Blog Archives

20th July 2019

20/7/2019

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

This is the last of a sequence of photographs taken while Richard was working at Exmouth Junction Shed in the 1950's and early 60s. If you want to see the complete collection click here and scroll down to Exmouth Junction Shed,

EXJct15 35015, Rotterdam Lloyd and 35022 Holland America line at Exmouth Jct. 9th September 19.62 Copyright Richard Murrin

Steam at
Swindon
Guy Vincent

Viewers will recall the Guy made a special visit to Swindon on the 17th July to view the HST Power Car on it journey from Laira to York for preservation.
Three pictures follow also taken during his visit. Many thanks Guy.

GWR 7821 'Ditcheat Manor' 17th July 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

7821 'Ditcheat Manor' Nameplate 17th July 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Outside Steam Museum - the traverser - complete with a restored GWR six plank 10 ton mineral wagon. 17th July 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent.

On your bike
Marland & Dawlish
Clive Burges

Colin, our intrepid friend, owner of the Exeter and Teign Valley Complex at Christow is a very fit 'youngish' gentleman and also a keen cyclist.

Dear Keith, Taking advantage of the Sundays-only trains, I caught the 1108 St. David's to Okehampton last weekend and headed north from there to Barnstaple, 40 miles.
On the N.D. & C.J. Light, which is now a path between Meeth and Torrington, I passed the entrance to the former North Devon Clays' private siding at Marland, which anyone could be forgiven for missing.

On the N.D. & C.J. Light, which is now a path between Meeth and Torrington, I passed the entrance to the former North Devon Clays' private siding at Marland, which anyone could be forgiven for missing. 14th July 2019. Copyright Colin Burges.

The private siding diverged to the left. My bike is leaning against one of the very large concrete gate posts, covered in ivy. At this spot 37 years before, I had jumped down from the Class 31 sent to collect empty "Clayliner" trucks which were not to be loaded, the rail traffic having been lost; it had been decided not to use the air-braked bogie hoppers as these required special loading facilities.

Even less likely to be seen in passing are the rail posts which must once have carried a sign proclaiming "North Devon Clays" to train passengers.

Now down to Dawlish to inspect the works there.

At Dawlish, work has started on the new sea wall which will profoundly change King's Walk. One B.A.M. man is driving the swing shovel while five look on. The work, which is being done under the powers granted in the South Devon Railway Act, will be suspended for the school summer holiday. 14th July 2019. Copyright Colin Burges

It should be remembered that this wall is not the original and problems developed on the beach after it was built in 1902, the year Edward VII was crowned king, hence the name. The wall was built without a wave return curve because of the sand cover. However, the wall being further out caused wave rebound to scour the sand, meaning that even a mild sea will throw up spray over the promenade and tracks at high tide. The wall was part of the doubling of the line between here and Parson's Tunnel (incl.), completed in 1905. The spring tide meant that when I got to Starcross for the ferry, the 1310 sailing was cancelled due to low water. 14th July 2019. Copyright Colin Burges.

The publicity concerning the work on the wall is headed 'The vital artery to the South West'. One feels that Colin Burges who took the picture and owns the infamous bicycle would wish to express that there could be alternative routes for this traffic, 14th July 2019, Colin Burges.

Many thanks for your article Colin - I only wish I was young and fit again!! KJ.

19th July 2019

19/7/2019

60s at Cardiff
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are well ,lovely pictures on the site ,as ever.
Your picture of D1058 at Long Rock brought back memories as the path from which you took your picture was very close to my great Aunt Annie’s cottage.(I cannot remember her surname)I used to be taken there as a boy and,as usual, was told to sit still and not ask for anything!
When I heard a whistle for Long Rock crossing I WAS allowed to run out onto that path and was always thrilled to see the trains as they stormed by. Thanks and best wishes, Michael. Many thanks to you.

Back to earth now and I send the first of two pictures taken at Cardiff on 5 May 1992,showing 60020 ‘Great Whernside’ on iron ore wagons to Llanwern. Copyright Michael Forward

Roger, later on the same day 60034 ‘Carnedd Llewellyn ‘returns to Port Talbot with empties.Once an everyday scene but something else that has gone.
Thanks for dealing with these.
Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Due to move today - 19th July 2019
Swindon
Guy Vincent

43002 Swindon 17th July 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

43002 Swindon - Mrs. Vincent looks on enjoying a close up and detailed view,. 17th July 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Swindon HST Nameplates 17th July 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent

More of the collection of former hST nameplates in the 'Steam' Museum at Swindon. 17th July 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks to Guy & Mrs. Vincent for this record of their visit to Steam at Swindon.

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

This is the penultimate view of the collection of pictures taken while Richard was employed at Exmouth junction Shed.

EXJct14 Schools Class 30903 Charterhouse at Exmouth Junction Shed.10th June 1962 Copyright Richard Murrin

Far too good to miss
TOPS
Colin Burges

My apologies to Colin, he sent me the following extremely interesting note together with invaluable links to fascinating material early in June. Somehow I missed it. Many thanks for your reminder Colin - the material is too good to miss.

Dear Keith,

As an avid viewer of British Transport Films' work, I have often wondered whether the one I saw being made would ever come to light. I can still well remember the morning the film crew arrived unannounced and set up their bulky cameras and lamps to shoot a scene for a documentary following a consignment from Truro. It must have been one of the last productions as the unit was disbanded in 1982, although the occasional film was made thereafter.

Only yesterday, 41 years later, I saw "Using TOPS" for the first time. The 25 seconds of what was shot at Exeter Riverside that morning (actually, the crew was still at work when I went off duty at 1400), concluding with the train leaving the yard, can be seen from 11m. 47s. Arthur Harris is on the phone in the East ("Top") End Chargeman's cabin. I remember him rolling up his trouser leg to show us his wound, sustained in Italy: "All of us caught one and the Captain was killed." Receiving his call in the TOPS Office is Clerical Officer Stefan Wasniowski, who left B.R. with me in 1995. His father had come over with the Polish air force at the start of the war. "Charlie" is "B" Supervisor Charlie Holmes. Unusually, he left the railway not long afterwards. He had a knack for organization and would put down the phone after effortlessly arranging the day's trip working to talk about the next dance he was putting on. I made posters for one of these and was rewarded with his 1890 G.W.R. rule book, with its special provisions for working west of Exeter.

The director told me to keep my back to the camera because I was too pretty. I expect the instruction would be the same today, but for a different reason. In fact, I don't appear at all. But I was there.

The film depicts a vanished world, not least at Truro and St. Blazey. I wonder if any faces in the Cornish scenes can be identified by your members.

"Using TOPS" can be watched on the B.F.I. page:

https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-using-tops-1978-online

This one has some comments, many of them deriding the railway operation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-yY8nRu3RA&t=757s

Who'd have thought in 1978 that one day anyone would be able to shoot a film in high definition using a phone and post it instanter on the worldwide cesspit?

Cheers, Colin. Many thanks indeed Colin

18th July 2019

18/7/2019

The icon of Speed
Guy Vincent

'Icon Of Speed' with an impeccable history of reliability for over 40 years, first-built class 43 HST power car 43002 arrived at the former GWR railway works site during the evening of July 16th, having been brought from Laira depot on a low-loader. It is due to remain here until Friday 19th when it will be taken north to it's final destination, the Great Hall of the National Railway Museum in York for a well-earned retirement. This power car epitomises the principle of 'Safety with Speed to the West' which was the aim of the old GWR for many years. It was a pleasure to travel up to Swindon to see this loco sitting outside the STEAM museum with the new class 800s passing every few minutes on the main line beyond the works.

Guy V (second set to follow) - We look forward to this - many thanks indeed.

The 'Icon of Speed' stands outside 'Steam' at Swindon. 17th July 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent.

What a wonderful photograph - Guy Vincent views 253001. 17th July 2019. Copyright.

Standing alone at Swindon. 17th July 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent.

A last look for today outside the birthplace of many famous locomotives - Swindon. 17th July 2019. Copyright.

Many thanks to Guy for these exclusive views.

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

Many thanks to Richard for the 13th in his series of 15 pictures taken in the Exmouth Junction area.

EXJct13 T9 30715 waiting to go for scrap at Exmouth Junction Shed. Copyright Richard Murrin 13th June 1961 -

17th July 2019

17/7/2019

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

The twelfth in the series of pictures taken in the Exmouth Junction shed area. Many thanks Richard.

EXJct12 An Adams 02 30200 at Exmouth Junction. 18th March 1961 Copyright Richard Murrin

Westerns in West Cornwall 1976
Roger Winnen

760626a D1001 Western Pathfinder at the stabling point in Penzance Station yard on 26th June 1976.. Copyright Roger Winnen

760702a D1048 Western Lady departs Penzance with the 18.00 Penzance to Leeds service on 2nd July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

760703a D1022 Western Sentinel approaches Hayle on 3rd July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

760722a D1058 Western Nobleman coming onto the single line at Long Rock working the 17.45 Plymouth-Penzance on 22nd July 1976.. Copyright Roger Winnen

760722b D1005 Western Venturer approaches the terminus with St Michaels Mount in the background. Photograph taken 22nd July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

Swindon -Bristol Parkway
Leslie Curnow

Good Morning Roger
Monday 15th July 2019 was the intended last day of my three day Rover ticket was meant to be Eastleigh but missed the connection at Westbury due an additional stop at Caste Carey to collect a lot of youngsters from a music festival.
The train the 1A79 06:45 Penzance to Paddington arrived already almost full at Castle Carey only to find the platform packed with youngsters with their back packs.
After a lengthy attempt to board them in the corridors and right up to the doors ( becoming a Sardine train) left 7 late and arrived into Westbury 13 late. It left there 21 late dealing with the overcrowding.
Connection missed to Southampton Plan B was a trip to Swindon and back via Bristol Parkway.
A couple of Photos below from these locations.
One interesting site was a class 37 37884 hauling a class 313 EMU from Hornsey EMUD to Newport for scrapping at Sims Group Metal. Videoed but not photographed.
The modern theme of Swindon with no HST only IET is now very apparent also the Class 165 & 166 DMUs also taken over suburban work .
A Class 66 66618 of the 66/6 series with modified gear ratios came through hauling concrete sleepers Also another of the same series 66623 in the new Freightliner Livery on a Willesden to Stoke Gifford empty ballast wagon train and was photographed at Stoke Gifford depot on the way back.
Plan B worked to be a good day .

A Class 66 66618 of the 66/6 series with modified gear ratios came through hauling concrete sleepers. Copyright Leslie Curnow

The modern theme of Swindon with no HST only IET is now very apparent. Copyright Leslie Curnow

The Class 165 & 166 DMUs also taken over suburban work. Copyright Leslie Curnow.

Also another Class 66 of the same series 66623 in the new Freightliner Livery on a Willesden to Stoke Gifford empty ballast wagon train and was photographed at Stoke Gifford depot on the way back.
Plan B worked to be a good day .

Thanks Leslie

43175 Edinburgh Waverley
David Critchlow Mick House

I had an Email with photos from one of our distant members (David Critchblow) and thought it would be worth putting on the website as it does apply as one of our old friends 43175 even though it has emigrated to the far North. The Email reads!
Less than a year after Craig captured it at Goonbarrow 43175 and its coaches are rebranded and upgraded. Sorry about the lack of sun- typical Scottish weather as we were caught on fairly infrequent rail visits to Edinburgh (my local large town-approx 90 mins by car! The largest town within 40 minutes drive has a population simular to Launceston).
All the best Dave Critchlow (member 1903)

Further pictures are taken at Truro and Edinburgh Craigentinny

43175 at Waverley station 13/06/2019. Copyright David Critchlow.

Scottish branding on coaches of the HST set at Waverley station 13/06/20 19. Copyright David Critchlow.

Scottish branding on bin. 13/06/2019. Copyright David Critchlow.

Door controls. 13/06/2019. Copyright David Critchlow.

Then at Truro 06-04-2018. Copyright Mick House.

Now at Craqigentinny out shopped in its new Scottish livery. Copyright David Critchlow.

Many Thanks David.

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

The eleventh in the series of pictures taken in the Exmouth Junction shed area. Many thanks Richard.

EXJct11 LMS Ivatt tank 41299 at Exmouth Junction Shed. Taken on the 22nd October 1961. Copyright Richard Murrin

Non stop.
Paddington to Penzance
Peter Dale

Peter brings us a nostalgic picture of D1010 at Penzance after its epic non-stop run. This was the first ever non-stop run from London to Penzance, and likely to be the only one ever. Records show that the train was reduced to an extremely slow crawl as it approached the Royal Albert bridge - this was due to a late running up service - an anxious moment for all on board! D1010 lives on - it is currently based on the West Somerset Railway. Many thanks to Peter Dale for this one from his collection.

First non-stop Paddington-Penzance. The journey took 5hr 11min. The locomotive D1010 Western Campaigner. 7th May 1966 Copyright Peter Dale

The
'Chopper Topper'
Clive Smith

(1) 20054 & 20011 stand at Plymouth on the 8th June 1986 with F & W's 'Chopper Topper' railtour 05.10 Wolverhampton - Penzance, although the tour actually went to Falmouth but not with the 20s ! They did go to Penzance albeit light engine. Confused ? Please visit the Railtours section of this site and click on 'Diesel Railtours In Cornwall And Devon 1960 to 1989' for more pictures and to find out what happened that day.

(2) 20011 & 20054 burst out of Mutley Tunnel in Plymouth on the 8th June 1986 with the return 'Chopper Topper' to Wolverhampton. A rerun took place on the 31st August 1986.

Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks to you Clive - memories!

Picture (1) - the outward run. The Chopper Topper at Plymouth. 8th June 1986 Copyright Clive Smith

Picture (2) The Chopper Topper emerges from Mutley tunnel on the return run. 8th June 1986. Copyright Clive Smith.

Portishead branch
Peter Maliphant

Dear All,
At our meeting last week, we reviewed all the latest news and the detailed plan looking forward to the line reopening in late 2023 or thereabouts.

There are three documents that you might be interested in reading:

My presentation summarising the news and forward plan is here:
https://www.portisheadrailwaygroup.org/The%20Next%20Four%20Years.pdf
The minutes from the meeting, covering parts of the presentation and Q&A, are here:
https://www.portisheadrailwaygroup.org/PRG%20152%20-%20members%20meeting%20minutes.pdf

The full briefing by North Somerset Council, with masses of information about the DCO, is here:
http://apps.n-somerset.gov.uk/cairo/docs/doc29672.pdf

If you have any questions or comments, please do email them to me and we’ll answer as best we can.

Regards, Peter.

Peter Maliphant, Membership Secretary, Portishead Railway Group

15th July 2019

15/7/2019

The Tavistock Vintage Bus Running Day
'A day out in the late 1960s'
Roger Winnen

A very interesting programme of tours were planned for this day with ten routes operating from Tavistock to Yelverton, Princetown and Two Bridges, Milton Abbot, Site of Plaster Down Camp, Greenlands Estate, Gunnislake and Calstock Quay, Lydford Memorial and a Royal Blue service to Okehampton, Callingtonand Gunnislake.
We were able to ride the circulat tour to Princetown and to Lydford Memorial where the Double Decker overheated on the steep climb near Lydford thus we returned after filling up the radiator downhill to Tavistock.
It was a well organised day with beautiful weather

100714a OTT 85 at Princetown. Still has the modern look built in 1954 now 65 yrs old and due for the state pension. Copyright Roger Winnen

190714aa Plenty of light inside of this LS6G coach with Eastern Coachworks bodywork. Copyright Roger Winnen

190714b Princetown Station was situated in front of these dwellings closing on 5th March 1958. Copyright Roger Winnen

190714bb The branch trackbed is seen as at snakes around Dartmoor descending towards Peek Hill bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

190714c The rebuilt bridge which carried the Princetown Railway over the road at Peek Hill is designed for bikers and walkers to gain access to the moor. Copyright Roger Winnen

190714d Dousland Station photographed through the windscreen of the coach. Copyright Roger Winnen

190714e A variety of buses in Tavistock Bus Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Ivybridge 25 today
Mike Roach

Ivybridge's new park-and-ride railway station is 25 years old this year. The formal opening ceremony took place on Friday 15 July 1994 and was performed jointly by the Chairman of Devon County Council and the Regional Director of Railtrack. The 2-platform station was sponsored by the British Railways Regional Railways Sector and constructed at a cost of £380,000 which sounds like a bargain now. Although marketed as a park-and-ride station it has no booking office and is effectively a wayside halt, and the station has never had the frequent train service associated with park-and-ride. Has the station lived up to the expectations at the time of construction. The latest passenger usage figures for 2017/18 show a figure of 57,000 and falling. The population of Ivybridge is about 12,000. Meanwhile Totnes, with a population of 15,000 has a passenger usage figure of 700,000 and rising. Since the closure of the Kingsbridge Branch Totnes Station has served a large area of South Devon including Kingsbridge and Salcombe. The figure of 700,000 for Totnes Station is 39% more than Tiverton Parkway Station which also serves a large area. Many thanks Mike.

Ivybridge Plaque as seen on the 15th June 1994 Copyright Mike Roach

The following pictures were kindly supplied at Mikes request by Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive.

(1) 5029 Nunney Castle makes a magnificent sight at Ivybridge as it heads the 'The Anniversary Ltd' Westbury - Plymouth on the 9th May 2014. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) It's 12.25 and the late running 10.00 Penzance - Paddington HST passes 150126 at Ivybridge on the 09.00 Cardiff to Penzance on the 4th December 2018. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) A poster advertising the countryside available from Ivybridge station published in 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) The 06.47 Penzance - Paddington GWR 2+8 HST arrives at Ivybridge on the 1st May 2019 with 43172 Harry Patch leading and with Inter City liveried 43185 on the rear. A handful of passengers get ready to board the train . This is one of three direct weekday services to London from this unmanned station. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) In 2006 the Wessex Trains franchise ended and with it the 9 trains a day each way that stopped at Ivybridge. This caused a local furore because the Department For Transport proposed that only three trains each way would stop at Ivybridge under the new Greater Western franchise. Meetings were held in the town hall with Great Western to voice objections.The local MP Gary Streeter did a fantastic job in getting the service level increased. This was done by extending Penzance and Gunnislake locals to Newton Abbot until it was possible to get HSTs to stop at the station when Central Door Locking was introduced I believe later in 2006. The picture shows a demonstration at the station in protest at the proposed cuts. Copyright Clive Smith,

Many thanks to both Mike Roach for the original article and first picture and to Clive Smith for the remainder of the pictures.

The Old Ivybridge
Mike Roach

The original Ivybridge which closed on the 2nd March 1959 was someway to the west of the new station. This view was taken from the down platform. This was served by a road spur which came to the back of the station building, there was a short cut should one have already walked up the steep road from the village - the short cut entailed a climb of 67 steps!! The above picture is copyright Mike Roach.

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

Richard brings us the tenth in his series taken while he worked at Exmouth Junction. Many thanks Richard.

EXJct10 T9 30120 now a part of the National Collection at Exmouth Junction. Copyright Richard Murrin

14th July 2019

14/7/2019

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

Richard brings us the 9th in his series on the Exmouth Junction Shed and area. Many thanks Richard.

EXJct09 M7 30044 at Exmouth Junction Shed 12th March1961 Copyright Richard Murrin

Seaton Tramway
Roger Winnen

The three pictures below were taken on our visit to Seaton Tramway on the 13th July 2013. To see the complete selection please click here and scroll as necessary.

The impressive terminal building at Seaton. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The spick and span tram depot at Seaton. 23th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Colyton station looking very smart indeed. 13th July 2019, Copyright Roger Winnen.

Celebrity Move
Guy Vincent

Afternoon Keith,
I have just been told that the pioneer HST power car 43002 'Sir Kenneth Grange' is due to leave Laira depot by road this coming Tuesday, July 16th, and is bound for the STEAM museum complex at Swindon. Presumably it will travel by way of the M5 and M4 but unfortunately times were not known by my contact. I understand that 43002 is to be on public display outside the Steam Museum buildings between 10am until 5pm on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th and will then be taken (again by road) from Swindon to the NRM in York for permanent display. The PC has been cosmetically restored and still carries nameplates and evidently made what could have been it's final journey by rail yesterday (July 13th) when it was turned by way of a 0Z77 Laira-Laira via Plymouth move partnered by 43188. This was reported in Plymouth station between 1225 and 1239.

Hopefully some of your Devonian members (and maybe Roger too) will be able to record this historic event. As I said, this info was passed to me by a reliable contact but 'don't shoot the messenger' if things don't work out as outlined. We are dealing with the railway after all!! I shall definitely make a point of keeping an eye on proceedings and, if possible, try to catch it on the M4 in the Chippenham area and definitely visit Swindon on Thursday to pay due respects!

With regards, Guy Vincent.Many thanks for keeping your ear on the rails!

43002 at Shockerwick with the .15.57 Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads on the 28.th May 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Reflections
Craig Munday

Hello Keith
A lovely start to the day Thursday but cloud soon swallowed up the sky and a muggy day for all.

6G06 entered section to Goonbarrow as I was in St Blazey box. I wandered down to the crossing at Middleway just as Rog dropped the barriers. The trees behind me are higher and higher these days casting a huge shadow, even in July. I was surprised how still the stream was and saw a marvellous reflection of the bracket signal. The train and signal were brightly lit, and made a satisfying picture as the train rumbled along the causeway.

Cheers, Craig . Many thanks Craig

Middleway 6G6 12th July 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

13th July 2019

13/7/2019

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

Richard Murrin brings us the eigth of his collection of pictures taken at or in the vicinity of Exmouth Junction Shed. Many thanks Richard.

EXJct08 307 119 at Exmouth Junction Shed 11th March 1961 Copyright Richard Murrin

Axminster
Paul Negus

With our visit to the Seaton Tramway today Paul very kindly sent us this picture of steam at Axminster. Unfortunately there won't be any today.
Many thanks Paul.

Axminster station with Tangmere passing through on the Atlantic Coast Express ACE 7th April 2013 Copyright Paul Negus

12th July 2019

12/7/2019

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

Today Richard brings us picture number seven from his collection - many thanks Richard.

EXJct07 Adams Radial Tank 3058 at Exmouth Junction. Copyright Richard Murrin 3 15th January 1961

North Tawton
Miniature Railway

An Extract from Miniature Railways by Robin Butterell 1967 cost 5 Shillings Ian Allan
This line existed in the 1950’s and 1960’s and possibly later. This 10 ¼ inch gauge line was operated by Mr Maurice Densham on his estate at North Tawton near Okehampton. It opened in 1952 with stock from the Surrey Border & Camberley Railway. Later it had two large diesel locos, one of which went to the Exmouth Miniature Railway (swapped for their Curwen 0-4-2).The length of the line is given as 1206 yards, including sidings. A 4-6-2 Steam engine locomotive is under construction which will have a tender specially design with low level seating to enable the driver to actually look through the cab windows. The layout is interesting in that it will be eventually fully controlled from a signal box of 29 levers. Signalling is of upper and lower quadrant and two or three sspect coloured light signals. Points are not more than 75 yards from the box are worked by heavy wire rope with spring return. Experiments are also being carried out to ascertain the best method of operating more distant points, and a complete switch board showing all track circuits and signal repeaters is also under construction. --

If anyone can provide further information on the this fascinating little line it would be very much appreciated. We have been unable to find any track plans or even a sketch of the route. Where was the terminus in North Tawton – a Church building appears in one of the photographs. The date of Peter Dales, 4th May1968 is also significant as it was the last day on which main line services called at North Tawton station.
There are two other pictures of the line and these can be found on Flickr please use the link below. https://www.flickr.com/photos/141326567@N03/with/27707028835/

North Tawton Miniature Railway seen here on the 4th May 1968. Copyright Peter Dale. The young gentleman admiring the scene is none other than Roger Winnen.

Congratulations to Tony Hill, he was the only person to submit a correct answer in response to the query of 'Where is it' posed with the picture above shown earlier this week.
The other answers of 'When was it' please see the captions, 'Who was it' - yes Roger Winnen - nobody guessed that, and finally, 'What significant event occurred on the same day' - this was the occasion of the last service trains to call at North Tawton main line station. Roger Winnen was on that train. There was one more day of passenger trains passing through the station but they didn't stop being a Sunday.

North Tawton Miniature Railway - a train about to set out on a journey up the line. 4th May 1968 Copyright Peter Dale

North Tawton Miniature Railway - faintly in the background on what looks like to have been a damp day can be seen a church tower or steeple, is this clue to the location of the railway. 4th May 1968. Copyright Peter Dale

North Tawton Miniature Railway - a general view of the terminus. The 'black squares' floating above the scene are in fact the backs of the signals, 4th May 1968 Copyright Peter Dale

N.B. Photographs of North Tawton Station in our section on Coleford Junction to Okehampton.

Further revelations on the
North Tawton Miniature Railway.
Jon Gough

With regard to your recent article regarding the North Tawton Railway I believe that the location where the photographs are taken is now the car park opposite the clock tower in the high street.
The roof lines, windows, chimneys and church tower of St Peters church can be seen to match between the now and then images.
The low level building in the foreground although re-roofed is clearly the same structure.
Where the route of the railway ran from here is of course still a mystery!

Regards, Jon Gough. Many thanks Jon - Looking further at the Google Earth view - it would seem that the railway exited the terminus on a wsw bearing. As Jon says beyond that we haven't a clue where the railway went though having crossed what is now Butts Way on the housing estate perhaps the railway skirted the boundary of a large field and returned to the terminus. Perhaps somebody will remember!

North Tawton. The current car park is the site of the one time terminus.

Then - an image supplied by Jon Gough.

Now - an image supplied by Jon Gough.

More details
HST Information
Karl Hewlett.

In addition to the wealth of information supplied by Guy Vincent and Karl yesterday Karl sends the following : - I forgot to add that the prototype HST coaches also differ from the production batch, their window and the frames are fairly noticeably different in size and spacing. For the fan of the prototype HST the two websites below (if you are allowed to use them), have a wealth of photographs some may find of interest:
http://www.traintesting.com/HST_prototype.htm
https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=21863.0

Regards, Karl (The Friends Of Penmere Station).
Thanks Karl, well worth looking at especially the top link.

Bring Back the Buffets
Hugh Waters

This may be of interest to the readers of your fantastic website.

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/great-western-railway-bring-back-the-buffet

Kind regards, Hugh.

Thank you Hugh for drawing our attention to this petition - I am sure that many will wish to add their names to a request for a return of the much lamented Buffet Cars of the HST Era in place of the often ill stocked or not available trolley service which often block the aisle making access difficult for passengers who wish to find seats or leave the train an anxious time.

More HST Info.
Kevin Daniel

PLEASE NOTE AS WE HAVE RECEIVED A LOT OF VALUABLE HST INFORMATIONIT HAS BEEN DECIDED TO COLLLLECT THIS ALL IN ONE PLACE - PLEASE LOOK IN FEATURES ITEM NUMBER 1919.

Dear Sir,
Please see the information below, which might be relevant for inclusion on the CRS web site. I have taken the liberty of requesting some HST information in connection with my own research. I hope that's ok. I am more than happy for you to pass on my email address to anyone who might be able to assist.
Thanks
Kevin

As a Cornishman living in exile (London), I am a regular visitor to your tremendously informative website.

I recently noted the query about the oldest surviving HST power car and thought the following maybe of interest.

The first test run of a production HST set from Derby-Morpeth took place on 02.03.76 with power cars 43002/3 and a rake of 7 Trailer Seconds (42003-9). The trial was cut short on the outward trip when 43002 developed a traction motor fault at Thirsk. On the 05.03.76 the run was successfully completed with 43005 replacing 43002. The following week this formation minus 42006 (delivered to St Philips Marsh on 18.03.76) moved to Gosforth Depot and spent two weeks on trials on the ECML north of York. On the 22.03.76 the set was struck by an open door on a passing express, causing considerable bodyside damage to a number of the trailer vehicles.

While the first set was based at Gosforth, a second set was trialled on 19th March using 43007 and repaired 43002 with TS 42010/11/14/20/23/24/25.

The delivery of the first set to the WR was scheduled for 24.03.76 but the repairs required to the damaged trailers from the first set placed that plan in jeopardy. Moreover, 43002 and 43003 were also deemed to require further testing while a further complication arose from the fact that 4 trailers (42010/11/14/20) from the second set were ear marked for fitting with test equipment at the Railway Technical Centre at Derby. Consequently the eventual delivery to Old Oak Common on 26.03.76 consisted of 43005/7, 42023/24/25.

43002 was finally delivered with 43004 to Old Oak Common on 05.04.76, while 43003 was paired with 43009 and arrived on the WR on 03.05.76, both sets with a rake of 7 TS vehicles.

Now that 43002 has been stood down, it would be correct to say that 43003, now with Scotrail, is the oldest surviving power car in traffic. 43005 has the longest time on the WR, since 43007 was transferred away some years ago, closely followed by 43004.

I have spent many years researching the early period of WR HST operation. As many members will know the formations of early WR sets were quite mixed in the early days owing to the teething problems that emerged on the new fleet. Despite formations supposedly being fixed, power cars and trailers were frequently exchanged between sets. I have been trying to track those changes, but given that few people were interested in the HSTs in the early days, details are scarce. If any members recorded HST formations or power car pairings on their travels on the London-Bristol/South Wales route in the period 1976/77/78 I would be keen to receive details of those observations. I would also be interested to hear from members who recorded any crew training formations that worked in Cornwall during late 1978 and through 1979 in preparation for the extension of HST working to the west country. Any help would be much appreciated. I am sure the Site's Editor will forward any correspondence or provide my email address to anyone who can assist.

Keep up the good work with the website. The updates keep me abreast of the railway scene in my spiritual home. Long may it continue.

Kind Regards

Kevin

11th July 2019

11/7/2019

Rolling Stock cascaded to Cardiff & new liveries
Leslie Curnow

Good Afternoon Roger
A visit to Cardiff yesterday Tuesday 9th July was an interesting day.
There are some photos below but with Class 37s now arrived at Canton to relieve DMU 150s for modifications for the 2020 regulations one of the first diagrams is the 2R20 17:01 from Cardiff Central to Rhymney hauled by 37418 with four coaches of the Mark 2E and 2F variety.
With 37s now being released from Norwich due to new trains being delivered gives the opportunity to cascade these work horses for further use where many of them were used on freight duties as well as passenger duty in various parts of Wales in their Heyday..
Also Cascaded into TFW ( Transport for Wales the new franchise operator) are the 153 single car units released from the Southwest. A photo of 153333 a regular in Cornwall in the new Livery coupled to one of the former Arriva livery.
Some 158 and 175 units have also received the newly livery resulting in the old Arrive livery on others looking rather shabby.
Les

37418 With four coaches on the Valley service to Rhymney. Copyright Leslie Curnow

Ex London Midland, First Great Western now Transport for Wales 153333 at Cardiff. Copyright Leslie Curnow

Class 158 in Transport for Wales livery at Cardiff. Copyright Leslie Curnow

The new train signage. Copyright Leslie Curnow

Class 175 in the new livery. Copyright Leslie Curnow

Thanks Leslie

Sardine Specials to St Ives
Roger Winnen

Owing to gearbox problems with one of the 150 Class Sprints units the St Ives service was reduced to a two car unit sprinter for much of the morning. Reinforcements turned up at lunchtime thus making it a 2+2 150 sprinter.

190710a Passengers joining the queue for the St Ives train. Copyright Roger Winnen

190710aa Owing to gear box trouble on one of the 150 sprinters the service was reduced to a two car unit until reinforcements arrived at lunchtime to strenghen the train. Copyright Roger Wiinnen

190710b The new car park for the Park and Ride at St Erth seems nearly full at lunchtime. What will happen when the schools are on holiday! Copyright Roger Winnen

190710c The approach ramps leading up to the down platform at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

190710d Tickets were on sale at the bottom of this ramp for rail travel to St Ives and other destinations. An unusual view of the old waiting room on the down platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

190710e A shuttle bus runs all day to connect the Park and Ride Car Park to the main entrance at St Erth Station saving passengers the long detour over the footbridge to Platform 2 & 3. However First Group Services A17 and T1 etc are not using this stop until the new timetables are introduced in the autumn as a stop at this location will increase the journey time by 4 minutes. Copyright Roger Winnen

Weymouth 1982
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are well and I see you have been out and about.Great pictures on the site,as ever.
I attach a picture which I hope will bring back memories for some;it is of 33114 approaching Weymouth station on 21 May 1982.
Thanks and all the best, Michael.

Many Thanks Michael

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Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

Richard brings us picture number 5 from his collection - many thanks Richard.

EXJct05 Black Motor 700 Class 30317 at Exmouth Junction. 5th September 1960 Copyright Richard Murrin.

Answers from those in the know.
43004
Paul Negus

43004 on the 08.24 Bristol to Cardiff on the 8th July 2019. Copyright Paul Negus.

A question for those in the know - is 43004 the oldest HST locomotive in operational service? It's certainly the lowest numbered that I have seen for a while but is the current Class 43 numbering in production (i.e. age) order? Is 43003 still operational? Wikipedia tells us that the Cross Country locomotives had 200 added to their numbers so is there a 43203 around? Here it is trailing the 08:24 to Cardiff this morning in Platform 3.

Not one but two replies from very regular correspondents. Guy Vincent and Karl Hewlett. In order of receipt of replies.
Very many thanks Gentlemen.

From Guy Vincent:- The production fleet originally consisted of 197 power cars numbered 43002 - 43198. These were built in batches by BREL at Crewe Works as follows:
1) 43002-43055 54 PC's for sets 253001-253027 for the Western Region and introduced in 1976. 2) 43056-43119 64 PC's for sets 254001-254032 for the Eastern Region, introduced from 1977. 3) 43120-43124 Four Spare Power Cars built in 1977. 43120 & 43124 were first used on the WR, the other three on the ER. 4) 43125-43150 26 PC's for Western Region West of England services, delivered 1978-79. 5) 43151-43152 Two further spare PC's for WR delivered 1979. 6) 43153-43162 10 PC's for ER sets 254033-254037 delivered 1980. 7) 43163-43192 30 PC's for sets WR 253041-253055 intended for Cross-Country NE-SW services and delivered 1980-1982. 8) 43193-43198 6 PC's intended as spare for class 254 units, delivered during 1982.

By the time the last PC's had been introduced in 1982 the Inter City market had changed and it wasn't long before the above initial allocations were altered. The Midland Main Line from St Pancras to Sheffield received some class 253 sets from the original WR batch in 1983 (43043-43055) Of these only 43053 has ever returned on a permanent basis to it's original area of operation. With 'Sectorisation' many changes occurred with the ER and Cross Country fleets and by the late 1980s power cars from any batch could more or less turn up anywhere. Generally speaking WR based PC's tended to stick to the WR and NE-SW Cross Country services. From 1987 some PC's were fitted with buffers for use as surrogate DVT's on the ECML with class 91s.

As to the current situation. 43002 is now off-lease and destined for the NRM at York. I believe it is currently in store at Laira. 43003 has gone to Scotland along with many other former GWR PC's and will be in use for several more years. This makes 43004 and 43005 (the original PC's from 1976 set 253002) as the oldest in service with GWR.

The GWR fleet will eventually consist of 43004 005 016 040 041 042 092 093 094 097 098 122 153 154 155 158 170 186 187 188 189 192 194 198. Certain others are still in use on the short sets but will disappear probably by the end of 2019.

The Cross Country fleet consists of ten PC's, 43207 285 301 303 304 321 357 366 378 384. Take 200 away from each number to get the original number carried. 43207 was originally part of WR set 253003.

Virgin East Coast PC's were renumbered when they were fitted with MTU engines with 200 being added to the original number. Ex Grand Central PC's became 434xx and all six are buffer fitted.

Network Rail have three PC's, 43013 43014 and 43062. All are painted bright yellow and carry names and work the 'New Measurement Train' to Cornwall regularly.

The first two PC's to receive MTU engines back in 2006 were 43004 and 43009. These were painted in the then-new 'dynamic lines' livery and ran as a short-formed director's special from Paddington to at least Bristol on 3rd April 2006, two days after the enlarged 'Greater Western' franchise launched.

Finally, don't forget the original Class 41 PC's, 41001 and 41002. These were later renumbered 43000 & 43001. This is the reason 'old number one' of the class 43 fleet is 43002! 41001 (as it is now) is owned by the NRM and operational.

Hopefully this info will be of assistance. Regards Guy Vincent
Very many thanks for your very detailed reply Guy.

- And from Karl Hewlett another detailed reply, compiled, I might add, in the early hours.

Regarding Paul Negus' question, as far as I am aware 43002 is still on the books with GWR, 43003 if not already should be going to Scotrail.

The first MTU V16 4000 fitted power cars were 43004 and 43009 in 2005, but far from the first HST power cars to be fitted with different engines/equipment. 43167 to 43170 were modified with experimental Mirrlees Blackstone MB190 Engines in 1987 (although 99% identical to the others from the outside), quite a few power cars also gained the Paxman VP185's, 43167 to 43170 being the first in 1993. In 2007 Brush Traction and Hitachi paired up and fitted 43089 (an original Paxman Valenta 12RP200L power car), coupled semi-permanently to a Mark III coach which had an experimental hybrid system using Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS), same as how a hybrid car works today. Also power cars 43124 to 43152 had GEC G417AZ traction motors, where as the rest have Brush Traction TMH68-46.

Hope this helps! Regards, Karl (The Friends Of Penmere Station).
Yet more Gems of information from Karl - many thanks.
Aren't we lucky to have two very knowledgeable friends?

10th July 2019

10/7/2019

Royal Scotsman
David Tozer

David was Out and about early yesterday for the Royal Scotsman 0723 Newton Abbot - Bath. 802102 was on the 0505 Penzance - London Paddington. Dave many thanks David - early bird - keep it up.
Quite why it was called the 'Royal Scotsman' is not known.

However firstly came - 802102 Exminster 07.48 9th July 2019 Copyright David Tozer

Close on the London trains tail came 66746 and 66743 on 'The Royal Scot ' seen here at Exminster at 07.54 9th July 2019 Copyright David Tozer

Our Public Notices and Posters
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Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

Richard brings us photo number 4 from his collection - Many thanks

EXJct04 M7 30025 Approaches Exmouth Junction on the12.35 Exeter Central to Broadcylst. 2nd August 1960 Copyright Richard Murrin

Cornwall Railway Society
Visit to the Seaton Tramway Saturday 13th July 2019

Penzance 07.53 St Erth 08.03 Camborne 08.18 Redruth 08.24 Truro 08.37 St Austell 08.56 Par 09.03 Bodmin Parkway 09.15 Exeter St David's 11.03. Change for South Western Railway, Trains dep 11.25 Axminster arr 12.05 Axe Valley Bus service 885 departs outside of the station at 12.15 to Seaton arrive at 12.44 for the tramway. The trams depart at 00 20 40 minutes past the hour. An explorer ticket cost £10 giving unlimited travel.
Return of the 885 service from Sea Front Gardens at Seaton at 16.20 arriving at Axminster Station 16.45 hrs Train departs for Exeter 17.03 Exeter St David's 17.42/17.50 Bodmin Parkway 19.50 Par 20.03 St Austell 20.10 Truro 20.27 Redruth 20.41 Camborne 20.47 St Erth 20.57 Penzance 21.10

IT IS ADVISABLE TO BRING FOOD AND DRINK WITH YOU!
These new Great Western Trains buffet service is non existant at times.

An alternative, you may return from Seaton Tramway Station on Stagecoach 9a Bus Service outside of the Tramway Station at 15.03 or 16.03 which travels via Sidmouth arriving into Exeter Bus Station at 16.29 or 17.29 A number of buses including Service H from stop 4 in the High Street of Exeter City Centre run at 15 min intervals up to 18.00 to St David's Station. Further trains depart Exeter St David's to Penzance at 18.17 or 18.46

Bristol Temple Meads
Roger Winnen

19th November 1977

771119a 31422 Leaves Bristol Temple Meads on s stopping service. Copyright Roger Winnen

771119b Under the station roof at Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Roger Winnen

771119c A Class 31 without roof indicator display panels at Pylle Hill Bristol. Copyright Roger Winnen

771119r An HST for Paddington just one year old stands at Platform 3 on Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Roger Winnen

Exmouth Jct. Shed
Richard Murrin

Richard brings us photo number 3 from his collection - Many thanks.

EXJct03 Southern S15 Class 30843 Broadclyst at Exmouth Junction Yard 2nd August1960 Copyright Richard Murrin

W W W W
Peter Dale

Below is a rare photograph from a rare location.
The puzzle is :-
1) Where is it?
2) When was it taken?
3) Who is the onlooker?
4) What other event of railway significance took place the same weekend?

The answers and more pictures on Friday. Sorry no prizes just the pleasure of providing the answers, and maybe more pictures!

Another question!
Paul Negus

Paul writes :-

First of all a question for those in the know - is 43004 the oldest HST locomotive in operational service? It's certainly the lowest numbered that I have seen for a while but is the current Class 43 numbering in production (i.e. age) order? Is 43003 still operational? Wikipedia tells us that the Cross Country locomotives had 200 added to their numbers so is there a 43203 around? Here it is trailing the 08:24 to Cardiff this morning in Platform 3.

Incidentally, Wikipedia also records that 43003 was one of the first two locomotives (with 43009) to be fitted with the new MTU V16 4000 engines in 2005.

Also a shot are of my current favourite class 43 - Harry Patch - at Temple Meads Platform 13 (the dead end platform) this evening on training duties.

Best regards, Paul Negus. Thanks Paul - answers please

43004 0824 Bristol to Cardiff. 8th July 2019. Copyright Paul Negus.

43 'Harry Patch' stands at platform 13 at Bristol Temple Meads in the evening of the 8th July 2019. Copyright Paul Negus.

Sizzling July
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
July has got off to a cracking start with lovely warm sunshine. I was dreading a 2008/09 Summer repeat when the Jet stream hung across the South West all season.

3rd I was at Roskear to witness some Up departures in fine light. The four coach Castle set almost looks to be black in livery against the early morning sun. 43122 was the leading power car.

4th - In the boxes a lot recently, this Hayle viaduct shot was grabbed on the way home. The high tide and blue livery on the set stands out nicely.

5th July brought the four weekly visit of the NR NMT train. Due to lack of power cars, Colas class 67s 67023 / 027 were provided. The train was captured on the down near Probus and on the return at Hembal Lane, Trewoon (St Austell). The loaded second portion of sand wagons can be seen in Methrose siding.

All the best, Craig. As usual Many Thanks Craig for this and you much appreciated regular contributions.

A most unusual view taken in unusual light from Roskear Junction Signalbox of an up train leaving Camborne station - see the platform in the background. The green 'Castle Class' looks almost black. 3rd July 2019. Copyright Craig Munday.

Hayle viaduct 2P70 with Slamdoor stock seen on the 4th July 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

67023 67027 on the NMT seen at Resparveth. 5th July 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

66025 6G05 seen at Newham on the Fowey branch on the 5th July Copyright Caig Munday

67023 on the 67027 NMT seen at Trewoon. In the distance can be seen the sand train. 5th July 2010 Copyright Craig Munday.

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43175 Edinburgh WaverleyDavid Critchlow Mick House

Our Public Notices and PostersSection has just been updated with:Revision of passenger train services on the Somerset and Dorset Line.Follow link below.Public notices and posters collection

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43175 Edinburgh Waverley
David Critchlow Mick House

Our Public Notices and Posters
Section has just been updated with:
Revision of passenger train services on the Somerset and Dorset Line.
Follow link below.
Public notices and posters collection

Our Public Notices and Posters
Section has just been updated with:
Holiday Tickets, Part 2.
Severn, Usk & Wye Valleys
and Wales.
Follow Link Below
Public notices and posters collection