Blog Archives

23rd September 2019

23/9/2019

Rough seas & sunshine at
Dawlish
Mark Lynam

On Friday 20th September 2019 I set off early to head to Dawlish with perfect conditions, the sun was shining, tide was in and a strong Easterly wind meaning big waves!
Thanks, Mark Lynam. Many thanks for four superb pictures of a turbulent sea in perfect sunlight - congratulations.

802014+802006 working the 1C04 0730 London Paddington to Penzance

802113 working 1C76 1003 London Paddington to Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam

70807 with 70808 on the rear approaching Dawlish station working a Friday Moorswater Cement return journey after having problems the other day. Copyright Mark Lynam

43186 working 2C67 0800 Cardiff Central to Paignton. 20th September 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam.

Fatherford
Dartmoor
Clive Smith

The date is the 16th March 1985. Amidst the snowy slopes of Dartmoor, 50007 Sir Edward Elgar heads away from Okehampton seen at Fatherford with the 17.20 Meldon Quarry - Paddington 'Decennial Belle' . This scene has been utterly transformed by the construction of the A30 Okehampton Bypass which was started in 1986 and completed in 1988. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive for another stunning and memorable picture.

22nd September 2019

22/9/2019

Loddiswell Station
Roger Winnen

190921a Morning coffee and Cream Teas at Loddiswell Station on the occasion of the Kingsbridge Bus Running Day. Copyright Roger Winnen

190921b Loddiswell Station near Kingsbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

190921c Refreshments being served on the station platform at Loddiswell with the proceeds going to the Loddiswell Schools. Copyright Roger Winnen

190921e Our bus awaits departure from Loddiswell Station being a Bristol H built in 1933 and lovelingly restored in 2009. Copyright Roger Winnen

190921f The same bus seen at Kingsbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

Yesterday (1)
Maiden Newton
Chris Osment

It's 11.43 on the 21st September 2019 as we see, on a bright sunny day, two trains passing at Maiden Newton. The train on the right running in is the 11.39 to Weymouth and the train on the left is the 11.41 to Bristol TempleMeads. Copyright Chris Osment. N.B. The Bridport branch platform was on the left - this fell into disuse on the closure of the Bridport branch on the 5th May 1975.

Yesterday (2)
Bristol Temple Meads
Martin Scane

Bristol Temple Meads. The IET is a football special to Swansea and the Castle Class is the 18.23 service to Cardiff. 21st September 2019 Copyright Martin Scane.

Detail of the Ground frame visible in the picture above. 21st September 2019. Copyright Martin Scane.

165137 arrives at BTM from Taunton. 21st September 2019. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks for your Bristol Interlude Martin.

NEW
- Two more of bicycle rambles chasing railway relic and memories of the past. (1) Eggesford to Lapford and (2) The Teign and Wray Valleys. These can be found by clicking here a scrolling down - a very long way down indeed!

A delightful view of Eggesford Church - this is at the start of Colin's ride to Lapford. Copyright Colin Burges. Notice the train in the background!

The second of Colin's recent articles commences with this picture of a side-tipping truck in the centre of Hennock to remind villagers of their mining heritage. Copyright Colin Burges.

21st September 2019

21/9/2019

Pick of the Week
Craig Munday

18th:September 2019
66025 worked a first in many years as JIA clay wagons were loaded at Rocks (Goonbarrow). These wagons are usually loaded at Par Harbour & Treviscoe. Maybe this will become a regular working? 66025 has been replaced by red 66055. The loaded wagons are pictured at Middleway. Copyright Craig Munday

19th September 2019 A loco problem saw the usual Moorswater cement skip a day this week. The loaded wagons down Thursday, empties back Fri 20th. The errant loco 70808 remained in the consist from Exeter through to destination, then returned on the rear Friday. It was capable of providing traction, and worked up from Coombe on the Friday with sister loco 70807, the two locomotives are seen crossing the road outside of the old Moorswater Dries.
Copyright Craig Munday

The Ground Control team are busy clearing a 8m lineside strip from St Germans to Onslow (Bodmin). David Groves' team are working West of Liskeard, and have cleared the up line near Moorswater viaduct already as 43093 passes on 20th September. The work reveals a scene of the Glynn valley not seen for years from the footbridge. Copyright Craig Munday

On 20th September 2019 43160 works west still in blue livery, though looking well worn these days on 2C86 Newton Abbot to Penzance at Scorrier. Copyright Craig Munday

The two locos are seen at Treboul near St Germans on 20th September 2019 in top and tail mode. Copyright Craig Munday

Many Thanks Craig

Moorswater Malady
Moorswater
Peter Murnaghan

Peter writes:- You may get a number of photos of today's cement empties train from Moorswater, as it featured two Class 70s. It was very rare (perhaps the first time?) that two locos had berthed overnight in Moorswater Lafarge depot. I was there this morning to witness the departure back to Aberthawe. 70808 at the head of the train had suffered engine defects on the journey down, so would have been glad of the assistance of 70807 on the return journey.
Best wishes, Peter. Many thanks for your report Peter.

Two Class 70s, 808 and 807 at the head of the cement wagons in Moorswater depot. 20th September 2019. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

70808 on Moorswater cement empties with 70807 on the rear, Coombe Junction Halt. 20th September 2019. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

A fine action shot with 70807 trailing on the Moorswater cement empties as 70808 makes a lot of smoke hauling up the incline from Coombe Junction 08.25 20th September 2019. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Up at Torbay
Martin Scane

Many thanks Martin - you had a very good day.

75014 leaves the head of an arrival at Paignton and draws forward to run round. Wednesday 18th September 2019. Copyright Martin Scane.

75014 in the process of running round at Paignton on Wednesday 18th September 2019 Copyright Martin Scane

75014 by the signalbox at Kingswear. 18th September 2019. Copyright Martin Scane.

4110 awaiting restoration at Kingswear. 18th September 2019. Copyright Martin Scane

For the full story on the history of 4110 please click below. https://preservedbritishsteamlocomotives.com/4110-2/

Technical Information Track testing
Paul Roach

For those of you who wish to explore further there is some very interesting information on Track Testing Equipment. Many thanks to Paul Roach who has supplied the link provided below.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FDRRwWBqvowAJiYbmapx981Ge8dLCa_i

20th September 2019

20/9/2019

Truro Development
Planning

A plan has been revealed where large areas of land once occupied by Truro Locomotive Sheds will be re-used for a housing development. For details of this you will find the links below of use.

https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/huge-figure-put-how-many-3334041
https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/southwest/network-rail-releases-truro-site
https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/new-homes-built-land-made-3324345
After closure of the Railway Depot this land became a Cornwall Farmers depot.

Not concerned with the housing development but maybe of interest, from the same newspaper type web site:
https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/history/train-lines-55-railway-stations-3245176

The area concerned is that occupied by the water tower and shed tucked in, in this view, to the left. Here we see 6397 leaving Truro climbing the bank away from the station towards the tunnel. This picture taken on the 1st Jun 1957 by the late Jon Woods. Copyright.

An undated view by the Late Sid Sponheimer showing the site. The roof of the locomotive shed lies below to the right in this view. Note the quite extensive sidings in use for wagons and coaching stock.

This view taken by Trevor Tremethick in March 1978 well illustrates the area formerly occupied by the locomotive depot later Cronwall Farmers. As can be seen the depot was located in an excavation set into the hillside. Here we see 50024 (later 'Vanguard') and 50025 (later 'Invincible') working in the snow in Truro Yard. We are very grateful to Trevor Tremethick for his photograph. Copyright.

A picture from the black bridge looking into the old loco shed area. 19th September 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Cogload
Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill for your update - the details you have given are much appreciated.

66533 on an engineers train, Fairwater Yard to Westbury . Nr Cogload. 18th September 2019 Copyright William Elston.

Minutes later 66525 on a working of track plant to St Phillips Marsh. 18th September 2019 Copyright William Elston

Looking eastwards. Compare this shot with the Moorswater Cement of yesterday and notice that the enclosure has been reduced in size in order to create more parking spaces as a prelude to forthcoming s and t engineering work at the Junction. 18th September 2019. Copyright Bill Elston

19th September 2019

19/9/2019

Todays cement after yesterdays failure etc

Freight in Cornwall
Roger Winnen

Many thanks to David Tozer for keeping me posted

190919a 66015 Heads the sand from Burngullow, the train is seen passing Liskeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

190919b The Aberthaw to Moorswater cement arrives top and tailed at Liskeard. This train was terminated on Wednesday at Exeter Riverside with engine problems. Copyright Roger Winnen

190919c 70808 not in power on the rear of the train as she heads for the crossover to gain access to the up main. The IET is the 10.00hrs Penzance to Paddington service. Copyright Roger Winnen

190919d A day of glorious weather as 70808 comes through Liskeard using the crossover and being propelled from the rear. Copyright Roger Winnen

190919e 70807 Propelling the train around the sharp curve to gain the Looe and Moorswater Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

Yesterdays cement at
Cogload
William Elston

A very warm welcome to the website Willam - nice to have material from further up country. Very unusual to see the cement on route and especially at this location. Many thanks.

Moorswater cement passing Cogload Junction. 08.55 on the 18th September 2019. Copyright William Elston.

In this enlargement of the above view you can clearly see the gradient leading down from the Cogload Flyover. Note also the engineers beside the track and that an up train 'has the road'. 18th September 2019. Copyright William Elston.

Sunny Dowgas
Chris Harvey

Here is the 1200 Paddington - Penzance HST rounding the curve at Dowgas, lit by some lovely afternoon sunshine. 3rd September 2005. Copyright Chris Harvey.

Many thanks Chris - a sunny week this week also.

Crewkerne Tunnel
William Elston

The return Weymouth to Okehampton charter emerging from Crewkerne Tunnel at 17.31 on the 14th September 2019. Copyright William Elston

1z57, having just left Crewkerne tunnel is proudly bearing the 'Okehampton Castle' nameplate on the rear power car as we see the tail end of the train on its return journey to Okehampton. 14th September 2019 Copyright William Elston

18th September 2019

18/9/2019

Sixty years ago today
Millbay
Mike Roach

Once again we are greatly indebted to Mike Roach and his camera, his memories, and his notebook too. We wonder what the next milestone will be in his 1959 diary. Many thanks Mike.

A boat train leaves Millbay Docks and is about to cross Millbay Road Level Crossing. This was the second boat train of the day from the French liner Liberte and the train would be heading to Paddington. The time is 8.45am on Friday 18 September 1959 and the locomotives are 7813 Freshford Manor and 5028 Llantilio Castle both of Laira Shed. A short distance behind the photographer is the Duke of Cornwall Hotel which was constructed a few years after the arrival of the railway at Millbay Station and directly opposite the station entrance. Copyright Mike Roach.

A few minutes after taking the previous photograph the photographer was a short distance away in the opposite direction from the Duke of Cornwall taking this picture of The Star Inn in Union Street, which was once owned by Fords Tiverton Ales. Ford's became part of Starkey, Knight and Ford in 1895 which was taken over by Whitbread in 1962. To the right of the Inn is the Palace Theatre. The reason for taking the picture was that my 1959 notes tell me that The Star Inn was previously named The Great Western Hotel. Can anyone confirm this please? Copyright Mike Roach.

Reflections at Hayle
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Seeing today’s picture on the site of an HST in that green livery prompts me to send you one I took of the down ‘Riviera’crossing Hayle viaduct on 18 September 2000.Seems a long time ago now. Thanks, Michael

Many Thanks Michael

Views in Cornwall
Alan and Scott Peters

158 at Wheal Busy Possibly one of the most pictured engine houses in Cornwall, with GWR class 158 passing Wheal Busy, renumbered 158 959 as a 3 car hurries past with 2C47 the 14:08 from Plymouth to Penzance on Friday 13th 2019 - Copyright Scott Peters

The first train of the diesel gala to arrive at Boscarne Junction was visiting loco 26 007 working the 10:45 from Bodmin General in the bright morning sunshine 14th September 2019 - Copyright Alan Peters

17th September 2019

17/9/2019

Duchess of Sutherland
Roger Winnen

46233 Duchess of Sutherland worked the last Royal Duchy to Plymouth before turning on the Laira Triangle to run tender first to Par for the return journey. The train from Plymouth to Par was headed by 47802.

190915c 46233 Duchess of Sutherland arrives at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

190915y A close run thing as the Duchess meets a Cross Country Voyager departing from Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

190915g Heading for the Laira triangle prior to servicing in number 2 dock. Copyright Roger Winnen

190915h After returning from Laira the engine is attached to her support coach before moving to number 2 dock.Copyright Roger Winnen

190915j 46233 prepars to take on water and coal from number 2 dock. Copyright Roger Winnen

190915k Loading the coal at Plymouth Station Copyright Roger Winnen

190915l Running light engine with its support coach through Bodmin Parkway for Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

190915m The returning Royal Duchy storms throuth Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

Rail Drop
Newquay Branch
Scott and Alan Peters

Newquay Rail Drop. Colas Rail Freight visited the Newquay Branch on the night of Thursday 12th September 2019 with the RDT (Rail Delivery Train) dropping rail at Tregross Level Crossing for future relaying work, top and tailed class 66's worked the train from Westbury with 66849 pictured at Roche with 66850 at the rear waiting to return to Goonbarrow. Copyright Alan Peters.

6C98 at Middleway Crossing Colas Rail 66849 is pictured at Middleway Crossing returning to Westbury after dropping rail on the Newquay Branch line, the late timings from Goonbarrow to Westbury enabled 6C98 to be captured in daylight at the infamous location, top and tailed with 66850 at the rear in the morning sunshine. Copyright Scott Peters

Many thanks Alan. A pair of super pictures, very well lit at desolate Roche and I guess when you brought your train to a stand you had this beautifully lit and framed picture in mind at Middleway - very well done and thank you.

Last say - last trains to
Heathfield
Clive Smith

Good Morning Keith

Many thanks to Martin Duff for his information on the Heathfield line. He is absolutely correct that the last train to Heathfield (so far) was indeed the HST special that also visited Buckfastleigh on the 10th October 2015. I should know as I was at Teigngrace photographing it ! I will put my memory loss down to advancing years. My rather poor smartphone picture of 43188 is shown although it won't win many awards. Also shown is the class 142 Pacer Farewell at Heathfield with 142068+142063+142001 (2Z63) on the 27th November 2011.

Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive.

The very last train - the HST special on the 10th October 2015. Copyright Clive Smith.

Class 142 Pacer Farewell at Heathfield with 142068+142063+142001 (2Z63) on the 27th November 2011. Copyright Clive Smith.

16th September 2019

16/9/2019

The early bird Out and About
Craig Munday

093A 1C99 Carlyon Bay 14th September 2019 with the down Night Riviera. Copyright Craig Munday

093L 70812 St Austell 6C97 70812 heads a Colas Top & Tailed deliver train which originated from Probus and Burngullow on 15th September 2019. Copyright Craig Munday.

Bodmin & Wenford Diesel Gala
14th & 15th September 2019

Featuring Guest engine 26007 (Formally D5300) 47306 The Sapper 50042 Triumph 37142 Class 08444 and Pressed Steel Bubble Car

Photographs by Paul Barlow, Craig Munday, Martin Duff, Mike Bojko,
Leslie Curnow, Alan Peters & Roger Winnen

190914c 47306 Looking quite spectacular on arrival at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

The first train of the diesel gala to arrive at Boscarne Junction was visiting loco 26 007 working the 10:45 from Bodmin General in the bright morning sunshine 14/09/2019 -Copyright Alan Peters

093E 26007 on the 14.40 service to Bodmin Parkway approaching Charlies Gate on B&W gala Copyright Craig Munday

S3550005 Side by side The Pressed Steel Bubble Car and the Class 26. Copyright Leslie Curnow.

190915b The Bubble Car at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Martin Duff

The Class 26 and 37142 stands outside of the workshops at Bodmin General. Copyright Mike Bojko

26007 on 1510 to Bodmin General. Copyright Paul Barlow

For further coverage of The Bodmin & Wenford Diesel Gala
Click Here please to go into Features 1930
Late June-December 2019

Ref Clive Smiths Heathfield request a few weeks ago
I checked my notebook tonight and found a record of 56078 & 56105 on 11/03/2015 for 6M51 08.56 Teigngrace - Chirk. I’d suffixed the note with “final class 56 hauled 6M51”.
I’m aware of a few instances after this with Class 70’s though I’ve not recorded them and it wasn’t long before loading centred on Riverside Yard in Exeter. Indeed, on 17/06/2015 I recorded 60076 at Bristol on the down run.
On 10/10/2015 I saw GWR HST 43187/43188 at Staverton on 1Z69 15.02 Buckfastleigh - Heathfield ECC which on arrival there returned to Paddington.
Hope this helps.
Regards, Martin Duff

Decennial Belle
Meldon
Clive Smith

Looking incongruous amongst the paraphernalia of the quarrying industry, 50007 Sir Edward Elgar stands at Meldon Quarry with the Decennial Belle . Copyright Clive Smith.

Penzance
Mike Hitchens

Penzance HST in Fag Packet Livery. Old Heliport in the background, Copyright Mike Hitchens. Why is it called Fag Packet livery? Mike Hitchens Collection.

A reply from Mike Hitchens the livery was like the colour used by Rothmans Cigarettes at that time on their fag packets.
Thanks Mike

Crediton
David Tozer

43188 enters Crediton on the 14th September 2019 Copyright David Tozer. N.B. That's probably Paul Barlow on the footbridge!

Bringing up the rear 43194 newly named Okehampton Castle departs Crediton heading for Weymouth. 14th September 2019 . Copyright David Tozer.

15th September 2019

15/9/2019

Sixty years ago today
Hemerdon
Mike Roach

3097 - 6873 Caradoc Grange of Laira Shed reaches the top of Hemerdon Bank with apparent ease at 11.25am on Tuesday 15 September 1959. The train is the 7.55am Penzance to Swansea which was due off Plymouth at 11.08am after an eight minute stop there. More coaches would be added to the train at Newton Abbot; these would travel from Paignton to Cardiff. The Summer Timetable was due to finish two days earlier but for reasons now forgotten was extended and the Winter Timetable did not commence until 2nd November 1959. It would not affect the Penzance to Swansea train which ran all year round.
Kind regards, Mike Many thanks Mike - as usual - not a detail missed.

3097 - 6873 Caradoc Grange of Laira Shed reaches the top of Hemerdon Bank with apparent ease at 11.25am on Tuesday 15 September 1959. Copyright Mike Roach

The Okehampton Castle
Guy Vincent

Here are a couple (three!) of shots of today's Oke Rail Forum/ Dartmoor Railway/ Great Western Railway special charter train ''The Okehampton Castle'' 1Z55 0815 Okehampton-Weymouth arriving at Westbury and then awaiting departure in the station. Interesting to note that the majority of enthusiasts viewing the special here were of a younger age profile than is usually the case whenever 'classic' diesel or steam tours pass through the area.

Formation: 43194 'Okehampton Castle' (newly named) 41160 42005 42015 42016 44005 43188. The return trip was made not by way of Westbury but rather from Yeovil Pen Mill via Yeovil Junction and Honiton via the L&SWR route.

For the record, 43188 & 43194 worked the first 'Royal Oke' special from Okehampton on Saturday March 18th 2017. On that occasion the train was unfortunately terminated at Exeter St Davids due to having developed severe wheel flats on the descent from Bow. Fortunately a replacement HST set was quickly sourced and this was able to continue to Paddington around an hour late.

Regards, Guy Vincent. Many thanks Indeed Guy.

Westbury (Penleigh) 43194 & 43188 1Z55 Okehampton-Weymouth 14th September 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury 43188 1Z55 14th September 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent Note the younger generation - a nice touch.

Another shot at Westbury 43188 with the 1Z55 Okehampton-Weymouth 14th September 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Okehampton Castle
At Crediton
Paul Barlow

Hi Keith, I diverted via Crediton before my trip to Bodmin, to see 43188 43194 on the 0815 Okehampton-Weymouth railtour. I believe 43194 was named at Okehampton Castle at Okehampton station that morning. The first of the castle class HSTs to be named.

Kind regards, Paul Barlow A delightful diversion! Many thanks.

43188 43194 0815 Okehampton-Weymouth at Crediton crossing. 14th September 2019. Copyright Paul Barlow.

The new Castle Class nameplate - Crediton 08.15. 14th September 2019. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43188 43194 0815 Okehampton-Weymouth pulls away from Crediton station. 14th September 2019. Copyright Paul Barlow. The gentleman with the tripod is probably David Tozer?

Rare Visitor to
Westbuty
Guy Vincent

66711 standing in Westbury Down Yard this morning (14th). From any distance this GBRF loco is easily mistaken for a Aggregates Industries class 59/0 but the easiest way to tell the two designs apart is the high level headlamp above the windscreens on the '66'. This loco is apparently standing-in for 59003 which has gone on medium-term hire to Freightliner for driver training purposes working from Stoke Gifford yard, next to Bristol Parkway station.

Cheers for now, Guy Vincent. Many thanks again Guy.
Much detail - much appreciated.

Bodmin and Wenford Diesel Gala
14th and 15th September 2019
Wonderful weather and a most interesting weekend has produced a crop of pictures which my colleague Roger Winnen - who you will also have seen there will be putting together as a feature. Many thanks to all for your support and pictures.

Looking back - 'The Pixielated Pixie'
Worcester Boscarne
Paul Barlow

Hi Keith

As a follow up here are some shots of my first visit to Bodmin and Wenford railway. [To be included as a feature] This was a F and W railtours 'The Pixielated Pixie' Worcester to Boscarne junc and Bodmin General. The date was 17 August 1980, I joined the train at Weston super mare and alighted at Exeter on the return. 37084 took the train to Bodmin road where it was changed for 37142. 39 years later 37142 is still working on this line.

Kind regards, Paul Barlow. Many thanks Paul.

37142 Bodmin General 16th August 1980 Copyright Paul Barlow

37084 Bodmin Road 16th August 1980 Copyright Paul Barlow

37084 Plymouth 16th August 1980 Copyright Paul Barlow.

37142 Bodmin General 1Z45 16th August 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow. A picture of a glorious day out - a typical railtour of those days - participants piled out and enjoyed the scene.

Just the ticket!! Copyright Paul Barlow.

14th September 2019

14/9/2019

Okehampton - Meldon
Clive Smith

50007 leaves Okehampton for Meldon Quarry on the northern slopes of Dartmoor with the 13.40 from Kingswear leg of the Decennial Belle. 16th March 1985. Lea Valley Railway Circle. Copyright Clive Smith.

Swindon Observations
Ken Mumford

1 - BRITISH PULLMAN hauled by steam locomotive 35028 'Clan Line' running almost an hour late (delays further east) en route for Bath and Bristol. The train was meant to stop in the middle line at Swindon station from 11.53am to 12.03 pm but it was allowed to go non-stop through Swindon's center road.
2 - A Colas Rail Freight class 66 locomotive was passing through Swindon's' middle road with a freight bound for the Midlands.
3 - Class 66 66605 was hauling a Freightliner train bound for Stoke Gifford Yard.
Kind regards, Ken Mumford. Many thanks Ken.

Picture 1 - Copyright Ken Mumford

Picture 2 - Copyright Ken Mumford

Picture 3 - Copyright Ken Mumford

Penzance
Michael Forward

A snapshot from the past - the early sixties at Penzance some steam and a class 63 is in evidence. Due to building work apart from the locomotives this photograph would no longer be possible these days. Many thanks to you Michael.

A 60's outlook along the rocks at Penzance station. Copyright Michael Forward.

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