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Exeter St Thomas David Tozer Exeter (St Thomas). Rail Operations Group Class 37 37611 'Pegasus' with the 0559 5V84 Castle Donnington - Laira with a pair of barrier coaches. Dave. Many thanks.  37 611 ROG passes Exeter St Thomas. 30th August 2018 Copyright David Tozer St Blazey Signal box John Cornelius  Copyright John Cornelius from a train approaching Par Newquay Mike Hitchens  Skipper 142023 works a Newquay Par service during the short time this class served in Cornwall. Mike Hitchens collection. Note the station is still virtually complete and looking good. St Blazey John Cornelius  Viewed from Newquay branch. Copyright John Cornelius Severe delays to trains in Cornwall on Tuesday evening as the 12.30 Paddington Penzance fails at St Erth The 12.30 Paddington to Penzance with 43088 & 43030 due 18.30 was 65 late at Camborne and eventually failed at St Erth, being rescued by 576xx the Night Riviera engine. This train eventually arrived at Penzance 21.30hrs 180 mins late The 19.16 Penzance to Plymouth service was cancelled. The 13.27 Paddington to Penzance due at 19.32 arrived 21.42 130 mins late. The 17.55 Plymouth Penzance local service due 19.51 arrived Penzance 21.54 running 123 mins late. The 14.34 Paddington Penzance service due 20.40 arrived Penzance 22.09 running 89 mins late. The 11.35 Cross Country Newcastle Penzance service was terminated at Truro The 15.27 Paddington Penzance service due 21.29 arrived Penzance 22.49 running 80 mins late. The 12.34 Newcastle Penzance service due at 21.43 arrived Penzance 23.05 82 mins late. The 21.45 Night Riviera from Penzance to Paddington departed 23.07 running 82 mins late. The 16.03 Paddington Penzance service due 22.25 arrived Penzance 23.18 running 53 mins late The 22.10 Penzance to Plymouth Cross Country service Started from Truro to Plymouth. The 17.03 Paddington Penzance service due at 23.10 arrived Penzance 23.40 running 30 mins late. Train tickets were also valid on First Kernow Buses I would think that from this information not many people had a smile on their faces last night. Compiled from information on realtime trains by Roger Winnen Weston Mill Viaduct Shakey Bridge Clive Smith  Weston Mill Viaduct Shakey Bridge 50 026 Indomitable on the 14.48 Penzance to Paddington Relief 4th May1983 Copyright Clive Smith 50026 Indomitable crosses Weston Mill Viaduct to the north of Keyham station with the 14.48 Penzance to Paddington relief train on the 4th April 1983. A tarmacked footpath with railings leading to the bridge. It then continued over the bridge albeit with wooden boards of varying structural integrity as the surface. The viaduct gained the name from locals of 'Shakey bridge' due to the disconcerting shaking on the bridge and the adjoining footpath. The bridge was closed in the 1990's for security when the land beneath became part of the Naval Base. It was then removed when the bridge was refurbished and repainted between 2008 and 2010. The Bull Point branch can be see in the distance running behind the trees. Some excellent recent pictures of Weston Mill can be seen in the Cornwall Galleries section St Germans to Plymouth. Clive Smith Many thanks indeed Clive. On shed St Blazey John Cornelius  Copyright John Cornelius Long Rock Shed Penzance 22nd June 1975 Michael Forward & Roger Winnen After receiving Michael Forwards picture of Long Rock Depot I check my photographic books to find that I also visited the depot during that day. Roger Winnen  750622a Long Rock depot on 22nd June 1975 with 47087 'Cyclops' D1001 Western Pathfinder and 45003 in corporate BR Blue Livery. Copyright Michael Forward.  750622b 47087 'Cyclops' at Long Rock Shed. Copyright Roger Winnen  750622c D1001 Western Pathfinder entering or exiting Long Rock Shed. Copyright Roger Winnen Newquay Tunnel Colin Burges Dear Keith, Taking in almost certainly one of the last summer Saturdays of regular H.S.T. working over the Newquay Branch, possibly the last of through Londons altogether, I had an easy day and just wandered around town. An interesting development is the harbour tunnel now opened as a shop. The lads kindly let me take some shots.  Newquay (Tunnel stores). Courtesy the owners. 25th August 2018 Copyright Colin Burges  Inside the Tunnel stores, courtesy the owners. 25th August 2018. Copyright Colin Burges  Inside the 'Tunnel' stores. Courtesy the owners. 25th August 2018 Copyright Colin Burges (Note the corrugated galvanised iron ceiling)  A further visit by the Cornwall Railway Society Enthusiasts. Newquay tunnel 27th September 1980 _ Copyright Roger Winnen We had an official visit to the tunnel on the 13th September 1980 when the owners of the Aquarium which then occupied the tunnel allowed us through a door at the back onto, I recall, a sandy rubble slope which quickly diminished as the 'infill' reach the top of the tunnel. I think we probably went even further than Colin. KJ If you would like to follow the route of the Harbour Tramway from Newquay Station with the aid of a 6" map courtesy the National Library of Scotland please click below.:- (you may pan and zoom as you wish) https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=50.4161&lon=-5.0900&layers=6&b=1 The 80 yard tunnel was opened in November 1849 and ceased to be used on closure of the tramway in 1926. According to the records of the late Mr. C.R. Clinker who reports that coal and clay traffic last carried in 1921, only fish being carried until closure. The track through the town being removed in 1928. The tramways route through the town remains as part of the SW Coast path and can be traced from just opposite the railway station westwards through a cutting - the pathway has been attractively paved with bricks and a representation of the tramway tracks is provided by different colour bricks. This section passes under a bridge which carries the appropriately named 'Bridge road' over the route. Further pictures of the incline and winding house are available at the very end of our Par to Newquay coverage. Par - Change for Newquay John Cornelius  PR5 is off and we make our journey to Newquay care of John's collection. Copyright John Cornelius A memorable visit by the CRS to the Plym Valley Railway Roger Winnen Looking at the weather forecast for Sunday showing heavy rain and blustery winds throughout the day made me wonder if anyone would turn up! However by Redruth we had a 'Gang of Four' on board the 09.47 from Penzance, from places like Four Lanes, Lanner, Helston & Penzance, notably Kevin Salisbury, Eric Dowsen, Gavin Mason and myself. On arrival at Plymouth we caught the 12.05 Yellow Flash service from Plymouth Station to Marsh Mills and returning after a three hour stay via the City Centre to the Railway Station. Despite the rain during most of the day we were made most welcome at the Plym Valley Railway! We wish them well.  180826a Our arrival at Marsh Mills Station in the rain as 13002 waits for the next service. Copyright Roger Winnen  180826b Andrew Barclay 705 Built in 1937 operated in Power Stations in the Glasgow area has just arrived at Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen  180826c Marsh Mills Signal Box nameplate. The original Marsh Mills station still has rails, however it is much overgrown with trees growing up between the sleepers. Copyright Roger Winnen  180826d The new GWR Pagoda at Plymbridge Platform bringing back memories of the GW Branch Lines. Copyright Roger Winnen  180826e 13002 The third member of the class built in 1952 stands at Plym Bridge Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen  180826f 705 brings up the rear of the 14.00 to Plym Bridge Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen  180826g Seeking shelter under the trees as the 14.00 hrs departs from Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen  180826h The returning service from Plym Bridge Platform passes the remains of the frontage of Marsh Mills Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen Portbury David Field Please attached photos taken at the site of the former Portbury Station taken on 12th November 2015. These were taken 10 months after work had been undertaken to clear the trackbed and lineside of vegetation, to enable a full topgraphical survey of the line as part of the study into reopening the branch to Portishead. Will it ever re-open - one hopes so. Many thanks David.  Portbury Station following trackside vegetation clearance seen on 21st November 2015 Copyright David Field. Presumably if the line does re-open to passenger traffic the line would be moved away from the existing platform and a new platform constructed.  The Portishead Branch viewed from Portbury Station site looking towards Portshead following trackside vegetation clearance 12th November 2015 Copyright David Field. Thankfully the track is still there though disconnected at the point where the line to Portbury Dock diverges. You will find a visit to Google Earth to follow the metals in this area most interesting. The corner of a very large surfaced 'car park' containing literally hundreds of vehicles can be seen adjacent to the station site. Also try the link below concerning latest developments in re-opening the line. At the start of this article there is a very interesting picture of the 'point' of severance, where the Portbury Docks line leaves the currently dormant track heading towards Portishead. https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/local-news/portishead-bristol-railway-line-re-11675 Par John Cornelius  153 353 waits for its next run to Newquay at Par. Copyright John Cornelius Real Ale Festival South Devon Rly Ross Griffiths Morning all, Yesterday I took a trip to the South Devon Railway to partake in their bank holiday ale festival and had the pleasure of meeting Roger Winnen on the train from Saltash to Totnes, as he was on his way to the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway. Looks like we definitely picked the right day for it as the weather's taken a definite turn for the worse today! Attached are some shots from the day - not my best compositions, I feel the refreshments on offer may have had some influence! However, if you feel they are of use then by all means please include them on the site, certainly won't be offended if you decide not to though :) All the best, Ross. Many thanks for four super pictures.  DMU Bubblecar - Just arrived with the 1545 shuttle service from Buckfastleigh. 25th August 2018. Copyright Ross Griffiths  6412 - Departs Staverton with the 1410 auto-train for Buckfastleigh 25th August 2018 Copyright Ross Griffiths  D6501 - Arriving with the slightly delayed 1230 service from Buckfastleigh. 25th August 2018. Copyright Ross Griffiths  D6975 - Departs Staverton for Buckfastleigh with the 1230 service from Totnes Riverside Dartmouth Sta. Refurbished Clive Smith Dartmouth Station as we know is famed as the station with no trains. Previously 'The Station Restaurant' for many years and known for fish chips and cream teas, it reopened this summer as 'The Platform 1 Champagne Bar and Restaurant' specialising in seafood. Whether the change is for the better readers may wish to check a well known website specialising in advising trips. My attention however was drawn to the very classy outside tables and benches that were delivered and set up this morning . A very nice touch by the owners I think. Interested parties can check out the following link but don't expect much change from £500 an item. http://www.gwrbenches.co.uk/ Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks the above Clive, I recommend that everybody checks out the link. I found the contents very interesting indeed. The products do look first class.  Dartmouth station 24th August 2018 Copyright Clive Smith  Dartmouth station 24th August 2018 Copyright Clive Smith Portishead branch Clifton Bridge Sta David Field Over the last couple of weeks Freightliner Heavy Haul have been running an evening service from East Usk Yard in South Wales, along the Portbury Branch to Portbury Coal Terminal near Bristol. Noting you don't have many recent photos of trains operating on the branch, I thought I would send you these of Freightliner's 66549 passing the site of the former Clifton Bridge station on 425X East Usk Yard to Portbury Coal Terminal at 1824 on 24th August 2018. It was raining heavily at the time, which shows how our railways continue their work, come rain or shine, in some pretty dismal conditions. I hope they are of interest to your members. Regards, Dave Field Most certainly of great interest. Hope you didn't get too wet, many thanks to you David  66549 heads through the rain towards the site of Clifton Bridge station from Bristol on the 425X East Usk Yard.  66549 continues past the site of Clifton Bridge station on the 425X East Usk Yard to Portbury Coal Terminal. 24th August 2018 Copyright David Field  The lengthy train trundles along in very wet circumstances. 24th August 2018 Copyright David Field.  The tail end of the train continues down the branch revealing the platform of Clifton Bridge station. The Portishead branch closed to passengers on the 7th September 1964. Copyright David Field Remembering Sid Sponheimer- his Collection. About a year ago now the website lost a valuable supporter in Sid Sponheimer. Sid left in the care of the CRS about twelve shoeboxes full of his photographs. Roger Winnen has taken care of the railway element but what to do with the not inconsiderable bus and lorry collection was a problem. However this has been solved by Robert Crawley manager of the West Country Historic Omnibus and Transport Trust. The WHOTT have a museum not far from Tiverton, it is pleasing to know that Sids collecuon is in appreciative hands. Many thanks to you Robert. You will find details of the WHOTT on www.busmuseum.org.uk/events-activities-runningday.htm Robert Crawley writes. Ever heard of James or Jim Varcoe? In a letter to me Robert of the WHOTT asks - I must also ask you if you have ever heard of a man in Cornwall called James (or Jim) Varcoe? He was a prolific photographer of transport subjects but his vocation was with the Camborne School of Mines. He emigrated to Australia before the war and returned home to retire somewhere in the St Keyne area. He would almost certainly be dead now but I have often wondered what became of his collection of photos which must have been taken at a very interesting time. In my attempt to track him down I met the head of the Varcoe tribe living in St Dennis. All Varcoe's in the phone book seem to live within twenty miles of there! It was from there I was directed to St Keyne but then the trail went cold. Kind regards, Robert. Does anybody know of him please? Variety in Devon Roger Winnen  180825a 6023 King Edward 11 departs Paignton with the 11.30 to Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen  180825b 90 mins later 6023 King Edward 11 approaches Goodrington with the 13.00 to Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen  180825c Northern Rail Livery on the Great Western fleet as 150207 departs Exeter St David's on the 16.16 to Exmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen  180825d On the first week of through services between Penzance and Paddington for the IETs the 14.00 from Penzance arrives at Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen  180825dd Soon to be a thing of the past as Harry Patch brings up the rear of the 12 noon Penzance to Paddington at Tiverton Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen  180825f Returning home on the 17.51 service to Penzance hauled by 57605 Totnes Castle. Copyright Roger Winnen Par John Cornelius  Methinks a young family have just arrived at Par off the Newquay branch and are seeing to their children o the platform seat. Note the cases hastily removed from P461 and dumped on the platform. Copyright John Cornelius West Somerset Minerals Rly Continued Robert Lindley Little was known about the remains of the W.S.M.R. by us down in the far west. However, a few weeks ago, knowing Robert was from the area being a keen volunteer on the West Somerset Railway, I asked if he could see what can be seen. As we can see from the ever growing collection we have he is doing us proud. Today we look at the site of the Naked Boys bridge - a curious name, if ever there was one - and also at the remains of the Raleigh's Cross mine to which there was a railway connection from the top of the Comberow Incline. Many thanks Robert A look at the 25" map available courtesy of the National Library Scotland is available via the link below. You will see detail of the line of the incline and the location of the bridge and also Raleigh's Cross mine but no sign of the railway which served it. A narrow gauge tramway was built by the later mining syndicate from the top of the incline along the road past the then closed Raleigh’s Cross Mine, for about 2 miles, whence it went across the fields, down another incline to Colton Mines. Again no trace on the map. maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=51.1000&lon=-3.4008&layers=168&b=1ay.  The site of 'Naked Boys' bridge looking west towards Gupworthy. 22nd August 2018 Copyright Robert Lindley  The site of Naked Boy bridge much overgrown. We are looking east towards the top of the incline.. 22nd August 2018 Copyright Robert Lindley  All that remains of Raleigh's Cross Mine. 22nd August 2018. Copyright Robert Lindley  Remains of the stores alongside the B3224, about 100 yards from Raleigh’s Cross Mine. 22nd August 2018 Copyright Robert Lindley  Looking through the gate (this is all private land), the stores in the previous photo is just to the left. Beyond the stable can be seen the embankment of the railway curving to the left. The line curved through nearly 90 degrees here to run along the top of the Brendon Hills to Gupworthy. Straight ahead and through the trees to the right of the photo is a small rock cutting followed by the top of the double track incline. The spur to Raleigh’s Cross Mine went off to the right. There also used to be a siding here serving the stores. 22nd August 2018 copyright Robert Lindley Northern on the Southern or is it Western? David Tozer  150207 passing Exeter Central . with the 13.43 Barnstaple - Exmouth 24th August 2018 Copyright David Tozer The heading is a bit of a poser!! Thanks David. I actually meant the title of the item, but as Roy Hart kindly points out the train is actually heading east!! KJ Golant Jacob Hampson  66031 - 6P25 2208 Fowey Dock Carne Point to St Blazey Ss through Golant running around 230 minutes early 24th August 2018 Copyright Jacob Hampson Thanks Jacob - nice with the tide up. Par Signals John Cornelius  Fine detail of PR 52 Copyright John Cornelius  And further east along the platform PR54. Copyright John Cornelius.  At the west end of the platform the very impressive sight of PR5. How much poorer the scene would be without the signal. However as it is listed one hope the signal box will have a brighter future. Copyright John Cornelius An Important announcement The Plymouth Bus Rally on August 25th & 26th 2018 has been cancelled
Red 66 Craig Munday Par Signalbox John Cornelius Hi Keith, A colourful arrival in the Duchy in the form of 66020 on the overnight down Bescot JIA service. The loco visited Par Harbour on 22nd and Treviscoe on 23rd, where the loco was pictured. It was a humid day with spells of sunshine, a far cry from the recent heatwave. Other images from St Blazey on the same day. All the best, Craig. Many thanks Craig - a flourish of colour.  Treviscoe 66020 23rd August 2018 Copyright Craig Munday  St Blazey 66020 23rd August 2018 Copyright Craig Munday  St Blazey 66020 23rd August 2018 Copyright Craig Munday  Tucked inside at St Blazey 66020 23rd August 2018 Copyright Craig Munday  Copyright John Cornelius City of Truro in Truro Mike Hitchens  Seems hard to remember this ever happened - City of Truro parked and in light steam, outside Truro Cathedral. May 1992. Courtesy Mike Hitchens Collection Long Rock Yesterday Through the lens of Andrew Triggs & Roger Salter  180822f Taken at 06.40 on 22nd August 43079 & 43138 are seen from Long Rock Level Crossing. Copyright Andrew Triggs  180822g Coach 42021 still derailed at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter  180822h Rerailing TS 42021, with one bogie back on track. Copyright Andrew Triggs  180822i Work on the points to the reception sidings after Coach B has been jacked onto the rails and drawn forward. Copyright Roger Salter  180822k Coach B looked as not connected to brakes. Copyright Roger Salter  180822l Viewed from the level crossing at Long Rock 43147 (43005) gains the single line section working 1C80 12.03 London Paddington Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs Apologies for the Temporary Outage Due to a misunderstanding on my part the Domain Section of the website turned off and as a consequence the website has been down for nearly a day. I, KJ, am merely the secretary to the website and do not understand the technical details - it is through the efforts of our son Peter who spent many frustrating hours when he had many other more important things to do that we are back 'on line'. So many thanks indeed to Peter Jenkin. K.J. Saltash Passage Past and Present Clive Smith As the six month countdown begins for the end of HSTs on the Londons I took the opportunity to record their crossing of the Royal Albert Bridge from the Devon side; a location I had not visited for 35 years to take pictures. The grey iconic bridge was brighter than the grey skies and the even greyer Tamar as the sun remained resolutely hidden behind clouds, a far cry from a few weeks back. At least the two services produced 'FGW Dynamic Lines' liveried examples to brighten the scene. I suspect the IETs would look quite striking in this livery. How the location has changed since 1983. Trees have obviously grown but so too have the properties opposite St Budeaux Junction box with new builds and large extensions proliferating, a reflection of the property boom and stunning views. The Tamar Road bridge itself has changed since 2001 with widening and strengthening with extra lanes added. The 1983 trackside view of the two bridges from the bridge lower car park is now difficult to obtain with a major redevelopment of the bridge offices currently taking place. Car parking is temporarily severely restricted. Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks indeed Clive.  (1) 43144 leads the 10.43 Penzance to Paddington on 21st August 2018. Copyright Clive Smith  (2) 43097 leads the slightly late 09.06 Paddington to Newquay just five minutes later . Could it be only sixteen days left before HSTs cease operating to Newquay ? Hopefully Cross Country continue their summer Saturday service in 2019...but don't bank on it . Copyright Clive Smith  (3) 45122 with the 13.45 Penzance to Bristol TM on 4th April 1983. Copyright Clive Smith  4) 50014 Warspite with the 09.20 Liverpool to Penzance 4th April 1983 Copyright Clive Smith Par Signal Box John Cornelius  The view looking east. Copyright John Cornelius Penzance-Long Rock (viewed from the train) and St Erth on 22nd August 2018 Roger Winnen Owing to the inclement weather I decided on a Day Return at £2.10 to St Erth hoping to capture the scene at Long Rock following Mondays derailment. Soon we won't be able to photo through the drop down door window,  180822a 57605 Hauls the sleeper stock from Slopers Siding to Long Rock Depot as the 10.46 to London Paddington passes. Copyright Roger Winnen  180822b The HST derailment still ongoing at 10.53hrs 22nd August 2018. Copyright Roger Winnen  180822c The train is now separated. Copyright Roger Winnen  180822d These two coaches still awaits rerailing. Copyright Roger Winnen  180822e Crowds going to St Ives as they alight from the 11.10 to Penzance with unit 150125. Copyright Roger Winnen IET Diary for 21st August Mike Hunt Many thanks to Mike hunt on the following update and correction to yesterdays events. Many thanks Mike. Hello folks, An earlier gander at your website revealed the photo montage by Roger Salter and Roger Winnen in respect of the problems at Long Rock depot this morning. (21st August 2018) Your site also stated that the I.E.T. units (800017/029) which formed today’s 1C04 service out of London Paddington then failed and were replaced by an HST set at Bristol Temple Meads. In fact, my ‘spy’ at GWR advises me that there was nothing wrong with these I.E.T. units! The HST set that worked 1C04 forward from Bristol Temple Meads to Penzance was standing spare at St Philip’s Marsh HSTD before being requisitioned for 1C04! Passengers were transferred to the HST at Bristol Temple Meads. The I.E.T’s then worked e.c.s. as 5L46 to Bristol Parkway. Their diagram below, courtesy of our SW-SWRG gen group. The two I.E.T’s were then used to form the 10:33 off Bristol Parkway to London Paddington (nominally the 09:55 ex-Cardiff Central). The latter was cancelled between Cardiff Central and Bristol Parkway. My contact does not currently know why the 800’s were sent out vice the 802’s, and the fact that the 800’s have smaller fuel tanks than the 802’s *might* be a factor in what developed, as it would clearly affect their range in respect of Penzance diagrams. In either case it was not a good experience for many passengers on that service. All best wishes from Mike Hunt, and I hope this throws a bit more light on today’s events. The actual diagram for 800017 800029 1C04 07:30 Paddington to Bristol TM 5L46 09:25 Bristol TM to Bristol Parkway 1L46 10:33 Bristol Parkway to Paddington 1C14 12:30 Paddington to Bristol TM 1A22 15:00 Bristol TM to Paddington 1B63 17:15 Paddington to Carmarthen Once again many thanks Mike Par John Cornelius  'The Penzance Castles' - the loco pass their train en-route for turning at St Blazey. 4th May 2002 Copyright John Cornelius |