curnow

200509a A Class Class HST approaches Laitys Road overbridge between Angarrack Viaduct and Gwinear Road on 9th May 2020. Copyright Leslie Curnow.

200509b a farm track crosses Laitys Bridge and the former Hayle Railway alignment a short distance up the lane. Copyright Leslie Curnow.

200509c The Network Rail notice. Copyright Leslie Curnow

200509d With Gwinear Road Station in the far distance hidden by trees a Penzance bound service approaches Laitys Road overbridge on the 9th May 2020

Thanks Leslie

Nightime at
Exeter (2)
Paul Barlow

Two Class 33s with a Ballast Train in Platform 4 at Exeter St David's Copyright Paul Barlow

 Many thanks Paul

Mid summers day
Exeter
Bill Elston

Just for interest I've attached 3 shots of 47033 on a Glasgow to Paignton and return working at Exd and Cockwood respectively
taken on 20th June 1998.
Take care, Bill Elston.

47033, arrives at Exeter St Davids 20th June 1998 Copyright Bill Elston

47033, on the return run seen at Cockwood. 20th June 1998 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks for your mid summers pictures Bill.

St Erth Footbridge
Steve Martin

Steve Martin writes :- Here are the two photos as requested. If put side by side or one over the other - the visual difference is clear. The mockup of the proposed footbridge doesn't include openings on the over bridge part and the stairs, but it does fill its purpose of demonstrating the size and visual impact that the proposed monolith will have.

Best regards, Steve

St Erth station - how it currently looks. Model by Steve Martin . Copyright /

St Erth station - how it might look with the new footbridge structure placed on Steve Martin's model of the station. Copyright.

If you would like to comment on this intrusion into the scene at St Erth station please write to Network Rail with your comments. Also see the drawings of the impact in yesterdays news.

Portreath Incline -
An appeal

I do not know if you can help me but a number of our members from the Runcorn and District Scale Model Boat Group, based in Runcorn, Merseyside are developing a project to build a working diorama of Portreath Harbour and the incline. We have managed to obtain really useful information about this area from various websites, your own included. I have also visited the harbour on a number of occasions to obtain photos etc.
One part of the project is to build the Engine House that controlled the drawing of the ore wagons up and down the incline.
One item of detail that we would like to obtain some information on is the configuration of the winding arrangement at the top of the incline. How would the rope/wire from the winding drums at the engine house be located such that they could be attached to the wagons without obstructing the rails. It maybe that there would be located beneath the rails a pulley arrangement driven from the engine house but I am not certain if this is correct.
I was wondering if your Society would have any detailed information on this area of the incline. Any information or any details of where such details could be found would be very much appreciated.
I hope you do not mind me contacting you in this manner but hopefully you may be able to help in this matter.
Thanking you in advance
David Booth

This question was referred to our very good friend Alan Harris who kindly replied :- There is that superb article contained in the magazine British Railway Journal Issue number 33 dated Autumn 1990 which contains 23 pages appertaining to the Portreath Branch, you have a copy of this magazine. Copies of it sometimes appear on Ebay quite cheaply and I think it would pay Mr. Booth to try to obtain a copy.
Any other help would be much appreciated.

From Roy Hart - our expert out in Rangoon.
Alan Harris is spot on with his advice: the article is by Roger Carpenter and is beautifully researched and illustrated.ISSN 0265 4105.
However, the article, despite showing photos of the engine from the 1930s, does not explain that this was the second engine at Portreath Incline. A glance at the engine building shows that it is much too big for the apparatus within - in fact it resembles a traditional Cornish engine house. This is because it began life housing a beam engine with large flywheel and drum for the rope. The engine was known as the 'Lady Bassett'.
The beam engine was replaced by the smaller, rotary affair around 1895 (no date seems to be recorded). Any model depiction would therefore depend on the period to be represented.The building was much modified over the years, most notably the addition of a water tank on the roof in the 1890s.

Roy

Many thanks to Roy and Alan,

13th May 2020

13/5/2020

37 116 at Parkandillack.
Alan Peters.

I was the driver 0Z37 Penzance - Parkandillack and return in connection with route learning for forthcoming engineering work on the branch.
This trip was seen as priority to ensure the ballast train is covered in a few weeks time.

37 116 at Parkandillack. Copyright Alan Peters.

Many Thanks Alan.

Penzance
Mark Lynam

37116 at 10.01 at Penzance. 13th May 2020. Mark Lynam.

37116 about to depart for Parkandillack. 1031 13th May 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Thanks Mark

Marazion St Erth
Andrew Triggs Roger Winnen

0Z37 10.26 Penzance-Parkandillack passing Marazion at 10.34. Copyright Andrew Triggs

200513a Colas 37116 on route from Penzance to Parkandillack passes St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

Parkandillack
John Hird

I hope you are well and keeping safe.

I thought I would send you these photos from earlier today, of 37116 visiting the Parkandillick branch . They are taken at Little Treviscoe and Parkandllick.

Kind regards, Jon Hird

Gwinear
Ossie Turrell

37116 Gwinear Road, 13th May 2020 Copyright Ossie Turrell. Driver Alan Peters at the controls - note in the distance Carn Brea Monument.

Many thanks Jon.

37116 Returns from
The Clay Country
Andrew Triggs Roger Winnen

0Z38 13.10 Parkandillack-Penzance on final approach at Penzance at 14.26 Copyright Andrew Triggs

200513aa 37116 arrives at Penzance from Parkandillack. Coppyright Roger Winnen

200513b 37116 Back from Parkandillack couples to its train for an overnight run at 22.43 to Exeter Riverside via Parkandillack & Fowey Docks (Carne Point). Copyright Roger Winnen

Network Rail Measurement train at Penzance
Mick House

Last night the Network Rail Measurement train left Exeter Riverside Yard on time at 2302 on its way to Penzance (PZ) via the Falmouth branch, arriving at PZ thirty minutes early at 05.21, as I was awake then I decided to take advantage of the new Lockdown Measures and drive to Penzance for my walk before I go to work.
37 116 was on the rear of the train with remote train operating vehicle 9714 on the front.
Report by Mick House.

9714 at the front of the train. Copyright Mick House.

The train parked up at PZ. Copyright Mick House.

Overall view of PZ in the lovely morning sun. Copyright Mick House.

Night time at
Exeter (1)
Paul Barlow

The first of a selection of night exposures at Exeter St Davids in the early 1980s most taken with my first SLR a Practika MTL3. Some shots were taken balanced on a brute with a biro pen holding the shutter down! Film used was mainly Fujichrome 100ASA. Exposure once I had a tripod was F8 40 seconds exposure with the old tungsten lighting, reduced by about half when new fluorescent lighting was installed.

Hope the pictures are of interest!
All the best, Paul Barlow .

45025 is banking 33032 on 1830 Meldon Quarry to Salisbury ballast train 18 November 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul. In your notes you remind us of photography and the problems of 40 years ago - well done. Now its easy, well easier!

Riding the Royal Train to
St Ives
Andrew Triggs

Morning Keith/Roger
Another Royal Train memory, this time with 67006/67026 with 66201 on the mainline with 150265/234 on the branch. I arrived at St Erth amid high security but on asking if we were allowed on the platform was told "If you buy a ticket, I can't stop you" by the platform staff, so The Queen and Prince Philip and their party rode in 150265, with myself and normal passengers in 150234 on the branch, so I've riden the Royal train in a roundabout way!
All the Best
Andrew Triggs.

1. 67006/026 cross over to the Up side at St Erth. 17th May 2013 Copyright Andrew Triggs.

2. 66201 at the rear of the formation/ 17th May 2013. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

3. Later in the day, 150265/234 at St Erth. 17th May 2013. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

4. The bunting is still up at St Ives as 150265/234 are now on normal duties, after the Royals have gone and the crowds dispersed . 17th May 2013. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew - we'll have to treat you with more respect!

St Erth Station
Footbridge or subway

Please write your MP or Network Rail with your views.

Post from Steve Martin
79c St Mary’s Rd, St Mary’s Bay
Auckland, New Zealand
RT Hon. Derek Thomas Member of Parliament
Dear Mr. Thomas,
I'm writing to you from New Zealand to express my concern for the future of St Erth railway station and the preservation of its listed status and historical assets. I understand that the railway operator,
Network Rail has lodged an application with the Cornwall Council to remove the historic footbridge at St Erth station.
Beside the station building itself, the footbridge is an important historical asset being the most visual structure of the listed buildings that comprise the Station at St Erth. It contributes to the visual flow between platforms 1 and 2, linking the interdependent historic elements which form the overall experience at St Erth Station.
It’s visual contribution to the historic appeal of the station and its attraction to visiting travelers and tourists is irreplaceable.
St Erth Station is one of the last remaining stations that has retained its historic GWR infrastructure.
The completeness of the station’s existing facilities makes it a rare example of a mid-late Victorian rural station architecture. This unique situation must be recognised for its historical relevance.
The high significance of the existing station footbridge lies in its group value as part of the wider historic station complex. The spatial relationships between all the heritage buildings/ assets are appreciated and form part of their significance.
As a single structure, the existing station footbridge is a rare functioning example of GWR architecture.
Any removal of the remaining historic structures will drastically erode and undermine the character of the station and its remaining historic buildings.
Objections to the Proposed Footbridge
The proposed footbridge is visually imposing and disproportionate to the remainder of the station. In my opinion, its featureless box type nature takes on the appearance of a military installment and is completely out of sync with character of the station itself and the wider community area.
The spatial relationship between proposed footbridge and the remaining station structures will be vastly disproportionate and excessive.
It will dominate the skyline in the area and further depreciate the ambience and attractiveness of the station.
Some of the drawings showing the bridge are deceiving by nature of their angle and suggest a lower profile to the proposed footbridge in relation to the existing shelters than the other architectural drawings show. I have used the scale model that I'm building of St Erth (as it was in the 1950s) to demonstrate the point about the size disproportion and architectural misalignment that this will cause.
I have built a scale mock up of the proposed bridge and you can quite graphically see its negative impact.
Alternative Proposal – A Combined Underpass/Lift Solution
This solution would feature a subway with an entrance from the car park level adjacent to platform 1.
The subway passes beneath the track and has a sub-terranean lift at the platform 2 end of its bore. The lift would take passengers up to the ground level in front of the station entrance. The platform 2 end could have a short stairway of concrete construction which would allow natural light in at each end of the underpass.
Advantages
1. The combined underpass/lift proposal will allow the station to offer an accessible route for wheelchair passenger to access the platform for the St Ives branch or Up trains.
2. The combined underpass/lift solution with its additional capacity access will allow the station to accommodate peak traveler numbers. This will remove the stated issue of queues and safety.
3. The combined underpass/lift solution will allow comfortable transfers of luggage and pushchairs between platforms
4. The combined underpass/lift solution will have the least visual impact on the current appearance of the historic station with the only above ground structure being the upper level of the lift structure which would be located on unused ground adjacent to the footbridge and opposite the station entrance.
5. The combined underpass/lift solution will allow retention of the existing listed Victorian footbridge and retention of the group value of the wider historic station complex.
6. The spatial relationships between all the heritage buildings/ assets that form an irreplaceable part of their significance will be retained.
This proposal of a combined underpass and lift has not been considered in the submissions from Network rail. It clearly allows the needs and obligation of the railway to be met in the long term and at the same time preserves the historical assets of the station at St Erth.
I propose that the engineering viability of this solution is explored before any decisions regarding the footbridge are made.
Visual Impact Comparison
The drawing below shows the graphical difference in visual impact between the proposed bridge from Network Rail and the alternative underpass proposal
Network Rail have the opportunity to rethink its function-based decision making and instead take a holistic approach to infrastructure planning. Instead it can make decisions that positively preserves passenger generating historical assets and that makes Network Rail an inclusive member of the communities it serves and their greater interests.
I would like to see the alternative proposal independently investigated as I'm sure you will agree that it has potential to create a win/win solution for the community and the users of the railways system.
Thank you in advance for your consideration of my submission.
Yours Sincerely
Steve Martin

Side elevation of St Erth Footbridge showing the possible subway and lift.

This view from the same direction shows what impact the currently preferred option of two towers would look.

12th May 2020

12/5/2020

HST 5 Car Formation on the
Laira-Penzance-Laira Test Train
Roger Winnen

200512a 43042 Tregenna Castle tailed by unamed 43016 heads the 07.11 Laira- Penzance- Laira test train with GW11 the latest set converted with five carriages today. Copyright Roger Winnen

The 2014 Air Show at
Dawlish
Bill Elston

We look back at delightful Dawlish pre-Coronavirus days when crowds were no problem and they flocked to Dawlish to enjoy the sun and the air spectacular. Bill watches the increased and interesting rail traffic with one eye on the air display. It looks like there will be no air show this year.

Dawlish Air Show 1 150101 on a local service. 23rd Aug 2014 Copyright Bill Elston

Dawlish Air Show 3 57604 on the Saturdays Exeter St Davids to Penzance, 23rd Aug 2014 Copyright Bill Elston

Dawlish Air Show 4 43155,named on that day and working shuttles. 23rd Aug 2014. Copyright Bill Elston

Dawlish Air Show 6 The stars of the show. Two Lancasters, one from Canada. 23rd Aug 2014 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill, a very good day out.

Ashburton
David Tozer

One from the archives. 6412 at Ashburton June 1970 Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David.

A bit of history about
Mornington James Rich
Steve Grainger - Allen

A note from Steve Grainger-Allen.
In the Cornwall Gallery - Parkandillick Branch, there is a sepia Photo of 6 Railwaymen alongside an 060 Engine at Drinnick, (See below) The Gent in the frock Coat - Stationmaster of a Station with no passengers - is Mornington James Rich, my Maternal Grandfather ! A Welshman taking up the post at Drinnick when returning to the Rhymney Railway after demob from the Great War. His original job was already reallocated, his employer obliged to reinstate him at equal status, so offered him Drinnick in the hope he would not want to leave Cardiff, but Grandfather was not easy to shrug off, he took it and moved to Nanpean. After defeating Lung Cancer in the early 50's - date I'm not sure of, - he was relocated to St. Ives, and featured on a Poster of the Station and Staff near the end of the picture strip. His Lung Cancer triumph was unheard of in those days and is put down to the Cancer unwisely eating into a sealed pocket of Mustard Gas remnant in his lungs from his days on the Somme. The Gas was deadly to Cancer too. The attached Picture shows him (Centre) with two close Colleagues, I'm not sure who they are, possibly one is in the photo strip, but note the folded arms of Mr Rich, as in the Drinnick Photo, this standard stance due to a shrapnel wound in his left Elbow, prevented him from straightening his Arm. As I was born in 1952, just before his Illness, I was a bit too young to fully take in the occasional Mainline Cab Ride to St. Earth, and again in the Prairie to St. Ives when my Grandmother took me with her by train to collect her Husband on a Saturday afternoon. Thanks again, Steve