Blog Archives

21st May 2021

21/5/2021

MENTOR out and about
Guy Vincent

The monthly visit of the Network Rail asset monitoring and inspection test train to the Bristol area took place today (20th May 2021) and I was on a short break at Temple Meads when it pulled in to platform 5 at 0925hrs. Just time for a quick look and take some pictures. Included was the Test Coach 'MENTOR' (standing for Mobile Electrical Network Testing, Observation and Recording) This is an elder statesman of the 21st century national network and has been in front line service for almost seven decades, a remarkable feat. Built by the Gloucester Railway Carriage and Wagon Company (GRC&W Co) in 1955 as a standard BSK W34616 it was converted at Swindon Works in 1973 and has since received further modifications and upgrades to ensure it can remain in service. How long though before its services will be required inspecting the yet-to-be (?) erected OHL at this location?

Carriages used in test train formations are well worth studying in their own right as many are now the only remaining examples of once common rolling stock that has been consigned to history.

Guy Vincent

Bristol Temple Meads 67027 on the 1Z23. 20th May 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent

Bristol Temple Meads Carriage 975091 'Mentor' on the 1Z23 20th May 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Bristol Temple Meads. Carriage 72631 in the formation of the 1Z23 20th May 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent

Bristol Temple Meads. Carriage 9523 in the 1Z23 formation. 20th May 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Bristol Temple Meads as 67023 heads the 1Z23 test train. 20th May 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks indeed Guy.

Steam at Uffington & Marston
Ken Mumford

Here are my photos of 35028 heading west at Uffington and larger in the day returning in the evening.
Interesting that two of my friends thought that 35028 was not coming back through Swindon, one of them saying that it was coming back from Bristol via Salisbury!!

35028 at Uffington on the outward run 19th May 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford

35028 passes Marston footbridge on the return run. 19th May 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

Swaythling
Ron Kosys

33113 seen at Swaythling heading the 3B01 the 15.59 Sunday Waterloo-Bournemouth on the 25th June 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

Railway books
Source of

Jack Ryder Books of Pike St, Liskeard advise us that they are an Independent second-hand bookshop in Liskeard. They stock a wide range of subjects including large quantities of Bradford Barton, Middleton Press, History Press and many others Railway Publishers. Our prices are very competitive and should any of your CRS members care to visit we will offer a further 10% discount. We will post to anywhere at whatever the net cost is.
Pike Street is approx 10 Mins brisk walk from the Station, 1 minute from the Main Bus Stops (outside Post Office), and opposite the Liskeard Museum.
Always happy for people to call, email, txt or visit. Jack Ryder Books
10 Pike Street, Liskeard PL14 3JE 07889 865882 [email protected]

20th May 2021

20/5/2021

GREAT BRITISH RAILWAYS
READ ALL ABOUT IT

Many thanks to Colin Burges who sent me this link.

https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/williams-shapps-plan-for-rail-to-reform-britains-railways-and-launch-new-era-for-passengers/

Many thanks Colin.

Steam returns to
Bristol T.M.
Guy Vincent

Former Southern Railway 'Merchant Navy' 4-6-2 35029 'Clan Line' arriving into platforms 3 and 4 at Bristol Temple Meads some 20 minutes late at 1325 with the Belmond British Pullman, today running as a 1Z28 0846 departure from London Victoria. Most of the delay was incurred waiting outside Temple Meads station at Kingsland Road. This was the first appearance of the BBP here for some considerable time. Unlike recent years the route from Reading was via Swindon and Box rather than by way of Newbury and the Avon Valley.

Guy Vincent

Bristol Temple Meads as 35028 arrives with the 1Z28. 19th May 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy;
A super sight - an impressive rake of coaches.

37 6975 growling down to
Kingswear
Clive Smith

On a beautiful day on the River Dart I was fortunate to be working in Dartmouth and while out and about in the town I heard the distinct growl of a class 37 from cross the water around midday. First thoughts were that a steam loco was in trouble and needed rescuing but shortly after the 6975 had arrived light the next scheduled steam service duly arrived and departed without any problems. An hour or so later I took my lunch at Sandquay facing on to the river and was fortunate to snap the returning light engine on the branch as it made its return journey between Britannia Crossing and Greenway.

Regards, Clive Smith.

376975 growls its way from Kingswear. 19th May 2021. Copyright Clive Smith. (It looks like there's a race on!!)

Many thanks Clive for sending us a bright spot in your day.

Wet wet May
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
Goodness, our lack of April showers has certainly been balanced by a soggy May! Day after day of jet stream misery. There have been a couple of bright spells, fine for stabled trains, but hit and miss for anything on the move.

The WR Weedkiller MPV was serviced over the weekend of 15/16th May. It ran down early Saturday morning and departed Monday afternoon towed by 66011. The return on Monday is captured in some brief fine spells at St Blazey. The MPV is seen undercover on Sunday in the company of two CDA wagons and the trusty BZ wheelbarrow.

17th: GW06 set is seen powering away from Bodmin Parkway with power car 43154 leading. The sky ever threatening and the trees look beautiful with their fresh coat of leaves.

Finally an odd one. I've been scanning old negatives as the picture quality is remarkable after 30/40 years though scratches and blemishes can be a nuisance. This 1984 picture of 47594 arriving at Penzance plopped onto my hard drive, an image I dont think was ever printed! Fotopost Express were normally bulletproof, but I think they missed this one. Imagine a nice image hidden away in a shoe box since then! Craig's top tip: Dont throw anything away!

All the best, Craig.

On shed at St Blazey 16th May 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

66011 rests at St Blazey. 16th May 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

The MPV gets the 'right away' 3Z15 66011 MPV St Blazey 17th May 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

Keeping the rails clean - 3Z15 66011 MPV St Blazey. Copyright Craig Munday

The sun finds HST set 06 powering away from Bodmin Parkway with 43154 leading. 17th May 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

A 1984 picture of 47594 arriving at Penzance, Copyright Craig Munday When Craig was a young spotter,

Wet and cold too. Many thanks Craig for your pictures to brighten things up.

A quartet from Ken
Ken Mumford

From the Fernham - Uffington Road 19th May 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Close up at Uffington 19th May 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Many thanks Ken - two locations for the price of one!!

19th May 2021

19/5/2021

The Royal Albert Bridge displays etc
Roger Winnen

210519d Displays on the Devon side of the Royal Albert Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

210519e Bridging the Tamar. Roger Winnen

210519f The famous painting by Terence Cuneo in 1959 depicting the Centenary of the bridge. Roger Winnen

210519g Isambard Kingdom Brunel- The Royal Albert Bridge built 1859. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks to Roger who managed to get to this difficult location on public transport.

The Bodmin & Wenford Railway training day
Roger Winnen

210519a Hunslet Austerity 2766 runs around its train at Bodmin Parkway which is on a training run. Copyright Roger Winnen

210519b 2766 is seen running around at Bodmin Parkway, this being a training day for the railway. Copyright Roger Winnen

210519c Jimmy James looks at the coupling prior to its return run to Bodmin General. 75178 Displays the Reopening sign carried yesterday by 6435 on the special trains. Copyright Roger Winnen

Red Star at Newton Abbot
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Hope you are well and I know you are keeping active. I send a picture of a smart looking 47567 ‘Red Star’ at Newton Abbot on 16 August 1985 heading the 13.06 Paignton to Swansea service. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Salisbury
Ron Kosys

33119 approaches Salisbury hauling empty stone wagons to Meldon for refilling - the opposite of the current practice. 22nd September 1987. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron for this picture from your archive.

A view from a bridge
Teignmouth
Clive Smith

The day at Teignmouth started drizzly and overcast with some large threatening clouds which eventually burst into torrential downpours in the late morning. Then for two hours after midday the clouds parted and some brilliant sunshine bathed the coast with some quality light to coincide with my lunch hour while I was working in the town. It wasn't to last and the clouds returned followed by more downpours.
On the down on the 18th May are 43016 & 43009 with the 13.18 Exeter St Davids - Penzance stopping at the station 13.34 / 13.35. On the up 10.50 Penzance - Cardiff Central due to pass 13.36 with 43093 and 43156. 43093 has a unique GWR livery 'Legends of the Great Western' and is named 'Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976 - 2018'.

With HSTs finishing on the Midland Main Line last Saturday culminating in the 'Last HST from London' GWR, Scotrail and Cross Country are now the sole operators with XC running the last lengthy sets and at 125 mph on stretches north of York.

Regards, Clive Smith.

That familiar background at Teignmouth as 43016 & 43009 with the 13.18 Exeter St Davids - Penzance heads for a station stop. 18th May 2021 Copyright Clive Smith

The lady with the bright red coat certainly compliments this picture as 43016 & 43009 roll towards the station stop, with the 13.18 Exeter St Davids - Penzance . Copyright Clive Smith

Pausing at the very long down platform 43016 & 43009 with the 13.18 Exeter St Davids - Penzance stopped at the station from 13.34 to 13.35. Copyright Clive Smith

On the up line the 10.50 Penzance - Cardiff Central passes at 13.36 with 43093 and 43156. 43093 has a unique GWR livery 'Legends of the Great Western' and is named 'Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976 - 2018'. 18th May 2021 Copyright Clive Smith.

On the up 10.50 Penzance - Cardiff Central continues with 43093 and 43156 passing under the A379 bridge. 18th May 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

Glad you caught the weather just right - many thanks Clive.

18th May 2021

18/5/2021

Re opening special - 1st train to
Boscarne
Andrew and Diane Jones

Dear Keith and Valerie,
Yesterday I wrote about the last train to Minehead, today I am delighted to report the first passenger train to Boscarne Junction in many many months.
Best wishes Andrew and Diane

Well done, a fine effort by whoever produced this headboard. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

The re-opening train arrives at Boscarne Junction hauled by 6435.. 18th May 2021. Copyright Andrew Jones.

The re-opening train hauled by 6435 arrives at Boscarne and runs into the platform. 18th May 2021. Copyright Andrew Jones.

The very first run round for a long time as 6435 runs around its train.. 18th May 2021. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Very definitely time for celebration. Thank you Andrew.

Sixty years ago
Plymouth Millbay
Michael L Roach

Plymouth Millbay 1961 Copyright Michael L Roach

MILLBAY1961 Michael L. Roach
The approach to Millbay Station in September 1961
In the accompanying image we see the railway approach to Millbay Station looking just west of due north towards the magnificent spire of the Plymouth Roman Catholic Cathedral dating from 1858; the diocese covering Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. The huge embankment carried six parallel railway lines and was completely removed after the route closed to all rail traffic in 1971. The road passing under the railway is Union Street and the bridge was known as Union Street “Arch”, presumably because it was an arch bridge originally. The road at right angles to Union Street is the then new Western Approach. The corner site behind the car in the foreground is now occupied by a Wetherspoon public house. The car in the foreground is believed to be an Austin Cambridge A55 Mark 1 (built 1957-59), which had a top speed of just 77mph. Note the water tank, the 84xx/94xx pannier tank, the signal box and extreme right the carriage shed.

Scan 4980
MLR/16 May 2021

Another 'Gem' from the collection of Mike Roach. For which many thanks indeed Mike.

The Last train to
Minehead
Andrew and Diane Jones

The last train to Minehead - the last day cover. Copyright Andrew Jones,

The last train to Minehead - the precious ticket. Copyright Andrew Jones,

Andrew writes :- Dear Keith and Valerie,
What a turbulent time for our railways! Railways re opening after extended closure, some like the Llangothlen Railway dealt a fatal blow after many years fighting to reach Corwen and may even be forced into total closure once again. Okehampton re joining the national network. The 800 series Hitachi revisiting metal fatigue problems, reminiscent of those dark days surrounding the de havilland Comet.
When I travelled on the last train to Minehead in 1971 all those years ago, I didn’t think things could get much worse, although the events on that night bordered on the antics of the Titfield Thunderbolt.
Why last trains always had a carnival atmosphere, escaped me at the time as the booked 21.30 actually left Taunton at 21.10 strengthened to nine coaches, with a traditional cacophony of detonators which must have reminded local residents of world war 11. It sounded like someone had raided the entire signal departments supply. The guard had managed to control the passengers for a few miles, but Crowcombe station signalled the start of blasts from the DMU horns which even with warnings that he would terminate the train continued all the way to Minehead.
Railway employees contrary to popular belief are not all enthusiasts but even the most ardent guard had to give up in the end.
We were not the only revellers that night as the local round table had chartered an earlier train leaving Minehead at 20.25.
The return trip was even more eventful, our booked departure from Minehead was 22.10 but in reality by the time the brass band had played and various delaying tactics hatched on the way up enacted , the train finally departed at 22.30.
Again no one slept in Minehead that night!
By Dunster a group of railway terrorists had occupied the rear driving compartment and were busily applying the brakes at every opportunity.
However by Stogumber the band had manged to slow the journey to a crawl by insisting on playing at every station edged on by the partying passengers. It was only when we reached Crowcombe that it was realised that the band had been left at Stogumber by mistake.
So the train was reversed back to collect them.
Everyone arrived back at Taunton thankfully in one piece ending an amazing trip, which these days would have probably ended in some government enquiry.
I can remember walking home and glancing at the town clock which had just chimed 1 o’clock. If anyone tells you the last train ran to Minehead on the 2nd of January 1971, think again for we arrived back on the 3rd of January!
I have attached a last day cover and my precious last ticket.

Very best wishes to everyone and be careful.

Andrew and Diane

Another precious memory from Andrew and Diane Jones for which we are very grateful. Thank heavens the Minehead line lives on.

All change at
Moretonhampstead
Clive Smith

Driving past the former site of Moretonhampstead station and yard a few days ago I was surprised to see the Thompson Hauliers site that had been there since the 1960s completely gone. This had occurred in the last few weeks. The only buildings left are the old goods shed and the grade II listed engine shed.

A bit of searching online revealed that in March 2020 a scheme to build 35 new homes on the site had been approved. The goods shed is to be converted into three residential units and apparently the platform retained in some form as both fall within the developer’s plans. The engine shed is outside the development area and will survive because it is listed.

Regards
Clive Smith

You can read all about it by clicking on this link.

Many thanks for your report Clive - it's nice to know that features of the old station site will remain to remind one of its glorious past - rather like the remains at Helston.

Mortonhampstead station developments. 12th May 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

My apologies to Clive about the late inclusion of his photograph.

Moretonhampstead and More
Colin Burges

Clive Smith need only have looked at my web pages for the complete planning history of Moretonhampstead Station.

https://www.teignrail.co.uk/political-campaigning.php#moretonhampsteadstation

You are urged to click on the above link and read Colin's words and see his excellent illustrations.
In December, 2019, I approached the developer, Baker Estates, to request that they donate the small corrugated iron office next to the goods shed. I promised to re-erect it at Christow. When site clearance started, I called them again. But, as far as I know, it was demolished. Maybe they'd seen what I'd written about this development.

Cheers, Colin

My apologies to Clive for missing his photograph and very many thanks to Colin Burges for his excellent writings on various railway items and particular on the use/misuse of this former station site. Sorry about the loss of the 'corrugated iron office' which would no doubt have suited your location at Christow well.

17th May 2021

17/5/2021

Southern Surprise
Steve Widdowson

Stephen Widdowson visited the Severn Valley Railway for its 'Diesel Bash' and noticed this sign out of place but well worth a picture.

Camelford for Boscastle & Tintagel @ Kidderminster SVR 14th May 2021 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Well caught - many thanks Stephen.

18th May 2021
Re-opening
Bodmin & Wenford

We are delighted to announce that we are reopening from Tuesday 18th May!
Popular Cornish heritage railway, the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, has announced that it is set to reopen after 14 months on Tuesday 18th May 2021.
The well-loved tourist attraction has remained closed for most of 2020 due to Covid having made the difficult decision not to reopen last summer due to Government restrictions on capacity.
In recent weeks though, the railway has been a hive of activity with staff and volunteers working hard behind the scenes to get the railway ready to welcome visitors back.
David Nelson-Brown, Chairman of Bodmin & Wenford Railway said “We are thrilled to announce that we will reopen on Tuesday 18th May 2021. It has been a very difficult few months and the decision not to reopen last year was not taken lightly. We are really excited to be able to start running trains again and welcoming people back to the railway,”
“We have been overwhelmed with the support that the railway has received from both locals and railway enthusiasts in recent months and we are indebted to the Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund contribution to our survival. We know that many people have missed visiting the railway, or simply seeing and hearing the trains running through the local countryside.”
To prepare for reopening the station and Coffee Shop have all received fresh coats of paint, with the Coffee Shop having undergone a makeover and rebranding. The engines have all had to have various safety inspections to make sure that they are ready to pull the coaches. The coaches have also been overhauled and repainted or revarnished.
To begin with the railway will be operating with a reduced seating capacity on all trains, in line with current Government guidance. There have been a number of modifications carried out on the coaches including the installation of screens between seats to help keep passengers safe. Passengers are also asked to follow current Government guidelines and continue to social distance and wear facemasks in enclosed spaces, including on the train unless they are in an enclosed compartment or are exempt from wearing them.
The railway is also encouraging people to book tickets in advance via their new ticketing website www.bodminrailway.co.uk

Make it a special day.

56302 'Bowing out'
Bow
Driver Alan Peters

It was farewell to the Colas Class 56 that had become something of a celebrity at Okehampton during it's stay on the Dartmoor Line as a 'super shunter' in connection with relaying work on the line. The first picture shows 56302 'PECO - The Railway Modeller' approaching Fatherford Viaduct next to the A30 with the empty KRA sleeper wagons on 13th May 2021.

Something of an unofficial photo stop to capture the Colas 56 at Bow station, unfortunately the weather was not its best pouring with rain for this rare opportunity on 13th May 2021, hopefully this will not be the last class 56 to visit the line.

Alan Peters

56302 at work on Fatherford Viaduct. 13th May 2021. Copyright Alan Peters

This has got to be a 'classic' photograph. 56302 takes a BOW at BOW. 13th May 2021 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Thanks ever so much Alan.

Blue Pullman heading for Okehampton

Upton Pyne
Paul Barlow

47712 on rear of 0715 Paddington to Okehampton Blue Pullman Upton Pyne Bridge 11 March 2006 (47709 on front)
47709 (47712 on rear) work 0715 Paddington to Okehampton Blue Pullman 11 March 2006

47712 on rear of 0715 Paddington to Okehampton Blue Pullman seen at Upton Pyne Bridge 11 March 2006 (47709 on front) Copyright Paul Barlow

47709 (47712 on rear) work 0715 Paddington to Okehampton Blue Pullman 11 March 2006. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

16th May 2021

16/5/2021

Looking around Laira
Andrew Triggs

Afternoon Keith/Roger
I Visited Laira Depot on Friday last 14th May 2021, with ongoing IET issues the Depot being somewhat more full than normal during the daytime, the undergrowth around the Depot making photography rather challenging, anyway 5 shots enclosed for CRS
All the Best
Andrew

XC 43301 with 43357 working 1V44 06.11 Leeds-Plymouth passing Laira Bridge. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Viewed from Laira Bridge, the stored ex FGW Power Cars with Cross Country and recently arrived former East Midlands Trains MK3s. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The view of the stored IETs, with various GWR/FGW Power cars with 08644 to the right at the eastern end of the Depot. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The storage sidings with soon to be donor Power Cars and the ex East Midlands stock at the western end. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Back at North Road, GWR 2E15 departing for Exeter St Davids while XC 1V50 arrives from Edinburgh Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Strictly NO ACCESS
Okehampton
Alan Peters

Alan Peters writes:- Hi, The Network Rail site access for the Dartmoor line is just off the B3260 at Okehampton, there is strictly NO PUBLIC ACCESS but is still is a hive of activity with the re-opening of the line, portacabins have been set up for the duration of the works, note the modern solar panel tower lights, it is understood this will eventually be the location of the new Okehampton Parkway with this view becoming the station car park.

The track is accessible from the Network Rail Site Access for heavy machinery, the bulldozers being used after the old track was ripped up, unfortunately underfoot conditions were not the best with the rain on 13th May 2021

Driver Alan Peters

The Network Rail site access for the Dartmoor line is just off the B3260 at Okehampton, there is strictly NO PUBLIC ACCESS but it is a hive of activity. Copyright Alan Peters.

Another view of the works site and bulldozers. 13th May 2021. Copyright Alan Peters.

Colas Rail 70803 is pictured by the Network Rail site access after unloading 15 auto hoppers of ballast, the overgrown lineside vegetation makes it particularly difficult access. Copyright Akan Peters.

Many thanks Alan for your (and our) privileged photographs - please remember - no trespassing.

Near Bathampton
Ron Kosys

Rons camera catches 33211 near Bathampton - the village on the hill beyond. It is on the Cardiff to Portsmouth Harbour turn and has just started the run up the delightful valley towards Bradford on Avon. It's the 11th May 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron for your picture.

International Mining Games -
King Edward Mine 2012
Mike Hitchens & Coin Burges

Mike Hitchens has recently sent us some random pictures from his collection, one of which - double track at King Edward Mine appears below. Mentioned in the caption is Colin Burges of Exeter & Teign Valley Railway Fame - that chap with a marvellous collection at Christow.
Contacting Colin, he comes back with an entry from his website which you may see if you click here. In addition to the picture of the tram wagons pictured below this link brings to you a wealth of history and information from Colin - a very good read indeed - so please try it out.

This was set up for the International Mining Games a few years ago. I believe the skip wagons were provided by Colin Burgess from his site at Christow. Double track at King Edward Mine

The wagons used at King Edward mine for the competition. For the purpose of this game each set on its own track they had to be loaded with sand and dragged along a set length of track. This was a timed exercise. You will see a white line inside the wagons - this was the level with which it had to be filled prior to the drag - this was the lower level set for the weaker sex!! The men presumably had to fill them to the brim!! Many thanks to Colin Burges for this picture - his copyright.

Many thanks to both Mike and Colin for this item.

15th May 2021

15/5/2021

Two new yellow discs at
Bodmin General
Chris Bellett

Chris writes :- Hello Keith, Hope all is well with your goodself?
A few weeks ago, you published on the website my piece about the last surviving Yellow Disc shunt signal in Devon and Cornwall at Lostwithiel being abolished. Well, what goes around comes around. On Wednesday 12 May 2021 on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway at Bodmin General station we commissioned not just one but two new Yellow Disc shunt signals as per the attached photographs. Funny old world is it not?
Kind Regards, Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer
(B&WR Chief S&T Engineer)

Bodmin General Two new Discs 12th May 2021 Copyright Chris Bellett

Bodmin General Two new Discs 12th May 2021. Copyright Chris Bellett

Many thanks Chris

A visit to the
Dean Forest Railway
Paul Barlow

A couple of weeks ago Paul announced that he was taking a holiday to the Dean Forest. Well = Lydney station is just on our border - the Freedom of the South West Railrover so an excuse for us to join him.

Paul writes :- Some shots from my visit last week to the Dean Forest railway.
The railway is running weekend services at the moment. You are only permitted to make a round trip. Strictly per booking only, not allowed to open doors yourself and masks to be worn on the train. Boarding of trains in controlled small groups. Very well organized and a very pretty line.
Hope all is well. All the best. Paul

Pauls coverage starts with this lovely shot at Parkend. 5541 arrives at Parkend on the 13.50 Parkend-Lydney junc-Parkend trip 25 April 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow

5541 at Parkend on the 12.00 Parkend to Lydney junc-on the 25th April 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow

D3937 (08769) with Dogfish Ballast hoppers at Parkend 25th April 2021, Copyright Paul Barlow.

At Lydney Junction 5541 stands with the 13. 50 Lydney junc to Parkend trip on the 25th April 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow.

Time for a quick look at Lydney Jct. We see 08238 (was based at Newton Abbot 1977, was regular shunter at Exeter) 31466 plus another class 31 sheeted over Lydney jct. 25th April 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow

A gleaming 31466 rests at Lydney Junction. 25th April 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow.

For more information on this delightful and scenic railway and plans for it to extend to Speech House junction please click here https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Dean_Forest_Railway

Many thanks to you Paul.

Weekend work at
Wilton Junction
Chris Bellett

Hi Keith, Latest signalling alterations in our area.
Kind Regards,
Chris Bellett
Retire S&T Engineer

From NR Wessex WON - Week 7/2021

WILTON JUNCTION
FROM 0400 HOURS MONDAY 17 MAY 2021

In connection with the Stage 3 S&C renewals the following works and alterations will take place;

A new power operated Ground Switch Panel (GSP) will be installed and brought into operational use with the associated
signalling equipment to control and facilitate movements to/from the Goods Line.

New Ground Switch Panel (GSP) power operated 5A/B IBCL Mk2 type Points Operating Equipment (POE) will be
installed and brought into operational use on the Up and Down Warminster lines between 132m 21ch and 132m 25ch
approximately 70 metres (76 yards) from the previous GF 5 (A/B ends) positions.

A new 15mph miniature Permissible Speed Indicator (PSI) with a left-(hand) direction arrow will be installed on the Down
Warminster line at the toes of GSP 5A points at 132m 25ch.

A new 15mph miniature Permissible Speed Indicator (PSI) with a left-(hand) direction arrow will be installed on the Up
Warminster line at the toes of GSP 5B points at 132m 21ch.

Ground Switch Panel (GSP) 6 Position Light Signal (PLS) will be re-installed at its previous location at the exit of the
Goods Line.

Ground Switch Panel (GSP) 7 Position Light Signal (PLS) will be re-installed on the Up Warminster line at 132m 26ch
and moved by 101 metres (110 yards) towards country (Warminster) from the previous position.

The existing SY250 Position Light Signal (PLS) (GSP Signal 8) on the Down Warminster line at 132m 28ch will be
moved by 15 metres (16 yards) towards country (Warminster).

Previous Ground Frame points 5 (B end) on the Up Warminster line at 132m 26ch will be removed and `Plain lined`.

The existing illuminated Limit of Shunt (LOS) sign on the Down Warminster (Up direction) at 132m 10ch will be removed
and recovered and replaced with a new LED type LOS signal installed on the Down Warminster (Up direction) at 132m
08ch approximately 34 metres (37 yards) towards country (Warminster) from the previous LOS sign position.

The existing 75mph Permissible Speed Indicator (PSI) on the Up Warminster line at 132m 24ch will be renewed and
moved 141 metres (154 yards) towards country (Warminster).

The existing 40 mph Permanent Speed Advanced Warning Indicator (AWI) situated at 131M 55ch and associated
permanent magnet on the Down Warminster will be moved 503 metres (550 yards) towards country (Warminster).

………………………………………………………………….

Many thanks Chris.

14th May 2021

14/5/2021

Exeter St Davids
Andrew Vines

Andrew picks out three of his late fathers collection of St David in the 70's.

There have been many photographs of trains at Exeter St Davids over the years, but Dad preferred to record the infrastructure at this most Great Western of main line stations, on a visit in May 1970. The pictures are:

The large wooden bracket signal on platforms 3/4 for westbound trains.
Milk tanks and parcels vans being shunted by an 08 on the west side of the station.
The view west from the footbridge with a 'Warship' waiting on a Waterloo train. A 'Western' can just be made out down on the Exe bridge.

Best wishes, Andrew.

The large wooden bracket signal on platforms 3/4 for westbound trains. Copyright Andrew Vines

Milk tanks and parcels vans being shunted by an 08 on the west side of the station. Copyright Andrew Vines.

The view west from the footbridge with a 'Warship' waiting on a Waterloo train. A 'Western' can just be made out down on the Exe bridge. Copyright Andrew Vines,

In memory of the late John Vines - many thanks, Andrew, for looking through your Dads collection - we hope to see more.

Creech St Michael
Bill Elston

The 09.45 Westbury to Crediton ballast train passing a very soggy Creech St Michael, top and tailed by Colas 66846 and 70812 .
Best regards, Bill

66846 heads a ballast train for Crediton. 13th May 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

70812 brings up the rear of a ballast train for Crediton. 13th May 2021 Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill for turning out on a none too pleasant day.

Brea Bridges
Mike Hitchens

For those of you local to the Camborne - Redruth area you will probably be very familiar with the 'tunnel' under the short by high embankment which crosses the Brea Valley. However you'll not be so familiar with the other two bridges close by;

Just yards from the road tunnel is another tunnel. The 1837 pedestrian tunnel through the Brea embankment. Copyright Michael Hitchens.

Bridge under the railway at the Crofty end of Brea embankment showing the metal extension which may have been added when the line was doubled. Copyright Mike Hitchens.

Many thanks Mike - three bridges in less than one hundred yards!

13th May 2021

13/5/2021

Bilingual Signage at Penzance
Roger Winnen

Waiting Room & Cafe it says. Where is the Cafe! The only one stands outside the station on four wheels.

The Bilingual Signage at Penzance Station
Photographs by Roger Winnen

Developments with the
Helston Railway
Mick House

Where has all the railway line gone? By Mick House.
Many People may have wondered what happened to all of the track that was lifted from the St Ives branch, well as you will know if you had read the feature we did back in January the track was all taken to St Erth for onward shipment so what happened next! Well the Helston Railway put in a bid and got it, so it was transported over to them at Trevarno Farm Prospidnick (Photos 1, 2 & 3). That is not the end of the story though, as the rail will almost certainly go for scrap, as the lengths are too short and too far gone to be of any use as running rail, the wooden sleepers, those that are in good order will be reused on the railway or sold to be used in gardens and the rest will put on the fire, all of the undamaged track fixings (Chairs, fish plates, nuts & bolts and screw spikes) will be reused, any broken will be scraped. On my visit to the railway I also took the opportunity to photograph the new cutting that is in the process of being built. I would like to wish them all the best, every success and hope they can reach their goals in the light of recent events. Report by Mick House.

Photo 1 shows Stockpiled track and new cutting. Photo courtesy of Google maps and edited by Mick House

Photo 2 The stockpiled track. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 3 Stockpiled track. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 4 Stockpiled track fittings. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 5 New cutting looking north towards Nancegollan. Copyright Mick House. This is the site of the new Trevarno station - the trak is dead level.

Photo 6 New cutting looking south towards Helston. Copyright Mick House. The planned terminus here will see the main platform and station building on the left with the former St Austell footbrdge spanning the tracks.

Photo 7. Again looking south, the car park will be to the left with the station approach on the right rising up from the public highway and crossing the track via a gated level crossing. Copyright Mick House.

Many thanks Mick.

47716 at Oxford
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Thanks for dealing with my last pictures. I thought it might be an appropriate time to send this picture of 47716 ‘The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’ at Oxford on 3 January 1991..The loco. is seen soon after arrival with the 12.20 from Paddington.at 13.33.(‘Proper’ trains then, would be useful at the moment if they were still available !)

Many thanks Michael

Okehampton
Driver Alan Peters

I think that you would all agree with me that we owe a very big and sincere thank you to Driver Alan Peters who by virtue of his job is able to bring us 'on the spot' pictures of this most interesting and exciting project. He gets where we can't.

Alan writes - The track has now been re-laid through Okehampton station under the watchful eye of VIP guests and the local media including ITV and BBC, the Colas class 56 can be seen at the end of the relay section waiting to collect the empty KRA wagons once the NTC machine (New Track Construction) has finished working. This view of 56302 'PECO - The Railway Modeller' was taken from the footbridge on 11th May 2021.
The 360 machine is seen with shorter concrete sleepers to fit around the drains in the station where the gaps are in the newly laid track.

Alan Peters

Exciting isn't it? Okehampton re-tracked. Copyright Alan Peters.

Fitting the shorter sleepers in to allow for the drains. Copyright Alan Peters.

The Colas class 56 has now drawn down from Okehampton station towards Fartherford Viaduct and is waiting to attach onto the empty sleeper wagons once the NTC machine has finished working.

The old track has been cut into sections and stacked at the side of the line for recovery at a later date, the poor condition of the old track can clearly be seen.

Colas Rail 56302 'PECO - The Railway Modeller' has now been attached to the empty KRA sleeper wagons, the rear of the train is actually on Fartherford Viaduct, the train will then be taken up to Meldon Quarry to be stabled on 10th May 2021

Alan Peters

NOTE: These photograph are taken under controlled T3 conditions with Network Rail and should not be tempted by members of the public.

Back at Meldon.

Colas Rail 56302 'PECO - The Railway Modeller' made another visit to Meldon Quarry on the 10th May 2021, the 'Okehampton - Meldon' train staff is seen in the cab of the locomotive, whilst the line is under T3 engineering possession the train staff is still required to unlock the ground frames at Meldon Quarry.

The class 56 amongst the undergrowth at Meldon Quarry Halt whist waiting for Meldon West Ground Frame to be operated on the 10th May 2021, it is understood that the little station is being retained for future use. Now that is good and very interesting news.

Alan Peters

Back at Fatherford viaduct.
The Balfour Beatty NTC (New Track Construction) pictured just past the Crediton side of Fartherford Viaduct and on the Okehampton side of the viaduct 56302 'PECO - The Railway Modeller' has just attached the loaded sleeper wagons to the NTC in preparation for relaying on 10th May 2021

Alan Peters

Very many thanks indeed Alan.

Pulman Pictures
Paul Barlow

With the visit of the Midland Pulman in a few weeks time. I have dug out a few shots of the loco hauled MK2 blue Pulman set (47709 and 47712 were also in Blue Pulman livery). A few more shots to follow

It was owned by FM rail which went into administration in December 2006. Regards Paul.

Class 150 DMU passes a class 221 Virgin Voyager the class 47's wait in Dawlish Warren loop 30th September 2006. Copyright Paul Barlow.

47832 47709 0715 Paddington to Paignton Blue Pulman Langstone Rock 30 th September 2006. Copyright Paul Barlow.

47832 47709 T & T on the 07.15 Paddington to Paignton Blue Pulman Langstone Rock 30th September 2006

Many thanks Paul welcome back from your holiday.

Swindon - Gloucester line
Oaksey Rd Bridge
Ken Mumford

The returning Network Rail test train came [about 3 minutes EARLY] - this was the 1Q15 0650 Derby to Landore with class 37s 37421 and 37175 in Top 'n' tail mode - note carriage with folded pantagraph - 3 minutes Early. 1Q15's route was Derby - Kidderminster - Hereford - Gloucester - Swindon - Gloucester - Chepstow - Newport - Cardiff - Bridgend - Llanelli - Swansea [Landore]. Regards Ken.

OAKSEY ROAD road bridge 1Q15 0650 Derby to Landore with class 37s 37421 and 37175 11th May 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

166132 forms a service to Swindon. 11th May 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

12th May 2021

12/5/2021

Light Engines move.
Stoke Canon
Keith Turley

DB-C Class 66/0 Nos.66172/66011 pass Stoke Canon in the pouring rain on 11th May 2021, working the ON12 12:05 Eastleigh East Yard to Exeter Riverside Yard light engine move.
Regards Keith Turley.

Thanks Keith. Hope you didn't get too wet!

Reuse of
Concrete Sleepers
Ivor Moorey

Good morning,
Firstly, I enjoy reading and looking at your articles each morning before I set off to work. On May 3rd you had a query about redundant concrete sleepers.......please see below. At the local farm near me in Honiton, they are reused as field gate posts. Hope this is of some interest to you ..... still railway related !
Regards. Ivor

Many thanks Ivor for your 'post'.

Kemble
Ken Mumford

166203 pulls away from Kemble with a local service to Swindon. 10th May 2021 . Copyright Ken Mumford

A couple of seconds later. 166203 at Kemble. The blue painting of access covers seems to be nationwide practice nowadays. 10th May 2021 . Copyright Ken Mumford

Thanks Ken.

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