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

21/10/2017

 
The Parkandillack Branch
Clay to Carne Point Fowey
Roger Winnen

Picture
171020v 66206 Arriving at Burngullow with the second portion of the clay from the Parkindillack Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
171020x 66206 with its train passes the first portion on the adjacent line at Burngullow prior to joining the both portions. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
171020y 66206 with the full length train approaches St Austell Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Truro  '73
Roger Winnen

Picture
Class 47 D1913 passing the former Truro East Signal Box, by then simply Truro Signalbox 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen
Swanage
John Cornelius
Picture
Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 20th October 2017                                                                                               Those added most recently come first

20/10/2017

 
Bodmin Exchange
55020 arrives and Judy departs for the Plym Valley Railway
Roger Winnen

Picture
171020a Pressed Steel Bubble Car 55020 awaits unloading at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
171020m Judy has now been chained down ready for its journey across the border. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
171020q The scene outside of the workshops at Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen
For more photographs of this event please see the Features Pages September-December 2017
Celebrity 43093 Old Oak Common
HST Depot 1976-2018 working the 10.00 Penzance-Paddington
Andrew Triggs

Picture
171020r Recently vinyled and named Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018 43093 leads the 10.00hrs to London Paddington. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
171020s The side vinyles of the power car. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
171020t A close up of the nameplate. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
171020u 43093 Looks very smart as she waits departure on the 10.00 to Paddington. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Truro '71
Roger Winnen

Picture
Looking east from the black footbridge in June 1971. Work is in progress. Copyright Roger Winnen
The PHASED CHANGES AT
TRURO IN 1971
Details from Roy Hart
Really fascinating information

​TRURO 1971
 
The layout and signalling at Truro altered hardly at all from its installation in 1900 for seventy years.
The two Truro boxes-East and West, both opened with the new station (built by Sir Arthur Carkeek and Co of Redruth) and they controlled an extensive layout:
From South to North, the lines were:
Falmouth Bay (signalled for departures only)
Down Main
Branch Platform (signalled as an up through line, but used by terminating Falmouth and Perranporth  trains and Penzance locals.
Up Main (the outer face of the island platform)
In addition, there were the following through lines, signalled by ‘Permissive Block’:
Through carriage line
Through down goods
Through up goods
Permissive block entailed block instruments and bells, but allowed more than one engine or train in the section. The signalman had a ‘counter’ on his instrument to remind him. Thus there were no less than 6 through lines between Truro East and West, all with block instruments and a series of block bells, all of different tones, so that signallers could tell them apart.
The 1971 plan was to concentrate all of the work (together with Penwithers Junction) at Truro East box.
Phase 1 (May 1971):
-Through Carriage and up and down goods out of use, replaced by simple ‘yard’ working.
-Branch platform becomes up main.
-Up Main terminated at buffers East end, for arriving Falmouth trains (temporary arrangement).
-Engine shed and Carriage sidings removed.
Phase 2 (November 1971):
East box temporarily closed for installation of new lever frame (old frame 45 levers, new frame 51)
West box controls all traffic.
Penwithers closed and junction simplified, enabling Falmouth trains to run into Falmouth bay (No 1)
Up bay (No 4) out of use for passenger trains. Remains as siding.
At the end of phase 2, West box was closed and the new ‘Truro’ box controlled the entire layout. At that time, the remaining yard could still be accessed from the East end. This junction was removed in the 1980s.
The remaining points at West box end were (are) operated by motor.
The new frame  at East box came from the redundant box at Bristol East Depot, closed under the Bristol resignalling scheme. The frame was of 90 levers. One section of it went to Hungerford, near Reading, where the box had been demolished by a derailed freight train, the remainder to Truro.
Penryn box closed under the same scheme and the entire Falmouth branch worked by ‘No signalman token’. The instrument was in a cupboard by the bay line buffers. The token was released electrically by the signalman .
Many thanks to you Roy for this detailed report on the phased changes at Truro Yard in in the local area.
Now  and  Then
Exmouth Junction
David Tozer

A location I have been unable to use at Exmouth Junction for years due to the growth of vegetation. Well Network Rail have commenced clearance and a view is now available on the down side.

14th October 1989. 47811 paases with the 0905 Brighton to Plymouth.

19th October 2017. The Network Rail HST passes with the 0456 1Q23 Old Oak Common - Honiton - Exeter - Salisbury, whilst in the turnback siding is GWR Class 150 150121 which will run to St James' Park to form the 0920 service to Cardiff.

Looks like it was a dull day in 1989. The photo of the NMT was taken from my video footage on yet a similar dismal day.

Dave                                          Many thanks David.
Picture
Exmouth Jct. NMT & 150121 19th October 2017 Copyright David Tozer
Picture
Exmouth Junction on the 14th Octorber 1989 we see 47811 with the 0905 BN - Ply. Copyright David Tozer
Radstock North SB
Guy Vincent

A picture taken from the 'breakout area' (messroom) at the Thames Valley Signalling Centre, Didcot, on an official visit in April 2011.  The former Radstock North Signal Box is clearly visible across the way at the Great Western Society site, one extreme in signalling to the other.  I intend visiting the GWS one fine day  to photograph the ex Frome and Radstock 'boxes in more detail.                                                                             Many thanks Guy for this very interesting photograph.
Picture
Radstock North Signal Box from TVSC, Didcot 8th April 2011 Copyright Guy Vincent
Norden
Swanage Railway
John Cornelius
Picture
Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 19th October 2017                                                                                               Those added most recently come first

19/10/2017

 
Plymouth's Hidden Railways
Book signing
Paul Burkhalter
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.

Pauls new book on Plymouth's Hidden Railways is now available and can be purchased either from Paul in person - a signed copy - at the event detailed above or by post details as per the link below.


 http://www.twelveheads.com/t925.htm 
 
I have myself purchased an advance copy of this excellent book full of details of the once extensive network of lines, standard and narrow gauge, in the Plymouth area and can highly recommend it. KJ

Public transport is available to the Marsh Mills  City Bus Yellow Flash Service 51 to Derriford Hospital stops at Plymouth Railway Station Bus Stop on the main road at 10  25  40 and 55 minutes past the hour.  Alight at the bus stop near the Plymouth & Dartmoor Railway Iron Bridge at Marsh Mills, walk across this bridge and follow the path which will take you direct to Marsh Mills Station. On the return journey you will need to be on the main road itself, passing the old Marsh Mills Station and continuing  under the main road where a left turn will lead up a ramp to the bus stop. A frequent service of buses into Plymouth calls at this stop.
Picture
A Grim Day on the Rails at Bodmin Roger Winnen
Picture
171019a Work has commenced at Bodmin Parkway with Network Rail on the new £9,000,000 signalling upgrade for the Cornish Main Line. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
171019e A contrast between a Mark 1 Coach Body and Alfred or Judy at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
171019b 66074 Heads for St Blazey with the RHTT Train in atrocious weather conditions. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
171019c 66027 tails the RHTT through Bodmin Parkway Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
171019d 66098 Hauls the St Blazey to Exeter Riverside Nacco Wagons. - Copyright Roger Winnen
Getting Dirty
David Tozer

Picture
A typical autumnal day. 66074/66027 at Exminster gradually getting to RHTT dirty state. 18th October 2017 Copyright David Tozer
Truro '71
Roger Winnen
Picture
Its June 1971. The rationalisation of Truro Yard is in progress. We move further north across the black footbridge and can see where the depot once was. Note the lack of vegetation on the cutting banks. Also note the lack of traffic on the road. Copyright Roger Winnen. An excellent picture from an instamatic camera costing £3. 3s
King stabled at Yeovil
John Cornelius

Picture
Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 18th October 2017                                                                                               Those added most recently come first

18/10/2017

 
Truro Yard '71
Roger Winnen

Picture
The first of a series of three pictures showing the upheaval as Truro Yard was being rationalised. Truro West Signal box is still there amid piles of redundant track behind. June 1971 Copyright Roger Winnen
Yeovil Steam Centre
Flying Scotsman Coaled
John Cornelius

Picture
This must have been very hard work indeed - back breaking! Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 17th October 2017                                                                                               Those added most recently come first

17/10/2017

 
Redbridge Junction
Mick House

Picture
An unidentified 8 VEP on a Weymouth to Waterloo (92 head code), semi fast) runs through Redbridge Junction. It is probably around 1988. In this view, a head shunt part of a complex, which served a sleeper and rail preparation depot can be seen with the buffer stop almost at the river bank. The double track to the left heads across the river Test towards Totton, Bournemouth and eventually Weymouth. The double track to the right heads towards Romsey and Salisbury. Copyright Mick House.
Picture
Redbridge Junction in 2017. The buffer stop for the headshunt remains but the track depot has long since gone. Copyright Mick House.
Truro West Box
Roger Winnen

Picture
Truro West Signalbox seen here in June 1971 - this was to close w.e.f. 7th November 1971 with much of the track in the background being lifted. Copyright Roger Winnen
85A Worcester Railwaymans Reunion 28th October
​Our society is thrilled to present the 10th consecutive 85A annual Railwaymen’s reunion and invite workers of any railway employment - WLS members and railway enthusiasts to join us, everyone is welcome to come along to enjoy a heady afternoon of steam in it’s heyday across Worcestershire.
 
FREE ADMISSION                                        FREE ADMISSION
 
The well known photographer and character the Rev David Hardy from Bristol will be kicking off the day’s entertainment at 1 pm with
 
“Some confessions of a Railway Chaplain”
 
Followed by
 
Mr Michael Clemens showing two 50-minute segments during the afternoon of his very popular and historical films
 
“Steam in Worcestershire”
 
We look forward to David’s thoughts and Michael’s classic images reminding us of just how Worcestershire railways looked like in the 1950s & 1960s.
We also look forward to welcoming you to our club base, the Barbourne Ex Services club, The Moors, Worcester WR1 3ED (next to the Swan theatre) by Pitchcroft racecourse where there is limited parking on site but there are large ‘pay & display’ car parks alongside the racecourse.  Doors will open from 12 noon with the club’s bar open all afternoon serving alcoholic & non alcoholic drinks, rolls, teas & coffees, please bring along your own packed lunch if you wish.
 
Should you like what our club has to offer our annual membership fee stands at just £10 (concessions £7) with monthly meetings, tours & visits to railway locations plus our special train on the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh hauled by our own engine ex GWR Pannier tank 5786 (L92)
 
For more information just email Wilkinson_5@btinternet.com , phone 01905 425892, or write 18, Tollhouse Drive, St John’s, Worcester WR2 6AD.
 
Looking forward to another celebration of our local railway heritage, Cheers for now. Chris Wilkinson.
Posted at the request of Brian Thomas, suggested by Steve Widdowson
Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius

Picture
Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 16th October 2017                                                                                               Those added most recently come first

16/10/2017

 
Truro Platform 4
Roger Winnen

With effect from the 7th November 1971 a new layout came into being at Truro.  Truro West Signal box was decommissioned and all signalling controlled from Truro East Box. The through up line serving platform 4 became a bay serving the west with a buffer stop at the east end. The picture below from Roger Winnen's archive shows platform 4 in use as a bay.
Picture
Truro seen here in June 1971. A Swindon Built Cross Country Unit stands in Platform 4, now a bay. Copyright Roger Winnen
Yeovil Railway Centre
shed officially opened
John Cornelius

Picture
The 'big day' Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 15th October 2017                                                                                               Those added most recently come first

15/10/2017

 
Apologies
Due to computer problem at this end some of you may have received a rejection notice - if you have had such a notice please resend. It is with thanks to my son, who put in several hours of work, we appear to be back on line once more.  KJ
RHTT - Falmouth
Roger Salter and Mark Lyman
Many thanks to you both.
Picture
The RHTT busily spraying as it runs towards Falmouth Town. 15th October 2017. Copyright Roger Salter.
Picture
The spray is turned off as a road bridge is crossed. 15th October 2017 Copyright Roger Salter
Picture
Falmouth Docks - the RHTT headed by 66074 gets about as far as it can !! 15th October 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam
Picture
At Penryn the down train from Truro and the RHTT Cross. 15th October 2017 Copyright Mark Lyman
Picture
The RHTT heads away towards Truro and then St Blazey. 15th October 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam
Worcester Loco. Soc. 
at South Devon Railway
Steve Widdowson
On Saturday 7th October the Worcester Loco Society held a members day on the South Devon Rly. The WLS own & maintain their own GWR Pannier Tank No. 5786 which is currently numbered as London Transport L92. The WLS loco's are based on the South Devon Rly. This loco was used all day on WLS private charters during the day.
Kitson 0-6-0 saddle tank Loco No5474 ' Carnarvon' is the other loco that WLS own which is been rebuilt at Buckfastleigh.
Also seen on the railway was Clayton D8568 & 37275 as 6975 which will be used on the diesel weekend in November. This is the first time a Clayton has been seen this far South. 
Picture
Looking grand. 5786 as L92 at Buckfastleigh 7th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson
Picture
5786 as L92 is seen here at Totnes standing on the head shunt - the main line lies beond. 7th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson
Picture
A Kit of parts! Kitson 0-6-0 Saddle Tank Locomotive No 5474 'Carnarvon' which is being re-built at Buckfastleigh. Picture taken on the 6th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson
Picture
50002 'Superb' under wraps at Buckfastleigh 6th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson. Of interest to CRS as this loco hauled our charter to Kidderminster many years ago.
Picture
The furthest south ever for one of these. D8568 class 17 Clayton at Buckfastleigh on the South Devon Railway 6th October 2017 Copyright Steve Widdowson
Southampton
Mick House

Hi Keith, I had a quick scan through the Southampton sections on the site and there is no mention of the flags on the footbridge at the station, as they are painted over now. I think the attached photo may be of interest, it could be a good quiz question for Roger!
Anyway in Naval terms the flags read WELCOME TO SOUTHAMPTON.
Possibly a little known fact.
Regards Mick              Thanks Mick, glad you flagged this one up!
Picture
Welcome to Southampton in flags on footbridge. Picture dated January 2010 Copyright Mick House
Marazion
Roger Salter

Picture
Fugro test equipment fitted 66850 at Marazion en route to Penzance. 12th October 2017 Copyright Roger Salter
Picture
Marazion 2 66850 returning from Penzance en route to Tavistock Junction . 12th October 2017 Copyright Roger Salter
Lost in the mist
(almost)
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, Thursday's forecast seemed the most promising of the week, so I ventured out for the clay and the prospect of Colas 66850 on RILA duties. The RILA trip did not make it to Newquay, only as far as Gonnbarrow, so returned early to Par & Penzance. 
The obligatory mist hove into view as I dropped down the hill into Lostwithiel, so opted for Coulsons Park, by the river. The sun was strong enough to punch through the mist, so I provided entertainment for dog walkers with my trusty steps and perched on them as 6G06 loomed into view. The sun caught the loco smack on, as the wagons trailed back into the mist.
I caught 66850 passing St Austell on its return to Tavi Jn. 
Kind regards, Craig                          Many thanks Craig
Picture
Coulsdon Park 66206 with the 6g06 on the 12th October 2917 Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
St Austell 66850 returns to Tavistock Junction on the 12th October 2017 Copyright Craig Munday
Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius
Picture
Grand trio at the Centre. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 14th October 2017                                                                                               Those added most recently come first

14/10/2017

 
Camborne Milk
- a golden oldie
Roger Winnen
Picture
The Sunday afternoon milk passes through Camborne in 1973. Having started from St Erth creamery it will now call at Dolcoath to collect any tanks waiting there before proceeding on to Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen
Sleeper ECS move yesterday afternoon.
Andrew Triggs
The Sleeper ECS move was for positioning purposes for the Reading blockade this weekend, spoke to Dave Coles who informed me if it had run as booked normal timings there would have been no way of getting it from Oxford to OOC via Chiltern as no GWR crews have route knowledge.
By Andrew Triggs.
Picture
57603 with 5Z96 17.00 Penzance-London Paddington ECS move. 13th October 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
5Z96 passing the incoming 1A82, from London Paddington (Held at the signal) as it heads up Marazion marshes. 13th October 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs

The editor is not quite sure why this ECS move was necessary

Yeovil Junction
John Cornelius

Picture
Copyright John Cornelius
This railtour was named after one of the  follies to be found in Barwick Park about a mile as the crow flies from Yeovil Junction station.  Jack is a figure standing on top of a tower which itself stands on an ornamental arch.  Jack the Treacle Eater was one of four follies built to give the estate labourers work during a time of depression in the 1820's. The statue could be seen to the right from trains leaving Yeovil Junction heading west, however tree growth unfortunately blocks that view.  ​https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barwick,_Somerset

Items added on 13th October 2017                                                                                               Those added most recently come first

13/10/2017

 
Don't forget -Tomorrow - Saturday October 14th 
    Derek Huntriss
Presents another selection from his extensive travels
Meeting are held in the Wesley Memorial Hall Redruth at 18.30. 
Click here for more details 
S Devon Clayton 
Clive Smith
Apparently the Clayton arrived by lowloader last week according to SDR staff.  Thought some of your diligent  contributors may have sent a pic in by now.! Here's mine taken on my smartphone. Hope you can use it.  D8568 will be out working on Sunday 15th October on the 'Drive A Train' Experience Day and then the SDR Diesel Gala in November.
Regards   Clive Smith  Ivybridge         Thank you Clive

                     Welcome to Clive - a new contributor
Picture
The Clayton awaits its turn - seen here at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Clive Smith.
Memories are made of this
Alan Harris & Laurence Hansford

I was most interested to see Mr. Roy Hart's article on today's webpage concerning the failure of the turntable at Long Rock in 1956. As a lad then approaching 9 years of age, I remember wondering why there was a tank engine leading the Cornish Riviera Express and having no idea why until much later by which time they had all returned to their home depots.
The list of locos transferred to Penzance and Truro for this short time is particularly interesting. I have referred to my first Ian Allan Combined Volume dated Summer 1958 which was a much loved Christmas present from my parents. From Mr. Harts list of locos, I see that I managed to "cop" only two, 5102 and 5107. I'm sure that had I known the reason for their appearance in Cornwall, I would have spent more time at Redruth Station.
My sincere thanks to Mr. Hart for reviving this memory.
Kind Regards,  Alan.   Many thanks Alan   Received on the 10th October
 

I have just read Roy Hart’s account of Penzance turntable being out of action during June 1956 and found it fascinating because I remember it well.  I went to school in Penzance and pupils from St Ives travelled by Western National bus, 4 double-deckers being laid on in the morning. (You may be asking “why bus?” when there was a perfectly good train service.  I asked the same question and was told that it cost Cornwall County Council less.)
 
While obviously I would have preferred to have gone by train, the bus did have its compensations:  a grand-stand view from the top deck of the whole railway from Long Rock into Penzance.  Needless to say my eyes were out on stalks for the whole of June as we went past the Engine Shed although it was a bit frustrating as one couldn’t really see what they were doing to the Turntable.
 
It was a bit different when it came to the engines.  I remember the yard being filled with tank engines in place of the customary tender engines being prepared for their day’s work.  I remember particularly seeing 41XXs and 51XXs but also a few 2-8-0Ts, presumably from St Blazey.  I don’t know where the tender engines had gone but I am guessing that they were tucked up in bed in the shed, although I suppose they could have been sent “up country”.
 
I also remember seeing some trains double headed by pairs of the larger tanks but I do recall, on one occasion, seeing a 55XX paired with either a 41XX or a 51XX.
 
Of  course it was only a couple of years before the very first Warship diesels appeared in the very same yard being readied for their work.
 
Cheers,  Laurence Hansford             Many thanks Laurence.

Washford
John Cornelius

Picture
Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 12th October 2017                                                                                               Those added most recently come first

12/10/2017

 

Fugro Returns on 66850.
By Mick House.

Yet again the return of the Fugro test equipment fitted to a locomotive.
Back in November 2016 we had 70810 and 66847. Today it is the turn of 66850 (David Maidment OBE) to be fitted with the Fugro test equipment. She departed Newquay just after 06.00 this morning running about 56 minutes early and past me at Wheal Busy crossing about 51 minutes early on it’s way to Penzance arriving at 08.27, early by 52 minutes. It departed from Penzance at 09.05, 20 minutes early and passed me again at Wheal Busy crossing about 19 minutes later, it’s destination was Tavistock Junction, due to arrive at 11.53.
​By Mick House with additional photos by Andrew Triggs.

 Maybe of some interest to our readers is that Wheal Busy crossing is going to see a lot of activity in March this will include a line closure removal of the track and a concrete beam installed to cap over the mine workings, preliminary work is being carried out at this time, with monitoring equipment installed as can be viewed in Photo 4.
We will keep you updated.     
Picture
66850 (David Maidment OBE) about to traverse Wheal Busy crossing. Photo Copyright Mick House.
Picture
66850 (David Maidment OBE) passes Wheal Busy crossing and you can see the Fugro test equipment on the rear. Photo Copyright Mick House.
Picture
66850 at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Picture
66850 at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Picture
66850 (David Maidment OBE) approaching Wheal Busy crossing. Photo Copyright Mick House.
Picture
66850 (David Maidment OBE) passes Wheal Busy crossing on it’s run to Tavistock Junction. Note the monitoring equipment installed on the line side. Photo Copyright Mick House.
Long Rock Turntable
Roy Hart
Penzance turntable was installed when the shed opened in 1914. It was a 70-footer, although the largest users at that time were small 4-4-0s such as ‘Dukes’ and ‘Bulldogs’. It replaced a short turntable at the old engine shed, which occupied the site where Penzance signal box stands today.
Penzance turntable was one of two on the Cornish main line (the other was Truro –a 60 footer, replaced with a longer one in 1927, for the arrival of new ‘Hall’ 4-6-0s). St Blazey was and is well away from the main line and owes its existence to the semi-roundhouse of which it forms a part.
Until the inter-war years there were turntables at the engine sheds at Newquay and Falmouth: both, together with their sheds had gone by 1939. These tables were adequate for the old 4-4-0s, but could not take a 4-6-0.
Penzance had, of course, a unique problem: it was at the end of the line. What to do if the turntable failed or needed heavy repair?
This duly happened in 1956, when heavy repairs were required, necessitating the loss of the turntable for up to a month, in June.
The plan of action was this: for a month all tender engines would come off down trains at Truro and all trains which were normally hauled by a tender loco between Truro and Penzance would be hauled by large tank engines drafted in from around the system. The engines chosen were 2-6-2T ‘large prairies’ of the 41XX, 51XX, 61XX and 81XX classes. These engines were powerful (same power as a ‘Manor’)and were normally found on London  and Birmingham area suburban services, South Wales locals and banking duties at the Severn Tunnel and elsewhere.
Here is the list of dispositions for June 1956, showing the home shed of each engine which came to Penzance and Truro:
TO TRURO
ENGINE                                     HOME SHED
4106                                            Landore (Swansea)
4107                                            Landore
4134                                            Carmarthen
5102                                            Neath
6114                                            Ebbw Junction (Newport)
TO PENZANCE
4114                                            Kidderminster
4148                                            Worcester
5107                                            Stourbridge
5161                                            Leamington
5184                                            Leamington
Truro benefited from South Wales, while Penzance received from the West Midlands.
The accompanying photographs show something of the fun in what must have been a very interesting month.
A footnote. The allocation of tender locomotives at Penzance in June 1956 was:
Castle class 4-6-0:                  2
County class 4-6-0:                3
Hall class 4-6-0:                     8
Grange class 4-6-0:               10

Picture
The down 'Limited roars out of Truro behind a 'Prairie'. A pannier tank (unseen) is shoving at the rear: it will fall back at Higher Town tunnel and return to Truro yard. Note the tenderless 28XX. These were not shedded in Cornwall, but were fairly frequent visitors. Laira often sent minor repair jobs to Truro when things were busy. The down 'Limited roars out of Truro behind a 'Prairie'. A pannier tank (unseen) is shoving at the rear: it will fall back at Higher Town tunnel and return to Truro yard. Note the tenderless 28XX. These were not shedded in Cornwall, but were fairly frequent visitors. Laira often sent minor repair jobs to Truro when things were busy. The down 'Limited roars out of Truro behind a 'Prairie'. A pannier tank (unseen) is shoving at the rear: it will fall back at Higher Town tunnel and return to Truro yard. Note the tenderless 28XX. These were not shedded in Cornwall, but were fairly frequent visitors. Laira often sent minor repair jobs to Truro when things were busy.
Picture
A prairie hauls an up express through Carn Brea, June 1956. Copyright Roy Hart
Picture
The milk train (run, of course, at Passenger train speeds) near Redruth, June 1956 Copyright Roy Hart
Minehead
John Cornelius

Picture
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