Blog Archives

30th June 2020

30/6/2020

Par Harbour & Station
Photos from the Paul Walkey Collection

PAR HARBOUR IN ITS HEYDAY. COPYRIGHT PAUL WALKEY COLLECTION

PAR HARBOUR (2) C-RIGHT PAUL WALKEY COLLECTION

PAR HARBOUR From above (3) COPYRIGHT PAUL WALKEY COLLECTION

DERAILMENT PAR STATION C-RIGHT PAUL WALKEY

With grateful thanks to Roger Salter

Maindy Hall at
Swindon
Ken Mumford

On the way to Didcot.from Barry scrapyard. 4900 or Hall Class. 4942 Maindy Hall -is being converted at Didcot to be a Saint Class. Seen in Stretton Loop, Swindon. Copyright Ken Mumford

It was withdrawn in 1963 having completed over 1,300, 000 miles, and sent for scrap to Woodham Brothers in 1964 from where it was bought ten years later by Great Western Society with the specific intention of using it as the basis for a new ‘Saint’.
There is an excellent write up on the project by Steve Richards - please click here https://preservedbritishsteamlocomotives.com/2999-lady-of-legend/

Many thanks to Ken for this unique picture.

08113 The Wenford Bridge Line 1983
Ian Cavill

A Class 08113 at Wenford Bridge in 1983. Copyright Ian Cavill

The 08113 returning from Wenford Bridge seen passing through Helland Bridge. Copyright Ian Cavill

Thanks Ian

Stoke Canon
David Tozer

Lovely light, lovely day. 66596 with the HOBC seen at Stoke Canon. 29th June 2020. Copyright David Tozer.

Stoke Canon Old Station seen on the 29th June 2020. Copyright David Tozer.

Stoke Canon station closed to passengers on the 13th June 1960.

Many thanks David.

Staffords Bridge
Paul Barlow

Steam at speed. Paul Barlow in the last of his current sequence brings us to a waterside location close by the GW main line. 71000 Duke of Gloucester on 1632 Plymouth to Padddington tour approaches Staffords Bridge just east of Exeter. 28 May 2007. Copyright.

Many thanks Paul.

29th June 2020

29/6/2020

Please note - Roger Winnen can now receive EMails after engineering work were completed at 19.00 tonight.
Many Thanks Roger

Sleepers resting at
Long Rock
Roger Salter

Roger Salter reports :- The Night Riviera is running on Thursdays & Fridays but no sleeping cabins only seats, a sleeper coach & buffet is attached for staff training only, hence the large amount of coaching stock & three class 57 locos at Long Rock Depot this morning.

57602 Restormel Castle at Long Rock. 29th June 2020 Copyright Roger Salter.

57603 Tintagle Castle at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

57603 squeezed in at Long Rock. 29th June 2020. Copyright Roger Salter.

57 603 Left and 57602 right at Long Rock Copyright Roger Salter

08645 St Piran on duty at Long Rock. 29th June 2020 Copyright Roger Salter

Many thanks Roger.

Exeter
Clive Smith

Thornaby based 31139 has arrived with the 17.15 Barnstaple - Exeter St Davids. New as D5557 in 1959 and withdrawn in 1995, this loco spent its last twenty five years allocated to the Teeside depot. Bit of a rarity for down in the south west. Regards Clive Smith

31139 at Exeter St Davids on the 24th July 1983. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive.

Boscarne Nostalgia
Andrew Jones

Clay Hoods at Boscarne 1980. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Dear Keith, Please find attached photograph at Boscarne Junction in 1980. This was always a timeless location. Very little had changed since the closure to passenger traffic and freight was still busy, the usual class 37 had dropped off the empties ready for collection by the early morning O8. I travelled on the Wenfordbridge line in the breakvan and experienced a bygone age. Breakfast of bacon and egg was had at Boscarne courtesy of the woodstove. We stopped on the way back somewhere near Helland, switched off and had a leisurely lunch. The sound of the wheels against the tight curves in Dunmere Wood were unbelievable, better than ‘The Last Night Of The Proms’! Wonderful…. Best wishes Andrew and Diane

Thank you very much Andrew - wish I was there!

More Nostalgia 18 years ago
Milltown Viaduct
Chris Harvey

Please find attached a June image from the Cornwall of eighteen summers ago. On a sunny 15th June 2002, 47 843 is captured rolling downhill over Milltown Viaduct towards Lostwithiel, in charge of the 0848 Penzance - Manchester. Best Regards, Chris Harvey, Bodmin.

Milltown viaduct 47843 with the 08.48 Penzance to Manchester on the 15th June 2002. Copyright Phil Harvey.

Many thanks Chris.

Taunton
Paul Barlow

45112 trailing on rear of 0810 Derby-Minehead. Seen on the 28 May 2007. 45112 worked the train back from Minehead. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

28th June 2020

28/6/2020

Daytime Sleeper ECS
Bill Elston, David Tozer, Evan Gray, and Andrew Triggs

The main cause of lineside interest yesterday the 27th June was the empty stock working on the sleeper set back from London hauled by 57605/603 working 5Z50 the 07.35 London Paddington-Longrock T&RSMD Night Riviera, returning west for heavy cleaning at Longrock (which is due to return ECS to Reading on Wednesday 1st July).

Bill Elston was at Oath north east of Taunton.

Oath 57605, 27th June 20a Copyright Bill Elston.

Still at Oath a 'going away shot shows 57603 bringing up the rear. 27th June 20b Copyright Bill Elston

David Tozer got news of the working and was at Stoke Canon where he also viewed the boarded up signalbox.

Stoke Canon Signal Box. 27th June 2020. Copyright David Tozer. It is reported that the box has a brighter future in the world of preserved railways.

-- and here comes the sleeper ECS at Stoke Cannon. 27th June 2020. Copyright David Tozer.

Evan Gray, a new contributor, was at Respryn to view the progress through Cornwall. Welcome to the website to Evan.

57605 on the Down Riviera stock at Respryn. 27th June 2020 Copyright Evan Gray

And finally, Nigel Triggs caught the ECS at Angarrack.

27th June 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs. It's a shame that the GW green blends into the scene so well!

Thank you to all.

Other sightings
Bill Elston & Andrew Triggs

At Creech St Michael, just east of Taunton.

Creech St Micheal . Produced a pair of HST power cars returning from Doncaster Wabtec to LA, 43162 ( leading) and 43156. 24th June 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

And on Angarrack viaduct

Angarrack. Heading west working 2C20 11.26 Exeter St Davids-Penzance with 150247/158766.. 27th June 2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Angarrack From a distance across the field 802106 working 1A92 14.20 Penzance-London Paddington. 27th June 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Thanks to Bill and Andrew.

27th June 2020

27/6/2020

Taunton
Paul Barlow

47840 North Star 47828 on the 0810 Derby-Minehead wth 45112 on rear leaves Taunton. This was 47840's last run on NR before preservation. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Sleeper out & back
Mark Lynam & Andrew Triggs.

Yesterday we featured pictures of the sleeper ready to depart on the 25th by Andrew Triggs. Here from a different angle is the same train against a darkening sky. Do you, Andrew and Mark know each other we wonder?

57604 on the sleeper, delayed awaiting the arrival of & 802002 on the 16.04 Paddington to Penzance service. 25th June 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

150202 about to work the 22.22 to St Ives 25th June 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam

Following on from last nights shots of the 'Up Sleeper' 3 shots for CRS of the 'Down Beds' at Marazion at 07.50 this morning to complete the (comeback) story of the Night Riviera with 57605/603 top and tailing Load 5 and later at 08.05 running away from Penzance ECS to Longrock T&RSMD. All the Best Andrew

The down sleeper at Marazion 26th June 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

A second or so later the train passes the down station building at Marazion. 26th June 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

The sleeper moves out to Long Rock. 26th June 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks to Mark and Andrew

03's at Bodmin/Wadebridge
Neil Phillips

Regarding Chris Tooth’s appeal for identities and photos of Class 03 diesel mechanical shunters in the Bodmin/Wadebridge/Wenford Bridge area, my submission on the three locos allocated to St Blazey can still be found on the ‘Latest Input’ page, but briefly these were D2129 (10/61 – 4/65), D2127 (8/64 - 5/67) and D2183 (4/62 – 5/62, 11/64 – 5/67). So far I have only found two photos of D2129 in Cornwall, at St Blazey depot and Doublebois, and no evidence it worked to Wenford Bridge - the ‘1366’ class pannier tanks 1367/8/9 were still working the branch 1962-4 but it seems inconceivable that it wasn’t at least trialled during its 3 ½ years at St Blazey. A photo of a nearly new-looking D2127 at Dunmere Crossing can be found in the Bradford Barton album ‘Cornwall’s Railways – A Pictorial Survey’, and in 1966 it appears to have worked two brake van specials to Wenford Bridge, on 11/6/66 & 10/9/66, which were of course recorded on film. The loco was still in plain green at the time but had gained ‘wasp stripes’ by 4/67, although strangely those on the radiator end didn't wrap around onto the side casing, which makes me suspect they were applied ‘locally’. Two images of D2183 at Wadebridge in 1965 can be located in the ‘Bodmin Road (Parkway) to Padstow’ section of this website, however what must be the best photo of a Class 03 on the Wenford Bridge line (so far) is a glorious Colour-Rail shot of D2183 crossing the A389 at Dunmere in June 1965, which has been published twice in recent times (‘Modern Locomotives Illustrated’ Issue 217 & Strathwood’s ‘Sixties Diesel and Electric Days Remembered V’). The Class 03s were not a success in Cornwall, being regarded as underpowered and unreliable, however they could at least negotiate the very sharp curves on Wadebridge Quay, a challenge too far for the more powerful and heavier Class 08! Best regards, Neil Phillips

Many thanks Neil for your very detailed note.

More on the Wenford Branch
Shaun Brown

Dear sir, I am not a member of the CRS but your website is my home page and gets checked several times a day. It is a excellent site with thousands of informative posts and pictures and I stumbled on it by accident a couple of years ago and have checked it daily ever since.
Anyway, I digress, I have some information that may be of use to Mr Chris Tooth regarding the 03's on the branch. In the excellent book "Southern Branch Line Special No 1, Bodmin and Wadebridge 1834-1978" edited by Tony Fairclough and Alan Wills and published by Bradford Barton of Truro, ISBN 0 85153 343 4 on page 86 there is a picture of class 03 D2127 with a short rake of wagons and brake van waiting to cross the road at Dunmere in September 1965. The driver was Norman Wills, the fireman was Derek Connel and the guard was Harry Knight. This loco was transferred to St Blazey in August 1964 and Transferred back to Laira in May 1967. It appear that it was cut up at Cohens of Kingsbury in October 1968. Not sure if I can send you the image as I guess it would be against copyright?
I can't find any other images of 03's on the Bodmin and Wenford branch but class 03 D2129 was also based at St Blazey around the same time.

A few days ago Mr Quentin Goggs was asking for information/sources of photographs on the Wenford Bridge branch. The Railway Magazine has a article on it's website about the branch and about two thirds the way down the page there is a picture of a class 08 squeezing past his former cottage at Helland Bridge. The thing that is different about this photograph is that it's from the other side of the usual view. You can see the article at https://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/1760/september-1984-bodmin-and-wadebridge-150/. There is also a superb double DVD by Branch Line Video called "Memories of the Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway Featuring the Wenford Bridge Mineral Line" BLV09-09-00021. This is a cracking set and features memories of the men who worked the lines and amongst the excellent footage is a piece with a Beattie Well Tank threading it's train past the cottage at Helland Bridge.
I hope that this information is of some use.

Kind regards, Shaun Brown

Many thanks for your information Shaun and also for the link - I would recommend that others try it.

A great day out
Keith Jenkin

An 03 heads the 'Two Rivers Railtour' up the Wenford branch on the 10th September 1966. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

Memories of a grand day out, previously we had covered the metals from Par through the Pinnock tunnel to Fowey and then down to Boscarne Junction by DMU where we changed onto this marvellous collection of brake vans for a trip up the branch. A pasty stop was made en route!!

26th June 2020

26/6/2020

The Cement
Jamie Dyke

Cement 6C35 02.50 Aberthaw to Moorswater on route. Copyright Jamie Dyke

70809 on the cement passes Combe junction platform. 24th June 2020. Copyright Jamie Dyke.

70809 runs round at Moorswater on the 24th June 2020. Copyright Jamie Dyke.

Finally 70809 and stock unloading at Moorswater. 24th June 2020. Copyright Jamie Dyke.

Many thanks Jamie.

Clay on the way
Mark Lynam & Jamie Dyke

66056 seen at Treviscoe working the 6Z60 the 11.51 Parkandillack to Bescot Downside. 25th June 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam

66056 arrives at Burngullow working the 6Z60 11.51 Parkandillack to Bescot Down side . 25th June 2020. Copyright Jamie Dyke..

Many thanks Mark and Jamie.

St Austell
Jamie Dyke

Six car DMU at St Austell. 2P13 the 14.13 Penzance to Plymouth. 25th June 2020. Copyright Jamie Dyke. The train comprised of 150266 leading, 150249 and 150221 . 150266 leading, 150249 and 150221

Many thanks Jamie.

The sleeper returns
Penzance & St Erth
Andrew Triggs

Tonight saw 57604 with Load 5 on the returning Night Riviera, currently planned as running Thursday and Friday nights only, captured at Penzance (at 20.35) and St Erth (at 22.05) for CRS with 150202 (at 22.10) on St Ives duty for good measure. All the Best Andrew

Penzance with 57604 on the sleeper. It's 20.35 on the 25th June 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

St Erth Still enough light for a picture with 57604 on her way to Paddington with the sleeper. It's 22.05 on the 25th June 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

St Erth at 22.10 with 150202 in the bay. 25th June 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew

An appeal for Class 03 204hp diesels on the
Wenford Branch
Chris Tooth

Hi I would be grateful if your membership could provide any pointers in working out which of the 03s were used on the Wenford Branch. I'm interested in the period from 1964, when they took over from the GWR 1366s, through to say 1967. I've yet to find any photographs, other than on demolition trains, of the 03s working in the Bodmin \ Wenford \ Wadebridge areas. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Regards Chris Tooth. Can you help?

Helland - 08113 on its way to Wenford on the 7th February 1983. It squeezes past Mr. Qunetin Goggs house! Copyright Ian Cavill.

Taking up the rails at Helland - 1985/6. Copyright Quentin Goggs.

25th June 2020

25/6/2020

Holt Junction
Guy Vincent

Three pictures taken at Holt Junction (for Devizes Branch) almost 59 years apart. 1) NBL 'Warship' D602 'Bulldog' eases its 11 coach load off the Devizes branch with the diverted down 'Royal Duchy' 1.30pm Paddington-Penzance at 3.38pm on the sunny Saturday afternoon of September 9th 1961. One of the four members of traincrew visible in the cab is handing the single-line token to the Holt Junction signalman before the driver opens up and accelerates away towards Bradford Junction and Westbury. This diversion was necessary due to a severe land slip on the direct 'Stert Valley' route at Crookwood west of Patney & Chirton which resulted in closure of that line from 22nd August until repairs were completed on 25th September. This saw the single track Patney-Holt Jcn via Devizes line run at almost full capacity with trains waiting to pass at Holt Jcn plus at Devizes and Patney & Chirton. (Photo David Bartlett)
Photo's 2 & 3).No longer a Junction! The same location from the rear of two Swindon-Westbury 'Trans Wilts' shuttle services in early May and late June 2020. The horse chestnut trees visible in the background of the 1961 picture are still very much in evidence and can be seen in both the later shots slightly to the right of the remaining single track. The Devizes branch diverged just beyond the white ballast bags below the trees. Milepost 102.111 indicates that Holt Junction station was one-hundred-and-two and three-quarters of a mile from London Paddington station via Swindon. Following closure in 1966 the station was demolished in 1969-70 with the rubble simply being bulldozed across to the right and heaped into a long bank which is now hidden by dense vegetation. Guy Vincent

1) Holt Junction D602 on down Royal Duchy dropping off token for Devizes branch 9th September 1961. Copyright The late David Bartlett.

2) Holt Junction Site 6th May 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent

3) Holt Junction looking north 22.06.2020 Guy Vincent.

Many thanks to Guy and the late David Bartlett for the article and especially the 'Golden Oldie' picture of David Bartlett's.

Many thanks Paul.

Along the wall at
Dawlish
Paul Barlow

A few shots tonight 924th June 2020) at Dawlish of the continuing sea wall work and the Fairwater to Totnes HOBC train

Kind regards, Paul Barlow

Dawlish sea wall work - close by Parsons tunnel. 24th June 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Seawall reconstruction in progress. 24th June 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

66414 1752 Fairwater-Totnes passes through Dawlish 24th June 2020 Copyright Paul Barlow.

66596 on rear of the 1752 Fairwater-Totnes passes through Dawlish. 24th June 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

Wednesday Freight to
Par Harbour
Mark Lynam

66056 at Par Harbour Crossing reversing towards the harbour. 66056 shunting at Par Harbour. 66056 at Par Harbour. 70809 shunting at Moorswater cement works. Thanks,Mark Lynam

66056 Par Harbour Crossing 23rd June 2020 Copyright Mark Lynam

66056 Par Harbour (1) 23rd June 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam

66056 Par Harbour (2) 23rd June 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam

70809 at Moorswater Copyright Mark Lynam

Thanks Mark.

The closest thing you'll get to a book launch for
"A Place And A Name"
Phil Hadley

Greetings.I am writing to let you know that my second novel “A Place And A Name” is finally here with an official publication date of Monday 29th June2020. It’s been a long time coming, having dealt with another book project forsomeone else and house moves, and then had the virus restrictions delay theprinter & cause the planned launch at the VE75 Celebrations in Gorran Havento be cancelled but I am now glad to be able to recommend it to you. A Place AndA Name continues the wartime saga set in Cornwall of Major Isaac Trevennel ashe seeks to track down an enemy agent on the loose in the spring of 1941 whenfears of invasion are again on the rise. Set against an accurate historicalbackdrop, the story encapsulates the work of the Radio Security Service attheir wireless listening post at St Erth, the strategic vulnerabilities of theCable & Wireless Telegraph Station at Porthcurno and the horror and heroismof the attack on the SS Registan off Cape Cornwall. All the while the Major isseeking to further his romantic cause with the ATS Corporal Elizabeth Treluckeywhom he takes one weekend to meet his parents. How they all fare you’ll only findout by reading the book! If youwould like to purchase a copy you can do so in one of three ways: 1) Direct from me. You can either send me acheque for £12.50 payable to Phil Hadley to 40 Eastcliffe Road, Par, Cornwall,PL24 2AH or by using online banking and making a payment for £12.50 to SortCode: 11-00-88 Account Number: 00154730and marking the payment P&N. If you use this method you also need to sendme an email giving your order and the address to which you want the book postedand alerting me to your payment. This method is available immediately For people local to St Austell & Gorran Haven the cost is just thecover price of £10.00 as the book can be hand-delivered. 2) From Monday 29th June youcan purchase the book on eBay where it will cost you £13.00 to cover thebook, postage & packing, etc. 3) From Monday 29th June youcan purchase the book on Amazon where it will cost you £10.00 plus thepost & packaging charges set by Amazon even though it’s me posting themout! Should yourequire a personalised inscription let me know either in your email or letter,via eBay message or Amazon message to seller. This needs to be done at the timeof purchase. Copies ofthe first book in the planned trilogy “No Small Stir” are still available at£10.00 direct from me or via eBay or £10.80 on Amazon. Please state clearly thetitle required. Should youhave a rush of blood to the head and want to purchase multiple copies, thenplease get in touch regarding prices. All postingis by Royal Mail First Class and posting is done within 2 working days. RoyalMail delivery then varies across the country. Hand delivery for locals may take2-3 days depending on your location. Any questions, do get in touch. Yours sincerely, Phil

You want fiction get Phil's book - you want fact get Craig's book!

A peep at the
Newquay Branch
Jamie Dyke

150219 - the last remaining blue liveried class 150 seen from Demeza bridge. 15.09 23rd June 2020. Copyright Jamie Dyke

150219 at Tregoss Crossing at 16.01 on the 23rd June 2020. Copyright Jamie Dyke. To my mind a classic picture - nicely framed. KJ.

Thanks Jamie.

24th June 2020

24/6/2020

Taunton
Paul Barlow

HST with 43041 & 43155 on the 08.45 Penzance -Paddington seen from 40 steps - the footbridge just to the west of Taunton station on the 28th May 2007. The Power cars in the FGW barbie livery still had the original engines. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

High Summer
Freight
Craig Munday

Hi Keith With my favourite 8 weeks in full flow, I thought I'd better get some freight shots. The clay to Carne Point will be having a "siesta" for a few weeks due to Imerys winding down production in the coming weeks. 66012 worked the final train (for now) on 19th June and is seen climbing Treverrrin bank and is again seen pushing back onto St Blazey on a hazy evening. On 18th I popped down to Moorswater after a night shift to catch Mark Fabiano shunting the PCA tanks with 70809. The oxeye daisies look a treat on the former platform outside the terminal. Then on the longest day, a treat as 66185 and 66192 working 6W02 top and tail departed Carne Point for Lostwithiel. The cloud was difficult to avoid, but with such a long train, it was lit either end anyway! I crammed the whole train on the causeway to bring an alternative to the usual clay empties here. Kind regards Craig.

Craigs done well to get the complete train in here! 66012 with the 6G09 in St Blazey yard . 19th June 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

66185 seen at Golant on the 21st June 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

66012 6G09 Treverrin 19th June 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

70809 at Moorstwater with the 6C36. Seen on the 18th June 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

Craigs New Book - now due out on July 8th - have you ordered your copy yet? See ordering details in an earlier edition of this News column.

Many thanks Craig - hope the high summer continues for a while yet.

23rd June 2020

23/6/2020

Laira Depot Wheel Lathe & Harry in the sun!
Nick Dyke

Evening guys, shed turning at Laira today so I thought I’d share these shots with you. A wheel lathe is fitted in number 1 road shed at Laira to re-profile the wheelsets when they get flats (more so during the leaf fall season) the coaches or power cars are moved axle to axle with this truck pusher operated by one of Laira’s fine maintenance staff. Also for good measure is an up to date shot of one of our favourites good ol Harry Patch & our resident pilot 08836. Cheers for now Nick Dyke

All photographs are the Copyright of Nick Dyke

Many Thanks Nick

Helland
Quentin Goggs

A couple of days ago we posed the request on behalf of Quentin for any pictures of the level crossing at Helland on the Wenford branch. We do hope you can help' However, meantime Quentin has sent in one of his own pictures of an 08 shunter squeezing through the gap between the properties at Helland. Remember that there is only a 42" clearance here!

An '08' squeezes through the gap on an outward journey. Copyright Quentin Goggs.

Many thanks Quentin.

Whiteball Bank
Paul Barlow

43036 emerges from Whiteball tunnel and proceeds down the bank. 43016 is on the rear. It's the 07.43 Penzance to Paddington. on the 28th May 2007. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Exminster
David Tozer

A couple from last night. (22nd June 2020)
66414 and 66596 with the 1752 6Y11 Taunton (Fairwater Yard) - Totnes HOBC train.
Regards Dave

66414 leads the HOBC train at Exminster 19.44 22nd June 2020. Copyright David Tozer

66596 brings up the rear on the HOBC train at Exminster 19.45 22nd June 2020, Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks David.

China Clay
Private owner railway wagons
Bruce Harding

Hi From Bruce Harding at Wessex Wagons.
See http://www.wessexwagons.co.uk/ I'm considering commissioning several different china clay wagons from Dapol as part of our future releases. We've done a handful previously. At present I am looking at ideas based around refreshed versions of the sets from Mevagissey Model World issued about 25 years ago, comprising:

* H.D Pochin & Co.Ltd of St Austell, No.114
* Parkyn & Peters, Burngullow China Clay & Stone Works, No.35
* North & Rose China Clay & Stone Proprietors, St Austell, No.19
* Martin Bros China Clay Products, St Austell, No.26
* Great Treverbyn China Clay Co Ltd., St Austell, No.48
* West Goonbarrow China Clay Works Fowey, No.28
* North Cornwall China Clay Co Ltd , St Breward, No.3
* West of England Chinastone & Clay Co, Drinnick, No.126

I also have example wagons in later liveries, for E.C.C, English China Clays Ltd, English Clays Lovering Pochin, and E.C.L.P. Any suggestions? Do you have any 'favourite' privately owned China Clay wagons that haven't been produced as models? Might you have records/images with alternative 'running numbers' for any of the eight wagons noted above? Are there others I should talk to?
Best regards Bruce

Any suggestions - can YOU help please?

22nd June 2020

22/6/2020

Par and Fowey Harbours
The Paul Walkey Collection

With grateful thanks to Roger Salter

FOWEY HARBOUR Copyright PAUL WALKEY

FOWEY HARBOUR Copyright -PAUL WALKEY

Many Thanks to Paul Walkey for allowing the use of his photographs on our site

A derailment, and a bit of humour at
Lostwithiel
Phil Hawke & Peter Ascott

I attach a page of a Milk Marketing Board magazine , undated, that has a humorous report about a derailment at Lostwithiel. Perhaps somebody can put a date to it. This was found in a delivery of old railway books and artefacts donated to the Bodmin and Wenford. As the words and music are provided then a "Zoom" sing-song could be arranged. Perhaps Roger could conduct! Best wishes, Phil Hawke

From an old Milk Marketing Board Magazine - apologies for the quality of the reprint.

Many thanks to Peter Ascot and Phillip Hawke.
If Roger is to conduct we might as well have Breage Silver Band as well!

The stable block at
Truro
Roger Winnen

Other views taken from the black bridge of what is thought to be the old stable block in Truro Goods yard. In view of planned housing developments in the area the future of this building is uncertain.

Thought to be former stable block at Truro March 1973. Copyright Roger Winnen

The footbridge casts a shadow over the 'stable' the future of which may not be particularly 'stable'! Taken 19th September 2019 Roger Winnen

Many thanks to Roger.

Helland
Quentin Goggs

I would be grateful if you could tell me the best place to buy or find photos of the former Wenfordbridge line, and in particular of Helland Wharf halt.

I used to own the house by the crossing point at Helland from 1975 to 1987. It featured in twice in railway magazines as being the house closest to a working railway line in the UK. The distance between the outside wall of the house and the railway line was 42".

It was a magical place and I would love to get more photos to remind me of that time.

Many thanks, Quentin Goggs

A delightful view of a delightful location. Helland crossing with the line winding past the cottages. This picture taken on the 1st June 1974 by Trevor Tremethick. Copyright.

Quentin further adds : - Thank you for such a prompt reply. It was a lovely house to live in. There was one train a day. It went up to Wenford in the morning and came back in the afternoon. The size of even an 08 shunter pulling the train dwarfed our house. The building shook as the train went by; and the squeal of the wheel flanges on the rails added to the excitement. Guests sometimes stayed at that end of the house; and if we had forgotten to warn them in advance they thought the world was about to end.

Many thanks to Quentin for the query and to Trevor Tremethick for the picture.

Whiteball
Paul Barlow

An unidentified HST forming the 06.43 Penzance to Paddington has just left Whiteball tunnel and heads down the bank towards Wellington. 28th May 2007. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

It's amazing what you can find.
David Ward

In this, the last item for the day is a compilation by David Ward. You will find links to fascinating sites and photographs. Just read and click.

Hello Keith, It's beginning to warm up here after a grey and overcast start. It looks like it will be a very warm week. I have been doing some routing around for information and found the following regarding the Southern Region of BR, Plymouth, and the South-Western Main Line. An interesting website is the following about the Tamar Valley if you Google the following, lots of interesting details about the Plymouth, Devonport and South Western Railway. I knew the Tamar Valley was a great Fruit Growing Area especially Tamar Valley Strawberries.It list in one section the amount that was despatched by Rail. <https://brucehunt.co.uk/plymouth%20devonport%20and%20south%20western%20junction%20railway/plymouth%20devonport%20and%20south%20western%20junction%20railway%20-%20tender%20engines%20at%20callington.html> Tender engines at Callington brucehunt.co.uk › plymouth devonport and south weste... <https://www.google.com/search?q=Plymount+Friary+Engine+Men&oq=Plymount+Friary+Engine+Men&aqs=chrome..69i57.13017j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#> 1. <https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:4njl5fRU9twJ:https://brucehunt.co.uk/plymouth%2520devonport%2520and%2520south%2520western%2520junction%2520railway/plymouth%2520devonport%2520and%2520south%2520western%2520junction%2520railway%2520-%2520tender%2520engines%2520at%2520callington.html+&cd=17&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk> He received a further caution for not wiring information to Friary about a ... through points at Callington and the engine man changing over whilst engine in .. When we were talking about Milk Train's from the West Country an interesting website to visit is the following of the Nine Elms Engine Men 70A:- Search Results Web result with site links <http://svsfilm.com/nineelms/> Nine Elms Locomotive Shed Website - SVS Film Index svsfilm.com › nineelms <https://www.google.com/search?q=nine+elms+locomotive+shed+enginemen&oq=Nine&aqs=chrome.0.69i59l2j69i57j46j0l2j46l2.3294j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#> 1. <http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:nDs1IT9Y04EJ:svsfilm.com/nineelms/+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk> 2. <https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk00_an70QWpwyE9a1CwtvCCoRUDd_A:1592737965707&q=related:svsfilm.com/nineelms/+nine+elms+locomotive+shed+enginemen&tbo=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjB5aml45LqAhU3SBUIHUt2CrEQHzAAegQICBAI> This website is principally dedicated to London's Nine Elms Locomotive Depot and the Enginemen who worked there between 1838 and 1967. It attempts to enlighten the reader of the life, times and conditions that prevailed during those days by means of a variety of subjects to be found here. One is about Milk Trains from Torrington, Chard, Bailey Gate etc.
Really enjoyable sites. Regards, David.

Many thanks indeed David for your time and trouble searching for and finding such fascinating sites.

21st June 2020

21/6/2020

South Devon
Resorts
Roger Winnen

200620a 66185 Heads an engineering train from Westbury to the Fowey Branch, seen approaching Teignmouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

200620b The same train tailed by 66192 entering Teignmouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

200620c 43097 Castle Drogo recently named working the 08.50 Penzance to Exeter passes an IET working the 09.02 Paddington to Plymouth service at Teignmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

200620d When the reconstruction of the sea wall heading east from Dawlish Station to the Coastguards and Colonnade breakwaters commences the walkway below the platform will be raised nearly to the platform level with steps going down to the beach and a new footbridge with lifts constructed at the east end of the station. The station platform will also be rebuilt in concrete replacing the wooden structure seen today. Copyright Roger Winnen

200620e Viewed from the footbridge at Dawlish the 12.27 Plymouth to Edinburgh is seen approaching. The seawall construction is well underway.Copyright Roger Winnen

200620f Floral Decorations at Exmouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

200620g A Nodding Donkey 143617 at Exmouth for working the 15.25 to Newton Abbot. P.S. There was nobody on board to nodd off! Copyright Roger Winnen

Whiteball
Paul Barlow

Here is the first of a series of treats from Paul.

A smashing view of 71000 Duke of Gloucester climbing the bank to Whiteball tunnel with the 07.06 Paddington to Plymmouth approaching Whiteball tunnel. This loco worked to Plymouth and returned later on same day. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul for this and what is to follow.

Final run
Bodmin General
Mark Lynam

Today (20th June 2020) was the last viewing day for potential buyers of 33110 at the Bodmin & Wenford. Where it was driven up and down the station yard a few times for possibly the final time then shutdown at Barracks siding. Thanks, Mark Lynam - and thank you too.

37142 & 47306 alongside the newly built Platform 2. Our first view of the new platform. 20th June 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

33110 sticking out the loco shed before being started up. 20th June 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

33110 at the platform. 20th June 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

33110 passing the signalbox. 20th June 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

33110 at rest in Barracks siding. 20th June 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks for this sad salute Mark.

Tallicks Crossing
Chris Harvey

If like me, and I've lived within four miles, you've never heard of Tallicks crossing I Googled it and was surprised to find the result on -
http://abcrailwayguide.uk/tallicks-public-level-crossing-cornwall#.Xu7n-WhKhPY

Tallicks Crossing The 13.56 Penzance to Paddington. storming up the reverse curves towards Tallicks Crossing on the 17th June 2006. Copyright Chris Harvey

Many thanks Chris.

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