Blog Archives

31st October 2018

31/10/2018

October HST's
Clive Smith

With many days of prolonged sunshine and so far only sporadic IET takeover, October has been a good month to record the swansong of GWR London HSTs. Now with less daylight and an inevitable downturn in the weather, opportunities to grab that shot that keeps being put off will run out. Here are a few of my efforts around South Devon over the last month.

(1) 43097 leads the 11.57 Paddington - Penzance away from Aller towards Dainton on 7th October 2018.

(2) 43088 brings up the rear of the 16.10 Plymouth - Paddington at Rattery on 7th October 2018.

(3) 43024 leads the 12.55 Plymouth - Paddington at Harford Bridge west of Ivybridge on 18th October 2018.

(4) The 07.41 Penzance - Paddington on the sea wall between Dawlish and Dawlish Warren at 10.50 on a glorious sunny morning 30th October 2018.

(5) The 12.55 Plymouth - Paddington approaches Teignmouth on the 30th October 2018. Taken from Shaldon Bridge.

Regards, Clive Smith
Many thanks for your widespread pictures. Well done.

Picture (1) Copyright Clive Smith

Picture (2) Copyright Clive Smith

Picture (3) Copyright Clive Smith

Picture (4) Copyright Clive Smith

Picture (5) Copyright Clive Smith

New
Elephant Rock Cafe
Roger Salter

Red Rock Café, Langstone Rock, Dawlish Warren, famous for train enthusiast’s for years & a place where train drivers sounded their horn in acknowledgement has changed hands & been revamped & renamed as Elephant Rock Café.
This surprised me after so long, although the area had been neglected,but on research found this rock was called Elephant Rock & resembled an elephant with it’s trunk.
Since 1868 it looked as an Elephant but by 1888 the head was gone with erosion & by today the Elephant is no more

-The Red Rock Cafe in 2011. Copyright Roger Salter

The Red Rock Cafe in 2011 with its tables laid out for the visitors.. Copyright Roger Salter

The Red Rock Cafe now renamed The Elephant Rock Cafe. 11th October 2018 Copyright Roger Salter

New Burngullow Traffic?
Craig Munday

The long awaited DB Cargo sand trial finally got underway today (30th October 2018). 66015 in original EWS livery worked down 17 KEA (bogie box wagons) Didcot to Burngullow overnight ready for loading. The train was worked back in two portions, the first trip is seen at Bolitho in wonderful light.

Fingers crossed we see a steady stream of this traffic in 2019.

Also sent is a picture of the RHTT departing St Blazey unusually mid morning (29th October 2018) bound for Newton Abbot & return following attention to the water jet system. 66104/067 the locos.
All the best, Craig
As Craig suggests we'll all keep our fingers crossed! Many thanks for the inside information and privileged lineside pictures.

66015 on sand Burngullow 12.16 30th October 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

66015 on sand Burngullow 12.41 30th October 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

66015 on sand Burngullow 13.00 30th October 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

66015 on sand seen at Bolitho 14.51 30th October 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

66067 and 66104 on the 3J13 St Blazey RHTT 12.01 29t October 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

St Erth
Andrew Thompson

St Erth Sidings 25327 formally D7677 was the last of the class built and operated in Cornwall October 1971 through to January 1972 and again later in the 1970s Copyright Andrew Thompson

St Ives branch
Mark Lynam

It's the standard shot from Lelant Golf Course over looking Porth Kidney Sands. The flag in the foreground adds interest as the smartly lined out 150 265 plies the branch. Looking from the Gwithian direction this livery makes the trains almost invisible but one must admit that in this view the unit stands out 'crystal clear' looking almost like a model. The tide is right out in this picture showing the narrow channel of the Hayle River, many ships have been wrecked trying to enter Hayle at other than full high tide. 29th October 2018. Copyright Mark Lynam

Again, in this view the wonderful sun makes such a difference. 150 265 29th October 2018. Copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks Mark for the pictures above and below.

Falmouth Branch
Mark Lynam

The RHTT powered by 66104 & 66067 crosses Collegewood Viaduct, Penryn on the 28th October 2018 A beautifully lit shot. Note the piers of the original viaduct which was replaced w.e.f. 22nd July 1934 in the foreground. Copyright Mark Lynam

Severn Tunnel Junction
Roger Geach

25058 25106 on the return Cranmore to Stanlow bitumin train at Severn Tunnel Junction. 25058 was a Laira Plymouth loco from May 78 until the end October 1980 and as a consequence was seen quite frequently seen in Cornwall. This picture dated 14th July 1981. Copyright Roger Geach

Winnen's Westerns
Plymouth
Roger Winnen

1043 Western Duke arrives at Plymouth with the Birmingham Penzance service. 26th August 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

30th October 2018

30/10/2018

Penzance
Andrew Thompson

Thought to be Class 50 023 Howe at Penzance. Introduced 11th May 68 WD 15th August 1980 Copyright Andrew Thompson

Newport
Roger Geach

60036 crossing the Usk at Newport with a Margam to Dee Marsh coil service 19th June 1998 Copyright Roger Geach

Winnen's Westerns
Long Rock
Roger Winnen

740713b D1026 Western Centurion alongside Long Rock Signal Box on 13th July 1974. This engine had a full repaint at Laira Depot between 25th-29th June 1974 and was withdrawn 6th October 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen Many thanks to Guy Vincent for updating me on the latest news!

29th October 2018

29/10/2018

St Ives
Andrew Thompson

Bubble Car P125 at St Ives. These Pressed Steel Units were working in Cornwall at least from 1977 through to 1984 Copyright Andrew Thompson

Out in the countryside
Near Pilning
Roger Geach

60065 with the12.35 Theale to Robeston on its way back to Wales. Seen here near Piling Severn tunnel. Saturday 28th August 1993 Copyright Roger Geach

Winnen's Westerns
Ponsandane
Roger Winnen

D1029 Western Legionnare the last Western built at Swindon on 20th April 1964 heads the 14.00hrs Penzance to Paddington service passing Ponsandane level crossing on the 13th July 1974. This crossing has now been replaced with a wooden footbridge. This engine was withdrawn after accident damage at Newton Abbot on 18th November 1974, Copyright Roger Winnen.

28th October 2018

28/10/2018

The Mail to Low Fell at Plymouth
Michael Forward

I attach a picture taken at Plymouth of 67006 on 28 April 2000 with vans which would later form the 15.07 to Low Fell.
Best wishes, Michael

Taunton 66's
Andrew Triggs

Evening Roger/Keith, Back from the excellent Rail Ex 2018 model railway show at Taunton School, in between caught the following Class 66's at Taunton station for CRS All the Best Andrew. Many thanks Andrew.

66104 working the RHTT with 66067 at Taunton prior to departing west with 3J13 for St Blazey at 12.19pm 27th October 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Later viewed from Staplegrove Road bridge Freightliner 66514 is beautifully framed by the bridge and is seen shunting in Fairwater yard at 6.38 pm 27th October 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Craig's Out & About
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, Quite a week light wise. I've been sanding the rails early in the week, which allowed some time to capture some passing trains. The MOM's providing sand to the rails in strategic places on the main line has complemented the RHTT. All the best, Craig. Many thanks Craig.

The RHTT caught emerging on to the viaduct at St Germans. 24th October 2018 - a very pleasant day by the look of it. Copyright Craig Munday.

66041 working an afternoon train of JIA clay wagons east. 24th October 2018. Copyright Craig Munday

Stoggy Lane (Near Largin) 70807 on the cement. 24th October 2018. Copyright Craig Munday

150002 again at Stoggy Lane. 24th October 2018 Copyright Craig Munday Looks like the 150 could do with a wash!.

And finally, there must have been a passing shower nearby - hence the rainbow. 802009 1C80 at Par. 26th October 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

Diesel to Electric
Ollie Turrell

These pictures are really out of our region being taken at Didcot. [Our region is that covered by the Freedom of the South West Rover Ticket]. However, as this train has passed through our region (Cardiff - Swindon)we'll make an exception this time. Here at Didcot we see the pantograph raised on a class 800, a sight we'll never see in Cornwall. Many thanks Ollie.

A Class 800 raises its pantograph at Didcot at 18.48 on the 26th October 2018 Copyright Olie Turrell

And smoothly and quietly away to London at 18.49 on the 26th October 2018 Copyright Ollie Turrell

Developments at the
Kingsbridge and District Light Railway
Clive Smith

Things have been happening down in Kingsbridge since my last visit back in April. The railway took its 10,000th visitor in early August and building has commenced of its new Parkside station as seen in picture 3. Previously the line came to a stop at the end of The Embankment riverside path. Now the line curves in a 'u' (picture 2) to terminate at a new site that will be the Parkside station. Currently adjacent to this is the railway's 'shed'. I use this term loosely as wooden box would be more appropriate. This is where the railway keeps its regular rolling stock. Talking to the one of the members, I was told they plan to have the station built by this December complete with roof and platform. The shed will be no more, replaced by a purpose-built brick structure. Runnings will cease at the end of October but there are plans to run over the Christmas holidays when it is hoped the new station will be used.
Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks Clive

Picture (1) Kingsbridge and District Light Railway. 20th October 2018. Copyright Clive Smith

Picture (2) Kingsbridge and District Light Railway - Site of the New Station. 20th October 2018. Copyright Clive Smith

Picture (3) - Kingsbridge and District Light Railway 20th October 2018 Copyright Clive Smith. The current 'shed' is the box - soon to be improved.

Winnen's Westerns
Penzance
Roger Winnen

D1040 Western Queen with 25274 acting as Station Pilot at Penzance. 13th July 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

27th October 2018

27/10/2018

Winter Time!
Please note all you kindly folk who send in photographs that the clocks go back at 02.00 tomorrow. As compilers of the web site we would be very grateful if you check that your cameras are showing the correct time. If your picture comes from a digital camera, we can, by going to 'Properties' followed by 'Details' ascertain when the picture was taken. This is particularly valuable when a series of pictures are sent in 'out of order' as sometimes does occur.
Thank you all for your support.

Permission to be excused!
Not on this Train
Roger Winnen

Over the past week I have seen Northern Rail unit 150207 now with GWR operating a service to Paignton from Exmouth and Exeter last Saturday 20th October 2018. Today the service was seen at Bodmin Parkway on the 05.24 Bristol - Penzance service. On both occasions no toilet facilities were available aboard this unit. On making enquiries I was told that the company were awaiting spares. Not a comfortable journey in this cold weather.

181020z 150207 in Northern Rail Livery departs Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

Strike Day
West of Yeovil
David Tozer

With the on-going RMT strikes only two SWR trains run West of Yeovil and both of these are ECS workings.

0453 Exeter New Yard - Yeovil Junction

2300 Yeovil Junction - Exeter New Yard.

If differs slightly on Saturdays with an ECS run from Salisbury to Exeter in daylight.

Friday however 159006 ran ECS from Loughborough to Salisbury via Bristol, Exeter(St David's) and Honiton. The unit was in the new revised, revised livery and like 159003 has lost the name it was given in SWT days.

Dave Many thanks David

Pinhoe with 159006 passing through ECS during the strike week. Note the New livery 15.30 26th October 2018 Copyright David Tozer N.B. The headboard reads 'Rail Operations Group'.

Seaton Junction
and the Tramway
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith, I am sending this prompted through the recent sad, but timely pictures by Roger , of Newton Abbot carriage sheds. I had visited Seaton Junction on the 5th September 2018 to find the original LSWR station still in reasonable condition over 50 years since closure on the 7th March 1966.
Fortunately the line to Seaton is still in use in its present form as a re-gauged tramway, but for the short distance from Colyton to Seaton Junction.
It would be interesting if this gap could be reinstated to reconnect with the ex LSWR mainline. (Please see attached map).
Hopefully the station will continue to exist and not meet the fate of so many historic buildings in this so called enlightened age!

Best wishes Andrew Many thanks Andrew
It would be nice if the tramway were to be extended to a re-opened Seaton Junction station but unless that re-opening occurs there would be little point in extending the tramway. It is approximately 1.5 miles from Seaton Junction to Colyton, but what would that cost what with the tram track + overhead + a new station at Seaton Junction?

The ornate Seaton Junction station still proudly standing. 5th September 2018 Copyright Andrew Jones

Seaton Junction station 5th September 2018. Copyright Andrew Jones.

A view from the long footbridge which still crosses the location, at one time, of multiple tracks. 5th September 2018. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Seaton Junction to Colyton. Map Courtesy National Museum of Scotland. Seaton Jct to Colyford is approx 1.5 miles

Bittaford Viaduct
Clive Smith

A view of what can be seen from a location as close as one can get to the former site of Bittaford Station. 16th October 2018. Copyright Clive Smith

Lyner Viaduct
A request from Clive Smith

Today I decided to have a look to see if I could find the spot on the River Lynher overlooking the viaduct. I did not have much success and rather suspect that one must ask permission from local farmers or trespass which I may have done in my misspent youth but no longer engage in as I approach senior citizenship. I would be most grateful if you or any of your contacts could assist me on this or tell me if it is a non starter. I do possess an old school Ordnance Survey map for S.E. Cornwall which I prefer although GPS can be quite useful when you get lost as I did today
All the best, Clive Can anyone advise please??

Winnen's Westerns
Chacewater
Roger Winnen

An unknown Western hauls the 12.25 Penzance to Birmingham New Street seen climbing away from Chacewater and nearing the summit before coasting down towards Truro on the.6th July 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen.

26th October 2018

26/10/2018

The Extreme length of two IETs at Redruth
Roger Winnen

Passengers travelling on two of these sets coupled together need to be aware that at stations like Redruth a large part of the rear set is off the platform.

181025a The 14.00 Penzance Paddington service at Redruth looking towards the tunnel. Copyright Roger Winnen

181025b Looking the otherway from the footbridge showing a good part of the rear portion of the train off the platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

Winnen's Westerns
Chacewater
Roger Winnen

D1026 Western Centurion heads the 09.33 from Penzance to the North of England seen approaching Chacewater. 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

26th October 2018

26/10/2018

Moretonhampstead 2018
Clive Smith

Driving through Moretonhampstead on 10th October 2018 I decided to have a look around the old station site. Remarkably little has changed since when Keith and Roger visited in 1976 (see the archive for their pictures). Thompson Hauliers are still in business on the site and no buildings appear to have been added. I was fortunate enough to be shown inside the listed engine shed by a kind employee. This is used as one of Thompson's store rooms. The station building is enclosed as part of their warehouses and I was told the station platform inside is still in situ.
Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks Clive.

Roy Hart adds - Although Moretonhamstead lost its passenger service in 1959, the engine shed has been unused since about 1950, so it is quite a survivor. Until it closed in 1962 or so, the signal box was built on to the engine shed.

Going to Looe
Mark Lynam

Coombe Junction Halt. Mark was at the Halt to record one of the four trains which call at this location on a weekday - there is no service on a Sunday. 22nd October 2018. Copyright Mark Lynam

150219 calls at Causeland - this being one of eleven up and down services which call here on request. 22nd October 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam

Very close to journey's end 150 219 seen close to the terminus at Looe. A very attractive view taken across a full tide from the Mill Pond. 22nd October 2018. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Trevemper Sidings,
Lane, Newquay
Shirley Williams

I am hoping to build a model of the Gannel down to Trerice ( Newquay - probably to Mitchell) in a period that will include the railway track to Newquay. I particularly want to include the old sidings in Lane. I live very close to there so have access to current state photos but I am struggling to find an old material - would any of your members be able to help me out please? I know this is an unusual corner of the old network!!
Many thanks, Shirley Can anybody help out please?

Ivybridge, East of
Clive Smith

43185 about three quarters of a mile east of Ivybridge passing the former Western Machinery Complex. 24th October 2018. Copyright Clive Smith

Having good fortune the previous day at Bittaford with InterCity swallow liveried 43185 leading the 14.03 Paddington to Penzance in lovely evening sun, I moved a mile further west to a field just east of Ivybridge station to try another shot in the low light with the same train . Luck was with me as the same power car rounds the corner by the former Western Machinery buildings. Any bets for Thursday ?
Regards, Clive Smith. Your and our lucky day - thanks.

Winnen's Western's
Bugle
Roger Winnen

D1011 Western Thunderer approaching Bugle on a local from Plymouth. 29th June 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

24th October 2018

24/10/2018

Bittaford
Clive Smith

Some late afternoon sunshine and my lack of Bittaford photos inspired me to wander down my road to capture the 14.03 Paddington - Penzance crossing the viaduct. Not an ideal location but the watery sun was at the correct angle to illuminate the viaduct and the imminent HST. My luck was in as Inter City swallow liveried power car 43185 was leading the train.

Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks Clive.

Bittaford Viaduct - Swallow liveried HST on the 14.03 Paddington to Plymouth. Picture taken at 17.06 23rd October 2018. Copyright Clive Smith

Winnens Westerns'
Long Rock
Roger Winnen

The single line from Long Rock to Penzance was operational from 23rd June 1974. Here we see empty stock running to Penzance 23rd June 1974. Copyright Roger Winnen

After seeing this photograph published Guy Vincent has identified this engine as D1026 Western Centurian photographed on 23rd June 1974.. Between 25th June through to 29th June 1974 this engine had a full repaint as other photos on the site show. Sadly the engine was withdrawn just over a year later on 6th October 1975 and cut up at Swindon during August 1976.
Many Thanks Guy

23rd October 2018

23/10/2018

A trip to the seaside
Redruth - Teignmouth
Martin Scane

Redruth - 57602 Restormel Castle brings in the down sleeper at 08.21 22nd October 2018. Copyright Martin Scane

In wonderful autumn sunshine Martin takes the scene at Teignmouth as 143 620 completes its run along the famous sea wall. The days are numbered for this class which offers good views from the windows and an acceptable ride on cwr track. It's 11.27 on the 22nd October 2018. Cipyright Martin Scane.

Teignmouth it is 16.20 as 43 368 brings up the rear of an up HST which seeks to hide itself in the shadows. Copyright Martin Scane. 22nd October 2018

Undy
Roger Geach

47596 powers the 14.25 Swansea Wills vans near Undy on the 16th May 1997 Copyright Roger Geach

Winnens' Westerns
Penzance
Roger Winnen

The Wirrel Railway Circle 'Great Britain' we see record breaker D1010 Western Campaigner at Penzance on the.7th May 1974. D1010 Western Campaigner was built at Swindon in 1962. It was withdrawn in 1977 and is now preserved by the Diesel & Electric . It holds the record of hauling the only non-stop Paddington to Penzance train ever. Copyright Roger Winnen.

22nd October 2018

22/10/2018

Forder Viaduct
Mark Lynam

Yesterday (20th October 2018) I visited Saltash for some shots of the Forder viaduct with perfect conditions, the sun was shining, the tide was coming in and there was barely any wind, making for some great reflections.

Thanks, Mark Lynam
And Many thanks to you Mark for four superb pictures. Note, in addition to the reflections the autumn tints in the trees. A full tide and full sun make for excellence.

43029 working 1A83 1000 Penzance to London Paddington. 20th October 2018. Copyright Mark Lynam

Through a gap in the trees 43158 on 1A85 1058 Penzance to London Paddington. 20th October 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam

From the other side of the valley at Antony Passage. Clean 66067+66104 work the RHTT 3J13 0907 Westbury to St Blazey LIP. 20th October 2018. Copyright Mark Lynam

And finally a GWR HST on the service from Penzance to London Paddington Copyright Mark Lynam

Winnen's Westerns (13)
Plymouth
Roger Winnen

D1034 Western Dragoon at Plymouth with a member of the crew peering into the engine room. Copyright Roger Winnen

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