Blog Archives

9th August 2020

9/8/2020

Sunny St Ives
Andrew Triggs

Afternoon Keith, Four shots from yesterday (7th August) for CRS, while walking the St Ives Coastal walk to Lelant, featuring one of the two remaining FGW Blue liveried Class 150/2s no 150219, working the days services with 150266 on a glorious summers day,
All the Best, Andrew

1. 150219/266 heading down Porthkidney Bank working 2A20 12.33 St Ives-St Erth. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

2. 150219/266 heading for St Ives working 2A17 11.48 St Erth -St Ives nearing Hawkes Point. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

3. The afternoon cloud cover arrives at Lelant as 150219/266 pass working 2A33 15.48 St Erth-St Ives. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

4. Later returning with 2A34 16.04 St Ives to St Erth, slowing to stop at Lelant . 7th August 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

While others, well the locals, worry about 'Safe Distancing' at packed St Ives, and on the trains, Andrew takes a safe solitary ramble along the branch. Many thanks Andrew.

Exeter
Paul Barlow

Wearing the bright Virgin Trains livery we see 47722 on the 08.40 Glasgow to Penzance, the 1V50 working on the 20th December 2001. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

8th August 2020

8/8/2020

Plymouth '63
The late Adrian Hoblyn

Plymouth Station. Swindon Inter City DMU at Plymouth 1963. This was one of the final batch of Cross Country DMUs built at Swindon with Swindon B4 Bogies and with very smart interiors. Copyright the late Adrian Hoblyn. Trevor Tremethick Collection.

Many thanks to Trevor for this item from the collection of The late Adrian Hoblyn.

Exeter
Paul Barlow

47815 waits at Exeter St Davids on 17.33 Paddington to Plymouth on the 5th March 2001. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Of INTEREST?
John Ball

Many thanks to John who has sent us the following link to some very exciting proposed developments. Lets hope these proposals, dreams for many years, come to fruition.
The new proposals include reopening the former Southern main line between Exeter, Okehampton and Plymouth, redoubling the Southern route between Salisbury and Exeter and restoring passenger services to Minehead, Padstow and Fowey.
https://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2020/07/20-new-plan-for-south-west.html

7th August 2020

7/8/2020

Last night at
Exeter
Paul Barlow

Gleaming D1944 and D1935 stand at the head of the 22.54 Exeter to Bristol ECS on the 5 August 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Up late Paul - many thanks.

Oxford
Phil Smith

47212 at Oxford station on some tanks plus a fellow train photographer. Copyright Phil Smith.

What I believe one might call a 'classic' study. This young enthusiast must be about 35 years old now. I wonder if by any chance he'll see this! N.B. oxford is slightly off our area but we'll be going there soon with a section on Didcot to Oxford.

Before the remodelling.
St Erth
Andrew Thompson

In the last of his holiday 2013 pictures Andrew spent some time at St Erth.

Long before the widening of the St Ives bay platform 150 130 waits with the next service to St Ives. September 2013. Copyright Andrew Thompson.

And finally, from a picture from about as close as one can safely get we see an HST passing the HST stop board on the up platform. Copyright Andrew Thompson.

Many thanks Andrew.

6th August 2020

6/8/2020

Test Train to Liskeard
Mark Lynam

Last night a test train ran into Cornwall as far as Liskeard. It was due to run to Penzance the previous night but was cancelled due to crew shortages. It was top and tailed with 37219 and 37610. Copyright Mark Lynam

37219 at Liskeard after working 3Q52 2036 Exeter Riverside N.Y. to Liskeard. Copyright Mark Lynam

37610 at Liskeard before working 3Q53 2302 Liskeard to Exeter Riverside N.Y. using the crossover at the Eastern end of the station. Copyright Mark Lynam

Thanks Mark

The last Fuel Train seen at Hayle
25th October 2013
Roger Winnen

131025aa 66120 With the last Fuel Train to Penzance crosses Hayle Viaduct just before 08.00 hrs. Copyright Roger Winnen

131025ad 66120 With the returning empty Fuel Train approaches Trevassick Manor, Copperhouse. It is now impossible to take a photograph from this location as a large amount of houses has been built in this area since 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

St Ives
Andrew Thompson & Laurence Hansford

St Ives in September 2013. If only we could go back 57 years! Perchance to dream. Copyright Andrew Thompson.

St Ives station before rationalisation 15th August 1963 Copyright Laurence Hansford. Very interesting even in diesel days.

Many thanks to Andrew Thompson and Laurence Hansford

Safe for another two years
Clay Traffic
David Tozer

Many thanks to David Tozer who kindly sent in this link-

https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/db-cargo-extends-cornish-clay-train-contract

Dave

5th August 2020

5/8/2020

Is it the 'Last Fuel by Rail'
St Erth
Andrew Thompson

Andrew Thompson catches an almost unthinkable moment with one of the last deliveries of fuel to power the trains by rail - It comes by road nowadays!!

One of the last deliveries of fuel by Rail in September 2013. 66011 passes through St Erth. Copyright Andrew Thompson.

The last working of the fuel train ran on Friday 25th October 2013 hauled by 66120 much photographed by the Railway Enthusiats at that time

Many thanks Andrew

Down Sleeper
St Erth & Long Rock
Andrew Thompson

Down Sleeper headed by 57603 arrives at St Erth. September 2013. Copyright Andrew Thompson.

57 603 at rest at Long Rock. Probably the same day as it was spotted at St Erth. September 2013. Copyright Andrew Thompson.

Once again, thanks for your memories Andrew.

Highly recommended video
Cornish Stations
Andrew Jones

The video is called ‘Train Time (1952) British Transport Films’ The first few minutes I believe shows Helston Station and mentions the Broccoli train. Over the following 15 minutes, Nancegollen is mentioned as well as a number of closed Cornish stations. Although the dialogue is slightly old fashioned its well worth watching. The quality of the pictures is, as expected, excellent. The link is https://youtu.be/TtAQpU9FvGk

Comment from Roy Hart :- The opening scene is at Nancegollan; this is followed by nice shot of a 'Grange' leaving the yard at Marazion. I well remember these specials, first hauled by Granges and then by Warships. However, I remain confused as to why a train full of cauliflower is called a 'broccoli special'! Roy

4th August 2020

4/8/2020

SR 1939
Football leaflet
Geoffery Barnes

Dear CRS, You may possibly be interested in the attached handbill, which was found together with other papers in a 1938 GWR Engines booklet (cover and front page as attached) recently bought from a second-hand bookstall on Cambridge Market. Given that the booklet was apparently in use, as evidenced by dates written alongside loco names and numbers in the booklet's 'Alphabetical Index To Named Engines' (Pages 95 to 106), from August 1938, quite prolifically through the war years and the late Forties, and thereafter intermittently until September 1955, it surely seems remarkable that this SR handbill should have survived without being long-before discarded. The only slight reason for its retention might have been fifteen pencil-written loco names on the reverse, including Pelican and Lady of Lynn - which, according to an entry in the booklet Memorandum, were seen 'on way to Braunton, Devon, 1939 Holiday, August 15th-2nd Sept.' (The day following the end of that holiday being, of course, a most fateful day.)
Regards, Geoffrey Barnes.

Football Excursion leaflet from Geoffrey Barnes.

From the Geoffrey Barnes Collection.

A most interesting letter and attachments for which many thanks indeed to you Geoffrey. I, personally, am just Pre WW2, so it of special interest to me - I was one month old.

Another Test Train
David Tozer

With 37259 leading and with 37610 at the rear the 3Z52 Derby R.T.C. to Exeter Riverside is seen on the 3rd August 2020. Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks David.

3rd August 2020

2/8/2020

The English Riviera Express
Paul Barlow David Tozer
Bill Elston & Roger Winnen

On the first Sunday in August 70000 Britannia masquerading as 70022 Tornado hauled the ever popular express from Bristol to Kingswear and return.

Britannia class no 70000 (masquerading as 70022 TORNADO) at Cogload, en route from Bristol to Kingswear. Copyright Bill Elston

Now leaving Taunton passing Fairwater Yd viewed from Silk Mills Bridge, Copyright Bill Elston

Train approaching Norton Fitzwarren with 47805 on the back, viewed from the above bridge . Copyright Bill Elston

70000 Britannia masquerading as 70022 Tornado at Stoke Canon on route to Kingswear. Copyright David Tozer

700220 Tornado 0907 Bristol to Kingswear passes Langstone rock 2 August 2020 Copyright Paul Barlow

70022 Tornado D1935 on rear for ETH supply 0907 Bristol to Kingswear passes Langstone rock 2 August 2020 Copyright Paul Barlow

200802a 70000 Britannia running as 70022 Tornado passes Torquay on the English Riviera Express from Bristol to Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

200802b 70022 Tornado arrives at Churston for coaling and turning. Copyright Roger Winnen

200802c 70022 Tornado is seen on the turntable at Churston. Alongside is resident locomotive 5239 awaiting repairs to leaking boiler tubes. Copyright Roger Winnen

200802d Tornado has been turned before running to Paignton for maintenance. Copyright Roger Winnen

200802e 70000 Britannia built in 1951 running as Tornado a locally based engine in the West Country in the early 1950s. Copyright Roger Winnen

200802f The return working is seen passing Dawlish Station at 17.42hrs on Sunday evening. Copyright Roger Winnen

70022 On the return run at a differant location at Stoke Canon. Copyright David Tozer

Living on borrowed time at Dawlish Warren
Paul Barlow

150238 143620 1057 Paignton to Exmouth Copyright Paul Barlow

14362150232 1152 Paignton to Exmouth. Copyright Paul Barlow

Thanks Paul

The HOBC on the
Somerset Levels
Bill Elston

West of Oath on the Somerset Levels now for the returning HOBC having worked overnight in the Didcot area.
The back of the train is out of view under the brick-built road bridge in the distance. ( my usual vantage point ) Copyright Bill Elston

The rear end with 66588. Copyright Bill Elston

Thanks Bill

Dawlish Holiday
Will Kilner

I've just returned from an interesting fortnight in Devon, with the partial completion of the Dawlish sea resilience works making for some interesting debate and the engineering works near Dainton Tunnel providing numerous excellent 'bonus' trains to photograph in the evening sun. As ever, your website kept me up to date with everything I needed to know railway-wise, so keep up the good work! I attach three of my favourite pictures from the fortnight (captions below), while my eldest son Harry, 12, has also put together some video highlights that can be seen at https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=C6VzkvDpqEI Best wishes, Will Kilner, Yorkshire.

1: An extremely colourful scene as 66094 is seen heading east on a freight at Cockwood Harbour at 17.28 on July 30 2020. Copyright Will Kilner.

2 Again at Cockwood Harbour 66953 en route to Dainton Tunnel at 20:04 on July 30 2020. Copyright Will Kilner.

3: A young rail enthusiast (my youngest son Benjamin) looks on as track recorder 08-16/4X4C100-RT passes a Paddington to Penzance express at Coryton Cove, Dawlish, at 12:28 on July 28 2020. Copyright Wil Kilner.

Many thanks Will for an interesting collection, well recorded. I particularly like the one of your son, certainly an enthusiast in the making. What will Benjamin see when he returns, say, in 50 years time? Dramatic changes no doubt? I also recommend to all the several sequences shown on the Youtube link. In these sequences there is one showing the changes in the view of trains somewhat reduced due to the new sea wall. Glad you had such a good holiday.

2nd August 2020

2/8/2020

East of Swindon
South Marston
Ken Mumford

At South Marston we see 950001 Test train. - 13th March 2010. Copyright Ken Mumford.

South Marston. An unidentified HST passes - the entrance to the yard. - 13th March 2010

Swindon Station 150239 waits for its next service. Remember the livery of the period with the sides of the uints plastered with the names of places many of which had no rail connection! 29th March 2009. Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

Westbury Excursion
Saphos Scarborough Special
Guy Vincent

Yesterday (31st July) Saphos Trains ran an all-day excursion train from Westbury to Scarborough. 'The Yorkshire Coast Statesman' ran as 1Z32 0535 Westbury-Scarborough (arr 1317) returning as 1Z33 1620 Scarborough-Westbury. The train was double-headed throughout by the two green Saphos class 47s that have been active in the West Country recently. I captured 47501 (D1944) and 47805 (D1935) at Westbury just after midnight this morning (1st August) as they were awaiting departure for Bristol Temple Meads with the 5Z34 empty stock working. Despite the pristine condition of the two locos they were observed later in the day undergoing hand-cleaning at Bristol Barton Hill prior to the next duty for one of the pair, back-up for tomorrow's English Riviera Express. Regards Guy Vincent.

Westbury 47501 & 47805 0020 WSB-BTM ECS ex 1Z33 16.20 Scarborough 1st August 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy, sorry for the delay.

Trams in
Plymouth
Mike Roach

Plymouth 8th December 1961 Copyright Mike Roach. In the background can be seen the rail approach to Plymouth Millbay crossing Union Street.

A closer views of the tram tracks remaining in Plymouth in the early 60's. Copyright Mike Roach.

Dear Keith, The Plymouth pictures from Mike Roach are fascinating: this is Derry's Cross, at one end of Royal Parade, the focal point of Abercrombie's plan for the postwar reconstruction of Plymouth. Prewar, Derry's Cross had been a focus of the city tram network. Bottom left is Derry's clock tower, which had been in the centre of the street prewar. Top left is Westward TV studios: they began broadcasting in April 1961, following a touring publicity train hauled by 'City of Truro'. The isolated surviving picture at centre is the Civil Defence building. Roy
This very much appreciated note on the above pictures arrived from Roy Hart in Rangoon minutes after the views went on line. Many thanks Roy.

A very much younger, and slimmer KJ poses by the tram tracks. Nr Derrys Clock in 1962.

As somewhat a tram fan who is too young ever to remember the trams in Plymouth (the last tram ran shortly after World War Two. I, KJ, had hopes that this remaining tramway relic in the centre of the City would be preserved. However sadly it disappeared when the Plymouths New Theatre Royal was constructed in the 1980's. In the background proudly stands the Civic Centre from the top of which fine views of the city can be obtained. KJ.

Many thanks to Mike Roach and Roy Hart.

Also highly recommended is 'The Trams of Plymouth a 73 year story' by Martin Langley and Edwina Small.

1st August 2020

1/8/2020

An appointment in
Saltash
Clive Smith

A day off work and an appointment in Saltash on a sunny day was an opportunity to make the most of the bright light and blue sky. Regards Clive Smith

(1) 70812 powers the 6C36 07.17 Moorswater - Aberthaw cement wagons at Filham Overbridge on Palace Lane just east of Ivybridge station. Lovely bright sunshine with no haze. Marvellous. Three weeks ago I could barely see the track due to the Dartmoor mist. Cpyright Clive Smith

(2) 43040 leads the 08.50 Penzance - Exeter St Davids with 43098 on the rear at Hemerdon summit. This train has resumed on weekdays after having been cut from the timetable at the beginning of the covid lockdown when a reduced local service was operating. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) 43094 and 43154 on the 10.50 Penzance - Plymouth crosses the Royal Albert Bridge over the River Tamar on a gloriously warm sunny afternoon. With the stunning weather and three trains worth photographing in the space of ten minutes this was too good an opportunity to miss. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) 57603 crosses on to the Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash with the 5Z50 10.30 Penzance - Reading sleeper ECS movement. Copyright Clive Smith.

Looks like you had a grand appointment - Many thanks to you Clive.

Exe Valley steam at
Exeter
The late Adrian Hoblyn

Another classic to start off the new month. This is another fine memory from the late Adrian Hoblyn Collection passed on to Trevor Tremethick by Adrian's wife.

1471 on Exe Valley train at Exeter (undated). Copyright the late Adrian Hoblyn

Many thanks to you Trevor.

Celebrations of the Centenary of the Plymouth Devonport & South Western Jct Railway at Bere Ferrers June 1990

Roger Winnen

900603f Looking from the road overbridge at Bere Ferrers the DMU is about to depart for Bere Alston and Gunnislake. Copyright Roger Winnen

900603h The large crowd awaits the Renaming of the Signal Box which was moved from Pinhoe on the outshirts of Exeter to Bere Ferrers. However the branch to Gunnislake from St Budeaux is worked by a token which also unlocks the points at Bere Alston to gain acces to Calstock & Gunnislake.. Copyright Roger Winnen

900603j Alfred built by Bagnals of Stafford giving brake van rides. Copyright Roger Winnen

To see a full account of the Celebrations Click Here for the Features Item 2017 July-December 2020

Burngullow
Roger Winnen

Beautifully lit in the winter sunshine a Class 25 handles a very long train at at Burngullow. It's the 29th December 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger.

31st July 2020

Sunrise today at
Long Rock
Andrew Triggs

Morning Roger/Keith,A few mobile shots for CRS, early doors at 06.30 as the sun appeared over Longrock DepotAll the BestAndrew 1. Defective 57604 with 08645 in the yard2. 57604 having failed on 29.7.2020, leading to an IET Night Riviera substitution on 1A503. GTi and IETs awaiting the days duties4. The Depot from Longrock Beach
Regards Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks to Andrew our early bird!

At Barton Hill
Bristol
Guy Vincent

Please see pictures attached of 70000 'Britannia' masquerading as scrapped sister 'Brit' 70022 'Tornado' on Barton Hill, Bristol this morning, also class 47 or 'Brush 4' D1944 (47501) 'Craftsman'. How many linesiders were 'thrown' by a second 'Tornado' I wonder? Regards Guy Vincent

Bristol Barton Hill. British Railways 70000 seen as 70022. 30th July 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent

Bristol Barton Hill - close up of the nameplate and numbers on 70000 as 70022 30th July 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent

Bristol Barton Hill. D1944 (47501) seen on the 30th July 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy, nice shots within the depot.

Taunton area
Creech & Bathpool
Bill Elston

Another busy day at Cogload and then on to Bathpool Hyde crossing. First, 70809 on Newton Abbot to Carlisle log carriers; 70812 on cement empties, then 66953 on the daily trip working from Westbury to Fairwater yd. On to Bathpool 43170, with 43187 1420 Taunton – Cardiff and 57603 on ecs sleeper stock. Best regards Bill

Cogload 70809, on Newton Abbot to Carlisle log carriers. 30th July 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Cogload 66953 the daily trip working Westbury to Fairwater. 30th July 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Bathpool 43170 , with 43187 14.20 Taunton – Cardiff, 30th July 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill for your almost daily watch on the metals in your area - your reports are much appreciated by one and all.