Blog Archives

31st August 2021

31/8/2021

Tesco Lorry stuck under bridge.
Tesco - Every little helps!
But not in this case.

Travel became severely disrupted yesterday (30th August) after the lorry became stuck at around 3:30pm underneath the train bridge in Mannamead.
Network Rail has said disruption could last until the end of Wednesday, September 1 as a result of the damage which is substantial enough to require a good level of inspection.(A view on television showed a block part of the arch had been dislodged)

It is reported that the lorry was removed earlier this afternoon. See link below.

https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/lorry-stuck-traffic-mannamead-live-5850024

The Devonian Pullman
Ken Mumford, Keith Turley, Guy Vincent.

The Devonian Pullman - The Devonian Pullman - Peterborough - Kingswear at Pewsey 30th August 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford.

The Devonian Pullman - Peterborough - Kingswear at Pewsey 30th August 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford.

The Blue Pullman HST arrives at Westbury on a decidedly dull and gloomy August Bank Holiday Monday (30th August) with the Locomotive Services 'Devonian Pullman' 1Z50 0636 Peterborough - Kingswear. At least the rain held off!

Best regards. Guy V

The Devonian Pullman arrives at Westbury. 43046 & 43055 1Z50 30th August 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

43055 trailing on the 1Z50 as it arrives at Westbury on the 30th August 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent

The Devonian Pullman is seen at Cowley bridge junction on its outward run to Kingswear. Copyright Keith Turley.

The returning Devonian Pullman is seen at Cullompton. 30th August 2021 Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks to Kath, Guy and Keith.

Brush 47's on Railtour Duties
Westbury
Guy Vincent

Three pictures from the weekend Saturday 28th August and Sunday 29th August. All with 47's as motive power.
Best regards Guy Vincent

Westbury 47828 1Z68 28th August 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury 47614 (47853) 1Z68 28th August 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Reference the above pictures - Saturday 28th August 47828 (47629 / 47266 / D1966) departs Westbury heading the outward 'Dartmouth Royal Regatta Statesman' 1Z68 0552 High Wycombe - Kingswear. Coaching stock consisted of vehicles 5912 3426 3384 3348 1211 3312 3438 80043 3188 3229 17056, all named and finished to a very high standard. At the rear was former BR 'XP64' celebrity-liveried D1733, later 47141 and lately 47853, now wearing a smart coat of original BR Blue and 1980s number 47614, applied when the loco was fitted with ETH equipment at Crewe works in 1984.

Westbury 47772 1Z22 29th August .2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Above - 47772 (ex BR 47537 'Sir Gwynedd / County of Gwynedd') taking off from the booked stop at Westbury on Sunday 29th with the ill-fated 'Royal Duchy' 1Z22 0846 Slough-Par which in the event terminated at Plymouth. As reported elsewhere I understand that 47772 was defective in some way (one report stated possibly low on fuel?) and after handing over to 'Leander' at Taunton returned light engine to Southall. Sister loco 47245 then ran light from the WCRC depot at Southall to Taunton to work the return charter. The usual maroon WCRC coaching stock was used consisting of vehicles 99723 5035 3143 99125 99712 99351 and 3058. For myself and other locals the bad luck started on Saturday with 'Leander' running direct from Carnforth to Bishops Lydeard via the Marches route and through the Severn Tunnel, originally it was booked to go to Southall and then onto Somerset via the Berks and Hants line via Westbury.

Very many thanks Guy for the copious amount of detail for all three pictures - nothing missed.

Cullompton
Keith Turley

The 12.07 Westbury Down to Crediton seen on 30th August 2021 running early passing Cullompton. Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks Keith

Observations at
Pewsey
Ken Mumford

An IET at Pewsey 30th August 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

IET Collector gear - details - from the footbridge at Pewsey - 30th August 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford

Also seen at Pewsey- a strange vehicle. Tuk Tuk. 30th August 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Realising that I am likely to be castigated for putting Ken's Tuk Tuk picture on the website I must admit having been a three wheeler owner myself half a century ago I looked up Tuk Tuk on google. The tuk-tuk (or "auto rickshaw" in some countries) is a sputtering, three-wheeled motorcycle taxi with origins as a cheap public transportation option. ... Although riding in a tuk-tuk in Thailand can be described as more chaotic than comfortable, taking at least one wild ride is a mandatory part of the experience!
Top speed 30 MPH Range 100 miles. Seats six people. cost about £5K

Thank you for your entries Ken - Transport Enthusiast.

30th August 2021

30/8/2021

Weather Report for Cornwall
Michael L. Roach

For the first three weeks of August 2021 the County received mixed weather with some good days and some not so good, but with little rain and little sunshine. The Cornish weather took a turn for the better on Saturday 21 August. The day started with mist and drizzle in West Cornwall but ended with sunny periods. These have continued ever since with no rain since 21st. On Tuesday 24th August the Met Office announced that a “blocking high pressure area” had arrived over Great Britain with fine weather assured for the next 7 – 10 days, but not necessarily continuous sunshine for all parts.
This is an ideal time of the year to photograph trains in the wonderful British countryside. It is more than two months since the longest day, and the sun is not so high in the sky at mid-day. The sun is still strong and bright but the shadows are not so harsh as they were around the time of the Summer Solstice, 21 June, and dry weather is assured for a few more days. The CRS website is lucky to have a number of highly competent photographers contributing their latest photos for publication; thank you one and all gentlemen.
The Government and the Met Office both think that the West Country stretches from Lands End to the farthest corner of Gloucestershire at Chipping Campden which is more than 250 miles. In that huge area there are a large number of weather stations recording the highs and lows, including some in less well-known places like Liscombe, North Wyke and Lower Rissington. Some places like Exeter Airport and Almondsbury appear regularly in the daily list of highs, lows, rainfall and sunshine figures. The town of Camborne also has a weather station on its western outskirts and this week has recorded the highest sunshine figures in the West Country on no less than six consecutive days, as follows: Monday 6.9 hours, Tuesday 11.7, Wednesday 12.0, Thursday 11.9, Friday 10.0 and Saturday 10.7 hours.
On Sunday evening, 29th August, the blocking high pressure is still in position, and the sun shone all day at Camborne from dawn at 06.31 to sunset at 20.11. Can Camborne make it seven days in a row ? Watch this space.
MLR / 29 August 2021

A P.S. from Mike. Camborne was the sunniest place in the West Country yesterday (Sunday) with 12.6 hours of sunshine making it 7 days in a row.

Many thanks Mike - keep up your observations.

The last loco hauled
Cornish Riviera Express
Paul Barlow

50039 'Implacable' on the last loco hauled Cornish Riviera Express the 11.30 Padddington to Penzance . It's 4th August 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow.

A very significant event caught by Paul, many thanks. A pity that the loco wasn't a little smarter!

Vintage
Liskeard
Roger Winnen

The down parcels leaving Liskeard with a Class 25. Ballast can be seen loaded into small wagons in the former goods yard. 1st February 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks Roger - he tells me that later that day he went walking on Caradon.

29th August 2021

29/8/2021

Today
The Royal Duchy
Keith Turley, Clive Smith

On 29th August 2021 Ex. LMS Jubilee class 4-6-0 No.45690 'Leander'passes Stoke Canon,working the 1Z22 08:46 Sough to Par 'Royal Duchy' charter.
Regards Keith Turley.

45690 Leander at Stoke Canon, 29th August 2021. Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks Keith

In lovely sunshine despite the odd lurking cloud LMS Jubilee class 45690 'Leander' passes Cheston Bridge on Primrose Lane at Wrangaton with the 1Z22 08.46 Slough - Plymouth RTC 'Royal Duchy.

Regards
Clive Smith

45690 Leander at Wrangaton. 29th August 2021. Copyright Clive Smith

The return run

The tour was terminated at Plymouth instead of working to Par
owing to problems with WCRC class 47 No.47772 which should
have worked the Plymouth to Par leg.

45690 Leander approaches Langham Levels west of Ivybridge station with the 1Z26 18.54 Plymouth - Slough RTS 'Royal Duchy' .
The area was bathed in a lovely evening light following a couple hours of unexpected clouds. All that was needed was some smoke which hadn't produced when I photographed the down train earlier. Wish granted. That will do very nicely.

Regards, Clive Smith

Ex. LMS. Jubilee No.45690 'Leander' at Cowley Bridge Junc. in rapidly fading light with the returning 'Royal Duchy' charter the 1Z26 18:554 Plymouth to Slough. 29th August 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive.

Ex. LMS. Jubilee No.45690 'Leander' at Cowley Bridge Junc.
in rapidly fading light with the returning 'Royal Duchy' charter
the 1Z26 18:554 Plymouth to Slough.

The returning Royal Duchy.with 45690 Leander at Cowley Bridge on the 29th August 2021 Copyright Keith Turley.

Many thanks Keith

At Cowley Bridge
Keith Turley

66715 TT 66750 pass Cowley Bridge Jct with the 6G70 29th August 2021 Copyright Keith Turley

Stoke Canon
Paul Barlow

Here we see 37126 passing Stoke Canon with the 15.05 Paignton to Leeds 1E91 A very rare working. 1st September 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

Observations at
Cogload
Bill Elston

LMS Jubilee 45690, 'LEANDER' ran from Steamtown Carnforth to Bishops Lydeard, today,in order to run tomorrow's railtour
from Taunton to Par. Seen here, resplendent in lined black livery, passing Cogload.
This was preceded by the 1836 Fairwater to Heyford (Oxford) lengthy engineers train, led by 66515 and tailed by 66561.

Hope these are of interest, Best regards,

Bill Elston

66515 heads the Fairwater to Heywood on the 28th August 2021. Copyright Bill Elston

66561 brings up the rear of the Fairwater to Heywood train. 28th August 2021, Copyright Bill Elston

And making the wait really worthwhile - 45690 Leander at Cogload, 28th August 2021. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill.

Leander at Norton Fitzwarren
Derek Buttivant

Leander heads for a nights Bed & Breakfast at Bishops Lydeard. Here is the evening photograph of Leander with its support coach on the last leg of its journey from Carnforth.
On Sunday she will work the Royal Duchy from Taunton to Plymouth and return then staying at Bishops Lydeard for another working into the south west in September.

Leander at Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 28th August 2021. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Many Thanks Derek

Dartmouth Royal Regatta Statesman
Keith Turley and Paul Barlow

47828 approaches Exeter St Davids with the High Wycombe to Kingswear Statesman. 28th August 2021 Copyright Keith Turley.

47828 1Z68 0552 High Wycombe to Kingswear passes Dawlish Warren 28th August 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow

47614 on rear 1Z68 0552 High Wycombe to Kingswear passes Dawlish Warren. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Caught in the early evening sun 47828 passing Stoke Canon. with the Kingswear to High Wycombe.return working. 28th August 2021 Copyright Keith Turley

Many many thanks to Keith and Paul.

More Vintage BR Hydraulic Paint in Preservation
Guy Vincent

From the depths of the loft where they have been safely preserved all these years inside a scrapbook are these 'samples' of bodyside filler with a good helping of rust and original BR Blue paint attached. There are also two very small areas of maroon paint on the right hand piece, just to the left of the blue. These were 'recovered' from the bodyside of D1010 Western Campaigner when a brief stop was made to view it and the small collection of former BR class 08 shunters at Merehead Quarry sidings on Saturday 29th April 1978 whilst en-route to the Torbay Steam Railway to enjoy sister 'Westerns' D1013 and D1062 at work on that line.

Guy Vincent

Western Campaigner Rust, Filler & Paint 29th April 1978. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Any other bits out there.
Many thanks Guy for your bits from your private museum.

28th August 2021

28/8/2021

Paignton & Dartmouth
Paul Barlow

Good morning Keith, A line which I have long neglected, my last day photographing this line was in 1991!!
A good weather forecast yesterday so I finally made the effort, which was well worth it. There are some good vantage points and a peak summer service was in operation.
Hope they are of interest
Kind regards
Paul.

5526 hauls the 12.25 Paignton to Kingswear up the bank passing Goodrington Sands on the 25th August 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow.

03371 light engine working Churston to Paignton approaches Goodrington Sands. 25th August 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow.

5239 'Goliath' 13.05 Paignton to Kingswear on Broadsands viaduct 25th August 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow.

5526 1000 Paignton to Kingswear passes Goodrington sands beach 25th August 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow

5526 on the 10.00 Paignton to Kingswear passes Goodrington Sands 25th August 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow

5526 11.15 Paignton to Kingswear passes Salterton cove 25th August 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks indeed Paul for your collection of pictures taken on what was obviously a gorgeous day. I delayed your pictures by a couple of days to remind participants of the CRS's excursion to the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway NEXT SATURDAY. Lets hope for equally good weather on that day. N.B. Bookings for this outing closed some time ago.

Just in case you have mislaid your magazine here is a repeat of the timings prepared by Roger. Unfortunately Roger is unable to come on the trip as he is convalescing at home after a replacement knee operation earlier this week. Wishing you a speedy recovery Roger but take care.

That flake of paint
Neil Phillips

Neil Phillips writes in :- Hello Roger and Keith,

I saw Simon Howard’s article involving a flake of maroon paint from Warship D828 a week ago, he is correct, I have one too removed at the same time – it resides somewhere in my loft together with a flake of blue paint removed from first-built Hymek D7000 while it was parked at Oxford Stabling Point in 1973.....I suppose we’re safe owning up to such wanton vandalism half a century later! Unfortunately I have been unable to locate it, but there’s a good chance it would fit with Simon’s ‘sample’! His has a straight-edged cream-colored area on one side, I’m guessing this is part of the ‘D’ prefix or bottom of the ‘2’ on a cabside.
Swindon Works began painting the D800 Warships into maroon in September 1965 and by the time the switch to BR Blue was made just 13 months later 32 class members had been dealt with, giving an indication of Swindon’s general overhaul throughput. The D800’s light weight was in part due to the, at the time, novel ‘stressed skin’ construction where a relatively thin – just 0.078” – steel skin was attached to a steel skeletal structure using a multitude of spot welds – this meant the body itself was load bearing. Since it was therefore more important than usual to protect the spot welds from corrosion, as well as smooth out ripples from the welding process, the body shell was treated to a filler known as ‘Prestolith’. All was well when the locos were new but the harsh treatment from washing chemicals damaged the finish and eventually chunks of the filler would fall out (or occasionally be picked off.....ahem!) leaving bad scarring (sorry). By 1969 D828 looked anything but ‘Magnificent’ with missing chunks of filler down the sides and nose ends so weather-beaten than one black & white pictorial album claimed it had full yellow ends – no, that was mostly primer! And it had only been repainted maroon three years earlier. Contrast this with 66125 at Par Docks on the 25th August, looking almost as good as the day it was delivered after 22 years’ service!

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

I am sure that we all enjoy your memories Neil and I am sure that you'll be forgiven for your misdeeds. Thank you.

Observations at
Cogload
Bill Elston

Another small collection from the Taunton area:

1) Turbo166209 on 11.12 Taunton-Cardiff,
2) DRS class 37, 37716, working L/E from Cardiff Canton to Fairwater yd
3) GBRf 66776 leading the 1000 Crediton - Westbury balast wagons, tailed by 66732,, seen passing Cogload jct
4) 37716, working back to Canton, having collected one wagon. seen passing Creech St Michael, where there has been some serious
cutting back of lineside vegetation.

Best wishes

Bill

Cogload 1) Turbo 166209 on 11.12 Taunton-Cardiff, 27th August 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

2) DRS class 37, 37716, working L/E from Cardiff Canton to Fairwater yd. Copyright Bill Elston.

3) GBRf 66776 leading the 1000 Crediton - Westbury balast wagons, tailed by 66732,, seen passing Cogload jct\ Copyright Bill Elston.

4) 37716 works back to Canton with a massive load. (One wagon) on the 27th August 2021 Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill.

Collumpton
Keith Turley

On 27th August 2021, GBRF class 66/7 No.66776 'Joanne' with classmate
No.66732 out of sight on the rear pass Cullompton, working the 6G73 10:00 Crediton to Westbury Down TC with a rake of empty autoballasters.

66776 heads the 10.00 6G83 Crediton to Westbury Down TC with a load of empty auto ballasters. 66732 is out of sight on the rear. 27th August 2021. Copyright Keith Turley.

Many thanks Keith.

27th August 2021

27/8/2021

Rat at
Hood Bridge
Clive Smith

(1) The South Devon Railway have been running a late afternoon diesel working on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays since the last week of July with 33002 starting off but soon replaced by D7612 following the Crompton's loan to the Spa Valley Railway. I have been wanting to get this shot of the SDR peak summer evening rat for the last month but later work finishes and grey skies have conspired against me. D7612 approaches Hood Bridge with the 17.30 Buckfastleigh - Totnes. 25th August 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

Note the reflection in the waters of river Dart, and below the very thin puff of smoke as the train re-starts.

(2) With D7612 being checked at the signal by the Hood Bridge it gave me the chance to run a few photos off and then change my position. The rat opens up from a stop in the evening sun . 25th August 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

Two smashing pictures from that lovely vantage point at Hood Bridge for which many thank are due to you Clive.

Afternoon delight!
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, The month of August is almost over. Little of any interest railway wise has visited. The usual parade of dark green trains does little to stimulate the photographer. A couple of recent pictures taken at Lostwithiel on 22nd and Liskeard on 24th are included. Many services pass each other at Liskeard these days allowing for a comparison from the box.

The afternoon of 25th August brought a rare treat, a down freight working - accompanied by bright sunshine (surely not, it's August...). 66125 in the original EWS livery from new still looked spick and span working 18 empty JIAs wagons back from Stoke Gifford to St Blazey. The train is seen passing Dobwalls. Later, three of the wagons were loaded at Par harbour allowing a rare treat of a fully lit train in the evening, the first time I can recall this happening. The crew are seen alongside the loco, Driver Ian "Rocket" Stephenson, and Sunters Danny Lawer and Dave Blandford.
All the best, Craig.

66125 passes Dobwalls with the 6V99 on the 25th August 2021 Copyight Craig Munday

66125 at Par harbour 6V99 25th August 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

The crew are seen on and alongside the loco are Driver Ian "Rocket" Stephenson, and Sunters Danny Lawer and Dave Blandford. 25th August 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

Liskeard 24th August 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

Lostwithiel on the 22nd August 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

Another bunch of fine pictures for which many thanks Craig. One wonders how Driver "Rocket" Stephenson got his nick name!! See picture three.

26th August 2021

26/8/2021

Modern Exeter
Guy Vincent

A brief stop-over at Exeter St Davids at lunchtime on 24th produced the following - please see below :-
Guy adds - Is it just me or was St Davids a far more interesting place to be back in the days of semaphore signalling and loco-hauled trains, as recently illustrated through the images contributed by Paul Barlow?

Regards, Guy Vincent

SWR's final-built class159 three-car unit no 159022 stands in platform 3b after arriving with the 1L21 0920 ex London Waterloo. After running out to the carriage sidings east of Red Cow Crossing the unit came back into the station and formed the 1L52 1325 Waterloo departure from platform 1b. 24th August 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Former 'Thames Turbo' 166214 in the old 'down main' platform (1b) during reversal working the 2F18 1220 Paignton-Exmouth. Note the stack of new wooden sleepers presumably waiting to be installed in the recently reballasted line through P3. Hard to believe that these DMUs are now not far short of their 30th year in service and strange to see them operating in the west of England. 24th August 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

158798 in P3b on the 2B78 1312 Exeter Central-Barnstaple. This is now the only three-car 158 in 'as-built' formation and consists of 3 vehicles: 52798 58715 and 57798, 58715 having no driving cab. 24th August 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks indeed Guy for your extremely detailed captions, the results of much research.

Another glimpse from the past 42 years ago
Exeter Shed
Paul Barlow

Exeter Shed. 31414 and 31125 await their next turn of duty. 8th August 1979. Copyright 8th August 1979.

Another from your archives - many thanks Paul.

Who bit this cucumber!
Ashbury Crossing
Andrew Jenkins

GWR IET 800 305 was working the 5Z70 1657 hrs ecs Stoke Gifford - North Pole ITE Depot. As can be seen parts of the rear car nose end appear to be missing / have been removed, with other parts of the nose end appearing to be damaged. Was this IET unit involved in a collision somewhere?

Broken Cucumber. Ashbury Crossing. 25th August 2021 Copyright Andrew Jenkins

Many thanks to Andrew Jenkins for sending in his picture via Ken Mumford who likes to call IET's 'Flying Cucumbers' hence the pun.

Modern Clay Traffic at
Exminster
David Tozer

Yesterday we saw David Tozers snaps of clay Hoods heading for their probable scrapping. Now here's yesterdays shot of clay wagons head in west at Exminster.

66125 seen at Exminster the the 11.42 GV99 Stoke Gifford to St Blazey with 18 clay wagons. 25th August 2021 Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks for capturing that one David.

25th August 2021

25/8/2021

Exeter
Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

Seen at Exeter on the 28th July 1979 A Peak heads the 10.23 Manchester to Penzance 1V82. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Teignmouth
Roger Winnen

The sun illuminates the interior of Teignmouth Signal Box on 30th March 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen

Also taken on the 30th March 1978 50027 Lion working a train on the Teignmouth Sea Wall. Copyright Roger Winnen

We are all hoping that soon Roger will be out of hospital and walking the famous sea wall again.

Clay Hoods - Goodbye
David Tozer

Keith,

Not the best of photos, but of interest no doubt.

Sadly I did not date these photos. I popped into St David's one evening and caught a freight passing through with a Class 47 leading. Bringing up the rear was a number of redundant clay hoods no doubt heading for for scrap.

Best wishes to Roger and hope he will be out and about soon.

Dave

Exeter - Clay Hoods for scrap. 1 Copyright David Tozer

Exeter - Clay Hoods for scrap. 2 Copyright David Tozer

Exeter - Clay Hoods for scrap. 3 Copyright David Tozer

Exeter - Clay Hoods for scrap. 4 Copyright David Tozer

Great that you recorded the passing scene - many thanks.

This mornings report on Roger - didn't sleep much last night but is very grateful for the care the nurses are giving him

24th August 2021

24/8/2021

Up and running!
Re Roger Winnen

You will all be pleased to know that Roger entered Hayle Hostpital for 'Heavy Maintenance' a new knee joint -this morning 24th August. At 16.30 he was reported to be sitting up having and having a cup of tea - we wish him a speedy recovery. (But no running for a while)

New IET Naming
Cornwall Live

Foodbank champion and a tireless teenager charity fundraiser have had a train named after them in recognition of their amazing selflessness and dedication. Don Gardner, founder of the Camborne Foodbank and Kieron Griffin, from St Newlyn East near Newquay, Cornwall, had a GWR train named after them.

How nice and congratulations.

A view from
Carn Brea
Chris Harvey

Please find attached another shot from the archives! Here is the view looking west towards Camborne from Carn Brea on 8th August 2015. Almost lost in the landscape is the rear power car of the 0818 Plymouth - Penzance, running west away from the camera. St Ives is in the far right background.

Best Regards,
Chris Harvey. Bodmin

A view from Carn Brea 8th August 2015 Copyright Chris Harvey.

Many thanks Chris. The views obtained from the top of Carn Brea are indeed rewarding however the reduced resolution via the Weebly link ay make it difficult to spot the 'Castle Class' HST crossing the Brea embankment in the centre of the pictures.

A collection from
Cogload
Bill Elston

I paid Cogload a visit today (23rd August 2021), for the first time in ages, and attach the following four photos.

Hope they are of interest, Cheers. Bill Elston

1) 43092, with 43155 on a Cardiff - Penzance working, 23rd August 22rd August 2021, Copyright Bill Elston.

2) 43207, with 43366 on 1V44 Leeds - Plymouth. 23rd August 2021. Copyright Bill Elston.

3) 66561 on 0835 Fairwater-Westbury trip, running almost 2 hours late, 23rd August 2021. Copyright Bill Elston.

4) 66522 on Fairwater - Doncaster wood yard spent sleeper train running about 75 mins late.. 23rd August 2021. Copyright Bill Elston.

A welcome return. Many thanks Bill.

Vintage
Stoke Canon
Paul Barlow

45126 approaches Stoke Canon with the 0800 Newcastle to Newquay 1V84 1st September 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Test train at Honiton
Andrew Hickson

A couple of photos at Honiton of 950001 on today's 0351 Derby to Laira.
Andrew Hickson

A second view of the Test train at Honiton. 23rd August 2021. Copyright Andrew Hickson

Test train at Pinhoe
Keith Turley

On 23rd August 2021, Network Rail class 150 DMU No.950001
passes Pinhoe station on the former LSWR main line, working the 2Q08 03:51 Derby RTC (Network Rail) to Plymouth Laira T&RSMD. via Westbury Yeovil Junc. and Honiton, Network Rail test train.
Regards Keith Turley.

Many thanks Keith.

More pertinent dates
Chacewater
Roy Hart

A second (i.e. up) platform came in 1888, along with a crossing loop and signal box.

The line to Scorrier was doubled in 1902; that to Truro in 1914.

The Perranporth branch opened in 1903, but as the junction was at Blackwater, Chacewater station was unchanged

I n 1912 a new up island platform was provided, to hold up Perranporth trains and to enable branch trains to terminate if required. A new signal box was provided at the same time.

1924: branch extended as independent line into Chacewater and triangle at Blackwater abolished.

The rather mean little station building on the down side (probably the original) burned down in 1956 and was rebuilt.

Branch closed 4 Feb 1963; station closed 5 Oct 1964; box closed 12 June 1977.

That's about all, I think!

Roy

- And now you have it - many thanks Roy.

On departure from
Chacewater
Michael Webb

Following on from the original inquiry from Michael Webb a couple of days ago - see news. I asked him if he had any more information. He replied as below from LOCKED DOWN Sydney. So Many thanks to you Michael - may you soon come out of lock down. In years to come anybody will wonder about the dreadful virus was all about!!

1853 JUNE 11
Having procured a small assortment of Tools, the time of taking a temporary farewell of my wife, children, parents and friends has arrived being the most unpleasant part of the business.
However, the hope of making money and again meeting my family in better circumstances soothes the sorrow of being parted and bidding good bye, I left Chacewater by 7.30 p.m. train soon arrived at Truro.

An up to date reply from Michael Webb -

Hi Keith
Thanks so much for that information…..exactly what I was looking for….. and Roy also.

I am in Sydney…locked down!!!!

His tools were for his trade, a mining Captain.
His departure was to Quebec in the hope of finding minerals there for the British American Land Company (BALC).
From Truro he travelled by coach to Plymouth and then train to London.
From Euston Station by train to Liverpool and then steam ship to New York.
A fascinating travelogue.
Regards
Michael Webb

What an interesting yet dreadful journey into the unknown. Many thanks to you Michael.

23rd August 2021

23/8/2021

The 'Hanging Judge'
Tim Comer

Hi, Phil Smiths photo with the driver smiling on the class 33 was Bath Road dvr John Mason, who was also a JP, comically known by some of his colleagues as the hanging judge. Retired Dvr Tim Comer

Driver John Mason smiles at the camera. This is the photograph from Phil Smith asking who is he. He looks a very nice chap indeed.

Thank you for writing in Tim, Perhaps his sentences weren't a severe as suggested by the nickname - I wonder if he knew of his honourary title - I suppose he must have. He looks a good sport.

Overpainted (1)
Phil Smith

Through the worn paintwork you can just make out traces of the original number. Picture by Phil Smilh. Copyright.

45145 was D128 . It was withdrawn on the 9th Sept 1987 Reinstated 19th Oct 87 Withdrawn at 11.11 on 23rd Feb 1988, Scrapped MC Metals Glasgow Dec 1991. Copyright Phil Smith. (Most unusual to have the precise time of withdrawal.

Thanks Phil.

Overpainted (2)
Paul Barlow

Damaged paint work 33012 reveals part of it's old number and green paint 2nd February 1980 Copyright Paul Barlow.

According to Wikipedia 33012 was originally D6515 and subsequently named Lt Jenny Lewis RN. The loco is operational on the Swanage Railway.

Many thanks Paul.

Chacewater Station
Query from Michael Webb.

Hello
I’m hoping you can help me. I have an entry from my Great Great Grandfathers Journal.

1853 JUNE 11
Having procured a small assortment of Tools, the time of taking a temporary farewell of my wife, children, parents and friends has arrived being the most unpleasant part of the business.
However, the hope of making money and again meeting my family in better circumstances soothes the sorrow of being parted and bidding good bye, I left Chacewater by 7.30 p.m. train soon arrived at Truro.

I haven’t been able to find much information regarding this short journey.
My research finds there was a station build at Chacewater in late 1853.
Are you able to provide any detail, or direct me to such a site.

Thank you in anticipation of your reply.
Regards
Michael Webb

We hope we can help - any answers. The down station building was severely damaged by fire - any dates or information on this please.

I am greatly indebted to Roy Hart in far away Burma who supplied the following information within minutes of the query being inserted on this website.

Dear Keith,
The West Cornwall Railway from Truro to Penzance opened on 25th August 1852, but not all the stations were available on that date. At first the terminus at Truro was at Higher Town, near Penwithers. In 1853 the railway obtained an Act of parliament authorising an extension to Newham.
There does not appear to be an official opening date for Chacewater station, but going by public timetables, it opened between 14th December 1853 and April 1854.
As opened, Chacewater was a simple platform on the down side, the line being single track.

Hope this helps. Roy.

50036 'Victorious' passing Chacewater, up service, Easter 1979. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

The above is of course the station building which replaced the original which was destroyed or severely damaged by fire. Mr. S.J. Jeffery was a subsequent Station Master prior to closure.

22nd August 2021

22/8/2021

Don't tell anyone but its
Rogers Birthday today.

He was 75 on the 22nd August 2020 - work it out yourself.

Congratulations Roger

An interlude at
Kemble
Ken Mumford

An interesting time at Kemble - the main 'attraction' being 35028 [hauling THE COTSWOLD VENTURER organised by THE RAILWAY TOURING COMPANY].being watered.
Kind regards and keep safe,
Ken Mumford

An essential part of the proceedings but something one doesn't often see. The Bells & Two Tones water tanker outside Kemble Station. 21st August 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Clan line draws to a standstill at Kemble. From the footbridge. 21st August 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Drawing the coal forward on Clan Line at Kemble 21st August 2021. Copyight Ken Mumford

Kemble departure - heading for the tunnel. 21st August 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

Railway Infrastructure Database
John Roberts

John writes :- Just found this useful site: www.signallingnotices.org.uk.
Absolute Block with colour-light signalling is fairly common, but Track Circuit Block with mechanical signalling seems counter-intuitive. Is Liskeard the only example in both directions?
Try clicking on the link above - Happy browsing! JR.

Thanks John.

Phil Smith asks
Do you know these Drivers?

Phil wonders who these drivers might be?

The driver of 45102 seen in 1986 but who was he? The loco was withdrawn on the 9th September 1986 and scrapped at Vic Berry in Leicester in October 1988. Copyright Phil Smith

The driver of 33060 a cheerful chap. Seen in 1988 - lovely man. Copyright Phil Smith

Many thanks Phil - one hope that they are still enjoying life in retirement - 30 years on.

The journey back from Bristol
Martin Scane

Martin returns via Westbury - an interesting route.

Another view of 66850' David Maidment CBE' at Westbury on the 21st August 2021 Copyright Martin Scane

Before we leave Westbury a shot of 158 760 departing working the 13.41 service to Gloucester and about to take the Trowbridge line. 21st August 2021 Copyright Martin Scane.

Pausing at Exeter to change trains we see 150202 in a rather tired station. 21st August 2021. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin.

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