Blog Archives

31st August 2020

31/8/2020

The Royal Duchy
Bill Elston-Craig Munday- David Tozer Trevor Tremethick- Andrew Triggs
Clive Smith-Roger Salter
& Roger Winnen

N.B. Because of the interest and the number of pictures this item on the Royal Duchy is being portrayed as a Feature. Please click here to look at the features section and scroll to item 2019.

A zoom view at Norton Fitzwarren 44871, 30th August 2020 Copyright Bill Elston.

Norton Fitzwarren 44871, 30th August 2020 Copyright Bill Elston.

44871 At Stoke Cannon with the Royal Duchy. Copyright David Tozer

44871 Heads the Royal Duchy from Bristol to Plymouth & Par through Totnes. Copyright Roger Salter

On the final stages of the steam hauled railtour 44871 passing Ocean Siding, Laira, on 'The Royal Duchy', 30th August 2020. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

After a hiatus of anything interesting visiting the Duchy, the Bank Holiday weekend saw the first Charter visit. The steam loco worked the Royal Duchy only between Bristol Temple Meads and Plymouth due to ongoing turning issues. WCR's class 47 47804 worked the final leg of the tour, and is seen working hard on the climb from Moorswater viaduct to Doublebois at Lantoom Quarry. 30th August 2020. Copyrght Craig Munday

47804 shunts the 'Royal Duchy' empty stock at Par. 30th August 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

200830r Departure of the Royal Duchy passing the former Plymouth Royal Eye Infirmary. Copyright Roger Winnen

For more pictures of the 'Royal Duchy' on the 30th August 2020. Please click here for Features and scroll to item 2019

The Lower Teign
Paul Barlow

Views of trains along the Teign Estuary are, to us, quite rare with views being limited by difficult access governed by tide states.

The 'Royal Duchy' runs alongside the Teign on its way towards Plymouth followed by diesel haulage on to Par. A delightful view . 30th August 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

30th August 2020

30/8/2020

Stunning pictures at
Oath
Bill Elston

Over at Oath this evening for weekly run of the HOBC from Taunton Fairwater Yd for an ‘overnighter’ at Tilehurst, near Reading. It was lead by Genesee orange liveried 66415, named You Are Never Alone (!), with 66953 bringing up the rear . Hope they are of interest, Best regards, Bill

66415 approaches at the head of the Fairwater to Tilehurst HOBC train, 29th August 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

The lead engine was 66415 in Genesee orange livery , named 'You Are Never Alone' , 29th August 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

66953 brings up the rear of the very long H.O.B.C. consist, 29th August 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill

Dawlish & Shaldon
Phil Smith & Paul Barlow

Re Phil Smith's picture of Flying Scotsman at Dawlish.
I was at Shaldon bridge for the same train which was run in conjunction with Newton Abbot festival of transport.
Hope all is well Kind regards, Paul Barlow
Great minds and photographers think alike!

4472 Flying Scotsman thunders through Dawlish on the 13th May 2000. Copyright Phil Smith

4472 Flying Scotsman 0730 Victoria to Newton Abbot seen at Shaldon bridge. 13th May 2000. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks to Phil and Paul.

Treloweth and Golant
Craig Munday

The weather of the 28th was gloomy with some sunny spells. I decided to venture out regardless for the loco hauled NMT worked by Colas Rail's 67023 and 67027. With the train 8 mins early from Truro the most gruesome cloud wrapped itself around the sun and I thought all was lost. As the distinctive hum of the locos and hollow howl of the coaches came into earshot, a miracle happened! A gap appeared in the clouds from the North Coast and the train was lit! The area is being cleared by Stobbart rail, and they have made a start along the embankments here near Grampound Road. The train just fitted in between the trees too. It's now a definite rarity to capture a loco hauled train west of Burngullow in daylight. Also included is an afternoon shot at Golant of 66020 working the clay to Carne Point. I've included the cars, who knows, someone may look at the CRS archive in years to come and revel in this "vintage" car display! Regards Craig

Gold against gold!! 1Q18 67023 67027 at Treloweth on the 28th August 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

66020 Golant 26th August 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks Craig

STEAM ONLY TO PLYMOUTH TODAY
Craig Munday

A sad little bit of news that the only Royal Duchy of the season runs today Sun 30th from Bristol to Par & return. It will be DIESEL hauled in Cornwall due to issues turning the steam loco. A WCR class 47 is scheduled to work the train with the steam loco residing in Plymouth whilst the tour visits Par. Down train: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55140/2020-08-30/detailed Up train: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55147/2020-08-30/detailed
Also down last evening the 29th was a Colas engineering train from Westbury to Penzance. The schedule is here: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U39251/2020-08-29/detailed
This was hauled by a class 66 and class 70. It ran to Penzance then back to the St Austell area to work overnight. It returns Sunday morning. Best wishes Craig

5Z50 at Reparveth on the 11th August 2020 Copyright Craig Munday

Again thanks Craig.

29th August 2020

29/8/2020

70812 Westbury Down to
St Austell via Penzance
Andrew Triggs Roger Winnen

200829a 70812 at Penzance with the 617x 13.11 from Westbury Down TC with long welded rail bound for St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen

200829b Viewed from the balcony at Penzance Station as the train awaits backing to Slopers Siding for its run around before heading for St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen

200829d 70812 at Platform 2 Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

200829e The station looking deserted at 21.00 hrs on Saturday evening. Copyright Andrew Triggs

200829f Looking from the buffer stops as the train fills the platform. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Dobwalls
Craig Munday

A Saturday afternoon Westbury to St Austell rail delivery train 6C97 saw Colas rail's 70812 work down. The train is seen on the sumptuous curves through Dobwalls in brief sunshine on 29th August 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

All masked up at
Exeter
Clive Smith

Clive writes :- 67023 stands at platform 5 at Exeter St Davids with the 1Z18 15.40 Paignton - Taunton Network Rail measurement train. 67027 is on the front. The new normal can be seen with various passengers wearing facemasks as I had to do so too with this station being a designated transport hub. Regards, Clive Smith

67023 stands at platform 5 at Exeter St Davids with the 1Z18 15.40 Paignton - Taunton Network Rail measurement train. 28th Aug 2020. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks to you Clive.

Parkandillack - the last train Phillip Hawke

SAD NEWS - Keith, I noticed the report about Parkandillick in your news section. I was told last weekend by an Imrys manager (about 31st August 2020) that was the last train to be loaded there. Something about longer trains and the problem of shunting.

Parkandillack branch
Andrew Triggs

Today (28th August 2020) the Clay from Fowey Docks Carne Point actually ran to Parkandillack behind DBC 66020, traffic to the end of the line being somewhat sporadic to say the least lately, find the enclosed shots for CRS All the Best, Andrew.

1. Arriving at Parkandillack from Fowey Docks Carne Point DBC 66020 working 6P07 07.21 Fowey Docks Carne Point-Parkandillack. 28th August 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

2. The load of CDAs was then split and shunted by 66020 for a considerable period of time at Parkandillack 28th August 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

3. The 1st portion of CDAs (empties) heading for Burngullow, passing Little Treviscoe (6P23 13.20 Parkandillack-Burngullow) running 187 early. 28th August 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

4. The 2nd loaded portion of CDAs returning to Burngullow (6P24 13.45 Burngullow-Fowey Docks Carne Point) 28th August 2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs.

5. Departing Burngullow for Fowey Docks Carne Point running 40 early as 6P246.. 28th August 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

6. Also passing Burngullow Colas 67023/027 working 1Q18 06.11 Reading Triangle Sidings-Paignton. 28th August 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew.

Marsh Mills
Going round the bend with
David Stannard

Dear Keith
In case they are useful to you for the Devon gallery, I enclose 7 photographs taken around Tavistock Junction Yard and the 90 degree curve round towards Marsh Mills on 30/06/00 (shunter 08798) and 2 photographs taken at Marsh Mills dries on 27/06/07 (shunter 09013).
Brings back happy memories, With best wishes. David Stannard.

Of interest from David Stannard.
Whilst in the loft I came across the letter I received from the Senior Supervisor at Marsh Mills Dryers in response to my enquiry as to whether clay was still being shipped from there in the summer of 2007. In a most informative letter (which included a kind invitation for an escorted tour) he states:

We normally ship 24 CDAs each Wednesday which is around 700t of material to our storage facility at Fowey. The first string of 16 CDAs usually arrives at around 08:30 hrs and is typically on site for around a couple of hours for loading before being returned to Tavistock Junction Yard. The second string of 8 CDAs are then brought up a bit later to complete the loading.
In addition to this we normally ship between 2 and 5 Nacco wagons and 1 Cargowaggon on Fridays for onward movement to our Cliffe Vale depot at Stoke-on-Trent.

Interestingly he refers to the CDAs as 'Cornwall and Devon Air braked' which I don't think that I had heard before (and do not know if it is correct as I am not aware of such a rationale behind the designations of other wagon fleets).

YARD 1 09013 6th July 2007 Copyright David Stannard

TAV JN YARD 2 08798 30th June 2000 Copyright David Stannard

TAV JN YARD 3 08798 - from the road overbridge. 30th June 2000 Copyright David Stannard

TAV JN YARD 4 08798 30th June 2000 Copyright David Stannard

TAV JN YARD 5 08798 30th June 2000 Copyright David Stannard

TAV JN YARD 6 08798 also 66 199 30th June 2000 Copyright David Stannard

TAV JN YARD 7 08798 66199 30th June 2000 Copyright David Stannard

A different year - moving on to Marsh Mills Works.

MARSH MILLS 1 09013 27th June 2007 Copyright David Stannard

MARSH MILLS 2 09013 27th June 2007 Copyright David Stannard

Readers will find it interesting to look at the branch from above using 'Google Earth' and to compare then and now views using the 'clock' along the top of the depicted view. One can go back as far as 2002 and see the branch as it was when in operational use and compare it with recent views and also take a look at the very near by Plym Valley Railway.

Many Thanks David;

28th August 2020

28/8/2020

Network Rail Measurement Train
Roger Salter, Leslie Curnow
& Roger Winnen

Today saw the monthly visit of this Measurement Train to Penzance. Departure from Reading Triangle Sidings at 06/11 with an arrival at Penzance at 11.24. Departing 12.04 it heads for Dawlish Warren then Paignton arriving at 15.33

200828e The Network Rail Measurement Train at Rosevidney on route to Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

200828b 67023 Stella arrives at Penzance tailed by 67027 Charlotte in glorious sunshine. Copyright Roger Winnen

200828i 67027 Charlotte broadside. Thirty of this Class were built in Valencia, Spain in 1999-2000 for the Royal Mail traffic which lasted just a few years and passenger express trains.Copyright Roger Winnen

200828c 67027 Charlotte awaits departure at Penzance for Paignton. Copyright Leslie Curnow

200828d 67023 Stella tails the train to Dawlish Warren before hauling the train back to Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

200828e Contrast at Penzance Station with Castle Class HSTs forming the 12.50 and 13.15 services to Plymouth & Exeter. Copyright Leslie Curnow

Thanks to Roger & Leslie

Shooting Range Platform
Andrew Jones

Shooting Range Platform, sometimes referred as Rifle Range Platform, was built in approx mid 1880’s to serve the military rifle range. Access was by rail only and trains stopped by written permission from the army. The station platform was simple and formed by railway sleepers bolted longitudinally on edge and infilled with rubble topped with a cinder surface. The targets for the range were situated across the River Camel and required serviceman to use a punt to gain access and operate the machinery. Officially closed during the 1950,s according to my neighbour who served with the Duke of Cornwalls Light Infantry. I took the attached photograph 10 years after closure to passengers. At this time the old galvanised refreshment hut was still standing complete with pot belly stove, unfortunately long gone. Freight was still daily and the railway was well kept. The super elevation of the track can be seen, which was a feature of the railway with a relative high speed achievable for a secondary route as was the case on the North Cornwall Line. Shooting Range Platform is on the left in the photograph looking towards Pendavy Bridge. Just out of view in the distance is the junction with the North Cornwall Line. There is a proposal to reinstate the trackbed as an addition to the Camel Trail from the junction to Sladesbridge forming a new link along the former LSWR route to a proposed housing development. If the proposed reinstatement of the railway from Boscarne to Wadebridge goes ahead I suppose the Shooting Range Platform may re open to the public. I hope I live long enough to see it !
Best wishes Andrew and Diane

Shooting Range Platform in the 1950's. Copyright Diane and Andrew Jones

Shooting Range Platform 2

Many thanks to you Diane and Andrew - I never gave it a thought as to where the actual range was - very interesting.

Long Rock visit
The late John Cornelius

Nice to see a group shot.

Many thanks to the late John Cornelius

27th August 2020

27/8/2020

Today on the Southern
Brian Pibworth

Good Morning Keith,

We had a bit of dry weather ahead of the deluge which would have reached you already. Herewith attached pic of the 05.56 Reading to Salisbury (via Exeter) heading West near Axminster East Junction.0556 Reading

"The Network Rail Measurement Train came through Somerset and Devon today headed by Colas Railfreight Class 67023 "Stella" leading the Radio Survey coach 977868, Overhead Line Inspection coach 977983, PLPR Track Inspection coach 5981 and the Generator coach 6264 with CR class 67027 Charlotte on the tail. A change of location for me, below the Axminster Town football field, and surprise at the growth of vegetation in this section which balanced the ease of access along a metalled cycle track."

Best wishes to you and yours, Brian

67023 on the Measurement Train, passing below Axminster Football Ground.. Copyright Brian Pibworth. 27th August 2020

Many thanks Brian.

On the Southern Yesterday & Today
David Tozer

150266 at Pinhoe with the 1747 5z31 Castle Cary - Exeter. Copyright David Tozer

67023 at the former Devon County Showground today with the Network Rail Reading to Exeter service via the Southern. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Penzance
The late John Cornelius

On 21 September 1962, 6800 Arlington Grange was hauling a freight train which overran signals at Steventon and was derailed. It was officially withdrawn in 1964.

We are most grateful to our very good friend the late John Cornelius, a former signalman and life long enthusiast, well known in railway circles who passed on to us many of his fine photographs. Many of his photographs had the caption embedded within the picture as seen above.

These trains don't appear on Realtime Trains!
Roger Winnen

200826a The Ghost Train at Penzance last night with Rowlands Fair. Copyright Roger Winnen

200826b The Thriller Express at Penzance, one of the largest fairs in Penzance for many years. Roger Winnen

26th August 2020

26/8/2020

Dawlish
Phil Smith

Phil has travelled down from his usual area of Bristol to get this fine shot.

Dawlish 4472 Flying Scotsman heads west on the 13th May 2000. Copyright Phil Smith (One wonders what this shot would look like today with the New sea wall?)

Many thanks Phil.

B & W R
Clay Wagons Project

Progress update - Work continues on the dismantle of Clay Wagon B743635, with the complete removal of all the wood and metal work which included the tipper door. It was found that the tipper door bar has been bent out of shape and hopefully can be straightened. Now that the above has been completed the next job is to use a needle gun and wire brush on the frame so that it can be ready for inspection. If you would like to see the latest news, history and general information about the Clay Wagon Project, please make sure to follow us on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram linked below. https://www.facebook.com/claywagonproject http://www.instagram.com/claywagonproject/ https://twitter.com/claywagonbodmin
Regards Clay Wagon Project Team

Bodmin Clay Wagons Project 1 874635 stripped to the 'bare bones' 23rd August 2020

Bodmin Clay Wagons Project 2 23rd August 2020

Congratulations team a grand start - keep up the good work.

25th August 2020

25/8/2020

Studies at
Saltash
Roger Winnen

From Rogers archive of 1977.

A Peak enters Saltash on a service to Penzance. 26th November 1977. Copyright Roger Winnen

Saltash Station complete with awning and footbridge. It was over looked by the former Baptist Chapel destroyed by fire on Christmas Day 1987. This picture 26th November 1977. Copyright Roger Winnen

The footbridge in focus plus two shadows - one wonders who it was with him - possibly KJ? 26th November 1977. Copyright Roger Wnnen.

One for the record, a view across the long gone footbridge. 26th November 1977. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks to Roger for these memories.

24th August 2020

24/8/2020

St Budeaux
Al Peters

6C97 at St Budeaux (Ferry Road) Colas Rail 70816 top and tailed with 70812 headed to Cornwall from Westbury with the RDT (Rail Delivery Train) as 6C97 for a rail drop at Shillingham between Saltash and St Germans over two nights, pictured is 70816 at St Budeaux Ferry Road awaiting the possession to be given up to return to Westbury on 23rd August 2020 - Alan Peters

A lovely colourful shot seen in an unusual location. St Budeaux Ferry Road, 6C97 70812 23rd August 2020 Copyright Alan Peters

Many thanks to you Alan.

Perranporth
Ed Hooper

In response to a query concerning signs on Perranporth station Ed Hooper kindly wrote in :- Dear CRS, Whilst I'm afraid I can't add any photos of the station signs and posters, I am pleased to say that at least one of the signal box cast iron nameplates survives. It was acquired at a local antiques fair in Perranporth in around 1990 and given to my late uncle, signalman Charles Fennamore. Perranporth unusually had two signal box nameplates, being located on an island platform. I wonder if its twin survives? A similar nameplate from St. Agnes can be found restored in the museum there. Charles lived for many years nearby at Mithian, where he had an uninterrupted view of Goonbell viaduct. He is pictured here working in Truro signalbox, guessing early 2000's. Best Regards, Ed Hooper

One of the twp cast signs from Perranporth Sigalbox. Copyright Ed Hooper.

The well known and much respected the late Charles Fennamore seen on duty in Truro Signalbox in the early 2000's. Many thanks to Ed Hooper Copyright,

Perranporth. A service arriving from Newquay. Copyright the late Jon. Wood Collection

Perranporth signalbox - rear view in 1965, Copyright the late Patrick English.

Perranporth Signalbox - the front view in 1965. Copyright the late Patrick English.

Wheal Liberty Viaduct in 1976. Copyright Mike Roach

Many thanks to Ed Hooper, Mike Roach and the late Patrick English.

Bristol area
Craig Munday

Craig was up at Bristol when 'The Devonian' was running in the area and kindly sends us these photographs.

Freightliner at Ableton Lane 11th August 2020 Copyright Craig Munday. N.B. Ableton Lane bridge is close to the entrance to the Severn Tunnel.

Looking very smart 47501 hauls the Devonian Express through Patchway on the 12th August 2020 Copyright Craig Munday

Another view at Patchway as 43162 brings up the rear on the 12th August 2020 Copyright Craig Munday

And finally at Newton St Loe 46100 'Royal Scot' and 70000 'Britannia' with The Devonian Express. 12th August 2020 Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks Craig - welcome back home.

Sunset at
Goonbarrow
Craig Munday

It looks as if Bugle is on fire in this dramatic shot by Craig Mumday as a Newquay bound DMU pulls away from alongside the signalbox. 17th August 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

With the Newquay train well on its way Craig catches the sun as it sinks below the horizon; 17th August 2020

With the Home signal reset the sun sinks further. 17th August 2020

A 'fiery end to your sequence' - many thanks to you Craig.

23rd August 2020

23/8/2020

Chaos on my 75th Birthday Bash
Roger Winnen

After purchasing a Cornwall Rover Ticket yesterday I decided to head first to Plymouth for photos of the Royal Albert Bridge from the Devon side On arrival at Plymouth the wind was so strong blowing through the station that I knocked it on the head and returned to Liskeard for refreshments as nothing is opened at present on Plymouth Station. After departing Liskeard I alighted at Bodmin Parkway for the Transport for Cornwall Bus to Trago Mills, looking for Railway Books etc and looking at the viaduct above. Returning to Bodmin Parkway for the 12.50 Penzance to Plymouth where I alighted at Saltash, however the guard had problems opening and closing the doors of a Castle Class HST delaying the train 20 mins. Catching a later train into Plymouth the opportunity arose to return home on the 13.03 Paddington to Penzance due to depart Plymouth at 16.30. Arrival at Liskeard was on time at 16.55, announcements were made that the train would be delayed owing to signalling problems between Liskeard and Bodmin Parkway which was the single line over the viaducts at Trago Mills etc, after arrival of the first train from Bodmin we would depart westwards, that was not the case as we waited for three trains to pass and eventually departed Liskeard at 18.38 hrs arriving Penzance at 20.03. 3 hours 33 mins from Plymouth. It reminds one of the 12 noon in Steam Days Penzance to Glasgow which took the same time to reach Plymouth
Many thanks for the Many Greeting Cards sent

200822j Liskeard Station with brilliant sunshine on the buildings . Where I had a cup of tea before going onto Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

200822k The IET supporting the NHS leaves Bodmin Parkway on the 11.05 Penzance to Paddington service. Copyright Roger Winnen

200822l Trago Mills and the single line section which crosses the viaduct above causing much delays later. Copyright Roger Winnen

200822m Trouble at Saltash with the doors which delayed the 12.50 Penzance to Plymouth train for 20 mins. Copyright Roger Winnen

200822n The 12.03 Paddington to Penzance crossing the Border into Cornwall. Copyright Roger Winnen

200822o Liskeard Station where later in the day the the 16.30 from Plymouth which I caught was held for 103 minutes owing to a points and signalling failure at Largin. Penzance was reached at 20.03hrs. Copyright Roger Winnen

Distant views of
Carn Brea & Forder
Chris Harvey

With Forder viaduct nicely illuminated we see the 13.22 Newquay to Paddington. 12th August 2006 Copyright Chris Harvey

A view from the locally lofty Carn Brea looking north towards the coast. In the foreground lies the Camborne Redruth Hospital complex known locally as Barncoose Hospital formerly a Workhouse. A mixed formation comprising of two 153's led by a 150 heads across Barncoose embankment with the 13.00 Penzance to Plymouth service on the 8th August 2015. The embankment was built as part of the Hayle Railway which itself forms the oldest section of the Paddinton to Penzance route. Copyright Chris Harvey.

Many thanks Chris.

Exeter
Clive Smith

45130 waits at platform 5 with the Sunday 18.15 Plymouth - Cardiff Central on the 9th January 1983. A lightweight load five and this train was quite often a peak. Regards Clive Smith

Exeter St Davids 45130 waits with the Sunday 18.15 service to Cardiff on the 9th January 1983. Copyright Clive Smith

A further note :- 45130 formerly D117 was withdrawn on the 10th May 1987 and then sent for scrap to MC Metals Glasgow where it finally met its end in March 1992.

Many thanks to you Clive.

22nd August 2020

22/8/2020

Questions
Trevor Tremethick

A couple of my periodic questions which I hope may be answered through the website. 1. 94XX pannier No. 8408, withdrawn (I think) off Swansea East Dock in 1959 and, after a sojourn at Swindon, was employed at Truro 83F as a stationary boiler. According to Peter Hands' notes in 'What Happened to Steam' she was at Truro between November 1960 and June 1963 (approx). There is a photo in Maurice Dart's book 'The Last Days of Steam in Plymouth and Cornwall' but it is a close up. Does anyone have a photo showing the location of 8408 in relation to the shed building at Truro (or can describe it)? 2. Perranporth station subway (see my photograph of the lower exit taken in April 2005). I was a small child when I used this and can't recall much about it. The top part, on the platform, had a sign saying 'Way Out' but what was down here? I know it came out close to Henry Morgan's, the Stationmaster's, house and there would have been taxis drawn up, but what signage was there? Was there a sign saying 'Perranporth Station' and / or noticeboards with timetables, posters, etc? I suppose it would be too much to hope that anyone would have photographed this area - no reason to I would imagine. I just hope someone might remember. Well, there's a couple of challenges for you!! Kind regards to all Trevor T

The Truro shed Question
This has, I understand been answered in a telephone conversation between Roger Winnen and Trevor.
Any further comments please :-

The Perranporth station question.
Here is Trevor's photograph of the blocked off subway :-

Picture (1) The blocked off entrance to Perranporth Subway. This also provided vehicular access to the goods yard. Picture taken on the 4th April 2005. Copyright Trevor Tremethick.

Picture (2) Perranporth station - the access pedestrian access to the island platform was through the subway and then up steps rising to platform level. The railings seen to the left on the platform provided protection. Perranporth - a picture taken on the last day - Copyright Mike Roach

I used this station once or twice - it wasn't very convenient for the beach or town which was much better served by Perranporth Beach Halt - this had opened on the 20th July 1931. The ticket office was located within the main station block - Henry Morgan can be very briefly glimpsed in a video of the line as he sold the last ticket. The steps I recall were in two separate 'in line flights' with a landing midway. As can be seen with reference to our photographs in our section on the Chacewater - Newquay branch the station had large 'running in' nameboards at each end of the platform. The signal box can just be glimpsed at the eastern end of the platform beyond the main station building. KJ

Thank you for your questions and the photograph Trevor - any further comments.

Dear chaps Very many thanks for putting my questions on the website. However, the Truro shed / 8408 question is as yet some way from a full resolution despite telephone conversations between Roger and myself, so any photographs or memories from other observers will still be welcomed. I would also be very interested if anyone has photographs (or can describe) the interior of Truro shed and workshops as I was never able to visit. Anyway, thanks again, your help always appreciated. Kindest regards Trevor

Severn Tunnel Jct Shed.
Ken Mumford

31913 at Severn Tunnel Junction Shed. One of 15 W class tanks Designed in 1929 and introduced into service in 1932. Basically a freight loco but was tried on passenger trains but found to be unstable. Condemned in 1963. From the Ken Mumford Collection.

Special Day (75)
For Roger

Roger is more than 70 now, but this is a surprise presentation made to Roger by Breage Band on the occasion of that milestone.

Congratulations Roger.

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