Blog Archives

31st July 2021

31/7/2021

41312 Ivatt 2-6-2 arrives at Bodmin General
Roger Winnen

This Ivatt Tank was seen on a lowloader on the A30 at Okehampton yesterday, being reported on SWRG. After a number of enquiries we find the engine at Bodmin in the shed. No doubt brought down to add strength to the steam fleet.
Visiting today I was made very welcome by the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, and Steve Lightfoot who gave me a guided tour of the engine shed which was most appreciated. Many Thanks Steve

210731a 47306 The Sapper and The Austerity stand outside the shed at Bodmin today. Copyright Roger Winnen

210731b Ivatt 2-6-2 41312arrived yesterday at Bodmin. Built Crewe in 1952 she was first allocated to Faversham then to Barnstaple, Brighton, Bournmouth and finally Nine Elms in 1967. Copyright Roger Winnen

210731c 41312 Displays 72E the shed code of Barnstaple Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

210731d 50042 Triumph with reflections at Bodmin today. Copyright Roger Winnen

Torrington
June 1975
Roger Winnen

750607u Bridges across the River Torridge at Torrington The railway bridge to Torrington Station in the foreground, then the road bridge leading to the station middle right in the photograph. 7th June 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

750607w Torrington Station with milk tanks taken on 7th June 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

750607x Plenty of 3000 gallon milk tanks at Torrington Station on 7th June 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

It's the Test Train again
Dennis Clarke & Andrew Triggs

1. 43299 (with 43290) leading 1Q18 06.11 Reading Triangle Sidings-Penzance over Hayle Viaduct heading to Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs. N.B. With the building work going on here one wonders how much of this view will be lost?

2. Clearing Harveys Farm Roadbridge, heading for St Erth at 11.11. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

The test train at Penzance. 30th July 2021. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

3. Returning from Penzance, 43290 now leading approaching Rosevidney Roadbridge at 12.07. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

4. 1Q18 clearing Rosevidney Roadbridge, heading for St Erth and onwards to Paignton. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks to Andrew and Dennis.

30th July 2021

30/7/2021

50 years ago today
Neil Phillps looks back

A little later than ideal, but I’ve only just remembered – Cornwall’s first Class 25 in the shape of 5180 rolled into St Blazey Yard on a freight 50 years ago today – around tea time I believe. Here’s my photo of it taken over two weeks later (Monday 16 August) when news of its presence had finally filtered through to points further west. This still appears to be the earliest photo of a Class 25 in Cornwall.
D5180 was delivered new to Gateshead 52A on 19 February 1963, one of a batch of four (5179-82) built new for freight duties so never fitted with boilers and water tanks. It moved to Leeds Holbeck 55A in January 1968 and then in November 1970 to Newport Ebbw Junction 86B. In the photo 55A cast shed plates on the driver’s cab sides as well as ‘EBBW JUNC’ allocation stickers on all four corners can just be detected. It was officially allocated to Laira in October 1971 and was at Penzance on 31 December that year, the penultimate day of Class 22 operation. On 3 January 1972 5180 had the task of towing the last four operational Class 22s away from the South West, 6336/38 from St Blazey and collecting 6333/39 at Exeter to deposit them all at Bristol Marsh Junction. Later that month it was sent back to Ebbw Junction, then in May 1974 to Cardiff, by then renumbered 25030. In October 1975 its WR career ended when it was despatched all the way to Haymarket depot, then one month later moving all the way up to Inverness! In May 1976 it jumped Region again, this time to Cricklewood where its luck soon ran out as on 5 August that year while paired with 25174 it was hit by runaway wagons in the Aylesbury area. Both locomotives were withdrawn, 25030 being only the eleventh member of the class to fall. It was eventually scrapped at Derby Works in spring 1980. Information courtesy of the ever-informative ‘derbysulzers’ website.

From a personal viewpoint, by strange coincidence there is a photo in a book showing 25030 partially dismembered at Derby with a fire-damaged and cabless ‘Peak’ 46003 for (temporary) company. 46003 was at the head of the up 1M74 on 29 May 1975, which I caught at Truro and took this photo of the city from the train (would that truly ugly multi-storey car park have been permitted in such a location nowadays?) It was a poignant moment because from that day I was technically no longer a Cornish resident, and remained so for nearly 45 years……! Truro School visible top left, almost exactly ten years earlier I had been one of the first occupants of the prominent new extension, from memory the Richard Lander Building opened 1 May 1965. Brilliant for watching the trains on the viaducts………” Phillips! Are you paying attention?!” “Yes Sir, of course Sir!”

D5180 St Blazey 16th August 2021. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Truro from the train 29th May 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips,

I hope, Mr. Phillips. that you never got detention for train spotting.
Thanks for your memories and for the pictures. That car park certainly spoils the view - I cannot say glorious view because the other buildings don't exactly 'tone in' with superb cathedral.

The NMT at Saltash
Ross Griffiths.

Please see attached an image for use on the site if desired, of the NMT HST as it passed through Saltash earlier today with 185E 0611 Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton, with power car 43290 trailing. Copyright Ross Griffiths

Many Thanks Ross

Exeter Water Tank
Christmas 1975
Roger Winnen

751227i 27th December 1975 The old water tank at Exeter St David's Station since demolished for the new signalling centre which opened in the 1980s Copyright Roger Winnen

Exeter 78
Paul Barlow

BRC&W Class 104 DMU M50496 M59152 M50450 retn empty after working a Derby to Plymouth relief service pass ESD 24th February 1978. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

Exeter 78
Roger Winnen

Just a month later a peak arrives at Exeter St David's with the relief Cornishman. note water tower in the background. 30th March 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks Roger.

29th July 2021

29/7/2021

Postal at Par
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Hope you are still getting about and are well. Thank goodness the weather has cooled off. Here is a picture taken on a glorious 19 September 2000 and shows 67016 being attached to the postal set which it will propel under the bridge and then go round to St.Blazey depot for servicing,before returning later to Penzance.Who would have thought then that this would all end in a few years Best wishes Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Congratulations to
Driver Alan Peters

I am sure that some would be interested that 28th July 2021 marks 35 years on the footplate, I started as a traction Trainee in 1986 at Saltley depot in the West Midlands where I became a Driver, before moving to Worcester on partial closure of Saltley. I moved to Par in 1995 at the time Par was a new depot in the station as St Blazey depot split the passenger and freight work on privatisation. I even went to Drive trains down under in Western Australia but returned to Cornwall where many will know that I work for Colas Rail and I hope my pictures brings some behind the scenes interest to the Cornwall Railway Society.
Driver Alan Peters

The man himself - many thanks Alan.

Alan in Australia.

Many thanks Alan and congratulations on your many years of service. You and your fabulous pictures are very much appreciated - keep it up.

St Erth
Mark Lynam

70810 at St Erth after working 6C97 17.16 Westbury Down T.C. to St Erth via Penzance at 00.36 on Tuesday morning. Copyright Mark Lynam

This train, reversing at St Erth then worked through to Camborne dropping rail after which it formed the 04.25 Camborne to Eastleigh train. See earlier picture on this News Column of this train returning towards Eastleigh as seen at Rewe by David Tozer.

'Full Marks' to Mark Lynam for obtaining this picture at an unearthly hour.
Many thanks Mark.

Looking back - last train at
Wadebridge
Andrew and Diane Jones

Dear Keith and Valerie, Please find attached two photographs, ‘Then and Now’ of Wadebridge Station.
Whilst I would have preferred the station to still be part of the national network, the conversion to ‘The Betjeman Centre’ for over 50’s has certainly benefited the local population.
Diane was taking a look at the secondhand book stall and we went in to enjoy a lovely lunch at an incredible price which made us feel that we had returned to 1979.
Membership is just £6/year and you can join in with all the activities including Yoga and learning French or Spanish amongst a multitude of other options.
Significantly a number of those on the last train and in the photograph are now regulars at the centre.
Best wishes Andrew and Diane.

Wadebridge station on the last day 01.01.2011 Andrew and Diane Jones.

The same place as above yesterday - Wadebridge station as seen on the 28th July 2021. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

So there you are folks - a great recommendation from Diane. and Andrew.
Many thanks to you both, glad you enjoyed your meal.

28th July 2021

28/7/2021

Helston Railway reopens today
Roger Winnen

210728a The Park Royal unit being the Buffet Car resides at the new station site at Prospidick. Copyright Roger Winnen

210728b A massive dig out of the soil the other side of these vehicles reveals the entrance to the ticket office, book shop and buffet. Copyright Roger Winnen

210728c Passing 97649 at the former Trevarno Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

210728dd A Class 117 unit comes to a halt at the terminus of Truthall Halt on the first train of the day. Tuesday 28th July 2021. Copyright Roger Winnen

210728e Truthall Halt on arrival. Copyright Roger Winnen

210728f A very heavy shower of rain at Truthall Halt. Copyright Roger Winnen

210728h Back at Prospidnick Halt we had a guided tour of the train awaiting its next departure at 11.30. Copyright Roger Winnen

210728i The 117 unit in the sunshine. Copyright Roger Winnen

210728k Looking from the other side down the track. This Peckett Engine working today with the DMU driving trailer, works number 2000 built in December 1942 was operated by the British Sugar Corporation at Ipswich before going into preservation. Copyright Roger Winnen

We had an idea of going to Truthall Halt by car only to find the road closed so no further photographs were possible from other locations.

Newton Abbot
Paul Barlow

31258 31165 and a failed 45009 on a Wolverhampton to Penzance summer Saturday working pass Newton Abbot as 47473 arrives on a Paddington train in 1978. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

A bit of nostalgia at Tytherington
Ron Kosys

47310 at Tytherington Quarry on the 16th July 1987 Copyright Ron Kosys

This time on the same day 56046 is seen at Tytherington moving its train past the loading point 16th July 1987 Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

27th July 2021

27/7/2021

Freight at Rewe
David Tozer

Colas Class 70 70810 with the 0425 6C97 Camborne to Eastleigh taken at Colomb John Bridge, Rewe.
Dave

70810 with the 04.25 Camborne to Eastleigh freight seen from Columb John Bridge Rewe. 27th July 2021 Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David.

Broomhay Crossing
Bathpool, Taunton
Bill Elston

The 0948 Fairwater Yd to Doncaster Wood Yd ran today and is seen passing Bathpool hauled by Powerhaul-liveried 66504.
The other photo shows 2U12 Penzance - Bristol TM led by 43093.

The worker just in front of the power car is one of a gang engaged in clearing trackside vegetation within 8 metres of the lineside,
between Exeter and Brent Knoll, hopefully opening up some new photographic opportunities - if it is done!

Hope this is of interest,

Cheers, Bill

66504, Broomhay Crossing, Bathpool. 26th July 2021. Copyright Bill Elston.

43093,Broomhay Crossing, Bathpool. 26th July 2021. Copyright Bill Elston. Note worker lineside - possibly opening up new views. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill.

Exeter St Davids
Paul Barlow

xeter St Davids 50038 Forminable is a complete failure on the 1130 Paddington to Penzance 'Cornish Riviera'. 3rd June 1978, Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Engineering trains 18th July
Fowey Branch
Driver Alan Peters

With engineering work cancelled on the Fowey Branch over the weekend of 24th and 25th July 2021, a look back to last weekend with beautiful clear blue skies when Colas Rail 66849 'Wylam Dilly' and 66850 'David Maidment OBE' visited the Fowey branch top and tailed with the NTC train and auto ballast hoppers, what a difference to the weekend before that in the pouring rain!

Early Morning at Carne Point number 8 jetty on the 18th July 2021 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Colas Rail 66849 'Wylam Dilly' stabled at Carne Point with the NTC train on 18/07/21 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Wylam Dilly glimpsed through the unloading shed at Carne Point. 18th July 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

The CDA Unloading shed at Carne Point. 18th July 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters,

Carne Point unloading shed - note the 'brake stick' used to pin down the wagon brakes resting on the railings 18th July 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

End of the line, but with the Beeching reversal funds maybe one day will see the line extended towards Fowey for passenger use, the idea being to demolish the old wagon maintenance shed and continue the old 'Fowey Main' along the cliff to a new station but this would need a shuttle bus to the town, one can only hope that ideas may become reality. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

The NTC train has pushed back to join up with the auto hoppers near Milltown Woods where 66849 'Wylam Dilly' will become the tail engine back to Westbury as 6C23 hauled by 66850 'Daid Maidment OBE' on 18th July 2021 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

A delightful Drivers Eye view of Golant with a near full tide. 18th July 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters/.

A lovely weekend to be working on a lovely line - oh for passengers again!

A statement concerning
Minehead
Level Crossing

Viewers will find the statement below concerning the re-opening date for Minehead level crossing very interesting. Please click on the link https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/06/west-somerset-railway-release-seaward-way-railway-level-crossing-statement.html

26th July 2021

26/7/2021

Diesels at
Kintbury & Pewsey
Ken Mumford

N.B. These were taken while Ken was waiting the arrival of Bahamas both in the morning at Kintbury and in the evening at Pewsey.

KINTBURY Copyright Ken Mumford 24th July 2021

KINTBURY - looking towards Reading. Copyright Ken Mumford 24th July 2021

PEWSEY - one minute it was dry but very soon conditions changed! 24th July 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford.

PEWSEY 24th July 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

Exeter Central '78
Paul Barlow

25057 and 25047 banking work a coal train to Exmouth junction through Exeter Central 22nd February 1978. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Cowley Bridge Jct
Ron Kosys

33113+33103 make a colourful picture at Cowley Bridge with the 7O70 the 16.30 Meldon to Eastleigh working. Copyright Ron Kosys. Now of course ballast goes the other way.

Many thanks Ron.

25th July 2021

25/7/2021

Venn Cross
Derek Buttivant

It is a remarkable transformation at Venn Cross compared with pictures taken many years ago. The gardens at this station will be open again on Saturday and Sunday 28th & 29th August Admission £5 for Charities under the National Gardens Scheme. Its well worth a visit!

Venn Cross goods shed garden (1) - the goods shed as it now is, converted very sympathetically into a dwelling. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Venn Cross goods shed garden (2) - the goods shed as it now is, converted very sympathetically into a dwelling. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Venn Cross goods shed garden (5) - one of many railway "items) in the garden, though probably not originally from here nor in its original position. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Venn Cross goods shed garden (8) - the goods shed with old photo for comparison. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Venn Cross goods shed garden (20) - the station house, site of the platforms and tunnel mouth are in a separate private garden next door, here viewed through a linking gate. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Venn Cross goods shed garden (22) - the station house, site of the platforms and tunnel mouth are in a separate private garden next door, here viewed through a linking gate. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Venn Cross original station nameboard Copyright Derek Buttivant

Venn Cross station towards tunnel mouth - photo (among many) on display in the garden, showing the station site before the tidying up and landscaping was done. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Many Thanks Derek for your interesting pictures

Bahamas
at Norton Fitzwarren
Derek Buttivant

Hello again Roger. Hello Roger Having seen the photos of Saturday's special train headed by Bahamas I thought you might be interested in the attached picture, taken in overcast conditions, as the train took the curve around the east side of the Norton Fitzwarren triangle, past the WSR "exchange" platform (without stopping) and headed for Bishops Lydeard. It was a very busy train and crowds alighted at Bishops Lydeard where Bahamas came off and was replaced by WSR motive power. As a result of access to Minehead being prevented by the reconstruction of the level crossing there, this and all WSR services terminated at Dunster. WSR trains are shunted by a stand-by diesel loco, using the siding at Dunster to release the train engine, there being no run-round. The special train, though, was top-and-tailed and ran back to Bishops Lydeard before returning to Dunster in the late afternoon to form the return special back to Bishops Lydeard (where Bahamas was reattached) and then on to Taunton and Paddington. Vintage open-top buses are among the fleet providing a "rail replacement" service between Dunster and Minehead. Kind regards, Derek

BAHAMAS at Frome
Guy Vincent

LMS 45596 'Bahamas' cruising up the Frome Avoiding line at Styles Hill at 1940hrs with the return 1Z54 1726 Minehead (starting at Watchet) - Bishops Lydeard - Paddington Railway Touring Company's 'The West Somerset Steam Express'. Luckily this was between two bouts of heavy showers. The train was reportedly hauled over the WSR by 'Manors' 7822 and 7828. Again the loco was performing admirably with 11 coaches in tow and no assisting diesel.

Regards, Guy Vincent

LMS 45596 'Bahamas' cruising up the Frome Avoiding line at Styles Hill. Copyright Guy Vincent.

LMS 45596 'Bahamas' stops at Frome for a short 15 minute water tank top-up whilst en route to Bishops Lydeard with the Railway Touring Company's 1Z52 0759 ex Paddington 'West Somerset Steam Express'. The loco stopped beyond the end of the station car park so preventing any front-on photo. Departure time saw an age-old railway tradition enacted when a green 'Bardic' lamp was shown to the driver, giving the 'ready to start' signal. No buzzer or bell communication provided on 'proper', traditional trains! One could almost be forgiven for thinking that these scenes were recorded on a heritage railway and not on the soon-to-be 'Great British Railways' network.

Best Regards. Guy Vincent.

Frome 45596 1Z52 24th July 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Frome water stop, 45596 1Z52 24th July 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy

BAHAMAS at PEWSEY
Ken Mumford

[1] A London bound IET approaches the station very slowly.
[2] 45596 ‘Bahamas’ passing non-stop through the station in a determined fashion to make up for lost time and to attack the climb up to Savernake.
[3] A going away shot of the steam train.
Kind regards, Ken Mumford

A London bound IET approaches the station very slowly. 25th July 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

45596 ‘Bahamas’ passing non-stop through the station in a determined fashion to make up for lost time and to attack the climb up to Savernake. 25th July 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Bahamas hammers on towards Savernake and London. 24th July 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

To see all of our coverage of the Bahamas visit please click here and look for item 2115F.

Exeter Central '78
Paul Barlow

47056 has just arrived at Exeter central with presflow cement working from Westbury. 3rd March 1978.

Many thanks Paul

24th July 2021

24/7/2021

The Bodmin Diesel Gala featuring 47306 'The Sapper'
Roger Winnen

Today was a very pleasent day with sunshine, much differant from the weather forecast predicting heavy rain.
The Bodmin & Wenford Railway ran five return trains hauled ny 47306 'The Sapper' between Bodmin General & Bodmin Parkway. Your ticket was classified as a rover and gave you unlimited travel all day. The facilities have all been upgraded at Bodmin and present a lasting impression.
It was nice also to see many familiar faces around Bodmin today

210724a 47306 The Sapper runs around its train at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

210724b Inside of the B & W coaches reveals screens for social distancing on their trains which looks very smart indeed. Copyright Roger Winnen

210724c The front coach of the train being 232 an auto coach of the early 1950s. Copyright Roger Winnen

210724d Wheels glorious wheels at Bodmin General Station as a service from Bobmin Parkway rolls in. Copyright Roger Winnen

210724e 50042 Triumph stands the other side of the new platform in brilliant sunshine. Copyright Roger Winnen

210724f A tamping machine the property of The South Devon Railway at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

210724h The last train of the day departs Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

Somerset Jubilee
David Tozer

I escaped from Devon to Somerset to see possibly the first visit of an LMS Jubilee to Taunton. 45596 Bahamas with the 1Z52 0759 Paddington to Bishops Lydeard at Norton Fitzwarren. Copyright David Tozer

Later shades of the Cambrian Coast Express a pair of Manors together 7828 and 7822 as they leave Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

Respryn
Chris Harvey

A shot at Respryn from Wednesday evening which you might be able to use. As the shadows lengthen, 158 749 and a sister 158 head away from Brownqueen tunnel with the 16.50 Penzance - Bristol Temple Meads. A lovely spot to spend an evening! Copyright Chris Harvey Bodmin.

It is indeed a super spot - not only favoured by your good self but also Alan Peter's and his dog. Many thanks indeed.

Swindon
Ken Mumford

Swindon station on the 21st July as an IET waits to depart from platform 3 on a London service. - note the spotter keeping the right side of the yellow line. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Thank you Ken.

Conicity
Colin Burges

Dear Keith,
Your members all know that it is the flanges that keep railway wheels following the road, or do they? But there is another force at work (Conicity - the wheel profiles) amply proven by my "party trick."

https://youtu.be/oEafLfJrT6U

Relief is on the way in the form of stormclouds; next thing lightning will do for your router! (Reference to my router failure in the tropical weather}
Colin

Colin demonstrated his 'party trick' when the CRS visited his wonderful site at Christow - on this occasion a pair of correctly profiled wheels succesfully negotiated several curves - well done Colin. Thanks.

Bristol East Report
Driver Alan Peters

Some pictures of Bristol East remodelling, the new track should be in position since these pictures were taken, unfortunately the perils of working away means it is difficult to send in the pictures straight away!
Alan Peters

The view from platform 5 on 13th July 2021 with fresh bottom ballast laid prior to the new track being laid, Copyright Alan Peters.

The ballast mat and mesh being rolled out by the orange army prior to dropping stone, as seen from a Colas class 70 locomotive at Bristol East on 13th July 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

A trackless Bristol East looking back towards the station on 13th July 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Hi Alan, what is a day between friends - all your pictures are much appreciated.

23rd July 2021

23/7/2021

Those long nights
Craig Munday

The soaring temperatures have challenged the industry this week. The trains infrastructure and staff have all battled the heat in an extraordinary heatwave. The evenings and nights have not been any more relenting, I recorded 21 degrees on the Ford Ranger gauge last night at Devonport at 01.00.

Sleeping during the day has been exhausting too. The nights now out of the way and, of course, the weather set to change!

A couple of pictures from the week, Par box shone in all its glory on the night of 20th July, and the sun spectacularly hitting the levers as it dropped behind the box had to be photographed. The lever wires still tightened at 20.00 in the evening, it was midnight before they could be let out fully. (Lever wire tensioners are the black vertical devices behind levers a fair way from the box. In hot weather the metal signal wires expand and "slack" must be taken out of the wire to ensure the signals clear properly. These must be wound back as the temperature drops or the wires could be damaged).

Also seen at Forder viaduct on my way to Saltash on 21st was 6G98 a rail delivery train headed by GBRf's 66732. Colas rail's 66848 was provided at the other end. The rails were dropped off in the St Austell area for forthcoming engineering works. The sun just gently dropping as the Bluebird approached, the land behind still beautifully lit.

Look out for The Bodmin & Wenford's 47306 in service this coming Saturday, we may be dodging the thunderstorms though, conditions similar to the day 57604 worked back during the Sept 2017 Diesel Gala a few years back. (Pictures attached)

Cheers for now, Craig.

6G98 Forder 66732 21st July 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

Par Box on the 20th July 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks indeed Craig, some respite from the heat this weekend. Best of luck to the B & W.

Exeter
Paul Barlow

47033 passes Exeter St Davids with red engineers coaches on an unknown working 20th June 1978\Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Sunny St Ives
Clive Smith

It's 19.00 on Thursday evening as the glorious weather we have had for the last week continues. The 18.48 from St Erth snakes its way from Carbis Bay into St Ives in the most superlative light indicative of the town's fame. I have never seen St Ives town centre and beaches so crammed as today. Anyone who has had the last week off on holiday must feel as if they have had the Mediterranean transferred to Cornwall.

Regards, Clive Smith

Indeed a glorious evening but a change is under way, Many thanks Clive.

Important Notice - reduction in GW services

Changes to service
From Monday 26 July 2021
Due to a reduction in staff availability, we will be running an
amended service in Devon and Cornwall until further notice:
Local services on Mondays to Fridays
• All trains between Liskeard and Looe after 1900 will be
replaced by buses
• 0950 Penzance to Plymouth will not run
• 1217 Plymouth to Penzance will not run
• 1615 Par to Newquay will be replaced by a bus
• 1719 Newquay to Par will be replaced by a bus
• 2130 Plymouth to Gunnislake will be replaced by a bus
• 2222 Gunnislake to Exeter St Davids will be replaced by a bus as
far as Plymouth. The train will run as normal from Plymouth at 2315
Long Distance services
Mondays to Fridays
• 0549 Plymouth to London Paddington will not run
• 1736 London Paddington to Plymouth will not run
Saturdays
• 0655 Plymouth to London Paddington will not run
• 1904 London Paddington to Plymouth will not run
Other service changes may be made at short notice.
Check your journey before you travel at GWR.com/Check
PUB - EXP: UFN RMP

22nd July 2021

22/7/2021

Reading
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, The heat continues,Oh for a dip at Eastern Green! Here is a picture of a very unusual visitor to Reading on 27 May 1986 in the shape of 73120.It come from the Southern link line with some vans, two of which are ex Southern bogie luggage vans. Thanks and best wishes. Michael. Copyright Michael Forward.

Many thanks Michael

Paddington-Penzance Motorail Service
Chris Harvey

Hi Keith, Please find attached a shot from the July of twenty years ago, which is unrepeatable for all sorts of reasons! On the 28th July 2001, a FGW 47 heads west with the 0930 Paddington - Penzance motorail service - note the two vans coupled behind the loco. The location is the overbridge near Hendra, about a mile west of Burngullow on the single line section to Probus, now of course re-doubled. The Blackpool clay works at Burngullow is visible above the trees in the far in the background. Best Regards, Chris Harvey Bodmin

Many Thanks Chris for your interesting photo of times gone by.

Oath
Bill Elston

I hope you and yours are managing to cope in this ' inclement ' weather !
I was at Oath today for the 14.27 Westbury to Burngullow rail train operated by GBRf as 6G98.
This was top and tailed by 66732 and Colas 66848.
Take care in this hot weather. Cheers. Bill

66732, 21st July 2021 Copyright Bill Elston,

66848, 21st July 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill - you take care too.

Copplestone +
Colin Burges

Yesterday (21st July 2021), after collecting some steel from Crediton, I rode to North Devon in the blistering sun, stopping to inspect all the stations except Umberleigh. The valley turnpike was closed north of Pompei Arms and I diverted uphill via High Bickington and Atherington, which gave me sweeping views I would not have had from below.

The volunteers who make Copplestone such a delight deserve more recognition. I'll leave you to choose one or two from these, if you think they're worth publishing.

Copplestone 20th July 2021. Copyright Colin Burges. Note the tiny model signalbox by the station sign.

Chenson Number 3 Crossing 20th July 2021. Copyright Colin Burges. It's a shame that the PW couldn't have been kept tidier!

Note:- Chenson No. 2 Crossing now has red and green lights for the safety of its very infrequent users. There have been telephones by the gates for a long time.

Chenson Number 3 Crossing approach . Copyright Colin Burges.

Chenson Bridge. Copyright Colin Burges.

A viewer of one of my videos, thinking himself clever, commented that Tarka lived on the Torridge. I replied saying that the full title of the book was Tarka the Otter. His Joyful Water-Life and Death in the Country of the Two Rivers. As Henry Williamson explored the whole of the country roamed by his fictional Tarka, in preparation for the great work, it is certain that he strode over the pretty Chenson Bridge, which lies just beyond the crossing. The rivers Yeo and Taw meet just upstream from here.

River Taw that was made where it was threatening the line at Colleton Mills is naturalizing well, Copyright Colin Burges.

Many thanks Colin

Okehampton
Tony Hill

The 2054 Tues 20th July 21 the overnight ballast train worked by 66784 from Westbury to the Okehampton line, having unloaded, proceeded to Meldon Quarry to run round, is seen here at Okehampton at midday on Weds 21st July 2021 killing time, before heading to Crediton and thence forward as the 2100 to Westbury.
This train was unusually (but more economically) worked by just one loco (instead of a loco each end) necessitating a run round at Meldon Quarry and Exeter Riverside yard. Tony Hill.

Glad you are still keeping watch at Okehampton - many thanks Tony.

<<Previous