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Items added on 22nd July 2017 Those added most recently come first

22/7/2017

Class 33 110 Deputises at Bodmin today.
Roger Winnen

Class 37 142 Was scheduled to run the diesel service advertised today, however owing to problems 33110 took over the days train service. This engine has not been a regular on passenger services over the years, manly being used on the permanant way trains. This engine was built in October 1960 by the Birmingham Carriage and Wagon Works for the Southern Region and originally numbered D6527 being a Crompton Sulzer. In 1967 she was one of Nineteen locomotives fitted with Push Pull equipment to work the recently electrified line to Bournemouth, and onwards towards Weymouth which required diesel locomotives for the push pull method.

170722a 33110 enters Bodmin Parkway on the 09.50 service from Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

170722b 33110 Approaching Bodmin General on its second run of the day with the 11.25 from Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

170722c 33110 is seen at Boscarne Junction running around the 12.10 from Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

170722d Activity at Bodmin General as the 33 runs around its train. 37142 is seen in the background. Copyright Roger Winnen

July Five
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, Some pictures from recent days. I have included a couple from an evening shift at St Erth. A rather rare working of the NR Grinder in the Branch siding. It was working on night shifts grinding the points around the station. 57602 is seen waiting departure on the sleepers too.

66085 in the super DB red livery made a welcome visit on 20th working the JIAs. It is seen at Burngullow and St Blazey

Finally I was called out to Chapel farm crossing. The Newquay to Par service is seen in the rural setting - with a strangely European feel to it I think. The town of Newquay is ever expanding with new properties. How long before this area is swallowed up one wonders? Craig Many thanks

The rail grinder stands in the branch siding at St Erth 19th July 2017. Copyright Craig Munday. (Work in progress on the new Park and ride scheme in the background)

From the box on an evening shift at St Erth. 57 602 awaits departure with the up sleeper 19th July 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

66085 emerges from the Parkandillack branch 20th July 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Later 66085 rests at St Blazey 20th July 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Out in the country Chapel Crossing Newquay branch 20th July 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

HST Drag
Andrew Triggs

This morning 1A83 (10.00 Penzance-London Paddington) failed at Penzance (reported as rear power car 43189 shut down and unable to restart) so 57605 'Totnes Castle' was summoned to initially haul the defective set as 5Z77 15.25 to Laira T&RSMD, eventually this departed late at 16.15 from Penzance only as far as Longrock TMD, where the 57 was uncoupled and 43168 (the working power car) dragged the set into No.1 Road at the Depot, As I had popped into the station to buy a ticket, I caught the action first hand. As a light hearted note, I was at Marazion station by 15.20, expecting the RTT reported 15.25 departure, but at 16.15 although it had departed Penzance, as I said it only ran to Longrock TMD...You win some and lose some eh?? All the Best,, Andrew Triggs. Many thanks Andrew

57605 coupled up to the failed 1A83 (43189 having shut down and unable to restart earlier) 21st July 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs

57605 and 43168 from above the Station wall. 21st July 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Cab shots with the associated bar coupling between 43168 & 57605. 21st July 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Exe Valley Observations
John Ball

I remember that seemingly rather spiteful behaviour of Western Region on the line's last day. However, let's remember that the usual trains had been 14xx and one or two coaches, and these would not have been able to cope with the last day crowds.
Also, I remember a Trains Illustrated about 1963 which had a page of photos of the Exe valley and one of these showed a WR Cross-Country set on an Exeter to Dulverton train, not on the last day.
Regards, John Many thanks John

And Going Backwards Karl Hewlett wrote in response to Eric Sharp' entry of yesterday - this is way out of our region but nevertheless extremely interesting, so for a once only here it is. I read Eric Stuart's article requesting information on 'Push Pull, Trains That Went Backwards' and wanted information from CRS readers on any such odd workings, with the mention of the McDuff branch I presume then anywhere in Britain? If that is the case I can add that services on the Tweed Valley Line, from St. Boswells to Tweedmouth were occasionally propelled (backwards), from Tweedmouth to Berwick station so carriage first over the Royal Border Bridge. Not technically in the rule book with passengers on board this was done to save running round again at Berwick especially if it was late running on a then busier ECML, it would only then require one run around at Tweedmouth station on the return before heading back off the ECML and to the Waverley Route station of St. Boswells. This did however depend on the train crew some would insist on running round regardless, there are a few images of this service being propelled usually in the 1960's when the service was just a Mogul 76XXX and a single coach which was either a Gresley, Thompson or BR Mark 1 brake. This service started at St. Boswells, calling at Maxton, Rutherford, Roxburgh (for Jedburgh), Kelso, Sprouston, Carham, Sunilaws, Coldstream (for Wooler, Akeld, Whittingham e.t.c. and Alnwick passenger until 1930), Twizell, Norham, Velvet Hall and Tweedmouth. Sprouston, Carham, Sunilaws, Twizell and Velvet Hall went earlier in 1955 being in the middle of nowhere.
The line had one or two interesting traits, Coldstream is in Scotland but the station was situated on the other side of the river in England not many stations can boost this, there was another border sign on this line rather than the one on the ECML and was near Carham (there were another two on the east coast side of Britain the third at Kershopefoot station on the Waverley route and the forth at Deadwater station on the Riccerton branch). Carham and Sprouston stations were constructed to North Eastern Railway design but were actually in Scotland and the line became a surrogate ECML in 1948, after flooding effected many areas north of Ayton on the proper ECML. The Tweed Valley line closed to Passengers in 1964 under the Beeching Act.
I not sure if Eric wanted only passengers, but the goods service on the Cornhill branch Alnwick to Coldstream was also severed by the 1948 floods and effectively became two lines after a bridge was washed out, the goods services until the early 1950's at least went up to Ilderton station and the consist was propelled the whole way to Alnwick approximately 30 miles! I have seen an image of an ex NER D20 locomotive doing such an act on a goods with an LMS designed full brake and a couple of wagons.
Hope this is of interest. Kind Regards, Karl Hewlett Many thanks

Cowley Bridge
Ron Kosys

This is the follow up to yesterdays News pictures of 47128 shunting at Lapford as 47128 arrives at Cowley Bridge on the 20th June 1984 with an OCA from Lapford to Riverside. Copyright Ron Kosys

Watchet
John Cornelius

Items added on 21st July 2017 Those added most recently come first

21/7/2017

Lucky at Lapford
Ron Kosys

On 20th June 1984 I was en route from Barnstaple for Exeter, following a meeting with a Member of European Parliament who we used to regularly fly out of Bristol, the nearest airport to where he used to live. I just happened to call at Lapford to top-up my very pleasant childhood memories from the 60’s and 70’s. On looking towards to Exeter, there appeared to be a stationary Class 47 two bridges down, where the southern ground frame was. Sitting on the former Ambrosia sidings on the north side of the main road bridge was a solitary OCA, which I presumed had previously brought in a load of bagged UKF fertilizer traffic, the former Ambrosia factory/creamery having become a distribution [agency] depot for UKF . Was the 47 leaving, or had it just arrived? Fortunately it had just arrived light engine to collect the empty wagon which it had to place onto the former down line in order to run round before returning to Exeter. Having run-round, it reversed out to the north to access the former ‘up’ line. A VERY fortunate visit! My almost brand new Vauxhall Astra can be seen in the station car park. Regards Ron Kosys Many thanks indeed for these unique pictures.

47128 arrives at Lapford. We are looking towards Barnstaple. 20th June 1984. Copyright Ron Kosys. Note ordinary goods traffic was withdrawn on the 4th December 1967.

47128 stands at the south ground frame at Lapford The former down platform stood this side of the bridge within the loop. There was no disabled access, the only way to the platform was down a steep flight of steps originating from the bricked up aperture one can see on the bridge walls. A hut on the platform, manned as required, served as a booking office. Up services were catered for on the 'still remaining' platform on the far side of the bridge.. 20th June 1984 Copyright Ron Kosys

47128 propels the OCA out under the bridge at the Barnstaple end of the station and runs into the up platform ready to depart for Exeter, 20th June 1984 Copyright Ron Kosys

47128 stands at Lapford up platform ready to depart for Exeter. 20th June 1984 Copyright Ron Kosys

The nest one in this series of unique pictures appears tomorrow.

Exe Valley Steam?
Eric Stuart

I enjoy using your website and viewing the many excellent items.

May I be allowed to comment on your Exe Valley item?

Some pictures are captioned about the 'diesel era' on theExe Valley. My understanding is that the diesel era lasted one day - the last day*.

For some strange reason, the WR trained the loco crews on diesels (even though I expect some left the railway service on closure) and operated the last day only with Class 22 haulage, not steam. This seems a weird and nasty thing to do, as many people must have come to "pay their last respects" and found steam gone.

I think the 3 and more coach trains were only run for the last day. Normally, one or two Autotrailers sufficed, although I have seen photos of an 'illegal' train with three Autotrailers being pushed, which was officially forbidden.

*As I understand it, latterly, only one round trip a day was by dmu, otherwise the line being a steam stronghold.

Sincerely, Eric Stuart Any comments or information please!

Furthermore It so happens that I am currently writing two articles: one on Trains That Went Backwards and the other a review of steam Push-Pull/Autotrains. It's surprising how little seems to be 'out there'. The fact is that any engineman who worked such trains is probably at least in his mid-70s now, so you can see that dipping into the 'collective memory' is getting problematic.

The Backwards train article is about such things as gravity shunting, that went on at such places as Yelverton, Maiden Newton, Helston and Banff in Scotland. The Cornish website has helped me somewhat, but, again, memories are rare!

if you get any 'gen' from any of your members, or if you could put out a request for any recolections of gravity shunting or Autotrain workings, that would be appreciated.

After all, much of our hobby is from folk sharing their recollections and passing them on; Again, can you help please. Eric Stuart

Sir Piranius
at Southampton
John Cornelius

A lot more Southampton pictures to appear next month.

Items added on 20th July 2017 Those added most recently come first

20/7/2017

Yeovil
Pen Mill Shed
Colin Burges & Roger Winnen

The view from the road bridge just south of Yeovil Pen Mill station. A Weymouth bound train leaves. The formation of the line to Yeovil Town was off to the extreme right. Also to the right one can see the sleepers of the track which led into Yeovil Pen Mill shed. Copyright Roger Winnen N.B. More of Rogers pictures in the Castle Cary - Weymouth section.

Yeovil Pen Mill Shed remains of in 8th July 2017 Copyright Colin Burges

To see a short article concerning a visit to the shed site made by Colin Burgess please go to our 'Features Mid May to December 2017', and scroll down.

Lightning on the Limited
Roy Hart

Until the mid-1960s the up 'Limited' ran non-stop from Gwinear Road to Truro. Here, 70019 Lighning raises the echoes through Camborne.
Notice the complicated pointwork leading to the yard. The down platform (where the photographer was standing) was exceedingly short and most down trains had to draw up twice. The up platform was also short, but was lengthened in 1937, necessitating the loss of the former up sidings.
On the left, the 'mineral' is on the up refuge siding.
Copyright Roy Hart

Lapford
Ron Kosys

P870 runs into Lapford on the 16th September 1990 Copyright Ron Kosys

Penwithers, Truro
Craig Munday

Penwithers I took one shot as 150127 approached Penwithers Junction with the County Hall in the backnd brightly lit against a brooding sky over the Roseland. 16th July 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Athelney
John Cornelius

A super study of the signalbox at Athelney where John Cornelius was one of the signalmen. The picture is also of great interest as it features 50 042 Triumph which still exists and is based here in Cornwall on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 19th July 2017 Those added most recently come first

19/7/2017

Cowley Bridge
Ron Kosys

Cowley Bridge, how this scen has changed over the years, the trackwork is much simpler, no signalbox, yet the 'Tudor timbering; of the Pub lends charm. 47094 at Cowley Bridge 4th May 1990, with the Fawley to Tavistock Junction tanks. Copyright Ron Kosys

Cranmore
John Cornelius

Items added on 18th July 2017 Those added most recently come first

18/7/2017

A Golden Oldie
Redruth
Alan Harris

I believe the photo was taken c1900 and is of an 0-4-2 loco Class 517 built by the GWR at Wolverhampton between 1868 and 1885., designed by George Armstrong. Note the loco appears to be pushing its auto coach along the up line. Many thanks to Alan Harris for this picture from his collection.

Southampton '88
Michael Forward

A nice cheerful livery as 50017 ‘Royal Oak’ approaches with the 11.59 service from Portsmouth to Plymouth.A ‘proper’ train with lots of comfy accommodation and good views from the windows! 26th May 1988 Copyright Michael Forward. - Many thanks to Michael for the two pictures he sent for our Southampton section to appear next month.

St Michaels Mount
Underground Railway
Roger Winnen

What lies beyond the doors seen below? The answer is the 'Dreckly Express' please click this link to find an excellent collection of pictures ;www.hows.org.uk/personal/rail/stm.htm

Beynd these doors lies the St Michael's Mount Underground Railway. 18th April 2014. Copyright Roger Winnen

View from St Michaels Mount on the 18th April 2014. Copyright Roger Winnen. N,B, St Michael s Mount is owned by the National Trust is open to the public on certain days - see their website. An experience of a lifetime!! All you will see of the railway are unfortunately the quayside rails.

Dainton Bank
Ron Kosys

47186 drops down the bank from Dainton tuinnel on the 2nd September 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys

Eggesford Diagram
Graham Bowden

Eggesford Signal Box Track Diagram taken on a visit on the 13th July 1986 Copyright Graham Bowden

Washford
John Cornelius

Items added on 17th July 2017 Those added most recently come first

17/7/2017

IEP Hitachi 5 Car unit 80001 on a Return Run from North Pole LEP to Plymouth
Roger Winnen

80001 Arrived at Plymouth this morning at 11.53 after leaving North Pole Depot at 08.22, passing Taunton at 10.25 Exeter 10.49 and arriving into Plymouth 24 mins early. It returned soon afterwards following the Cross Country 12.25 HST service to Glasgow.
I greatly appreciated David Tozers constant imformation of updating me of the ongoing running of this train.

170717a 80001 Arrives at Plymouth Station from North Pole Lep Depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

170717b This unit had bare interiors, no seats when viewed through the carriage window. Copyright Roger Winnen

170717c A comparison between an HST 40 years old which I travelled to Newton Abbot on and the latest Hitachi IEP at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

170717d Arriving at Newton Abbot I had very little time to cross over to the other platform to photograph the approaching 80001. Copyright Roger Winnen

170717e 80001 Going away passing the Tuckers Maltings. Copyright Roger Winnen

South West Trains 158 unit returns from Brush at Loughborough
Roger Winnen

South West Trains 158885 returned from a visit at Brush Works this afternoon after a roundabout journey from Loughborough. Departure from Loughborough was via Syston Junction, Leicester, Nuneaton, Water Orton. The Birmingham Avoiding Line (Camp Hill), Kings Norton, Cheltenham, Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter St David's, Yeovil Junction to Salisbury
I express my thanks again to David Tozer for keeping us informed

170717f 158885 Runs through Exeter St David's on route from Brush at Loughborough to Salisbury. Copyright Roger Winnen

170717g Looking very smart after a works visit at Loughborough. Copyright Roger Winnen

The former platform at Exmouth Station
David Tozer

170715a 153333 & 143621 arrive at Exmouth. Copyright David Tozer

170715b Part of the old Exmouth Station with the side that you don't see which once had four platforms. Copyright David Tozer

The next section to be covered focuses on SOUTHAMPTON - if you have any, preferably old pictures from Northam through Central out to Millbrook and also of activity at the long gone terminus and in the Docks we'd be pleased to put them on the website. Entries before the end of July please.

Up Postal
Marazion Marsh
Roy Hart

The up 'Postal' hauled by a 'Grange' crosses Marazion marsh. This stretch of line frm Marazion to St Erth was only doubled in 1929. The long carriage sidings on either side of the line were laid as part of the general improvements in the Penzance area in the 1930s. The postal was a crack train and signalmen had to report even a momentary signal check to control.. Copyright Roy Hart.

Cockwood Harbour
Ron Kosys

Cockwood Harbour. P825 A hybrid unit, common at that time passes Cockwood Harbour on the 3rd May 1991 Copyright Ron Cosys.

Cornish funicular
Roger Winnen

Sennen Railway taken from a vintage bus Running Day 17th April 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

If you are in Cornwall and visiting Sennen Cove on an open-top bus instead of enjoying the superb view of the sea for a moment look inland at the properties climbing the steep hill. A sharp eye will pick out this unusual and very steep railway. This is short 69cm - 2'3" gauge line used for the transfer of a wheelie bin from house to street level. More pictures can be found on:-
www.swehs.co.uk/swehs-trams/xx15h.html

Ilminster
Mike Morant

Collett 5700 class 0-6-0PT no. 4622 departs from Ilminster with a Taunton to Chard service on 18/8/62. 4622 was a Taunton based loco from January 1962 until January 1964. [Mike Morant collection]

Double Header at
Dawlish Warren
John Cornelius

Looking superb - Copyright John Cornelius

Please note that the Tramways and Light Railways section has been split into two. There are now separate sections on Industrial and on Pleasure items.

Items added on 16th July 2017 Those added most recently come first

16/7/2017

Middleway Crossing
Ron Kosys

Former ‘Town car’ 55009 approaches Middleway Crossing with a train from Newquay on a very changeable 10th February 1988, still carrying it’s ‘West Midlands’ logo. Tyseley had an allocation of ‘Bubbles’ for the Stourbridge shuttle, as well as strengthening various other services around the West Midlands network. The very frequent Stourbridge shuttle operated (and obviously still does....) between Stourbridge Junction and Stourbridge TOWN by a Class 121 bubble CAR, hence it was known by those in the Midlands rail industry as the ‘town car’. The term is still used today even though it is now successfully operated by a Parry People Mover, prior to which it was operated by a Class 153 single unit. Copyright Ron Kosys

Westbury
Mike Morant

RCTS: Wessex Wyvern 8/7/56. Churchward 4300 class mogul no. 6372 hauled just the one leg of this tour from Weymouth to Andover Junction via Westbury where this shot was taken. 6372 was a Taunton allocated engine throughout the BR years and was withdrawn from there in December 1963. [Mike Morant collection]

Yeovil Junction
John Cornelius

Items added on 15th July 2017 Those added most recently come first

15/7/2017

Weymouth Wizard
Colin Burges

0906 Bristol T.M. - Weymouth, The Weymouth Wizard, passing Thornford 8th July 2017 Copyright Colin Burges. It's his bike on platform

Last year S.W. Trains offered very cheap fares on their newly introduced 0750 Waterloo - Weymouth, via Yeovil Junction. This was booked to depart Pen Mill at 1033, with the 0906 following at 1053, as tight a path as was possible. Twice in my experience a loaded HST was delayed at Pen Mill by the late running Waterloo and I studied the station furniture while imagining the progress of the train ahead along the line to Maiden Newton.

The Waterloo service is not running this year. It was rumoured that the "Wizard" would not run; if the HSTs are transferred, this may be its last year. The train is interesting, not least because of its route. It has a holiday atmosphere; even the crew are going to the beach it seems and the same faces are seen on the return working. First is declassified. If you ride in the vestibule, as I do, then you have to open the doors for people who are looking for the button to press.

Guards must check every door and see that no one is hiding in the TGS at every unstaffed station. One regular man, a friendly chap with a gammy leg, looked exhausted when the 1728 Weymouth rolled in at Cary last Saturday and he frantically herded his connecting passengers onto the late running 1706 Padd, not helped by having only three cars of his train platformed.

One unusual duty the guard has before leaving Temple Meads is to check the formation to see that all trailers have short swing link suspension. There is a danger that long swing links, which I think were originally fitted, will foul the third rail.

Yes, that's my bike on the platform at Thornford. I caught the following stopper as far as Yetminster, thus ticking off two more stations in Dorset.

With best wishes, Colin Many thanks Colin, most interesting.

The Point Lever
Colin Burges

The East Cornwall Minerals Railway Incline. Picture from the Alan Harris Collection

Colin Burges writes :- The points lever at the foot of the Calstock incline is of the "Tumbler" or "Turk's Head" variety, once common on industrial and mineral railways. The short handle had a large weight attached to it, shaped as the nickname suggests. Picking it up and allowing it to fall to the opposite side reversed the points, which were then held in position by the weight.

The familiar handpoint lever of the national system, whether cranked or straight, has a patent spring mechanism which allows the lever to return to the same position after each pull, and the points can be "trailed," thrown by the wheels in the trailing direction, without the lever moving.

If it were possible to trail points attached to a tumbler lever, that is if the mechanism would stand it, the weight would be quickly somersaulted and no doubt over the years someone unthinkingly standing too close sustained injury.

The only one remaining that I know of is in the bushes on the former paper mill siding at Silverton. Many thanks indeed Colin

Truro
Roy Hart

5058 Earl of Clancarty takes a fill at Truro down platform. Built in 1937 and originally 'Newport Castle' the engine was a westcountry fixture -shedded at Newton Abbot or Laira for almost its entire life until 1961. Both water columns (Truro had no less than 7) and gas lamps are forgotten now! Copyright Roy Hart.

Water Water everywhere...nor any drop to drink!
A list of Water Columns at Truro

1. End of down platform
2. Penzance end of island platform
3. London end of up platform
4. Up goods line (near East box)
5. Down goods line (near west box)
6. Near turntable, on engine line
7. At engine shed

Many thanks to Roy Hart for this list

Par
Ron Kosys

Ron Kosys writes - 50043 Eagle arrving at Par on the 10th February 1988 - a TOTALLY dull and dismal day, This was taken before the trees took the place over completely. The vans at the head of the train could have been attached at Tavistock Junction for bagged clays of various descriptions or could even have been worked through from Heathfield carrying Ambrosia products. At this time, Ambrosia moved some of their output via the Speedlink network. This was roaded to Heathfield where it was loaded into vans. These vans were normally worked through to St Blazey (rather dropped off at Tavistock Junction) as the next train on this loco diagram was the 6B43 1505 St Blazey to Gloucester – and this saved reattaching the same traffic as it called at Tavistock Junction en route to Gloucester. Shame all this traffic was lost forever. Copyright Ron Kosys

West Pennard
Mike Morant

Nice to see another new, to us, scene on the Somerset and Dorset.
Many thanks Mike,

Collett 2251 class 0-6-0 no. 3216 departs from West Pennard with a Highbridge to Templecombe stopping train on 18/8/62. 3216 had been transferred from 85A Worcester to the S & D in October 1960 and would remain an 82G Templecombe engine until withdrawal in December 1963. [Mike Morant collection]

Taunton
John Cornelius

John Cornelius

Items added on 14th July 2017 Those added most recently come first

14/7/2017

66775 Argyll Report
Paul Burkhalter

As featured on Wedneday, GBRf loco 66775 was named “HMS Argyle” at a ceremony in Devonport Dockyard (or more precisely: HMS Drake). The Herald covered the story here:
http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sailors-celebrate-as-train-named-in-honour-of-plymouth-warship-hms-argyll/story-30434752-detail/story.html
The naming was done at the south end of the Drake Platform, a short distance down the branch. If I can get any other photo’s from MoD PRO I will pass them on.
Cheers,
Paul Burkhalter Many thanks to Paul for forwarding this link.

Carn Brea Yard 2
Roy Hart

Pioneer 'County' 1000 COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX ( a Laira engine at the time) takes an express through CBY, while an 84XX pannier lurks in the yard.
On the skyline, from left to right: The old 'Count House' of Carn Brea mine; the large water tank, surmounting a granite coal stage, of the former engine shed; the WCR engine and wagon workshops,( trackless by this time) then comes the roof of the old WCR Superintendent's house. The pillar water tank serves both the main line and the Portreath branch, where container wagons are stabled. Top right is the engine house of Highburrow East shaft, Carn Brea Mine. This housed the massive 90-inch beam engine which ceased work when the mine closed in 1914. It was purchased by East Pool mine and brought into use at their Taylor's shaft, in 1924. Today it is in the care of the National Trust. Note the line of telegraph poles -a forgotten railway feature.
Today, with the exception of the double track and a short retaining wall on the left, every single man-made feature here has disappeared .Many thanks Roy.

Newton Abbot
Ron Kosys

Ron writes :- Possibly my favourite SouthWest tripper of all time...

37280 waits to come off the Heathfield branch at Newton Abbot with the Heathfield tripper 4th May 1989, that was booked to run through to St Blazey via a stop at Tavistock Junction.
6C58 was booked to leave Heathfield at 1045 although it invariably ran early. The usual load ex Heathfield was one ECC Tiger of ball clay per day,so it made a change to see it with two. The two tanks on the rear would have been collected from the Newton Abbot Clays siding, which you could easily photograph off the Newton Road bridge. I’ll send you some in due course...

So, 37280 is waiting time to run through Newton Abbot station, next stop Tavistock Junction, where it will almost certainly pick up a lot more traffic, most of which was associated with the clay industry.

A very well lit scene. 37280 Newton Abbot Heathfield-St Blazeyrew Copyright Ron Kosys

Clapham Museum
Mike Morant

Two headboards relevant to Cornwall on display at the erstwhile Museum of British Transport at Clapham in South London photographed in 1969. [Mike Morant]

Oath
John Cornelius

Items added on 13th July 2017 Those added most recently come first

13/7/2017

57605 Totnes Castle
Driver Training duties
Andrew Triggs

On Wednesday 12th July, 2017 57605 Totnes Castle was booked for driver training duties to depart Long Rock at 11.00 for a return run to Par and due back at 13.30 hrs. Andrew Triggs captures the scene.

170712a Departing Long Rock Depot TMD at 11.05 (5 mins), clagging nicely in the sun. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170712b Passing Marazion Station on a glorious day. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170712c The return working from Par passing the former Mexico Crossing, Long Rock at 13.28. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Carn Brea Yard 1
Roy Hart

Carn Brea Yard. Copyright Roy Hart.

An 84XX class pannier tank at Carn Brea Yard. These engines came brand new to Truro and Penzance sheds in 1950-51, replacing antique panniers which went for scrap.
At PZ they were station pilots, but at Truro they had more general duties. They were limited because of their weight (they were 'red' engines -same as a Castle or Hall) so were confined to yard duties, the Falmouth branch, or the main line. Here, the train is the daily 'mineral'. Notice the hoist for an oil lamp in the yard. Cattle wagons stand in number 1 siding: these were whitewashed inside and used for seasonal broccoli (cauliflower) traffic. Out of season they were to be found stabled on quiet backwaters like the Portreath branch stub at Carn Brea.

For a 25" to the mile map of the area please click below:- It's well worth exploring around the area as well - a lot of interest.

http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=17&lat=50.2257&lon=-5.2587&layers=168&b=1

Calstock Incline
Alan Harris

Attached is a photo of Calstock Incline which I obtained recently. I don't think the photo is particularly rare, but I've been trying to work out what the object is in the lower centre. It looks to me to be similar to an Hornby Dublo point lever! But it would probably take the world's strongest man to operate it! Any ideas? Regards Alan Harris. Many thanks Alan

Calstock Incline. From the Alan Harris Collection N.B. As in many old photographs the camera is a novelty and seven men and horse pose for the photograph. In the background a wagon is approaching down the incline. One wonders what would have happen had the haulage rope snapped! Also note the 'Hornby Dublo point lever' What was this for?

You will find it well worth your while if you visit the 25" to the mile map available below.The map which is pre 1908 shows the E.C.M.R. to its full extent, follow it up the incline and on to Kelly Bary and see the various quarries and sidings. You will also notice various earthworks having been commenced for the standard gauge branch line. The piers of the Calstock viaduct are incomplete as is the formation leading to it. Click below for the map.

http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=19&lat=50.4985&lon=-4.2170&layers=168&b=1

Teignmouth
Ron Kosys

Just having left Teignmouth behind 47097 skirts the banks of the river Teign. Opposite lies Shaldon. The train is the 0840 SO Liverpool-Paignton 25th June 1986 Copyright Ron Kosys

Weston Super Mare
Mike Morant

The prototype HST unit no. 252 001 at Weston-super-Mare General station in August 1975. [Mike Morant collection]

Exeter SD
John Cornelius

Great picture of 47461 on the site taken by John on which I remember was a Saturday in June 1986. As a 17 year old, I and my friend Andrew Hill (now working at Laira) would get a Day Rover. I think on this day we had gone from Paignton to Exeter behind a peak, and waited for this service coming in to take us back to Plymouth. We never believed it would be a Scotrail 47, let alone an Inverness one in Scotrail blue. Scotrail livery was rare down this way, and this was the Newcastle to Plymouth service which the loco worked as far as Plymouth I recall, before being changed. The loco afterwards became a bit of a favourite of mine, and it was therefore a shame that the loco, still in this livery, was damaged in a shunting accident at Liverpool Lime Street in 1990, and was subsequently scrapped.

Chris Finan.

860628a A coincidence to John Cornelious photograph of 47461 Charles Rennie Mackintosh at Exeter St David's. Here it is seen departing Bristol Temple Meads at 15.45 hrs on the same day. The Cornwall Railway Society visited the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore by Mini Bus, then Whatly Quarry, Pensford and Keynsham before spending and hour at Bristol Temple Meads before going onto Bedminster, Yatton, Tiverton Parkway and finally the closed station of Tiverton Junction before returning home to Cornwall. Copyright Roger Winnen

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