Blog Archives

31st October 2021.

31/10/2021

St Blazey Turntable
Tony Shore

The Turntable is fenced off together with the turntable pit cleared of rubbish. Tony Shore, Sunday 31st October 2021.

Many Thanks Tony

Yesterdays Class 40 Railtour - we have a 'megga' collection of pictures in our features section - many thanks to Roger who put it all together and to all contributors. Please click here to see it.

Extra pictures from yesterday.
Due to the large input of yesterdays Class 40 railtour we have had to include some of the pictures you sent which were not of the railtour in this separate collection.

1. The Colas worked the NMT with 43274 and 43272 the 00.25 1Q40 Exeter (Riverside) to Derby (R.T.C) via Okehampton several times. . A nice reflection 43274 and 43272 30th October .2021 Copyright David Tozer

70808 30th October 2021 30th October .2021 Copyright David Tozer. 2. Colas Class 70 70808 at Pinhoe with redundant track. Relaying of the down line opposite the former 72A now Morrison's Supermarket. Must be getting old as I have video footage when they relayed in the 1980's.

Thanks David.

Bristol Temple Meads
Martin Scane

In addition to the two class 40's BTM also saw this railtour. Copyright Martin Scane

Thanks Martin.

Cowley Bridge
Keith Turley

GBRF 66745 wut 66775 at Cowley Bridge jct with the 6G74 Westbury Down to Exeter St Davids, 30th October 2021. Copyright Keith Turley.

Thanks Keith.

Swindon
Ken Mumford

66501 Japan 2001 has just left the the Swindon East Loop and is accelrating very well through platform 4. 30th October 2021. Copyight Ken Mumford.

*** Other input from previous years ***

Exminster
Ron Kosys

Cattle search for grass on the dry flat plains at Exminster. 47558 passes Exminster 4th August 1989 with 1C91 1406 Penzance to Bristol mail. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

Misty Morning
Paul Barlow

The driver of Peak 46037 opens the window to get a better view on the 23.20 Bradford to Paignton overnight 1V57 18th September 1982 Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

30th October 2021

30/10/2021

Hinksey
Ron Kosys

Hinksey is a very pleasant place to watch passing trains. The yard is spanned by two public footbridges that give totally differing views to each other. This is the lower of the two – the northernmost can be seen in the background of this shot of NSE liveried 47521 passing with an Oxford to Paddington service on 19th July 1989. A 47 had only recently arrived with cartics from Morris Cowley and is in the process if running round. It departed a short while later for Didcot. Copyright Ron Kosys

Quote from Wikipedia:- The station was situated on the main Didcot to Oxford railway line, to the north of the site of Millstream Junction, the junction for the original terminus at Oxford (Grandport) , which was later a goods station but had closed by 1900. Access to Hinksey Halt was via Norreys Avenue and a footpath across the adjacent reservoir. The reservoir was formerly a ballast pit, dug by the GWR between 1844 and 1848. The reservoir is visible top right in the above picture.
It was opened on 1 February 1908 along with four other halts on the route between Oxford and Wheatley
Services were provided by steam railmotors based at Oxford, which was also the western terminus; the eastern terminus of these services was Wheatley, Thame or Princes Risborough. When the railmotor services were withdrawn on 22 March 1915, the halt closed. The line remains open for passenger services between Reading and Oxford. Many thanks to Wikipedia.

Many thanks Ron.

Bristol
Paul Barlow

45068 on the 19.38 Bristol to Newcastle 1E38 TPO 23 September 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Query from Dennis Clarke

I was wondering how many British Rail Staff Association clubs are left in Cornwall. Would any of the CRS members know ? I know many have been lost up and down the country over the recent decades. I was a member for many years and used to enjoy visiting the clubs. Always good for reasonably priced beer, entertainment and maybe a game of snooker ! Regards, Dennis

29th October 2021

29/10/2021

Newton Abbot
& Aller Jct.
Ron Kosys

47487 was unique in that it carried Inter City livery with very small fleet numbers.
On 9th July 1988 it work a passenger to Paignton that I’m fairly sure was a service from Paddington but for some reason I didn’t note down at the time and sadly my memory isn’t what it once was.
Seen leaving Newton Abbot on the outward, it is seen at Aller with the return.

47487 leaves Newton Abbot on the 9th July 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Here we see 47487 passing Aller Junction on the return run from Paignton. 9th July 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks to you Ron for the pictures, with, as usual, detailed captions.

Exeter
Paul Barlow

45064 pilots W43046 and W43031 on the failed 16.20 Paddington to Plymouth 13th September 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

28th October 2021

28/10/2021

Golden Oldies
Truro
Michael L. Roach

6800 Arlington Grange departs Truro 24th October 1961. Copyright Michael L Roach

6800 heads for home with empty milk tanks. The shed can be seen in the background Copyright Michael L Roach

7715 waits for departure in the Falmouth bay platform. Lots of parcels went by passenger train in the those days. Copyright Michael L Roach.

4588 runs past under the black bridge. Officially the loco was at Taunton shed from the 7th October 61 to the 2nd December 1961. The loco was sold to Woodhams on 4.9.1962 and later preserved.

Many thanks Mike for todays dip in your treasure trove. Thank heavens you kept them and of course the precise details.

Torquay
Paul Barlow

Nearing the end of its long journey 45014 The Cheshire Regiment arrives at Torquay on 0932 Newcastle to Paignton 11th Sept 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul - the home semaphore makes a very nice addition to your picture.

Early one morning - this morning
Falmouth Docks
Jon Melvill

Please find attached rather dodgy phone photos from Falmouth Docks Station of 341W 2051 EXETER RIVERSIDE N.Y, TO EXETER RIVERSIDE N.Y on 28/10/21
HNRC 37612 looking in fine form for a 58 year old.
Keep up the great work.
Kernow bys vyken!
Jon

37612 at Falmouth Docks 28th October 2021. Copyright Jon Melvil

test train at Falmouth Docks 28th October 2021. Copyright Jon Melvil

Many thanks Jon, well done. Message received at 00.54.

From
Shaldon Bridge
Ron Kosys

47479 heads west from Shaldon bridge on the 13th September 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

27th October 2021

27/10/2021

Didcot & Southampton
Michael Forward

Here is a picture taken on 27 October 1995 to the West of Didcot station showing 60074 arriving from Avonmouth with a loaded mgr for Didcot power station. Although so much has changed now, we can be thankful that the 60 is still active in the DB Cargo fleet. Thanks and best wishes Copyright Michael Forward

Scottie at Southampton

Hello Roger, Great pictures on the site as ever,the ones form Michael Roach brought back some memories. Here is my humble offering which shows 47649 arriving at Southampton(12.35) with the 09.33 from Plymouth. on 7 January 1989(The day before I reached age 42,seems so long ago but I am still here!) Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Swindon Rainbows
Dennis Clarke

A couple of pictures I took at Swindon just over 10 years ago, on 25th October 2011, well before all of that electrification infrastructure was around. 60007 with 6B33 13:35 Theale to Robeston empty Murco tanks. 43161 approaching Swindon with a Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads service. Regards, Dennis

60 007 approaching Swindon with the 6B33 Theale to Robertson service. 25th October 2011 Copyright Dennis Clarke

43161 approaching Swindon with a Paddington - BTM. service 25th October 2011. Copyright Dennis Clarke

Thanks Dennis.

Topsham Yesterday
David Tozer

Topsham today.

One view of the old Topsham Signal Box - redundant since 1973.

150266 was working the 1357 Exmouth to Paignton. This had replaced a Turbo, starting from Exeter (St David's) as the booked unit had failed at Paignton. 166206 was working the 1255 Paignton to Exmouth.The GWR appeared to be stretched for units today as on another diagram was 150207 by itself, in addition 150266. A second Turbo 166221 was also working Paignton to Exmouth and return diagrams.

Dave

Topsham Signal Box - disused for 48 years. 26th October 2021 Copyright David Tozer.

Topsham - 150266 and 166206 passing 26th October.2021. Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks David. It is good that the signalbox has survived all these years - it adds character to the station.

N.B. Roy Hart out in Burma kindly supplies the additional information.
Topsham station buildings together with the signal box are listed buildings, grade ll. The box still contains its lever frame.
Thanks Roy.

Torquay
Roger Winnen

A nice bit of smoke !! As a Peak departs Torquay on a service to Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen..

From the massive Roger Winnen photographic bank - many thanks Roger.

26th October 2021

26/10/2021

46 Years Ago 26th Oct 75
D1012 Western Firebrand Penzance
Roger Winnen

751026b D1012 Western Firebrand Platform 3 at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

751026a D1012 Western Firebrand with a rimless nameplate at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

751026d D1072 Western Glory at Penzance on the night of 26th October 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Taken just over an hour ago
Truro
Dennis Clarke

150238, one of two remaining in FGW blue livery, at Truro this morning forming 06:27 service to Falmouth, Regards, Dennis

Truro 150238 26th October 2021, Copyright Dennis Clarke

A very early bird catches the dark blue worm - thanks Dennis.

Scrap at Swindon
Colin Pidgeon

[1] and [2] 57310 hauling units 315834 and 315818 through the centre road through Swindon (these scrap trains usually go alongside platform 4) with 5Q76 Ilford EMD to Newport Docks Sims) - today [27th October 2021].

Many thanks Colin

Steam at Didcot
Colin Pidgeon

Didcot. Terrier 2678 busy on Didcots branch line. 25th October 2021 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Many thanks Colin.

Aller Junction
Ron Kosys

47500 Great Western plus Inspection saloon passes Aller on the Up on the afternoon of Sunday 7th July 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Taken from a favoured location no longer available - many thanks Ron.

25th October 2021

25/10/2021

The new station takes shape
Marsh Barton Exeter
David Tozer

Roger and Keith,

I had an early morning visit to Marsh Barton this morning. I had heard that photography was restricted. Taking photographs does give one challenges in addition the sun was rising also. Quite a bit of progress has taken place. Work was taking place on both sides of the line before 0830. Good to see a sign thatstated this was to be the location of Marsh Barton Railway Station. Thank goodness they did not use the word 'Train Station'.
David

Many thanks David

Paignton
Paul Barlow

46044 arrives at Paignton on ECS from Laira 5E29 to form 0900 to Sheffield 19 September 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

A charming picture. Note the ladies either side waiting patiently for the barriers to lift whilst Dad conveys a 'shoulder bourne' infant across the bridge - I hope he was careful coming down the steps! Many thanks Paul.

Radley
Ron Kosys

A very smart rake of stock on the 1F45 qs 47530+50035 Ark Royal are seen here at Radley on the 27th April 1990 working the 1F45 10.00 Oxford-Paddington. Copyright Ron Kosys..

Many thanks Ron.

Truro
Dennis Clarke

43158 heads an up service. As seen at 13.27 24th October 2021. Copyright Dennis Clarke

an hour later at 14,27 an IET departs for Penzance, 24th October 2021. Copyright Dennis Clarke

A nice patch of sun illuminate the scene as an up IET departs at 14.57. 24th October 2021. Copyright Dennis Clarke

Thanks Dennis - the semaphore makes the last picture, but for how much longer.

24th October 2021

24/10/2021

Photographs from 60 years ago today
Michael L. Roach.

THE TAMAR BRIDGE is 60 YEARS OLD                                                                Michael L. Roach
The Tamar Bridge was completed 60 years ago after some 2½ years work costing £1,800,000. The suspension bridge was constructed by the Cleveland Bridge and Engineering Company who had a number of famous bridges to their credit, but the firm sadly went into administration in 2021. The crossing was opened to the public at 06.00 on Tuesday 24 October 1961 and I was driving one of the first cars to cross the bridge. I had booked a day's leave and was planning to spend the day photographing trains on the railways of mid and west Cornwall. 1961 was the last complete year with a reasonable amount of steam locos to photograph.
CAPTIONS:
All photographs taken on 24 October 1961
5192     7715 leaves Truro with a train for Falmouth, wearing an 83B shedplate, although officially it was allocated to St. Blazey Shed from October 1952 to January 1962.
5200     5744 of Truro Shed heads up the main line near Chacewater Garden Centre with a local goods train.
5202     The daily goods train is seen heading south near Mithian village.
5203     5562 is seen passing milepost 11½ just south of Shepherds with a Newquay to Truro train. 5562 was a long-term resident of Truro Shed going back to before nationalisation.
5204     A pannier tank is seen at St. Dennis Junction with a Par to Newquay train

MLR / 22nd October 2021

5192 7715 leaves Truro with a train for Falmouth, wearing an 83B shedplate, although officially it was allocated to St. Blazey Shed from October 1952 to January 1962. Copyright Michael L Roach

7715 Was built by Kerr Stuart at Stoke on Trent in 1930 for the Great Western Railway. In 1963 she was transferred to London Transport for working their engineers trains etc. In January 1970 7715 entered service on the Buckingham Railway Centre at Quainton Road and over the years it has travelled to many of this countrys preserved railway lines.

5200 5744 of Truro Shed heads up the main line near Chacewater Garden Centre with a local goods train. Copyright Michael L Roach

5202 The daily goods train is seen heading south near Mithian village. Copyright Michael L. Roach

5203 5562 is seen passing milepost 11½ just south of Shepherds with a Newquay to Truro train. 5562 was a long-term resident of Truro Shed going back to before nationalisation.. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

5204 A pannier tank is seen at St. Dennis Junction with a Par to Newquay train.Copyright Michael L. Roach.

A great day Mike, if only we could go back to those days, still with many thanks to you at least we have a wonderful reminder.

Forder Viaduct
Chris Harvey

Please find attached a shot of Forder viaduct at high tide on Saturday 9th October, which I've only just got around to sending you!
The train is the rear end of the 0742 Bristol Temple Meads - Penzance, nicely reflected in the river.

Best Regards, Chris Harvey, Bodmin.

The 07.42 BTM to Penzance crosses Forder viaduct. 9th October 2021 Forder. Copyright Chris Harvey

A perfect day for a perfect picture. No wind, high tide, you can't beat it. Many thanks Chris.

The RHTT on patrol.
Cowley Bridge Jct.
Keith Turley

Rapidly becoming unrecognisable DB-C class 66/0 No.66116
T/T with classmate No.66098 at at Cowley Bridge Junc.
on 23rd October 2021,
working the 3J13 09:09 Westbury to St. Blazey LIP via Salisbury
and Westbury again RHTT.
Regards Keith Turley.

Cowley Brudge Jct. the RHTT 66118 T 66098. 23rd October 2021. Copyright Keith Turley.

The dirt is proof of the longs days and nights patrolling the system. Many thanks to you Keith for turning out to photograph this rather dirty specimen.

23rd October 2021

23/10/2021

Shell Cove Dawlish
Roger Salter

My recent visit overlooking Shell Cove & Clerk’s Tunnel at Dawlish

2C24 1127 EXETER ST.DAVID’S-PENZANCE. Copyright Roger Salter

2T15 1057 EXMOUTH-PAIGNTON, NO.166216 EXITING CLERK’S TUNNEL. Copyright Roger Salter

652A 0920 BRISTOL KINGSLAND ROAD-LISKEARD GROUND FRAME Copyright Roger Salter

Many Thanks Roger

50 years ago today
Truro Resignalling
Chris Bellett

Another local anniversary today, Saturday 23 October. 50 years ago this weekend, and for the following week to 07 November, saw the remodelling of the Truro area including the closure of Truro West, Penwithers Junction and Penryn signalboxes. A new (second hand that is) 51 lever, 4in centres, 5-bar vertical tappet lever frame was installed in Truro East signalbox (renamed as plain Truro) and a new barrier level crossing was provided at the Plymouth end of the station giving access to Truro full loads sidings. Colourlight signals and motor points were provided at Penwithers Junction worked from Truro signalbox to control access to/from the Falmouth branch and trains then ran along the Down Main line to/from Truro as they do today.

Hope that is of interest.

Take care.
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer
CRS Member

Truro West S B - From the late Patrick English collection Copyright

Truro East Box interior July 1973 [visit by permission of the signalman] Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Many thanks Chris, and also thanks to Trevor Tremethick.

Long Rock
Dennis Clarke

08645 St Piran in charge of stock movements.. 22nd October 2021. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

St Erth
Dennis Clarke

43004 at the rear of retreating Penzance bound service at St Erth 22nd October 2021. Dennis Clarke

150 219 takes its turn with a service to St Ives, St Erth 22nd October 2021. Dennis Clarke

The NMT receiving the all clear creeps past the signalbox at St Erth 22nd October 2021. Dennis Clarke

Many thanks Dennis for both the Long Rock and St Erth Pictures.

Aller Junction '85
Clive Smith

A very different scene back in 1985 on the 7th July as 50045 heads the Sunday 1C49 14.45 Paddington - Plymouth. Parallel to the railway is the old A380 that was replaced in 2015 with the new A380 Kingskerswell by-pass radically transforming the area. The four railway tracks, bridges and Aller Junction were themselves drastically changed in 1987 with the Newton Abbot resignalling and rationalisation. I had been out to Aller to photograph the 'Great Western Limited' B.R. steam train from Paddington to Plymouth with 4930 & 5051 following their half hour stop in Newton Abbot station. The steam tour had passed here at 17.55 and I had photographed them from the other side of the tracks in the sun when it was possible to use one of the farm track or road bridges across the railway that existed then. On my way back along the road I snapped 50045. The steam tour was the second attempt by BR to return steam to Devon and all was well at Aller but both steam locos stalled on Dainton Bank and had various attempts to get going without success. 50045 was detached from its train and then came on the rear and banked the train from milepost 217 to 218 adjacent to Dainton Tunnel signal box. 50045 was detached there then followed to Totnes where the train was terminated rather than running through to Plymouth as booked. The 14.45 Paddington - Plymouth was abandoned somewhere on Dainton Bank and then eventually rescued by the returning 50045.

Regards

Clive Smith

50 045 Achilles at Aller Jct. 7th July 1985. Copyright Clive Smith.

With every picture there's an interesting story as indeed is the case here. Many thanks Clive.

Radley
Ron Kosys

A somewhat ‘tired’ looking 47500 ‘Great Western’ passes Radley 20th June 1989, with a charter from Manchester to Ascot (for Ladies Day?).
With the exception of the first vehicle, the train is formed of First Class stock. Note the two Restaurant cars inserted into the formation.

4Z126O 7500 seen at Radley on the 20th June 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

22nd October 2021

22/10/2021

Flooding at
Hele
Chris Bellett

Thursday 21st October 2021 was a bad day for the local railway weather wise. The line was shut between Cowley Bridge Junction and Taunton due to severe flooding (for the third time in 10 years) at Hele and Bradninch and the diversionary route via Axminster was also shut for a time due to flooding at Chard. Photograph of the flooding here: https://www.radioexe.co.uk/news-and-features/local-news/trains-cancelled-between-exeter-st-davids-and-taunton/

Take Care,
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer
CRS Member

Serious Incident at
Challow
Chris Bellett

Chris writes :- Outside our area I know, but just also hearing that a serious incident occurred this morning at Challow when a Pway trolley was left on the line after an engineering blockade was given up and was hit by an IET travelling at linespeed. Extensive damage caused to the IET (first three leading carriages) and fortunately a very serious high speed derailment was avoided due to the leading obstacle deflector doing the job it was designed to.

Take care,
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer
CRS Member

Many thanks for the above reports - it is great to hear from a man with his finger on the pulse.

The 1Q18 at Penzance
Andrew Triggs & Roger Winnen

Photographs of today's visit by 43290/299 with 1Q18 06.11 Reading Triangle sidings-Paignton on it's regular 4 weekly run

. Arriving 6 late at 11.30 43299 leading, heading into Platform 2 Copyright Andrew Triggs

The measurement train together with a 150 sprinter share Platform 2 at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

The measurement train awaits departure at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

43290 leading the 12.01 departure for Paignton on Platform 2 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Wide angle shot of 1Q18 on platform 2 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Departing for Paignton at 12.01 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Newton Abbott
Clive Smith

33028 thrashes out of Newton Abbot in what I believe is summer 1987. I didn't note the date or working but it's likely a Paignton - Exeter. The rationalisation has been completed but some of the lifted track can be seen in the background. A particularly brutal cutting back of what was once a lovely station to spend time on.

Regards, Clive Smith

33028 thrashes out of Newton Abbot on what was probably a working to Paignton. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive

Mount Pleasant Road Crossing
Bevois
Ron Kosys

47460 at Bevois 1M96 15.17 Sundays Poole to Wolverhampton 18th August 1991

Many thanks Ron.

North Perrott
Bill Elston
North Perrott is about two miles west of Crewkerne.

My plan for today was to go out and photograph the NMT on its monthly visit to this area, but due to flooding this never happened.
However I was treated to the late running 1A74, 0713 Paignton to Paddington, running some 3 hours late finally arriving at Pad at 1350!
Fifteen minutes later 1L36 0955 Honiton to Waterloo, also very late rolled by formed of DMUs 158883 and 159107 please see photos.

Hope you weren't washed out last night!
Best wishes, Bill.

The IET forming the 1A74. passes Mile Post 129.25 North Perrott. 21st October Copyright Bill Elston

1A74, North Perrott. 21st October Copyright Bill Elston

158883, North Perrott. 21st October Copyright Bill Elston

159107. North Perrott 21st October Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill. Bills reference to being flooded out concerned a heavy rainstorm which swept NE across the SW causing mayhem to rail travel.

Polsloe & Pinhoe
Colin Burges

It's funny that David Tozer should comment on not being able to see the overbridge at Hill Barton, for I was on the footpath bridge just before it a few weeks ago while ambling across the city in the general direction of Pinhoe.

When this was a double line and I was a boy, I can remember standing at the window looking down from a treeless embankment and hearing the exhaust note of the engine change as it bit into the short climb. Copyright Colin Burges

Polsloe Bridge and Exmouth Junction box can be seen. Copyright Colin Burges.

Escaping the cancer of Exeter eating into the East Devon countryside, I climbed Church Hill in Pinhoe to see one lucky fellow's creation, the Hux Shard, the first subject in the latest series of Grand Designs.

Kevin McCloud remarked: "This is a kitchen from another universe." For £125,000, it should have been. That's for the kitchen alone. Copyright Colin Burges.

On my way back another way, I spotted a van beside the road. I had seen it many years before but couldn't have said where.

All that can be seen is the wooden underframe and the sliding door runner. The plate has a number painted on it. Copyright Colin Burges.

With best wishes,
Colin

Many thanks Colin, as usual your ramblings and observations make most interesting reading. Best wishes to you too.

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