Blog Archives

31st October 2020

31/10/2020

West of Westbury
Berkley Marsh
Roger Geach

59201 on the 7v52 Hamworthy to Whatley empties seen at Berkley Marsh on Wednesday 14th June 2017. Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger - a nice summery scene.

Passing Cogload
Bill Elston

Hi Keith, Former DBSO 9702 with 37099 pass Cogload Jct today at 13.00 with Network Rail test train working from Plymouth Park sidings
to Bristol High Level sidings, running some two hours early.
Best Regards, Bill

9702 and 37099 30th October 2020. Copyright Bill Elston

37099, 30th October 2020. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill and thanks too for providing the past months home page pictures.

Autumn Gold
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, I'm afraid the camera has really had a quiet month following the excitement of the charters a matter of weeks ago. A most welcome clearance of the sky had me heading to Golant at high tide on 27th. I tried a new vantage point to capture the clays, and was very pleased with the result. I don't recall ever seeing the water moving as much before, a slight swell is definitely visible in the river.

I then popped up to Lostwithiel to check out the recent tree felling around the golf course. Again, a new view of trains coming down from Restormel was recorded. Sadly the weather closed in just prior to the RHTT running back to St Blazey.

Kind regards, Craig

27th October 2020. Copyright Carig Munday. Certainly Autumn tinges here, an interesting view of the signals - good old semaphores.

A very full tide as 66020 passes Golant on the 27th October 2020 with a load for Carne Point. Copyright Craig Munday.

Craig seizes a wonderful opportunity with the oak tree on Lostwithiel golf course. 27th October 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Some wonderful Autumnal Scenes here - many thanks Craig.

Focus in the
Whiteball area 5
Paul Barlow

Peak 46035 on the 09.50 Newquay to Newcastle the 1E22 emerges from Whiteball tunnel. 22nd August 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Thank you Paul.

Night visit of Test Train to
Looe & Newquay
Mark Lynam

Good afternoon, I was out again last night chasing 37099 as it made a second trip into Cornwall to work the Looe & Newquay branches.
Thanks, Mark Lynam

37099 seen at Looe at 23:41 working 3Q52 2030 Exeter Riverside N.Y. to Plymouth Park Sidings via Looe & Newquay. The station lights were off, but luckily I had some portable ones with me. 29th October 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam

37099 seen at Coombe Junction at 00:07 before working back up to Liskeard, the front end being over the crossing. 29th October 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

37099 stopped at Liskeard at 00:24 while the driver heads to the signal box to hand the branch token back. 30th October 2020, Copyright Mark Lynam.

Newquay at 02.15. Not many people around!! 30th October 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Thank you Mark for your pictures taken at unearthly hours - I am puzzled by the 'portable lights' you carried with you! Well done anyway. No wonder you didn't send them until the afternoon!

30th October 2020

30/10/2020

Platform extension at
Lympstone Commando
David Tozer

The only station/halt on the Exmouth Branch I have never photographed is Lympstone Commando. Located opposite the Marine Camp, but with a cycleway/footpath in between. On the gates of the halt is a sign which states only persons with business may alight here. I have always been somewhat reluctant to use a camera in this area of the cycleway.

On Wedneday morning I drove to Exton and the walked along the cycleway. On the way I passed a couple orange army staff taking tools back to their van at Exton, yes wheelbarrow and all. On reaching Lympstone Commando I could see that men were working on the new extension. I politely asked if I could take some photos. I was advised due to the construction going on it was not possible. However one kind man offered to take a few photos for me (Photo No 1 attached). At the entrance to the platform he returned my camera and the let me take another few photos(Photo No 2).

On my back, keeping a social distance- I chatted to the supervisor. He was also overseeing the extension to St James' Park. He said part of platform extension is made of a special Polystyrene which keeps costs down. I told him that the halt was built in 1976 from platforms sections recovered from elsewhere. The task of putting this up was done my three men from Exmouth Junction BR(SR) Building Department.I used to enjoy a pint with one of them and he sadly passed away a few years ago well into his nineties.

Dave

Lympstone Commando Platform Extension (1) 28th October 2020. Copyright David Tozer.

Lympstone Commando Platform Extension (2) 28th October 2020. Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks for your detailed Report David.

Early days at Lympstone Commando

An early view of the platform on the 23rd April 1976 - it was opened on the 3rd May 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks Roger.

Focus in the
Whiteball area 4
Paul Barlow

46027 on the 10.32 Paignton to Leeds and Hull 1E60 seen at Whiteball 22nd August 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

New ground for us
Kemble
Ken Mumford

Kemble, Somebody suggested that the nameboard should included 'for Cirencester' which it once did before the branch was closed. 27th October 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

The Network Rail Test Train passes through on the 27th October 2020.

Kemble 04 The former platform for Cirencester - Line closed passengers 6th April 1964 and goods 4th October 1965. The line continues alongside the redundant platform to a buffer stop. This picture dated 27th October 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford

A very nice retained feature is this water tower once used to replenish steam locos on the main line and the branches to Cirencester and Tetbury. The latter branch was served by a platform once situated out of view behind the IET. 27th October 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford. A note from Roy Hart - Dear Keith, This water tower is a very special feature: until the 1980s it supplied water to Swindon works. Beside the tower was a pumping station. The tank was surmounted by a steel structure supporting a small header tank, which gave the thing a rather odd look. Today the tank is listed grade 2. As a matter of general interest, the source of the Thames is a few hundred yards up the road! Roy Many thanks for the bonus info.

66623 on a diverted Freightliner 27th October 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford

Many thanks Ken.

We have created a new section to cover the Swindon to Gloucester line which Roger Winnen is looking for material of his to fill. However if you have any views of other stations on this line we'd be delighted to include them.

56 abandoned at !!!!
Bristol
Guy Vincent

56087 has been left in the short siding at the east end of platform 5 at Bristol Temple Meads, presumably awaiting collection as it was removed from the Gloucester based RHTT set yesterday (27th). First priority must surely be a good wash and brush-up as it now resembles a Loadhaul example from about 25 years ago!

Best regards. Guy Vincent

Bristol TM 56087 in short siding. 28th October 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent.

From our man on the spot - many thanks Guy. It must be said however that in these days this is a rare example of dirty rolling stock, most of the trains are pretty spotless.

29th October 2020

29/10/2020

Focus in the
Whiteball area 3
Paul Barlow

45104 0958 Bradford to Paignton 1V86 approaches Wellington. 22nd August 1981 . Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Lightning strikes again
Roy Hart

Dear Keith,
Here is Lightning hauling the down 'Limited' towards Redruth around 1953. What a sight!
Regards Roy Hart

Lightning on the down Riviera. 1953.Copyright Roy Hart.

A grand sight and no doubt sound. Many thanks Roy.

Last Weekend at Long Rock

Engineering Work
Dennis Clarke

I have enclosed two pictures at the level crossing at Long Rock that I took on Saturday evening. There was obviously some work going on there with the road/rail vehicle there and the car park closed,

Long Rock Crossing Copyright Dennis Clarke

Car Park Closed and Road Closure at Long Rock. Copyright Dennis Clarke

Thanks Dennis

Last Weekend at Exeter
Engineering Work
Paul Barlow

Paul brings us up to date on last weekends work during the blockage.

66148 sits by Pennsylvania road bridge. 28th October 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

A view towards Exeter Central. 28th October 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Extending up platform at St James Park halt - 70806 is seen in the distance. 28th October 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Another view of the extension work at St James Park. 28th October 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

The Work site at Howell Road car park on the 28th October 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks for your extensive report Paul.

Double Exposure - the two Rogers at
Penzance
Andrew Triggs

The two Rogers at Penzance. RS on the left and RW with stick on right. 28th October 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs

And here they are in close up. I think RS has suggested that they sing and RW is not too happy about the idea. Might have raised some money though!! Photo by the Andrew Triggs studio - Copyright.

Test train 094004 at Penzance. 28th October 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many thanks Andrew - keep watching them!!

28th October 2020

28/10/2020

37099 Merl Evans
Andrew Triggs Mark Lynam Dennis Clarke Roger Winnen

37099 Merl Evans in Colas livery worked the 308Q 21.02 Test Train from Exeter Riverside to Penzance via Parkandillack and Falmouth last night.

37099 Merl Evans photographed at Truro. Copyright Mark Lynam

37099 Merl Evans seen at Falmouth Docks. Copyright Mark Lynam

Driving Trailer 9702 heads the train back this evening at 22.43 to Exeter Riverside. Copyright Andrew Triggs

211028b 37099 Merl Evans at Penzance. Copyright Dennis Clarke

201028c Broadside of the Colas 37 bearing the name Merl Evans which is most difficult to see being upper left of COLAS. Copyright Roger Winnen

Nightime at Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam

950001 Visits Newquay & Truro this morning
Mark Lynam

950001 at Newquay after a heavy downpour at 6:54 working 2Q08 0310 Laira T.& R.S.M.D. to Truro Yard (via Looe, Moorswater & Newquay) Copyright Mark Lynam

950001 seen arriving at Truro Yard. 2Q08 0310 Laira T.& R.S.M.D. to Truro Yard (via Looe, Moorswater & Newquay) Copyright Mark Lynam

Thanks Mark

Focus in the
Whiteball area 2
Paul Barlow

Under clear signals 45038 on Wellingon bank with the 09.08 Newcastle to Paignton 1V87 Wellington 22nd August 1981, Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

The blockage at
Exmouth Jct
David Tozer

Exmouth Junction Blockade Copyright David Tozer

Exmouth Junction Blockade 66745 'Modern Railways the first 50 years' at Arena Park. 26th .October 2020 Copyright Favid Tozer

Exmouth Junction Blockade Autumn tinge on the tree as 66957 stands at Beacon Lane bridge. Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David.

The blockage at
Exmouth Jct
Driver Alan Peters

Another classic picture as Colas Rail Freight 66848 is pictured waiting to exit the worksite during the Exmouth Junction engineering possession with 6C24 to Westbury in the evening of Sunday 25th October - Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan.

Bathpool
Bill Elston

My visit to Bathpool today (27th October 2020) produced the following;

Hope they are of interest,

Stay safe, Bill

photo 1, GBRf 66745 working 6G73, Exeter Central to Westbury with a rake of JNAs, 27th October 2020, Copyright Bill Elston

photo 2 Network Rail’s 950001 track recording DMU, working from Bristol High Level sidings to Laira, 27th October 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

photo 3 Castle set 43156 being led by 43042 on 1210 Taunton to Cardiff, and finally. 27th October 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

photo 4 ‘Foxrail’ in a grubby orange and grey livery ! 27th October 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill

27th October 2020

27/10/2020

Long time ago at
Yeovil Junction
Roger Winnen

The Exeter to Brighton train is seen arriving at Yeovil Junction station. 24th April 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger W.

Little Bedwyn
Roger Geach

59002 squeezes under the tight footbridge at Little Bedwyn with the 6c58 Oxford Rd to Whatley, It's Wednesday 14th JUne 2017. Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger G.

Focus in the
Whiteball area 1
Paul Barlow

A scene made by the signal as the 11.00 Paignton to Bradford 1E37 hauled by 45113 is seen at Whiteball on the 22nd August 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Near
Lelant Saltings
The Late John Cornelius

A little bit of route, the Looe Line Class 153 is seen here crossing the Saltings near the station of the same name. Copyright the late John Cornelius.

You are not forgotten John.

26th October 2020

26/10/2020

Lightning at
Long Rock
Roy Hart

Lightning being turned at Long Rock Copyright Roy Hart

Dear Keith, Here is a slightly murky, but interesting view of 70019 Lightning (69 feet 8 inches) on Penzance turntable (70 feet 0 inches) in about 1953.
Laira got five of these engines in 1951/2/3 and they left around year's end 1956-7. The regular turns were the 'Limited' and the up 'postal'.
All the best, Roy.

Many thanks Roy.

I too have memories of Lightning, it often saw it when I walked home from school and paused to look through the railings by the tunnel at Redruth at an up train headed by the 'gleaming monster'. After a brief stop there would be an unusual 'toot' before it quietly chuffed away into the tunnel. These are my memories of about 68 years ago!!

The last ever steam to stop at Redruth.

Another steam memory at Redruth as West Country 34002 comes to a stand just before the tunnel at Redruth. 3rd may 1964. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

West Country 34002 Salisbury stands at Redruth on the 3rd May 1964 with probably what will be the last ever steam train to stop at Redruth. Up on the bank to the right are the railings through which I peered to see Lighting. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

56 years ago!!

The Last of the Open Days at Bodmin General
Roger Winnen

This weekend saw the last of the Four Weekends when the Bodmin & Wenford Railway staged a static Open Day at Bodmin General.
When will services resume people are asking? Time will only tell!

201025a The rusty rails at Bodmin General showing that nothing as run for some time. Copyright Roger Winnen

201025b Motive power at Bodmin, being the Austerity from Antwerp, Denise originally from Burngullow and 47306 The Sapper. Copyright Roger Winnen

201025c The track diagram prior to the new installation of signals between Lostwithiel and Liskeard located in a coach at Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

201025bb The Sapper viewed through the fence outside of the station. Copyright Roger Winnen

25th October 2020

25/10/2020

Exmouth Jct. Blockade
David Tozer

A few pictures - for starters - received today at 11.14.

Exmouth Junction blockade 1 70806 25th October 2020. Copyright David Tozer.

Exmouth Junction blockade 2 70811 25th October 2020. Copyright David Tozer.

Exmouth Junction Blockade 3 70812 at Beacon Lane bridge - 2 25th October 2020 Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David.

Kings Walk
Dawlish
Colin Burges

Dear Keith, On Thursday I was viewing the completed King's Walk for the first time when along came the grubby Sandite Special. RHTT

Dawlish - the RHTT passes through the station on the 17th October 2020. Copyright Colin Burges. (Taken from what looks like a rather risky position)

Dawlish. The RHTT almost lost behind the new very high sea defences. 22nd October 2020 Colin Burges

It's an odd state of affairs when the next thing you see when turning the camera is Queen Mary II. She is now one of eight cruise ships at anchor in Babbacombe Bay, the largest assembly ever I should think. Even though I've seen them from Babbacombe Downs, Berry Head and Exmouth, they remain quite awesome. I wonder if some of them will ever go to sea again? Copyright Colin Burges.

Cheers Colin. Many thanks to you.

Collins Lane Crossing
Purton
Ken Mumford

Friends,
This morning I photographed a Wolverhampton to Windsor & Eton Riverside excursion passing the level crossing at Purton (Collins Lane).
For those interested the train was hauled by loco 47593 'Solway Princess' [under its name was an image of a Highland Terrier] followed by coaches 3125, 3045, 80046, 3122, 3148, 1211, 17056, 3448, 3384 with loco 47712 on the end.
Kind regards,
Ken Mumford.[Member of the Swindon & District Camera Club]

47 513 'Solway Princess'. 24th October 24th 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford

Many thanks Ken.

Swindon and Cricklade Rly
Blunsdon Depot
Ken Mumford

On my home from Purton I called in at the Blunsdon depot of the above railway. They are open today and tomorrow - hopefully today with diesel trains, tomorrow with steam.
My photos show 35011 named 'General Steam Navigation'. In green [0531] is its boiler whilst the frame [0533 and 0538] was in quite a difficult position to photograph.. The plan is to complete this loco in its ORIGINAL condition as a 'Spam Can' i.e. as it was built around the time of the end of World War 2. It's a fascinating story of what they have to do.
Kind regards,
Ken Mumford - Swindon Camera Club member.

This loco was/is actually named 'General Steam Navigation' after the shipping company of the same name which used to operate vessels from Three Quays in Lower Thames Street in the City of London and which subsequently as taken over by P&O.

Many congratulations on an excellent website which I view with great interest daily. Keep up the good work. Phil Nall
Additional information for which we are most grateful to Phil Nall

Blunsdon - 35011 'General Steam Navigation' under restoration (1) 24th October, Copyright Ken Mumford

Blunsdon - 35011 'General Steam Navigation' under restoration (2) 24th October, Copyright Ken Mumford

Looking very smart. Blunsdon - 35011 'General Steam Navigation' under restoration (3) 24th October, Copyright Ken Mumford

Many thanks Ken.

Ashbury Crossing
Ken Mumford

Ashbury Crossing 60074 with a tanker train. 24th October 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford

The war memorial at South Marston. Ken writes - soon we will be remembering those who gave their lives in many battles for this country and us [its people]. This is the REMEMBRANCE GARDEN with a memorial and two park-type benches although maybe it was a bit windy [and cold?] to sit and ponder. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Thus Ken finishes off a very busy day - many thanks Ken.

Five from Mark
Mark Lynam

Good afternoon, below are a few photos taken in the couple of days. Firstly chasing 66020 on the clay on Thursday then the New Measurement Train HST at Brea and Blue 150238 at Penryn.

Thanks,
Mark Lynam

Thursday 22nd - 66020 at Middleway St Blazey working the 6G09 13.02 Goonbarrow Junction Dbc to Fowey Docks Carne Point. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Still Thursday 22nd, 66020 at Lostwithiel station working 6G09 1302 Goonbarrow Junction Dbc to Fowey Dock Carne Point. A nice bright loco plus the white CDA's make for a fine photograph. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Having run round its train at Lostwithiel we 66020 at Coulson Park alongside the River Fowey. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Friday 23rd - 43062+43014 at Brea (At the former North Crofty Junction) working the 1Q18 0611 Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton (via Penzance). Copyright Mark Lynam.

Friday 23rd afternoon One of the two blue 150s - 150238 crossing Collegewood viaduct in Penryn working 2T82 1515 Falmouth Docks to Truro. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Thank you Mark, you a very profitable two days with fine weather.

24th October 2020

24/10/2020

A charming scene at
Crofton
Roger Geach

59004 seen here at Crofton obviously with power on climbing the bank towards Savernake with the Allington to Whatey empties. Wednesday 14th June 2017. Copyright Roger Geach. On the Kennet and Avon canal the skipper of the barge patiently waits while his mate goes to close the second gate - oh happy days.

Brings back pleasant memories of canal holidays - many thanks to you Roger.

Battersby Sequel
Mike Roach

Earlier this week we saw Battersby in extremes of weather. While I was there in the rain I took this photo showing all the trappings of a steam-age railway more than 20 years after steam traction ended in Britain, including a motorised trolley seemingly in good condition and ready for its next task taking men and materials down the line to do some p'way maintenance. This could have been one of the last times
I saw a motorised trolley still ready for use. Does anyone know when they were phased out in favour of road transport ?

Hi Roger It was good to see your additional photos of Battersby, and you certainly had better weather than we did. In this picture is the row of terraced houses built by the NER for the railwaymen who had to live in this isolated settlement; although I doubt whether the present residents consider themselves isolated, because they would need and have cars. Herewith a few more of my photos of the station. Regards Mike

Many Thanks Mike

Whats going on at
Swilly's bridge embankment?
Chris Finan

This embankment sits towards the edge of the area of North Prospect currently under regeneration, and I am wondering if it this vegetation clearing is for aesthetic purposes, or if the new housing will encroach further, or replace what is one of the few remaining original remains of the old line in Plymouth.

These pics were taken this morning - 17th October 2020.
Picture 1 & 5 are taken from North Down Crescent, showing where the line would have passed, between Ford station (just under a mile or so away) right of the picture and Camel’s Head left of the picture.
Picture 2 is taken pretty much on or near to the trackbed facing in the direction of Ford station, with the Biddick Drive red brick houses occupying what would have been the embankment the other side of Wolseley Road, with Picture 3 looking in the direction of Camel’s Head
Picture 4 is taken from the other side of Wolseley Road from Biddick Drive, showing roughly where Swilly Bridge (as I believe it was affectionately named) would have crossed the main road in the direction of Camel’s Head.
Regards Chris Finan.

Location map of Swilly bridge - Southern to St Budeaux and Okehampton and Waterloo to the left. To the right the Southern towards Plymouth. Map courtesy National Library of Scotland.

1 Swilly Bridge Crescent showing where the line would have passed, between Ford station (just under a mile or so away) right of the picture and Camel’s Head. 17th October 2020. Copyright Chris Finan.

2 Near to the trackbed facing in the direction of Ford station, with the Biddick Drive red brick houses occupying what would have been the embankment the other side of Wolseley. 17th October 2020. Copyright Chris Finan.

3 Looking in the direction of Camel’s Head. 17th October 2020. Copyright Chris Finan.

4 Wolseley Road from Biddick Drive, showing roughly where Swilly Bridge (as I believe it was affectionately named) would have crossed the main road in the direction of Camel Head Halt. 17th October 2020. Copyright Chris Finan.

5 Swilly Bridge Crescent showing where the line would have passed, between Ford station (just under a mile or so away) right of the picture and Camel’s Head left of the picture. 17th October 2020. Copyright Chris Finan.

Swilly Bridge St Budeaux - viewed from Camels Head side looking towards Plymouth Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer

Didn’t know if any of your contributors were aware of the vegetation being cleared, or what the plans might be for the area where the old line occupied? Thanks. Chris Finan

Many thanks Chris.

60's rural scenes around
Roche
Dave Antony

Don't know if anyone might have sent these in before....

Generally they show a large, what we would call, regeneration, in and around the village of Roche, but in the first, at about 5min 30 in, it does include some shots of Roche station showing what appears to be the decommissioning of the signal box.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=777159825688891

...and in the second, one reason for the remodelling of the roads through the village become apparent when the A30 traffic is diverted so the bridge over the Newquay line can be replaced, at about
9mins 40.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=777168889021318

Cheers, Dave Anthony

Many thanks for the links Dave, little railway other than glimpses of a heritage set at Roche station, but interesting use of earth moving machines before the arrival of the JCB.

A new venue
Pendomer
Bill Elston

Hi Keith,
I was over at Kit Hill, Pendomer today. This is a new location for me, being approximately midway between Crewkerne and Yeovil Jct; a good spot now that the vegetation
has recently been cut back.
Photos 1 and 2, show train 1L40, Exeter – W’loo led by 159104 with 158882, both still in SWT livery.
Photos 3and 4 show 1L21 W’loo – Exeter, led 159002 with 159102.
Photos 5 and 6 shows Network Rail’s NMT, led by 43062, with 43013
Photo 7 shows location details.

Hope they are of interest, Stay safe, Bill Elston

159104 leading the 11.40 Exeter to Waterloo 22nd October 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

158882 on the rear of 11.40 Exeter to Waterloo 22nd October 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

The sun is out - 159002 leading the 11.21 Waterloo to Exeter 22nd October 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

159102 bringing up the rear of the 11.21 Waterloo to Exeter 22nd October 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

43062 leads the NMT 22nd October 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks for an excellent collection Bill, steam will look nice here, if some comes before the grass grows!! Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill.

Gems from
Lostwithiel
Terry Baker

Hi Keith
A couple more photos, this time taken by my father Terry Baker in a gloomy 1977 summer.
1 46026 The Leicestershire & Derbyshire Yeomanry arrives with a set of clay hoods, At the time the somewhat dilapidated fence felt more important to record than the train
2 46002 descends into Lostwithiel from par with loaded clay hoods, taken from inside the old goods shed harking back to days when access to railway land was a lot more unrestricted.
Kind Regards, Martin Baker

Lostwithiel 1977A 46026 The Leicestershire & Derbyshire Yeomanry arrives with a set of clay hoods. Copyright Terry Baker

Lostwithiel 1977B Peak 46002 descends into Lostwithiel from Par with loaded clay hoods, taken from inside the old goods shed. Copyright Terry Baker.

Many thanks Martin.

22nd October 2020

22/10/2020

The RLIA at
Frome
Alan Peters

On 14th October 2020 the RILA train was working between Merehead Quarry and Frome where Colas 66850 "David Maidment OBE" With Fugro Raildata equipment attached is seen perfectly framed by the overall roof of Frome station train shed. Alan Peters - a really smashing shot.

RILA train was working between Merehead Quarry and Frome where Colas 66850 David Maidment OBE is perfectly framed by Frome Station building. 14th October 2020 Copyright Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan.

Merehead West Quarry Junction
Alan Peters

Another pictures of the RILA train operated by Colas with the Fugro Raildata equipment attached on 14/10/20, 66850 "David Maidment OBE" is pictured at Merehead West Quarry Junction, on the left is the very overgrown branch to Cranmore . Copyright Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan.

Reading
Roger Geach

66545 on the 09.03 Bristol to Felixstoww passes through Reading station on Friday r 17th February 2017 Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger

In the rain at
Battersby
Micheal Roach

We arrived at Battersby from Grosmont in Pacer 143607 at 17.00 on 09.08.89 and departed again at 17.45 in Pacer (Skipper) 142018 in West Country colours. I explored the various parts of the station which was about to be rationalised and took 20 photographs. A look at NLS maps reveals that the station was already just a shadow of its former self. It rained throughout our 45 minute stay.
Regards, Mike

Ah nice warm and welcoming Cornsih Skipper arrives. 9th August 1989. Copyright Mike Roach.

Hazel and Paul Roach board the train - the sign is for the double sided platform. Paul Roach is another contributor these days. Battersby 9th August 1989.

Roger Winnen visited less than a year later :-

A renumbered Cornish Skipper 142525 originally 142025 at Battersby on a run to Middleborough 23rd May 1990. Copyright Roer Winnen

Less than a year later 142525 at Grosmont on a return working to Middlesbrough. Copyright Roger Winnen 23rd May 1990

Normally the CRS website is limited to the bounds set by a Freedom of the West Country Railrover. However, as they were once West Country units and Mike and Paul Roach are regular contributors many thanks to Mike.
Roger, who's been everywhere, also comes in with a couple of pictures of 'our units' in foreign parts.

Courtesy Wikipedia - Battersby is unusual on the British railway network, due to the layout of the tracks. Formerly the place where the branch from Middlesbrough joined the through route from Whitby to Picton (on the Stockton to Northallerton portion of the former Leeds Northern Railway), the closure of the direct line west of Battersby in 1954 means that all services have to reverse in the station. Until the rationalisation of the signalling in the late 1980s it was common for two trains to do so at the same time, in order to pass each other on the single track Esk Valley line. Trains can still pass each other in the one remaining platform, using the "first in, last out" principle, as the platform line is signalled to permit two trains to occupy it at once.
In its early years Battersby was known as Ingleby Junction, and opened on the Picton to Grosmont line in 1858 when the Ingleby Mining company's private line first linked to the North Yorkshire & Cleveland Railway. The station was renamed to Battersby Junction in 1878 to avoid confusion with Ingleby station, on the Picton Branch, which ran from Battersby to the main line at Picton. The station was simplified to "Battersby" in 1893 (The NER had a dislike of "Junction" suffixes and removed most of them). Despite being located along single track routes, Battersby became a major hub with extensive marshalling sidings and three-road engine shed with turntable. Two terraces with 30 cottages along with two houses were built and still stand today.
Battersby used to have three platforms: two long through platforms connected by a central footbridge and a shorter bay platform with a run-round loop. Water towers were located at both ends of the station. Only the one at the current "junction end" remains today. The signal box located here has long since vanished, but traces of the third platform are still visible and a run-round loop is available for loco-hauled trains.

Many thanks to Mike and Roger.

21st October 2020

21/10/2020

The Finale
'Last Train to Torrington'
Keith Gale

Hi Roger
I have been following the interesting discussions about the final few trains to Torrington on the website which mentions the trains in 1982. I did actually photograph what was probably the last train in 1983. As part of an attempt to revive the line and gain political approval there was a special train of dignitaries who travelled on TDB975023 (single car unit) which worked a special to Torrington and back conveying the Devon Euro MP Lord O'Hagan, members of the Committee of the North Devon Railway Line Development Group and local government officials. This happened on 27 January 1983. I attach a couple of photographs as proof!

kind regards Keith Gale

Many Thanks Keith

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For a lot more history and photographs etc on Torrington station please click below.
http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/t/torrington/www.disused-stations.org.uk/t/torrington/
Also the question arises will this really be the last ever train to Torrington - the Tarka Valley Railway have an active base here and have laid in some track and keep stock at this location. Their eventual aim is to restore the line between Torrington and Bideford. So perhaps this wasn't the last train to Torrington??!!
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Ready for the off!
David Tozer

Roger, I have had a wander around Exmouth Junction. Sadly very few vantage points to see the engineering work next week.
150216 and 143603(with wheel flats) pass Polsloe Bridge with the 1154 Paignton to Exmouth.
The view towards Exmouth Junction from Polsloe Bridge platform.Will this change next week?
Three photos of the materials now at Exmouth Junction ready for the blockade next week. Dave

150216 and 143603(with wheel flats) pass Polsloe Bridge with the 1154 Paignton to Exmouth. Copyright David Tozer

Materials now at Exmouth Junction ready for the blockade next week. Copyright David Tozer

The view towards Exmouth Junction from Polsloe Bridge platform.Will this change next week? Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

The LAST last train to
Torrington
Guy Vincent

Bristol Temple Meads 6th November 1982 31174 31158 Last Train to Torrington Copyright Guy Vincent

Good afternoon Keith,
We enjoyed looking at Paul Barlow's interesting feature on the 'Last Train Beyond Torrington' that ran on 16th October 1982. Three weeks later on Saturday 6th November I was at Bristol Temple Meads and witnessed the arrival and departure of what the station announcer proclaimed was ''The Last Tain to Torrington''. This was a mammoth 15 coach special hauled by class 31 locos 31174 and 31158. The empty stock was formed up at Malago Vale carriage sidings so it arrived from the west and departed from platform 5 eastwards before travelling over what used to be known as the Bristol Avoiding Line from North Somerset Junction to Bristol West Junction via St Philips Marsh. This tour was organised by British Rail and also appears on the SBJ railtour site. Best regards. Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy

N.B.This railtour is covered more fully in our Diesel Railtours in Cornwall & Devon 1960 to 1989 section

October 13th visit to
Whatley Quarry
Driver Alan Peters

The RILA train visited Whatley Quarry on 13/10/20, Colas Rail Freight 66850 "David Maidment" with the Fugro Raildata attached made 4 trips between Whatley Quarry and Frome, where 66850 is pictured alongside 66501 which is waiting to depart with a stone train - Alan Peters

Ex-BR class 08933 in MRL livery draws the next train out of the quarry for departure - 13th October 2020 Copyright Alan Peters

66568 enters the quarry through the diminuative Murdercombe tunnel. 13th October 2020 Copyright Alan Peters.

13th October 2020 Copyright Alan Peters.

Whatley Quarry exit signal W285 worked by Westbury PSB. The diminuative 55yard Murdercombe tunnel beyond. 13th October 2020. Copyright Alan Peters.

Many thanks indeed Alan for these 'inside views'.

Sunset at
Plymouth
Chris Harvey

The sun is just a glow in the sky at Plymouth as the 13.35 Paddington to Penzance leaves for Cornwall. 17th October 1998 Copyright Chris Harvey

Many thanks Chris

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