Cornwall  Railway  Society
  • January 21 Home Page
  • INDOOR & OUTDOOR MEETINGS PROGRAMME
  • CORNWALL RAILWAY SOCIETY GENERAL INFORMATION CONTACTS & WEBMASTERS MEMBERSHIP FORM ETC.
  • LATEST INPUT , NEWS & OLD PICTURES ETC.
  • FEATURES, MAIN INDEX & OUTDOOR EVENTS REPORTS.
  • CORNWALL GALLERIES
  • DEVON GALLERIES
  • North & East of TAUNTON & HONITON
  • Military and Industrial Tramways & Light Railways
  • Pleasure Tramways & Light Railways
  • RAILTOURS, AERIAL VIEWS ,MISCELLANEOUS
  • CORNISH RAILWAYS WAR DIARY
  • LOCAL YOUTUBE
  • Historical Outdoor Events INDEX
  • ARCHITECTURE
  • INDEX TO ARTICLES WRITTEN BY COLIN BURGES
  • ARTICLES SECTION.
  • ENGINEERING PLANT DIARY
  • News reports Jan to Aug 2012
  • Links
  • MAPS, PHOTOS, AERIAL VIEWS
  • Official Documents available to the General Public
  • Public notices and posters collection

Items added on 1st August 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

31/7/2017

 
Polbrock Bridge
Then and now
Andrew Jones

Picture
Polbrock Bridge in February 1977. Copyright Andrew Jones
What a wonderful selection of photographs and articles during July. Your website goes from strength to strength.** 
Following on from the past and present topics, here is Polbrock , taken approx 40 years apart.  There is a Sunbeam Rapier parked outside John Jago’s house, where the crews of passing trains often delivered his daily cigarettes.
Trains were few and far between by the time the 1977 shot was taken, usually early in  the morning, with an occasional evening goods. Nowadays taking this shot in 2017 is vastly more dangerous with speeding cyclists probably travelling at twice the speed of a goods train and taking a lot less care than railway staff would ever have been allowed!
For me the Camel Trail is a mixed blessing, but at least we can all still travel the route of this once famous line.
Keep up the good work!
 
Best wishes Andrew                                 Many thanks Andrew.

N.B.  **  The website is as good as all the pictures and news you all send many thanks to all for the support given.
Picture
Polbrock Bridge in 2017. Copyright Andrew Jones.
Exeter Central
Ron Kosys

​By 1988, the cement for Exeter Central was moved via the Speedlink network rather than a block train.
Consequently the traffic was tripped from Riverside by whatever loco was available whenever it was available, though early afternoon used to be the more regular time.
The location itself was a dream to photograph and it was very easy to rattle off half a roll of Kodachrome from the various photting locations available, especially when the weather was decent.
 
24th June 1988 saw 50002 do the honours. Note the larger capacity PCA are now in use.


Picture
Exeter Central 24th June 1988. 50002 Superb on the 'cement'. Copyright Ron Kosys
Van explodes on Hayle Viaduct
Phil Hadley
​​Had it been peacetime just imagine what headlines this would have made in the West Briton and Cornishman Newspapers
Tuesday 12th January 1943
At about 1 o’clock whilst passing over Hayle Viaduct, one of the vans of a GWR goods train by some means exploded. The amazing thing about this incident is that, although blowing up to a height of 30 feet above the viaduct and then falling down into the middle of the town right in front of Clark’s Restaurant (now Warrens) the half-ton van failed to cause any damage to property or to injure any people.  (Hayle in WW2 by Brian Sullivan)


Wednesday 13th February
Supt Sloman reports “1140 hours GWR permanent way blocked by derailed goods train 1 mile West of Saltash Station. Temporary suspension of traffic. Passengers being conveyed by road via Saltash & St Germans. Line likely to be opened 1400 hours today.” PWD
“Single line traffic resumed at 1545 hours.” PWD

Friday 15th February
Supt Sloman reports “1015 hours both lines are now clear.” PWD

Saturday 16th February
Wadebridge – Padstow/Bodmin/Launceston – The US Signal Corps assisted the Southern Railway by putting in a telephone control scheme. They ran 30 pair mile wires, 757 arms were cut in or changed, 28 new poles were erected and 137 new guy stays were put up. (US Signal Corps document dated 16th Feb 1944)

Sunday 30th May
At Launceston a link between LSWR and GWR lines opened to facilitate the ease of movement of military trains. BLP

Friday 16th July
Fowey US Army Ammunition Depot known as Depot O-655 storing ammunition in the fields adjoining the A390 between Dobwalls and Lostwithiel and utilising the Boconnoc Estate was activated. There were five railheads for this Depot with Doublebois, Liskeard,  Lostwithiel and Bodmin Road Stations being four of them. The HQ was in Luxtowe House, Liskeard. (US National Archive)

Undated July
An ‘up’ goods loop was opened at Tremabe, just over a mile east of Doublebois. This closed in 1952. (The Great Western Railway in East Cornwall by Alan Bennett)

Tuesday 17th August
On the 17th August a meeting at the War Office in London changed the names of the US Army Depots to avoid confusion over their actual locations: Fowey became known as Liskeard and Launceston became known as Beaworthy. The original names had been chosen by the Americans! (US National Archives)

Thursday 19th – Wednesday 25th August
US Navy - An average of 43 ammunition trucks were unloaded each day at Fowey with 61 being the most in any one day. (US Navy Documents)

Thursday 2nd – Wednesday 8th September
US Navy - An average of 49 ammunition trucks were unloaded each day at Fowey with 103 being the most in any one day. (US Navy Documents)

Friday 3rd September
Launceston/Beaworthy US Army Ammunition Depot known as O-666 was activated storing the ammunition in the fields adjoining the roads north of the town with Egloskerry and Bridgerule & Whitstone stations providing two of the 8 railheads in the designated area. Towerhill was another.  The HQ was at Winsford Towers at Beaworthy in Devon. The new sidings and marshalling yard at Halwill was still not finished. (US National Archive)

Saturday 4th September
Supt Beale “0930 hours a French boat No CC 1496 with 12 male escapees on board was found in the channel & towed to Newlyn, Penzance & landed at 1030 hours. She came from the French port of Concarneau. Immigration Officer is dealing with them & they will be conveyed to London on the night train from Penzance.” PWD

Thursday 14th October
Supt Burroughs “61 complete rounds of s. ammunition , 2 loose, 5 bullets & 3 empty cartridge cases found on railway track between Perranporth & St Agnes ¾ mile from Perranporth Railway Station having presumably dropped from an American aircraft. Collected by RAF.” PWD

Sunday 5th December
Supt Beale: “Grey metal container found in coach of train at Penzance. Detonator of land mine in container, one cannon shell and other explosive articles. Police enquiries resulted in explosives being claimed by US authorities. Officer left container in charge of man who left it in the train. Explosives used for purposes of lectures.” PWD

Friday 31 December
The GWR’s hotel at St Ives, the Tregenna Castle, saw visitor numbers for the year up 62% on pre-war figures. GWR

For earlier years in Phill's diary please click here.

Wyke
John Cornelius

Picture
Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 31st July 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

31/7/2017

 
IET at Penzance
Derek Buttivant
​The picture was taken by my friend and colleague Dr Chris Page during the first (and so far only) visit of a new IET set (two sets, actually) to Penzance.  If you use the photo, please credit it to Dr Page.  Of note is the control panel for train door opening and closing with its invitation to select which doors to open. Also, the train's on-board clock - accurate to the second - agrees with Penzance time as shown on the station clock. 
Picture
A truly remarkable view taken by Doctor Chris Page from the cab of the first, and so far only iET visit to Penzance. Photograph taken on 22nd June, 2017. Copyright Chris Page
The Royal Scot heads the Royal Duchy to Par
David Tozer & Roger Winnen

Picture
170730a 46100 Royal Scot passes Exeter St David's on route to Par with the Royal Duchy. Copyright David Tozer
Picture
170730b 46100 Royal Scot arrives at Plymouth on the Royal Duchy to Par. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170730f A majestic looking engine 46100 Royal Scot heads through Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170730k The engine has now turned, the drain cocks opened as she leaves the turntable. Copyright Roger Winnen
More photographs of this event can be found on the Features Page Mid May to December 2017  Click here
Frome
Ron Kosys

Picture
47247 has just passed Clink Road Junction on the 5th June 1984 with the Westbury to Exeter Central Blue Circle cement Presflo’s. Copyright Ron Kosys
Exeter Donkey
John Cornelius

Picture
Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 30th July 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

30/7/2017

 
Saturdays Outing
Ride Cornwall in a Day


Saturday 29th July 2017
Using Ride Cornwall ticket @ £10.75 with Railcard
You can either go to Penzance or St Ives not both owing to train connections)

 Train Night Sleeper Par 06.37 St Austell 06.45 Truro 07.04 Redruth 07.18 Camborne 07.25 St Erth 07.40 Penzance 07.53 or alight at St Erth for the 08.00 for St Ives 08.13/08.14 St Erth 08.26 arrive
Train departs Penzance 08.28 St Erth 08.36 Camborne 08.46 Redruth 08.52 Truro 09.02, Truro depart 09.20 Falmouth Docks 09.44 / 10.20 Truro 10.40 
Truro dep 11.05 Plymouth 12.32 Loco Hauled. Plymouth dep 12.54 Gunnislake 13.40 / 13.45 Plymouth 14.30 / 14.58 Newquay 16.47   Fish & Chips Cafe outside of station. Newquay dep 17.26 stay on the train to Liskeard 18.46 arrive  Liskeard 19.28 Looe 19.59 / 20.00 Liskeard 20.28
Liskeard 21.13 Bodmin Parkway 21.25 Par 21.38 St Austell 21.45 Truro 22.03 Redruth 22.17 Camborne 22.23 St Erth 22.34 and Penzance 22.44 Passengers may return home earlier by alighting from the 17.26 Newquay at Par 18.21 and catching the 18.28 all stations to Penzance
This event last Saturday ran to time with every train running to time and all connections being made.
The only problem was the weather which went from bad to worse from the early afternoon. However the Six who went on this outing enjoyed the travel and over 300 miles were covered

Picture
170729b 57602 Restormal Castle arrives St Erth on the Night Riviera conveying participants for our Tour of Cornwall. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170729j The sleeping car passengers Tony Goulding and John Gallagher are relaxing in Truro Station aboard the 11.04 to Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170729v HST 90 Glorious Years arrives with our train into Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170729s On arrival back into Plymouth we catch the Atlantic Coast Express for a non stop run to Loswithiel, Par and Newquay. We are passing Bodmin Parkway at speed with 4247 about to depart. Copyright Roger Winnen
A full selection of photographs appear in the Features Pages Mid May to December 2017 of this event
Push and Pull at
Southampton
Michael Forward

Picture
47297 0n a mixed eastbound Speedlink working. A lucky shot as a class 73 goes the other way pushing some 4TC sets. 10th September 1988 Copyright Michael Forward
More of Southampton in our August issue
Silverton
Ron Kosys

​For a few years in the late 1980’s, Redland used the Speedlink network to distribute some of their products around the country.
Two of the loading points were Eling Wharf, Totton, Southampton and Tiverton Junction, where roof tiles produced at Burlescombe were loaded.

Picture
47213 passes Silverton 8th September 1989, heading from Exeter Riverside with four empties for loading at Tiverton Junction. Copyright Ron Kosys
Well, well, it's a small world!
Alan Harris
Picture
Devon Quarryman at Meldon Quarry 25th June 1978 Copyright Jeremy Doe
Alan Harris writes :- You may recall that I requested Mr Jeremy Doe's email address following the photo he sent of the Devon Quarryman Rail tour driven by his grandfather, Rudley Lethbridge. (Standing by the buffer)  I made contact with Mr Doe by email and it turns out that his great grandfather, Mr Thomas Lethbridge is also my great grandfather. A small world. eh?
​               Nice that this CRS site joins long lost relations.
Thornford Halt
John Cornelius
Picture
The station was opened by the Great Western Railway on 23 March 1936 as Thornford Bridge Halt. It was renamed in the 1960s to its present shorter name. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 29th July 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

29/7/2017

 
Truthall Halt
Helston branch - todays pictures
​Andrew Triggs
Hi Keith,
As Roger is away with CRS today on 'Cornwall in a Day' find enclosed shots of the ongoing restoration work at Truthall Halt, I took a few shots (with permission of the Works gang there today) It's certainly coming along nicely there,
          All the Best, Andrew    Many thanks Andrew
Congratulations to all involved in this fine work.
Picture
Thruthall Halt 1 View from Truthall bridge, with the ongoing work with the Pagoda shelter base on the right hand side of the picture 29th July 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
Truthall Halt 2 2. The recently erected station name board 29th July 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
Truthall Halt 31954 vintage BR Blue livery Ruston & Hornsby shunter (Build No.327974/fake BR No 97649) 29th July 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
Truthall Halt 4 1954 vintage BR Blue livery Ruston & Hornsby shunter (Build No.327974/fake BR No 97649) 29th July 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
Truthall Halt 5 GWR Vintage sign at the northern end of the platform 29th July 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
Truthall Platform November 1967 Copyright K. Jenkin. A box camera image, but still a memory of Truthall at perhaps its lowest ebb. Note the milepost and that the contractors have tornaway the platform which was supported by Barlow Rail. Also note the smoke stain on the bridge. The figure walking towards the bridge is the late Lewis Jenkin, Keith's Dad.
Penleigh (Westbury)
Guy Vincent
​The Network Rail New Measurement Train (HST) made one of it's semi-regular visits to Westbury on the afternoon of 27th. Following a trip from Paddington to Exeter via Basingstoke, Yeovil Jctn and Honiton, the return leg from Exeter to Salisbury was delayed for around an hour at Gillingham station. Here, it is understood, during a booked pathing stop a member of the public attempted to board the train.  Unable to do so the person promptly collapsed on the platform and became unconscious. Following their removal by ambulance the HST was able to continue it's journey.    By the time the train reached Westbury a pleasant sunny afternoon had been replaced by torrential downpours, shelter having to be taken under a large tree in order to grab the attached side-on shot.   Thankfully the rain cleared just in time to catch the Westbury-Salisbury leg hurrying through Dilton Marsh, power car 43062 leading.
                 Guy Vincent                 Many thanks Guy
We hope the gentleman concerned has recovered - an unfortunate incident.
Picture
NMT HST at Penleigh, Westbury in rain. Penleigh is approximatelly a quarter of a mile south west of the location where the Westbury to Salisbury line crosses the Westbury avoiding line. 27th July 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent
Picture
NMT at Dilton Marsh (You can just see the end of the platform) 27th July 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent.
Williton
John Cornelius

Picture
John Cornelius

Items added on 28th July 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

28/7/2017

 
Saltash + 
Ron Westwater
Hi Keith, A few shots taken around the first stop in Cornwall....
           Best regards, Ron                        Many thanks Ron 
Picture
57 603 heads the 2C51 the 17.50 Exeter St Davids to Penzance 22nd July 2017 Copyright Ron Westwater
Picture
43304 heads the 1V58 0900 Glasgow Central to Penzance on the 22nd July 2017 Copyright Ron Westwater
Picture
High water surrounds the piers of Combe by Saltash viaduct. The sky, the train on the viaduct and indeed the elegant property plus the boats make the scene as .FGW class 150 heads the 5C51 18.54 Liskeard to Plymouth 24th July 2017 Copyright Ron Westwater
Picture
The Combe by Saltash viaduct is reflected in the almost still water around the piers as a FGW 125 crosses on the 24th July 2017 Copyright Ron Westwater That's England on the far bank!!
'Perseus'  at  Christow
Colin Burges

Dear Keith,
Western Fuels' diesel shunter, photographed by Ron Kosys in 1988, is Drewry No. 2269, one of two built in 1949 for William Cory & Son, Ltd., Gallions Jetty, Essex. It was named "Perseus."
In 1964 it was registered to work over British Transport Commission metals.
It was transferred to Messrs. Renwick, Wilton & Dobson at the new Exmouth Junction Coal Concentration Depot in 1967.
In latter years it was driven by an ex Southern - or Southern Region - driver called Joe, who painted the loco blue and dubbed it "Thomas."
After cessation of rail traffic in 1993, the loco was moved to Christow where it is now undergoing a rather protracted overhaul.
Many thanks to Colin Burges, the proud owner, for this information, and the best of luck with your project.
Picture
Exmouth Jn Coal Concentration 3 Drewry 3056 of 1964 12th September 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
Christow Perseus under restoration. 27th July 2017 Copyright Colin Burges.
Picture
Part of the cab of Perseus restored to a very high standard at Christow Railway Centre 27th July 2017 Copyright Colin Burges.
If you are in Devon the Christow Railway Centre is a 'must' on your list of places to visit, but contact must be made first.
Moorswater
Wot no rails?
Peter Murnaghan

Today's Moorswater - Aberthaw cement empties lurking in the undergrowth, awaiting release of the token to move forward to the junction.  With the weeds obscuring the way, it doesn't look as though it's on the track at all !  Best wishes,  Peter                    Many thanks.
Picture
Moorswater, from Coombe Junction. 27th July 2017 Copyright Peter Murnaghan
Westbury Shed
John Cornelius

Picture
Copyrght John Cornelius

Items added on 27th July 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

27/7/2017

 
Focus on St Austell Station
Roger Winnen

Picture
170724b Maintenance work on the St Austell Ground Frame. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170724c The station approach road and the station yard at St Austell which housed the buses in the former Railway Goods shed up until the 1960s . Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
170724d The 10.46 Penzance to Paddington arrives at St Austell. The old signal box still stands which closed on the 22nd March, 1980 together with the former GW Staff Association Club on the right - Copyright Roger Winnen
Saturdays Outing
Ride Cornwall in a Day Timings
Roger Winnen

Saturday 29th July 2017
Using Ride Cornwall ticket @ £10.75 with Railcard
You can either go to Penzance or St Ives not both owing to train connections)

 
Train Night Sleeper Par 06.37 St Austell 06.45 Truro 07.04 Redruth 07.18 Camborne 07.25 St Erth 07.40 Penzance 07.53 or alight at St Erth for the 08.00 for St Ives 08.13/08.14 St Erth 08.26 arrive
Train departs Penzance 08.28 St Erth 08.36 Camborne 08.46 Redruth 08.52 Truro 09.02, Truro depart 09.20 Falmouth Docks 09.44 / 10.20 Truro 10.40 
Truro dep 11.05 Plymouth 12.32 Loco Hauled. Plymouth dep 12.54 Gunnislake 13.40 / 13.45 Plymouth 14.30 / 14.58 Newquay 16.47   Fish & Chips Cafe outside of station. Newquay dep 17.26 stay on the train to Liskeard 18.46 arrive  Liskeard 19.28 Looe 19.59 / 20.00 Liskeard 20.28
Liskeard 21.13 Bodmin Parkway 21.25 Par 21.38 St Austell 21.45 Truro 22.03 Redruth 22.17 Camborne 22.23 St Erth 22.34 and Penzance 22.44 Passengers may return home earlier by alighting from the 17.26 Newquay at Par 18.21 and catching the 18.28 all stations to Penzance

More Thoughts
Roy Hart

With reference to Adrian Vaughans Truro Running and Maintenance Depot picture. 
It cannot be a Dean Goods. My original thought was that it could be an Armstrong Goods, but as Karl says, there appears to be only two driving wheel springs visible.
This would make it a 3521 class 4-4-0, I would say. 2-4-0s were completely unsuited to Cornish grades and curves, but 4-4-0s were standard after about 1895.
Having said all this, there were so many variations among GWR 4-4-0s (no less than 50 differences in boilers, for instance) that we are in danger of launching off into the realms of speculation.
However, it is well known and there is ample photographic evidence, that 3521 class 4-4-0s were regulars at Truro from 1900 or so until about 1922.
The 3521 class had a history bordering on the absurd:
They were built in the 1880s as 20 standard gauge and 20 broad gauge 0-4-2 saddle tanks. They were unsteady and tended to destroy the track, so to improve balance, they were rebuilt as 0-4-4T, standard gauge. They were used on the Cornish main line working in pairs and on 13 April 1895, two of them hauling a down express derailed, together with their train, near Clinnick viaduct in the Glyn valley. The Board of Trade inspector (Major Addison) concluded that the previous train -also hauled by a pair of the same class, had damaged the track. These engines were 'unsteady at high speed' he said and he recommended that 'a different class of engine' be used in Cornwall.
The result (after another of the class had run off the embankment at Penryn) was that the entire class was rebuilt as 4-4-0 tender engines!
They were reallocated around the system and feature in most early 20th century pictures of the Falmouth branch.

                  Roy                    Many thanks Roy
Dear Keith.

I have reading with interest some of the theories regarding picture of Truro shed from Adrian Vaughan.  Some ideas have been put forward including a Dean Goods which I initially agreed with, however blowing the image up to 500% I noticed a couple of design features that make me believe there are only two sets of driving wheels .  My reason for this are the springs on top of the running plate, one is next the the side sheet of the cab and one other forward of this is next to the boiler's dome, but no springs in front of that set just a sand box.  If there was to be another driving wheel surely there would be a third set of springs but there isn't.  This then leads me to believe it is either a 2-4-0 or a 4-4-0 and this is where I have some fun trying to identifying the locomotive.  It is certainly a Dean designed locomotive, if it is a 2-4-0 then very 'similar' to the GWR Stella Class 2-4-0 but not a perfect match, If it is a 4-4-0 it has a sticking 'resemblance' to the 3521 class locomotives.  I doubt it is a Dean Goods, in all the images I have seen they don't have springs on the running plates plus it would have three sets and this locomotive only has two, but the plot thickens as they say!

The wagon in the foreground seems to carry the number 5300 on the end.

Kind Regards

Karl (Friends of Penmere).
Exmouth Junction
Coal Concentration Depot
Ron Kosys

A request to Western Fuels at Exmouth Junction to photograph their Drewry (3056 of 1964) at the same time as the three times weekly (MWF) Speedlink Coal Network service was about, was very favourably received.
This was arranged for 12th September 1988, when the visiting 37 was 37214. Note the passing MetCam accelerating away from the Junction and towards Exeter Central.
Unfortunately the light had totally collapsed by the time the empties were leaving for East Usk.
This size of this train could vary dramatically; sometimes it could be short as five wagons or so; other times as many as in excess of thirty.
 
Every single aspect of this location, service and locos are now memories... sadly.  
​               Many thanks Ron for your unique set of pictures.


Picture
Exmouth Jn Coal Concentration Depot with Drewry shunter 3056 built 1964 12th September 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
Exmouth Junction Coal Concentration Depot with 37214. Note a DMU heading for Exeter scuttles past. 12th September 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
Exmouth Jn CCD 37214 12th September 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
Exmouth Jn Coal Concentration Depot in the back ground as 37214 heads away with the Exmouth Jn-East Usk on the 12th September 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys
Taunton
John Cornelius

Picture
Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 26th July 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

26/7/2017

 
County of Gloucester
St Blazey
Roy Hart
Picture
St Blazey 1015 County of Gloucester abt 1953 Copyright Roy Hart
The date is about 1953 and 1015 County of Gloucester is 'on the blocks' at Par Bridge Crossing box, having coaled and watered at the shed in the background. She was a Laira engine at the time and had probably come in on a special to Newquay and was awaiting her return trip. The track in the foreground is the single line to Fowey and the box and level crossing are behind the photographer. This line is still there today as a siding to Par docks. Apart from a short-lived experiment in the summer of 1960, 'Counties' were not shedded at St Blazey. Notice that bracket signals were painted entirely white: this was the GWR practice. The Western Region painted the gantry work black.
Copyright Roy Hart                                           Many thanks Roy
Bristol Area
Fact finding tour
Guy Vincent

​Yesterday (24th) 37405 and Inspection Saloon 975025 'Caroline' were used on a Network Rail fact-finding tour of the Avonmouth Loop and Portbury branch. In fact two full round trips were planned but in the event the second trip omitted the Portbury line.  Two pics of the duo parked up for the night in platform 2 at Temple Meads.

Guy V
Picture
37405 Bristol TM. 24th July 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent
Picture
975025 & 37405 Bristol TM. 24th July 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent
Congratulations are due all round for superb photographs by Guy Vincent and the immaculate condition of the rolling stock and station at B.T.M.

​
Stapleton Road
Girder Bridge Demolition
Guy Vincent

Picture
Stapleton Road Bridge 8th May 2013 Copyright Guy Vincent
​Guy Vincent writes :- The large lattice steel girder bridge with cross-braced arches at Stapleton Road, Bristol, is about to be demolished according to local press reports.  Work has now started to remove the landmark structure which was last used by trains in February 1984.  A new bridge will be built in its place as part of the £33,000,000 (2014 cost, so probably much more by now!) 'Filton Bank Redoubling' project.   Plenty of info on this work and the Stapleton Road bridge project by 'Googling' the subject and by checking out the bristol-rail.co.uk (Bristol Railway Archive) website.   It is still just possible to photograph the bridge either from the platforms or footbridge of Stapleton Road station or from the public road close by although access is to be denied during the removal works.

The condition of the bridge was, I believe, given as the main reason for 'dequadrifying' the four-track section from Dr Day's Junction to Filton Junction. Also, of course, in the early 1980s when that decision was made nowhere near as many trains used the local Bristol rail network which was still in decline through the effects of the then economic recession.  Improved motorway links (the M32 passes through the area close by) also caused traffic to be lost.   Remember the BTM-Severn Beach service being almost totally in the hands of a single class 121 'bubble car?

I for one will miss the 3 span bridge as it is very much a part of the railway heritage of Bristol and a reminder of a now departed age in heavy engineering.  I recall one of the last times I travelled over the structure. This was on January 3rd 1984 when returning from Birmingham New Street to Temple Meads on a 1307 York-Plymouth relief train hauled by 37263. The bridge always 'rattled' as trains passed through, especially at high speeds and this was exactly such an occasion!   My last trip over it was, appropriately, on the last day it carried scheduled services, Saturday February 18th 1984. This was behind 45141 on the 1V95 1935 Birmingham New Street-Bristol Temple Meads. 

Another source of very interesting information is the RM Web site, 'Western Region 1980s freight - West of England division'. Some excellent photos and recollections of the railway we all miss, not only around Bristol but, as the title suggests, covering the west country as a whole.

A similar recent casualty was the large girder bridge at the west end of Newport station which was replaced last year.

Guy Vincent
As usual a very comprehensive and interesting article - many thanks Guy
A Tour of Ride Cornwall
Andrew Triggs

Using a Ride Cornwall Ticket priced at £10.75 Andrew was able to cover most lines in the Duchy last Saturday.
The Cornwall Railway Society will be riding Cornwall this coming Saturday 29th July 2017.
Details are available on the Outdoor Events page

Picture
170722e Penzance at 05.00 150102106 shortly before departure for Truro with 2C52 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
170722f 57603 arriving at Truro with the 1C99 Night Riviera. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
170722g 150233 at Coombe Junction working the 2L75,first time I've actually made it to Coombe by train....... only took me nearly 50 years. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
170722i 150104 at Gunnislake having worked the 2G74 from Plymouth. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
170722j Newquay arrival for 43135 having worked 1C80 from London Paddington. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
170722k Par Voyager arrival 1V56 with threatening skies to the east. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Bristol Harbour Railway
John Cornelius

Picture
A delightful scene in days of yore - 1984! Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 25th July 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

25/7/2017

 
Devon Quarryman
Jeremy Doe

The Devon Quarryman was a railtour run by the RPS on the 25th June 1978. It ran from Paddington via Swindon, Westerleigh, Bristol Temple Meads and thence to Exeter.  The train was topped and tailed by 33103 & 33119.  From Exeter it went to Okehampton and then on to Meldon Quarry, Reversing from Meldon to Crediton it then reversed once more to traverse the line to Meeth.  The return route was via the 'Southern' to Bsingstoke and thence to Paddington. Many thanks for these pictures Jeremy - memories are made of this.
Picture
The Devon Quarryman at Okehampton on the 25th June 1978 Copyright Jeremy Doe
Picture
Devon Quarryman Meldon Quarry 25th June 1978 Copyright Jeremy Doe.. Note:- For info the gentleman by the buffer beam in the Meldon Quarry photo is my grandad Rudley Lethbridge, who was a driver on the line based at Torrington until transfer to Reading during the war.
Picture
The Devon Quarryman stands at Barnstable on the 25th June 1978. Copyright Jeremy Doe
Picture
The Devon Quarryman gets to the extremes at Meeth on the 25th June 1978 Copyright Jeremy Doe
Chard Contrasts
Mark Lancaster

I made a short Youtube video last year (All Change at Chard Junction) showing a bit of the level crossing at Chard Junction and the demolition of the milk factory.  Since then I wanted to make a part two to that video,particularly after the final demolition, and this time I'd like to concentrate a bit more on the old railway station at the junction.  

In researching for the new video I discovered some wonderful pictures (and history) on your site and thought they would be really useful in my video.  Naturally, I didn't want to poach them and hence I'm seeking your permission to use some of them.  Assuming I'm given permission, rest assured that any material I do use will be credited to your site in my video details section.  

To give you a flavour of what I'm trying to achieve, along with filming I have recently done I would like to show past and present pictures.  It has proved quite difficult to reproduce the exact camera angels, for a number of reasons.... different photographic equipment, lenses and processing, tree/bush growth, new fences and trying to capture pictures in similar light conditions as in the originals. I have attached some photos of the area I've captured so far.  Two are pictures taken from your site and the others are (to the best of my ability) are taken from the exact same positions.  In fact, the milk factory sidings picture needs to be done again.  I realise that I need to have the camera a foot or so lower and the camera lense brought forward around five foot.  I'm just waiting for the right lighting conditions, then I'll be down there again.

You are more than welcome (if you wish to) to use my images on your site.

I look forward to hearing from you soon... hopefully before I finish editing the video. Kind regards Mark Lancaster.
Well, with permissions obtained, we couldn't refuse could we? Here are his samples. Many thanks Mark
Picture
In the good old days - Chard Junction Milk Factory sidings, note the loco approaching the signalbox. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
Chard Junction Milk Factory Sidings in 2017. A view taken by Mark Lancaster. Copyright.
Picture
A remarkable view from the top of Chard Junction Creamery taken in 1982 Copyright Brian Pibworth
Picture
Wonderful things these drones, in responsible hands that is. Here, Mark carefully positions the flying machine to replicate the location used by Brian Pibworth. This picture in 2017 Copyright Mark Lancaster.
Picture
Chard Junction Creamery Site. A picture taken in July 2017. One wonders what will next occupy this site!! Many thanks to Brian. Copyright Brian Pibworth
Exmouth Junction 
Coal Concentration Depot
Ron Kosys

Picture
Exmouth Junction Coal Concentration Depot 8th July 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
Exmouth Junction Coal Concentration Depot 55026+55000 pass by heading for Exmouth 8th July 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys
50021 Rodney arrives with the Sleeper
Andrew Triggs

Picture
840703e 50021 Rodney arriving with the 23.59 Sleeper from Paddington. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
840703c 08945 MacDuff coupling up to the ECS of the overnight sleeper. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Somerset Levels
John Cornelius
Picture
Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 24th July 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

24/7/2017

 
St Austell Viaduct
Roger Winnen

Picture
St Austell Viaduct photographed through the window of a 21 bus service St Austell to Newquay. 24th July 2017 Copyright Roger Winnen
A couple from
Colin Burges

Colin, a keen cyclist, has been out on his bike, ranging the countryside far and wide. He has sent us a selection to chose from some of these are of railway interest. Of these I've chosen two, many thanks indeed Colin.
Picture
A distant view of Limpley Stoke station taken across the river Avon. This station was the junction for the Cameton branch of Titfield Thunderbolt fame. This charming little station lost its service on the 3rd October 1966 though the line, of course still remains open. Copyright Colin Burges
Picture
Colin's 'chariot' leans against the gate of the entrance to a most unusual dwelling created under the arches of Shoscombe Viaduct on the Somerset and Dorset route. Copyright Colin Burges. N.B. The name of this charming property is 'Sharpmead Arch'. Heading west the S & D continued over the road on a bridge and onto an embankment which has been removed. On top of this embankment stood Shoscombe & Single Hill Halt. This comprised of two platform made of cast concrete sections. There were no structures on the platforms although a booking office and waiting room was situated on the footpath, This station opened 29th September 1929 and closed with the line on the 7th March 1966.
A Mighty Machine 
138 ton Peak at Penzance
Andrew Triggs
Picture
840703d 45134 of Toton with the 09.18 Penzance to Leeds taken on 3rd July 1984. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Exeter Central
Ron Kosys

Picture
37230 Exeter Central 15th April 1988 Exmouth Jn-East Copyright Ron Kosys
37230 approaches Exeter Central with the Exmouth Junction to East Usk empties, although one wagon is still loaded.
This train serviced both Yeovil Junction and Exmouth Junction Coal Concentration Depots and took a circuitous route, dropping off loaded and picking up empty HEA’s as it went....
East Usk – Yeovil Junction – Exmouth Junction – East Usk.
                                           Many thanks Ron
Newton Abbot
John Cornelius

Picture
Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 23rd July 2017                                                                                                        Those added most recently come first

23/7/2017

 
THIS  EVENING
David Tozer

Picture
A super picture of 60163 powering across the low embankment at Cockwood Harbour this evening - 23rd July 2017 Copyright David Tozer .
Truro
Alan Harris
Dear Keith
Mr Vaughan's photo of Truro Shed made me open my file of Truro photos. I have two pictures (attached) which seem to add confirmation that it is indeed Truro, if additional evidence were needed (unlikely).

The first one is a Photomatic Ltd. photo dated 1936 and the 2nd is dated 08/04/1960, photographer unknown. In the 1960 photo, it appears that an "apron" has been added at some stage to the front of the shed extending the under cover area.  Mr Vaughan's photo is interesting as it may be a scarce photo of the rear end of a Dean Goods 0-6-0 tender loco, what do you think?

Kind Regards . Alan  

Many thanks  Alan for sharing your collection with us.
Picture
Truro R & M Depot 1936 Alan Harris Collection Copyright
Picture
Truro Motive Power Depot 8th April 1960 Alan Harris collection, Copyright
Further much appreciated comment from Roy Hart concerning the three Truro Shed photographs, two above and one below,  
The three photographs (1900-1936 and 1960) show that little changed throughout the life of the shed.
In the 1900 photo, the engine appears to be an 'Armstrong'  0-6-0 (like a Dean Goods, but with outside frames). These engines worked in Cornwall for only a short time in the 1900s. Photos of them in the Duchy are rare.
The low building with chimney in the foreground is the sand furnace, where sand for loco sandboxes was dried.
The 1936 photo shows that almost nothing had changed (except for the larger turntable -out of view).
The 1960 shot shows a light-coloured extension at the front of the shed. This was erected in 1959 for diesel servicing.
In the 1900s the allocation of Truro shed was chiefly 4-4-0s of the 3521 class (Falmouth trains and locals) Duke 4-4-0s for main line work and a selection of 0-6-0 saddle tanks.
In the first world war period, 'Aberdare' outside-framed 2-6-0 s were to be found at Truro for freight work.  By the 1920s the 4-4-0s had been replaced by 43XX moguls.
Truro got two brand new 'Halls' in 1928-9 and thereafter there was always a selection of Halls and Granges, plus a dozen 45XX and the usual panniers. Truro suddenly acquired 'superstar' status in the 1950s when two 'Counties' were allocated (1007 and 1023).
As a matter of general interest,  4911 'Bowden Hall', victim of a direct hit at Keyham in April 1941, was a Truro engine at the time.

Roy                                           Many thanks Roy
Truro
Running & Maintenance Depot
Adrian Vaughan
I was recently surprised and honoured to be asked to identify a photograph in the collection of Adrian Vaughan.  After some deliberations and comparison with the 25" to the mile maps I was able to confirm that it is indeed the depot at Truro.  Can anybody date the construction of the depot Adrian asks? 
Picture
The picture is taken from what were allotments on the bank just inside the hedge which borders the main road alongside the old County Hall. Dobbs lane passes across the back of the scene on a high level and the single house seen there can be identifed using Google Earth Street View. This picture courtesy of the Adrian Vaughan Collection.
Picture
From the 25" mile map. Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland. Note the position of the temporary sheds in front of the depot and the house in Dobbs Lane.
​Truro MPD   Additional information courtesy Roy Hart.

Truro  motive power depot was built in 1900. The contractor was Carkeek of Redruth. The work was part of the general rebuilding of Truro station into its present form.
The shed is formed of two wings, which are visible in the picture: a 3-road engine shed on the south side, engine repair shop in the centre and carriage and wagon repairs on the north side. The depot was constructed because of inadequate repair facilities on the Cornish main line, Carn Brea being the only repair shop on the main line west of Plymouth.
Truro shed was also provided with the conventional coal stage/water tank and a turntable (replaced with a longer one for the arrival of 'Halls' in 1928.).
The design of the shed is of the standard 'Dean' layout for straight road sheds.
Truro shed replaced a wooden structure dating from 1859, sited where the car park now stands, north of the station.

                                  Roy                                      Many thanks Roy
THIS AFTERNOON
at YEOVIL JCT
John Cornelius
Picture
This afternoon A4 60009 Union of South Africa arrived at the Yeovil Steam Centre for turning. 23rd July 2017 Copyright John Cornelius
Picture
Having arrived at the Steam Centre the first operation was that of coaling - done with the aid of an elevator. 23rd July 2017 Copyright John Cornelius
Picture
60009 carefully 'inches' on to the turntable at Yeovil Steam Centre. 23rd July 2017 Copyright John Cornelius
Picture
Turned and ready for firther service 60009 leaves the turntable at the Yeovil Steam Centre. 23rd July 2017. Copyright John Cornelius
THIS AFTERNOON
David Tozer
Hi Keith, I finally managed a photograph of 153333 with 143603 (in GWR green) working the 1324 Exmouth - Paignton today just after a shower of rain.
My attempt was foiled yesterday when 143603 failed St David's. This is the second Class 143 to receive the 'green' treatment. The first unit 143620 to be treated has yet to reach the Exeter 'Donkey Sanctuary'.

Regards Dave  Many thanks David, I like the term 'Donkey Sanctuary'
Picture
153333 & 143603 Polsloe bridge 23rd July 2017 Copyright David Tozer
One of my most treasured photographs
Andrew Triggs

Picture
840703f One of my most treasured photos From Right to Left in 50008 Thunderer with the 10.50 for Paddington, 50039 arriving from Exeter St David's, spare in the sidings are 47559 'Sir Joshua Reynolds' 47565 and 50021 'Rodney' Copyright Andrew Triggs
HST + Cement
Ron Westwater
​Hi Keith
A couple of very lucky breaks in the cloud recently.
Best regards. Ron.                 Many thanks Ron.
Picture
Three bridges - an HST crosses the Royal Albert bridge, alongside the road bridge and in the distance Combe by Saltash viaduct during a nice sunny spell. 18th July 2017 Copyright Ron Westwater
Picture
70801 heads under Liskeard Viaduct and up the branch to run round in Liskeard with the 6C36 ThO 11:38 Moorswater-Aberthaw cement .works. 20th July 2017 Copyright Ron Westwater.
Picture
70801 with heads downgrade near Treboul with the 6C36 ThO 11:38 Moorswater-Aberthaw cement works and will shortly pass St Germans. 20th July 2017 Copyright Ron Westwater
Crediton Contrasts
Ron Kosys

​September 5th 1989 was a very clear and sunny day. 155314 operated the 0835 Barnstaple to Exeter Central service. [Was this the only 155 service to Barnstaple at the time??]
 Three days later (8th September) was totally the opposite, very hazy with poor visibility.
MetCam Class 101 P874 was operating a service from Barnstaple
Once 954 had cleared the single line section from Cowley Bridge, P874 was able to continue its journey to Exeter, passing 33065 in the down siding as it did so.
Quite why 33065 had been dumped there I don’t know – it wasn’t there the previous day when I passed by.


Picture
Crediton 155314 rolls in with the 08.35 from Barnstable to Exeter. 5th September 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
Crediton P874 8th September 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys
Picture
Crediton P874 departs for Exeter passing Class 33 33065 in the sidings. 8th September 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys
Black Prince Cranmore
John Cornelius

Picture
Looking grand - Copyright John Cornelius
<<Previous

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011