Blog Archives

21st May 2022

21/5/2022

Near St James Park
Clive Nye

33 045 nears Exeter St James with 08.00 from Waterloo for Exeter on 26th August 1978. Copyright Clive Nye

In the background can be seen the entrance to the 623 yard Black Boy tunnel - a couple of years ago a petition was raised to alter the name of the tunnel and the road which is some way away which was considered offensive. There were 700 for the petition and when reported 50 against. Looking at Google Earth the road was still so named in March 2022.

Many thanks Clive

Hill Barton Station
Exmouth branch
David Tozer

A link from Devon Live:-

https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/hopes-dashed-new-exeter-train-7095835

They are talking of just one platform. For flexibility it really would need reinstatement of the double line from Exmouth Junction to the outskirts of Digby & Sowton.

Just ain't going to happen. Dave

Many thanks Dave for the link above which makes very interesting reading. The report talks of the priority of rail improvements in the vicinity - (1) Re-opening Tavistock to Plymouth, (2) The establishment of Okehampton Parkway, and (3) the provision of an additional passing loop between Honiton and Cranbrook.
The Exmouth branch was singled w.e.f. 5th February 1973 prior to this the additional station might have been practical. The proposed site is about 1,500 yards from Polsloe Bridge and about 1,700 yards from Digby and Sowton.

IET Service to Newquay
Chris Bellett

Just a quick response to todays question about IET services on the Newquay branch. With the start of the summer timetable on 15 May, the through Newquay services restarted, two a day, seven days a week until the Winter timetable starts on 29th September. The service origination/termination points vary and its best to have a look at the current GWR timetable to see those.

Hope that helps?

Regards, Chris Bellett Retired S&T Engineer, CRS Member

Many thanks Chris for a very quick response to yesterdays query by Rich Curtis concerning IET's to Newquay.

Late report on the
May Swanage Gala
Paul Barlow

Apologies to Paul Barlow for the lateness of his report appearing on the website - this due to it being missed by KJ - a big apology for that. Paul sent his by e-mail which arrived at 10.01. Andrew Triggs was pretty smart off the mark too but his e-mailed report arrived at 18.05. Hence he is now Part 2. Many thanks to you both for your efforts - the variety of pictures sent by you both give us a very good coverage of the event indeed. You can see both reports in full by clicking here and then scrolling as necessary.

D6515 arrives at Corfe Castle on 1539 from Swanage 6 May 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow.

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20th May 2022

20/5/2022

"Glory to Ukraine"
Driver Alan Peters
(And so say all of us)

GBRf 66708 "Glory to Ukraine" was stabled top and tailed with 5 auto ballasters at Hinksey yard on 17/05/22, with a close up picture of the name plate - Driver Alan Peters

Glory to Ukraine - Hinksey Yard 17th May 2022. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

The glorious nameplate - 'Glory to Ukraine@ - Hinksey Yard 17th May 2022. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Well spotted and photographed - many thanks Alan.

GWR viewed from LWR
IET's Newquay branch
Richard Curtis

Today is the second time this week I’ve seen 5 car hitachi IET’s on the Newquay branch. They seem to run along side the 150 units as the first train this morning was a 150. I’m assuming this is for crew training ready for the direct summer Saturday trains?
Apologies for the low quality picture, every time they’ve come over the viaduct this week I was driving a train. However I just managed to run over from my station to get a glimpse, unfortunately I’m unable to see the numbers or name.

Also I can hear multiple chainsaws and chippers coming from the branch lines direction and the drivers are certainly blasting the horns loud and multiple times when approaching the viaduct from par and when they go across the viaduct from Newquay. I wonder if this is just routine maintenance or to do with development on the industrial estate. I’ve heard there are plans to put housing somewhere in the back of the industrial estate in some old units. Could this work be related to that?

Kind regards, Richard Curtis

Trenance Viaduct - IET 18th May 2022. Copyright Richard Curtis.

Well spotted Richard - keep on watching.

Operation Cornwall
John Roberts

John continues his extremely valuable record of trains and times and asks for any updates or adjustments which readers may think necessary. John and Thu are away on holiday for a while and will see your comments in due course, John welcomes your comments.

Keith, some more brain-teasers for our readers. John.
1. Newquay - Camborne through services.
The Perranporth line was built with the extravagance of a triangle at each end. In the early days the northeastern curve was used for through freights to East Wheal Rose and Treamble, and after a period of disuse was resurrected for engine turning. I'm not aware it was ever used for passengers except maybe an excursion or railtour.
However, the 1911 WTT shows that even when the southwestern curve was open, it was used by only one train a day in one direction only: the 10.35 Perranporth to Redruth goods. Westbound passenger services still reversed at Chacewater: the first Up train at 07.50 Newquay to Camborne was balanced by the 09.35 Camborne to Newquay return. The two others were unbalanced: the 16.10 Camborne to Newquay (formed off the 15.22 Truro to Camborne) and the 18.05 Redruth to Newquay (formed off the 17.15 Truro to Redruth). These are described as Passenger Motors (presumably steam rail-motors) and some are given as little as one minute to reverse at Chacewater. Did the southwestern curve ever see a passenger service?
By 1949 this was down to one return trip per day, the first Up train at 07.30 Newquay to Redruth and the 08.55 return (on Sundays most Newquay trains start from Falmouth).
In 1957, there is an 07.24 Newquay to Camborne and 08.53 return. This is described as an Auto Train, maybe because it's Second Class Only (but see Item 3 below), whereas it's actually formed of a Truro B-Set with an extra Second, and given six minutes to run round at Chacewater.
One can surmise that in 1911 the three through trains were well-timed to serve workers and schoolchildren off the branch, and residents of Camborne-Redruth having a day out in Newquay, but in later years when there was no return service they would have changed at Chacewater. I first travelled the line in the early-60s and don't recall any through trains (other than from and to Truro and one Summer Perranporth to Paddington and return), so I assume they had been withdrawn to cut costs. Does anyone recall using the westerly through services and reversing at Chacewater?
2. Coombe Junction loop.
The Looe Branch summer 1957 timetable shows an average half-hour runtime for a 45XX and B-Set, most having a smart 3-minute turnround at Coombe, giving a service interval of around an hour and a half. As I recall there were no passenger crossing loops and Coombe Junction had only one platform with a length of about two coaches. However, at 10am there are two trains running round in the platform, the first from 10.02 to 10.07 and the second from 10.06 to 10.09. The summer 1961 TT shows two trains leaving Coombe at 10.05 SX (SO one doesn’t call at Coombe but they still cross there). This would have been the last steam summer as Moorswater shed closed around 9th September 1961. Canyone describe the procedure for running round two trains at Coombe?
A similar situation arises at Bodmin General, but the platform is long enough to double-stack two trains; crossing moves are also made at Boscarne.
3. Auto, motor and push-pull trains.
Up to the 1950s timetables, Asburton and Fowey were served by auto-trains, usually a 14xx or small pannier with one or two auto-coaches, while Plymouth suburban had up to four auto-coaches with the loco in the middle. Yealmpton and Perranporth are shown as motor-trains, but as the GWR withdrew its steam rail-motors in 1935, was there a difference between auto-trains and motor-trains? Did GWR diesel railcars ever operate in Cornwall?
In 1953, fifteen 4575s were converted for auto-working the South Wales branches, but in 1957 they were displaced by Cl 116 DMUs. Loco 5572 migrated to Laira and until 1961 worked to Tavistock with a BR brake-third converted to a driving trailer. The 1957 timetable shows one Truro to Newquay return working as 3-PP (presumably three coaches in a push-pull configuration). Was this yet another name for an auto-train, or was there some subtle difference between auto-trains and push-pull trains?

Many thanks John - Roy Hart follows up with some information.

Operation Cornwall
Roy Hart

Dear All,

The Perranporth branch was not built 'with a triangle at each end'. The Cornwall Minerals railway had a triangle at Tolcarn, but this was in tramway days before 1888, and of course the line only ran to Treamble. The triangle was revived in 1931 for engine-turning purposes, as the 1905 tt at Newquay could not take the new 'Halls'.

Through services between Camborne-Redruth and Newquay were originally steam railmotors, but until 1960 there was a daily service from Camborne.This train normally contained at least one auto car. All trains on the Perranporth line were made up of at least one auto car because of all the halts with tiny platforms. The balance of the train was usually old main line corridor stock. The traditional 'B' set was rarely seen for the same reason.
Blackwater west curve was little used. The west box was 'switched out' for most of its life. After 1916 it carried only an occasional freight.
You will find in the galleries section of the CRS website, 2 photographs of a Camborne to Newquay service (1) entering Chacewater on the main line and (2) setting out on the branch, having run round. Note the auto car. The photos are not together. Go to MAIN LINE -- then SCORRIER TO PENWITHERS.
The photo is from about 1956.

Trains crossing at Coombe Junction: Train 1 arrives from Looe and runs round in the normal way. It then backs into the loop (i.e. the line leading to Moorswater) and comes to a stand opposite the platform. Train 2 comes from Liskeard and runs straight into platform. Train 1 goes on its way to Liskeard. Train 2 runs around and proceeds to Looe.

Auto/motor working: Fowey was the only Cornish branch to be worked by auto (i.e push-pull) trains. No Cornish shed had auto fitted engines except the lone Fowey engine at St Blazey. Management references to 'motors' on the Perranporth line refer to auto car accommodation, not auto car in pull-push mode.

Cheers! Roy

Many thanks Roy for your invaluable update.

HST Namings etc.
Useful Information
Guy Vincent

Hello again Keith
..and still the names keep appearing. I think that when the time comes for these fine workhorses to be withdrawn those plates will fetch an awful lot of money, most likely for charitable causes. They are all works of art and a welcome link to the past naming heritage of the Great Western Railway.

To answer Bill Elston's comment regarding 43187 and 43188. The IO Group 'SW-SWRG' puts up a daily listing of all GWR and Cross Country HST formations and workings and this can be searched by individual vehicle number. It last reported 43187 in traffic on 09.04.2021 and 43188 on 23.09.2021. I believe major exams and component exchanges are ongoing at Laira so guess that these two are currently stopped for attention. 43198 recently returned to traffic after being out for well over a year! There are 16 sets of coaching stock and on an average day around 12 are in use so there is adequate cover for the 24 PCs needed with around a dozen spare.

Regards for now, Guy

Thanks for the info Guy.

Gara Bridge
Roy Hart

Dear Keith,
I can't help on personalities, but the buildings are a different matter. Gara Bridge, together with the other stations on the branch (and many around the system) was designed and landscaped by William Clarke. Clarke was employed by the GWR in the later decades of the 19th century. Clarke planted coniferous trees around his stations and clumps of 'Clarke trees' still adorn dozens of station sites (most of them closed, sadly). As built, the exterior of the station would have been painted in the standard GWR 'light and dark stone' and the interior, green (changed to blue some time after 1900).
Clarke's buildings are very attractive.
Roy Hart

Many thanks Roy.

19th May 2022

19/5/2022

47529 at Southampton
Michael Adams

Here is another picture, taken by Michael Adams ,showing 47529 under the wonderful signal gantry at the West end of Southampton station.This was taken on 13 April 1981 and the train is the 09.24 from Manchester to Poole. The replacement gantry takes shape. All the best, Michael. Copyright Michael Adams

Another Castle Class Named
Guy Vincent

This morning another class 43 power car was reported in service as being newly named. 43029 is now 'Caldicot Castle' so a further addition to the list and another castle chosen on the Welsh side of the Severn!
Regards, Guy.

Caldicot Castle is about a mile as the crow flies from Caldicot Station. Many thanks Guy.

West Somerset Visit
Paul Barlow

Nice to see Minehead in operation once more.

2857 12,20 to Bishops Lydeard waits at Minehead. 18th May 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow.

7828 Odney Manor at Minehead station 18th May 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Whiteball.

The 13.04 Paddington to Plymouth passes Whiteball. 18th May 2022 Copyright Paul Barlow.

43092 and 43155 13.00 Cardiff to Penzance from Eastbrook overbridge at Whiteball. 18th May 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Okehampton
Queries from a cyclist

I have been to Okehampton many times on cycling the Granite Way over many years and when the café was open some nice refreshments taken. This last Saturday I noticed what appeared to be hinge pins on the canopy pillars. They were on all the pillars so would appear to be an intentional addition.
Does anyone know what their use was if at all any use?
Also are there any plans for running heritage T&RS up to Meldon or the quarry itself?
Regards - a cyclist.

Pillar pins at Okehampton. 12th May 2022. Copyright - the cyclist.

With many thanks to our 'Cycling Friend' - can anybody answer the questions posed. Is there any future for a resumption of heritage services from Okehampton to Meldon Quarry Halt? Perhaps travellers on our CRS outing this coming Saturday can find out?

You may spray that again
Craig Munday

Craig back from his travels to Eastleigh reports on the activities of the weedkiller train.

Some pictures from the Golden Weeks of high sun and long evenings once again.

GBRf's 66752 and 790 made an appearance at St Blazey over the weekend of 14th/15th May with the weedsprayer service. This impressive train replaces the MPV of previous years, and looks the business. A far cry from the ramshackle formations of years ago with chaps spraying out the side of vintage carriages converted. Some detail of the vehicles included including the swanky control module with all around vision.

Some trains at Perranwell (weeds beware) and 802109 at Pentraze looking great among the lineside flowers out in abundance.

66790 66752 St Blazey weedsprayer. 14th May 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

66790 and 66752 Weedsprayer at St Blazey 14th May 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Detail of the control vehicle for the weedsprayer - seen at St Blazey 14th May 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Perranwell awaits the weedsprayer a smashing floral display on the platform. 150265 rolls in. 14th May 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

A Hitachi unit breasts the summit at Penstraze (Between Chacewater and Baldhu) 14th May 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks Craig - lovely days out.

Bathpool Observations
Bill Elston

Some passing traffic through Bathpool, today,

a)   Castle HST set led by recently named 43171 Raglan Castle on 2U18 Taunton-Cardiff.

b)   Cross-Country HST led by 43239, on 1V50, Edinburgh-Plymouth.

c)   66507 on 6C73 Westbury-Fairwater yd with fresh ballast for tonight's HOBC trip to Ruscombe ( near Maidenhead).

Hope they are of interest,

Best wishes,

Bill

P.S. Does anyone out there know what is happening with HST pcs 43187 and 43188, as they do not seem to have been used since August last year.
From Guy Vincents records
43187 Cardiff Castle (reported named at Laira on 11.01.2022)
43188 Newport Castle (reported 04.05.2020)

a) Castle HST set led by recently named 43171 Raglan Castle on 2U18 Taunton-Cardiff. 18th May 2022. Copyright Bill Elston.

b) Cross-Country HST led by 43239, on 1V50, Edinburgh-Plymouth. 18th May 2022. Copyright Bill Elston.

c) 66507 on 6C73 Westbury-Fairwater yd with fresh ballast for tonight's HOBC trip to Ruscombe ( near Maidenhead). 18th May 2022. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill.

18th May 2022

18/5/2022

DMU's
John Roberts

John provides us with a very detailed and definitive item on the changeover from Steam to Diesel traction.

CRS Steam to Diesel transition 1958-68 (2)
Broadly, initial allocations of classes eventually seen in Cornwall were:
1956 Cl 101 for NER, LMR and ScR - some migrated to WR (3-car sets 800-6), including Laira 1974-5 and 1987-97.
1957 Cl 103 for Walsall - 2 x 2-car sets (P200-1) migrated to Kingswear for the 1972 season.
1958 Cl 108 for ER and LMR - some migrated to ScR and WR, including Laira 1987-92.
1957 Cl 116 for Tyseley (1957), Cathays (1957-8) and Marsh Junction (1958) suburban.
1959 Cl 117 for Reading and Southall suburban, mainline local and branches.
1960 Cl 118 for Laira and Marsh Junction suburban, mainline local, and branches.
1958 Cl 119 for Marsh Junction (1958), Canton (1959) and Tyseley (1960) cross-country.
1958 Cl 120 for Canton and Marsh Junction (1958), ScR (1959-60) and Tyseley (1961) cross-country.
1960 Cl 121 for Southall, Reading and Marsh Junction branches.
1958 Cl 122 for Southall, Reading and Tyseley branches.
1958 AC Cars - 1 at Perth for Crieff and 4 at Swindon for Kemble.
1963 Cl 123 for Canton - migrated to Reading in 1968 and operated on summer Saturday Paddington to Minehead services. There was also a Fulham to Argyle Footex in 1971 but did they ever reach Cornwall?
After the 1955 Modernisation Plan orders had been placed but before delivery many local services and branches had been closed, and closures continued into the 1970s. Reallocations started almost immediately and many units were never used on the services for which they’d been intended. Eg Cl 123 were built for a Cardiff-Brighton service but didn't run east of Portsmouth.
Initially the vehicles within a set were fairly stable with Laira sets having an LA-prefix set number. By 1971 Plymouth sets had received a P-prefix set number, but from the mid-60s WR non-gangwayed sets were being gangwayed for paytrain operation, then refurbished and painted blue. These were not done in sequence and many sets were reformed apparently randomly with sometimes driving cars and trailers from two or three different classes. In other cases, non-gangwayed cars were paired with gangwayed cars having a lavatory, while yet again sometimes extra power-cars were added so that units could keep up with modern schedules.
Some of the Modernisation Plan DMUs had a 40-year lifespan, so were generally more successful than their locomotive counterparts some of which lasted only 10 years in traffic. Sadly these early vehicles were either withdrawn before the preservation movement took off, or were not seen as glamorous, and therefore many classes became extinct fairly early on.
DMU Allocations to Devon & Cornwall 1960-1997
There can be some discrepancy between vehicles officially allocated and wheels on the ground, due to lag in documentation and temporary loans in or out which are not always recorded. There is also conflicting evidence whether the 2 x AC Cars were officially allocated to St Blazey or merely outbased from Laira.
It may also be seen that there is excessive churn of classes in and out as BR tries to optimise efficiency around the regions. For example, why did they move Cl 101 to Laira in 1974 and then immediately reverse that decision in 1975?
Apr to Jul 1960 - 15 x 3-car Cl 118 delivered, 13 sets officially allocated to Laira, new depot created at Belmont and Harwell Street, to operate west of Newton Abbot, plus 2 sets allocated to Marsh Junction for the Bristol - Taunton service. Similar in design to Cl 116 and 117 suburban units, the Cl 117 and 118 trailer-composites had lavatories for mainline use albeit still non-gangwayed.
13th Jun 60 - Plymouth to Saltash auto-trains converted to DMU (except Tavistock inter-workings).
Jun 61 - 8 x Cl 122 (LA 100-7) arrive at Laira.
Jun 62 - Most Cl 118 replaced by Cl 116 and 120; also 1 x Cl 121 reached Falmouth.
1963 - Laira DMU fleet pretty stable.
1964 - More Cl 116 and 120 arrive, plus 2 x Cl 121, and 2 x AC Cars for Yeovil plus 2 at St Blazey for Bodmin.
5th Oct 64 - most remaining main line local stations close.
1965 - More Cl 116 and 121 arrive, while some Cl 118 return to the area. Fleet size peaks at 130 vehicles.
1966 - Cl 116 start to depart. 2 x AC Cars leave Yeovil.
1967 - General reduction. 2 x AC Cars leave Bodmin.
1968 - Further reduction but some Cl 117 arrive and most Cl 122 leave.
1969 - Slight reduction.
Oct 69 - Belmont and Harwell Street closed and servicing transferred to Laira.
1970 - Slight reduction. Fleet size stabilises at around 54 vehicles.
1971 - 6 x Cl 119 arrive, all Cl 117 and most Cl 118 depart.
1972 - Cl 103 arrive and depart.
1973 - Fleet is now mainly Cl 119 with a few Cl 116, 118, 120, 121 and 122.
1974 - 5 x 3-car Cl 101 displace several Cl 119 and 120.
1975 - 5 x Cl 101 replaced by several Cl 119 and 120.
1976 - Several Cl 119 replaced by Cl 118. Cl 116 and 122 depart, fleet size reduced to 42 vehicles.
1977 - Last Cl 119 depart. Fleet is now all Cl 118 and 120, plus 3 x Cl 121.
1978 - 2 x Cl 116 displace some Cl 120.
1979 - Little change.
1980 - Cl 117 and a few Cl 119 return to the area, last Cl 120 depart.
1981 - Cl 119 depart.
1982 - Cl 117 depart, now almost all Cl 118.
1983 - Last Cl 116 depart, now all Cl 118 plus 1 x Cl 121.
1984 - No change.
1985 - Little change.
1986 - Drastic reduction to 4 x Cl 118, fleet size now 11 vehicles.
1987 - Cl 101, 108, 117, 118, 121 and 122 arrive to replace Cl 142. Fleet size now 50 vehicles.
1988 - Cl 117 depart.
1989 - Cl 118 depart.
1990 - More Cl 101 and 108 arrive. Fleet size peaks at 60 vehicles.
1991 - Little change.
1992 - Cl 108 and 121 and most 101 depart. Fleet size reduced to 9 vehicles.
1993 - 1 x Cl 101 plus 5 x Cl 122 remain, while 4 x Cl 117 return to the area.
24th May 94 - 1 x Cl 101 plus 4 x Cl 117 transferred from Laira to Penzance.
1995 - 1 x Cl 117 added temporarily for the summer season, then 1 x Cl 117 withdrawn.
Jul 95 - Last Cl 119 in service moved to Penzance but not used, so sent for scrap on 11th Aug.
1996 - No change.
Mar 1997 - Remaining cars reallocated from Penzance to Headquarters and moved to store at Exeter.
References:
www.railcar.co.uk
www.shedbashuk.blogspot.com
www.brdatabase.info

Many thanks John. Our sincere appreciation of your work in compiling such a detailed record which must have taken you many hours to assemble. I, KJ, have mixed feelings, though steam made for a magnificent sight and sound I do remember all those years ago the delight of being able to hang out of the window as the early diesels battled their way up Wellington Bank. No more smuts in the eyes.
Just to remind you John invites any additional information you may have.

Has the last ever train to Moorswater passed?
Moorswater
Peter Murnaghan

Since the last freight train ran to Moorswater, the track is rapidly becoming engulfed by vegetation. It won't be long before it is lost to view. This sad picture is taken from the road overbridge at Lamellion, with Coombe Junction Halt behind the camera.
Kind regards, Peter

A view from Lamellion Bridge. 15th May 2022. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Many thanks to Peter for his photograph of the branch disappearing under the weeds.

While, just a bridge away, the weedkiller gets to Coombe Junction a few hours after Peters photograph.

66752 at Coombe Junction Halt at 01.25 on 16th May 2022 the only station in Cornwall with no lighting, luckily I have my own portable battery lights. Mark Lynam.

Many thanks for your very 'illuminating picture' Mark. Were the train crew amused?

17th May 2022

17/5/2022

Tonights Excitement
The Weedkiller
David Tozer & Roger Salter

A rare opportunity to photograph the weedkiller train in daylight.
66790 and 66752 top and tail the 1843 3Q98 Exeter (Riverside N.Y) to Exeter Riverside (N.Y.) via Plymouth.
Dave

The weed killer near Dawlish Warren. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks to David & Roger

Great Western Railway
at Pinhoe
David Tozer

Gents,
A couple of photos taken at Pinhoe this evening(16 May) of the 1631 2L92 Barnstaple to Axminster with unit 158951. This was the first day of the new operation.
When was the last time a through service ran from Barnstaple to Axminster.
Dave

Thanks David

A Peak at Totnes
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I enjoyed your pictures from 1976,interesting to see the sidings and wagons at Drump Lane,Redruth. Here is a picture of 45141 with the 09.18 Penzance to Leeds, at Totnes on 12 August 1985 Note the South Devon Railway train at Totnes which they ran into at that time .Best wishes and thanks, Michael. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Up all night for the
Weedkiller
Mark Lynam

Last night (14th/15th May) saw GBRf 66790 + 66752 working on the Newquay, Looe and Falmouth branch lines on weedspraying duties. Below are a few photos taken on the branch lines.
Thanks,
Mark Lynam

1. 66790 on arrival at Newquay at 22.44 on 15th May working 3Q98 2140 St Blazey L I P to St Blazey L I P via Newquay, Looe & Falmouth.. Copyright Mark Lynam

2. 66752 on the other end at Newquay before departure at 22.50. Copyright Mark Lynam.

- and let there be light!!

3. 66752 at Coombe Junction Halt at 01.25 on 16th May, the only station in Cornwall with no lighting, luckily I have my own portable battery lights. Copyright Mark Lynam.

4. 66790 at Falmouth Docks at 04.10 on 16th May. Copyright Mark Lynam

Full marks Mark for your efforts - providing your own lighting - amazing. Not many people at Combe I wouldn't think!! Many thanks.

Peaks at
Exeter St Davids
Clive Smith

After the successful appearance of two peaks D4 and D182 at the recent Swanage Diesel Gala here are two pictures from forty years ago when they were regular performers on the inter-regional trains. Just five months to go and we should hopefully see the return of a peak to the main line in Devon for the first time since 2006 with 45118's charter visit to Paignton in October.
Regards Clive Smith

Exeter Peaks 45041 arrives with the 1M23 11.40 Paignton - Nottingham on the 22nd May 1982. Copyright Clive Smith.

Exeter Peaks 45114 waits to depart Exeter St Davids on a Saturday with The Cornishman. The 1E21 the 10.21 Penzance to Bradford Exchange on 23rd January 1982 Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks indeed Clive for your memories and pictures of forty years ago.

Gara Bridge
A query from
Michael Robinson

Dear Friends,
Thank you very much for the brilliant photographs by Mike Roach of the Kingsbridge branch
I am interested in photographs of Gara Bridge Station and I have found a few but they all lack people I mean more than one that is. I just love the setting on Gara Bridge station, I have a layout plan of the station at
Gara Bridge but are there any plans of the station buildings or the station masters house.
Do we have an details of the station masters at Gara Bridge and the people who manned the signal box.
I just want to do some future research on the building in particular and the people who ran the line
If you can help that would be great.
Kind regards, Michael Robinson Chartered Surveyor

Gara Bridge station in August 1963. A delightful station ins a delightful setting. Copyright Mike Roach

The signal box and crossing Gara Bridge. April 1963 Copyright Michael L. Roach

Gara Bridge. 5573 pulls away heading for Kingsbridge in June 1961. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Can anybody help please. Many thanks for your query Michael - lets hope we have some replies and contacts. Many thanks too to Mike Roach for letting us use his photographs.

The transition from
Steam to Diesel
John Roberts

Keith, I’ve developed an interest in the steam to diesel transition which is not well-collated in the public press. Your item on 28th April about the last steam railtour from St Blazey inspired me to start some research. It’s work in progress so firstly via our news page can I ask folks to contribute the last steam and first diesel services on each of the Cornish lines. The last all-steam year would have been 1957, as the first Warships and NBL2s entered service in January 1958 and January 1959 respectively, and the first Cl 118s arrived in April 1960. The CRS website well-documents the closure of St Ives shed in September 1961 and the last steam service to St Ives on 10th August 1962. Penzance shed closed to steam on 10th September 1962 but the steam timetable probably continued for another year until the last through Riviera to St Ives on 7th Sep 1963. Did any steam cross the Tamar during that time? What were the last rostered turns, apart from railtours?
Sadly I wasn't a member of any railway societies at the time but, apart from the few enthusiast specials culminating in the final run on 3rd May 1964, I don't recall anything in the West Briton. Maybe BR wanted to keep it as quiet as possible to avoid any union backlash. Does anyone have any contemporary press cuttings?
CRS Steam to Diesel transition 1958-68 (1)
Secondly, for Features no 2223 I've listed all the WR Steam Shed closures. I've also included all the sub-sheds within the West of England. You will note that the end of steam broadly moved from west to east and then north, with the transition largely completed within the five-year period from 1961 to 1966. Note also that around this time there was some regional reorganisation with sheds being renumbered, or temporarily closed for conversion to diesel and reopening with a different designation, while in the Midlands WR allocations were combined with or displaced by LMR sheds.
WR Sheds - dates of closure to steam
Caution is required, eg Laira is quoted elsewhere as allocation withdrawn Oct 63 and officially closed Oct 64. Even though a shed may have had no steam allocated, locos from other sheds may have visited for servicing. Other sites quote the official closure of Laira as 13th Jun 65 when the access lines were disconnected.
Newton Abbot Division
PZ - 83G - 10th Sep 62.
St Ives - Sep 61, last steam 10th Aug 62, SB cl 7th Sep 63, Electric Token introduced 28th Jun 56, Viaduct rebuilt Apr 1955.
Helston - Dec 61?
TR - 83F - Mar 62.
SBZ - 83E - 28th Apr 62.
Bodmin - Apr 62.
Moorswater - Sep 61, last steam to Looe 9th Sep 61.
LA - 83D - 84A - Apr 64?
Launceston - Dec 62.
NA - 83A - 1st Apr 62.
Kingsbridge - Sep 61.
EXE - 83C - Oct 63.
Tiverton Jn - Oct 64.
TN - 83B - Oct 64.
Bridgwater - Jul 60.
Bristol Division
WEY - 82F - 71G - 70G - 9th Jul 67 (WR section closed around mid-63).
Bridport - Sep 66?
YEO - 72C - 83E - Jun 65.
YEO - 82E - 71H - 5th Jan 1959.
WES - 82D - 83C - Sep 65.
SPM - 82B - 13th Jun 1964.
BRD - 82A - 12th Sep 1960.
SDN - 82C - Oct 64.
London Division
OXF - 81F - 3rd Jan 66.
DID - 81E - Jun 65.
RDG - 81D - 4th Jan 65.
SLO - 81B - 1st Jun 64.
SHL - 81C - 3rd Jan 66.
PDN - 81A - 22nd Mar 65.
Worcester Division
GLO - 85B - 1st Jan 66.
HFD - 85C - 86C - 2nd Nov 64.
WOS - 85A - Dec 65.
KDR - 85D - 84G - 2P - Aug 64.
Wolverhampton Division
BAN - 84C - 2D - 3rd Oct 66.
LMTN - 84D - 2L - 14th Jun 65.
TYS - 84E - 2A - 7th Nov 66.
STB - 84F - 2C - 11th Jul 66.
SRD - 84A - 9th Sep 63.
OXY - 84B - 2B - Mar 67 (WR allocation w/d c65).
WLN - 84H - 2M - 10th Aug 64.
SALOP - 84G - 89A - 6D - 6th Nov 67 (WR allocation w/d c66).
CNYD - 84J - 89B - 6C - 5th Jun 67 (WR allocation w/d c66).
CHR - 84K - 6E - 10th Apr 60.
BHD - 6C - 8H - 6th Nov 67 (WR allocation w/d c60).
Oswestry Division
BCN - 89B - 88K - 31st Dec 62.
MCH - 89C - 6F - 5th Dec 66.
OSW - 89A - 89D - 6E - 18th Jan 65.

We are most grateful to you John for the results of your extensive research and hope that our readers will see fit to put pen to paper and provide more information. More details on the diesel fleet tomorrow.

16th May 2022

16/5/2022

The regeneration of Ponsandane Sidings for IETS Car Parking & Cycle Hub
Roger Winnen

220515a The regeneration of Ponsandane loading banks. Copyright Roger Winnen

220515b 43029 Passing the remains of Ponsandane Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

220515c Improving your railway with the various options. Copyright Roger Winnen

220515d The plan for three new sidings to cope with the longer 9 car IET Sets. Redevelopment of redundant land. Car Park and Cycle Hub. Planning application to deliver a new car park and cycle hire facilities. Improve access to Mounts Bay.. Copyright Roger Winnen

220515e The massive clearance of the old sidings looking across to the Sainsbury Store. Copyright Roger Winnen

Buttercup Meadow at
Eastdon Farm Dawlish Warren
Roger Salter

330516a 2T23 1457 EXMOUTH-PAIGNTON No 165122 Copyright Roger Salter

220516b 2F24 1524 PAIGNTON-EXMOUTH NOS 150238 & 150243 at Buttercup Meadow. Copyright Roger Salter

220516c 1V54 0606 EDINBURGH=PLYMOUTH NO.221120 Copyright Roger Salter

A reminder - the first of our outdoor events takes place next Saturday -details below - all are welcome.

==============================================

St Blazey area
Andrew Vines

Dear Keith,
Following the recent pictures and discussion about St Blazey, here are a couple of pictures taken from a more viable era for the depot, during a visit on 4th September 1973. In the first, locos nos. 1918 and 7676 stand outside the shed, with another 47 and a DMU inside. Note the siding full of wagon wheels, presumably from the repair of clay wagons. The second picture was taken where the nearby footpath crosses the line to Par and shows shunter no.4161 awaiting action.
Best wishes,
Andrew

Locos nos. 1918 and 7676 stand outside the shed, with another 47 and a DMU inside. Note the siding full of wagon wheels. 4th Sept. 1973 Copyright Andrew Vines

The second picture was taken where the nearby footpath crosses the line to Par and shows shunter no. 4161 awaiting action. 4th September 1973 Copyright Andrew Vines

Glimpses of the past. Many thanks Andrew.

Exeter Central
Clive Nye

33 002 Departing Exeter Central with 11.00 Exeter to Waterloo on 26th August 1978. Copyright Clive Nye

Many thanks to you Clive.

Well worth watching
Fallen Leaves and Wild Flowers
Colin Burges

For a bit of fun, I've recorded the contrast between autumn and spring beside the River Teign at Christow using a two-foot gauge Permaquip trolley.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaSOL7xBqxc
Incidentally, two of the railway's two-foot trolleys are on loan to the L. & B. at Woody Bay.
Cheers, Colin

Many thanks Colin for your excellent recording of the seasonal changes alongside your bit of the Teign. Whether you have or haven't experienced a ride on Colins fascinating 2' gauge railway at Christow I recommend this as he explores every inch of the track. The CRS visited the system on 3rd June 2017 and I well remember the smooth trackwork. Another place to go this summer!

==============================================

15th May 2022

15/5/2022

Bits and Pieces
David Tozer

An early visit to Rewe first of all today.

166211 with the 0759 Exeter St David's to Bristol (Temple Meads). Copyright David Tozer

800321 with the 0834 Exeter (St David's to Paddington. Copyright David Tozer

66847 with the 0745 Cowley Bridge Junction to Westbury. Even a friendly 'toot' from the driver. Copyright David Tozer

Then back to Exeter (Central) for the 0915 Exeter (St David's) to Exmouth. This was the first scheduled rostered working for a three car 165 on the Exmouth Branch with unit 165109 which had worked to Exeter yesterday. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Looking around Redruth & Chacewater in 1976
Roger Winnen

760410k D1065 Western Consort at Chacewater. 10th April 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

760410n A Peak with the Cornishman passes Hallenbeagle. 10th April 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

760410l A Class 50 at Treleigh on the approaches to Redruth. 10th April 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

760724g D1033 Western Trooper passes Drump Road Redruth. 24th July 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

760724j A Class 47 at Drump Road Redruth. 24th July 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

760724k Drump Road Redruth. The Harris Bacon factory can be seen far left in this photograph.24th July 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

760508r D1071 Western Renown arrives at Redruth on 8th May 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

English Riviera Statesman
Parsons Tunnel
Clive Smith

47614 and D1944 (47501) emerge from Parson's Tunnel with the 1Z42 06.34 Rugby - Paignton 'English Riviera Statesman' running thirty minutes early .

Parsons Tunnel. 47614 and D1944 (47501) emerge from Parsons tunnel with the English Riviera Statesman, Rugby to Paignton. 14th May 2022. Copyright Clive Smith.

Thank you Clive for this stunning picture - more pictures of this working are available on STEAM & DIESEL RAILTOURS 22 ONWARDS '.

Moorswater
Roger Geach

47605 on the 08.30 Plymouth to Penzance vans seen at Moorswater on the 26th July 1991. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger.

Exeter Central
Clive Nye

33 112 Exeter Central with a Waterloo working on 26th August 1978. Copyright Clive Nye.

Many thanks Clive

14th May 2022

14/5/2022

Something to during the day, and perhaps come to the CRS Meeting this evening. CRS Meeting - Eric Rabjohns on the Redruth & Chasewater Railway - 18.30 Memorial Hall Redruth Methodist Church - see indoor events for more info.

Very early morning visitor to
Penzance
Andrew Triggs

Penzance was visited in the early hours today by the Weedkiller train, top and tailed by GBRf 66752 with 66790, running as 3Q98 22.45 Exeter Riverside N.Y-St Blazey LIP, arriving at 03.08 and departing again at 03.20, 3 shots enclosed for CRS
All the Best, Andrew.

While in the distance the Scillonian rests overnight at its berth the weedkiller takes a 12 minute rest in platform 4. Copyright Andrew Triggs

While most of the world is asleep Andrew is out and about in the very clear night air as the weedkiller visits. These incredible pictures received at 04.33. Many thanks Andrew - now have the day off!!

End of the line for the 455's
Streatham Common
John Roberts

Keith, today is the last day of Cl 455 in squadron service on Southern which have been the mainstay of suburban services for 40 years. I recall when I worked at Strawberry Hill in the early-80s how exciting it was to have the first ones come in for acceptance testing and driver training. There may be a few out tomorrow, and there's a track-bash doing all the lines from Victoria for anyone who'd like to spend 10-hours on a Cl 455.
From 2014 Govia Thameslink Railway had a long hybrid franchise to cover introduction of Cl 700, but like most others it was converted to a Covid Emergency Measures Agreement which expired on 31st March 2022. From 1st April, it's had an interim National Rail Contract for 3 years with an optional 3-year extension to 2028, but should be converted to a Shapps-Williams Passenger Services Contract when Great British Railways starts.
As passengers have not returned so quickly as expected, DfT is trying to save costs everywhere. I don't know whether operators volunteered or were bullied into cutting services, but GTR's Cl 455s will go off-lease tomorrow without replacement as the new timetable from 15th May will see some services halved from 4 trains per hour to 2, or 2 to 1, or even to 1 train every 2 hours, while some remaining services will be cut from 12-cars to 8, or 10 to 5, or 8 to 4.
To add a small Cornish connection to the attached photo, this morning I moseyed up to Streatham Common which at our 2020 AGM was the subject of a talk by a former CRS Chairman to illustrate where he learnt the art of train-spotting!
Best wishes, John.

Class 455 number 842 at Streatham Common. It's 11.07 on the 13th May 2022. Copyight John Roberts.

Many thanks John for capturing one of the last workings on the last day - Friday the 13th was unlucky for this unit but fortunate for us and you. Another connection is that these units worked services to Weymouth which is within our reporting region.

33's at Exeter '78
Clive Nye

A nice view with the long gone semaphores of a Class 33 working an empty ballast train on Meldon Quarry on 26th August 1978. Copyright Clive Nye

33 028+33065 Exeter St. Davids with 13.58 Exeter to Brighton on 26th August 1978. Copyright Clive Nye

33014 at Exeter St Davids with the 17.55 Exeter to Waterloo. Alongside is 25 223 having arrived with the 15.52 Barnstaple to Exeter. 19th August 1978. Copyright Clive Nye.

Many thanks Clive.

13th May 2022

13/5/2022

Something to do this weekend?

==============================================

Successful steam test for 4612 at Bodmin
David Letcher

4612 - successful steam test at Bodmin following a retube of the boiler. Copyright David Letcher

Thanks David

'Messing about on the river'
Carne Point
Andrew and Diane Jones

Please find attached photographs taken at Carne Point, Fowey, today 12th May 2022.
My friends indulged my interests by sailing up towards Lostwithiel so that I could observe freight operations at the docks. Class 66 66165 had just arrived at 14.40 with a rake of CDA’s.
The Locomotive was inching towards the unloading area, passing a machine which I assumed was either weighing or checking the consignment, (perhaps a member could enlighten us).
There was an operator present and it looked from the river that he may also have been checking the condition of the running gear.
As we ventured towards the rear of the train a single CDA was sat in the adjacent siding, which could be one of the barrier wagons, but I am not sure.
To finish with I have included a wider view of the shared loading facility.

Very best wishes Andrew and Diane

66165 at Carne Point. 12th May 2022 Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

66165 entering the docks 14.40 on 12th May 2022 Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Possible barrier wagon 12th May 2022 Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones Messing about on the river Fowey

Many thanks to you Andrew and Diane for this gallery of pictures which pose a few questions as well. As an aside when adding Andrews pictures to the website the song 'Messing about on the river' came to my mind - its regularly performed by the local Ukulele Group, "When the weather is fine you know it's a sign. For messing about on the river. If you take my advice there's nothing so nice . As messing about on the river." Especially by a railway!! Words by Tony Hatch & Les Reed.

Exeter St David's
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, Thank you for dealing with the last two Peak pictures. Here is one by Michael Adams showing 46028 waiting for the road at St, David’s with the 06.32 from Leeds TO Paignton on 6 December 1986. All the best, Michael. Copyright Michael Adams

Stone on the move
Stretton Loop
Ken Mumford

Friends,
As I was passing the eastern end of Stratton Green [Loop] I noted an interesting train in that loop. So, I made a slight diversion, grabbed my camera and the attached photo is the result.
The train, of some 2,200 tons, was going from Westbury Down T. C. to Bescot Up Engineer Sidings headed by 70809. It was in that loop for some 30 minutes according to Real Time Trains which said it left 8 minutes late hot on the heels of a London-bound IET. As it passed me, I could smell the exhaust and felt the heat that it was producing.
Kind regards, Ken Mumford

70 809 leaves Stretton Loop with an up stone train. 12th May 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

St Erth
Andrew Thompson

Just came across this image given to me by a friend years ago.
Doubleheader leaving St Erth I think late 68 or 69. Andrew

A member of staff watches anxiously as a Western leads an up service train from wrong line running back onto the up main. May be 68 or 69. Photographer unknown.

Many thanks Andrew.

12th May 2022

12/5/2022

A Peak Locomotive at Trevingey Crossing Redruth
Roger Winnen

760724c 45054 at Trevingey Crossing Redruth. 24th July 1976. In the background stands the former Redruth Women's Hospital. Copyright Roger Winnen

A reminder that our last meeting on the 2021/22 season features Eric Rabjohns. a very knowledgeable gentleman who will be presenting an evening on the Redruth & Chacewater Railway. This is on Saturday 14th May at 6.30 PM - the Memorial Hall, Redruth Methodist Church. See our indoor events programe for details of this location - this is an open evening - come and enjoy! Meetings then recommence on Saturday 10th September 2022 when Roger Webster shows films of the Isle of Man Railways together with stills, not to be missed.

The Eric Rabjohns display of Redruth and Chacewater tracks at Carharrack . Copyright Martin Scane.

RCW Share Certificate Copy from Alan Harris

--------------------------------------------------------------

Penzance vans
Moorswater
Roger Geach

47605 on the 08.30 Plymouth to Penzance vans seen at Moorswater on the 26th July 1991. Copyright Roger Geach.

This view taken from the footbridge which carries a public footpath across the line just west of Moorwater viaduct.

Many thanks Roger.

Bere Ferrers
James Bown

I travelled on the Gunnislake Branch from Bere Ferrers to Gunnislake on Monday of this week (9th May 2022) and took the enclosed picture as a reminder of how this delightful line looks at this time of the year. If the picture is of any use then feel free to use it otherwise I hope you just enjoy the verdant image of a country railway station. Best wishes James Bown

A verdant image at Bere Ferrers to restored Pinhoe Signal box and of course the semaphore signal adds much to this interesting view. 9th May 2022. Copyright James Bown.

Many thanks for sending your view in James.

An interlude at
Teignmouth
Martin Scane

166217 calls at Teignmouth 11th May 2022 Copyright Martin Scane

A Cross Country service passes through Teignmouth 11th May 2022 Copyright Martin Scane

A little further into his walk 150 232 passes on Teignmouth Sea Wall. 11th May 2022 Copyright Martin Scane

You had a good day Martin - thanks.

Dawlish
Clive Nye

Power is applied and under a clear signal the train departs Dawlish. Copyright Clive Nye

Many thanks Clive.

An interesting collection
John Roberts

Quite a few shots of our area from the RCTS Collection. As there’s no search function it’s not very helpful unless you have hours to browse.Also lots of signalling interest for Nick.
https://rcts.zenfolio.com

The pictures in this collection all appear to be watermarked which is understandable.
Many thanks John.

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