Blog Archives

Items added on the 31st August 2016 Those added most recently come first

31/8/2016

A Recent visit to the Launceston Steam Railway
Roger Winnen

You are sure of a warm welcome when visiting the Launceston Steam Railway run by Nigel & Kay Bowman. One ticket gives you unlimited rides and entry to the museum with lots to see. The railway has a nice restaurant serving good food, together with a shop stocking many items for the railway enthusiast. Well worth a visit if you are in Launceston the Gateway to Cornwall

160822a Kay Bowman tops up Lilian with water at Launceston. Copyright Roger Winnen

160822b Lilian has run around its train at Newmills Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

160822c Lilian returns from Newmills passing under the Aquaduct on the approach of Launceston Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

160822d In the yard of the Museum we have a vehicle from The Post Office Underground Railway in London. A part of this railway together with the Postal Museum will be opening to the public in 2017. Copyright Roger Winnen

160822e In the Restaurant is the nameboard for Launceston Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

160822e Under the former station canopy which came from Tavistock Noth Station onlookers wait for the train to depart. Copyright Roger Winnen

160822f Lilian running around its train on arrival at Launceston. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Network Rail Measurement Train
passes Cranbrook on 25th Aug,2016
David Tozer

160825a 43014 & 43062 on the Network Rail Measurement train passes Cranbrook on the Salisbury-Exeter route. Copyright David Tozer.

Indian Summer
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
Our late Summer sunshine is continuing, giving some lovely light to the green countryside. A really lush growing year (albeit obscuring the tracks in many cases).
Here are some recent images.
Also included are pictures of the rear of Par box as requested, showing the nameplate proudly displayed.
66023 climbs towards Burngullow with 6P07 and crosses Trenance viaduct. A fluke of the curvature West of St Austell which sees the Upside face of the viaduct lit in the mornings at this time of year. This distant view shows the silo structures at Burngullow in the distance, and the lovely property perched on the valley side to the right.
70806 resides in the Down Loop at Par with the Autoballster set, which will see employment during the night.
A quick reminder - the Northern Belle & more class 68s due down again this Saturday. Timings on Real Time Trains website. Pictures to Roger please:- Roger Winnen <[email protected]>
All the best for now, Craig Many thanks Craig

The rear of Par Signal Box in all its glory. August 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

A closer view of the rear of Par Signal Box. August 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

66023 climbs towards Burngullow with 6P07 and crosses Trenance viaduct. A fluke of the curvature West of St Austell which sees the Upside face of the viaduct lit in the mornings at this time of year. This distant view shows the silo structures at Burngullow in the distance, and the lovely property (Brake House) perched on the valley side to the right. 29th August 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

70806 resides in the Down Loop at Par with the Autoballster set, which will see employment during the night. 29th August 2016 A privileged view by Craig Munday Copyright

Yeovil Yesterday
John Cornelius

Hi Keith, on Tuesdays during August we have held a running day using one of our diesel locos,at Yeovil junction. Today was the last one and our Ruston DS1174 'RIVER YEO' was the rostered loco for the day.
The days have proved popular with a reasonable number of visitors each time, including today.
As all the trains were diesel hauled, a special cheap entry price to the site of £3 per adult with children 5 to 15 free, applied for these days
which I'm sure was appreciated by the parents with young families.
I'm sure the we shall repeat this next August following the success of this year.
The pics show the Ruston trundling along the siding with its train during this afternoon. cheers JOHN C. Many thanks John

Keynsham
John Cornelius

Sorry folks, I'm showing my age now but I cannot see or hear anything about Keynsham without thinking of the The "Famous Infra-Draw Method" promoted by Horace Batchelor. Batchelor sponsored programmes on Radio Luxembourg to promote his "Famous Infra-Draw Method", a system that he claimed increased the chances of winning large sums on the football pools. Before the National Lottery started in 1994, the "Pools" was the only way to win large sums for a small stake. Listeners were asked to submit their stakes to Batchelor, who then determined how the stake was placed. He was paid only if the bet won. Infra-draw was thus not dependent on his predictive talent for its financial success. Horace passed away in January 1977. Courtesy Wilkipedia

Exmoor Ranger
Mike Morant

The 'Exmoor Ranger', the first of three glimpses of the past courtesy of Mike Morant Collection to be added to our collection on this railtour, but any ideas where this might be please.

_ W_BR_3205_Exmoor_Ranger-1_27-3-65 Plymouth Railway Circle/RCTS: The Exmoor Ranger 27/3/65
Collett 2251 class 0-6-0 No. 3205 hauled two legs of this tour from Ilfracombe to Taunton and thence to Exeter. This double movement included what is believed to be the last use of the turntable at Taunton mpd.
Any ideas where this shot was taken?
[Mike Morant collection]

Items added on the 30th August 2016 Those added most recently come first

30/8/2016

New bridge sections at Saveock.
By Mick House.

The new bridge sections at Saveock have been put in over the weekend by Baldwin’s 1000 tonnes capacity crane. Words and photos by Mick House.

Baldwin’s 1000 tonne crane on standby at Saveock Bridge ready to lift in concrete bridge sections this weekend. Photo by Mick House.

The new bridge sections in place. Photo by Mick House.

Meet 'Sam', Yeovil's pet.
John Cornelius

Morning Keith, We are quite versatile at Yeovil junction in what we have achieved over the years.
This is one of them. The restoration of Fowler 22900'SAM' which has taken 10/12 years to complete.
IT entered service about two months ago and is used for shunting when our Ruston is not available. It cannot operate passenger trains at present as it has no vacuum brake, only a hand brake.
But it makes a welcome addition to our fleet of small loco's.
'IT' was named 'SAM' after one of our members 'Jack Russell' dog, who was a regular visitor with his master at the centre for several years and nick named 'the railway dog' cheers JOHN C.
A lovely story John, many thanks.

SAM - RIP
Morning Keith, 'SAM' belonged to John Barrett,who was our treasurer at Yeovil for several years.
SAM always accompanied him on his visits and became a friend to all the members who came to work at the centre,hence the nickname 'the railway dog'. Sadly when he was about 12 years old,he was out walking with john
one day,both had stopped at the side of the road to let a car pass, when Sam suddenly ran out in front of it and was run over with fatal results.
As John had loaned the money to buy the diesel loco,he suggested that when the loco was restored it be named Sam in memory of his dog.
However not long after Sam's passing, John bought another 'jack Russell'puppy from near Barnstaple and named it 'BARNY' and of course it comes to Yeovil when ever John comes.
So their we are, hope this is of interest. cheers JOHN C.
Pity about 'Sam', welcome to 'Barny'.

The 'Exeter Flyer'
Railtour Mike Morant

This is the third of Mike Morant's pictures of this railtour, tomorrow we take a look at his irreplaceable shots of the Exmoor Ranger. Many thanks Mike

_ Std_BR_80039_GWRA130729_slide7C21 SCTS: The Exeter Flyer 12/9/65
BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T no. 80039 at Barnstaple Junction.
[Mike Morant collection]

Items added on the 29th August 2016 Those added most recently come first

29/8/2016

Visit to the Bideford, Westward Ho and Appledore Railway
This Saturday coming 3rd September, 2016 is another outdoor event for the Cornwall Railway Society exploring the few remains of the Bideford, Westward Ho and Appledore Railway in North Devon.
This is subject to a good weather forecast for Saturday because there is little shelter in North Devon, if your in doubt please ring 0777 380 8074
Timings Penzance 06.30 Camborne 06.51 Redruth 06.57 Truro 07.09 St Austell 07.25 Par 07.32 Bodmin Parkway 07.46 Plymouth 08.25 Exeter St David's 09.20/09.27 Barnstaple 10.35
Return from Barnstaple 17.08 Exeter St David's 18.23/18.46 Plymouth 19.42 Bodmin Parkway 20.23 Par 20.35 St Austell 20.41 Truro 21.02 Redruth 21.13 Camborne 21.19 Penzance 21.42
Purchase an Off Peak Day Return to Barnstaple.
This is the plan on arrival at Barnstaple.
Travel on the 21 Bus at 10.48 to Bideford Quay arrive 11.15. Look around the Quay and depart on the 21 bus at 11.40 Bus to Westward Ho arr 11.53 where I have allowed an hour to walk part of the coast path which was the alignment of the Railway, however there is no trace of the Station at Westward Ho but the site is still there. Depart on the 12.53 bus to Bideford and alight opposite the former carriage sheds which is now a Car Wash depot at 13.20. We then walk to the Quay for the Route19 Bus at14.00 hrs to Appledore Seagate Hotel arr 14.19 and walk the short distance to Appledore Station, parts of the Station remain as a memorial to the past, We then return on the same bus at 14.35 and remain on until East of the Water at 15.02 for a visit to the Bideford Railway Station. A few weeks ago it looked rather run down, however alongside there is a place of refreshment which should suit all taste. We walk back over Bideford Bridge and Catch the 21 16.05 or 16.15 Bus to Barnstaple Station arriving at 16.31 or 16.41 for our return home to Cornwall

Dedication -
that's the name of the game!!

Just a little tribute to Roger. After a days work on the CRS book stand at Hayle yesterday he travelled up to Plymouth to see the Duchess depart and then came home getting back at 22.15. He was still at work on the pictures you see below (Flying the Flag for Britain, And proud to be Cornish) well after midnight.. He's mad keen, well very keen anyway! Many thanks Roger for your time and trouble - and, of course, to other contributors too.

Duchess at Yeovil Jct.
John Cornelius

John Cornelius sends me a steady supply of pictures for which I am extremely grateful and it is particularly pertinent bearing in mind the visits to Cornwall last weekend and to Plymouth yesterday that today, from his stock we have drawn the 'Duchess of Sutherland' - seen here on the turntable a Yeovil Junction. Many thanks John - copyright

The 'Exeter Flyer'
Railtour Mike Morant

The second of three additional pictures of this railtour from Mike Morant's vast collection - many thanks Mike

_ Std_BR_80039_GWRA130729_slide7C17 SCTS: The Exeter Flyer 12/9/65
BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T no. 80039 has run around its stock and is seen here ready for departure for Barnstaple Junction.
[Mike Morant collection]

Items added on the 28th August 2016 Those added most recently come first

28/8/2016

Flying the Flag for Britain
And proud to be Cornish
Photographs by Martin Duff, Craig Munday, Trevor Tremethick, Leslie Curnow, Jamie Dyke and
Roger Winnen

46233 Duchess of Sutherland headed the Royal Duchy to Plymouth then 47580 County of Essex with the Union Jack took the tour into Cornwall and terminated at Par. The returning tour carried the headboard The Cornish Riviera Express on the Duchess when she left Plymouth for Bristol Temple Meads. It brings back memories of day's gone by.

160828m 47580 Waits in the former down through Platform 2 at Plymouth for the arrival of the Royal Duchy. Copyright Leslie Curnow

160828n 46233 The Royal Duchy with Duchess of Sutherland has been replaced by 47580 for the journey to Par. Copyright Leslie Curnow

160828o 47580 County of Essex arrives at Par two minutes early with the Royal Duchy. Copyright Jamie Dyke

160828q Here was see 47580 about to attach to the rear of the train for movement to the liner siding. Copyright Jamie Dyke

160828r Flying the flag for Britain as she waits to depart for the liner siding. Copyright Jamie Dyke

At Par its 15.52 on 28th August 2016 47580 County of Essex on the Royal Duchy Express. Copyright Martin Duff

160828c Preparing to leave the siding for the up main platform at Par Station. Copyright Craig Munday.

160828d Departing for the mainline up platform at Par 47580 County of Essex. Copyright Craig Munday

160828e This engine 47580 was originally decorated with the Union Jack during the Queens Silver Jubilee celebrations of 1977. Copyright Craig Munday.

160828b 46233 Duchess of Sutherland waits in the middle line at Plymouth North Road Station. Copyright Martin Duff

160828f The Duchess awaits the Arrival of 47580 County of Essex in Platform 7 at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

160828g The 47 comes off of its train at Plymouth and departs immediately for Bristol. Copyright Roger Winnen

160828gg County of Essex coming off Laira at 19.37, 28.08.16 Copyright Trevor Tremethick

160828h The Duchess and its support coach moves to attach to the train in Platform 7. Copyright Roger Winnen

160828i The Cornish Riviera Express departs Plymouth Station at 19.49hrs. Copyright Roger Winnen

160828j The last rays of the evening light reflects on its boiler as the Cornish Riviera Express departs Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

160828k 46233 Duchess of Sutherland enters Mutley Tunnel on route for Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Roger Winnen

160828L Duchess of Sutherland passing Laira 28.08.16 . Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Exeter Central
John Cornelius

As captioned by John, this bay platform at Exeter Central sees little use as most services to Exmouth originate at either Barnstable or Paignton. Copyright John Cornelius

The 'Exeter Flyer'
Railtour Mike Morant
We now, courtesy of Mike Morant, present a series of six pictures of North Devon Railtours

Std_BR_80039_GWRA130729_slide7C11 SCTS: The Exeter Flyer 12/9/65
BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T no. 80039 during a photo stop at Mortehoe & Woolacombe station.
[Mike Morant collection]

Items added on the 27th August 2016 Those added most recently come first

27/8/2016

Michael Forward visits Westbury on 9th December,1986 after the removal of the semaphore signalling

861209a Westbury after the removal of the semaphore signalling. 33002 pulls away with the 14.00 to Cardiff (12.10 from Portsmouth Harbour. A proper train with mk 1 coaches. Copyright Michael Forward

861209b A New Class 59 59002 Yeoman Enterprise waits for the road with loaded wagons for Acton. I think the 59s arrived in 1985 so the locos still looked nice and clean. Copyright Michael Forward

861209c Next we swee 56036 with more stone for London. Copyright Michael Forward

861298d Finally we see a nice mixed speedlink starting away from the gloom behind 47205. Copyright Michael Forward

Five from Andrew Triggs

The NMT passing through Truro, heading for Penzance, working 05.25 Old Oak Common to Paignton (via Penzance). Copyright Andrew Triggs

Two from Craig
Coombe and Par

Hi Keith
A rather super opportunity presented itself today with GWR green set LA15 working 1C72 to Penzance - in full sunlight to obtain a nice portrait of recently refurbished Par Signalbox (circa 1890) with the HST (circa 1976).
All looking dazzling for the next few years.
Also taken was 57605 almost lost to vegetation on Coombe viaduct with 5P70.

Kind regards, Craig Many thanks

Coombe St Stephens Viaduct with 5p70 headed by 57 605 on the 27th August 2016. Copyright Craig Munday

You can't get much better than this! A nice portrait of recently refurbished Par Signalbox (circa 1890) with the HST (circa 1976). All looking dazzling for the next few years. Copyright Craig Munday

Two from Truro
Jamie Dyke

These pictures arrived late last night, as you will have seen the bright sun and two interesting movements brought rather a deluge of pictures.

Hi Keith, As you know, 70806 visited Cornwall today to pick up the railvac from Truro Yard back to Westbury and also the NMT (43062 + 43014) came down as well with the 5:25 Old Oak Common to Paignton via Penzance. 43014 + 43062 pass Truro with the NMT 5:25 Old Oak Common to Paignton via Penzance Thank you Jamie.

The Network Rail Test Train made a striking appearance at Truro 26th August 2016.

Colyford Crossing
Steve Richards

This picture taken in 1961 caused us some debate, Steve originally submitted it as being on the Lyme Regis branch but after further debate decided that it was probably Colyford level crossing on the Seaton branch. I think we all agree with this. The platform would have been on the other side of the train. (Mike Roach advises that the first car waiting is a Morris 8; his first car) Copyright Steve Richards N.B. Happily this is still a rail crossing being used by tramcars - part of the Seaton Tramway.

Near Axminster
John Cornelius

Many thanks to John Cornelius, Copyright

Narrow gauge with
Mike Morant
The L & B

Just a reminder that the CRS will be visiting the Lynton and Barnstable Gala on September 24th - see details in our outdoor events section.

S_SR_760_Blackmoor_A001 The Lynton & Barnstaple always creates a stir as it did with me when I acquired this original negative. The locomotive is one of the original three bought by the L & B and is Manning Wardle built 2-6-2T EXE after it had been renumbered as 760 by the Southern. The location is Blackmoor.
An interesting note on the side: my immediate neighbour was a weekly passenger on the L&BR when he used to accompany his mother to the Barnstaple market.
[Mike Morant collection]

Items added on the 26th August 2016 Those added most recently come first

26/8/2016

One last view of the Railvac.
Paul Rundle

Never did a vacuum cleaner attract so much attention - perhaps they should give it a name like 'Henry'! Many thanks Paul.

70 806 at Truro Yard. 26th August 2016. Copyright Paul Rundle.

Railvac and NR Measurement Train
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
Some snaps on my travels today. 43062 / 014 cross Angarrack viaduct with 1Q18 NR measurement train.
70806 basks in the sunshine at Truro Yard collecting the Railvac bound for Westbury.
Regards Craig Many thanks Craig

After coupling up had been completed by Paul Rundle 70 806 basks in the sun awaiting further movement. 26th August 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

The network Rail HST makes a stunning picture as it crosses Angarrack Viaduct. The sea at St Ives Bay provides a brilliant backdrop. 26th August 2016 Copyright Craig Munday.

More Network Rail Measurement Train and Crane at Saveock Bridge.
By Mick House.

The Network Rail Measurement Train approaches Saveock foot crossing. Photo by Mick House.

The Network Rail Measurement Train runs under Saveock Bridge on its way to Penzance. Photo by Mick House.

On its way back to London The Network Rail Measurement Train is about to run under Saveock Bridge. Photo by Mick House.

Baldwin’s 1000 tonne crane arrived at Saveock Bridge today ready to lift in concrete bridge sections at the weekend. Photo by Mick House.

Its a Yellow Day Today
The Network Rail Measurement Train
And the 70 on the Railvac
Photos by Roger Winnen & Roger Salter

160826a The Network Rail Measurement train at Treleigh this morning. This view has started to grow in! Copyright Roger Winnen

160826n The Yellow Peril heads for Penzance on the Marsh at Marazion. Copyright Roger Salter

160826i The Network Rail Measuring train on the Marsh at Marazion returning after an hour stay at Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

160826g Bringing up the rear on Marazion Marsh. Copyright Roger Salter

160826b The return run of the train to Paignton seen here at Truro. Copyright Roger Winnen

160826c Passing thouth Platform 3 at Truro. Copyright Roger Winnen

160826d 70806 attaches to the Railvac at Truro for its run back to Westbury. Copyright Roger Winnen

Extra Specials
Karl Hewlett

Dear Keith.

A few workings and their timings that are away from the norm for today and next week:

Network Rail NMT HST visits Cornwall again 26/08/16:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H37864/2016/08/26/advanced

Colas Rail movement to collect Rail Vac 4 from Truro Yard 26/08/16:

Light engine movement: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/B12734/2016/08/26/advanced

Loco with Rail Vac 4: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U30370/2016/08/26/advanced

Duchess visits Devon 46233 Bristol to Plymouth and return WCRC class 47/57 Plymouth to Par and return 28/08/16:

http://www.uksteam.info/tours/t16/t0828b.htm

Unidentified PW Working (probably Colas Rail) to Truro 31/08/16:

Looking at the timings seems to be a drop between Par and Probus area on the down main with the run around at Truro, either rails or ballast:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/B12794/2016/08/31/advanced

DRS operated (likely to be class 68's) Belmond Northern Belle to Par with ECS to Penzance 03/09/16:

Outward run: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52455/2016/09/03/advanced

Return run: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52456/2016/09/03/advanced

Since my last posting on the CRS website regarding last through trains, Falmouth branch, I have had the opportunity to read 'Rail Express Magazine' article Westerns to Falmouth. To answer John Balls question when the Falmouth to Paddington service restarted, my original date of 1976 is the same as their write up mentions, so 1976 is confirmed as being correct.

Regards

Karl (Friends of Penmere).
Many thanks Karl, for your time and trouble - much appreciated.

Athelney
John Cornelius

John captures a rare moment in time. Copyright John Cornelius

Crewkerne
Mike Morant

S_SR_306_Crewkerne Drummond 700 or 'Black Motor' class 0-6-0 No.306 in SR days hauling a down freight at Crewkerne. No. 306 was built by Dübs & Co. And entered LSWR service as its no. 702 in May 1897 but was renumbered as shown here in 1898. This class gave sterling service and 306 would eventually be withdrawn as BR no. 30306 at Eastleigh mpd in April 1962.
[Dr. Ian C. Allen / Mke Morant collection]

Items added on the 25th August 2016 Those added most recently come first

25/8/2016

Seaton
Steve Richards

Seaton 1961 30045 Copyright Steve Richards N.B. M7 30045 was a regular on the Seaton branch. It was withdrawn on the 1st December 1962 and scrapped at Eastleigh on the 31st March 1963.

Charlton, west of Cogload
John Cornelius

46002 was numbered D139 until 31st December 1973. It was withdrawn on the 20th September 1981 and scrapped at Swindon. Copyright John Cornelius

Exeter Central 1950
Mike Morant

_ S_SR_2697_Exeter_SRA120625 Former LBSCR E1/R 0-6-2 radial tank no. 2697 shunting at Exeter Central station on 2/9/50. Built as an E1 0-6-0T in October 1876, no. 2697 was rebuilt to this form in January 1929 and would be forever associated with banking duties between the two main stations at Exeter. Withdrawal at Exmouth junction came in November 1959.
[Mke Morant collection]

Items added on the 24th August 2016 Those added most recently come first

24/8/2016

Change of Programme

Unfortunately our programmed first indoor event of the season has had to be cancelled due to illness.
However, Committee Members John Ball and Roger Winnen have stepped in at the last moment to provide a very varied programme.
*John on Tanzania and Zambia this summer including the 1970's built Tan Zam railway in both directions! Plus a trip to Ireland last May for the RPSI steam weekend. Plus a trip to to the south of France in mid-winter including the narrow gauge line through the Pyrenees on a superb crisp day with plenty of snow.
*Roger will present a programme previously shown to the Plymouth Railway Circle. ‘Roaming the South West’ – You’ll see some historic scenes in full colour.
Hopefully see you all there at 6.30PM on the 10th of September – the offer of free tea or coffee for this meeting still stands.

On Craig's Advice
Diesel hauled to Par

Hi Keith.
I expect you already know but the Plymouth - Par & return portion of this Sunday's Royal Duchy is scheduled to be a class 47 diesel. The Duchess will come off & be turned at Plymouth.
Cheers, Craig . Many thanks for letting us know.

A powerful image at Axminster
Steve Richards

Although there was some doubt the signalbox behind the locomotive confirms the location to be Axminster. The loco, 34052 Lord Dowding, was one of the last of the class to be withdrawn in July 1967. Copyright Steve Richards

More of the Cathedrals Express
Jamie Dyke

Hi Keith, Here are some photos of 'The Cathedrals Express' to Minehead which was hauled by 46201 'Princess Elizabeth' and on the rear 47580 'County Of Essex' which was pushing it most of the way due to it struggling up Somerton bank. I caught the tour at Taunton as well as the GWR green HST set formed of 43005 + LA16 + 43041. 46201 'Princess Elizabeth' arrives at Taunton 13L with 'The Cathedrals Express' from London Victoria to Minehead. Regards Jamie Dyke Many thanks Jamie

'The Cathedrals Express' to Minehead which was hauled by 46201 'Princess Elizabeth' 22nd August 2016 Copyright Jamie Dyke

'Cathedrals Express' 'back up' 47580 ready to give a shove out of Taunton on the way to Minehead. 22nd August 2016. Copyright Jamie Dyke.

Taunton 22nd August 2016 GWR green HST set formed of 43005 + LA16 + 43041. Copyright Jamie Dyke

Yesterdays Railtour
John Cornelius

Hi Keith, a couple of pics of 46201 on its jaunt to the West Somerset Rly today.
it was going well the both times I saw it. cheers JOHN C.
Appreciation to John and apologies for them being yesterdays pictures although received on the day.

Barnstable
Mike Morant

S_SR_2608_Barnstaple_SRA120625 Originally an LBSCR Stroudley designed 0-6-0T of 1876 vintage and classed as an E1 0-6-0T, Maunsell rebuilt this and several others of the same class into 0-6-2T's in 1928 with a radial trailing truck and designated them as the E1/R class which became known for their work west and north of Exeter. Here we see SR liveried 2608 shunting at Barnstaple on 26/8/50. Withdrawal for this loco came in May 1957 at Barnstaple Junction shed where it had been allocated for many a year.
One lives and one learns. Wagons are not normally high on my agenda although a good shot of a Private Owner example is always most welcome. However, Jonathan Wealleans sent me the following which persuaded me to look closely at the original scan: "Note the ex-PO wagon with the wartime markings; when the livery became so badly worn/illegible that the owner could not be made out, the owner's name and wagion number were painted on the lower left corner along with the fleet number. Of course, they were never returned, but clearly that was the original intention."
The original image tells us that the wagon was owned by GRIGGS LONDON 1526.
[Mke Morant collection]

Many thanks to Mike Morant for the use of images from his collection and for the mass of information provided.

Items added on the 23rd August 2016 Those added most recently come first

23/8/2016

The Mystery Building and
The Extension of the Long Rock Train Depot
Roger Winnen

160823a Much speculation has been recently raised concerning this building. It was used as a shunters cabin when a shunting locomotive was based at Ponsandane, this has long ceased as Ponsandane Goods depot closed by the early 1980s as goods then mainly went by road. Copyright Roger Winnen

160823b During my short visit to Ponsandane this morning Tuesday 23rd August these warning signs went up! Possible Asbestos Risk. This building probably date from the building of the Goods Shed in 1937-1938 The site of the Goods Shed is now The Morrisons Store. Copyright Roger Winnen

160823c The relaying of this loop is taking place, it was last used when the Royal Mail was running ECS to and from Par. The engine used this loop at times to run around its train. Copyright Roger Winnen

160823d Rails being unloaded this morning at the site. Copyright Roger Winnen

160823e This view shows the activity of the work in progress at Ponsandane with the track relaying etc. Copyright Roger Winnen

Par Box
Roy Hart

Dear Keith,
Following your publication of Roger's pictures, perhaps a few historical notes may not go amiss:
Par box dates from the late 1870s ( no exact date seems to be known). It is the last Network rail box to have signalled broad gauge trains -the other survivor is Williton on the West Somerset Railway.
As built, Par was only half the length of the present structure (a look at the rear of the box, where you can see the old chimney breast, shows this). The structure was doubled in length following the conversion of the gauge and the introduction of a new layout, in 1893. For some years prior to this, traffic from the branch (always standard gauge) had to be transshipped at Par, hence the double track goods shed, only demolished in 1965.
Further expansion occurred in 1913, when the present lever frame (57 levers) was installed. During world war 2, the layout at Par was expanded again: the down refuge siding was extended eastwards to form a goods loop (still there) and various signals had 'calling on' arms added, to speed up the addition of bankers to heavy wartime up trains.
Par box still works nearly fifty levers and today has a miniature panel to control the St Austell/Burngullow area.
I notice that a GW style nameboard has been added, replacing the pathetic little BR 1980s enamelled one. The original one on the branch side escaped the 1980s vandalism. Is it still there, I wonder?
Par box is listed Grade ll.
As CRS members may know, Lostwithiel box is also listed. Here, however, the correct and proper 9- pane windows have been replaced with ugly modern ones. It would not surprise me if these are listed too!

Roy Many thanks for this very interesting information Roy
- Craig, is the original sign still on the branch side?

Railvac arrives at Truro
Craig Munday

Class 70 number 809 arrives at Truro and commences pushing the Railvac back into the yard. 22nd August 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

70809 and Railvac heading into the yard at Truro. 22nd August 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

70 809 rests a while before heading back up east - 22nd August 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

The scene near Probus as 70809 heads back up east. 22nd August 2016 Copyright Craig Munday 2016

809 continues its lonely way east. In the background can be seen the tower of Probus Church - the tallest church tower in Cornwall. 22nd August 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

The Modern Image!
John Cornelius

Copyright John Cornelius N.B. I remember being quite excited at the prospect of trying out the new 159's on the short hop from Exeter St Davids to Central - 21 years ago!! KJ

Pinhoe
Mike Morant

S_SR_21C4_Devon_Belle_Pinhoe_1947 Not quite sharp but nonetheless an evocative image of Bulleid original Merchant Navy pacific no. 21C4 Cunard White Star in charge of the Up Devon Belle near Pinhoe in 1947. 21C4 would become 35004 in March 1948, rebuilt by Jarvis in July 1958 and withdrawn at Bournemouth shed in October 1965.
[Mike Morant collection]

Items added on the 22nd August 2016 Those added most recently come first

22/8/2016

Sir Lamiel near Chard Jct.
John Cornelius

Southern Railway 777 Sir Lamiel is an N15 “King Arthur” class 4-6-0 steam locomotive built for the Southern Railway by the North British Locomotive Company in June 1925, and withdrawn from service in October 1961. The locomotive is named after a fictional minor Knight of the Round Table named Lamiel of Cardiff. Sir Lamiel is now preserved and is part of the National Collection. Photograph Copyright John Cornelius Text from Wilkipedia.

Exeter St Davids
Mike Morant

A lovely crisp picture from the Mike Morant collection , note the centre line, the board walk for staff between the platforms. Many thanks Mike.

SR_1839_Exeter_9-9-33 Pre-smoke deflectors Maunsell 'N' class mogul is depicted here at Exeter St. Davids station on 9th September 1933. 1839 would receive its BR '3' prefix in March 1948 and would remain at Exmouth Junction until withdrawal in December 1963.
[Mike Morant collection]

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New bridge sections at Saveock. By Mick House.

More Network Rail Measurement Train and Crane at Saveock Bridge. By Mick House.

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New bridge sections at Saveock.
By Mick House.

More Network Rail Measurement Train and Crane at Saveock Bridge.
By Mick House.