Blog Archives

30th June 2019

30/6/2019

Penzance
Long Rock
Paddy Bradley

A rare view of Holker Hall being coaled at Long Rock. From the Paddy Bradley collection

4566 & Truro Shed
David Cook

A tribute to some of the staff at Truro Shed. This picture dated 22nd July 1960. Copyright Transport Treasury, permission to use obtained by David Cook. The staff present are :- Standing left to right 1) Alf Darke (Fitter) overalls and cap. 2) Frank Lord (Foreman?) overalls, hands behind back. 3) Phillip Matthews (Shed office) wearing sports jacket. 4) Gordon Reddaway (Driver) stood behind Phillip Matthews. 5) It is suggested that the gentleman wearing dust coat, tie and right hand in pocket was called Collins. 6) Chris Coombes (Shed office/booking on clerk?) right hand across stomach. 7) Joe Stevens, (Shedmaster) wearing bowler hat. 8) Clifford Webb (Chargehand cleaner/labourer?) cap well back on head. 9) Tom Smale (ATC mechanic/electrician). Crouching left to right : 1) Garfield Bellamy (Fitters mate) left. 2) Graham Commons (Apprentice fitter/turner) centre. Graham was 19 years old when this photograph was taken! 3) John Coker (Apprentice fitter/turner). Right, over to you. With best wishes, David Cook (4566 Group) A further note :- 4566 was the last engine to pass through Newton Abbot Works. It left there the previous Friday - 15th July 1960. 4566 was based at Penzance shed and must have worked up for this photograph to be taken. It was a regular on the St Ives and Helston branches. 4566 moved to Laira shed in September 1961 and was withdrawn in April 1962. It now enjoys a continued life on the Severn Valley Railway.

Received at 15.10 on the 30th June 2019.
Good afternoon Keith,
Whilst looking through the CRS website today I have I believe spotted a potential mistake regarding an addition to the text I supplied to the photograph of 4566 taken by the late R.C.Riley at Truro in July 1960 as shown 1/4/2019.
Towards the bottom of the text after my name someone has added some detail with an incorrect date. It is shown as 15/6/1960 when it should read 15/7/1960. Also the text suggests that 4566 being based at Penzance had worked up to Truro for the photograph to be taken.
This is causing me to have doubts about this and I base my thoughts from the information/photographs I have in my collection. These being that 4566 left the works at Newton Abbot on 15/7/1960 (being driven by the Mayor who I believe was a Driver based there). I have photographs of 4566 on the Kingswear Branch dated either 20th or 21st July 1960 and as the photograph taken at Truro was on 22/7/1960 I think it is unlikely that the engine worked down to Penzance to return to Truro the next day. However, I stand to be corrected about this!
Obviously, I can only go on the information that I have to hand. I think it is likely that after leaving the works on the 15th July that 4566 stayed locally in the area for running in turns hence being on the Kingswear branch on 20th or 21st and then was being worked down to Penzance and calling in at Truro on the 22nd when the photograph was taken. It is possible that R.C.Riley was in the right place at the right time for this to happen or maybe the engine did reach Penzance and returned to Truro the next day. Unfortunately as this was almost 60 years ago I doubt that this will ever be confirmed.
Interestingly, after the photograph was published on the CRS website I received an email from a gentleman in Cornwall who disputed the Truro photograph date as he thought that the Shedmaster (Joe Stevens) had retired by then. I replied that I couldn't comment about Mr Stevens but could confirm that the date itself was indeed correct. So again we have a puzzle!
Sorry if my email appears that I am nit-picking but I thought it the right thing to do.
Best wishes,
David Cook (4566 Group)
Many thanks for your note David - I am always pleased to make that small adjustment to make it all correct. Best wishes to you and 4566. Adjusted text in both the News and the Main Website.

A short time at
Saltash
Roger Winnen

2 + 4 car HSTs were much in evidence today with many sets were working services into Cornwall.29th June 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen

The 09.40 Newquay to Dundee passes through Saltash on its long journey to Scotland. 29th June 2019 Copyright Roger Winnen

Sand from Burngullow helps the rail industry in the South West as 66154 heads the 11.00 hrs from Burngullow to Exeter Riverside. 29th June 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Refurbishment of the Station at Saltash is well underway now. This building has been sadly neglected for many years. 29th June 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen

Roger usually puts his own pictures on the site but for once I am doing it today - a chance to thank him for his many years of service to the website. KJ.

29th June 2019

29/6/2019

The Mazey Day Cornishman
Peter Murnaghan & Roger Winnen

Pathfinder Tours The Mazey Day Cornishman hauled by 37218 and 37059 and tailed by 68004 Rapid ran from Tame Bridge Parkway to Penzance and return on Saturday 29th June 2019

190629a 37218 and 37059 Heads the Mazey Day Cornishman seen crossing the Royal Albert Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

190629b Seen coming off the bridge and entering Saltash Station 37218 & 37059. Copyright Roger Winnen

190629c Tailing the train was 68004 Rapid, the original Rapid D838 was a regular Diesel Hydraulic in the West Country. Copyright Roger Winnen

190629 The Mazey Day Cornishman, 0539 Tame Bridge Parkway to Penzance, crossing Liskeard viaduct running only two minutes late. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

190629d The return working to Tame Bridge Parkway is seen arriving at Truro. Copyright Roger Winnen

190629e 68004 brings up the rear. Copyright Roger Winnen

190629f This return service has called at Truro for the pickup of returning passengers for this tour. Copyright Roger Winnen

Carbis Bay Viaduct
Paddy Bradley

An edited version of a post card picture from the Paddy Bradley Collection. We are most grateful to Paddy for the access to pictures from his collection.

Ken Mumford Reports
Severn tunnel
Electrification Problems

We are very grateful to Ken Mumford for drawing our attention to the following very interesting BBC report concerning problems under the Severn. The £2.8bn full electrification of the main south Wales to London railway line is in the balance as engineers have an "issue" electrifying the Severn Tunnel. The kit holding electric wires above the track in the four-mile (6km) tunnel are failing because of the salty conditions under the Bristol Channel. Network Rail has spent three years and what is thought to be close to £20m to prepare the tunnel for electrification.
EXPLORE THIS BBC ITEM - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-48621944

The above article makes very interesting reading featuring various pictures inside the tunnel.

Driver Alan Peters sent us this 'privileged picture' taken at the Wales end of the Severn Tunnel on the 28th August 2016. Many thanks Alan, Copyright.

28th June 2019

28/6/2019

Falmouth
Paddy Bradley

Falmouth - D1001 Western Pathfinder on engineering duties. Paddy Bradley Collection

Future Engineering Work
David Tozer

David has kindly sent in this link to the Great Western Coffee Shop - masses of very interesting information concerning future disruptions to the GWR system.

Going to be noisy at Christmas in Exeter http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=21831.0

Please click for a fascinating read. Many thanks David,

27th June 2019

27/6/2019

55012 still in service
Bob Dingle

The pictures of 55012 approaching the Tamar bridge on the June front page are great. You may like to know this bubble car is still giving good service on the Weardale railway. By the date of your photo It had already tried to become a plane in 1977 flying through the buffers at Stourbridge and landing over the edge of the bridge parapet. Here she is now at Stanhope, County Durham.
Nice to hear from you Bob - your extra information and picture are very welcome as you are to the website.

Looking superb at Stanhope in County Durham. Photograph by Bob Dingle. Copyright.

55012 and55026 approach the Royal Albert Bridge on 20th October 1990 Copyright Roger Winnen

The pair pass the redundant Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Whistling Pixie Railtour
Clive Smith

40145 comes off the Royal Albert Bridge on the 28th August 2006 with Pathfinders Tours' 'Whistling Pixie' railtour 16.50 Penzance - Ealing Broadway. The current encroaching vegetation that Roger mentioned in his notes on his 1990 picture is apparent here thirteen years ago. Sadly an impossible photo now.
Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive.

Whistling Pixie Railtour comes off the Royal Bridge. 28th August 2006. Copyright Clive Smith.

26th June 2019

26/6/2019

Devonport Junction, Plymouth
& The Royal Albert Bridge
Roger Winnen

900728a The 08.14 Penzance to Manchester hauled by 47468 at Devonport Junction Plymouth 28th July 1990 Copyright Roger Winnen

900728bb 47466 passing Devonport Junction with a parcels from Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

900728c Possibly 43193 passing the former Devonport Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

A note from Roy Hart
On the left of all three pictures above is the remains of Stonehouse Pool viaduct, which led to Cornwall Junction which was on the line to Millbay.
Stonehouse Pool viaduct (which today has an odd 'steel sculpture' sitting on it), lost its track in 1964.
In all three pictures, the trains are on the 'Cornwall Loop' which formed the northern chord of the triangle leading to Millbay. It opened 15 years after the Cornwall Railway to Truro from Millbay.

Best to all, Roy . Many thanks Roy

900728d 55012 and 55026 approaches the Royal Albert Bridge on the single line from St Budeaux. Copyright Roger Winnen

900728e Passing the former Royal Albert Bridge Signal Box units 55012 and 55026 head possibly to Liskeard as the train blind shows. Copyright Roger Winnen

900728ff A Class 47 comes off the Royal Albert Bridge with a Holiday Express from Cornwall. A most difficult location today to photograph a train coming off the bridge with the abundance of vegetation. Copyright Roger Winnen

The West Somerset Gala Saturday & Sunday 23rd 24th June 2019
Andrew Triggs

Class 25's D7535 and D7612 departing Minehead with the 13.50 for Bishops Lydeard 22.6.2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Visiting Class 37 D6948 at Dingle's Crossing, Blue Anchor working the 12.53 Minehead-Bishops Lydeard 23.6.2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs

In the rain at Williton as D7017 with D7018 arrives working the 13.57 Bishops Lydeard-Minehead 23.6.2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Visiting GBRf class 73's 73107 and 73136 nearing Crowcombe Heathfield working 13.50 Minehead-Bishops Lydeard 23.6.2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Angarrack Viaduct
Chris Harvey

Please find attached my best shot taken during Saturday's sunshine. Here is the rear of the 0730 Paddington - Penzance rolling over Angarrack viaduct, captured through a long lens from the road near Nanpusker farm. The only problem with green trains is that they get lost in the summer undergrowth!

Best Regards, Chris Harvey. Bodmin
Fair comment - almost a case of spot the train yet the viaduct and Hayle Towans in the background looks fine - thank you Chris.

Angarrack Viaduct. The tail end of the night sleeper. 07.30 22nd June 2019 Copyright Chris Harvey

Penwithers Junction
Keith Jenkin/Cyril Hitchens

An undated view taken from the front seats of a DMU bound for Falmouth. In the distance can be seen Penwithers Junction Box. Note the crossover in the foreground and possibly, in the distance the metals of the Newham Branch going off to the left. Keith Jenkin.

We can learn a lot from this sketch drawn by the late Cyril Hitchens when he was learning the box. At that time the Newham branch was still in use - this closed on the 7th November 1971. This sketch is dated about 1958.

You can read about Cyril Hitchens experiences in Penwithers Box - it's in our main line section. Click and scroll down.

Mazey Day Railtour
Karl Hewlett

The timings are in for this Saturday's tour to Penzance with 2xDRS Class37 (replacing Deltic 55009), for Pathfinder Tours 'Mazey Day Cornishman', they are:

Tame Bridge Parkway to Penzance via Worcester Shrub Hill and Cheltenham Spa
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U68175/2019/06/29/advanced

Penzance to Penzance via Slopers Sidings
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U68176/2019/06/29/advanced

Penzance to Tame Bridge Parkway via Cheltenham Spa
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U68177/2019/06/29/advanced

Note:- At Droitwich Spa and Worcester Shrub Hill there is a connecting coach to these from Cheltenham Spa on the way back, usual disclaimers apply!

Regards, Karl (The Friends Of Penmere Station).
Many thanks Karl.

24th June 2019

24/6/2019

Saturday W.S.R.
Crowcombe Heathfield
David Tozer

D6948 at Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright David Tozer

D7018 and D7017 Departs Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright David Tozer

D7018 At Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright David Tozer

Diesels at Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Ponsanooth Viaduct
Paddy Bradley

Ordinally a Brunel Timber viaduct this structure was replaced by one of stone construction capable of carrying double track. The new structure which was started in 1927 came officially into use in 1930. The viaduct is 645 feet long with a maximum height of 139 feet. Details are available in 'Cornish Timber Viaducts' by the late John Binding.

Ponsanooth Viaduct under construction. Courtesy the Paddy Bradley Collection.

23rd June 2019

23/6/2019

Lostwithiel Delights
Mike Bojko

I attach a couple of pictures I took today at Lostwithiel station. The first is the painted shelter on the down platform and the second is of The Cornishman railtour hauled by Tornado.
Kind Regards, Mike Bojko. Many thanks Mike.

Lostwithiel Down Platform - official graffiti - 23rd June 2019. Copyright Mike Bojko . It looks smart - a good idea.

Tornado with 'The Cornishman' runs from Bristol to Par and return

No.60163 'Tornado' clearing Whiteball Tunnel (Devon end) working 1Z74 08.03 Bristol T.M-Par 'Summer Cornishman' 23.6.2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs

60163 Tornado at 10.10 near Exminster on the 23rd June 2019 Copyright David Tozer

Just before the rain started to fall, 60163 Tornado makes light work of load 9 as it passes Daveys Cross bridge east of Ivybridge with the 08.03 Bristol TM - Par 'The Summer Cornishman'. Copyright Clive Smith

Tornado at Lostwithiel on the 23rd June 2019. Copyright Mike Bokyo. Just to think Mike went all that way to see the new shelter painting and this turned up - very lucky!!

190623e Tornado at the rear passing Bodmin Parkway on route to turn on the Laira triangle. Copyright Roger Winnen

190623 Tornado appearing to run 'wrong line', but actually on the rear of 1315 Par - Friary heading over Liskeard viaduct. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

The 17.30 Par to Bristol Temple Meads Pathfinders Summer Cornishman stop at Bristol Parkway. Not much sign of summer on this mid summer Sunday. Copyright Roger Salter

For a full coverage of 60163 Tornado with the Cornishman go to Features Click here on 1917 Features Mid June to December 2019

Gloomy Devon Today
David Tozer

Exminster in the gloom today. 158763 0828 Bristol (Temple Meads) - Penzance. Possibly the last Class 158 that GWR have in blue livery now.

158763 - possibly the last blue GWR 158. 23rd June 2019 Copyright David Tozer

Four from the
Far West
Mark Lynam

Four photos taken on Friday 21st June with some beautiful early morning sunshine. The pictures are all crystal clear.
Thanks, Mark Lynam. Many thanks to you too Mark.
The early morning sunshine certainly provided excellent illumination for your superb shots. Your second picture has taken full advantage of the high tide and you've got the whole four coach train all reflected. Very well done.

St Ives first train of the day. 150233 & 150261 21st June 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam

Lelant 150233 & 150261 passing by the time is 07.59 on the 21st June 2019. Copyright Mark Lynam

150233 & 150261 passing Lelant station. The train is the 2A06 08.15 St Ives to Penzance. 21st June 2019. Copyright Mark Lynam.

A wide angle shot of the Friday only XC HST departing Penzance on 1S49 0925 to Dundee with 43304 leading. 21st June 2019. Copyright Mark Lynam. N.B. This train takes 12 hours 18 mins reaching Dundee at 21.43. The fare a mere £123.85

Long Shot of
Marazion
Chris Harvey

Chris is to be congratulated on his picture and you for finding the train. However this view from high above Marazion thirteen summers ago has much of interest. At first the railway takes second place - the A394 crossing the railway just before the station is very prominent. However taking a further look at the scene it shows how the railroute hugs the coast line - also note Long Rock sheds, now much bigger. Many thanks Chris. The date is the 3rd June 2006 and the train is the 10.53 Penzance to Paddington. Many thanks Chris.

The 10.53 heads for the long closed Marazion station on the 3rd June 2006. Copyright Chris Harvey.

Links to the
Tornado Timings
Karl Hewlett

Activated only today, Saturday, here are the full revised times the 'Summer Cornishman' tour with A1 60163:

Sunday 23rd June Par to Plymouth Friary S.S
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O16115/2019/06/23/advanced

Sunday 23rd June Plymouth Friary S.S. to Par
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/O16116/2019/06/23/advanced

Regards, Karl (The Friends Of Penmere Station). Many thanks Karl.

Good News
Portishead Branch
Peter Maliphant

Our next Members’ meeting will be on Tuesday week, 2nd July at the Folk Hall, Portishead with the meeting starting at 7.30pm.

We will update you on the DCO submission, all the recent good news and the likely timescales before we see trains running to Portishead.

Regards, Peter Maliphant. Membership Secretary. Many thanks Peter.

Bring back the full length HST's - Please.
'Fare' Comment
Diana and Andrew Jones

Would Isambard Kingdom Brunel turn in his grave? Today Diane and I had a chance to sample the old and the new whilst travelling by GWR to Paddington. My Daughter lives in Yarcombe which is where our dog 'Flinty' , a deer hound goes on her holidays when we are away. Sienna dropped us off at Taunton, a station much changed since my days at the Hydrographic Dept in the early 1970's. We were waiting on Platform 3, which was out of use when I last visited. Our connection to Bristol at 12.07 was booked a DMU but to our delight turned out to be a castle class HST. With over 4000hp it made short work of the stopping train to Bristol, which was heavily loaded beyond Bridgewater. Although only second class accommodation it was impressive both in comfort and ride.
We arrived easily on time and transferred to platform 15 at Temple leads for our Hitachi new generation HST departing at 13.30.
I have been looking forward to my first journey in these replacements.
Now I have to say the following is my opinion and must not be taken as definitive review of these new trains, but I observed the following.
We decided to travel 1st class, which can be confusing, because 1st class is spread around the formation. We were booked in coach k which did not tie up with the station announcements. Our train was made up of 11 coaches, but are effectively two formations with no continuous through passage, so it's important to enter the correct section.
The station turn around time is much reduced by the use of automatic doors so there is not a lot of time, if you get it wrong.
We managed this but anyone with no railway interest might get caught out, so beware!
Coach K is 50% 2nd class and 50% 1st Class, with an opaque sliding door dividing the classes.
Reservations are electronically displayed above the seats and is an improvement over the old system.
Now comes the seating, there have been a lot of complaints about the firm nature and Diane and I were grateful that our journey from Bristol was only 90 mins.
The ride quality was lively to say the least and even in 1st class the engine noise was intrusive, although this improved under the wires from Swindon.
Diane and I both felt that the quality of service has been much reduced although staff were very pleasant.
Would Brunel turn in his grave, we both felt he would, which is such a shame, GWR must receive credit for investment, but did anyone test those seats or question using no through passage formations, no buffet and a trolley service which is a logistical nightmare. I am really sorry because I soo wanted to give this new train a good review.

Best wishes Andrew and Diane.
Many thanks for your comments Andrew. Andrew and Diane are seasoned rail travellers world wide. The fare would seem to be about £61 each.

22nd June 2019

22/6/2019

Revised schedule for the visit of Tornado tomorrow
Owing to the length of this engine it will be unable to turn at St Blazey

After the trains arrival at Par at 12.56 it will return to Plymouth Friary for turning on the triangle before returning to Par.
Times from Realtime Trains Par 13.15 Bodmin Parkway 13.26 Liskeard 13.43 Saltash 14.00 Plymouth 14.10/14.12 Plymouth Friary 14.26/15.16 Plymouth Station 15.43 Saltash 15.54 Liskeard 16.06 Bodmin Parkway 16.23 Lostwithiel Loop 16.30/16.48 Par 16.59
The return train to Bristol Temple Meads departs at 17.30
Many Thanks to Peter Murnaghan for giving us an update, also thanks to Craig Munday and Jimmy James who also gave us due warnings of possible problems.

20th June 2019 - An interesting visit to
Paignton
Roger Winnen

190620f Class 03 on shunting duties at Paignton Queens Park. Copyright Roger Winnen

190620g Moving the coal at Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

292b 190620j 75014 Braveheart running round its train from Kingswear. This engine was built in 1951. Copyright Roger Winnen

190620i The American 2-8-0 which came to this country prior to D Day and eventually being shipped over to Europe. Copyright Roger Winnen.

190620k 75014 looking rather smart in its lined black livery. Copyright Roger Winnen

West Somerset Railway
Diesel Gala 2019
Clive Smith

Despite the lack of heavier type 4 locos this year due to the condition of the track, the West Somerset Railway still managed to put together an attractive line-up of motive power. With the sun finally shining on Friday 21st June and a beer festival at Washford station to quench the thirst of enthusiasts, a great day was had by all. Here are six photos showing the six classes at work on the longest day.
Many thanks to you Clive - a great day - great coverage.

(1) South Devon Railway class 25s D7535 and D7612 at Bishops Lydeard with the 08.30 to Minehead. 21st June 2019, Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) D6566 arrives at Blue Anchor with the 09.20 Bishops Lydeard - Minehead. This should have been double-headed with D6575 which had some difficulties but did later work as a pair in the afternoon. 21st June 2019, Copyright Clive Smith,

(3) GBRf 73107 and 73136 arrive at Blue Anchor alongside the flowers blooming in the sunshine. This is the 12.03 Bishops Lydeard - Minehead. 1st June 2019 Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) D9526 arrives at Washford with the 13.03 Bishops Lydeard - Minehead. The beer festival is taking place at the goods shed to the left of the train. 21st June 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway's green 37248 pulls in to the grassy platform of Washford station with the 13.50 Minehead - Bishops Lydeard. 21st June 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(6) Finally the most attractive working of the day was the 15.44 Minehead - Bishops Lydeard 'Quantock Belle' with double-headed Hymeks D7018 and D7017. The gala has been D7018's first working since 1995 after painstaking work by the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group to restore it to its former glory. A beautiful sight and lovely sound leaving the seaside and journeying across the Quantock Hills. 21st June 2019. Copyright Clive Smith,

Tomorrows
Visitor to Par
Karl Hewlett
Please note the revised schedule which is as a result of Tornado being too long to fit on St Blazey's turntable. This now the first item on this news section.

Here the times for LNER A1 Pacific 60163's trip to Par this coming Sunday 23rd June on 'The Summer Cornishman'. Note the use of a WCRC diesel for part of the return ECS working from St. Blazey, I assume this diesel is attached to the tour from Bristol as there are no paths shown for WCRC anywhere to Par until 14:26pm. The coaching stock is EH01 BR Mk 1/2A's in Chocolate and cream livery: FO: 3098, 3107/10/12/22/25/40, TSO: 4902/27/63, 5009/40, TSO: 5350 (Mk2A), BCK: 21272, RBR: 1692, RMB: 1842/63, BGen: 6310:

Bristol Temple Meads to Par via Weston Super Mare 60163
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10631/2019/06/23/advanced

Par to St Blazey LIP ECS 60163
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10632/2019/06/23/advanced

St Blazey LIP to Par 60163
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10633/2019/06/23/advanced

St Blazey LIP to Par ECS WCRC Diesel
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P95032/2019/06/23/advanced

Par to Bristol Temple Meads via Weston Super Mare 60163
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10634/2019/06/23/advanced

The weather forecast at the moment does not do the title of this tour Justice! Heavy showers heaviest at abourt12.00

Regards, Karl (The Friends Of Penmere Station).
Many thanks Karl.

21st June 2019 The Longest Day

21/6/2019

Exeter St David's Station
Roger Winnen

190620d 66150 Runs into Exeter St David's with the St Blazey to Exeter Riverside clay. Copyright Roger Winnen

190620e We see the Imerys clay going away to Riverside Yard. Copyright Roger Winnen

Exeter Central Yesterday
SWT Skeleton Service
Exeter to Salisbury
Roger Winnen

190620a The arrival at Exeter Central of the Salisbury service due at 13.01 into the rarely used bay platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

190620b These two 3 car 159 units returned to Salisbury at 13.09 hrs giving me just time enough to walk from the front to the back of the train. Copyright Roger Winnen

190620cDeparture at 13.09 from Exeter Central to Salisbury. Copyright Roger Winnen

Exeter Central
Clive Smith

33043 has the road from the Southern Railway semaphore at Exeter Central with the 13.40 Exeter St Davids - Brighton on the 20th February 1982. The signal box still carries the green Southern sign . The train here is load 7 but in the summer would be up to load 12 with a pair of 33s usually from Hither Green. Five years earlier saw the end of Hastings DEMUs on this service.
Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive

33043 leaves Exeter Central with the 13.44 Exeter St Davids to Brighton on the 20th February 1987 Copyright Clive Smith.

20th May 2019

20/6/2019

Steam on Sunday
Tornado at Par

60163 Tornado is coming to Par on Sunday. Departing Bristol at 08.03 the special arrives Par at 12.56. Departure back to Bristol Temple Meads is at 17.30 hrs from Par.
Many Thanks to Craig Munday

Bude revisited
Andrew Triggs

The last instalment from last weekends jaunt, back into Cornwall but very little rail wise to celebrate at Bude, the former branch being more or less removed from the face of the earth, but a few areas still maintaining their history...just, Bude now being one of the Town's furthest from the modern day national network sadly
All the Best, Andrew
Many thanks Andrew - Bude rather disappointing

1. The railway walk from Bude station to the Canal Wharf, with the remaining rail over bridge still serving a useful purpose 15.6.2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs.

2. History maintained at Bullied Way at the redeveloped former station site 15.6.2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs

3. The former end of the line at Bude, now 'Bullied Way' 15.6.2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs

4. 2 foot gauge rails remain at Bude seafront and are recorded as such on the Harbour wall 15.6.2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs.

5. Looking back towards Bude Town, the end of the narrow gauge Sand rails 15.6.2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

6. Remains of Bude station throat with concrete posts and deteriorating panels in the undergrowth, just off Ceres way 15.6.2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

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