Blog Archives

30th July 2020

30/7/2020

Plymouth '62'
The late Adrian Hoblyn

Trevor Tremethick kindly brings us another 'gem' from the collection of the late Adrian Hoblyn who was only 12 at the time.

6430 and autocoach at Plymouth on the 1st December 1962. Copyright the late Adrian Hoblyn.

Many thanks to Adrian and to Trevor.

Views from my favourite spot
Stoke Canon
Paul Barlow

I made an early start this morning and headed to one of my favorite vantage points in a field just east of Stoke Canon, arriving at 0635.

I photographed the Exeter to Carmarthen tour which was class 47 hauled to Bristol, then steam into Wales behind 70022 Tornado (AKA 70000 Britannia)

Also a HST, plus 'Thank you Key workers' IET unit.

I have also included a shot from nearly 20 years ago of a Summer Saturday Virgin cross country service.

Kind regards, Paul Barlow.

D1944 0637 Exeter to Carmarthen D1935 on rear Red Dragon Stoke Canon Sandy lane crossing 29 July 2020 Copyright Paul Barlow.

802008 802020 Thank you Key workers 0534 Plymouth to Paddington. 29th July 2020 Copyright Paul Barlow.

43094 and 43154 on the 05.26 Bristol to Penzance. 29 July 2020 Copyright Paul Barlow.

47818 haus the 08.58 Paignton to Edinburgh seen at Stoke Canon on the 12th August 2000. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Congratulations, Paul, on your early start and your results, your friend David Tozer was keeping watch nearby.

On the
Barnstaple branch
Mike Bojko

Mike does a 'bash' along the Barnstaple branch.

Copplestone. on the 29th July 2020. Copyright Mike BBojko

Moving on to Morchard Road where a bus shelter provides cover. 29th July 2020. Copyright Mike Bojko.

At Portsmouth Arms a similar shelter awaits 29th July 2020 Copyright Mike Bojko

Still at Portsmouth Arms - a nicely sheeted Pullman coach stands on an isolated piece of track. Copyright Mike Bojko

And finally at Eggesford we see 158956 heading off for Barnstaple. 29th July 2020 Copyright Mike Bojko

Many thanks Mike a very pleasant day out.

29th July 2020

29/7/2020

Fawley branch to re-open
Kevin Jenkin

Kevin sends in the welcome news that a special train ran to Marchwood on the Fawley branch last Sunday 26th July 2020. One hopes that this is a prelude to regular services returning in the near future.

For the special report on this event please click here.

Many thanks Kevin.

Freight in Cornwall today
Roger Winnen

200729a 70812 Crosses The Royal Albert Bridge with the 05.46 Aberthaw Tarmac to Moorswater cement train. Copyright Roger Winnen

200729aa 70812 Crosses the border with cement for Moorswater. Copyright Roger Winnen

200729b 66118 Arrives at Lostwithiel on the afternoon Goonbarrow to Fowey Carne Point clay. Copyright Roger Winnen

200729C 55118 Departs Lostwithiel with clay for Fowey. Copyright Roger Winnen

200729d The disused freight sidings behind Lostwithiel Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

Very early this morning
Silverton
David Tozer

Keith, Taken at Silverton this morning.
158749/747 with the 2U33 0633 EXeter (St David's) - Cardiff (Central)
47507/805 top and tail the 1Z52 0637 Exeter (St David's) - Carmarthen - Pembroke Coast Express.

Dave Tozer N.B. Your post received at 07.53 this morning!!

158749 & 158747 Silverton 06.40 29th July 2020 Copyright David Tozer.

47501 & 47805 Silverton 07.03 29th July 2020 Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks David. The early bird catches the worm.
David lives at least 20 mins drive away.

Dawlish Report
Clive Smith

After an initial delay of a week, the first rebuilt section of sea wall at Dawlish alongside the railway at Marine Parade finally opened today. Fortunately I was working in the town and managed to grab a few photos. Unfortunately time was brief so I was unable to snap the pacers that would have added a bit of interest. Managed to photograph an elderly couple in the picture wearing face masks just for another historical angle when looking back at this in years to come. I was somewhat caught by surprise as I hadn't been to the town for a while and had not been following the local news on how the wall at Marine Parade was progressing. The last I saw of it was two months ago when it was far from complete. After so many years of walking along the previous walk here and photographing many trains it felt very strange indeed. It is still incomplete as the contractors need to add permanent fencing, seating and paving. I did see a stash of the intended paving by the footbridge and it looks very smart. The final photo shows a nine car IET passing Marine Parade with the 15.14 Plymouth - Paddington. The full extent of the new section of sea wall can be seen clearly from the footbridge. When the clutter of the temporary fence has gone with its red and white base and the new paving stones are laid I actually don't think it will look too bad in photographs from here. It looks cluttered by the station and a bit ugly from the beach. Best to judge it yourself by paying a visit to this lovely town and railway. - Regards, Clive Smith.

DAWLISH SEA WALL 1 28th July 2020. Copyright Clive Smith

DAWLISH SEA WALL 2 28th July 2020. Copyright Clive Smith

Signs of the times - 28th July 2020. At least the lady is wearing her mask correctly. Copyright Clive Smith.

DAWLISH SEA WALL 3 A 9 Car iET passing Marine Parade on the 28th July 2020. This was the 15.14 Plymouth to Paddington service. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive.

Truro Stations
David Rudd

A short while ago David wrote in asking if we had any details of stations in Truro. The first one called Truro Road was a very temporary affair on the West Conwall Railway on route to Truro Newham. I (KJ) didn't know the location but David has, it seems, answered it himself in his subsequent letter below.
He also asked about a station out by the cattle sidings. Again he seems to have answered this in his second part. If you use the link you will find a most interesting picture, a copy of which you can purchase if you wish, try 'hovering' over the picture for more detail - very interesting.

Hi Keith There is a footpath down beside County Hall, Truro that passes a small piece of land now called Fox corner which is maintained by Cornwall Nature Conservation (or similar) which, I suspect, is the site of the original station as it is flat and just before the junction of the Falmouth/Penzance lines into Truro.
As regards the other matter, I have come across which shows the loading bays at the rear of the market./royal-cornwall-museum/places/truro/cattle-market-truro-cornwall-1910-12329415.html?prodid=81514 At the rear of the courts and Victoria Gardens is an area of waste/non-used land. Under the brambles there are some metal gates and some rusty iron posts reminiscent of the type of post used on railways in the past. The piece of land is totally overgrown but looks wide enough to take a single line. Where it connected to the mainline, I do not know. The building partially hidden by the curved roof is still there, at the end of Castle Rise, Truro. I believe the connection to the cattle market was solely for livestock, so no platform and no ticket office. The partially hidden building served as a pub on cattle market days, so I am told. I knew somebody who used it but I never saw it myself. I hope this helps you. David

Many thanks David - is there any further comment from our experts please.

An up date from Roy Hart at Rangoon received thirty minutes after placing the query.

Dear Keith, Truro Cattle Pens was the name of the siding established between the two viaducts at Truro in 1903, to serve Truro cattle market. This was the time of the completion of the rebuilding of the two viaducts in stone, for double track.There was a single siding on the down side, connected to the up main at the London end and the down main at the PZ end. All was controlled by Truro Cattle Pens signal box (the back of which is seen in the picture).Maintaining the full signalling infrastructure for a few hours use on one day a week was considered uneconomic, so the box was closed in 1925 and replaced by a 3-lever ground frame just west of the box, operating a single trailing point, but the building remained, boarded up, until about 1972, used as a mess room by PW and bridge engineers.The procedure at Cattle Pens siding after 1925 was that the train formed up in the down goods line at Truro East and the engine propelled the stock 'wrong line' up to the GF.Cattle Pens siding and ground frame was taken out of use in 1964: there was never a passenger station there. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android All the best, Roy

Many thanks to you Roy.

July 27th, 2020

28/7/2020

Immaculate 47 at
Bristol
Guy Vincent

47805 'Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013' stabled in the short spur adjacent to platform 5 at Bristol Temple Meads this morning. The loco is owned by Locomotive Services Ltd who are based at the former Crewe Diesel Depot adjacent to Crewe station. The name is in commemoration of the father of LSL's owner, Jeremy Hosking. 47805 was previously named 'Bristol Bath Road' (29.06.1991 - 02.1995), 'Pride of Toton' (06.02.2002 - 08.2003), 'Talisman' (29.09.2006 - 09.2011), and 'John Scott 12.05.1945 - 22.05.2012' from 30.06.2013 until early 2016. The current name was unveiled by Jeremy Hosking on 21.04.2018 at Crewe station. Saphos Trains is part of the LSL organisation and in my opinion they have reset the bar as far as charter operations are concerned. Their stock and motive power is always presented in immaculate condition and gives an impression of quality and attention to detail. I wish them every success and look forward to seeing their trains regularly on the national network. Guy Vincent.

Bristol TM 47805 27th July 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy for your detailed article fittingly accompanying the immaculate locomotive.

Hallenbeagle
Mark Lynam

43088 & 43162 seen at Wheal Busy Crossing, otherwise Hallenbeagle - the name of the mine. Copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks Mark.

Into Long Rock
Andrew Triggs

Evening Keith/RogerAt short notice earlier, I recorded GWR 43088/162 working 0Z79 09.47 Laira T&RSMD-Longrock T&RSMD at Marazion and Longrock, back to back power cars looking spick and spanAll the BestAndrew 1. 43088 leading 43162 nearing Marazion, with Longrock Depot Driver Lee McDonald on duty2,3&4 Following arrival on the Reception Road and heading into the Depot building

43088 and 43162 at Marazion Marshes on the 27th July 2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs

43088 and 43162 - disposal at Long Rock. (1) 27th July 2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs

43088 and 43162 - disposal at Long Rock. (2) 27th July 2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs

43088 and 43162 - disposal at Long Rock. (3) 27th July 2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many thanks Andrew - right time right place as usual.

Spotters at Plymouth
Plymouth
Adrian King

Hi Keith, I thought to write due to a photograph shown on the web page last Saturday sent in by Trevor Tremethick and taken at Plymouth Station on the 14th August 1962. The photo showed a young trainspotter, possibly Adrian Hoblyn standing alongside a Warship D801 Vanguard. Trevor has taken great pains to send on many of the photographs to the CRS that Adrian took on his railway travels around Plymouth.
I had been on holiday in Plymouth just a few days before that photo of D801 was taken and during that time I visited the station myself to take some photographs. The attached photo which I took on either the 31st July or the 1st August '62 shows a general view of the station with a number of locomotives on view together with, by chance, two locospotters.
Of course I have no idea if it was Adrian Hoblyn and his friend but clearly they were regular visitors to the station throughout that time and it would be fitting, under the circumstances, to think it was them standing together.
Stay safe, Cheers Adrian.

Plymouth Station 14th August 1962 5423 Copyright Adrian King.

I don't suppose we'll ever know, but many thanks Adrian.

27th July 2020

27/7/2020

46100 Royal Scot heads The English Riviera Express

Photographs Guy Vincent Bill Elston
David Tozer & Roger Winnen

46100 'Royal Scot' at Bradford-on-Avon with Saphos Trains 1Z27 0750 Bristol Temple Meads-Kingswear (for Dartmouth) 'English Riviera Express' on Sunday July 26th 2020. Not all it might seem as in 1933 the 'original' 6100 permanently swapped identities with fellow class member 6152 'King's Dragoon Guardsman'. This was due to 6152 being sent for display at the Century of Progress International Exposition' in Chicago followed by a tour of Canada and the USA. Commemorative plaques are carried by the locomotive to this day, see attached photo of one of these from 2017. Copyright Guy Vincent 46100 'Royal Scot' at Bradford-on-Avon with Saphos Trains 1Z27 0750 Bristol Temple Meads-Kingswear (for Dartmouth) 'English Riviera Express' on Sunday July 26th 2020. Not all it might seem as in 1933 the 'original' 6100 permanently swapped identities with fellow class member 6152 'King's Dragoon Guardsman'. This was due to 6152 being sent for display at the Century of Progress International Exposition' in Chicago followed by a tour of Canada and the USA. Commemorative plaques are carried by the locomotive to this day, see attached photo of one of these from 2017. Copyright Guy Vincent

20170420_123640 Royal Scot nameplate. Copyright Guy Vincent

46100 Royal Scot photographed at Wick. 26th July 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

051C Wck 47501, 09.43 26th July 2020 Copyright Bill Elston.

The English Riviera Express at Wick 47501 & 46100, 09.43 26th July 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

050A 46100 Royal Scot works the English Riviera Express from Bristol to Kingswear seen passing Stoke Canon on26th July .2020 Copyright David Tozer

200726a 46100 Royal Scot passes Dawlish on route to Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

200726b Coaling up at Churston of 46100 Royal Scot. Copyright Roger Winnen

200726c 46100 on the turntable at Churston prior to running to Paignton for maintenance. Copyright Roger Winnen

200726d Royal Scot at Queens Park Station Paignton undergoing maintenance. Copyright Roger Winnen

200726e The return working of the English Riviera Exprees passing through Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen

200726f D1944 or 47501 Craftsman tailing the train as it passes through Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen

050B 46100 At Stoke Canon on the return journey from Kingswear to Bristol Temple Meads 26th July 2020 -Copyright David Tozer

Bristol Temple Meads
Clive Smith

45001 on the 1V48 12.00 York - Plymouth relief is captured in this time exposure taken at 16.45. Thankfully there are no blurry passengers or platform staff to ruin it and the driver has the cab lit and remains motionless adding to the picture. The relief had just one stop at Exeter St Davids before arrival at Plymouth. The holiday seasons throughout the year were busy and British Rail would generally source locos and rolling stock to provide relief trains for many of the busier services. Regards Clive Smith

45001 on the 1V48 12.00 York to Ply 27th Deceember 1983. Copyright Clive Smith

Well done Clive, amazing nobody or anything moved.

St Ives branch
The late John Cornelius

The late John Cornelius produced a DVD of his travels around Cornwall, whether it was ever sold or for private use I don't know - however here is one from the series. Observers will see many changes what with the widened platforms etc etc. Copyright John Cornelius.

Another peep into his collection - this one believed to be in 1973. Heritage unit P322 rolls in from St Ives. To the left stand milk tankers, note the loading gauge. To the right in the down refuge siding stands a class 47. Copyright the late John Cornelius.

Many thanks to and in memory of the late John Cornelius.

26th July 2020

26/7/2020

Rare views on and from
Moorswater Viaduct
Peter Murnaghan

As a follow-on to Roger's recent picture of the viaduct, I have been sent these three photos, which were reputed to have been taken by a track worker in the 1970s. A point of particular interest is the 1881 date stone, a feature that is unlikely to be spotted by travellers in passing trains.
Best wishes, Peter

Moorswater Viaduct with date on the stonework. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

The view looking down from the viaduct with the original piers beside. 1970's. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

The view looking towards Coombe Jnction, 1970's. Copyright Peter Murngahan.

Many thanks Peter

Hayle new houses plus golden oldies
July Pictures
Craig Munday

A typical month of sun and showers. Between the cloudy skies, there were a couple of beautiful spells of sunshine: 17th July: 66118 makes a wonderful site passing Golant with the clay empties on a perfect summers evening. On 18th the Bodmin and Wenford Diesel group had a run down to Bodmin Parkway with a works train worked by 47306. The class 50 Triumph started up for the first time this year. The train is seen at Charlie's gate. (20th 66105): 20th a study inside the wagons shops at St Blazey of 66107 and a solitary CDA wagon receiving attention. Also on 20th July, a picture of the new (very expensive) town houses being constructed on the site of the Hayle Wharves exchange sidings. 22nd July. 66118 catches some strong colours at low tide at Golant working the clay. *I have included a couple of DMU oldies too Keith, * W55032 a bubble car embellished with the red dragon Valley lines declas looks quite out of place under the trainshed at Penzance in 1986, in the company of a class 47. The class 108s stabled in sea sidings caused a stir back in the day, with the council demanding the removal as an eyesore. Conflicting opinions for them being there on Social Media. A break water for the single line? or use in an emergency exercise in Sparnick tunnel on the Falmouth line. I'm sure someone reading the website will know.

Golant - 17th July 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

47306 seen at Charlies Gate on a run down to Bodmin Parkway. 18th July 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

A study inside the wagons shops at St Blazey of 66107 and a solitary CDA wagon receiving attention. 20th July 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

New houses appear on the site of the docks at Hayle. 20th July 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

66118 catches some strong colours at low tide at Golant working the clay. 22nd July 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

W55032 a bubble car embellished with the red dragon Valley lines declas looks quite out of place under the trainshed at Penzance in 1986, in the company of a class 47. Copyright Craig Munday.

The class 108s stabled in sea sidings caused a stir back in the day, with the council demanding the removal as an eyesore. Conflicting opinions for them being there on Social Media. A break water for the single line? or use in an emergency exercise in Sparnick tunnel on the Falmouth line. I'm sure someone reading the website will know? Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig - a very fine and varied collection for July.

Preston & Penzance
Andrew Thompson

Well out of our area really but here are 66304 and 305 seen at Bee Lane Preston en route to Fairwater Yard Taunton to exercise the snowploughs. 22nd July 2020. Copyright Andrew Thompson

50 013 Agincourt seen at Penzance many years ago. Copyright Andrew Thompson.

Many thanks Andrew.

The Eric Curnow Collection
A large collection of pictures mainly at Penzance

Hello Mr Jenkin, You might remember in the dim and distant pass that you very kindly posted a link on your website to 'Far Western Diesel Hydraulics', that I later asked you to remove, as I was requiring my resources for the Project Class 22 Society website instead. I have now relocated the same material plus many hundreds of new images, extended back to early times through to about 1980 (1983 will be the cut off eventually, as it was then that my interest faded). It is still primarily Penzance-centred, but will extend to the metropolis, majoring on the GW main line, with the content fading away from this 'spine'. Being on the 'Wordpress' website, it means there is no cost to me in URL acquisition or web hosting. I wonder whether you would add me again, please - on your 'Links' Page, and the 'Other Sources of Cornish Pictures' on your 'Home' Page? You can evaluate my site at https://curnowcollection.wordpress.com/ Thanks for your attention to this matter - I have copied in the assistant webmasters for information. Best wishes, Eric Curnow

Thank you for reminding me, I have pleasure in adding your letter to this page and elsewhere on our site. A very interesting and well informed collection - Penzance 1969 to 1970. Well worth visiting. KJ

25th July 2020

25/7/2020

The Newham Branch from
The Magnificent Men in their Flying Machine
Peter Butt Collection

Goods wagons can bee seen at the Newham terminus. From the Peter Butt collection

Looking down on the Newham Branch at Truro which closed nearly 50 years ago. From the Peter Butt Collection

Plenty of activity can be seen in the station yard. The overall roof is to the left of the photograph. From the Peter Butt collection.

The terminus of the Newham Branch. The date of these photographs is not known. From the Peter Butt collection

Thanks Peter

Adrian Hoblyn Collection (1)
Trevor Tremethick

Hi Keith and Roger As promised, I have scanned in a few more shots from the little album given to me by Sharon, Adrian's widow. I am struggling with quality on some of the pictures and am trying my best with Photoshop to tidy them up. Some I have discarded as being too out-of-focus. This is by no means a criticism of Adrian - he was only 12 when he took these. I guess we have all been there as young spotters, trying out a first camera.
1. D801 Vanguard - I believe this to be in Platform 8 at North Road, with stock in the Park Sidings on the right. It's not that sharp but I felt that an early Warship with a disc headcode and steam-style reporting number was worth having. I don't know what train 'A38' was, but with that reporting number it might be heading for the M5! Also, the little boy may be Adrian's friend taken by Adrian, or the other way round.

D801 Vanguard, Plymouth standing in Platform 8 on the 14th August 1962, Copyright the late Adrian Hoblyn See notes above.

Many thanks to Trevor and of course to Sharon, Adrians widow.

Railway Uniform?
Rowland Dunn

Would you know if the gentleman in the attached photograph was a railway worker please.I think the picture was taken around 1910 going on the name of the studio printed on it. Many thanks Kind Regards Rowland Dunn

CORNWALL C.1910 Is this a railway uniform queries Rowland Dunn

With reference to the attached photograph I have looked through many railway books for the 1910 period, the railway uniform seams to be single breasted jackets not double breasted with waistcoats and a gold colour chain.
I am wondering if the person was in the hotel work.
Perhaps you an come up with the answer.
All the best. Roger Winnen

Many thanks Rowland for your most unusual request and thanks too, Roger, for your efforts to find an answer, has anybody else any ideas - come on all you fashion experts!

24th July 2020

24/7/2020

Relics see the light of day at Bodmin
Roger Winnen

200721e Relics see the light of day in Barracks Siding, Bodmin after being stored undercover at Bodmin Parkway for a numbers of years. Copyright Roger Winnen

200721f Taken through the bushes we see the Class 33110 for sale by sealed bids together with the small Ruston Hornsby 4wDM Diesel 'Brian' sandwiched between the four wheeled goods van and GWR Siphon G 2994 Built Swindon 1945 used for a Model Railway Layout at Bodmin Parkway for a number of years. Copyright Roger Winnen

200721h Improving Rail Access to Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

Snowploughs out
Bathpool & Creech
Bill Elston

Hi Keith, Bathpool, for the 2 DRS 66s, 66304 and 66305 taking the snowploughs for a ride up to Weston- S- Mare and back. Later in the day, they made it to Bristol and back . (Didn’t get to North Pole though! ) Just after that NHS 802020 turned up, heading West. On to Creech St Michael for the cement empties with 70810. Please see phots. Stay safe, Bill

66304 & 305 and ploughs at Bathpool 23rd July 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Note A report from Andrew Thompson - Re the picture of the above locos 66004 and 003 they have been busy as they passed through Preston on a freight movement from Millerhill to Wembley at 03.00 on the 21st July 2020 Regards Andrew Thompson, Thanks Andrew.

802020 sporting the unusual livery seen at at Bathpool . 23rd July 2020 Copyright Bill Elston.

On now to Creech to see 70810 with the cement empties heading for Aberthaw.. 23rd July 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill & Andrew

Out in the Countryside
Ashbury Crossing
Ken Mumford

Views at what was Ashbury Crossing (that was) now Network Rail call it Ashbury Footbridge where there are much fewer photographic opportunities since the electrification structures went up.
The farm (Cowleaze Farm house, I believe, seen in the last shot) came and collected the covered bales of hay, this taken as I descended the Shrivenham side of the aforementioned footbridge.
Kind regards, Ken Mumford.

66021 approaches Ashbury Crossing on the 23rd July 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford.

The pleasant rural summery scene at Ashbury Crossing. 23rd July 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford. Note the delightful thatched Cowleaze farmhouse.

Many thanks Ken.

Holiday 1962
Pentewan
Mick Bramich

Mick kindly sends us three holiday photos at the historic Pentewan Harbour.

Pentewan Railway at the harbour in 1962. Note the trackwork still appears to be partially in use . The points leading to the loading ramp have been disconnected as the harbours has long been out of use. Note the lock gates leading to the silted up passage to the sea. On the right the sand processing plant and looking rather precarious a truck stands awaiting a load. Copyright Mick Bramich

Another 1962 view by Mick Bramich showing the remains of the loading gear. Copyright.

And finally a view of a sand truck looking in remarkably good condition as it stands on a bridge over a watercourse - note the fan of rails beyond. 1962. Copyright Mick Bramich.

Many thanks for your holiday snaps Mick - invaluable now.

Dawlish Developments
David Tozer

David Tozer very kindly draws our attention to a very interesting video item. Spectacular sea scenes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_sIpXFM4Qg

Dave

23rd July 2020

23/7/2020

The New Platform at
Bodmin General
Roger Winnen

200721a The new platform at Bodmin Gereral awaits its first train most probably in late 2020 taken during a visit on 21st July 2020. Copyright Roger Winnen

200721b Rolling stock stabled in the adjacent siding which includes the auto coach at Bodmin General.. Copyright Roger Winnen

200721c The new platform and the crossover at Bodmin General looking towards the Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

Please Note! There are no services running on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway until later in the year

Cogload
Bill Elston

Winter is coming!!

A quick visit to Cogload today produced the following; a) Castle 43041 leading a Cardiff to Taunton, b) 43301 leading a Plymouth to Edinburgh, and c) DRS 66304 and 66305 working from Willesden Brent sidings to Fairwater yd. I understand they are to ‘excercise’ the two snowploughs stored in Fairwater yd tomorrow. All this happened between 1345 and 1410 . Best regards Bill

c) 66304, on route to Fairwater Yard to exercise the snowploughs - do they know something we don't! 22nd July 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill - a short but sweet visit.

1980's night time in
Plymouth
Clive Smith

(1) Looking resplendent in a fresh coat of paint, 50020 Revenge gleams in the night time environs on the 16th October 1984. (2) 46016 has terminated at platform 5 on the 22nd October 1982 with the Friday 1V39 13.30 York - Plymouth relief running 75 minutes late. (3) This was Friday the 22nd October 1982 and 31158 waits on the through road to take an ECS eastwards. Regards Clive Smith

(1) Looking resplendent in a fresh coat of paint, 50020 Revenge gleams in the night time environs on the 16th October 1984. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) 46016 has terminated at platform 5 on the 22nd October 1982 with the Friday 1V39 13.30 York - Plymouth relief running 75 minutes late. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) This was Friday the 22nd October 1982 and 31158 waits on the through road to take an ECS eastwards. Copyright Clive Smith.

Nice to hear from you Clive - many thanks.

22nd July 2020

22/7/2020

Torrington
Mick Bramich

Another snap, and a memory from the childhood days of Mick Bramich. The West Country 'Lydford' has towed in a train destined, no doubt for London Waterloo. The loco will now run around ready to depart. Mick also draws our attention to his, as he puts it, 'ever tolerant' fathers car itself of historical interest.

West Country 34106 Lydford at Torrington in 1957 Copyright Mick Bramich

Many thanks Mick.

Weekiller
Par
Brian Pibworth

Good Morning Keith,
Herewith attached a rare night-bird caught in broad daylight on the afternoon of Tuesday 21 June 2020, leaving Par over an hour early, en route to Exeter Riverside. The Weedkiller Train was led by 66015 followed by the two MPV units and tailed by 66107.
Take care. Brian

Nice to hear from you Brian, hope you are enjoying your holiday in Cornwall.

Underneath the arches
Moorswater
Roger Winnen

The replacement viaduct came into use on the 25th February 1881,

A fine study in winter light of the stonework of both Moorswater Viaducts. Taken on 26th November 1977. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger.

21st July 2020

21/7/2020

Starting up on shed
Bristol Bath Road
Phil Smith

Ghosts of the past at Bristol Bath Road. 50045 'Achilles' Starting up on shed. It's 1989 Copyright Phil Smith

Many thanks Phil for a dramatic picture.

35028 Clan Line Bodmin Parkway
Leslie Curnow

35028 Clan Line at Bodmin Parkway in June 2018. Copyright Leslie Curnow.

Many Thanks Leslie

Barnstaple
Mick Bramich

Barnstaple Jct shed 2 Class Ns one could be 31841 also an M7 which Barnstaple had in 1957 30247, 30251/ 30254, 30256 & 30671. - Copyright Mick Bramich

Another one from your schooldays Mick, many thanks.

<<Previous