Blog Archives

30th June 2022

30/6/2022

The Pines Express at Reading
Michael Forward

Hello again Roger, A splash of colour at Reading on a dull 15 September 1997 as 43063 gets ready to depart with the 08.17 Manchester to Bournemouth,the train still showing as ‘The Pines Express’ in the timetables of the day. Thanks, Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

50048 at Newton Abbot
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, I hope you are well and I see you have been out and about, interesting picture of the poster for The Plymouth Holiday Express.
Here is a picture from my friend showing 50048 coming into Newton Abbot with the 11.30 Newquay to Manchester on 7 July 1984.
Thanks, Copyright Michael Adams

Hello Roger, I hope you are well and I see you have been out and about, interesting picture of the poster for The Plymouth Holiday Express. Here is a picture from my friend showing 50048 coming into Newton Abbot with the 11.30 Newquay to Manchester on 7 July 1984. Thanks, Copyright Michael Adams

Thanks Michael

Platinum Jubilee event at
The Tamar Belle heritage centre
Naming of the 1926 Coach 'Queen of the Tamar'

220627g This coach was built in 1926 and named Queen of the Tamar to celebrate The Queens Diamond Jubilee on 4th June 2022 Copyright Roger Winnen

220627h The nameplate after the unveiling. Copyright Roger Winnen

Maurice Dart, John Snell and Chris Groves at the naming of Queen of the Tamar. During the day music was provided by the amazing Bere Ferrers Railway Band at the centre.

220627j Earl of Mount Edgecumbe at Bere Ferrers. Copyright. Roger Winnen

Pochins Puffing Billies
Mick House

I am unable to help with Piers Gough's inquiry regarding Pochin’s Puffing Billies, but I do have a cast Aluminium sign that maybe of some interest.

Thanks for the photograph Mick, a valuable item.

Lostwithiel
Andrew & Diane Jones

Lostwithiel in the 1990s Intercity liveried HST glides down the bank on a beautiful March day. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Dear Keith and Valerie,
Please find attached photograph taken adjacent the site of Brunel Quays at Lostwithiel in the 1990’s.
Many hours were spent here enjoying class 37’s performing brisk shunting movements in the now recently removed Fowey Branch bay and adjoining trackwork.
Between freight movements a passing up HST in ‘Intercity’ livery glides by with the distinctive
graceful swallow emblem, now much sort after by collectors, a recent sale achieved £3,000.
Its a great pity and possibly a huge mistake to apply vinyl on todays class 800 Hitachi series with little chance of revenue from collectors and the numerous charities that benefited from nameplate sales. Hopefully someone will see sense and reinstate a tradition dating back to the earliest steam locomotives.
Some steam plates are now making in excess of £70,000 with class 52 Western nameplates appreciating year on year. (when offered for sale by BR you could purchase one for £250!) Obviously the HST castle class plates will be much sort after!
Best wishes Andrew and Diane

Many thanks Andrew and Diane, Brunel Quays is the name of the housing development on the site of the former up sidings at Lostwithiel. I note with very great interest your comment on the value of nameplates. Noticing the recent naming of HST Power Cars which has been occurring despite their imminent demise. I mentioned this to our good friend Guy Vincent who pointed out that the plates are a very good investment for the railway companies. Almost worth their weight in gold - well nearly so!

Taunton
Paul Barlow

Autumn sun illuminates the red brickwork of Taunton West Signalbox as 50010 Monarch arrives at Taunton on the 11.55 Penzance to Liverpool. 17th November 1985. Copyright Paul Barlow. Note the splendid array of semaphore signals. type 11 box of 135 levers was built at Taunton West Station in 1931.

A lot more information on Taunton and area boxes can be found on https://www.tauntontrains.co.uk/oldsite/MEMORIES-SIGNAL%20BOXES.htm

Many thanks Paul.

29th June 2022

29/6/2022

66048 at
Par
Neil Phillips

On 3rd June Guy Vincent presented some photos of 66734 at Westbury in newly-applied Platinum Jubilee livery, and mentioned that this was the second Class 66 to carry this number due to the original having come to grief in Scotland – a derailment on 28th June 2012 left it in such a difficult position trapped in trees on the shore of Loch Treig that cutting it up on site was the only recovery option available.
Little did I know when I took these photos of 66048 at Par station on a PW working in August 1999 that a very similar fate awaited it, also in Scotland. 66048 was delivered on 4th January 1999 and exactly 11 years to the day later and newly repainted into Stobart Rail livery it was in charge of that company’s train comprised of ten twin-wagon container flats – on approach to Carrbridge a partial brake failure due to the freezing temperatures and snow build-up caused the train to pass a signal at danger and run through catch points just short of Carrbridge station platform. It too ended up in the trees but unlike 66734 it was eventually recovered in one piece (more or less) by crane. However it was assessed as being too badly damaged to be worth repairing – its power unit was swapped with 66005’s which had suffered a ‘big end’ failure. It was progressively robbed of parts and by July 2021 its shell – painted black to obliterate the Stobart colours – was perched on trestles at EMD Longport.
Interestingly I found a photo online showing 66048’s carcase on the right and the cabs recovered from 66734 sitting on the ground to the left!
Jut as I turned the camera around to catch this still nearly-new locomotive passing one of Par station’s semaphore signals a convoy of three Rail Express Systems Class 47s appeared from St Blazey – a regular sight at the time I believe. I wasn’t logging numbers by then (which is why I don’t have the actual date) – the second and third locos were 47721 and 47771 but all I can recall about the leader was that it was 475-something!

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

66048 at Par August 1999. Copyright Neil Phillips

47771 and 47721 at Par August 1999 Copyright Neil Phillips

47772 Par August 1999 Copyright Neil Phillips

Many thanks Neil.

St Blazey Turntable
Dennis Clarke

I went to Par today for 6V99 but as my train arrived there 25 mins late, I didn’t manage to see it, I did have a walk up to St Blazey where a couple of volunteers were progressing the restoration of the turntable. They said that as it is Grade 2 listed, they are waiting to get permission from English Heritage to use an oxy acetylene torch to heat up all the bolts that have completely rusted together, hence why progress may not be as fast as they would like. It will be great to see it completed and back in action, Regards, Regards, Dennis Clarke.

St Blazey Turntable work 1 28th June 2022. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

St Blazey Turntable work 2 28th June 2022. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

St Blazey Turntable work 3 28th June 2022. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

St Blazey Roundhouse. 28th June 2022. Copyright Dennis Clarke. Good to see this treasure is in good health.

Many thanks Dennis, please keep exploring, what you send in is of great interest.

Cogload
Graham Mann remembers

I was quite interested in the Cogload article as after the tracks became doubled I claimed several hundred concrete sleepers from the up Bristol transported them to the Meldon line, which I was maintaining at the time, and installed them between Fatherford and Sampford Courtnay, ironically these sleepers have now been lifted again following the recent relaying.
PL3 Regards, Graham Mann. Mob. 07920155651

Cogload Junction, Just prior to relaying and recovery of the down Bristol line between were and Taunton. 17th November 1985. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Thanks for writing in Paul.

28th June 2022

28/6/2022

South West Trains return
David Tozer

Following the cancellation of the 0710 Waterloo to Exeter SWR ran a special from Salisbury formed with 158885 and 158886. The units should have run in the pathway of the 0710 from Waterloo. However a 22 minutes late departure meant that making up time was impossible. At Yeovil Junction the train was delayed even further having to await the arrival of the 0925 from Exeter which was given priority in the longest single line section of the route(16.87 miles).
I went out to film/photo the units heading into Exeter, but was held up by a refuse collection lorry. I managed to get to Arena Park to catch the return working. The inward service was terminated at Exeter (Central). Whilst the occasional 158 reaches Exeter along with a Class 159 it is not common to see a pair of 158's, both in the former South West Trains Livery in Exeter these days.
Dave

158886 28th June 2022 Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David.

Swanage Railway
James Bown

Looking immaculate we see 34028 Eddystone at Norden . 27th June 2022. Copyright James Bown.

SR Bulleid Pacific has returned to the Swanage Railway after a £350,000 overhaul by Southern Locomotives Ltd, the locomotive’s owners.
After testing and running in, the West Country class locomotive is hauling trains between Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage.
The locomotive was based at Bournemouth when the locomotive was in service with British Railways in the 1950s and 60s and hauled trains on the London to Weymouth line.

Many thanks James.

An hour or two at
Cogload Junction 85
Paul Barlow

Our very good friend spends a while at Cogload shortly before the 'four track arrangement between Cogload and Taunton was reduced to two tracks. One wonders if in these days of railway resurgence if thought may be given to 'four tracking' this stretch once more as has been done north of Bristol.

Cogload Juction as it was on the 17th November. A line of white markers denotes the proposed route of the line from Bristol where it will join the down main towards Taunton. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Class 33030 heads the14.00 Bristol to Taunton passes Cogload Junction. 17th November 1985 - Edited Copyright Paul Barlow

43014 and 43026 pass Cogload Junction on the 12.45 Paddington to Penzance. 17th November 1976. Copyright Paul Barlow.

33030 heads the 14.00 Bristol to Taunton passes Cogload Junction

Looking towards Taunton 43024 approaches Cogload Junction 17th November 1985. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Moving to lineside now as a westward bound HST tops the Cogload flyover and heads for Taunton. 17th November 1985. Copyright Paul barlow.

On 29th March 1986 the two Bristol lines were taken out of use between Cogload and Taunton, returning the line to its original two tracks. The following weekend saw Cogload signal box closed on 5th April, and the points and signals were then operated from Exeter Panel Signalbox. A slight realignment of the up Bristol line at the same time allowed the junction to be moved and the speed limit raised to 90 miles per hour.
The above courtesy Wikipedia. For further reading please see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cogload_Junction

Many thanks indeed Paul for your historic collection.

Long Marston
Mick House

Mick goes slightly off our patch calling at Long Marston on the 22nd June.

A couple of old friends by Mick House
I paid a visit to Rail Live last week (22nd & 23rd June) at Long Marston and on display were a couple of ex-motor rail wagons, 96603 Oliver & 96605 Ernest. They have been converted into Universal Barrier Vehicles (UBV) by Meridian Generic Rail Ltd. These wagons are used to move rolling stock from one place to another in a top & tail formation along with a locomotive. The wagon have a number of unique features that make them standout from others: 1) is that the couplings can be adapted to virtually any rolling stock, with the use of interchangeable coupler heads, examples are Dellner Type 10 & 12, Scharfenberg Type 10 & 136, Tightlock and Wedgelock. 2) Is that they are also height adjustable in that the couplers can be raised from 670mm to 1070mm above rail head. 3) They are also fitted with Brake Interface Units (BIU), that will allow the hauling locomotive to apply the brakes though the whole train, eliminating the need for extra brakeforce wagons. They can also each carry a payload of 6 tons, for spare parts and tools.

1) UBV 69903 Oliver. Live Rail at Long Marston. 22nd June 2022. Copyright Mick House

2) UBV 69905 Ernest Live Rail at Long Marston. 22nd June 2022. Copyright Mick House

3) Height adjustable and interchangeable couplers, Live Rail at Long Marston. 22nd June 2022. Copyright Mick House

4) UBV 69903 Oliver Live Rail at Long Marston. 22nd June 2022. Copyright Mick House

Many thanks Mick for your contributions. N.B. Long Marston is about 35 miles NNW of Oxford.

27th June 2022

27/6/2022

Liskeard Branch Platform Museum
Roger Winnen

Today I found a very interesting museum situated in the station buildings of the Looe Branch Platform at Liskeard. Well worth a visit!

220627a Colourfull Liskeard on Monday 27th June 2022. Copyright Roger Winnen

Welcome to the Looe Valley Heritage Centre N.B. Looe Signal Box sign is a replica!

220627b The ticket office museum at Liskeard Branch Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

220627c City of Plymouth Holiday Express. Copyright Roger Winnen

220627d Centenary Illuminations The Royal Albert Bridge 1959

220627e Excursions and Holiday Runabout Tickets

220627f Liskeard in Steam Days. Peter Grays wonderful photograph of 4585 arriving at Liskeard. Copyright Peter Gray

Looking back 46 years ago today
Cornish Clay Tour
Roger Winnen

It's 46 years ago today when Roger took a series of pictures while traveling in the Branch Line Society 'The Cornish Clay Railtour '. The picture below and those in his collection remind us of the good old days of 'drop down' windows and less regulations before H & S came into effect.
To see the rest of this railtour please click here and follow the links looking for the 27th June 1976.

Railtour on the Carbis Branch. 27th June 1976. Roger Winnen looks back from the railtour as it passes Bugle station on route down the Carbis branch. The former down line past the platform has already been lifted - this was taken out of use in November 1964.

Many thanks to Roger

Looking back 45 years ago today
St Blazey
Neil Phillips

A couple of photos taken at St Blazey on 27th June 1977, 45 years ago – Laira depot’s 25223 + 25052 backing out of the yard light engine, and ‘Peak’ 45047 (with evidently newly-fitted ‘domino’ headcode panels) from far-away Leeds Holbeck on a rake of clayhood wagons. For 15 years Class 45s were so common in Cornwall that it’s easy to forget that the only time this sub-class was ever officially allocated to the Western Region was in the early-to-mid 1960s when Bristol gained D33-42 to handle their end of the NE-SW workings (the first ‘45’ recorded in Cornwall was Toton’s D127 on 23rd April 1970, following on from 4 months’ crew training on Class 46).

Other locomotives on shed at the time of my visit were 08377/402/576 and 25155/217.

My life was about to take a turn which would make this my last visit to St Blazey for just over 10 years, and when I eventually returned I found the very first brand-new CDA wagon standing in the yard – Cornwall’s rail scene was about to change……..again!

Best regards, Neil Phillips.

25223+25052 St Blazey. 27th June 1967 Copyright Neil Phillips.

45047 at St Blazey with a string of 'hoods' . Its the 27th June 1967 Copyright Neil Phillips

Many thanks Neil, glad to say that you have now returned to Cornwall and are enjoying life at Par - what better place.

The Penzance Fryer
Paul Barlow

Beautifully lit D200 (40122) waits at Exeter St Davds on the 15.45 Penzance to Manchester The Penzance Fryer railtour. 10th November 1985. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks indeed Paul

26th June 2022

26/6/2022

Penzance mystery solved
Detective Roger Winnen

On the 19th June Matthew Bradley wrote :- I write with reference to a photograph (enclosed), which appeared on your website as part of a short feature ‘Penzance Then And Now’ by Chris Bellett 18/6/2022. The 1970 photograph in question showing a Class 52 ‘Western’ at Penzance Station Platform 3 buffer stops; also shows a mineral wagon with a person removing what looks like coal onto an adjacent trolley. Just wondered if any of your members remembered anything about this activity 52 years ago? Kind regards, Matthew Bradley.

Not to be beaten our local resident and 'detective' Roger Winnen made some inquiries.

I had a conversation with Leslie Richards a former senior guard who worked on the railway all his life until he reached retirement age.

This coal wagon was brought into Penzance Station Platform 1 for off loading the coal into the coal store located at the bottom of the stairs leading to the balcony and the former entrance to Penzance Station. Leslie tells me that Roy Welsh who died in 2019 age 93 from Mincarlo, Chapel Street Penzance and him were asked by the Station Master to off load this truck and place the coal in the room which was situated many feet below the pavement running outside the station. This was the coal store and when required coal could be distributed around the station for the office fires. He doesn't remember any fire places in that room. Possibly they were removed when the reconstruction inside the station was carried out in the late 1930s.

Once the truck was off loaded they were given the day off by the Station Master!

There remains one query still to be resolved - looking along the north side of the station building from the road a very large and impressive chimney ca be seen. This stands above the room into which Leslie Richards and Roy Welsh were unloading the coal - what purpose did it serve - was there once a central heating boiler here - does anybody know - perhaps time will tell ?

With many thanks to Roger for his hard work.

A great day on the
Bodmin & Wenford
Jon Hird

Hi guys,
Please find attached some pics from the BWR today, featuring resident class 50 no. 50042 and a few unexpected shots of the Pannier tank on a drivers experience course - I heard this coming up the bank from Boscarne whilst I was walking along to take a photo of the 50, it was very nice to be taken by surprise by something interesting - it doesn’t happen very often in the Railway world nowadays, as with the tech we all carry around it’s easy to know exactly what to expect to come along next!! (I’d forgotten that the BWR had 2 trains out today).

A great day out as always at Bodmin.

All the best, Jon Hird

B & W 50 042 25th June 2022 Copyright Jon Hird

B & W 50 042 at Boscarne, 25th June 2022 Copyright Jon Hird

50 042 25th June 2022 Copyright Jon Hird

50 042 on the 'run round' at Bodmin General. 25th June 2022 Copyright Jon Hird

B & W 4612 plus three 'clay hoods' and a brake van. 25th June 2022 Copyright Jon Hird

B & W 4612 25th June 2022 Copyright Jon Hird

B & W 50 042 completing the run round at Bodmin Parkway. 25th June 2022 Copyright Jon Hird

A great day indeed - many thanks to you Jon.

25th June 2022

25/6/2022

Axminster
Clive Nye

33117 at Axminster with the 12.28 Exeter St Davids to Waterlo on the 31st May 1979. Copyright Clive Nye

Many thanks Clive.

St Blazey Depot
Roger Winnen

DMU P577 at St Blazey Depot. 27th June 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

Interestingly Wells had closed in 1963!

27th June 1976
Branch Line Society
Cornish Clay Railtour
DMU Usedset P577 (51091+59422+51063)Route :
DMURoute
Plymouth - Saltash - Liskeard (main line)
Liskeard (branch bay) - Coombe Jn - Moorswater (2)
Moorswater - Coombe Jn - Liskeard (branch bay)
Liskeard (main line) - Bodmin Road - Lostwithiel - Carne Point
Carne Point - Lostwithiel
Lostwithiel - Par - St. Blazey
St. Blazey - Par Bridge Crossing (3)
Par Bridge Crossing - St. Blazey - Goonbarrow Jn - St. Dennis Jn
St. Dennis Jn - Goonbarrow Jn
Goonbarrow Jn - Carbis Wharf (4)
Carbis Wharf - Goonbarrow Jn - Pontsmill GF
Pontsmill GF - Pontsmill Siding
Pontsmill Siding - Pontsmill GF - Par
Par - St. Austell - Burngullow Jn - Drinnick North - Parkandillack
Parkandillack - Drinnick North GF
Drinnick North GF - Drinnick Mill, Nanpean Siding (5)
Drinnick Mill, Nanpean Siding - Burngullow Jn - St. Austell - St. Austell Goods (6)
St. Austell Goods - St. Austell Up Loop
St. Austell Up Loop - Par - Lostwithiel - Bodmin Road - Liskeard - Saltash - PlymouthTimings (Booked & Actual)
(from Kevin Driscoll & Ian Umpleby)
M.C
LocationBookedActual
0.00Plymouth08.45d08.45
4.18Saltash08/5408/55
17.63Liskeard (main line)09.12a09.14
N/ALiskeard (main line)ECS 09.25d?
N/ALiskeard (branch bay)ECS 09.35a?
17.63Liskeard (branch bay)09.55d09.57
19.72Coombe Jn10/0210.05 ~ 10.05
20.28Moorswater10.10 ~ 10.1510.12 ~ 10.22
20.64Coombe Jn10/2310.30 ~ 10.30
22.73Liskeard (branch bay)10.30a10.38
N/ALiskeard (branch bay)ECS 10.35d?
N/ALiskeard (main line)ECS 10.45a?
22.73Liskeard (main line)10.55d10.53
32.04Bodmin Road11c09 ~ 11c1111.08 ~ 11.11
35.37Lostwithiel11/1611.16 ~ 11.17
39.62Carne Point11.28 ~ 11.3511.30 ~ 11.40
44.05Lostwithiel11.50 ~ 11.5511.57 ~ 12.00
48.36Par12/0312/10
48.72St Blazey12.06 ~ 12.1212.12 ~ 12.17
49.14Par Bridge Crossing12.17 ~ 12.2912.19 ~ 12.35
49.36St Blazey12/3212.38 ~ 12.39
54.54Goonbarrow Jn12/4712.56 ~ 12.56
61.35St Dennis Jn13.02 ~ 13.0713.09 ~ 13.14
68.16Goonbarrow Jn13.30 ~ 13.3513.30 ~ 13.32
69.68Carbis Wharf13.55 ~ 14.0513.49 ~ 14.07
71.40Goonbarrow Jn14*25 ~ 14*4214.39 ~ 14.40
75.60Pontsmill GF14.45 ~ 15.0014.56 ~ 14.59
76.04Pontsmill Siding15.05 ~ 15.1015.01 ~ 15.20
76.28Pontsmill GF15/1515.22 ~ 15.24
77.62Par15.22 ~ 15.2715.30 ~ 15.41
82.23St Austell15/3615/51
84.32Burngullow Jn15*40 ~ 15*4815.57 ~ 16.04
89.12Parkandillack16.25 ~ 16.3516.28 ~ 16.47
91.19Drinnick North GFrev16.54 ~ 16.59
91.38Drinnick Mill, Nanpean Siding16.55 ~ 17.1017.04 ~ 17.16
94.20Burngullow Jn17/3017/33
96.29St Austell17/3517/37
96.52St Austell Goods17.40 ~ 17.4517.47 ~ 17.56
96.58St Austell Up Loop17.50 ~ 17.5317.59 ~ 18.02
101.19Par17c59 ~ 18c0018.09 ~ 18.09
109.03Bodmin Road18/1118.21 ~ 18.22
118.14Liskeard18/2418.38 ~ 18.38
131.59Saltash18/3918/54
135.77Plymouth18.50a19.06

Route and Timings Courtesy Six Bells Junction

Many thanks to Roger Winnen and Six Bells Junction - a very good day out.

The flight of the Humble Bee.
Colin Burges

For you who have visited Colin's site - 'The Exxter and Teign Valley Railway' at Christow this very high speed tour of Colins fascinating exhibition will bring back memories. If you have yet to visit - it's very worth while.
Click below for this amazing tour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn8mjIwstRc

Don't be impatient - the high speed buzz around the site is followed (after the adverts) by a detailed 'Then and Now' look around the Christow site - well worth watching.

Many thanks indeed Colin.

24th June 2022

24/6/2022

Railtour at Axminster
Clive Nye

33 118+33 059 at Axminster with RPPR TOUR Paddington to Paignton on 29th April 1978. Copyright Clive Nye. Note door open on wrong side, taken from the former down platform.

One of the joys of railtours was the chance to explore station sites and take pictures from unusual angles - here we see such a railtour pausing at Axminster with participants 'exploring' - a door left open on one side - this picture being taken from the then disused former down platform.
Many thanks Clive.

Exeter St Thomas
Paul Barlow

50036 Victorious 1354 Penzance to Bristol approaches Exeter St Thomas. Note Exeter City basin signalbox in background above the apex of the white building. 26th October 1985. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul - I hadn't reaised the City Basin Signalbox was visible from St Thomas platforms.

23rd June 2022

23/6/2022

321 move to Long Marston
Andrew Jenkins

An unusual move from Doncaster Decoy yard to Long Marston. Reported by Andrew Jenkns at Ashbury Crossing near Shrivenham on Monday 20th June 2022. The train was routed along the ECML, Acton - GWML to Swindon, then via Kemble and Worcester (reverse).
Regards, Andrew Jenkins

69002 with class 321 EMU at Ashbury Crossing Shrivenham. 20th June 2022. Copyright Andrew Jenkins

Many thanks - sent by Andrew to Ken Mumford.
See further info from Guy Vincent below.

Class 321 unit move
Additional from Info
Guy Vincent

The class 321 unit (321334) published on here today (23rd) was being moved to Long Marston for the 'Rail Live' exhibition taking place there on 22nd and 23rd June. The barrier vans were 975974 and 975978. According to reports the unit is to return to Doncaster on Friday 24th and will likely as not be top and tailed by locos 69002 and 69005 as far as Hanwell Bridge goods loop where one of them will be detached for return to Tonbridge. Times are on Real Time Trains, headcode 5Z22. All info provided in good faith.

Regards, Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy

Another Castle Class name
Guy Vincent

Newly named 43162 Caerhays Castle reported today leading 2U10 0746 Plymouth - Cardiff Central with 43158 at the rear. A further name for the collection! According to the diagram it's on and subject to any external factors (including strike service alterations) permitting, it should end the day at Penzance IF 2C87 1800 ex Cardiff Central makes it through tonight. Another Castle for you to research Keith!

Regards, Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy, has anybody seen it?

Near Honiton
Clive Nye

A lineside shot of 33 005 near Honiton with 14.28 Exeter St Davids to Waterloo on 19th August 1978. Copyright Clive Nye

Many thanks Clive

Roche Ramblings
Roger Winnen

Roger has very kindly sent in a bunch of pictures taken many years ago when as a young and fit man he took his camera along a section of the Par - Newquay branchline. On this occasion he left a train at Roche and walked to the infamous iron bridge over the A30 on Goss Moor - infamous because of the number of high sided vehicles decapitated after ignoring warning signs. This section of the old A3o has now been by-passed.

A Newquay bound Class 50 enters Roche Station. 10th July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

The well filled overnight train heads on towards it holiday destination, the passengers looking a little jaded. 10th July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen.

A short and simple sign for short and simple station. 10th July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen.

It's a mile to the station along the B3274. Vintage traffic passes the vintage cast sign at Roche village. 10th July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen. No surprisingly referring to Google Earth Street view this cast sign seems to have disappeared - one can only hope it has found a good home!

A Class 25 and a Class 50 double head to Newquay. 10th July 1976.Copyright Roger Winnen

A Class 25 and a Class 50 approach the iron bridge over the A30 at Goss Moor on 10th July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

Crossing the iron bridge of Goss Moor. 10th July 1976.Copyright Roger Winnen. N.B. The height limit sign is clearly visible in the day light.

A Gloucester 3 Car Cross Country unit on a Plymouth to Newquay working. Saturday 10th July 1976 crossing Goss Moor. 10th July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen.

An unidentified Class 50 on a Midday service from Newquay to Paddington opens up having crossed Goss Moor bridge . 10th July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger for this on today (23rd June 2022) - a strike bound day with no trains in Cornwall.

22nd June 2022

22/6/2022

Exminster today
David Tozer

St Phillips Marsh, Bristol has only two three car Class 165's on its allocation which appear to be rotated with other Reading units. Today 165101 has appeared on the Exmouth to Paignton circuit. Unit 165101 is photographed at Exminster with the 1123 Exmouth to Paignton. Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David

The proposed 'Metro Link'
Newquay to Falmouth
Andrew & Diane Jones

I came across this article yesterday headed new proposed direct rail link from Newquay to Falmouth called ‘Metro Link’. Well I thought at last the missing link between St Dennis Junction and Parkandillick is to be restored, however think again!
When you mix politicians with railways you know things are not going to end well.
Apparently a bid is being made under the ‘Governments levelling up fund’ (LUF) to provide a coast to coast route, which is erroneously being labelled a new direct route.
A number of local MP’s have signed up to this, but it becomes clear that a part from some suggested
passing loops this whole proposal is in my opinion just a paper exercise.
I wonder if there has been any investigation in to who would use a through route from Newquay to Falmouth as this is already available using some well placed connections.
I have attached google earth photographs of the missing link at Parkendillick and the proximity of the A30 to St Dennis Junction.
Surely opening up the freight branch, would genuineingly provide a more direct route and serve the communities of St Dennis and Nanpean and Foxhole, which are all deprived areas. Obviously a short section of railway would need to be reinstated and some upgrading of existing track, but with freight usage at an all time low this could easily be achieved.
The other proposal would be to provide Park and Ride from St Dennis Junction to Newquay which would alleviate congestion in Newquay and the adjoining roads.
There is a huge tract of wasteland available for parking and the infrastructure costs would be minimal.
Hopefully this unfortunate national strike doesn’t kill off our remaining clay traffic to Fowey, which has been on a knife edge for years. The frustration at seeing our once environmentally integrated rail system slowly withering is hard to swallow, so at the risk of sounding like my granny, its time for the railways and government to take a hard look at what its trying to achieve!

Very best wishes Andrew

The missing link from the A30 St Dennis junction and Bodella with available trackbed in good condition. Courtesy Google Earth.

The site of St Dennis Junction and the A30 with ample space for a large carpark and potential large income stream. Courtesy Google Earth.

Parkandillack - An incident at the current end of the line. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Parkindillack Late 1970s Steam Crane in operation. 006 Photograph by Fred Elton. Roger Winnen Collection

Many thanks Andrew - my opinions of this are as yours - KJ

Class 50s at Bristol
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, Thanks for dealing with the last pictures, here are two more from Michael Adams ,the first showing 50013 ‘Agincourt’ with the 14.00 Penzance to Birmingham on 1 August 1981. Copyright Michael Adams

Now we see 50024 ‘Vanguard’ with the 10.23 Manchester to Plymouth on 23 December 1981. Copyright Michael Adams

Thanks Michael

33's Nr Honiton
Clive Nye

33 056+33 101 near Honiton with the 33.55 Exeter St Davids to Brighton. on 19th August 1978. Copyright Clive Nye.

Many thanks Clive.

21st June 2022

21/6/2022

Penzance Station
Day 1 of the RMT Strike
Roger Winnen

220621a Day 1 of the RMT Strike at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

220621b A room which was situated at the bottom of the steps and running under the pavement, leading to the balcony above and to the top entrance to the station contained this massive chimney. Could this room contained the coal being off loaded in a earlier photo this week. One wonders!. Copyright Roger Winnen

220621c Rounding the station corner. Copyright Roger Winnen

220621d The RMT Strike Pickets in attendance at Penzance. The station being locked up today. Copyright Roger Winnen

220621e The RMT Strike Pickets in attendance at Penzance. The station being locked up. Copyright Roger Winnen

Long Rock
Day 1 of the RMT Strike
Mark Lynam

Good afternoon Keith/Roger,
Below are some photos of a full Longrock depot from earlier today with no trains running due to the RMT strike.
Thanks, Mark Lynam

1. From left to right 800318, 43005, 800301, 43042 (behind the MK3) and 57604. Copyright Mark Lynam

2. A close up of 57604 at rest. Copyright Mark Lynam

3. 43192 "Trematon Castle" outside the shed 43198 was on the other end. Copyright Mark Lynam

4. On the fuel road, four Class 150s coupled together being - 150232, 150244, 150263 & 150233. Copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks Mark.

Classic Forder
Chris Harvey

Hi Keith,
Please find attached a shot from a perfect June evening twenty years ago. Running 75 minutes late, 47 848 gallops across Forder viaduct in the late sunshine of the 27th June 2002, with the 0840 Glasgow - Penzance.
Best Regards, Chris

A classic shot as 47 848 crosses Forder Viaduct with a smashing glimpse of Plymouth, Devon, England beyond. 27th June 2002. Copyright Chris Harvey.

Many thanks Chris - a marvellous shot.

New Devizes Station
Guy Vincent

Hello Keith I was interested to read of a further attempt / proposal to establish a ‘Parkway’ station on the Berks and Hants line at Lydeway to the south of Devizes. The idea has been mooted on several occasions over the past 40 or so years with no positive outcome realised. I have attached a shot of a page from one of my scrapbooks covering this topic from newspaper reports dating from 1986 and 1992. These make for entertaining reading although I am sure there was good intention at the time. The idea of using old sleepers for platforms and then bringing the former station footbridge down from Patney in three sections certainly raised a laugh or two. Since the mid 1960s Bedwyn has served as the terminating point for local services from Paddington and stations to Newbury and was the westernmost station on the line under the Network SouthEast period (1986~1996). Pewsey has always relied on a token service of trains broadly angled around serving London in the morning peak and towards Plymouth from late afternoon and into the evening. Since 2018 things have improved with more off-peak trains in both directions. As always, time will tell but I expect this idea to be in the ‘pending’ file for some time to come. Best regards Guy Vincent.

Cuttings from the Guy Vincent Collection.

Extremely interesting. Many thanks indeed to Guy and Cathy Vincent. We can only keep our fingers crossed and hope.

A bit of Belmond Magic.
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, A superb opportunity to sample the splendour of the Belmond Pullman on Saturday, even if this necessitated a two night hotel stay in Victoria! All was worth it to spend a day of luxury on the Belmond Pullman with 50007 up front putting in a stupendous shift working alone in the absence of its partner 50049.
The big camera was left at home, but a sampler of pictures from the day included - although a bit off-area". Some of the class 50 alliance team are pictured at Victoria after a Victorious (excuse the class 50 pun) day!
Best wishes, Craig

50007 Exeter St Davids 5Z50 18th June 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

50007 VSOE Exeter SD 18th June 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

50007 with the crew at Victoria. VSOE 18th June 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks Craig for your record of your fabulous day out - lucky you. As you say some of it a bit out of our 'reporting region' but there is a strong 'Western Connection' !!!

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