Blog Archives

23rd October 2020

23/10/2020

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

Brings up the rear of 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.

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

Battersby on the 9th August 1989. Copyright Mike Roach

Battersby signal box on a grim day. 9th August 1989. Copyright Mike Roach.

The bleak scene at Battersby on the 9th August 1989. Copyright Mike Roach.

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

TDB 975023 at Torrington on 26th January 1983. Copyright Keith Gale

TDB 975023 at Fremington on 26th January 1983. Copyright Keith Gale

Many Thanks Keith

__________________________________________________
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??!!
_________________________________________________________

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

Whatley Quarry 66850 David Maidmount 13th October 2020 Copyright Alan Peters

Whatley Quarry 66850 David Maidmount 13th October 2020 Copyright Al 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

20th October 2020

20/10/2020

Yarde Halt
Roger Geach

The remains of Yarde halt as seen on the 22nd September 2015. Copyright Roger Geach

Yarde Halt railway station was an intermediate halt on the initially privately run North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway, constructed in 1925 to serve clay works along its route. It was closed to passengers in 1965 and now forms part of the popular Traka Trail, a route for ramblers promoted by the local council. Courtesy Wikipedia.

Many thanks Roger

Last train beyond
Torrington
Paul Barlow

Ian Allan - Atlantic Coast Express.

The above information courtesy Six Bells Junction Railtour Filesl

Further details from Paul,

The details of the train were 33025/027 0815 Waterloo to Torrington. 33027 leading to Barnstaple when it was attached to rear of train.
They then worked top and tailed 1400 Torrington to Bideford, 1500 Bideford to Torrington, then 1600 Torrington to Waterloo, 33025 was removed from rear at Barnstaple the headed the train (with 33027) to Waterloo.
Got to Exeter and 33043 was working the 1818 to Waterloo
Keep up the good work!
Kind regards, Paul.

On arrival at Torrington the railtour train was drawn out onto Torrington viaduct by 33025 while the coaching stock was watered from a tap at Torrington station. 16th October 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow. This was the last train on any part of the Torrington - Meeth line.

22027 Earl of Mount Batten at Torrington. 16th October 1982 Copyright Paul Barlow

After arrival at Torrington from Waterloo the train did a 'shuttle' back to Bideford before forming the 16.00 to London Waterloo from Torrington. 16th October 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

33025 Sultan at Bideford ready to head the 14.00 departure to Torrington. 16th October 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

33027 Earl Mountbatten of Burma stands at Bideford on the rear of the 14.00 departure to Torrington. Copyright Paul Barlow

TThe nameplates of 33027 Earl of Mountbatten are clearly visible as the train stands at Torrington station with the 1400 to Bideford 16 October 1982 Copyright Paul Barlow N.B. The steep hill leading up to Torrington is can be seen on the left in the picture.

The railtour having arrived back at Barnstaple hauled by 33025 and 33027 stops while 33025 runs round 33027 to head the 16.00 Torrington to Waterloo . 16th October 1982 Copyright Paul Barlow

My apologies to Paul, his pictures were received on the 38th Anniversary of the railtour but due to an editorial problem are now a few days late! KJ

Many thanks Paul.

19th October 2020

19/10/2020

Running day at the
Plym Valley Railway
Roger Winnen

On Sunday 18th October 2020 Roger Winnen pays a visit to the Plym Valley Railway to see what progress is being made there in these difficult times.

201018a Construction underway at Marsh Mills Station of the ground floor of the new station building, the second floor sitting on top of this structure will be the former Billacombe Station buiding rescued from the Yealmpton Branch many years ago. Copyright Roger Winnen

201018b The new platform taking shape at Marsh Mills Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

201018c From the buffer stops at Plym Bridge Platform as 13002 awaits departure on its return journey to Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen

201018d The Great Western Pagoda at Plym Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

201018e The industrial scene at Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen

201018f Arrival back at Marsh Mills with the train passing the former frontage to Marsh Mills Signal Box with its cast iron nameplate attached. Copyright Roger Winnen

201018h This is the road crossing by the former Marsh Mills Station on the Tavistock Branch. The signs for the crossing lights etc remain in the bushes, this crossing was last used on 29th April 2008 when the last clay train left Lee Moor Dries. On that day a party of us gathered to witness the last train, however by some unknown means we missed it, Maurice Dart came up trumps and organised a tour of Lee Moor Driers to make up for our disapointment. Copyright Roger Winnen

Swindon
Ken Mumford

56103 with Chiltern Railway Coach working the 5Z20 Bristol - Wembley 17th October 2020. Ken Mumford.

56103 continues on its way towards Wembley with it's Chiltern Railway coach. 17th October 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Freightliner 66606 passes through Swindon on the 17th October 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford. Perhaps it adds a bit of colour to the picture but it's high time the 'numbskulls' with their spray cans were punished for their foolish and dangerous 'efforts' spray cans

Many thanks Ken.

St Austell area
Mark Lynam

Good evening,
I have sent a few photos from the last few days in which we had some glorious Autumn sunshine. Thanks Mark Lynam Received 17th OCT.

DB Cargo 66020 is seen on the causeway at Golant with the tide coming in working 6G09 1302 Goonbarrow Junction Dbc to Fowey Dock Carne Point CDAs. Wednesday 14th October 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam

GWR 802004 at Burngullow working 1A84 1015 Penzance to London Paddington. Friday 16th October 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

XC Voyager 220001 is seen at Burngullow working 1S49 0931 Penzance to Newcastle. Friday 16th October 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

GWR 43042 at Burngullow working 2U20 1050 Penzance to Cardiff Central. Friday 16th October 2020.

GWR 43155 is seen at St Austell working 2P17 1350 Penzance to Plymouth. Friday 16th October 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam,

Many thanks Mark.

18th October 2020

18/10/2020

A most interesting and refreshing view!
Saltash
Clive Smith

Well done for originality Clive. 17th October 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

After having just taken the standard 'train-on-bridge' shot I thought I would go for something different using the open windowless east side of the Two Bridges pub beer garden drinking 'shed' to create a framed picture. Perhaps my fifth pint had unleashed my artistic side. The train is the 13.28 Exeter St Davids - Penzance operated by 'Castle' HST power cars 43088 and 43194 on the 17th October. For the beer afficianados the pint is a small batch brew from the St Austell brewery called Harlequin at 4.8%.

Regardssssh
Clive Smith

Power Cars to the rescue
Andrew Triggs

Evening Keith,
Captured the ECS Night Riviera move in grim condtions at Marazion and Longrock today, the Night Riviera having been terminated at Exeter St Davids due to problems with 57604, 43155 with 43153 working 5Z77 09.00 Plymouth-Longrock T&RSMD forward. 3 shots for CRS
All the Best
Andrew

43155 and 153 hauling 57 604 at Marazion Marshes 17th October 2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs.

43155 and 153 at Long Rock having hauled 57 604 plus ecs from Exeter. 17th October 2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many thanks Andrew for catching that extremely rare working.

Across the Exe
David Tozer

Many thanks David, an interesting comparison between the two liveries, neither of which is very distinctive, now if it was South West trains!!

A view from on high
Westbury
Chris Harvey

Here is a shot from a recent visit to Westbury that you might like.
Viewed from a spot above the railway near the white horse on 1st October looking north, here is the 06.41 Acton - Merehead rolling west on the down main in the morning sunshine.
Best Regards, Chris Harvey. Bodmin

A lovely long shot as a class 59 in charge of a long train passes in view of the White Horse. 1st October 2020. Copyright Chris Harvey.

Many thanks Chris - a view in foreign parts!

Autumnal sunshine
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, A few days off after nights coincided with some lush sunlight. This is always welcome after some "Vampire" shifts. The vitamin D intake is great for restoring some balance.
Some local pictures, taken at Golant, Burngullow and St Austell showcase the Cornish countryside rather well, with a freight train to complement the Autumnal colours. Cheers Craig.

66020 passes Golant with a high tide on 14th Oct with 38 CDAs bound for Carne Point. Just three trains this week and next for the CDA workings. Copyright Craig Munday

The next day I popped over to Burngullow to see 66188 peer out from the recently cut vegetation at Burngullow, having loaded the JIAs at Treviscoe. The Ground Control chaps having done a sterling job here cutting back years of growth, even exposing the former up station platform building! 15th October 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

The same train is then seen on St Austell viaduct, a new viewpoint for me having by chance seen a post by friends on social media. The shot shows the valley across to St Austell (or Trenance) viaduct, also featuring Sky tip (a natural beacon for shipping to find a land point should their equipment fail), and the infamous Gover flats. Some might argue the flats marr the shot, but they are a well known building across my home town. The 8 JIAs just fitted on the viaduct snugly, but this was more luck than judgement to be honest! The eagle eyed may spot Herras style fencing in the fields below the camera, this area due to for housing development in the very near future, so grateful I captured the arable scene prior to the diggers moving in. 15th October 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

What a superb picture, taken at St Blazey. The RHTT being prepared in the shed. It's the 12th October 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig - a few days off and he's still chasing trains.

Weymouth Street Tramway
Demolition (2)
John Smerdon

John writes - Another nice day, so an excuse to go to Weymouth again! Since Thursday lunchtime the Contractors have removed over 200 metres of track from beside the bus garage along Commercial Road and laid new tarmac. The upturned track panels had been removed. However on walking along the quay side to the harbour station I discovered that the Contractors have created a compound beside the end of the platform. Therein are several stacks of upturned track panels confirming the rails were mounted on concrete sleepers. However in the corner I could also see a small quantity of wooden sleepers with chairs still attached. The Contractors are using this area to break up the concrete panels and placing the salvaged rails and chairs in skips. I have attached a few more photos which you might like to make use of in your feature.

Kind regards, John Smerdon

Commercial Road looking north finished. 17th October 2020 Copyright John Smerdon

Commercial road looking north 17th October 2020 Copyright John Smerdon

Commercial Road looking south 17th October 2020 Copyright John Smerdon

Harbour station remaining track 17th October 2020 Copyright John Smerdo

Track panels awaiting destruction 17th October 2020 Copyright John Smerdon

No further use for these sleepers; 17th October 2020. Copyright John Smerdon.

Many thanks John for your report on what might be called - to railway enthusiast - negative progress!!

Steves trip to the South West Part 3
Teignmouth & Paignton
Steve Widdowson

43122 and 43187 seen at Teignmouth provide the power for the{2C34 the 16.22 Exeter St Davids to Penzance. 12th October 2020 Copyright Steve Widdowson

143612 + 150266 Teignmouth on the 2F26 16.12 Paignton to Exmouth . 12th October 2020. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Moving on to Paignton.

That crossover at Pagnton looks quite dramatic in close up as 150248 + 143621 run towards Paignton . They will later form the 2F25 the 15.53 Paignton to Exmouth later. 12th October 2020. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Nothing happening on the Torbay Steam railway. where we find 7827 Lydham Manor. 12th October 2020. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

D3014 Class 08 parked at Paignton 12th October 2020. Copyright Steve Widdowson

In the shed at Paignton we see 37275 D6975 sheltering. 12th October 2020 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Steve, quite an outing, a busy day.

17th October 2020

17/10/2020

Cornish Class 66s
16th October 2020
Andrew Triggs

Good Morning Keith/Roger
I took the opportunity to capture the Clay and RHTT before the clocks go back next Sunday, the sun playing 'ball' for most of the day. 4 shots for CRS enclosed
All the Best
Andrew

DBC 66020 arriving at Lostwithiel at 13.42 working 6G09 13.02 Goonbarrow Junction-Fowey Docks Carne Point Clay with a healthy load of CDAs in tow. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Half an hour later at 14.12, heading off down the Fowey Docks branch from Lostwithiel. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Rounding the curve onto Liskeard Viaduct 66151/155 working 3J13 08.50 Westbury-St Blazey LIP RHTT catching the late afternoon sunshine at 15.58. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Passing through Liskeard station, heading for St Blazey. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Exeter
Phil Smith

Looking smart Class 33's 102 and 114 stand at Exeter St Davids with a D & C Railtour in 1992; Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks Phil.

Steves trip to the South West Part 1
Exmouth Branch
Steve Widdowson

Last Monday Steve in wonderful weather Steve took a trip to take a look at the Exmouth and Paignton branches. Calling first at Exmouth.

At Exmouth we see 143619 + 150263 on the 2T17 11,57 Exmouth to Paignton } 12th October 2020. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

150263 + 143619 Exmouth { 2F14 1040 Newton Abbot to Exmouth } 121020 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Steves trip to the South West Part 2
Exeter
Steve Widdowson

43384 and 43303 at Exeter St Davids { 1M49 1153 Plymouth to Birmingham New Street } 12th October 2020 Copyright Steve Widdowson

159003 + 159104 Exeter SD { 5L52 13.20 Exeter New Yard to Exeter St Davids } 12th October 2020. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

159104 + 159003 Exeter SD { 1L52 1325 Exeter St Davids to London Waterloo } 12th October 2020 Copyright Steve Widdowson

802101 & 802013 at Exeter St Davids 12th October 2020 Copyright Steve Widdowson

802101 seen at Exeter St Davids 12th October 2020 Copyright Steve Widdowson

A bronze statue of Nancy Astor the first woman MP was unveiled at Plymouth by the former prime minister Teresa May.

Many thanks Steve.

Ken's Contribution
Swindon
Ken Mumford

Looking almost like a railtour the trouble is that its a one way scrap train. Ilford turns out it stock looking immaculate. The loco is 37 884 Cepheus. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Swindon The immaculate stock continues its journey to extinction at SIMS Newport. 15th October 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford

Ken wonders if anybody is ever going to collect these bikes at Swindon. The owner of the nearest bicycle seems to have very long legs! 15th October 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Track recording unit 95001 rolls into Bay platform 2 at Swindon 15th October 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford. This picture has been zoomed into and cropped as permitted by Ken.

Many thanks Ken.

16th October 2020

16/10/2020

Demolition - Week 1
Weymouth Tramway
John Smerdon

After years of wrangling the demolition of the street tramway between Weymouth Goods Yard and Weymouth Quay station finally commenced on Monday 12th October 2020. It is with many thanks to John Smerdon who answered our call for pictures of this sad event.

The Weymouth Goods Yard - the beginning of the branch to the Quay. 14th October 2020, Copyright John Smerdon.

Looking towards the goods yard across King Street. 14th October 2020. Copyright John Smerdon.

The trackbed cleared of the infill to reveal the concrete sleepers. 14th October 2020. Copyright John Smerdon.

In this view it can be seen that once the rails have been cut a complete track panel has been lifted and inverted before placing on the road. 14th October 2020. Copyright John Smerdon.

Another view as an excavator clears the trackbed. 14th October 2020. Copyright John Smerdon.

Outside the bus garage - viewers will recognise the closed doors. 14th October 2020. Copyright John Smerdon.

Many thanks John - we hope that you will continue to show us pictures of the sad demolition of the quite famous railway route.

Cornish Holiday
Martin Baker

We welcome Martin Baker to our pages with four pictures he took a long ago while on a holiday in Cornwall - he's using his new scanner with excellent results.

1) 50044 Exeter & 018 Resolution arrive at Liskeard with a Penzance Liverpool. Copyright Martin Baker.

2) Same train ready to depart with the 'nose' of a 47 shunting on the down main just in view. Copyright Martin Baker.

3) A very nicely framed evening shot as 47 (possibly 555) leads 50040 on a Penzance to Bristol. Copyright Martin Baker.

4) 47 076 City of Truro leaves St Austell on a train for Penzance in the Early 70's. Copyright Martin Baker. A lot of interest here, a line of brutes on the up platform, staff loading a trolley. to the right can be seen the evidence of track work which one extended across the parking area and was later reduced to a short siding. Also note the old station building and the old footbridge. The bus shelters are back against the far wall.

Many thanks Martin

RHTT
Penzance
Andrew Triggs

Evening Roger/Keith,
Following work tonight I was lucky enough to capture the RHTT (3J12 20.32 St Blazey LIP-Par) at Platform 2 at Penzance, unusually stabled there between 21.54 and departure at 22.24, from the enclosed pictures, the grime associated with RHTT work is taking over 66151 and 66155s' paintwork
All the Best
Andrew

RHTT at platform 2, Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew.

More RHTT - in daylight.
Exeter
Steve Widdowson

Last weekend Steve took a trip to Exmouth and Paignton sending us a bunch of 23 excellent photographs - here are there to start to coverage off.

66151 leads with 66155 TnT at Exeter { RHTT the 08.50 Westbury to St Blazey L I P } 12th October 2020 Copyright Steve Widdowson (Thunderer)

66155 at the rear in platform 3 at Exeter { RHTT the 08.50 Westbury to St Blazey L I P } 12th October 2020. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Steve - more to follow.

15th October 2020

15/10/2020

The Rilo Train
Alan Peters

The RILA train visited the South West, although operational difficulties meant that the RILA train did not visit the Fowey branch and only managed one trip to Newquay in the pouring rain, however there was an extra trip to Goodrington sidings as 0Z66 where Colas Rail 66846 is seen with the RILA equipment attached during the sunny spells of the 5th October 2020 - Alan Peters

66846 At Goodrington Sidings with the fugro equipment attached. Copyright Alan Peters

The RILA test train also recorded the mainline between Plymouth and Exeter before stabling overnight at St Blazey, seen at Exeter St Davids Depot Colas Rail 66846 with the RILA equipment attached on 6th October 2020 waiting to depart to St Blazey - Copyright Alan Peters

Early morning at St Blazey in the pouring rain, with Colas Rail 66846 and RILA equipment fitted, the laser can be clearly seen 08/10/20 Copyright Alan Peters

Colas Rail 66846 with the RILA attached at St Blazey 06/10/20 - Copyright Alan Peters

The RILA being detached from Colas Rail 66846, this piece of equipment operated by Fugro Raildata gives 3D virtual rail mapping of the infrastructure, fitted to the front of the locomotive and packed away in a van. This view taken at St Blazey 06/10/20 - Copyright Alan Peters

Thanks Very Much Alan

An incredible picture.
Defiance Deviation.
Paul Keith

Saltash - Defiance 5 deviation . The buffers at the end of the line. Copyright Roy N. Keith in the care of and provided by Mr. Paul Keith. Ahead, at one time lay the Forder timber viaduct - 606 ft long with a maximum height of 67 feet crossing Forder Lake. This route closed 19th May 1908.

Saltash - Defiance 5 deviation end of the line. An enlargement. Copyright Roy N. Keith in the care of and provided by Mr. Paul Keith. N.B. You may have wondered what that was in the distance - we see perhaps a 'Yawl' setting off for a days fishing maybe.

Hello again Keith - Paul has sent across another image that he recently found - the buffers at the end of the line. A great riverside view from here, one hopes that the brakes always performed well when approaching this!
Again, photo credit to Mr. Roy N. Keith.
Best Regards,
Ross.

Many thanks to Paul Keith who has kindly allowed us to use his unique photograph and to Ross Griffiths who has forwarded it to us.

New Museum at
Newton Abbot
Clive Smith

Newton's Place is the new town museum in Newton Abbot incorporating the now closed GWR Museum which was a bit nearer the station. It's been open a week and has had very positive comments and featured on local TV. I didn't go in as I was just passing and the opening hours are currently quite restricted but I expect railways feature quite heavily.
https://newtonsplace.org/box/
Regards
Clive Smith

Many thanks for the 'tip', Clive.

14th October 2020

14/10/2020

Liskeard & Lostwithiel Today
Roger Winnen

I had ambitions today to photograph the Moorswater Cement, Goonbarrow to Fowey Clay and the Railhead Treatment Train.
My luck was in for the Moorswarer Cement at Liskeard. Leaving Liskeard for Lostwithiel I was advised that no clay would be running today so I crossed the crossing for the next train to Plymouth to photo the Rail Head Treatment Train due at 15.01. Within 20 mins or so 66020 with clay from Goonbarrow turned up at Lostwithiel, me being on the wrong side with the light.
Arriving at Plymouth I headed for Platform 4 as the RHTT was due through the centre road stopping for 20 mins. I anticipated photographing both at Plymouth & Par leaving Plymouth a few minutes ahead of the RHTT. No RHTT turned up at Plymouth and on arrival at Par David Tozer advised me that the train had run very early. The best plans never work at times! Let us try again!

201014a 70815 Arrives at Liskeard after running around at Lostwithiel with the Aberthaw Colas to Moorswater cement train. Copyright Roger Winnen

201014b Being advised at Lostwithiel that no clay was running today, Class 66020 turns up with clay from Goonbarrow to my surprise. Copyright Roger Winnen

201014c The old Cornwall Railway Carriage Workshops at Lostwithiel now converted for housing, nhs dental services etc. Copyright Roger Winnen

201014d The Dental Practice in the former workshops. Copyright Roger Winnen

201014e Known as Brunel Quays these modern recreations are in keeping with the former railway buildings at Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen

Spectacular Dawlish
David Tozer

Class 255 43192 Trematon Castle & 43162 on the Dawlish Sea Wall 14.10.2020 Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Defiance Deviation and
Saltash
Paul Keith

Good afternoon,
I hope this email finds you all well.
A few months ago a photo uploaded to one of the Saltash Facebook groups caught my eye - it was a distant shot of a line of stock on the Wearde deviation sidings, an area that has long interested me. I recently got in touch with the person that posted it and asked if they'd allow its use on the CRS site, particularly in the Wearde Deviation section, to which they very kindly said yes as long as full credit was given to their father Mr Roy N. Keith, who took the shot.
Please find attached the photo concerned, as well as three others that were also generously provided, one showing a closer image of rolling stock on the line through the snow covered fencing, one is of a local service at Saltash (complete with brake van) and a young Paul Keith in the pram and finally an aerial shot of Saltash station and goods yard.
These photos provide further insight into the uses of the siding and the types of stock stabled there - the snow shot shows what look like pre-nationalisation coaches - This is beyond my area of expertise but the 'centre' coach looks possibly like GWR B-stock? Hoping someone can help confirm and ID the other coaches.

With full credit to Mr Roy N. Keith, in the care of and kindly provided by Mr Paul Keith.
Best regards,
Ross Griffiths

Saltash - Defiance 1 deviation . Churchtown Siding Copyright Roy N. Keith in the care of and provided by Mr. Paul Keith. In the above and extremely rare photograph the remains of the original 'Brunel' route can be seen occupied by a rake of coaches, Something that was familiar to us older viewers. The coaches parked out here overnight were often a comfortable refuge for gentlemen of the road. If they overslept they could find themselves on the move in the empty coaching stock!

This end of the deviation which had closed to all traffic on the opening of the current main line with effect from the 19th May 1908. Was retained as a siding until the 2nd November 1964.

Saltash - Defiance 2 deviation . Churchtown Siding snow, and parked coaching stock. Copyright Roy N. Keith in the care of and provided by Mr. Paul Keith

Station platform view. Is Paul Keith in the push chair awaiting being loaded onto a Plymouth bound train or just being trained as a 'train spotter'! Copyright Roy N. Keith in the care of and provided by Mr. Paul Keith

Saltash station - aerial view. Copyright Roy N. Keith in the care of and provided by Mr. Paul Keith . It it must be assumed that to get this amazing picture that the photographer was perched on the top of the nearest pier of the Royal Albert bridge. Also note the complicated design of the footbridge which gave access to the platforms as well as providing a level pedestrian route between close by roads and lanes, a board crossing by the signalbox was presumably for the use of the signalman collecting the tokens or simply for platform trolleys. Note also the goods vans parked in the rather cramped goods yard, and also beyond a modern road coach and a double decker bus. A very prominent feature in this view is the Baptist Church, the second church building on the site, a grand building which was destroyed by fire on Christmas day 1987. The present Church was dedicated and opened in March 1992.

Very many thanks indeed Ross for bringing these pictures to our attention and to Mr. Paul Keith for permitting their publication.

Additional comment from Roy Hart :- Dear Keith,

These photos would appear to date from the mid-1950s. The shot of Wearde siding with the stored coaching stock is particularly interesting: the coaches are mostly of Collett design, from the inter war period. These sidings (there was one long siding with a parallel track forming a loop) were used to store excursion stock -that is coaches past the 'prime of youth' and used in the summer season for excursions to local resorts. In the 1950s there was a regular weekly trip from Saltash to Goodrington, for example, for which a 'County' was rostered. The stop blocks were at the parapet of the original Forder viaduct.
The coaches sat, stored and locked and apart from the odd 'gentleman of the road' (gentleman of the rail?) they were unattended until drawn up to Mill Bay in the spring for cleaning/ battery charging etc.

Roy

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