Blog Archives

30th June 2018

30/6/2018

For 'operational reasons' here are the pictures intended for tomorrow today - a day early.

Penzance Test Train
Andrew Triggs

Hello Keith,
2 shots of Colas 67027 'Charlotte' and 67023 'Stella' working 06.06 Reading Triangle sidings-Paignton (via Penzance) today in place of the normal 4 weekly NMT
All the Best
Andrew Triggs
Many thanks for your post - nice to catch things as they happen!

Viewed from Ponsandane footbridge, Colas 67023 leading with 67027 at the rear, arriving platform 3 at Penzance. 29th June 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

This afternoons pictures. The Test train departs for Paignton. 29th June 2018. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Lostwithiel & Liskeard
Craig Munday

The fab weather continues to beat down, resulting in fields and gardens looking bedraggled with the lack of rain. The crops are growing nicely along the county's fields, a blaze of yellow against the green livery dominating the mainline. Memories of the weathered, fly spattered Westerns in 1976?

27th June I was at Lostwithiel for 66031 working 6G08 to Fowey.

28th I popped up to Liskeard for the cement empties with 70806 in charge. A busy spell on the mainline & branch.

Cheers, Craig
Many thanks to you Craig , now put your feet up for more football!!

Lostwithiel 66031 with the 6G08 to Fowey. 27th June 2018. Copyright Craig Munday

70806 on Liskeard Viaduct 28th June 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

70806 on Liskeard - Coombe Jct link. 28th June 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

The Liskeard - Looe branch service lost amongst the surroundings in 'green camouflage' !! 28th June 2018. Copyright Craig Munday

Penzance
Mike Hitchens

Tucked away in platform four at Penzance we see the pressed steel chocolate and cream 2 car unit. Mike Hitchens collection. It was a delight when this unit retired to Cornwall from, I believe, Birmingham. Being in this 'GW' livery made it seem surely destined for preservation. However one of the cabs was damaged by a fire when it was in service on the St Ives branch and the pair were sadly split up. They looked very much in place wherever they went in Cornwall What a shame we cannot, these days, tour the branches in such wonderful stock with all round views. .KJ

Williton
John Cornelius

29th June 2018

29/6/2018

Test Train Timings
Karl Hewlett

After finishing off a stack of paperwork this evening, I been informed that 'Colas Rail' class 67's 023 and 027 will be running in place of the NMT HST on Friday 29th. However keep a close eye on its departure time because the test equipment has already overheated and shut down once this week due to the present climate, the times are the usual but I have included them so readers don't need to trawl around trying to find them:

Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton via Penzance

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H44738/2018/06/29/advanced

Kind Regards, Karl (Friends of Penmere Station).
Many thanks Karl for keeping us informed. Message timed at 00.40

Penzance
Andrew Triggs

A spot of driver training at Penzance as 08 410 tows the 'Night Riviera' into platform 1. 28th June 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

08410 on driving training hauling Another shot of the 5A40 Longrock TMD-Penzance Night Riviera ECS with 57605 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Southampton
John Cornelius

28th June 2018

28/6/2018

For 'operational reasons' here are tomorrows pictures - a day early.

Craig's Capers
A busy time.

Hi Keith,
I'll be glad to settle in to watch the football today after a super procession of trains over the last 48 hours.
I had to get the clay on one of the longest days of the years, early doors down on the river looking across from the Lerryn side to snap 66031 heading along the Golant causeway on Fri 22nd. The will a tip off from the evening crew, the chance (once again) to catch the elusive 6P25 returning across the causeway from the opposite side in stunning light from the driveway of the lucky gentleman who has this view from his garden!
57605 & 43002 (additional celebrity) were photographed on Angarrack viaduct too. The light so sharp and bright the colours took you breath away! Summer's here!
Kind regards, Craig
Many thanks Craig - hope you enjoyed the football
N.B. Craigs pictures of the 50's already added to our coverage

Check the reflections! Golant 22nd June 2018 6p07 Copyight Craig Munday (Approx. 40 CDA's)

Golant 22nd June 2018 66031 6P25 Copyright Craig Munday

57 605 with the up 'Loco Hauled' 57 605. crosses Angarrack Viaduct.. Copyright Craig Munday

An up HST working crosses Angarrack Viaduct with the houses of CarbisBay in the distance. Copyright Craig Munday.

Southampton
John Cornelius

27th June 2018

27/6/2018

Combe by Saltash
Chris Harvey

Hello,
I guess most of the cameras in Cornwall were aimed at the two "Hoovers" throughout Saturday, however here are a couple of shots of 2E75, the 1026 St Erth - Exeter St Davids, rolling through Saltash at lunchtime. What a beautiful sunny day it was!
Best Regards, Chris Harvey. Many thanks Chris

The loco 57 605 Totnes Castle with three 'day coaches' off the sleeper slowly cross Combe by Saltash viaduct. The time is 12.12 on Saturday 23rd June 2018. Copyright Chris Harvey

Eight minutes have passed since the above view as the train gains the Royal Albert bridge. 12.20 23rd June 2018. Copyright Chris Harvey

Many thanks Chris for these views - it is very interesting and valuable to have your camera clock set if everybody did this it would be handy.

Falmouth Branch Video
Karl Hewlett

Found this short documentary produced by Westward TV in 1976 of the Falmouth branchline. It shows a class 116 DMU leaving Truro (which is also the same unit used to travel the line), there is a very brief view of a Western on Presflo wagons for Chacewater in the yard. The one downfall in this clip is that out of all the stations Penmere as usual is left out of the footage, that's nothing new though:

https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-truro-to-falmouth-on-the-maritime-line-1976-online

Worth a watch! Kind Regards Karl (Friends of Penmere Station).

Many thanks to Karl for 'surfing the net' and finding this gem of the Falmouth branch, its a shame that Penmere, of all stations doesn't receive a mention. It is as Karl says 'Well worth a watch'. So much was lost when we were deprived of a front view. Karl sent this in at 02.16!!

Totnes Riverside
John Cornelius

Copyright John Cornelius It is very befitting that John's view today features a vintage DMU. If only we could enjoy those forward views on the main line and branches today - wouldn't it be wonderful?

26th June 2018

26/6/2018

50's to and from
Penzance
John Hind

Due to technical difficulties we were unable to bring you these pictures over the weekend but as you can see John knocked up a few miles on Saturday 23rd June 2018. Many thanks John.

Lostwithiel on the 23rd June 2018 as the 05.40 from Tame Bridge - the Cornishman, passes through on its journey down through the country to it ultimate destination. Copyright John Hird

Much later in the day - the returning 50's cross Combe by Saltash viaduct. 23rd June 2018. Copyright John Hird.

It's 18.54 on the 23rd of June 2018 as the returning 50's climb Hemerdon Bank. Copyright John Hird

Another look, just seconds later, the top of the bank is very near. 23rd June 2018 Copyright John Hird

John returns to Liskeard to witness a Cross Country HST en route to Penzance. 23rd June 2018. Copyright.

And finally we see 57 605 returning to Penzance with the day coaches of the sleeper set. The end of a glorious day, it's 20.40 on the 23rd June 2018.

Minehead
John Cornelius

John Cornelius

25th June 2018

25/6/2018

An hour at Lostwithiel
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith, Having reviewed my day at Lostwithiel on the 23rd June 2018, I realised that to some extent I had won the lottery, as far as unusual sightings were concerned. ( all in the space of 1 hour)
I arrived early for the expected Class 50 Cornishman and was just preparing my camera when the celebrity HST set appeared on the up 09.57 ex Penzance. Within a short space of time the down 07.03 ex Paddington, HST had an unexpected 15 min delay in the station, allowing for the unusual cross over of Class 57 Totnes Castle on the up 10.26 ex St Erth, with a short formation. In all the excitement, I completely forgot to photograph the 09.46 ex Exeter St Davids, Newquay, dmu before the Cornishman passed through in fine form at 12.01…..when your lucks in, it makes for an exceptional day, in more ways than one! Glad you had a good day Andrew - Many thanks.

Celebrity HST 253001 App Lostwithiel 23rd June Copyright Andrew Jones

Celebrity HST 253001 at Lostwithiel 23rd June 2018 Copyright Andrew Jones

The down HST that was delayed at Lostwithiel 23rd June 2018 Copyright Andrew Jones

The attractive plaque and namebroad carried on the leading Power Car on the down HST on 23rd June 2018 Copyright Andrew Jones

The tail of the delayed HST and Class 57605 at the head of the Up loco hauled passenger train on the 23rd June 2018 Copyright Andrew Jones

Class 57 605 Totnes Castle leaving Lostwithiel. Copyright Andrew Jones

Well worth waiting for - the down Cornishman. 23rd June 2018 Copyright Andrew Jones

Approaching
Dunster
John Cornelius

24th June 2018

24/6/2018

Cockwood Harbour
David Tozer

Yet another perfect picture, the tides right, the sky is right and just a trace of smoke. 34046 running as 34052 'Lord Dowding' with the 1650 Kingswear - Bristol (Temple Meads). Copyright David Tozer. This picture received about an hour ago.

'That HST Again'
Guy Vincent

HST power car 43002 caught head-on departing Westbury on today's 1A80 0805 Penzance-Paddington with a companion shot of 43053 also included as the train curves away towards Newbury.
Far better than watching football! 'And so say most of us' !!!

43002 built 1975 and still in front line service in 2018. 43053 was produced at Crewe in 1977 for set 253026 and has spent time on the Western, Midland and Eastern regions of British Railways before returning to the 'Western' (with FGW) in 2009. It has carried BR Blue/Grey Yellow, Original 'Executive' & Revised Inter City 'Swallow' liveries, Midland Mainline ( two variations, Green/Tangerine, Blue & Grey) and finally GNER Blue before receiving it's current finish. Plus it has had three names bestowed, County of Humberside, Leeds United and, finally, the plates it still carries, University of Worcester.
Guy V 24.06.2018
Many thanks as usual, what a mine of information Guy is.

Westbury 43002 & 43053 1A80 0805 Penzance to Paddington 12.33 24th June 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury 43053 rear 1A80 0805 PNZ-PAD 12.33 24th June 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

The English Riviera express
Guy Vincent

Today (24th) new charter operator Saphos Trains ran their first charter, a Bristol TM-Kingswear 'English Riviera Express' via Westbury with pick-ups at Bath Spa, Bradford-on-Avon, Westbury, Frome and Taunton. Strangely Trowbridge was omitted for boarding/alighting and on the return Bradford was omitted from the advertised schedule despite the morning pick-up! Heading the train was ex SR West Country class 34046 'Braunton' which is still running as long-scrapped sister loco 34052 'Lord Dowding'. Carriages were in pristine showroom condition in British Railways Carmine and Cream livery with an added bonus at the back of the formation, class 47 diesel no. 47805 in original two-tone BR Green. With barely any smoke visible due to the warm, dry weather conditions today 34052 carefully eases the train away from Bradford-on-Avon and exits the 159 yard long tunnel east of the station. Saphos Trains are to be congratulated for presenting their train in such outstanding condition; a real delight to see. Hopefully the west country will see more of their trains in the future as they seem to be a well-run, professional organisation with high standards.

Guy V

Bradford on Avon 34046 (052) 1Z27 BTM-KGW 08.56 24th June 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

485 Bradford-on-Avon 47805 (650, 257)(D1935) 1Z27 24th June 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Class 47 diesel 47805 (carrying it's original number D1935) at the back of today's Saphos Trains 'English Riviera Express' leaving Bradford-on-Avon. The loco has also carried the numbers 47257 and 47650. Surprisingly there seemed to be more smoke gently puffing out of this than there was from steam loco 34052 at the front! (Taken from public road behind fence, cropped and enlarged).
Guy V 24.06.2018 Many thanks GUY for your two superb pictures and accompanying text

Yesterday the Mazey Day Cornishman
With Four Locomotives
50049 Defiance masqueraded on one side as 50011 Centurion and50007 Hercules as 50006 Neptune

Photographers David Field David Tozer Trevor Tremethick Andrew Jones Julian Stephens Mick House Craig Munday Roger Salter Ollie Turrell Andrew Triggs Keith Jenkin Roger Aston and Roger Winnen

180623z 50049 and 50007 About to go under Apex Bridge, although it is the Mazey Day 'Cornishman' the headboard (Slim 1964-2014) carried by the leading engine commemorates Neil (Slim) Morgan, an active Severn Valley Railway volunteer who passed away after an illness in 2014. 50049 Defience carried this headbosrd during the Severn Valley Diesel Gala in October 2014 to pay tribute to Slim Morgan. Copyright Mick House

180623i 2785 1Z50 05.40 Tame Parkway to Penzance is seen at Laira Junction. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

180623s Propelling to slopers siding from Platform 1. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180623zh 50011 Centurian and 50006 Neptune in slopers siding. Copyright Roger Salter

I feel I must add on a positive note that I travelled from Redruth to Penzance for Mazey Day. I felt that the way in which the vastly increased numbers were handled was excellent. At Redruth, Revenue Protection Officers were present on both up and down platforms issuing tickets. Both the journey down and back were by HST's which were packed. At Penzance the crowd took about ten minutes to clear the platform - well done GWR. KJ

Click Here for further coverage of this railtour in Features 1818 April end onwards 2018

Travel problems old and new
Mike Roach

LETTER SDR 24.06.1848

If you thought that complaints about trains and railway management was a recent phenomenon its clearly not, as this letter shows. It appeared in the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette for 24 June 1848 just 7 weeks after the South Devon Railway opened from Totnes to Plymouth and the passenger service commenced. Here it is verbatim, and the italics are not mine but original:

THE SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY INCORRIGIBLE
To the Editor of the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette
SIR, - As you take great interest in the Western Railways, I
think it right to inform you that I left the Laira Station by the
afternoon train yesterday,(with only three light carriages
and a horse box) and on arriving at the inclined plane, near
Plympton, we were brought to a stand still; and after actually
receding three times for about a mile, it was found absolutely
necessary to leave the horse box behind, when (after a full half
hour's delay) we reached the summit, but did not arrive at Totnes
until 20 minutes after four, being half an hour after its time, and
where we met the Express down train, which (if it arrived at its
appointed time) had been detained 35 minutes ! The result of such
intolerant delay was, that instead of returning to Devonport at
half past eight, I did not get home until midnight. The Directors
who are known by the cognomen of “the Western Luminaries,”
must be be highly delighted at the progress their excellent
management ensures.         I am, yours,
     Devonport, 20th June 1848.        A CONSTANT READER

NB For those not familiar with the area the inclined plane is Hemerdon Bank.

Blue Anchor
John Cornelius

23rd June 2018

22/6/2018

Exeter
Observations
David Tozer

In addition to trips to Cornwall GWR Class 158/s have started to appear on the following working. 0859 Exeter (St David's) - St James' Park 0907 St James' Park - Exmouth Junction - St James' Park ECS 0925 St James' Park - Bristol (Parkway). Today 153329 and 158766 appeared on this working Tonight 153382 worked the 2018 5Z33 Exeter (TMD) - Castle Cary via Honiton route learner and 2244 5Z44 return from Castle Cary. Dave Many thanks Dave

153382 Pinhoe 22nd June 2018 Copyright David Tozer

153369 and 158766 leave Exeter Central on the 22nd June .2018 Copyright David Tozer

New Siding at Norton
Robert Lindley

Here are 3 pictures taken today (22nd June 2018) of the new siding on the back of Norton Platform. One is the nice refurbished buffer stop, one of the WSR’s road railer, and a general view up the siding looking towards Bishops Lydeard. This siding should see action during the Steam & Vintage Rally, held here on the 5th & 6th August this year, to display some of the Vintage Stock, including the GWR Sleeping Car and the ex Taunton Inspectors Saloon Cheers Rob Many thanks Rob

Minehead
John Cornelius

""" Mazey Day Railtour to Penzance at Platform at Tame Bridge Parkway at 05.30 for a 05.40 departure. (Real time Trains)

22nd June 2018

21/6/2018

Beginning of the
End
Guy Vincent

A still from a video I took this morning (21st) showing pioneer class 253 power car 43002 at high speed on the Westbury avoiding line heading the 1A75 0505 Penzance-Paddington. At the rear was another first series PC, 43053, once part of set 253026. A shot of 43053 taken at Westbury station on 19th at the rear of a train bound for Paignton is included. Hard to believe but the fact is that views such as these will soon be consigned to history with brand-new class 802 sets due to begin taking over certain diagrams from July.

Westbury Avoider 43002 1A75 21st June 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent. Guy wishes it to be known that 43002 was recorded from a position of complete safety at Penleigh Park foot crossing. Thank you Guy.

.Beautifully framed' at Westbury is Paignton bound 43053 with the 1C77 on the 19th June 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks to you Guy for your article and pictures. I think we will all regret the passing of the HST's with their drop down windows just as we did the passing of the first generation DMU's with their forward views. We will have to get used to being 'cocooned' whatever we travel in! One can only hope that FGW will come up with an attractive livery for the featureless 800 Series units and maybe nameplates. Perhaps the new trains will be more comfortable although the seats are reported not suitable for long journeys, and we will miss the reserved seat position cards - far easier to spot than the systems in use on the Cross Country Voyagers and now the 800's. Is it Progress??

Bournemouth
John Cornelius

21st June 2018 Longest Day

21/6/2018

The Longest Day in 1975
was on the Saturday of the
Bugle Band Festival
Roger Winnen

A full day was spent at Bugle listening to the bands and photographing the trains on the Newquay Branch.

750621b 46001 Leaves Bugle on a Par to Newquay working. Copyright Roger Winnen

750621a 46001 with the 10.30 from Newquay. Notice the Gresley buffet car, one of the few survivors at that time. Copyright Roger Winnen

750621c The 09.50 Paddington to Newquay working having just passed through Bugle Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

750621d Memories of the bridge which once carried the Goonbarrow Branch to Carbean and Gunheath over the main road through Bugle. . Copyright Roger Winnen

Paignton Blue King
Karl Hewlett

Dear Keith.
Whilst looking through some railway footage on You Tube I came across footage of 6023 'King Edward II' (the blue king), arriving at 'The Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway' on a Alley's low loader which is something I did not know was happening. With some further sleuthing work I have managed to find a little more below but their new website, although very fancy in its design with footplate and drone footage, is good at telling joe public the A to B's they require there is no information at all for the enthusiast such as what visiting locos they have and roster etc. I had go to its Facebook page to find some information out on what is a major attraction for this railway, which I am not a fan of social media at all.
Anyway what I have managed to gleam from that is the loco should be working on the 'Kingsbeer Gala' 13th to 15th July and is to stay at the railway until September. Other enthusiasts have enquired on their Facebook site as to what running days this loco is booked, but the official response is to be advertised when known. The loco when it was unloaded is facing Paignton.

I have tried my best with the short time I have today to blow up the timetable which I hope is of enough quality for members to at least get the timings.
Kind Regards, Karl (Friends of Penmere Station).
Many thanks for your time and trouble Karl - I hope, when the time comes, to see some pictures.

IET 802002 at Penzance
Roger Salter

180621a 802002 seen at Penzance this morning working the 5Z31 to Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Salter

50's Coming
A further reminder
Craig Munday

2 x class 50 diesels visit Penzance this Saturday 23rd with Pathfinders Mazey Day train. It's the first time class 50s have visited Cornwall for many years, and they should great in blue renumbered for the occasion.

The times as follows:
1Z50 05.40 Tame Parkway to Penzance
Plymouth       10.58 / 11.10
Liskeard               11.35
Par                        11.58
Truro               12.22 / 12.25
St Erth             12.50 / 12.53
Penzance             13.03
Stock then shunts to the loop to run around
Return working
1Z52 16.07 Penzance to Tame Parkway
St Erth           16.17 / 16.20
Camborne         16.32
Truro            16.45 / 16.48
Par                    17.15
Liskeard           17.37
Plymouth 18.03 / 18.12
Tame Bridge Parkway 00.16

A very long day for the participants, and for the 50's - one hopes all goes well.

50015 Thunderer at Liskead in 2009 Copyright Craig Munday

Salisbury
John Cornelius

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