Blog Archives

21ST October 2018

21/10/2018

Hot News!!

Pictures of the Newton Abbot Fire
Taken from a down train.
by Kevin Jenkin

Many thanks to Kevin for being 'quick on the shutter'.

Newton Abbot Fire - taken at 16.50 as the train ran into the station. 21st October 2018 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

No doubt where we are!! 21st October 2018. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Newton Abbot Fire 16.53 21st October 2018 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Newton Abbot Fire. The rather tatty David and Charles Building seems to have survived unscathed. . 21st October 2018 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

A Huge Fire in Newton Abbot this afternoon
Roger Winnen

Latest Report see :-
https://www.devonlive.com/news/local-news/live-updates-huge-fire-breaks-2131796

Firefighters from across Devon has been tackling a large blaze near to Newton Abbot Railway Station. The building had been a Historic Victorian Carriage and Repair Shed built in 1891/1893 as a GWR Reconstruction of Newton Abbot Railway Works. It was hoped that despite opposition from the local action group not to demolish it a save it for the towns railway heritage. Aldi after a long legal battle won the argument to build a new superstore on the site.
I visited the area yesterday afternoon after travelling up from Penzance and purchasing a Devon Rover Ticket.
Alongside stood the former David & Charles building much ransacked, what would David St Thomas and Ivor Hocking have said?
Viewing the building from the Industrial Estate a fire crew was in attendance dealing with a small rubbish fire which they tell me was a frequent occurrence on the site.
It seems that I made it just in time!

181020a The former David & Charles timber building now ransacked stands alongside the former Victorian Carriage shop. Copyright Roger Winnen

181020b Once a hive of activity for David & Charles Book Publishers. Copyright Roger Winnen

181020c Outside passes the Railhead Treatment train returning to Par from Westbury. Copyright Roger Winnen -

181020d The gantry from Newton Abbot Station stands at the entrance to the Brunel Industrial Estate. Copyright Roger Winnen -

181020dd The David & Charles Building with the Fire Brigade in attendance and the Victorian Carriage Shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

181020e The fire Brigade putting away their equipment. Copyright Roger Winnen

181020f Front this angle this building looks in fine shape nearly 100 yds long only to be burned out the following day. Copyright Roger Winnen

This afternoon at
Gwinear Road
Ollie Turrell

Thanks Ollie.

Gwinear Road - A wave from the driver as the 08.00 Padd - Pz Copyright Ollie Turrell 21st October 2018

Gwinear Road -The cloud clears as the 08.00 Paddington - Penzance continues west. Copyright Ollie Turrell 21st October 2018

Clive focuses on
Bittaford
Clive Smith

Bittaford is located between Ivybridge and South Brent and is where I have lived for nearly twenty years. Not the first place I choose to take railway photos due to its lack of ideal locations, Ivybridge being my preferred choice. These five are pretty much my entire Bittaford photo file.

Bittaford did once have its own station. To see pictures of it please check the link to Brian Moseley's very interesting and detailed website 'Old Plymouth'
http://www.oldplymouth.uk/Railways-Bittaford%20Platform.htm

Regards, Clive Smith.

Many thanks for your collection and the above highly recommended link. Keep up the good work. I always look out for Bittaford, a charming spot located on a crook in the old A38 where it comes close to the viaduct.

(1) A2 Peppercorn 60532 Blue Peter crosses over Bittaford Viaduct with the Eastern Mayflower tour to Plymouth on the 2nd July 2000. This was taken from a field which now has a large house with garden preventing access to this vantage point. The loco has not steamed since 2002. Copyright Clive Smith

(2) A Merlin liveried HST heads to London Paddington over Bittaford Viaduct in 2000 (date not recorded). This was taken from the end of my road. This view is also not possible now due to a housing development built not long after. Copyright Clive Smith

(3) 67030 passes over Bittaford Viaduct on the 26th April 2009 with the VSOE from Truro to London Victoria. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) A GWR HST crosses the viaduct with the 13.03 Paddington to Plymouth on the 16th October 2018. Copyright Roger Winnen.

(5) A hike up Western Beacon which overlooks both Ivybridge and Bittaford can produce good results if you have a reasonable camera and a sunny day. A GWR HST can be seen in the distance crossing Bittaford Viaduct with the 09.03 Paddington to Plymouth on the 18th October 2018. The derelict engine shed of the Redlake Tramway can be seen in the foreground. Note the housing development which no prevents the view in picture 2. Copyright Clive Smith

Memories of a Holiday
in Dawlish Warren
Part 2
Roger Salter

The 08.50 Westbury to St Blazey enters Kennaway Tunnel Dawlish on the 8th October 2018 with the RHTT Train. Copyright Roger Salter

The 1C02 06.30 Paddington to Paignton passes Langstone Rock with a new 802 IET. Copyright Roger Salter

The 5Z 46 ECS Move from Plymouth to Exeter following Flying Scotsman visit. Copyright Roger Salter

The 15.50 Exeter to Plymouth passes Eastdon taken with the landowners permission. Copyright Roger Salter

The 1C 78 10.35 Paddington to Plymouth is seen passing Powerham. Copyright Roger Salter

DSC_5783 The 10.21 Paignton to Exmouth calls at Dawlish Warren. This unit 150207 still retains its Northern Rail livery. Copyright Roger Salter

Cardiff
Roger Geach

60033 at Cardiff in an unusual Blue Steel Livery with a coil train. Almost mid-summers day the date is 19th June 1998 Copyright Roger Geach

20th October 2018

20/10/2018

Views around Laira
Andrew Triggs

Apologies for the delay - Andrews report for yesterday
I had an enjoyable day down Laira Depot way in the warm October sunshine today, and a variety of photos for CRS
All the Best, Andrew
Many thanks Andrew, making the best of the good weather.

Picture 1. 66067 with 66104 on the RHTT approaching Laira Bridge running 46 early at 14.07, heading back to St Blazey
Picture 2. The NMT (1Q18) heading for Paignton on the return from Penzance, passing Laira Depot at 14.17
Picture 3. Viewed from Laira Bridge, resident 08641 with 43155 'The Red Arrows' 'on shed'
Picture 4. 800314 clearing Laira Bridge at 14.00, working 1A88 12.04 Penzance-London Paddington

Around Laira (1) 19th October 2018. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Around Laira (2) 19th October 2018. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Around Laira (3) 19th October 2018. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Around Laira (4) 19th October 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Roskear Jn.
Stage two commissioning
Craig Munday

A momentous week for one of our smaller signal boxes in the Duchy. Roskear gets a new panel. The stage 2 commissioning has seen some ground breaking changes to the box at Stray Park Road, including:

Dolcoath being significantly upgraded to a full barrier Obstacle Detection (OD) crossing.

The many user worked crossings in the area getting red/green miniature red/green lights.

Six new stop signals between Gwinear Road and Chacewater. These have already reduced congestion and improved headways on the Cornish mainline. The hour hour service will benefit from these new signals. Particularly satisfying that areas which lost boxes in the 70/80s have stop signals once again like Hayle, Chacewater & Redruth.

New axle counter track sections has resulted in the Roskear to Truro portion of line being Track Circuit block throughout.

Kind regards, Craig

Many thanks indeed Craig for this detailed report and pictures.

West Cornwall Re-signalling 01 Roskear Panel complete. 16th October 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

West Cornwall Re-signalling 02 Paradise crossing (Near Truro) 16th October 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

West Cornwall Re-signalling 03 Dolcoath. 43097 passes. 19th October 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

West Cornwall Re-signalling 04 Truro Absolute Block - Farewell 11th October 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

West Cornwall Re-signalling 05 Truro Absolute Block farewell 11th October 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

West Cornwall Re-signalling 06 Dolcoath crossing refit 8th Oct 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

Exeter Central
David Tozer

A rare visit for me to the City Centre, so as the NMT was running I popped over to Northernhay Gardens and got a couple of photos - it was running early!!. The NMT heads into Exeter Central with the 0541 1Q23 from Reading Triangle Sidings. One of the coaches appears to have had its pantograph removed. Regards Dave. Many thanks David

43013 leads to form this very interesting study at Exeter Central as the NRM Test Train passes through. 18th October 2018. Copyright David Tozer

Detailed roof study of the NRM Test Train at Exeter Central. 18th October 2018 Copyright David Tozer

Bishton
Roger Geach

60037 near Bishton with a Bristol to Alexander Dock Jct. train. 20th October 2005 Copyright Roger Geach

Winnen's Westerns (12)
Long Rock
Roger Winnen

D1040 Western Queen heads past Long Rock with the afternoon parcels for Penzance. 19th May 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

19th October 2018

19/10/2018

Western China Clay
Saturday 4th December 1976
Roger Winnen

On Saturday morning at 09.47 D1023 Western Fusilier pulled into Falmouth Docks Station tailed by D1056 Western Sultan hauling the Western China Clay organised by Railway Pictorial Publications.
This train departed Paddington at 00.35 Swindon 01.50 Bristol 02.46/03.45 Plymouth 06.57/07.45 Truro 09.03/09.20 Falmouth Docks 09.47/10.05 Newquay 12.06/13.05 Loswithiel 14.12/14.24 Carne Point 14.40/15.03 London Paddington 20.45
Both engines changed ends at Par and Newquay.
On this day I was given a lift by the late Alan Bennett in his 1956 Split Windscreen Morris Car.
A day to remember when Health & Safety was not heard of.

761204a D1023 Western Fusilier heads the railtour into Falmouth Docks at 09.47. Copyright Roger Winnen

761204b D1056 Western Sultan prepars to return with the train to Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

761204d Steam Heat in abundance as the trains departs Falmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen P.S. D1056 Western Sultan was withdrawn from British Railways service also in December 1976 and cut up at Swindon in May 1979

761204e Plenty of clagg from D1056 Western Sultan. Copyright Roger Winnen

761204f D1056 Western Sultan approaches the closed station of Probus & Ladcock - Copyright Roger Winnen

761204g A run around has taken place as D1056 Western Sultan opens up as it passes through St Columb Road on route to Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

761204h The train at Newquay for its 60 minutes lunch break. Another run around has taken place. Copyright Roger Winnen - Copy

761204i Newquay in those days had three platforms and sidings in the station area. Copyright Roger Winnen

761204j The Western China Clay passes Luxulyan with D1056 Western Sultan. We chased this train with a Morris Split Windscreen Car built 1956 LJY 220.seen parked at the station. Copyright Roger Winnen

761204j D1023 Western Fusilier is seen passing Golant on route to Carne Point. Copyright Roger Winnen

761204l The returning train to Paddington has just passed the level crossing at Golant. Copyright Roger Winnen

18th October 2018

18/10/2018

Do you remember?
Truro 1970's
Trevor Tremethick

A question for you. Apologies if I have asked before - I don't think I have.

I wonder if you (or indeed anyone in the Society) will remember the glass-fronted trophy case that lived on Platform 2 at Truro Station for many years? I remember it well when I was there trainspotting in the 1960s and I think it was probably there in the 1970s as well.

Among the bits and bobs it contained was the large Robins Bolitho Ambulance Shield and there are photos on the internet of it being presented to teams from Truro and Penzance at various times during the 1920s. Truro must have been the final winners as I never saw it moved from the case (which was situated near the Falmouth Bay). There was also a photograph of one of the Truro drivers, Tobias Curgenven.

Robins Bolitho was a director of the GWR and an important man in the banking fraternity of Cornwall. He had a Saint class engine named after him (No. 2973, withdrawn 1933).

I'd be interested to know when the case was removed (it was not there when I looked some years ago) and what happened to its contents.
I can imagine it but cannot honestly recall it, maybe it went to Swindon Museum. KJ

Memories of a Holiday in Dawlish Warren
October 2018 Roger Salter
Part 1

181011 The 1C78 the 10.35 Paddington to Plymouth passes Langstone Rock behind 43027 90 Glorious Years. Copyright Roger Salter

181011 The 621F Moorswater to Aberthaw passes Dawlish Warren on a very wet October morning. Copyright Roger Salter

181011 Its only 11.06 as storm Callum makes its presence felt at Dawlish Warren. Copyright Roger Salter

181010 The 08.50 Westbury to St Blazey RHTT at Powderham. Copyright Roger Salter

181011 The 08.50 RHTT Westbury to St Blazey passes Langstone Rock behind 66200 already dirty after only a few days work. Copyright Roger Salter

Plymouth
Roger Geach

It's the 21st March 1992 at Plymouth station as 47634 backs in light diesel for the 08.30 vans. Note Met Cam DMU in adjacent platform. Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger

Winnen's Westerns (11)
Angarrack
Roger Winnen

A Class 52 leaves Angarrack Viaduct and heads for Hayle. 18th May 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen. Note how clear of vegetation the cutting is.

17th October 2018

17/10/2018

Chaos at London Paddington today as an IET Test Train causes damage to the overhead wires

The Line between Slough & Paddington was completely closed for the whole day due to severe overhead line damage at West Ealing with 802016 5Z65 21:13 North Pole to Stoke Gifford getting tangled in the wires last night.
Many electric units evacuated over night, and the trains were still in same position this morning.
However by lunchtime today a limited service was in operation on two lines as the 07.41 and the 09.00 Penzance Paddington services arrived at their destination, Paddington, to time.
Passengers are still being warned to avoid Paddington.

Footbidge, west of.
Newton Abbot
Clive Smith

Earlier this month (October 2018) I stood on the road bridge over the railway to the west of Newton Abbot station to photograph some GWR HSTs from London. Crossing the road to take some shots looking west to Aller for the first time since the 1980s I was rather surprised to find this was now impossible. I have been told around four or five years ago the bridge was closed and condemned as unsafe for pedestrians . The road bridge did not carry a pavement until then but these have been added with a slight narrowing of the road lanes. The result is the loss of a useful photo location . The last three pictures show the scene on the 9th October 2018. The first picture was taken on 21st May 1983 from the footbridge of 45109 on the 07.50 Paignton - Glasgow and Edinburgh. I believe the footbridge carries electricity cables underneath it and removal of the bridge was planned for August this year but has clearly not happened.

Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks Clive.

Newton Abbot 1 View from the footbridge west of we see. 45109 on the 07.50 Paignton, to Glasgow and Edinurgh on the 21st May 1983. Copyright Clive Smith Note the cutting sides without trees.

Newton Abbot 2 View from the footbridge west of 9th October 2018. Copyright Clive Smith

Newton Abbot 3 View of the footbridge closed sign. 9th October 2018. Copyright Clive Smith

Newton Abbot 4 View of the disused footbridge. 9th October 2018. Copyright Clive Smith

Winnens Westerns (10)
Hayle
Roger Winnen

D1009 Western Invador climbing out of Hayle with the 14.40 Penzance Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

16th October 2018

16/10/2018

IET at Newquay
Mark Lynam

Yesterday we received an exclusive batch of truly unique pictures of the first IET run to Newquay. These were taken by Nick Dyke, the driver, and who better? Nicks pictures arrived at 17.18 and the following pictures from Mark Lynam arrived at 19.44. So rather than clutter Nick's unique collection we've held those from Mark over until today. Again unique and much appreciated. Thank you Mark.

Nicely framed. 802101 at Newquay 15th October 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam

802101 at Newquay 15th October 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam. Driver Nick Dyke at the controls

Combe and Respryn
Roger Geach

Roger Geach, a Cornishman, returned to see the 'Scotsman' and also managed to fit in a couple other Cornish locations. Good to have you back, and many thanks.

70816 6c35 02.50 Aberthaw to Moorswater at Coombe Jnct on Wednesday the 10th October 2018 Copyright Roger Geach

Respryn 66120 and 66200 on the The same day Roger moved to the delightful location at Respryn to see the RHTT coming from Westbury and going to St Blazey 10th October 2018 Copyright Roger Geach Note that the leaves, which this is all about, are turning brown.

Winnens Westerns (8)
Lostwithiel
Roger Winnen

A Western leaving Lostwithiel with the Fowey Branch in the foreground. 18th April 1974. Copyright Roger Winnen

15th October 2018

15/10/2018

The First IET to Newquay
Exclusive pictures
from the driver.
Nick Dyke

Hiya guys, I had the privilege of driving 802101 (5Z80 0600 Stoke Gifford to Newquay)on its maiden voyage to Newquay today, here’s some shots with managements permission at Par, Goonbarrow and Newquay. Kind regards Yogi
Lucky you and congratulations and lucky us to get your pictures for which many thanks indeed. Just to think a few weeks ago we were saddened at the thoughts of the last HST's on the branch - perhaps next summer long trains will return - let's hope so.

First IET to Newquay on the double track section from Par to St Blazey 09.58 15th September 2018 Copyright Nick Dyke Driver

First IET to Newquay. From the signalbox at Goonbarrow 15th September 2018 Copyright Nick Dyke Driver

First IET to Newquay at Goonbarrow 15th September 2018 Copyright Nick Dyke Driver

A smashing view of the first IET to Newquay at Goonbarrow. 15th September 2018 Copyright Nick Dyke Driver

First IET to Newquay at Goonbarrow awaiting clearance to enter the single track section to Newquay. 15th September 2018 Copyright Nick Dyke Driver

First IET to Newquay at Newquay 15th September 2018 Copyright Nick Dyke Driver

First IET returns from Newquay is seen waiting to enter the loop at Goonbarrow Newquay 15th September 2018 Copyright Nick Dyke Driver

Once again many thanks Nick.

The First IET to Newquay
Roger Winnen

Today saw a test train running as the 5Z80 Stoke Gifford to Newquay and returning as the 5Z66 11.42 Newquay to Stoke Gifford, I was able to photograph the return working near Middleway Crossing St Blazey.

181015a 802101 returns from Newquay on the inaugural run seen approaching Middleway Crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen

181015b 802101 heads for Par and Stoke Gifford. Copyright Roger Winnen

Memories are made of this - Dolcoath Crossing
Hi, Keith, I saw the new full barrier crossing (with its radar obstruction detection) in operation this morning at around 10.00 with the 05.24 Bristol-Pz and the 09.25 Pz-Manchester passing over. A far cry from the days when I used to help Dad in the box turning the wheel to open the gates!
Best wishes, Mike Hitchens. We too remember your Dad Cyril.

Flying Scotsman to Penzance
Video by Trevor Goldsworthy

Trevor has sent in a link to his video of the arrival of 4472 at Penzance - this is highly recommended. Many thanks to Trevor for his own link and the advice concerning the drone link.

The link to Trevor's video is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZIj_8mFMtQ

Also highly recommended is this drone footage taken despite the dreadful weather. Credits for this footage are on the link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh1B41Dd7sc

While pictures of the visit by this famous loco are still coming in we seem to have, despite the thousands who turned out to view the occasion in dreadful weather very few pictures in our special feature. Nothing at St Erth and Hayle, nothing other than Trevor's video at Camborne, just one at Redruth (KJ's own of poor quality) None at Truro, none at St Austell, Bodmin Parkway, Liskeard, St Germans or Menheniot. Anyway, if you want to add your pictures to our collection please send them in. There are on the feature several very interesting shots between the stations and many thanks to those who contributed. To view what we have please click here.

New Scotsman pictures just in - many thanks. These pictures have also been added to the Features.

Trerulefoot Steam Dreams tour, Flying Scotsman 6th October 2018 Copyright Peter Salmon

This superb shot comes under the heading of the 'second coming' - the second run from Plymouth and it's in sunshine. Lucky Roger. 60103 and 44871 on the 1700 Plymouth to Par steam specail on Moorswater viaduct Saturday 6th October 2018 Copyright Roger Geach

60103 and 44871 cross Blatchford Viaduct with the Plymouth to Exeter run on Monday 8th October 2018 Copyright Roger Geach

This morning at
Redruth
Martin Scane

The 08.12 to Paddington with 253001 looking rather tired at the rear departs Redruth. 15th October 2018 Copyright Martin Scane To my mind (KJ) an attractive picture, perhaps more so than it it were a drab 800!

Then and now
Newton Abbot
Clive Smith

The changes following the 1987 rationalisation are much more apparent here. The first picture shows 45017 leaving the station with the 21.31 Nottingham - Plymouth parcels on 21st May 1983. Tracks lead off in directions past the magnificent west box, providing a through line and platform as well as lines to the yard and recently closed depot. Semaphores abound. The fondly remembered David And Charles exhibition coaches can be seen to the right. Fast forward to 9th October 2018 and 43030 departs leading the re-timed 10.35 Paddington - Plymouth. The station now has an extended car park and three lines and platforms. The rest is history and it looks like the Victorian Carriage & Wagon shed just visible to the right will also soon go to make way for an Aldi store - see link.
https://www.devonlive.com/whats-on/shopping/aldi-plans-new-newton-abbot-1238756

Regards, Clive Smith.
Another extensive report from Clive for which many thanks.

Newton Abbot West End as 45017 departs with the 21.31 Nottingham to Plymouth. 21st May 1983. Copyright Clive Smith

Newton Abbot West End 43030 on the re-timed 10.35 Paddington to Plymouth. 9th October 2018. Copyright Clive Smith.

Undy
Roger Geach

33021 on the Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff seen at Undy on Friday 3rd July 1987 Copyright Roger Geach

Winnens Westerns (8)
Exeter
Roger Winnen

D1026 Western Centurian arrives at Exeter St David's. 17th April 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

14th October 2018

14/10/2018

The Flying Scotsman at Penzance
Trevor Goldsworthy

181006za The crowd gathers around Flying Scotsman at Penzance. Copyright Trevor Goldsworthy

181006zb Flying Scotsman has its tender replemished with water in the station yard. Copyright Trevor Goldsworthy

181006zd 60103 is seen backing out to couple to the rear of the returning train. Copyright Trevor Goldsworthy

181006ze The valve gear in close up. Copyright Trevor Goldsworthy

181006zf The front end of 60103 The Flying Scotsman. Copyright Trevor Goldsworthy

Click Here to find more pictures of the Flying Scotsman in the South West located in the Features Section 1823

Many Thanks Trevor

It never rains, but it pours!
Due to a collapse of a culvert under the running line in on the Teign estuary all lines are closed. Hole is 4 sleepers in length and getting larger

Rail Replacement buses being sourced. Line expected to be closed most of the day

14/10/18

Changes at
Newton Abbot
Clive Smith

Of all the locations that have changed over the years it is Newton Abbot that has seen the most radical. Despite thirty one years passing since the 1987 rationalisation I still find it strange being on the station without automatically thinking of the past. These pictures show the changes looking east from the end of the station. The first shows 45064 heading the 06.35 Bristol TM - Plymouth on 26th August 1983. This train conveyed a number of parcel vans. The wonderful signal box and points and wooden pole lighting complete the scene. Fast forward to 9th October 2018 and an HST heads east with the 12.55 Plymouth - Paddington. The scene is now one of rationalised track, weeds and what looks like a tree explosion where the box once stood.
Regards Clive Smith
Many thanks for your very much 'Then and Now' pictures.

An HST heads east with the 12.25 Plymouth to Paddington. 9th October 2018 Copyright Clive Smith (One takes the point about there being a 'tree explosion. where the box was)

Marshfield
Roger Geach

47234 on a short freight near Marshfield 8th April 1987 Copyright Roger Geach

Winnens Westerns (7)
Penzance
Roger Winnen

D1023 Western Fuselier and 1722 at Penzance. 12th April 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

13th October 2018

13/10/2018

802011 At Long Rock today
It is believed that this is the train which was evacuated last night at Truro
Roger Salter

181013a 802011 seen at Long Rock on Saturday morning believed to be the train which was evacuated at Truro owing to smoke on Friday evening. Copyright Roger Salter

Truro Evacuation
Clive Smith

I believe there has been chaos at Penzance this evening. Not sure exactly what but a friend working nights at Plymouth says the sleepers has not left yet and an IET has had a fire on it. See other e mails following....
Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive for your observations and link details.
Note :- It was a horrendous night for travelling anyway, the weather was dreadful. Full and accurate details would be appreciated.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/C40185/2018/10/12/advanced
An interesting item - from Cornwall Live - click below
https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/local-news/passengers-evacuated-from-truro-station-2104514.amp

Another report on Twitter. Hitachi train on fire - train returns to Truro station - all evacuated safely.
https://mobile.twitter.com/absolutoursuk/status/1050809188610396162

Disruptions today

Exeter St Davids - Paignton / Plymouth / Penzance
Great Western Railway services will run at a reduced speed on all routes between Plymouth and Penzance extending journey times by up to 20 minutes.
CrossCountry services are suspended between Plymouth and Penzance and services between Exeter St Davids and Paignton / Plymouth will not operate until after the morning high tide passes at 11:00, owing to waves predicted to be over-topping the exposed sea wall at Dawlish.
Liskeard - Looe
Due to predicted tidal flooding between Liskeard and Looe, train services between Liskeard and Looe are suspended all day. Road transport is operating between these stations.
Buses Penzance to Truro.

The Flying Scotsman and Black 5 44871
Roger Salter

181006z 60103 The Flying Scotsman at Respryn on its way to Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

181008 60103 Flying Scotsman and 44871 on the return run Monday 8th October calling into Dawlish Warren. Copyright Roger Salter

181008b 60103 and 44871 is seen passing Easton. Copyright Roger Salter

Coekernew
Roger Geach

47231 on a freightliner from Pengam nr Coedkernew nr Marshfield between Cardiff and Newport going east 18th Sept 1991 Copyright Roger Geach

Winnens Westerns 6
Laira Dump
Roger Winnen

A sad sight and a remarkable view, two Westerns on the scrap line. D1058 Western Nobleman is one of the engines on Laira Dump, this was the last Western to be scrapped. 29th January 1977. With gratefull thanks to Guy Vincent who has identified the second Western as D1009 Western Invader who had a repaint in 1976 for working a Eastleigh Railtour followed by the third Western which most probably D1070 Western Gauntlet. Copyright Roger Winnen

12th October 2018

12/10/2018

A busy Weekend + October Magic
Craig Munday

With the last wisps of steam fading into the distance, it's nice to get back to normal on the Cornish mainline. It was great to see so many out for Flying Scotsman, and enthusiasts and general public were very sensible.

However, the railways go on...

This weekend sees the new signals and enhancements at the many level crossings between Truro and St Erth.

New signal section with axle counters will be installed at (UM): Gwinear Road, Redruth & Chacewater, (DM) Chacewater, Redruth and Hayle. This will see the Truro - Roskear changed to the Track Circuit Block system. Roskear to St Erth will remain Absolute Block with a shortened section as a result.

The User worked and FP crossings at Holmbush crossing near St Austell as gets miniature lights. Lower Trenowin. Upper Trenowin, Trevingey, Treleigh and Paradise Crossings get miniature red and green lights.

Dolcoath crossing, a former Automatic half barrier crossing, becomes the Duchy's first Obstacle Detection (OD) crossing. Very much like a CCTV crossing with full barriers, but radar scanning the deck rather than cameras. All very high tech stuff, and welcome enhancements to rids us of the 14 mile section we currently have Camborne to Truro.

Some recent pictures for you including 153369 / 325 in fetching blue & red livery on the Newquay branch at St Blazey and Chapel. The background at Chapel is interesting to see the building development work as Newquay inexorably spills out of town into the surrounding Countryside. This once rural shot will be changed forever soon.

Fine weather and a bright red 66165 on the clay saw me heading to Ian's farm for a Autumnal shot of Golant from the Lerryn side of the river. I was delighted with the results.
All the best for now, Craig.
A Bumper Bundle of News and Pictures for which many thanks Craig.

Chapel Crossing, Newquay branch. 153369 153325. 9th October 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

66165 Golant, From Ians field. 9th October 2018. Copyright Craig Munday

Don't forget - Tomorrow at the Memorial Hall, Redruth at 6.30 PM

* Amyas Crump presents
'Peter Gray's West Country' *
An unforgettable show -
   highly recommended.

Just prior to Peter Gray's death in 2017, his good friend Amyas Crump was helping him to put together a special collection of Peter's photos to show to railway societies. Sadly Peter can no longer be with us – but we welcome Amyas with this collection.

For details of the venue please click here

Newport
Roger Geach

47292 runs into Newport with an Exeter to Newport train 27th April 1995 Copyright Roger Geach

Just a week ago and the weather is even worse today!
St Germans Bank
Copyright Roger Geach

60103 47760 0900 Plymouth - Penzance on St Germans bank Sat 6th October 2018 Copyright Roger Geach

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