Blog Archives

31st August 2019

31/8/2019

Todays pictures
Bodmin Parkway/Road
Martin Scane

I haven’t submitted anything for sometime as we’ve been very busy with Summer visitors. However, here are a couple of photos from Bodmin Road (I can’t get used to Parkway I’m afraid)!! Thanks Martin - I still am tempted to say Plymouth North Road.

Nicely framed by the footbridge at Bodmin Parkway 1v45 Manchester Piccadilly to Newquay running 6 mins early. The times is 13.17 on the 31st August 2019. Copyright Martin Scane.

Running into the branch platform at what we'll now call Bodmin Road is 75178. The time is 13.44 on the 31st August 2019. Copyright Martin Scane.

A long wait!
David Tozer

David writes :- It was unusual to see a Colas Tamper in day light. DR73931 is seen near Exhibition Way, just after Pinhoe Station. This was the 1248 Woking Up Reception Yard - Exeter Old Yard Waggoners Way. The machine had stood in Chard Loop from 1529 until 1827. With SWR having a two hourly service West of Salisbury (strike day) why it was held so long here is questionable. Other pathways appear to have been available. Regards Dave. Many thanks David.

DR73931 taken on the 30th August 2019 Copyright David Tozer.

Signs of the times
Helston Branch
Michael Roach

I have been waiting to see the responses to the item about a blue enamel sign still extant at Penzance. Roy Hart is probably right that the peak of production of such signs for the GWR was the 1880s and the 1890s. In the first picture attached we see a veritable monster blue and white sign from Gwinear Road which probably dates from the time it became a junction in 1887. In the second picture we see its replacement from early British Railways days. Both signs are now at Prospidnick on the Helston Railway. In the remaining pictures we see some signs from my collection. Despite the widespread introduction of painted cast iron signs by the GWR, many enamel signs lasted into the 1960s and two stations which were well-endowed with such signs were Tavistock and Tiverton.

Vitreous enamel signs are still made, and one particular application suitable for individuals to consider is the purchase of a house number in vitreous enamel?? to put up by your front door.

Regards, Mike Roach. Many thanks for your note and the pictures Mike. Roger reports that the sign he pictured at Penzance is long gone, where, nobody knows. Probably in a skip!

An original sign from Gwinear Road thankfully preserved at Prospidnick on the growing Helston Railway. 11th August 2019. Copyright Mike Roach.

A later version, again from Gwinear Road showing destinations reached by bus from the Helston Terminus. Again located and preserved at Prospidinick on the Helston Railway. 11th August 2019. Copyright Mike Roach.

From the Mike Roach Collection (1) Copyright Mike Roach.

From the Mike Roach Collection (2) Copyright Mike Roach.

Chacewater Newquay branch
Goonhavern
Derek Brooks / David Pearce

It's a long time ago that the Chacewater - Newquay branch closed and it is pleasing fifty years on to show you a picture taken after the lines closure. This picture being taken in 1980.
This one by David Pearce was taken during the process on infill of the long straight cutting through which the line passed. There were three bridges at Goonhavern, one just west of the station - the next shown here in the process of being removed and lost without trace was in Bridge Road. Many thanks to David Pearce for having the forethought of photographing the process of burial.

Derek Brooks Collection 2 Bridge Road, Goonhavern - 1980 Courtesy Mr David Pearce. Looking at Google Earth Street view and Bridge Road there seems to be no trace nowadays of the railway.

It's winter 1963 and with closure imminent a last trip is taken over the branch. Here we see Goonhavern halt with potential passengers waiting Note that the road was carried over the line by means of a bridge which has required considerable earth movement to fashion the approaches. Presumably this earth was recovered from the cutting which lay beyond. Bridge Road bridge (Seen in the picture taken in 19800 is the second of three bridges in a straight line under which we are about to pass. The furthest bridge is of iron construction. Copyright Keith Jenkin. (Weren't they wonderful things - heritage DMU's with forward looking windows)

30th August 2019

30/8/2019

Chacewater - Newquay Line
Derek Brooks

A very pleasant surprise a couple of days ago was an e-mail from Derek Brooks - he is the recorder of the Goonhavern Old Cornwall Society. Attached to Derek's e-mail were a number of photographs concerning the Chacewater - Newquay branch and in particular what he calls 'his section' that between Perranporth and Newquay and in particular of course Goonhavern. Many thanks to Derek for thinking of us and topping up our 'bank' with more valuable pictures. Here is todays offering.

Derek Brooks Collection 1 Working on the line, the 0-6-0 engine was called Pluto. Courtesy David Higgins

A note from Roy re the picture above:-
This appears to be a contractor's locomotive, presumably somewhere on the Perranporth branch. It looks similar, but not identical, to the contractor engine shown at St Agnes elsewhere on the website (taller chimney). The two guys in the cab (waistcoat and homburg) seem to be in charge. To the left, a man holds a mason's hammer and chisel; on his left the man is holding a monkey-wrench. Maybe Carkeek (the contractor) had more than one locomotive at work on the line.
The section from Perranporth to Tolcarn (which involved upgrading the old CMR mineral line from Tolcarn to Shepherds) was a difficult job and got behind schedule because of unexpected geology and also, I believe, mining subsidence.

Roy Hart. Many thanks Roy.

At Kingswear
Kingswear to Churston Token
Roger Winnen

Following on from yesterdays excellent article on the 29th August 1914 signalbox register at Churston by Andrew Jones today Roger has kindly sent in a picture of a token machine at Kingswear holding a token for the journey to Churston. Many thanks Roger.

Kingswear Token machine. The token machine in the exhibition centre at Kingswear. 1st August 2019 Copyright Roger Winnen

Autumn show -
Six of the Best
Craig Munday

My esteemed friend and colleague Martin Duff always waits for my first mention of the "A" word.... Autumn. Indeed this latest set of pictures certainly has a touch of it about them. It almost happened overnight really, the umber tones in the leaves, and some even blowing around in the wind. I think the RHTT is going to have a bumper season too!

The recently harvested fields in clay country have been a magnet for me, the straw bales awaiting collecting around Trenowth are always a favourite.

A pleasant shift at Liskeard on 23rd saw some welcome sunshine as a blue 2 x 4 HST ran in under clear signals. The Signalbox here undergoing some cosmetic improvement too. The back the first to see new cladding and weather proofing. The front obviously more of a challenge!

Then on Sunday 25th a couple from Trenowth near Grampound as a 2 x 4 mix-match HST heads West with power cars 43160/161 in charge. The fields, greenery and clay hills in the background provided a busy image!

Then a two car green (*of course) class 150/2 heads for Plymouth passing the straw bales in fine weather.

on 27th 66025 is seen Carne Point bound along the river passing St Winnow Church.

A nice surprise was one of the five Maritime liveried DBCargo class 66s working the sand.

66162 is pictured at Burngullow & Largin on 29th Aug. It is hoped the loco may stay on the circuit for a while. My attempts to get it on the clay run may fall on deaf ears!!

Cheers, Craig . Many thanks to you Craig

Liskeard 2 + 4 HST running in under clear signals. 23rd August 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

Trenowth - a mix and match 2 + 4 Castle Class passes over Fal Viaduct on the 25th August 2019. The straw bales make a delightful foreground. Copyright Craig Munday

Almost lost in the background a 150 in that dreadful green livery passes Trenowth with an up working to Plymouth. Again the straw bales add considerable to the interest. 25th August 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

St Winnow Church is caught in the sun as 66025 heads down the branch to Carne Point. 27th August 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

29th 6C12 Burngullow 66162 Maritime Copyright Craig Munday

Maritime liveried 66162 crosses Largin Viaduct with the up sand on the 29th August 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

29th August 2019

29/8/2019

The scene today in St Austell & Bodmin
Roger Winnen

190829a 66162 in Blue Maritime livery named Intermodel Five passes throuth St Austell with sand from Burngullow. The train infront of this service was the 09.25 Penzance to Dundee which was held at Liskeard for 73 minutes after a passenger was taken ill and then cancelled on arrival at Plymouth. My train from St Austell to Bodmin Parkway being the 10.00 Penzance to Paddington was also severly delayed arriving at Plymouth nearly an hour late.Copyright Roger Winnen

190829b The Bodmin and Wenford fleet of diesels namely 08444 50042 Triumph 47306 The Sapper and 37142 stabled alongside the main line to Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

190829c Bodmin General supporting the new canopy minus the glass at present looks very smart indeed. Copyright Roger Winnen

190829d We need money to build a second platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

190829e The 14.15from Boscarne Junction arrives at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

29th August 2014
Churston signal box register
Andrew Jones

Please find a photograph of the Churston signal box register for the 29th August 1914. This is significant for two reasons, obviously it is 105 years today that signalman Horsham manned the box from 05.15 am until being relieved at 15.15 pm by signalman Emmett.
Secondly the 29th August 1914 is exactly one month from the start of the 1st World War.
I am not an expert on this subject and hopefully someone at the Society can advise on the many entries.
The clock seems to be adjusted in the remarks column and I think it was 1 min fast, this is a regular adjustment which always takes place at 10am.
The Station Master F Hill has countersigned the book at 9.45am on the 31st August 1914.

Unusually we do know who F Hill was, checking on the internet I found that Chris Potts has written a history of Frank Hill the station master at Churston Station during this period, although I can only find at this stage an advert for a book called ‘Letters of Frank Hill, GWR Reliefman 1890s - Brixham Heritage MuseumBy: Edited by Chris Potts
Here is an extract, courtesy of Brixham Museum.

At Work on the GWR in the 1890s: Frank Hill, Reliefman at Newton Abbot is the latest work by Chris Potts for Brixham Heritage Museum. Chris has provided an excellent editorial of Mr. Hill’s letters, copied from a meticulously kept correspondence book loaned to the Museum by his granddaughter, Mrs Margaret French. They provide an interesting insight into the life of a GWR worker, who spent many years at stations and signal boxes on the Teign Valley line and across South Devon before promotion to Stationmaster at Churston.
Throughout his working life, which encompassed personal tragedy and fierce disputes with GWR managers, the hours were long and the variable work poorly paid – Mr. Hill wrote many letters on his own and colleagues’ behalf stating reasons for wage increases – although he was clearly skilled in many tasks that ‘oiled the wheels’ of a regional railway and Chris Potts’ expert commentary clearly illuminates the details. Launching at the annual Steam Fair, the book will be available through the Museum and is not to be missed!
The book is priced at £4.99.

The down trains page of Churston Signalbox register dated 29th August 1914. From the Andrew Jones Collection.

The up trains page of Churston Signalbox register dated 29th August 1914. From the Andrew Jones Collection.

There's a good crowd of passengers awaiting the 08.35 Kingswear to Cardiff headed by D855 Triumph on the 21st August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks to you Andrew for your well researched article delivered at a crucial date.

Teignmouth and Churston
Clive Smith

Hasn't been a great deal to point my camera at of late. Here is Colas 70813 passing through Teignmouth with the 05.53 Aberthaw - Moorswater cement train. This working seems to have two paths either late morning or much earlier when the Devon contributors are still asleep. This was taken at 11.00. From what started out a bright day, drizzle had just started and then the weather went downhill. Is summer over ?

Last week on the 22nd I was passing through Torbay and paused to take this photo at Churston .7820 Dinmore Manor rounds the corner into the station with the 12.15 Paignton - Kingswear. . 7820 is on loan from the Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway. Although an attractive station, photos here are often encroached by the ugly but necessary structures that the railway have built to support their operations. With a bit of editing or a good lens a decent picture can be had.

Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks Clive

Teignmouth - Cement. Copyright Clive Smith

Churston - Dinmore Grange. Copyright Clive Smith

28th August 2019

28/8/2019

28th August 1959

Devonport Albert Road
Mike Roach

Penzance Long Rock engine 1018 'County of Leicester' calls at Devonport Albert Road on the 28th August 1959 with the 3.40 PM Plymouth to Penzance where it was due to arrive at 6.55PM. This train called at every Station other than Dockyard Halt - a total of 23 stops. Copyright Mike Roach

50047 Swiftsure Ponsandane
Roger Winnen

870512a 50047 Swiftsure with an engineers train at Ponsandane, Penzance on 12th May 1987. Copyright Roger Winnen

870512b A converted coach for the engineering dept. Copyright Roger Winnen

870512c Modern machinery in its time. Copyright Roger Winnen

Over the Wall
Michael Forward

Thanks for putting the Warship on the site,I now send another—although its none too sharp ,I hope it will be of interest.
This time we see D812 ‘Royal Naval Reserve 1859 –1959 ‘.Again I have no date but this loco. was built in Nov.1959 and as its still quite clean I guess it may be early 1960. This engine was originally to be named 'Despatch' Copyright Michael Forward

Roger, almost 20 years later,on 20 June 1979, we see 47432 waiting to leave with a morning service to Leeds.
Thanks again, Michael

Many Thanks Michael

Pontsmill Viaduct
John Hird

Ponts Mill viaduct seen in good light as result of recent clearance of vegetation. A GWR 150 heading for Newquay at 1835. Mid August 2019. A striking view by John Hird. Copyright.

27th August 2019

27/8/2019

Kingswear Station
Martin Duff

190826a Not often seen outside of the overall roof at Kingwear this former DMU centre carriage is used for the exhibition of the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway and the ships operating on the River Dart. Copyright Martin Duff

190826b 37275 is seen shunting the coal wagon at Kingswear. Copyright Martin Duff

Thanks Martin

Exploration by bike.
Honiton to Taunton
Colin Burges

On Wednesday 21st August 2019 I caught the train to Honiton and after immersing myself in an old-fashioned hardware store on High Street, I climbed out of the town along a quiet back lane onto the plateau.

At Dunkeswell Aerodrome, opened as R.A.F. Dunkeswell in 1943, I came upon a raft of grounded banana vans.

Former RAF Dunkeswell, grounded vans. 21st August 2019. Copyright Colin Burges

A wonderful view of the Culm Valley is had before hurtling down the hill into Hemyock, where I ate lunch while watching a bowling team setting up for a match. The station site was closed, the purpose of which was unclear. However, locals were using the riverside path so I followed them in.

Hemyock Station site with concrete sleepers strewn about. Lines into the dairy once crossed the public road on either side of the camera. 21st August 2019. Copyright Colin Burges

I do hope that neither Colin or Mike will mind but I include a picture taken 56 years ago from more or less the same location - I wondered if the small brick pillar was a relic of the old platform?

Hemyock on the 7th Sept 1963. Copyright Mike Roach

Looking across the station site towards the former dairy. 21st August 2019, Copyright Colin Burges,

The remaining dairy building, housing the offices now used by the Blackdown Hills A.O.N.B. Partnership, still carries a steel frame in the shape of the St. Ivel badge. One line passed across the road and ran to the right of this building; another crossed the road further to the right; I remember seeing them in 1974 or '75, before the branch was closed. St. Ivel Gold and Utterly-Butterly were once produced here. One of the area's most famous sons is Amyas Crump, the well-known railway historian. His father was manager here for many years and resided in this building. Among Amyas's many remarkable finds was the original Hemyock engine shed. 21st August 2019. Copyright Colin Burges.

Then I climbed up to the Blackdown ridge from where a great expanse of Tone Vale can be seen.

This is only a bit of what is revealed by the trees at one viewing point. Wellington lies to the left. The Quantocks going right hide Bridgwater Bay. In reaching them, three lines of railway would be crossed: the G.W. main line and the Barnstaple and Minehead branches. Just behind the camera is the Devon and Somerset border. 21st August 2019. Copyright Colin Burges.

A little further west is the Wellington Monument, a landmark for train passengers passing through Tone Vale and the Levels. It is only just inside the Somerset border. In fact Taunton Station, in the county town, is only six miles from the border. 21st August 2019. Copyright Colin Burges. This monument is to receive a considerable amount of restoration shortly.

Then I meandered through Wellington, Poole and the back lanes via Victory Crossing into Taunton (43 miles), where I was robbed of £4.45 for a cup of tea and a marshmallow in the wretched Upside Starbucks. My first ride in a Hitachi followed, about which I have nothing to say.

Cheers, Colin. Many thanks Colin - thank heavens you are still fit and able to share with us your days out.

Blue on White Signs
Roy Hart

Roger is wise not to mention the exact location of this sign!

Blue-on-white enamel signs were common on the GWR in the late nineteenth century. I have a 'Ladies Waiting Room' done in the same style, which came from Praze and probably dates from the opening of the line (1887). By 1900 all signs on doors and gates etc. were of cast iron, produced at the Swindon foundry. The Perranporth branch (1903/5) had all cast iron signs, so the change must have happened around 1890-1900. I have 'Waiting Room' from Shepherds (it cost me 2/6) and it is cast iron in the style of GW signal box nameplates. Another common enamelled sign which survived into the 1960s in many places was SEASON TICKETS MUST BE SHEWN HERE (note the archaism)-this spelling was GW standard on all documents till 1948!

Roy Many thanks Roy. N.B. Roy lives in Rangoon so I think the location of his valued collection is pretty safe!! (See example below)

26th August 2019

26/8/2019

Heathfield
Clive Smith

With 37607 on the front and 37610 on the rear of a Network Rail test train prepare to return to Newton Abbot from the far extremities of the Heathfield branch. The photo was taken at 08.35 on the 12th June 2014. After photographing the incoming train I had to take my life in my hands to cross four lanes of the busy A38 at peak time to obtain the 'buffer shot' here as the train was scheduled to return immediately. I am unsure at to whether up to now this has been the last train to visit Heathfield. If anyone can add further information then please let the site know.

Regards, Clive. Many thanks indeed - very glad you survived!!

37607 on the front and 37610 on the rear of a Network Rail test train prepare to return to Newton Abbot from the far extremities of the Heathfield branch. The photo was taken at 08.35 on the 12th June 2014. Copyright Clive Smith

Sign of the times!!
Penzance
Roger Winnen

An interesting sign at Penzance - is there a tale to be told concerning the origins of this sign one wonders? Copyright Roger Winnen.

25th August 2019

25/8/2019

LNER in the South West
Fun in the Sun
Paul Barlow Andrew Triggs Mark Lynam
& Roger Winnen
As there have been many entries for these unusual workings I am leaving it up to Roger who was also about to make a representative selection. Many thanks for your entries. KJ
More pictures in features 19 27 Please click here.

After a most entertaining day we returned home on the 17.50 2 + 4 car HST set from Exeter St David's. Everything was going fine until Lostwithiel when a fight took place in our coach. A youngster who joined the train at Lostwithiel was going hell for leather on three of the train staff in a seat close by. Damage was caused to the plastic tray which your cuppa can be placed on. Eventually the police turned up at Par arresting the youngster in handcuffs and being removed from the train. On arrival at Truro the police again entered the train with cameras taking photographic evidence. Arrival at Penzance was 30 mins late.
This was the stupid Saturday night when most things seem to happen.
We let the train take the strain!

Viewed from the 06.45 York to Plymouth as we approach Kennaway Tunnel. Copyright Roger Winnen

Viewed from above Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish 1V46 06.45 York-Plymouth with 43257/251 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Looking very smart in the summer sunshine the York-Plymouth L N E R hire in is pictured leaving Totnes on the 24th August 2019. Copyright Paul Barlow

190824z 43367 and 43290 heading back through Dawlish Warren with the Plymouth to York service.. Copyright Mark Lynam

. In the opposite direction, the late running 1V50 06.06 Edinburgh-Plymouth at Powderham footbridge with 43367/290 Copyright Andrew Triggs

4. Late returnee 1E63 15.25 Plymouth-Edinburgh at Dawlish station, running 35 late at 16.47. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The delayed 15.25 Plymouth to Edinbugh as seen arriving at Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

For further photographs of the LNER HST please CLICK HERE to go into features number 1927 June to December 2019

A request for information
North Cornwall
Michael Manning

Thanks to many CRS members I have been able to put together much information regarding the lifting of the tracks through both Tavistock stations.
I have expanded my search for info. on the NCR and the old SR line from Bude to Okehampton via Halwill. Are there any members you know who can help with the dates and/or photos of both these lines ?
Best regards,
Mike
Can any readers help please - your response to Mike Manning on [email protected] would be very much appreciated.

24th August 2019

24/8/2019

LNER in S West
David Tozer

Hi Keith, Suspect that Roger will have a few as well. No LNER have not replaced GWR or Cross Country. Cross Country hired two LNER HST sets today and both passed Exminster an hour apart I guess. Many thanks to you David.

43251 top and tails with 43257 on the 1326 Plymouth to Edinburgh. 24th August 2019. Copyright David Tozer

43290 top and tails with 43367 on the 06.06 Edinburgh to Plymouth. 24th August 2019 Copyright David Tozer

Bodmin General
Paddy Bradley

An undated picture of Bodmin General in quiet times - long before preservation was thought of. Courtesy the Paddy Bradley Collection. Note the original goods shed and signalbox, also the National Carriers Limited van parked in the yard.

Chris Osment suggest that this was taken soon after the closure of the signalbox as there is a point lever and no sign of semaphore signals. Many thanks for that Chris. The box closed 17th December 1967.

Penzance '77
Roger Winnen

Class 08 08840 at rest in the loading bank siding, also visible is the James Coach providing a service to Penzance Heliport. 10th December 1977. Copyright Roger Winnen.

23rd August 2019

23/8/2019

At Gwithian? Something to see this weekend.

- and while in the area you could have a look at the remains of the National Explosive Works Railways - the earth works, embankments and cuttings are there for all to see. However watch out for the adders in this hot weather.

The map shows the very extensive narrow gauge system and the terminus of the connecting standard gauge branch from Hayle. With reference to the map the additional letters which have been added refer to locations of various points of interest. These are as follows - (A) Nitro-glycerine plant supply incline number 1. (B) Nitro-glycerine plant supply incline number 2. (C) Loading shed. (D) Nitrate of soda store (E) Gun Cotton Dries (F) Tunnel The above map is from the 25 to the mile OS map and is reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.

A map showing the approximate route of the standard gauge connecting line between the Explosive Works at Upton Towans and the course of the Hayle Railway. The Hayle Railway had remained in situ along what is now King George V walk.as a siding. From the end of this siding it is assumed that an extension crossed Leathlean Lane and the playing field on a curving embankment raising the branch to a level to cross Brookway and access a bridge at (G) which crosses a stream. The ironwork of this bridge still remains behind modern housing alongside Brookway.

The road exiting this map at the top right hand corner is the B3301. For the best access to the old railway drive onto Gwithian Towans and park at the entrance. Walk over the dunes to the west and you are in the works. More details in our Industrial Railways and Tramways section.

An amazing view from the top
Plymouth
Clive Smith

This was before drone cameras and some fifteen years before I was employed at Inter City House. On this occasion I blagged my way in, took the lift to one of the higher floors and grabbed a shot. It was 50050 on the 10.00 Paignton - Plymouth on the 9th September 1983.
Regards, CliveSmith. Well done - an incredible view.

50050 arrives at Plymouth. Seen from 'On High'. Plymouth September 1983. Copyright Clive Smith.

Plymouth 2006
The Late John Cornelius

The majority of the photographs given to us by the late and lamented John Cornelius have the title inserted at the bottom of the image - a much appreciated feature. Copyright the late John Cornelius.

22nd August 2019

22/8/2019

Two 'Gems' from Mike
Plymouth '59
Mike Roach

31853 heads into Mutley Tunnel with a freight train on 14th August 1959 Copyright Mike Roach

A marvellous view of Mutley tunnel without that awful car park that was planted above its mouth. One problem solved but what a blot on the landscape,

The LSWR parcels office on Plymouth's Barbican is seen in August 1959. What a wonderful display of 1950s cars. Copyright Mike Roach

Another fascinating view taken 60 years ago. How grateful we must be to Mike for capturing this everyday scene, note the children playing in quite a dangerous spot, note the clothes of the 50', not forgetting the cars - this is a rare railway photograph. Many thanks indeed Mike for both these treasurers.

An enlargement from the photograph above showing detail of the wording. Copyright Mike Roach

Penzance '77'
Roger Winnen

A rare visitor to Penzance seen in the goods loading platorm on the 27th November 1977. Copyright Roger Winnen.

<<Previous