Blog Archives

Items added on 30th September 2017 Those added most recently come first

30/9/2017

Remembering
Sid Sponheimer

We remember Sid, who is sadly missed both for his regular input to the website and for the many pictures of his which remain on the website - a lasting tribute. Shortly before he passed away on the 23rd August 2017 Sid sorted with his daughter, Lisa, a final collection of pictures pertinent to his local area at Tremar, Liskeard. These are contained in our features section and repeated in the section dealing with The Liskard and Caradon Railway. Two of Sids pictures seen on the October home page.

See features section

The Lynton & Barnstaple Gala featuring Lyn on Saturday 30th September 2017 David Tozer

170930i 762 Lyn at Woody Bay. Copyright David Tozer

170930j 762 Lyn approaching Woody Bay. Copyright David Tozer

More photographs of this event can be found in the Features September December 2017

This week with Craig
Craig Munday

Morning Keith
As is often the case, September is a super month for clear crisp light. A few pictures from my travels.
All the best, Craig. Many thanks Craig.

At Goonbarrow with 66206 arriving with the empty wagons from Carne Point. 25th September 2017. Copyright Craig Munday. N.B. The telephone kiosk gives the location away.

153333 departs from Goonbarrow with the Par to Newquay service. 25th September 2017 Copyright Craig Munday. A very nice colourful shot.

70810 worked the Moorswater Cement on 28th September 2017. The bulk of these machines can be appreciated on the road crossing. The previous class 22's and 25's a much more suitable traction. Though the power of these monsters makes rather light work of the gradient up to Liskeard.

70810 leaves Coombe Junction about to tackle the climb up to Liskeard on the 28th September 2017. Copyright Craig Munday.

Par 66957 with the 6g06 on the 29th September 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

In the Newquay bay at Par RHTT 66957 with two FEA RHTT wagons, these had been expected to stay but that was not to be. It's the 29th September 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Marazion
Roger Winnen

D1013 Western Ranger looking rather grubby approaches Marazion with a down parcels train on 20th April 1974. Note - this is before it gained its red painted nameplates which made it a 'one off'. Copyright Roger Winnen

Chard Junction
John Cornelius

Items added on 29th September 2017 Those added most recently come first

29/9/2017

Test trains next week
Karl Hewlett

After further looking around I have found a Colas operated test train in Devon and Cornwall next week, should be either one or two class 37's and the usual rest day in Penzance station sidings for people to get their shots as no times in the system for any other movements after arrival. Times are:

Tuesday 3rd October

Exeter New Yard to Penzance via Looe and Newquay:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H20478/2017/10/03/advanced

Wednesday 4th October

Penzance to Exeter New Yard:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H20480/2017/10/04/advanced

Kind Regards, Karl (Friends of Penmere Station). Many thanks Karl

Camborne True or false.
Mike Hitchens

Reference yesterdays item re rails on Foundry Road Bridge. Mike Hitchens a local resident offers the following :- The CRS Magazine Winter 2007 contained a brief article and map showing the Dolcoath Tramway. It is said that, following heavy rain and if the sun is at the correct angle, traces of rail can be seen below the road surface crossing Foundry Road Bridge. Despite many attempts I have yet to see this myself!! Recent building work has destroyed almost all traces of the tramway route although some parts remain if you know where to look.
Best wishes, Mike. Many thanks Mike

An article by Mike Hitchens copied from the CRS Magazine Winter 2007

Dunster
John Cornelius

Items added on 28th September 2017 Those added most recently come first

28/9/2017

Camborne
True or false?

Reusing a photo taken by Roger Winnen a couple of days ago poses a question. An eminent source told me not so very long ago that the rails of a mine mineral tramway which crossed this bridge are still in position and when the road surface wears thin can still be seen. Has anybody else seen this? A photograph of the rails would be excellent. Copyright Roger Winnen

Foundry Road bridge is in the centre of this 1902 map the tramway can clearly be seen. Note towards the right Dolcoath Halt at the crossing and also the public tram tracks in the main street. This map is reproduced with permission of the National Library of Scotland.

Trevemper
Colin Burges

On my way from Penhale to Newquay, I stopped at Trevemper, where Treffry's original route to East Wheal Rose made a level crossing. It's a busy road in August and motorists would soon get steamed up today if they had to wait for a horse-drawn train to cross.

The tramway from Newquay crossed the road from where my bike is to where the white and yellow sign can be seen just beyond the driveway at left. The later C.M.R. route and its successor, the Chacewater to Newquay branch, passed under the road a little way up the hill behind me. The derelict building had a siding on the opposite side, as covered in our gallery pages. Copyright Colin Burges

The deviation can be clearly seen on the 1905 25 inch survey, when only the siding at Trevemper remained. The deviation continues off the map to the south-east, with the old alignment now on the opposite side. Screenshot from Colin Burges

Yeovil Visitor
john Cornelius

Items added on 27th September 2017 Those added most recently come first

27/9/2017

RHTT Timings
Compiled by Karl Hewlett

This years RHTT times are in the system, some of the timings don't look too different however there are subtle changes. Some new locations have appeared this year such as Exmouth, Falmouth also retains its Sunday run but I would like to know why Exmouth has five trips per week and Crediton six? Perhaps too many GWR units last year running round with serious wheel flats on the branches! No operator or wagons as yet, but assume DBC is the operator, times are:

Sunday
St. Blazey LIP to Westbury via Paignton, Exmouth and Crediton: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13546/2017/10/02/advanced

Monday
Westbury to St. Blazey LIP via Salisbury: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13551/2017/10/02/advanced

Tuesday
St. Blazey LIP to Westbury via Paignton and Crediton: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13547/2017/10/03/advanced
Westbury to St. Blazey LIP via Salisbury: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13550/2017/10/03/advanced

Wednesday
St. Blazey LIP to Westbury via Paignton, Exmouth and Crediton: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13546/2017/10/04/advanced
Westbury to St. Blazey LIP via Salisbury: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13546/2017/10/05/advanced

Thursday
St. Blazey LIP to Westbury via Paignton, Exemouth and Crediton: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13546/2017/10/06/advanced
Westbury to St. Blazey LIP via Salisbury: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13550/2017/10/06/advanced

Friday
St. Blazey LIP to Westbury via Paignton, Exemouth and Crediton: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13546/2017/10/06/advanced
Westbury to St. Blazey LIP via Salisbury: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13550/2017/10/06/advanced

Saturday
St. Blazey LIP to Westbury via Paignton, Exmouth and Crediton: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13548/2017/10/07/advanced
Westbury to St. Blazey LIP via Salisbury: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13549/2017/10/07/advanced

Sunday
St. Blazey LIP to St. Blazey LIP via Newton Abbot: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13552/2017/10/08/advanced
St. Blazey LIP to St. Blazey LIP via Falmouth Docks: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13553/2017/10/08/advanced
St. Blazey to St. Blazey via Penzance: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13545/2017/10/08/advanced

Monday to Friday

St. Blazey to St. Blazey via Penzance: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H13544/2017/10/03/advanced

Kind Regards

Karl (Friends of Penmere station). Many thanks Karl

Paul Burkhalter's New Book
Plymouth's
Hidden Railways

Good morning all ,
I am pleased to say that my book Plymouth’s Hidden Railways will be out in the next few days http://www.twelveheads.com/t925.htm .
You are invited to a ‘meet the author’ event on Saturday 21st October at 14.30 at Marsh Mills Station on the Plym Valley Railway (adjacent to the Coypool Park & Ride where parking is available). This is an appropriate location as the PVR have rolling stock and locomotives from sites in and around Plymouth.

Keith: I would be grateful if you would include this on the CRS website, to extend the invite to CRS members, and others.

Kind regards,
Paul Burkhalter
You are encouraged to click in to the link above.

The Stoneblower at Penzance
Andrew Triggs

170926a The stoneblower at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170926b Maintenace works to the stoneblower being carried out at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Washford
John Cornelius

Items added on 26th September 2017 Those added most recently come first

26/9/2017

Foundry Road pedestrian bridge at Camborne has now been refurbished
Roger Winnen

A message received this morning from Mike Hitchens to say that the Foundry Road pedestrian bridge at Camborne was placed back into its position during the weekend. While work was on going to this bridge the main narrow road bridge was closed to vehicle traffic but opened for pedestrians to cross over the railway line.
Many Thanks Mike

170926a Foundry Road at Camborne reopens to traffic as the refurbished pedestrian bridge is placed into position. Copyright Roger Winnen

170926b A view through the bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

170926c Looking east from Foundry Road Bridge with Dolcoath Crossing Pengegon in the far distance. Copyrighr Roger Winnen

Carn Brea Yard
Roy Hart

The Cornish main line was characterised by sights such as this a powerful engine on a pick-up goods. The guard's van has been left on the up main and a selection of ancient former private-owner wagons is being shunted. The train is stationary (both the disc to enter the yard and the signal to leave are at 'danger'). Perhaps they are about to take water. Fowey Hall (7905) was one of the final batch of Halls (1949-50) of which two came new to Laira (7905/9) one to St Blazey (7916) and one to Penzance (7925). 7905 was but two years old at the time of the picture. Copyright Roy Hart

Redruth
Martin Scane

A nice bright autumn view as the 9.35 (ex Penzance) to Manchester Piccadilly (10.03 off Redruth) passes over Redruth viaduct. Taken from Treruffe Hill on the 25th September 2017 Copyright Martin Scane N.B. This view wasn't, in KJ's schooldays possible. The area in the foreground was a tipping point for coal into the gasworks. One could look down into the gas retorts, beyond this building lay a large gas holder. Note the spire of the old fire station.

Crowcombe WSR
John Cornelius

Items added on 25th September 2017 Those added most recently come first

25/9/2017

Truro American style
Colin Burges

Colin Abhors the Americanism - why not Railway Station?? Copyright Colin Burgas

Just inside the old pedestrian entrance to Truro Engines shed Colin spotted these. Could they be old boiler tubes he wonders? Copyright Colin Burgas

Somerton
John Cornelius

A nice bit of steam action. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 24th September 2017 Those added most recently come first

24/9/2017

Yesterdays A.C.E.
Guy Vincent

Evening Keith, You have already covered yesterday's 'ACE' with 'Clan Line' but I thought you may be able to squeeze these in at the end of the feature. The loco took on water at Frome, up to this point it had been running 20 minutes early but was held for a time at Blatchbridge for a late-running down Weymouth GWR service to clear the single line through the station. The water tender arrived here literally as 'Clan Line' slowly came into view at the west end of the old goods yard. You will see that since it's last visit here, as recently as August 20th, the nameplates have either been repainted or replaced with red ones. A super sight. Lastly, I gather the wreath carried was in memory of renowned preservation pioneer, artist and wildlife conservationist, David Shepherd, who sadly passed away on September 19th aged 86. His name is synonymous with the East Somerset Railway, Cranmore, and 'Black Prince' of course (who remembers 'The Green Knight' too?).
Best regards, Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy

Frome. Clan Line arrives on the 23rd November 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Flashback just over a month ago. Clan Line Nameplate in black 2nd August .2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Frome sees the nameplate of Clan Line looking very nice in red. 23rd November 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Frome. A Water Tanker arrives with that essential ingredient for 35028 23rd November 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

For more photographs of the Atlantic Coast Express see Features Pages September to December 2017

HST Headboard
Steve Widdowson

Hi Keith, I think this is just on your patch ?
Cotswold Line Promotion Group ( CLPG ) charter Oxford / Minehead, Complete with headboard made by me.
The charter went back via Westbury & Swindon.
Steve Widdowson
Congratulations Steve - the first time I've seen a headboard on an HST.

Steves Headboard at Minehead. 23rd September 2017 Copyright Steve Widowson

The other end, no doubting the location. 23rd September 2017. Copyright Steve Widdowson

The headboard on the other end at Bishops Lydeard. 23rd September 2017. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Congratulations to Steve, no doubt you will be much in demand as a headboard manufacturer now!!! The CRS headboard now nigh on 40 years old and seen on our 'Home page' was manufactured by Ian Croft and myself and expertly painted by Peter Butt. It had to go through rigorous testing before it was allowed out on the main line. It has done about 8,000 miles. It's been to Minehead & Oxford. The furthest outposts were to the Severn Valley Railway, the Isle of Wight, and the Bluebell line.

Engineers train on the former
Southern Railway Main Line at Pinhoe
David Tozer

170924a 24th September 2017 Quite a rare occurrence on the former Southern Main line as 66200 is seen on the 07.40 6W10 Exmouth Junction to Westbury via Yeovil Jct and Yeovil Pen Mill passing Pinhoe with a rake of MXA Lobster Wagons.. This train was tailed by 66154. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Cotswold Quantock Explorer Minehead to Worcester Shrub Hill
Martin Duff

Seen on its return working to Worcester Shrub Hill via Oxford 43154 Stands at Minehead Station awaiting departure. Earlier in the day this train arrived from Oxford via Worcester Shrub Hill

170923j The return HST working from Minehead to Worcester Shrub Hill. Copyright Martin Duff.

Many Thanks Martin

Very unusual view at
Liskeard
Gareth Thornton

Gareth writes:- I know you get lots of pictures of the cement train at Liskeard but here's a shot of the loco running round it's train from the signalbox window along with a funny spelling mistake. It tickled me anyway! Best wishes, Gareth, Liskeard Signaller. Many thanks indeed.

A most unusual view of the run round at Liskeard - the points are set for the crossover. 70636 waits in the distance. 21st September 2017. Copyright Gareth Thornton

A spelling mistake! A radius of two and a half chairs could be very tight indeed! Many thanks for spotting that Gareth and for photographing it and for sending it in. 21st September 2017 Copyright Gareth Thornton.

An extra note from Gareth, Thanks for the reply and for finding my pictures worthy of inclusion. I checked all the wagons and there was only one with the spelling mistake. There were 24 of them, the longest we can run round at Liskeard, and even then we have to bring the train off the branch, across the up main onto the down main and then get the driver to set back into the down platform before he can uncouple his loco and run round the wagons. Great fun for us lever monkeys! Anyway, I hope this finds you well, keep up the good work on your wonderfully informative site.
Very best wishes Gareth Many thanks.

Minehead
John Cornelius

Very nice to see a freight train complete with two brake vans heading away from that familiar backdrop at Minehead. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 23rd September 2017 Those added most recently come first

23/9/2017

35028 Clan Line hauls
The Atlantic Coast Express London Victoria to Exeter & return
David Tozer & Roger Winnen

Leaving London Victoria at 07.13 this train travelled via Staines Basingstoke Salisbury Honiton Exeter Central and Exeter St David's. Returning via the Western Main Line via Tiverton Parkway Taunton Frome Westbury Melksham Swindon Reading and Staines to Victoria

170923a The Atlantic Coast Express arrives at Honiton. Copyright Roger Winnen

170923ee 35028 Clan Line arrives at Exeter Central on the Atlantic Coast Express. Copyright David Tozer

170923f Departure from Exeter Central on its run down the bank to St David's. Copyright David Tozer

170923i The returning Atlantic Coast express roars through Tiverton Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

More photographs of this event appear in the Features Page September December 2017

Plant at Truro
Roger Aston

Stoneblower DR80205 arrived in Truro from Saltash early Friday morning for Maint/inspection by the firm HARSCO also the stone bunker was refilled from stockpile.
It is scheduled to leave for Long Rock Friday evening.

Also present in Truro were Road/Rail excavators operated by QUATTRO with European Numbers 9970 940 0 317-9 & 344-3 together with rail trailer-platforms with
European Numbers 9970 9 010 228-3 & 231-7
Please see photographs below.

22nd September 2017 Copyright Roger Aston

After photographing the Plant this morning I was halted by the closed level crossing awaiting 1A16 to Paddington which arrived 4 min late meaning it was still in Platform 3 when !C40 ran in heading for Penzance

The Paddington train was headed by 43155 The Red Arrows, while in Platform 2, the Penzance train was tailed by 43022 The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Diamond Anniversary. See below ;-

Many thanks Roger.

Yeovil Junction
John Cornelius

Items added on 22nd September 2017 Those added most recently come first

22/9/2017

Colas in Cornwall
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, I've refrained from my first "Autumn tinges" comment, but have to admit there's a definite bite in the air and landscape turning brown. The light may have been strong today, but little warmth in it.

Colas Rail have visited Penzance 20 / 21 September with some crew trips from Tavistock Jn. 66849 was the locomotive, and it is seen in the Camborne district in superb light.

Kind regards, Craig Many thanks Craig

66849 crosses Angarrack viaduct with the blue sea of St Ives bay in the background 21st September 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

With South Crofty headgear off to the left 66849 passes through the Brea area on the 21st September 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

An unusual view of Camborne station taken from Pendarves Road bridge with 66849 held at the signals on the 21st September 2017 Copyright Craig Munday Note the freshly painted footbridge spanning the tracks.

Camborne station and level crossing as 66849 sets off east towards Roskear level crossing on the 21st September 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Penzance area
Peter Murnaghan

In the bright sunlight Peter catches Wylam Dilly at Penzance on the 21st September 2017 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Peter also took to the footpath to see 'Pendennis Castle' gleaming in the late summer sun. 21st September 2017. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Feniton
John Cornelius

Items added on 21st September 2017 Those added most recently come first

21/9/2017

Penzance
Royal Mail
Roger Winnen

D1010 Western Campaigner on the Royal Mail together with 08954 on shunt. 12th June 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

Chard Junction
John Cornelius

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