Blog Archives

Items added on the 30th November 2016 Those added most recently come first

30/11/2016

The First Cement Train to Moorswater for 3 Years.
The 02.34 Aberthaw Cement Works to Moorswater 641N
Roger Winnen, Mick House & Roger Salter

161130a 70808 Arrives at Coombe Junction with the first cement train for 3 years. Copyright Roger Winnen

161130i 70810 Depats Coombe Junction for Moorawater. Copyright Roger Salter

More Photographs on the July to December 2016 features pages.

Cement - today.
Confirmed
Train timings
Karl Hewlett

Dear Keith.
Here are the timings for the Moorswater Cement, it is showing running as required under VAR but at the time of writing 'not' showing CAN. An interesting fact the down run load is 1200 tons, but the return only 400 tons. Friday and next week outbounds showing as a Q path with no visible return and a later arrival time of 13:19pm at Moorswater:
30/11/16 Outbound timings:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H39070/2016/11/30/advanced

01/12/16 Return timings:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R40203/2016/12/01/advanced

Regards, Karl (Friends of Penmere). Thanks Karl

Pictures to Roger Winnen please :-
Roger Winnen <[email protected]>

Newquay Harbour Tramway
Alan Harris

The second from a series of three purchased by Alan Harris

A view from the top of the 96 yard tunnel looking down towards the harbour - a 1 in 4 gradient. Courtesy the Alan Harris Collection.

Wick, nr Langport
John Cornelius

Items added on the 29th November 2016 Those added most recently come first

29/11/2016

Winter is Coming
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
Winter beginning to bite today. The down sleeper made a late start due to loco problems, delayed at Acton by dragging brakes, Made up some time to Plymouth. Once in Cornwall frosty rails caused problems. The train is seen passing Lostwithiel - remarkably in daylight after 8am. The clay train recessed in the down loop, just in case the class 66 needed for assistance.
Happily it made Penzance with some stops knocked out the schedule. Well done to all concerned.
Also seen later in glorious light was the RHTT passing over Moorswater viaduct.
Best wishes, Craig Many thanks Craig.

P.S. First Moorswater Cement to run tomorrow I've heard. There is some doubt so please check real time trains.

The down sleeper makes it to Lostwithiel around 08.00 - the 66 in the loop is ready to assist if necessary. 29th November 2016. Copyright Craig Munday

The RHTT crosses Moorwater viaduct in brilliant sunshine. 29th November 2016. Copyright Craig Munday.

Chard Creamery - no more
A report by Brian Pibworth

As promised, some pictures of what remains of Chard Junction Creamery. The pics are straight into the sun but I can vouch for the fact that there are no buildings left standing, just huge piles of earth and crushed aggregate. The train is the retreating Southwest Trains 3-car unit No 159007 with the 1L44 11.25 Exeter St David's to London Waterloo service.

Regarding you comment about the close proximity of the creamery to the sewage works, I can confirm that the filter beds adjacent to the down line were there to treat what remained after extracting butter, cream and Marvel and this has now gone with the rest of the plant. My recollection of visiting the factory was of ducts of steaming "water" flowing through the plant and presumably ending up in the R. Axe after treatment. Tatworth, the adjacent village, has its own sewage works on the north side of the old station. As a teenager heading for a Boy Scout camp near Ilfracombe in the 1950s, I remember seeing a similar close proximity of treatment plant and creamery when our train stopped for an age near Lapford, N Devon. My friend Ronnie quickly concocted an explanation which somehow reversed the flow, from village to factory, and managed to put us off eating a certain brand of creamed rice for a very long time!

A quick snoop at Google Earth shows that their latest satellite picture shows all but the original buildings demolished, but we are wondering if the site will remain in its "original condition" for long before someone finds a way of developing it, especially as it is bordered by various business premises.

With kind regards, Brian. Many thanks Brian, for your report and pictures.

Chard Junction creamery demolition. Standing on the old up platform 29th November 2016 Copyright Brian Pibworth

Southwest Trains 3-car unit No 159007 with the 1L44 11.25 Exeter St David's to London Waterloo service. Nov 2016 Copyright Brian Pibworth

Looking across from the old up platform 29th November 2016 Copyright Brian Pibworth

Looking across the crossing towards the creamery site beyond. 29th November 2016. Copyright Brian Pibworth

And finally a look into the creamery site - the demolition job almost complete. 29th November 2016. Many thanks to Brian Pibworth. Copyright

47485 Crosses Hayle Viaduct on 13th June 1983
Michael Forward

830613e 47485 Powers away over Hayle Viaduct after its 10.27 stop with the Exeter St David's to Penzance working. Notice the gangers standing to attention! Copyright Michael Forward

Something out of the ordinary at the Terminus
A barrier coach coupled to the 08410
Roger Winnen

161127z An unusual photograph Class 08 8410 with a barrier coach and sleeping cars stabled in slopers siding, then we have the Cross Country Vogager waiting for a platform to form the 09.30 to Edinbugh. This was photograph was taken from the 08.30 Penzance to Paddington service at Chyandour. Copyright Roger Winnen

161129a 08410 attached to a barrier vehicle and the sleeping cars at Long Rock this morning. Why a barrier vehicle is needed remains to be seen as the shunter previously couples up to vehicles without any problems. Copyright Roger Winnen

Roger Salter in South Devon Part 1

161115a The 307W 08.45 Westbury to St Blazey RHTT passes Dawlish Warren. Copyright Roger Salter

161115b GWR Green Livery 150247 stops at Dawlish Warren. Copyright Roger Salter

161115c Two GWR green 150s plus passing at Dawlish Warren. 150247 on the 2T15 Exmouth-Paignton and 150234 passing through on the 2U20 Paignton-Cardiff. Copyright Roger Salter

Newquay Harbour Tramway
Alan Harris

Alan Harris has purchased three pictures of this tramway and kindly agreed to share them with us - many thanks Alan.

The tramway which ran from Newquay station yard to the harbour was over half a mile long and took a route which is, for the most part, still clearly traceable today. The trackbed, the SW Coast path, has been paved in such a manner as to suggest railway lines. This section is crossed by an overbridge which carries, appropriately called, Bridge Road. The tramway was horse worked from the station to the top of the 1 in 4 rope worked incline which led through a 96 yard tunnel to the harbour. The tramway closed in 1926

The lower end of the tunnel where the tramway emerged to serve the harbour tracks. This picture is courtesy the Alan Harris Collection

A group of local enthusiasts visit the tunnel on the 13th September 1980. This was by kind permission of the owner of the aquarium. We were able to gain access through a door at the back of the aquarium to the lower part of the tunnel. The upper part of the tunnel had already been infilled and limited our further progess up through the tunnel. Copyright R. Winnen

More pictures can be found in the excellent book by John Vaughan 'The Newquay branch and its branches'. Pages 14 & 184

Yeovil Steam Centre
John Cornelius

Caution, men at work! Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 28th November 2016 Those added most recently come first

28/11/2016

Locos gone abroad
David Tozer

66179 at Exeter St Davids in 2001 Copyright David Tozer

58030 passes Exmouth Junction on the 27th October 2001 Copyright David Tozer N.B. 27th October 2001 58 030 was powering Pathfinder Tours 'The Tone Bone' railtour. The portion of the tour covered by 58030 was Westbury Down Reception - (via "link-line") - Fairwood Jn - (via Frome avoider) - Castle Cary - Yeovil Pen Mill - Yeovil Junction - Honiton - Exeter Central - Exeter St Davids to Taunton

66179 now resides in France with Euro Cargo, whilst 58030 was last heard of in Spain, renumbered L46 and operated by Transfesa and it apppears to be stored at Monforte del Cid, Alicante.

Visit to the Plym Valley Railway
Marsh Mills on Sunday 27th November 2016
Roger Winnen

With this being my only free weekend until after Christmas I decided to pay a visit to the Plym Valley Railway, at Marsh Mills, Plymouth.
Looking at the internet on a couple of occasions prior to my visit I had misread the timetable, only to find that there were brake van rides on this Sunday, however by next Sunday they will be running the Polar Express to Plym Bridge Platform. I was warmly welcomed by the staff at Marsh Mills who were most helpful and gave me a guided tour of the shed, also the friendly staff who were running the trains and serving in the buffet made me most welcome.
Many Thanks

161127e 13002 With the coaching stock for the Polar Express at Marsh Mills operating from Sunday 4th December, 2016. Copyright Roger Winnen

161127f The Brake Van ride along the Plym Valley Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen

161127g The recently arrived Peckett "Merlin" built in April 1939 for Brown Bayleys Steelworks, Sheffield, latterly at the Bowes Railway near Jarrow, which is expected to be working during the Festive Season. Copyright Roger Winnen

161127h Another engine which only arrived at the Plym Valley a few days ago is this Polish 0-6-0 tank for restoration. An impressive machine. Copyright Roger Winnen

More photgraphs in the features section

Lazy day
at Lostwithiel

Hello Keith, A long day in the box at Lostwithiel saw some pleasant winter sunshine, though the angle of the sun is very shallow as we head towards December. A rather nice procession of trains included 66160 / 238 on the RHTT up & down, 66848 in the bright Colas livery working a rail train back to Westbury as 6C97, and celebrity 43185 in Inter-city branding with 1A83. The sun wasn't to last sadly, but gave some early winter cheer on a chilly November day.
Cheers, Craig Many thanks Craig

66160 and 128 0n the 27th November 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

66848 in the bright Colas livery working a rail train back to Westbury as 6C97 Sunday 27th November 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

43185 with its Intercity branding on the 1A83 Sunday 27th November 2016

Long may the semaphores remain, whilst in each case the train is the main feature what a bonus those signals near and far give to these pictures.
The massive chaos on Saturday resultant from a power failure in the Swindon, Bath, Bristol area raises a big question of the sense of controlling Cornish signalling from one central location at Didcot.

Burngullow
Crugwallins Bridge
Julian Stephens

The tail end of a Newcastle bound train headed by 47521. The 1E91 09.33 Penzance to Newcastle. An unusual view taken from Crugwallins bridge, shows a moment in time, the removal of the clay liner siding. Picture taken on the 16th August 1986 Copyright Julian Stephens

Exeter St Davids Shed
John Cornelius

Collet 6100 class Built 1932, withdrawn September 1962, Scrapped at Cashmores August 1963. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 27th November 2016 Those added most recently come first

27/11/2016

Harry Patch exits Cornwall
Matthew Addelsee

In brilliant sunlight the now familiar Harry Patch passes the recently cosmetically restored up platform building of Saltash station. Scaffolding surrounds the Baptist Church as it receives attention. This a comparatively new building replacing one severely fire damaged. The time is 11.25 on the 27th November 2016. Copyright Matthew Addelsee

The saga of 6C97 the 08:20 Redruth to Westbury Down

Todays pictures from Messrs Andrew Triggs, Roger Salter, Ron & Jenny Westwater & Roger Winnen show the return working of a train which had previously dropped rail in the vicinity of Drump Lane. Many thanks to all.

161127a Taken from the 08.30 Penzance to Paddington service, the down working with 66848 from Redruth at a stand on Marazion Marsh waiting for our train to clear the single line. Copyright Roger Winnen

161127s 08.20 Redruth to Westbury via Penzance is seen from the Station Wall at Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

161127t 66848 Is at the buffer stops of Platform 1 at Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

Propelling to Slopers siding for run round purposes 27th November 2016 Copyright Andrew Trigg

66848 on 3 Tunnels bridge, as the Driver changes ends before running round on Slopers siding 27th November 2016 Copyright Andrew Triggs

161128v 66848 Runs around its train stabled in slopers siding,the crew are seen changing ends. To the right of the engine and slightly off the photograph is the remains of Ponsandane Signal Box. The new works on the left hand side of the picture relates to the extension work now being undertaken for the Long Rock Depot. Copyright Roger Salter

Departing 6 late at 09.17, passing Marazion station 27th November 2016 Copyright Andrew Triggs

66848 nears Menheniot with the 6C97 0820 Redruth to Westbury Down T.C.10.39 27th December 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

10.39 27th December 2016 Copyright Jenny 66848 heads downgrade towards St Germans near Crift Lane with the 6C97 0820 Redruth to Westbury Down T.C. Copyright Jenny Westwater

161127b The return Rail Train heads through Plymouth at 11.03. Copyright Roger Winnen

58 in 98 Exmouth Jct
David Tozer

Morning Keith,
Technology is great. Recently I have been viewing some video footage taken in 1998. It crossed my mind could I take stills off of the footage. Well the answer is yes you can.

So here are a couple taken on the 26th August 1998. During this time Eurobell were digging up nearly every street in Exeter to install cables for cable tv and telephones. The work needed many tons of infill. So the former Exmouth Junction marshalling yard was used as a base for deliveries of stone from Mendip Rail. This produced double headed Class 37's, two of which were in full Mainline livery. However on 26th August I recorded the only visit of a Mainine Class 58, possibly 58023 which I think was allocated to Eastleigh at the time. The only other time that I have seen a Class 58 in this area was on a rail tour.

Whilst not quality I think that it is quite interesting.

Regards Dave . Many thanks David - a rare event recorded

Exmouth Junction Yard 58023 rests with a stone train on the 26th August 1998 - 1 Copyright David Tozer

Exmouth Junction Yard 58023 rests with a stone train on the 26th August 1998 - 2 Copyright David Tozer

St Ives branch

Memories by Garth Tilt

A very warm welcome to our website Garth thank you.

St. Ives Branch memories: late 1950’s.
On the middle Saturday of my first holiday at St. Ives I made my way to St. Erth specially to ride on the Down ‘Cornish Riviera’ to St. Ives. The train ran in on the Down Main hauled by a ‘County’ class engine. It was detached with a couple of coaches and left for Penzance. Two 45xx tanks were attached to the rear and the whole train was propelled to the West crossover where it reversed into the Up platform to allow St. Erth passengers to board. The train looked magnificent with all the BR Mk1 coaches painted in chocolate and cream plus two GW dining cars. This was my first ride over the branch double headed!
I also became aware of a further train which was always double headed and this was the 7.00pm to Truro which had come from Penzance at 6.00pm. This ran Mondays to Fridays during the summer timetable basically provided to take day trippers home. My pal David came down from Birmingham to stay for the weekend with me on the Friday. I said he would be in time to see this train over the branch. I met him at St. Erth and was somewhat surprised when our branch train of just three coaches was double headed to St. Ives. At St. Ives all was revealed. The sea siding was full of corridor stock so running round was impossible. We decided to walk to the overbridge that overlooked the engine shed and the station by the inner home signal. A local train left for St. Erth so we would wait for the Truro train which duly arrived double headed but to our delight with a pannier tank coupled inside a 45xx! I’d never seen a pannier tank at St. Ives before and yes it was 9748. The 45xx was detached at the inner home and 9748 took the train into the station. Two 45xx’s were duly coupled and the ‘Truro’ left for St. Erth. This released 9748 and after coupling to another 45xx drew the excursion stock out of the sea siding and reversed into the main platform. After about twenty minutes the excursion left for St. Erth with 9748 coupled inside. Sadly I have no idea where the excursion was returning to.
My last visit in steam days was in August 1960. On the Sunday, 4566 resplendent in lined green livery from its overhaul at Newton Abbot Works, worked the branch all day. I was determined to get a photograph of it during the week, it never appeared again! I did see it at Barry scrap yard in 1967 looking very sad so I was delighted when the Severn Valley Railway gave it a good home. On the Friday evening I made my way to the station to record the ‘Truro’, permission was readily granted and to my delight both 45xx’s were facing to St. Erth. The following morning I also went down to record the 0920 to Paddington, it too had both engines facing St. Erth. The coaches were a motley collection mostly ex.GW including a dining car. At this period the ‘Riviera’ ran as a separate train from Penzance at 10.00am. We were staying above the harbour and I arrived back in time to watch the 0920 climbing out of the station towards Carbis Bay, a splendid sight! Later we returned to the station for our connection to St. Erth for the Wolverhampton train, to our surprise we were directed to our connecting train in the bay, another first for me. Was this a regular Summer Saturday working, does anyone know? **
There was one other through train on the branch apart from a couple of locals which ran through to or from Penzance. It ran just on a few Friday nights from Paddington in July/August at 10.12pm. with coaches for St. Ives and Penzance. It left St. Erth at 06.02 am arriving into St. Ives at 06.18 and returned empty stock to Penzance, I never saw it, far too early!
I missed the D63xx period on the branch, not returning until 1967. Did anyone photograph the ‘4575’ 5562 working the branch in 1962? It would be very nice to see.
Garth Tilt.
November, 2016.
** Roger Winnen writes :- Hello Garth.
Reading your item on the St Ives Branch with 9748 brought back memories to me. The Sunday Schools in Penzance ran a special train once a year to Carbis Bay and St Ives for the annual Sunday School outing.
It would be in the mid 1950s that I rode behind 9748 and 4570 from Carbis Bay to St Erth where 3 coaches were detached, then 9748 headed the remaining six coaches to Penzance.
This was the only time that I ever saw a pannier tank on the branch as they were officially not permitted to work the branch.
This train no doubt ran in late July or August and it was possibly the same train as you saw.
Its all very interesting.
Kindest regards, Roger Winnen
Many thanks to both Garth and Roger

St Austell signs
Julian Stephens

These signs were at the Palace Road entrance, to the station, that is the north side of the station. Copyright Julian Stephens

Exeter Central
John Cornelius

Items added on the 26th November 2016 Those added most recently come first

26/11/2016

Teignmouth Signalling?
Can you help?
Chris Osment

There used to be a siding on the Up side of the line between the signal-boxes at Teignmouth station and Teignmouth Old Quay, which could be accessed from both ends. Although not a ‘running line’, rather surprisingly it seems to have been worked by ‘Permissive Block’ with an unusual GWR form of block instrument (not the Tyer’s pattern normally used by the GWR). Sadly the relevant signal-box local instructions do not appear to have survived. Do we have any readers who may have more information please about how and why it was worked in this way?
Please reply to [email protected] Many thanks.

Bernards New Book
Bernard Mills

This is the back cover of a new book by Bernard Mills. This will shortly be available at the CRS bookstall at meetings or direct from the publishers It is like the last one published by Pen and Ink Publishing.

Truro - Newham
Roger Winnen

Looking rather deserted but little is missing other than the track at Truro Newham seen here in July 1973. Copyright Roger Winnen

Par Harbour
Julian Stephens

With Carlyon Bay Golf Course in the background and near Par Harbour at 10.24 14th June 1986 50001 Dreadnought approaches with the 1A46 09.12 Penzance to Paddington. Copyright Julian Stephens

On Travelling Safes - John Cornelius
I remember the travelling safes from my time at Axminster.
If I remember rightly the safe was on our 0940 to Exeter and one of my duties was to put the Axminster remit in the safe which was chained and padlocked securely in the guards van.Of course very occasionaly I would
forget it due to being busy with something else as the train arrived
much to the displeasure of the booking clerk,who then had to advise Exeter of the error.Of course the money was then sent the next day.
all part of lifes rich tapestry. cheers JOHN C.

Cogload Jct.
John Cornelius

A smashing, never to be repeated, view from Cogload Signalbox. Many thanks to John Cornelius. Copyright

Items added on the 25th November 2016 Those added most recently come first

25/11/2016

Craigs Report
Many thanks to Craig Munday

Hi Keith It's been a busy week with trains lurking in the darkness on the branch lines and visiting the area.
37421 has been in action on the NR test train, and 66848 on RILA duties. Both visiting Newquay.
I was around the Plymouth area last evening for 5Z69 arrival at Laira from Norwich with DRS class 68 68024 working the train. The carriages are Mk3s for refurbishment. The depot was quiet with crystal clear light so some class 08 pictures at work were also obtained. Former Penzance 08644 lokked great in BR blue marshalling Mk3 around, as did Laira favourite 08641 in it's garish "large logo" livery.
The loco was stabled over night in the sidings adjacent to the main line, and joined Colas crash victim 70803. Poignant as they stood where many desolate withdrawn diesel hydraulics had stood 40 years before.
Also included is 66848 on RILA duties at Par. Also 1C73 at Scorrier and 66023 on Treverrin bank from today.
Kind regards Craig. Many thanks for your bumper bundle Craig

Six superb night scenes

08641 Laira 24th November 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

08 444 Ex Penzance loco at Laira 24th November 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

68024 At laira 24th November 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

68024 at Laira 24th November 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

68024 together with 43164 at Laira 24th November 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

08641 shunting stock at Laira 24th November 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

66023 on Treverrin Bank. 25th November 2016. Copyright Craig Munday

Down HST 1C73 at Treleigh on a down service. 25th November 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

rila 66848 is seen at Par on the 25th November 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Holmbush
Julian Stephens

50026 Indomitable and 50048 Dauntless coast down the bank with the 2C83 12.00 Penzance to Plymouth service on 25th April, 1987. Copyright Julian Stephens

Taunton
John Cornelius

A rerminder to us that Chritsmas is but a month away. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 24th November 2016 Those added most recently come first

24/11/2016

Night Time arrivals and departures from Penzance
Roger Winnen

161124c Cross Country Voyager on the 22.10 service to Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

161124d The 22.44 Ultrasonic Test Train to Bristol via St Ives. Copyright Roger Winnen

161124e The Railhead Treatment Train stops short on Platform 2 after its arrival from St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

161124f After a short stop of 7 minutes the train departed for Par 82 mins early, then going onto Westbury. Copyright Roger Winnen

Yeovil Pen Mill & Bristol Temple Meads
Guy Vincent

Hello Keith,

Here are three images taken today (23rd) for consideration.

Weather-wise much better today with flood waters rapidly receding after 3 or 4 days of continuous heavy rain. Making up for our long dry summer/autumn!

Some interesting shots you posted yesterday. I noticed the old 'Travelling Safe' on the down platform at Warminster waiting to be put onto what I think was the 1007 Bristol Temple Meads-Portsmouth Harbour train hauled by 47543 in May 1988. I remember that there used to be a train-operated bell that rang as 'down' trains passed Upton Scudamore summit approximately 2 miles away towards Westbury and this just gave the duty porter / parcels clerk time to cross from the up-side parcels office ready to deal with any items requiring loading or unloading. Prior to 1988 when the present station building was constructed on the opposite side to the original, a similar bell was used at Trowbridge for exactly the same purpose and sounded when trains passed Hawkeridge Junction soon after leaving Westbury.

Best regards

Guy Vincent

158956 on 0646 Westbury-Weymouth crossing 153361 and 153325 working 2D05 0640 Weymouth-Bristol Parkway at Yeovil Pen Mill. Several bicycles in evidence as the signalman collects the single line token for the section from Maiden Newton. This was then placed back in the instrument in the signal box and another one issued to the driver of 158956. Wednesday 23rd November 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

158956 running out of Bristol Temple Meads after arrival on 2V88 0853 ex Weymouth. It then replaced 150249 which arrived at 1215 on 1F13 1130 Cardiff Central-Portsmouth Harbour, 158956 continuing to Portsmouth and 150249 leaving on 1C45 1319 BTM-Exeter St Davids, one of the first workings to go beyond Tiverton Parkway following repairs to the washed-out track at Cowley Bridge Junction. Stabled in the short bay at the end of platform 5 is 31452, also in green but not operated by GWR of course. 23rd November 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

43188 standing in platform 15 at BTM on a blue set of carriages, blue 43028 was at the other end of the set which departed as 1A17 1230 BTM-Paddington. Wednesday 23rd November 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

Flying the Flag, Bristol Bath Road Depot 26th March, 1983
Michael Forward

830326d Flying the flag at Bristol Bath Road Shed. Here you see a good variety of locos in service, 56043 next to 25154,then 56039 and 47083 at the front with two 47s and two 37s. What a difference today at this location! Just a mass of rubble. Copyright Michael Forward

830326c 50006 Neptune arrives at Bristol Temple Meads with a Penzance to Manchester service, with a glimpse of a Class 56 in the background. Copyright Michael Forward

830326e At the other end of the station we see a smart looking 33010 backing onto a Portsmouth Harbour service. Copyright Michael Forward

37421 with the Ultrasonic Test Train running in Cornwall today during the hours of darkness.
Roger Winnen

37421 Arrived at Penzance at 05.15hrs this morning on a working with a test train from Exeter Riverside. This train travelled via Looe, Newquay and Fowey. It returns this evening departing Penzance at 22.44 to Bristol High Level Sidings via St Ives, Falmouth, Parkandillack and the Weston Super Mare loop.

161124a 37421 At Penzance this morning with the ultrasonic test train. Copyright Roger Winnen

161124b 37421 Departs tonight at 22.44 St Ives, Falmouth, Parkindillack and Bristol High Level Sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

Pinhoe
Yesterdays diversion
David Tozer

Keith,, Thought I had better get some pictures of the diversions.
The HST had been held at Pinhoe for 19 minutes.,
Dave Many thanks David

Network Rail are to be congratulated that following a supreme effort they manged to get FGW trains back on their correct route nearly a day ahead of the predicted schedule.

Due to flood damage at Cowley Bridge Junction the line between Exeter SD and Taunton was closed. Here we see 43029 & 159104 Pinhoe 23.11.2016 David Tozer

Liskeard
Brian Pibworth

Good Morning Keith, Back on shore power, or at least a landline, after a week down your way in the 'van, I am pleased to attach this slightly drier view of the NMT heading up the bank into Liskeard last Friday 18th Nov.
"The Network Rail Measurement Train comes off the 1:60 bank approaching Liskeard on a very wet November day. The rain stopped as the train approached and 5 mins later, the sun was out. Signals are off for the westbound "Cornish Riviera" running a couple of minutes late, which was lucky as we were catching it back to Truro. 4 days later the Measurement Train might well have been trapped west of Exeter when the main line was closed for 48 hrs at Cowley Bridge due to flooding."
With kind regards, Brian Many thanks Brian

A nice shot of the NMT at Liskeard on the 18th November 2016. Note, signals are off for a down service. Copyright Brian Pibworth

Salisbury
John Cornelius

Built at Brighton in March 1947 it was later modified having its smooth air casing removed. The loco was withdrawn in 1966 and is currently undergoing restoration on the Mid Hants Railway. Copyright John Cornelius

Holmbush
Julian Stephens

This was taken from a home signal mounted in a garden at Holmbush with the owners kind permission Here we see Immingham based 47294 at 14.25 on 7th June 1986 with the 1C29 09.35 Paddington - Penzance. Copyright Julian Stephens

Items added on the 23rd November 2016 Those added most recently come first

23/11/2016

Helston Box?
Christopher J Bellett

Chris Bellett drew my attention to an error on one of our pictures - the orientation was wrong. Since then he has had further thoughts - any ideas please.

Hello Keith,
Since my original email I have been looking at the photograph in more detail and I am not convinced it is Helston. I have some diagrams of the layout and interlocking of both the original lever frame and of the replacement installed in 1958 and they do not tie up with the photograph. There are 10 working levers before the space at the left hand end but Helston only ever had 8 working levers at that end. It’s not Nancegollan, Praze Ground Frame nor Gwinear Road either.
Sorry to muddy the waters.
Kind Regards, Christopher J Bellett

This picture attributed to the late Patrick English a very much respected former member of the Cornwall Railway Society. Was it actually taken by him or is it a look alike, we'll never know?

Wearde Loop
Roger Winnen

Wearde. Remains of the down refuge siding nr. Defiance Platform as seen in 1973.. This was taken out of use Oct 1972. In the background a Tiger Class Cruiser H.M.S. Lion. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many Thanks to Trevor Tremethick for confirming the Tiger Class Cruiser as H.M.S.Lion

Holmbush Signals
Julian Stephens

Julian Stephens writes 'Some members may recall this fascinating display which was situated in a garden adjacent to the main line just west of the bridge over the A390. Copyright Julian Stephens. N.B. It is understood that the owner was requested by BR to place a cross on the home signal signifying that it was not in use to save confusing drivers on the main line.

Largin
Craig Munday

Craig writes - ;This picture at Largin shows relief signalman Phil Hancock changing the water containers in 1987. His top rather matches the containers too! This practice continued until the box v=closed tin 1992 as there was no running water in the area'. A priceless moment caught by Craig Munday - many thanks. Copyright

Yeovil Junction
John Cornelius

A Scotch built Arthur class . Built by North British in May 1926, Withdrawn October 1960 Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 22nd November 2016 Those added most recently come first

22/11/2016

Par Peak
Andrew Thompson

A Peak pulls away at Par with an exceptionally long train of clay hoods. 12th July 1980 Copyright Andrew Thompson

Hymek at Laira
Roger Winnen

Hymek D7017 at Laira. on the 1st December 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen

Our recent appeal by Roger Geach for pictures of Hymeks at work in Cornwall has only resulted in one response - yet to come.. If you have any pictures of these machines at work in Kernow please let us know - many thanks.

Middleway
from a distance
Julian Stephens

A superb shot of Middleway crossing taken from taken from the lane leading from St. Blazey Bridge Crossing to Kilhallon. 50030 Repulse on the late running 9 coach 1C01 00.12 Paddington to Newquay at 08.33 on 25th July 1987 Copyright Julian Stephens.

Pontsmill
Craig Munday

It's 1985/6 as the young Craig Munday standing at the junction of the Pontsmill branch with the main Par - Newquay line catches 37205 with a train of clay hoods. Copyright Craig Munday

Warminster
John Cornelius

Guy Vincent writes:- I noticed the old 'Travelling Safe' on the down platform at Warminster waiting to be put onto what I think was the 1007 Bristol Temple Meads-Portsmouth Harbour train hauled by 47543 in May 1988. I remember that there used to be a train-operated bell that rang as 'down' trains passed Upton Scudamore summit approximately 2 miles away towards Westbury and this just gave the duty porter / parcels clerk time to cross from the up-side parcels office ready to deal with any items requiring loading or unloading. Most interesting - thank you Guy.

Items added on the 21st November 2016 Those added most recently come first

21/11/2016

Templecombe
Michael Forward

920606a Possibly the summer of 1992 47709 in Network South East Livery arrives at Templecombe on a Waterloo-Exeter service. Copyright Michael Forward

Par
Andrew Thompson

A Class 121 'Bubble car' awaiting its next turn of duty at Par on the 12th July 1980. Copyright Andrew Thompson.

St Blazey - Whoops
Julian Stephens

St Blazey - 43137 outside the shed on the 12th November 1986. Julian writes - 'I understand that while working east from Bodmin Parkway the hST lost traction and came to a stop . 50 008 Thunderer was summoned to assist and, working wrong line to couple up, lost adhesion and was in collision with the power car. Copyright Julian Stephens.

Pontsmill branch
Craig Munday

Craig writes - This is at Pontsmill. Under the YTS scheme of 1985/86 we were given the massive privilege of working alongside all sorts of railway folk, including train crew at St Blazey. One day I was taken to Pontsmill by driver Percy Wherry on 08801. We were locked in while 37205 passes with clay hoods, Copyright Craig Munday.

And we are given the privilege of a unique picture - many thanks indeed Craig.

Milltown Viaduct
Roger Geach

50049 Defiance coasts down the bank and over the viaduct with the 1155 Penzance to Plymouth. 26th March1984 Copyright Roger Geach

Hewish crossing
John Cornelius

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