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Items added on June 20th, 2016                                                                                  Those added most recently comes first

20/6/2016

 
Looking into it!
John Root
Hi
You have an excellent archive of pictures.
 I was playing with this one and ran it through some editing software. The enhanced version shows coaching stock parked on the stub of the old main line. Presumably the bridge in the background is the limit of shunt as I think they'd push the stock to the far end of the line, rather than leave it marooned somewhere in the middle?
 Regards,  John Root         Many thanks for that John, not spotted before.
N.B.  KJ can remember seeing from the current main line stock parked right out to the end of the line. It is understood that these coaches were, at one time, used by gentlemen with nowhere else to sleep!
Picture
Defiance Wearde_Signal_Box D868 Zeyphyr on 1.20 Pz Padd Mar.April 62 Copyright the Late Keith Holt
Picture
Defiance Wearde_Signal_Box D868 Zeyphyr on 1.20 Pz Padd Mar.April 62 Copyright the Late Keith Holt, Taking a closer look John Root noted that a rake of stock can be clearly seen on the former main line but by then a siding.
Dear Keith,
The comments and the picture are interesting. When the new inland route was opened, in 1908, the stub of the old line was kept as a storage siding. It was connected to the main line by a compound crossover (single slip) and consisted of a long loop with hand-operated points at each end, which enabled engines to run round. In latter years the siding held older stock used for summer extras which would otherwise occupy the limited carriage space at Plymouth. Each spring the coaches had to be drawn out and taken to Laira or Millbay for cleaning, battery charge etc.
Wearde box was opened in 1908, replacing an older, smaller one. The box was of wooden construction but was fitted with a brick 'skirt' as some protection from bomb splinters, in 1941. Also during world war 2, the trackbed of the old pre-1908 single line between Saltash and Wearde was utilised to provide a long down goods running loop. The wartime need for long waits in loops saw a water column erected at Wearde (seen in the photo). Defiance platform was named after H.M.S.Defiance, a training ship moored below the railway at this point.

Roy                                                 Many thanks for your note Roy
Remembering the China Clay Rambler on 28th April 1990.
Trevor Hawke
The Cornwall Railway Society ran this railtour on a bright and sunny day in late April, 1990. The route taken was Penzance-Par-St Dennis Tip Sidings-Roche-Bugle-Luxulyan-Ponts Mill-Par Harbour-Loswithiel (Lunch Break in the Fowey Branch Platform-Carne Point-Golant-Lostwithiel-Parkandillack-Nanpean Wharves-Par and Penzance
The units involved were set 828 52051 59386 51936 and set 955 51933 and 52054 
Trevor Hawke from Pensilva captured these classic photographs.
Many Thanks Trevor


Picture
900428a Taken at 12.47 on Saturday 28th April, 1990 The China Clay Rambler at NCMC Ponts Mill Works. Copyright Trevor Hawke
Picture
900428b Looking down to the five car DMU leaving Golant for Lostwithiel at 3.25 p.m. Copyright Trevor Hawke
Barnstaple Branch reopened - so far !
Brian Pibworth
Good Evening Keith,

Thanks to the timely publicity by Martin Duff on Cornwall Railways site, I was able to join this excursion from Taunton to Minehead today and ride over bits of the GW mainline and WSR that I have previously only glimpsed through a long lens.  The trip was not well supported but a good time was had by all who did, especially when we went along the remains of the old Barnstaple Branch and over the zig zag crossover between Silk Mills and Norton Fitzwarren.  I've given the px long titles to save on caption space and hope they all come across the ether.

Best wishes

Brian   Message received 20.17                   Many thanks for your report
Picture
WSR - Our smart, refurbished Class 150 DMU, ready and waiting in Taunton Station as is, the right of the picture, WSR plc General Manager, Paul Conybeare 19th June 2016 Copyright Brian Pibworth
Picture
WSR Excursion - A short stop at Bishop's Lydeard to await an Up train 19th June 16 CR Brian Pibworth
Picture
Special labelling for a special train! Copyright Brian Pibworth
Picture
WSR Excursion - We wait for an Up service at Blue Anchor 19th June 16 Copyright Brian Pibworth
Picture
WSR Excursion - Our driver fixes the celebration headboard before departure from Minehead. 19th June 16 Copyright Brian Pibworth
Picture
WSR Excursion - Yer be dragons-! - well probably Wyverns as its still Somerset, but certainly a journey into the unknown as we head down the branch towards Barnstaple. Copyright Brian Pibworth
Picture
WSR Excursion - As far as it goes to Barnstaple. The first passenger train on this line since the late 60s. Not as scenic as The first passenger train on this line since the late 60s. Not as scenic as Truthall Halt and significantly less chance of going any further. 19th June 2016 Copyright Brian Pibworth
Picture
KJ must admit to disobedience here - Brian asked me to omit this picture - in the original the milepost was just a 'dot' - but here it is enlarged and well worth seeing. Any complaints to KJ! The picture is copyright Brian Pibworth. The line to Barnstaple closed 3rd October 1966.
Picture
Taunton Station - After the trip, FGW 150247 waits for -right time- to depart for Bristol TM while the XC takes on passengers. 19th June 2016 Copyright Brian Pibworth
West Cornwall Gems 4
Mike Morant
Picture
G.W.R. Collet Hall class 4-6-0 7925 Westol Hall at Rospeath whilst in charge of an up train from Penzance. 160320 Courtesy Mike Morant

           Items added on June 19th, 2016                                                                                  Those added most recently comes first

19/6/2016

 
The Moon, Planets & Stars at Midnight
with the Class 66 at Carne Point
Craig Munday

Craig writes to say that he was delivering the single line train staff back to Carne Point the other night following the visit of the weedkiller MPV to Carne Point. I took this shot of 66023 working 6G05 later that morning.
The night sky was well illuminated with the Moon, and Venus all shining brightly. The yard lamps helped to secure this image of the clay train stabled for the night, with just the slapping of the water and clanking yacht mast providing the audio entertainment.
Many thanks to Kev Smith for helping to enhance the image as it had some blue flare effect from the yard lights across the lens
Picture
A Cracking photograph taken at Carn Point at 00.35hrs on Thursday 16th June, 2016. Copyright Craig Munday.
Many Thanks Craig
Out and About in West Cornwall
Saturday 18th June, 2016
Andrew Triggs
Picture
160618fThe 08.39 Penzance to Paddington passing the former platforms at Gwinear Road. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
160618g 43131 and 43177 at the rear passing over the Level Crossing at Gwinear Road with the 1A81 Penzance to Paddington. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
160618h The 1A83 the 09.54 Penzance -Paddington clears Nanpusker Road Bridge near Angarrack. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
160618i The 1C70 the 08.18 Plymouth - Penzance heads for Hayle with 43163 'Visit Plymouth. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
160618j The 5P70 10.15 Longrock TMD to Par with 57605 and the ECS passing Guildford Viaduct. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Thanks Andrew

The Movements and Naming of 56302 to The West Somerset Railway.
For more photos and words by Alan Peters go to our FEATURES, MAIN INDEX & OUTDOOR REPORTS PAGE and click on Features January to June 2016. 
By Mick House.

Picture
Driver Alan Peters had the honour of being the Colas Driver for the WSR gala / Peco naming ceremony which saw him travel to Washwood Heath on Thursday 9th June to fetch 56302 from Boden Rail Engineering. Copyright Alan Peters.

Items added on the 17th June 2015                                                                                   Those added most recently come first

18/6/2016

 
The London End of Whiteball Tunnel on DDay
Andrew Triggs

Picture
160606a The 1A82 11.32 Paignton to Paddington heads out of Whiteball Tunnel. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
160606b The 1C09 10.00 London Paddington to Paignton approaches from the east. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
160606c 150101 works the 2U20 Paignton to Cardiff service. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Weedkiller wanderings
Karl Hewlett

Dear Keith.
Some of your followers on the CRS website may like to view this link of the derailed train at Paddington, which happened yesterday afternoon just after 16:00pm.  Fortunately it was an ECS move from Reading Train Care depot, with the exception of traincrew, there wasn't anyone on board.  The unit in question is 165124.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-36555082
As for things going capput, the weedkiller I think has as well, it was 15 minutes late at Par according to RTT but never showed up at Falmouth and there have been no updates since Par.
Regards Karl.
Regarding the weedkillers schedule for tonight please keep watching the link below - at the moment it is still scheduled to visit LeFarge sidings (Moorswater) at 23.00 tonight - will anybody be there? But don't blame me if it doesn't turn up.​

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U06528/2016/06/17/advanced
West Cornwall Gems 3
Mike Morant
Picture
6824 Ashley Grange at Rospeath The Mike Morant Collection MB369

Items added on the 18th  June                                                                                           Those added most recently come first

18/6/2016

 
Trains seen on camera at Bugle
Saturday 18th June, 2016
Roger Winnen

A visit to the West of England Bandsmen's Festival at Bugle prompted me to record some of the action seen on the branch today. Only the last train to Newquay and back calls at any of the intermediate stations on the branch, this being the 19.48 from Par and the 20.45 from Newquay. The three GW HSTs and the three Cross Country service run non stop between Par and Newquay except for token exchange at Goonbarrow.
Picture
160618a The 07.07 Manchester Piccadilly to Newquay passes through Bugle Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
160618b The returning 15.30 Newquay to Manchester crosses the road at Molinnis Crossing, Bugle on route to Goonbarrow Junction, Par, Plymouth and beyond. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
160618c The 11.35 Atlantic Coast Express leaves Goonbarrow Junction and is seen approaching Molinnis Crossing, Bugle. Copyright
Picture
160618d The 13.19 Newquay to Paddington is seen approaching Bugle, photograph taken from the St Austell-Bodmin road overbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
160618e Bugle Station has only one train in each direction stopping on Saturdays this being after 20.00 hrs. Copyright Roger Winnen

Items added on the 16th June 2015                                                                                   Those added most recently come first

17/6/2016

 
The Return of the Cement Traffic to Moorswater
Roger Winnen

It has been circulated amongst the railway enthusiasts that cement traffic will be resuming to Moorswater.
An entry on Realtime trains shows a departure from Aberthaw Cement Works at 02.50hrs the 6C35 via Cardiff, Severn Tunnel Junction, Dr Day's Junction, Bath Spa, Westbury and down the Berks and Hants. Once in Cornwall the train engine is scheduled to run around its train at Lostwithiel before returning to Liskeard to gain access to the branch to Moorswater Lafarge Depot. Possibly the first working will be on 28th June, 2016 Watch out for any updates. The timings as shown on realtime trains for this working is Plymouth 09.44 Saltash 09.56 Liskeard 10.20 Lostwithiel 10.41/11.06 Lostwithiel Up Goods Loop 11.08/11.35 Liskeard 11.58/12.00 Liskeard Ground Frame 12.06/12.29 Coombe Junction 12.37/12.39 and into Moorswater. There is no return working shown to date
.
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H39069/2016/06/28/advanced
Many Thanks Karl Hewlett

The Branch has seen no traffic over the last couple of years but the photographs below will remind us of the traffic in February, 2013.
Picture
130204a 66132 Heads a cement train to Moorswater on 4th February, 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
130204b Departure from Coombe junction to Moorswater. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
130204c The returning empties departing Moorswater on the 4th February, 2013
Picture
130210a 6 Days later on the 10th February, 2013 a Pathfinder Tour to Moorswater at Coombe Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
130210b On its way to Moorswater taken from the bridge at Coombe Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
130210c And approaching the old Moorswater Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen
Special Charter on WSR
Press release

Many thanks to Martin Duff for drawing our attention to this, which, it appears, should see the first passenger train on the stub laid on the former Barnstable line trackbed.
​Where: Minehead Station
When: 1300, Sunday 19 June
 
New ticket deal saves passengers almost 20% on local attraction
Special charter service to mark the new deal
 
GWR invite you to a special charter service on Sunday 19 June 2016 for the launch of the West Somerset Away Day ticket.
 
Running from Taunton to Minehead and return, you will get the chance to sample the longest preserved line in England from one of our newly refurbished Class 150 trains.
 
The trip will include:
 
  •          A launch party on arrival at Minehead with special guests in attendance
  •          A visit to the start of the former Taunton to Barnstaple branch at Norton Fitzwarren, on the return journey – a first for a GWR Class 150
  •          An on-board trolley service with proceeds going to charity
 
The service will depart from Taunton (1115), calling at Bishops Lydeard at 1135 before arriving at Minehead at 1255 for a special launch party. The return service will depart from Minehead at 1515, arriving at Bishops Lydeard at 1630 and Taunton at 1705.
 
Etickets for the special charter service are £25.99 and can be purchased here.
 
Looking back 30 years
Julian Stephens

Many thanks Julian
Picture
Treesmill at 19.15 on the 17th June 1986 37175 at Stoneybridge near Treesmil Copyright Julian Stephens
Picture
50010 Monarch is seen at 14.06 14th June 1986 climbing away over Pontsmill viaduct with the 1V39 0918 Birmingham to Newquay. Copyright Julian Stephens N.B. Julian apologises for the 'arm waving' which for some strange reason was part of the scene in those days!!
West Cornwall Gems 2
Mike Morant

Picture
GWR Collett 4- 6- 0 6801 at Rospeath whilst in charge of an up train. Courtesy the Mike Morant collection 160320_W_BR_6801_MB272

Items added on the 15th June 2015                                                                                   Those added most recently come first

15/6/2016

 
Class 50 Failures
Julian Stephens
Good Morning Keith,
I notice you have recently had a flurry of "Failed Fifty" pictures, so, here is another one.
"50033 Glorious was hauling the 1C11 06:45 Swindon to Penzance on 7th February 1987 when it failed near Menheniot. 37207 William Cookworthy was sent to assist. The picture was taken at Holmbush near St. Austell with the train running some 90 minutes late."
Best wishes,  Julian Stephens,  St. Austell.  
Picture
A dramatic picture. One can almost imagine the sound as the 37 hauls its heavy load up the bank towards St Austell. Copyright Julian Stephens
Special to Moorswater
Anybody there?
Personally I won't be there, but should anybody be about as one can see from the real time trains below  the weedkiller is scheduled to visit Moorswater between 23.00 and 23.05 on Friday 17th June. The first train there for quite some time, maybe the branch will reopen? The weedkiller later visits Looe just before midnight.
Weedkiller request
Karl Hewlett
Dear Keith.

It was commented on the Cornwall Railway Society webpage recently about the abundance of weeds that are starting to grow through the ballast, trackside and that it could do with some weedkiller.  Well, their wish has been granted, the MPV weedkiller (https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6179/6169042800_71b23e8f0a_b.jpg), is currently in Devon and Cornwall and here are the times for its visit around the area which it is covering a lot including most of the branches:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U41525/2016/06/13/advanced


http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U06526/2016/06/15/advanced


http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U06529/2016/06/16/advanced


http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U06527/2016/06/16/advanced


http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U06528/2016/06/17/advanced


http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U06532/2016/06/21/advanced


Regards
Karl (Friends of Penmere).

                                                  Many thanks for your research Karl.
37's at St Blazey 1
Colin Moss

The first of a number of Class 37 pictures kindly supplied by Colin Moss
Picture
37101 being turned for bed is the title of this shot. 11th August 198537 101 .... in a refreshing use of traction in the days of pre sectorization, 37 101 worked the 11.04 Derby – Plymouth relief, throughout , on Saturday 11th August 1985. The Gateshead allocated loco then ran light to St. Blazey to augment the then busy clay traffic, before working another relief ex Plymouth , to Yorkshire the following Friday. Copyright Colin Moss
Mike Morant
at Torrington 2
Picture
It's the 5th September 1962 as 41299 hauling clay trucks passes a passenger train standing in the up platform at Torrington. 34081 waits in the sidings maybe to take the up working onwards? Mike Morant collection

Items added on the 15th June 2015                                                                                   Those added most recently come first

15/6/2016

 
37's at St Blazey 2
Colin Moss

Picture
37 193 ...... Not content with one visitor from the north east, 37 193, complete with Thornaby embellishments, is on shed at BZ, alongside 37 101 ... 37 193 had worked in on an unknown freight flow. The loco had been working off Bristol the previous month, so presumably, Thornaby were not in any great hurry to have a return homewards. 15th August 1985 Copyright Colin Moss
West Cornwall Gems 1
Mike Morant
A little while ago Mike Morant sent us a collection of local (to us) views from the steam age in the Penwith area. Here is the first one - many thanks Mike.
Picture
a_160320_W_BR_1010_MB250 GWR Hawksworth County class 1010 County of Caernarvon at Rospeath in charge of an up train. Mike Morant Collection
Two Loco hauled
The Westwaters
Picture
57604 crossing Forder viaduct 11th June 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater
Picture
57 604 approaching Shillingham. 11th June 2016 Copyright Jenny Westwater.

Items added on the 13th June 2015                                                                                   Those added most recently come first

13/6/2016

 
Steam at Taunton
34052 Lord Dowding
Andrew Triggs

34046 Braunton masqueraded as 34052 Lord Dowding seen working a Woking to Kingswear special at Taunton.
Picture
160611i The 06.35 Woking to Kingswear WCR 47 with 47760 arriving at Taunton with the diesel leg of the tour. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
160611j Propelling WCR 47245 into the down sidings. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
160611k 34046 Braunton running as 34052 Lord Dowding departs Taunton for Kingswear. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
160611l 34052 Lord Dowding clears the new overbridge at the west end of Taunton Station. Copyright Andrew Triggs
'Tight Squeeze at Outlands'
Andrew Jones
Dear Keith, here we have two photographs of the Wenford Bridge branch line, taken in the late 70’s.
The first one, is at the Dunmere Crossing, on the return trip towards Boscarne.
This service was an early start, with a  possession taking most of the morning, returning about lunchtime.
Although tickets were available at Wadebridge, by the 70’s, a request had to be made direct to BR, this was more of an insurance exercise and not a revenue stream.
Having gone through this procedure once, I was never asked again when travelling on this train.
 
The second photograph, is on a return working towards Boscarne ,at Outlands Woods, about 1 mile towards Wenford, north of Dunmere.
The rock outcrop, on the left of this picture, is partly the cause of the demise of this branch.
When the hoods were being replaced by CDA wagons, it was found that the CDA’s could not be used on the Wenford branch, because of the tight radius at this location.
What a shame, a few sticks of dynamite, could have saved the day!
 
Best wishes Andrew                                             
Many thanks Andrew
Picture
The returning train at Dunmere Level Crossing, Late 70's. Copyright Andrew Jones
Picture
At Outlands Woods where a tight curve and close proximity of a rockface prevented the use of the CDA's then being introduced. This picture taken in the late 70's by Andrew Jones. Copyright
Double Headed at Lostwithiel
Colin Moss

Picture
37 181 / 101 .... Here’s the proof of the working week in Cornwall, 37 101 (Gateshead loco) is paired with then St. Blazey allocated 37 181 on a long rake of clay hoods from Carne Point, Fowey, seen arriving at Lostwithiel, for run round, then bound for Rocks Dries.14th August 1985. Copyright Colin Moss
Mike Morant
Visits Torrington

Picture
A delightful picture as 41295 and 41291 cross the river Torridge with the 'Exmoor Ranger' on the 27th March 1965 Courtesy the Mike Morant collection
27th March 1965
Plymouth Railway Circle / R.C.T.S. 
The Exmoor Ranger

Locos UsedD3517, 3205, 41206 & 41291Route :
Loco(s)Route
41206 & 41291Exeter St Davids - Okehampton - Meldon Quarry (1) - Halwill - Petrockstow - Torrington - Bideford - Barnstaple Jn - Barnstaple Victoria Road
41206 & 41291 (2)Barnstaple Victoria Road - Barnstaple Jn - Mortehoe - Ilfracombe
3205 (3)Ilfracombe - Barnstaple - Dulverton - Taunton (1)
D3517 (4)shunt at Taunton (Up side to Down side)
3205Taunton - Exeter St DavidsNotes :
This five coach train visited a number of lines that were due to lose their passenger service, the Halwill - Petrockstow section had been closed to all traffic four weeks prior to this tour, special permission being required to run over this section of line.        Info courtesy Six Bells Junction

Items added on the 12th June 2015                                                                                   Those added most recently come first

12/6/2016

 
The West Somerset Mixed Traction Gala
 on 10th and 11th June 2016
Roger Salter

Picture
160610a 66757 West Somerset Railway enters Williton on 11.55 Bishops Lydeard-Minehead service. Copyright Roger Salter
Picture
160610c 56302 Sits on the turntable at Minehead to await its naming ceremony. Copyright Roger Salter
Picture
160610d D1661 Approaches Minehead with the 13.03 service from Bishops Lydeard. Copyright Roger Salter
Picture
160610f D832 Onslaught approaches Minehead with the 13.45 service from Norton Fitzwarren. Copyright Roger Salter
More in the Features Section
Dandelions and Daisies at St Erth
Where is the Weed-Killer!
Roger Winnen
Spending many hours at St Erth over the years I have never witnessed the amount of vegetation now growing up.
Picture
160612a Dandelions and Daisies at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
160612b Where is the weed killer, the vegetation is taking over at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
160612c At St Erth this is the 14.23 HST Departure to Penzance, this being the 08.51 from London Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen
Late arrival at Lostwithiel
Colin Moss

We welcome back Colin Moss with more local views, another of Lostwithiel to follow tomorrow then he turns our attention to St Blazey shed.
Picture
The very first class 37 to migrate to Cornwall was 37 142, in 1979. This was the loco originally intended to be named “ William Cookworthy ”, but this honour went firstly to 37 207. Here is 37 142 arriving at Lostwithiel in August 1981 on a rare passenger working – look at the ‘up’ platform station building back then ! - 50 045 “ Achilles “ totally expired on 1E22 09.45 Newquay – Leeds shortly after leaving the seaside town, and was believed to have been rescued at St. Dennis Junction. Copyright Colin Moss
Steam at Fishponds
Mike Morant

Picture
45297, a 'Black Five' climbing through Fishponds on the 21st July 1951 - a classic shot of a popular locomotive at the head of a substantial train. Courtesy of the Mike Morant collection. Please see our Bristol Temple Meads to Bath Green Park section for more pictures of this largely forgotten line.

Items added on the 11th June 2015                                                                                   Those added most recently come first

11/6/2016

 
Happy Birthday Your Majesty
90 Glorious Years
Roger Winnen
Picture
160611a Happy Birthday Your Majesty. The 08.18 Plymouth Penzance service. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
160611b The caption says it all 90 Glorious Years. Happy Birthday your Majesty. This HST forms the 11.00 service from Penzance to London Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

St Ives steam and diesel
Mike Morant

Picture
Mike Morant brings us, from his collection the station scene at St Ives in 1961 as we would wish to remember it. A 'Toad' brakevan stands in the bay platform complete with a few trucks, a '45' with its 'B' set waits alongside the attractive station building, a solitary spectator stands on the platform, whilst to the right the traditional home signal and lampmans hut.
Picture
By 1971 all of the above traditional station had been swept away and replaced by a car park. The track layout reduced to just a single platform. In this picture trains were now composed of heritage DMU stock which gave superb views through the forward windows. What have we got now, not really an improvement, however, thankfully, the branch still survives and carries record numbers. From the Mike Morant collection.
The Westwaters at work
Taking advantage of the last of the recent marvelous weather we've been having Ron sends us the following.  Many thanks Ron & Jenny.
Picture
Taking advantage from an unusual location we see 57303 crossing Moorswater viaduct with the 1C99 MX 23.45 Paddington-Penzance 06.08 8th June 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater N.B. A nice bit of shunting, alternate blue and green stock.
Picture
While Ron climbed the steep hill Jenny stayed low level to catch this picture of 66066 passing Golant at 15.22 with the 6P24 1425 Parkandillack-Fowey 8th June 2016 Copyright Jenny Westwater
Water at Gwinear Road?
David Collings
Dear Keith,  Now I have a sort of water problem - this time at Gwinear Road station. It's rather strange how that particular station keeps cropping up, but I'm hoping you might have the answer to a question that has suddenly arisen. I have just finished putting together the draft copy of the Helston Railway Journal (No.5). There is an article on Praze station in this one, and attention is drawn towards the Water Tower, as it is a prominent feature of the station. I go on to mention that it was probably sited at Praze, amongst other reasons, because no locomotive water appeared to be available at Gwinear Road. I didn't quite realize that the comment would open a debate on the subject, but now there is a degree of uncertainty amongst a few of our members over whether there was or whether there wasn't water available for engines at Gwinear Road.  Before pistols are drawn at dawn, I was wondering if you might be able to throw some light on the subject.  Best Regards, David.
Can anyone help please?
Picture
Picture taken by Keith Jenkin on 8th June 1965.
Within minutes of my posting the question posed by David, and even while I was 'adjusting' my own rather poor image above in came the reply below from Roy Hart in 'way off' Rangoon.  The marvels of modern communication. Thanks Roy.
Dear Keith,
There was no mains water at Gwinear Road. There was never a water column there.
The pillar tank at Praze was provided because of this. When a shunter at Gwinear Road required water, the signalman at West box contacted Nancegollan box and a staff was withdrawn on the understanding that the engine was proceeding to Praze to take water, then not passing through the section to Nancegollan, but returning to Gwinear. This would normally be forbidden elsewhere, but special provision was made in this case, outlined in the sectional appendix to the rule book, published in 1938 and revised in 1960.
Isolated spots on the system without mains water normally had supplies provided by train in large cans (places like Largin box come to mind). I am not sure whether there was a well at Gwinear: the big house next door certainly had one.

Roy
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