Blog Archives

30th November 2021

30/11/2021

Okehampton Query
Roy Hart

Reference the query raised yesterday by Micheal Manning on his photograph - repeated below.
Dear Keith,
I would place this photograph in the period 1925-35. It is difficult to be more precise. I have chècked pictures of Okehampton throughout the twentieth century and the only indicators we have here are
1. Fashions -very much inter-war and 1920s rather than 1930s, I'd say.
2. The old victorian gas lamps are in course of being replaced by standard SR concrete ones. This happened all over the Southern.
3. The coaching stock visible was standard on all the Okehampton routes between the wars -3 and 4- coach sets.
All the best, Roy

Okehampton station - from the ichea manning Collection.

A reply received from our good friend Roy Hart and source of information at 04.06. Roy lives at Rangoon, Burma. Many thanks Roy for keeping a watchful eye out. Keep well keep safe.

Exeter
Paul Barlow

46029 Exeter St Davids on 1225 Newcastle to Plymouth 1V89 A Sunday service. only. The driver waits patiently - with the van doors still oen it will be some time. 22nd November 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Exeter
Roger Winnen

A Barnstaple to Exeter and Plymouth DMU at St Davids. Copyright Roger Winnen 30th March 1978

A 'golden oldie' note the abundance of platform trolleys (BRUTES) on the platform. Many thanks Roger.

29th November 2021

29/11/2021

Train of lights
Paul & Alison Barlow

Hello Keith
A few shots from last nights train of lights 1845 Paignton to Kingswear. 75014 was at the Kingswear end with USA 2253 heading to Paignton.
A return trip to Kingswear with lots of special lighting effects on the way, including snow at Churston! The steam heating was working very well on the train.
Hope they are good enough quality!
All the best,Paul.

The Train of light passes Churston station. Copyright Paul Barlow

Train of lights headed by USA 2253 Omaha. Copyright Paul Barlow

75014 Kings.wear on the 1845 from Paignton Train of lights. Copyright Paul

Kingswear Train of light photo. Copyright Alison Barlow.

Paignton train of lights. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks to Paul and Alison. A good evenings work.

Dirty trains at
Swindon
Ken Mumford

The same RHTT in both directions with [ 'having had a shower for weeks'] Stella and Charlotte heading for the Transfer Yard east of Swindon station. and laer passing through platform 4 en route again. Crew needed to attend to one of the vehicles hence a green signal but the train stopped for a few minutes then accelerated rapidly away leaving a smoke screen..
could be called - HOW DIRTY ARE OUR TRAINS? Well, at least some of them!

The RHTT approaches. See text above. 28th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

You can just about read the number on 67 027. 28th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford

Swindon, dirt, shadows and exhaust. The nameplates could do with a clean too, 28th November 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

67 027 leads as the train having reversed returns through Swindon. 28th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Just passing through - thankfully. 28th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Departing Swindon. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken. The RHTTS do a marvelous job and deserve a through overhaul and clean up once their annual stint is done. The vast majority of trains these days are pretty clean.

Glorious Westerns
Neil Phillips

I saw Hugh Austen’s photo of D1072 Western Glory heading west at Gwinear Road on 26th June 1976 and realized that I had photographed the same train leaving Truro slightly earlier that day. The weather seemed to have been better in Truro though…..you have had this photo from me before, I hope you don’t mind me sending it in again as I think it was the best photo of a Western I ever took – imagine the noise, ‘Western Glory’ indeed!

Interesting to note that, looking at the ‘graffiti’ in the dirt on the yellow front, at some point during the two days between Hugh’s photos D1072 has been turned, presumably on the Laira triangle, although at that time the St Blazey turntable couldn’t be ruled out of course. I had visited Penzance 6 days earlier and noted 08643 and 08840 there, so the Class 08 just to the left of Hugh’s second photo would have been one of these two. 08840 was a very long-serving class member in the far South West.

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

D1072 Western Glory departs Truro on the . 26th June 1976. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Many thanks for your note Neil - your picture together with the details you have furnished certainly deserve repeating.

Any info please
Micheal Manning

Could you put this pic of Okehampton (bought from Ebay) on the website to ask if anyone can date it? Members might recognise the very old coaches in view.

Micheal Mannings photograph. He asks if any one can provide any information concerning the two coaches seen at this location.

I am afraid the the photograph is of very poor quality, and it couldn't be improved by use of an editor. The advice required is difficult to provide unless the photogapher or somebody who was there at the time can help.

28th November 2021

28/11/2021

EX London Transport Canvey Island Tram Trailers at Tumblydown Down Redruth
Mike Hitchens Roger Salter

Former London Transport Tram Trailers cars which are over 100 years old saw service around Canvey Island and district now reside at Tumblydown Farm Museum at Tolgus Mount Redruth. Copyright Mike Hitchens

These tramcars since the 1930s has stood behind the Falmouth Packet Inn at Rosudgeon and were only moved this year when development of the site was required for housing. Copyright Michael Hitchens

The two trailer cars seen at the premises of A.R. Newport & Sons. Rospeath, Crowlas Penzance prior to being taken to Tumblydown Farm, Tolgus Mount, Redruth. Copyright Roger Salter

Photographed at Rosudgeon. Copyright Roger Salter

Many Thanks Mike & Roger

Down your way!
Newquay
Bill Elston

Down your neck of the woods this weekend, First Great Western livered 150238 worked the branch today, and is seen here
about to work the 1510 Nqy-Par.

Best wishes, Bill

150238 at Newquay ready to form the 15.10 Newquay to Par. 27th November 2021. Copyright Bill Elston.

150238 at Newquay 27th November 2021. Copyright Bill Elston.

'Shiver me timbers'. Welcome to a bitterly cold Cornwall Bill, many thanks.

Exeter Peak
Paul Barlow

Peak 46053 on thr 14.37 Leeds to Plymouth stands at Exeter St Davids 4th February 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

Severn Tunnel Jct.
Phil Smith

Phil tells us that this is 33206 passing Severn Tunnel Jct yards in 1987 plus THE SUN-93 million miles away. Copyright Phil Smith -

Good Morning and thanks Phil. I don't dispute that it's the Sun but will have to accept the 33 number - can't see it.

Statistics from
Cornwall Live.

Six Cornwall train stations were used less than 1,000 times during the pandemic, with one seeing just 28 people pass through.
New figures from the Office of Rail and Road show how much each station in Cornwall was used between April 2020 and March 2021 - which covers the majority of the pandemic’s lockdown time in the UK. The most used station was Truro, with a total of 419,996 entrances and exits across the 12 month period, making Truro the 371st most used station in the country.
While this might sound like a lot, that’s less than half the number of uses the station had in the 2019-20 year where 1,211,362 people entered or exited - an unsurprising reduction in a year where people were urged not to travel.
St Ives is the second most popular station in Cornwall, with 293,880 entries and exits in the 2020-21 year. It, too, saw a huge reduction on last year where the figure was 706, 826.
This is then followed byPenzance, where 190,426 people entered or departed - possibly bolstered by people falling asleep on the train from London. !!!!!!!!!!!!!
By total contrast, Coombe Junction Halt, a tiny end-of-the-line station a 12 minute train ride from Liskeard , saw just 28 entries and exits in the year.

From 'Cornwall Live'.

27th November 2021

27/11/2021

D1072 Western Glory indeed
in June 1976
Neil Philips

Hello Roger and Keith,

I saw Hugh Austin’s photo of D1072 Western Glory heading west at Gwinear Road on 26th June 1976 and realized that I had photographed the same train leaving Truro slightly earlier that day. The weather seemed to have been better in Truro though…..you have had this photo from me before, I hope you don’t mind me sending it in again as I think it was the best photo of a Western I ever took – imagine the noise, ‘Western Glory’ indeed!

Interesting to note that, looking at the ‘graffiti’ in the dirt on the yellow front, at some point during the two days between Hugh’s photos D1072 has been turned, presumably on the Laira triangle, although at that time the St Blazey turntable couldn’t be ruled out of course. I had visited Penzance 6 days earlier and noted 08643 and 08840 there, so the Class 08 just to the left of Hugh’s second photo would have been one of these two. 08840 was a very long-serving class member in the far South West.

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

Many Thanks Neil

Binliner at Oxford
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are going on allright and thanks to all for the great pictures on the site. Here is another shot of the Calvert to Bath empty binliner passing through Oxford ,this time on 21 June 1993 behind 60041 ‘High Willhays’. Thanks and best wishes, Michael.

Many Thanks Michael

Cirencester
Guy Vincent

Fortunately for us Guy Vincent has been along to Cirencester and sent in a couple photographs of the fromer station site and also copies of a proposal to re-open the branch as a light rail project.
Guy writes :- A couple of pictures of the former GWR station building at Cirencester. Opened in 1841 and closed in 1964, sadly it will never see a train again as it now sits in the middle of a car park with the land beyond where the line came in from Kemble now occupied by a main road and supermarket. There is a proposal to bring a light rail system from Kemble station to Cirencester, if this happens the terminus will be situated opposite this station site on the former Tetbury Road, close to a leisure centre. Copies of leaflet included.
Regards Guy Vincent

Cirencester Station Building 23rd November 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Cirencester Station - the Blue Plaque 23rd November 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Cirencester Community Trust - the Rail project.

Cirencester Community Trust - the Rail project. The back of the leaflet.

An enlargement of the 'Frequently asked. questions;

Wikipedia produces a lot of detail on the history of the line, a snatch of which is copied below. However if you click here you will open up the link to a most interesting article with many pictures.

The Cirencester branch line was a five-mile-long single-track branch railway line in Gloucesteshire, England that connected Cirencesterto the main line at Kemble. It was opened by the Cheltenham and Great Western Union Railway in 1841. The main line was extended from Kemble to a junction near Gloucester in 1845, by the GWR which had taken over the C&GWUR. The branch supported a busy passenger and goods business, but these declined in the 1930s, and closure was threatened in the 1950s. To reduce costs and maintain the viability of the line, lightweight four-wheel diesel railbuses were introduced, and they proved popular. Nevertheless, the line's decline was inexorable, passenger service closed in 1964 and the goods service ending the following year.
The route crossed the River Thames near its source and formed the highest rail crossing point on the river.

We wish this Light Rail Project every success.

Many thanks to Guy for his time and trouble getting and giving the information to us.

Snowy scene at Cowley Bridge
Exeter
Paul Barlow

Peak 45042 heads the 14.15 Paignton Leeds 1E70 Cowley bridge junc. 9th December 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow.

A Christmas card scene - after last nights storm it could be looking like this today. Many thanks Paul.

Very early Christmas at Blunsdon
Swindon and Cricklade Rly.
Ken Mumford

Blunsdon - Swindon and Cricklade - early Christmas display. 19th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford..

Many thanks Ken - a bit early!

Next Saturday - don't forget this.
Hope the weather is better!!

ENJOY YOUR VISIT

26th November 2021

26/11/2021

Early arrival at
Penzance
Andrew Triggs

Recorded the Night Riviera ECS with 57604 'Pendennis Castle' this afternoon back in it's old haunt of Platform 4 (the ECS having been a regular at Platform 1 for several years now) having propelled into Penzance a mere 350 minutes early at 14.30 3 shots for CRS enclosed
All the Best
Andrew Triggs

1. From the Sea wall
2. From above the Station wall
3. At Platform 4

Picture 1 26th November 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Picture 2 26th November 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Picture 3 26th November 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many thanks Andrew

Before the storm broke
Craig Munday

Been a while since I popped anything cross. It really has been a busy spell at work, and on the rails.

Back to the 17th, and some pleasant sunshine as 66591 trundled back to Taunton from its Penzance visit with a crew refresher run passing Sperritt tunnel near Dobwalls.

The 18th saw inclement weather which did nothing to aid the conditions as RHTT loco 66098 was subbed and worked the clays from Goonbarrow. The train ran into difficulties at the summit of Treverrin and 66061 was needed to clear the section. The rear loco is pictured running into the up loop through the platform.

Some night shots on Fri 19th of the clays being stabled and RHTT getting prepped for its 20 hour shift. It was a cloudy evening but the light was sharp.

On 22nd A Castle set made an appearance on the Newquay branch in brilliant sunshine. Set GW15 works back at Goonbarrow Jn with a Par bound service.

Out and about on the afternoon of 23rd, a fantastic mackerel sky cloud formation broughts good omens for a super sunset. It was spectacular too. GW01 Castle set 43160/156 heads west at Dobwalls. 158767 is seen afterwards at Lostwithiel as the sky turned to gold.

Finally - before storm Arwen is set to pound the UK, a picture of Colas class 70 70816 passing Liskeard. The eagle eyed will note the RILA track survey equipment on the Country end of the locomotive. It made two visits to Truro on 24th.

66591 Sperritt Tunnel (2) 17th November 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

6G09 66098 66061 Lostwithiel 18th November 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

Night St Blazey RHTT loco 66116 19th November 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

Night St Blazey The RHTT - 66098 on the other end. 19th November 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

Night St Blazey. A liitte more distant shot of 66116 on the RHTT. 19th November 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

The surprise working of a Castle Class set on the Newquay branch GW15 at Goonbarrow on the 22nd November 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

158767 pauses at Lostwithiel on the 23rd November 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

0C06 produces 70816 at Liskeard with the RILA working. 24th November 2021 Copyright Craig Munday..

The return working - 0C06 70816 Liskeard RILA working 24th November 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

GW01 43160 43156 Sperritt Tunnel 2C26 23rd November 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

As usual an excellent report on events on the Cornish Scene - many thanks indeed Craig.

37's on parade
Severn Tunnel Jct
Phil Smith

Phil kindly sends in this line up of 37's at Severn Tunnel Junction.

37233-37255-37699-37204-37509-37256-37075-37149-37182-37227-37101-37224-right to left. The date is given as 1986. Copyright Phil Smith

Many thanks Phil

Ponsanooth Viaduct
Michael L Roach

Ponsnooth viaduct under re-construction 1929. From the Michael Roach Collection. 5221

Ponsanooth viaduct 2nd Dec 1983 Copyright Michael L. Roach. Rebuilt to carry double track line but never used as such.

Many thanks Mike.

25th November 2021

25/11/2021

Western Glory D1072
Hugh Austen

760626a Western Glory with a Paddington-Penzance train on 26th June 1976 rounds the curve at Gwinear Road one of my favourate places at the time when the space was open, nobody seemed to care where you wandered. Copyright Hugh Austen

760628a Two days later on 28th Hyne 1976 its seen again at Penzance with the 08 just in the photograph. Copyright Hugh Austen

Many Thanks Hugh

Dorchester West
Mike Bojko

Hope you are keeping well. Whilst working in Dorchester today I came across this. Freightliner Class 66 number 66419 in this striking livery. The station was closed as there is engineering work on this line towards Weymouth. The other end of the train had another Class 66, this time in the green livery.
Mike Bojko

Dorchester West with 66419 on an engineering train during closure for engineering work. 24th November 2021. Copyright Mike Bojko N.B. Double track through the station then single to Dorchester Junction the line is also single northwards to Maiden Newton.

Many thanks for your report Mike - you travel far and wide.

Video footage
Duchess of Southerland
Ken Mumford

Ken Mumford draws our attention to some fine video footage of the Duchess of Southerland working in our region. Please click here :-
https://youtu.be/JIj1iK_wSqI

Many thanks Ken.

The harbour tramway at Charlestown

Peter Murnaghan

Charlestown
A network of china clay tunnels leading to Charlestown harbour is open to the public for a limited period, until 9th January 2022.

The tunnels were underground access routes for trucks containing dry china clay, to gain access to ships moored alongside in Charlestown harbour. The china clay used to travel down from its source 3 miles away at Carglaze, in the form of slurry by gravity in a pipe to settling tanks at Charlestown. In 1907, a clay dry was erected where the Shipwreck Museum now stands. The tunnels were constructed at the same time and remained operational until 1968.

The tunnels have been opened in recent years, for special occasions and are open again this winter as the 'Tunnel of Lights: Arctic Adventure'. More than 100 metres of tunnels are illuminated as they cross beneath the road to emerge above the harbour, where china clay used to be emptied down chutes into the holds of ships below. The tunnels run in various directions and a passing loop is included in the layout.
From 1st December, a newly excavated tunnel at the site that has never been opened to the public before, as part of the Museum, will be decorated with thousands of festive lights, as a Christmas feature.
To visit the tunnels, timed entry tickets must be booked in advance via shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk. There is limited availability. The Tunnel of Lights are open to the public from 23rd October 2021 until Sunday 9th January 2022.
Admission will also include access to the Shipwreck Museum.
This is a rare opportunity to see this network of tunnels that have been disused for over 50 years. A couple of end-loading wagons can be seen at the Museum, together with the remains of track and chutes alongside the harbour.

Peter Murnaghan

Charlestowb Harbour Tramway (1) 24th November 2021. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Charlestowb Harbour Tramway (2) 24th November 2021. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Charlestowb Harbour Tramway (3) 24th November 2021. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Charlestowb Harbour Tramway (4) 24th November 2021. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Charlestowb Harbour Tramway (5) 24th November 2021. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Charlestowb Harbour Tramway (6) 24th November 2021. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Charlestowb Harbour Tramway (7) 24th November 2021. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Charlestowb Harbour Tramway (8) 24th November 2021. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Charlestowb Harbour Tramway (9) 24th November 2021. Copyright Peter Murnaghan. Note the hand sanitiser fitted to the wagon - a sign of the times.

Maybe something to do over the Christmas Period but remember to book in advance. Many thanks to Peter for this item.

Exeter
Paul Barlow

33021 shunts stock from 09.10 ex Waterloo at Exeter west. 10th December 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul. Wish we could see those wonderful signals nowadays.

24th November 2021

24/11/2021

Class 70816 at Truro testing the fugro equipment
Mick House

Photo 1) Class 70 816 heads towards the crossover to the west of Truro station. Copyright Mick House.

2) With our good friend Driver Alan Peters at the helm 70 816 passes through Truro Station. Copyright Mick House.

3) Going over the level crossing at Truro with the Fugro on the rear and one of those lovely semaphore signals to the left, 70 816 heads for Taunton. Copyright Mick house.

Thanks Mick

37254 Cardiff Canton on tonights test Train
Roger Winnen

3770 20.48 Penzance to Exeter Riverside via Newquay and Looe (An ideal place to spend a penny)

211124a Driving cab 9714 at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

211124b 37254 Cardiff Canton Fuel Capacity 1670 Galls. Copyright Roger Winnen

211124c This train departs tonight at 20.48 hrs via Newquay & Looe to Exeter Riverside. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Duchess
Driver Alan Peters

Duchess of Sutherland takes on water on down relief between Wantage and Challow,Taken from a place of safety. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

An amazing picture - Many thanks Alan.

You will find many more pictures of the Duchess on tour if you go to our Features Section July to December. Please click here and scroll as necessary.

Early start - cold morning
Driver Alan Peters

Winter is here and the reality of a cold morning start at 6am at Westbury Holding Sidings on 22nd November 2021, a frosty Colas Rail 66848 that will work 6M50 Westbury to Bescot via Hinksey Yard.
Driver Alan Peters

Westbury Holding Sidings . 66484 waits to depart to Brescot via Hinksey Yard. 22nd November 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Many thanks Alan.

Going Local at
Bittaford
Clive Smith

(1) In brilliant sunshine 43301 heads the 1S51 12.27 Plymouth - Edinburgh at Daveys Bridge between Ivybridge and Bittaford on the 22nd November. 43357 is on the rear. (2) The hastily taken going away shot of 1S51. (3) Very close to home for me and perfectly co-ordinated as part of my walk back from photographing the XC HST set further down the road. This was scheduled at 13.05 and was a little late. 43154 is the lead power car on the 10.50 Penzance - Cardiff Central crossing Bittaford Viaduct with 43088 out of sight on the rear. I've been wanting to take a photo here for some time but the light has to be good and the sun in a very specific position. (4) It could be 66116 under the dirt which has been on the RHTT Rail Head Treatment Train. 66098 was definitely on the rear. This is the 23rd and it started at Exeter at 13.26. Of course the glorious sun in the morning couldn't last and high clouds dulled the scene at the bottom of the road in my village of Bittaford. Not a shot I've done before as the view of the viaduct is boxed in. However as I'm not very mobile at the moment I thought I'd go local and see if I could get something. No cars or buses zooming by and thankfully a couple of large trucks on my side of the road passed a few minutes before. Regards Clive Smith

(1) In brilliant sunshine 43301 heads the 1S51 12.27 Plymouth - Edinburgh at Daveys Bridge between Ivybridge and Bittaford on the 22nd November. 43357 is on the rear. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) The hastily taken going away shot of the 1S51. 22nd November 2021.

(3) Very close to home for me and perfectly co-ordinated as part of my walk back from photographing the XC HST set further down the road. This was scheduled at 13.05 and was a little late. 43154 is the lead power car on the 10.50 Penzance - Cardiff Central crossing Bittaford Viaduct with 43088 out of sight on the rear. I've been wanting to take a photo here for some time but the light has to be good and the sun in a very specific position. 22nd November 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

This is the 23rd November and it started at Exeter at 13.26. Of course the glorious sun in the morning couldn't last and high clouds dulled the scene at the bottom of the road in my village of Bittaford. Not a shot I've done before as the view of the viaduct is boxed in. However as I'm not very mobile at the moment I thought I'd go local and see if I could get something. No cars or buses zooming by and thankfully a couple of large trucks on my side of the road passed a few minutes before. Copyright Clive Smith

A nice report of things in your local area, an insight of that tight bend of road and rail at Bittaford and of the viaduct of a view usually glimpsed from the train taken while on your essential exercise. We hope that this brings a speedy recovery and a return to your usual very mobile self. Many thanks Clive.

Dust at
Dawlish
Paul Barlow

43171 leading with 43009 head through builders dust on 10.31 Laira to Doncaster works Dawlish station. 23rd November 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43304 43303 approaching Rockstone bridge Dawlish with the 0611 Leeds to Plymouth 23 November 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

23rd November 2021

23/11/2021

The Goods Yard
At St Austell
Hugh Austin

790906a 50031 Taken at St Austell Goohs Yard on 6th September 1979. Copyright Hugh Austin

790923a 50001 Photographed at St Austell Goods Yard on 23rd September 1979. I think it may have been moving coaches from a motor rail service. Copyright Hugh Austin

790923a 50001 Photographed at St Austell Goods Yard on 23rd September 1979. I rather think it may have been moving coaches from the motor rail service. Copyright Hugh Austin

Many Thanks Hugh

Duchess at Reading
Ken Mumford

The Duchess of Sutherland coming to a stand on platform 15 at Reading this afternoon (22/11/2021). Running 5Z34 Tyseley Steam Trust to Southall Wcr in preparation for The Gloucester Christmas Market and Cardiff Railtour courtesy of The Railway Touring company on 23rd November 2021.

6233 Duchess of Sutherland comes to a stand at Reading. 22nd November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Another low level shot of an impressive locomotive./ Copyright Ken Mumford.

Well caught Ken - thank you.

Goss Moors - HST
Keith Barrow

Hi Keith,
Passengers on the Newquay branch were treated to a HST today following the failure of the usual 150.
43098, set GW15 and 43194 are seen picking their way through the vegetation on Goss Moor near Roche with the 2N03 09.17 Newquay - Par.

Kind Regards, Keith Barrow

Many thanks Keith - nice to hear from you.

Exeter
Paul Barlow

On a freezing cold night 47032 pilots a failed HST on the 09.50 Edinburgh to Plymouth. 9th December 1981.. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Brr brr - you deserve a medal standing out in the cold - reminds us of chill days to come - many thanks Paul.

Portishead branch
Peter Maliphant

A letter from Peter Maliphant shows how feet are dragging on this project.

Dear Member,

We are writing to update you about the DCO decision and the PRG AGM.

As you may well have seen in the press, the DCO decision a couple of weeks ago didn’t give either a ‘Yes’ or a ‘No’ answer. Instead the Secretary of State extended by six months the statutory deadline to determine the DCO outcome. The reason for the extension is to allow further consideration of ‘environmental matters’. A written ministerial statement announced the extension and set a new deadline to determine the application by 19 April 2022.

This announcement was a complete surprise to everyone involved in the MetroWest project and very disappointing. The vague nature of the given reasons also caused serious alarm, so we have been working to find out more.

Liam Fox MP has raised the issue in Westminster and been told “There is no specific reason for the delay on environmental grounds and, indeed, it would be possible to go ahead with the DCO (development consent order) immediately except for one potentially serious factor.

Government advisers believe that there is a strong chance that environmental activist groups might seek a judicial review over the whole project on “environmental” grounds. While this may seem absurd given the clear benefits that the railway would bring ... It is entirely possible that they would object to any new transport project. The six-month delay that has been announced is to allow for a full environmental impact to be undertaken to the extent that the government believes it would be able to resist any calls for a judicial review.”

A judicial review would take between 12-20 months to resolve, so the current six-month delay, while unwelcome, looks like the least unacceptable way to proceed with the least chance of substantial delay to the opening of the Portishead line.

The first part of this work requires North Somerset Council to provide a further assessment of the impact of the scheme against a series of carbon budgets, by 23 November 2021.

That is all the information that anyone, as far as we know, has at the moment. We will continue to seek clarification about the consequences of all this for the Portishead line, but there seems little point in holding our AGM in the next few weeks, as there will no more information available beyond what you already have. We will rearrange the AGM for a date in 2022 once the situation becomes clearer.

Regards,
Peter

Peter Maliphant
Membership Secretary
Portishead Railway Group

Many thanks to you Peter for sending this update - let's hope that we get some more positive news soon.

22nd November 2021

22/11/2021

British Transport Commission Holiday Runabout Ticket 1962
Tickets please - Railrover Tickets
Guy Vincent

Hello Keith / Roger
Inside a box of miscellaneous railwayana items I have been adding to for many years now the following ticket was found. A rather worn British Transport Commission 'Area No 7' Holiday Runabout Ticket dated 29th July - 04 August 1962. Senior members will no doubt recall these tickets and the opportunities they presented for exploring out of the way branch lines and sampling traditional push-pull tank engine operations in the period leading up to Beeching's axe which led to the closure of many of these routes. Today all that remains is the route from Newton Abbot to Barnstaple (Junction) and of course the main line eastwards from Cowley Bridge Junction to Stoke Canon (where the Tiverton line diverged) and beyond. Exeter-Tiverton closed October 1963, Dulverton-Barnstaple lasted exactly 3 more years and closed in October 1966. Torrington went in 1965 and Ilfracombe lost its passenger trains from 5th October 1970. Maybe someone has further examples of these 'Area' tickets covering other areas?

Regards , Guy Vincent

The young Guy Vincents ticket

The reverse of Guys ticket - if only one could do that trip now.

West Cornwall Rover - Roger Winnen.

The much used and battered ticket of the young Roger Winnen.

The reverse of Rogers Cornish Rover ticket - Roger Winnen collection

Western Region Railrover - Michael L Roach.

A ticket to Freedom - just look at what it covered. From the Mike Roach collection.. One wonders at the significance of the red 'W' was that to indicate the region of use?

The reverse of Mikes ticket - includes the Somerset and Dorset. From the Mike Roach collection.

West Cornwall Rovers Keith and Valerie Jenkin

At the time of purchase we were advised that although not shown on the availability map as the future of the Helston and Chacewater - Newquay branches was at the time very much in doubt that we could travel on these lines. Hence the additional markings on the route map at the rear of Valeries ticket. This was done after use.

KJ's Rover

KJ's Rover back view;

VJ's Rover - front view. Note the sex discrimination W for woman.

The rear of Valeries Rover ticket.

Many thanks to Guy for the article and to those who have provided copies of their tickets. As Guy says - do you have any similar tickets for other areas in the SW?
Please let us see them.

Devon Rover
Good News

Looking at the GB Railrovers site on the internet it shows that the Dartmoor Line is now included in the Devon Rover ticket

Plashford Bridge, Looe branch.
Autumnal Colours
Chris Harvey

Hi Keith,
I've dug through the archives to find a picture from 1999 of autumn colours beside the Looe branch.

Best Regards, Chris Harvey Bodmin.

On a crisp 6th November 1999, 153 318 trundles south away from the camera at Plashford Bridge, with the 1320 Liskeard - Looe. Copyright Chris Harvey..

Many thanks Chris - no doubt inspired by Clive Smiths article yesterday 'Autumnal trip to Looe' .

Bristol Temple Meads
Paul Barlow

In contrast to the rural scene above 46001 dominates this picture as it sits at Bristol Temple Meads on the 12.25 Newcastle to Plymouth the 1V89/ 29th November 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

21st November 2021

21/11/2021

Pathfinder tour at
Ashbury Crossing
Andrew Jenkins

I have been asked by the photographer of this photo - Andrew Jenkins - to pass on his picture of a Pathfinders Tour from Eastleigh [picking up at Swindon] and heading for York, Harrogate and Leeds.
Kind regards and keep safe,
Ken Mumford

Pathfinder tour passes Ashbury Crossing on the 20th November 2021. Copyright Andrew Jenkins

Many thanks Andrew.

Deltic at Rewe
Paul Barlow

55016 Gordon Highlander on the 08.30 Finsbury Park to Exeter seen at Rewe Devon. 23rd November 1981, Coyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Autumnal trip to
Looe
Clive Smith

Unfortunately the day was fairly overcast so not quite the illumination I'd been hoping for. Despite the poor lighting the autumn leaves are colouring nicely and I expect the single figure temperatures forecast for the forthcoming week with overnight frosts will hasten that process to yellow and golden.. Barely any breeze to blow them off so hopefully a good show in the coming days. Sadly I can't drive at least for another ten days so I expect I will miss out on the photo extravaganza as my ankle is still in a surgical boot and I have been unable to jump in my car and flit between various locations to capture nature's wonderful show. Regards Clive Smith

(1) 43158 arrives at Ivybridge with the 07.51 Penzance - Exeter St Davids. The rear is 43155. 20th November 2021, Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) 43192 is on the front of the 06.55 Gloucester - Penzance with 43153 on the rear at Ivybridge.. 20th November 2021; Copyright Clive Smithh

(3) Classic signalling. Classic traction. How much longer will we be able to enjoy these wonderful semaphores that are left in Cornwall ? 43153 brings up the rear of the 06.55 Gloucester - Penzance with 43192 on the front.. 20th November 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) 150265 pulls out of Looe with the 12.08 departure to Liskeard.Time now for a Sarah's pasty by the quay and a few pints of HSD in The Globe opposite the station. 20th November 2021, Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) Some lovely browns and yellows on the trees behind overlooking the river. Some good sun is forecast for early in the week.

Many thanks Clive. Glad you had a good day out Clive - hope that that ankle gets better quickly. All the very best for a speedy recovery.

'Dave' arrives on the
Swindon & Cricklade
Ken Mumford

Swindon & Cricklade Railways New Arrival.19th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford. (1)

Swindon & Cricklade Railways New Arrival.19th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford. (2)

Swindon & Cricklade Railways New Arrival.19th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford. (3)

Swindon & Cricklade Railways New Arrival.19th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford. (4)

Swindon & Cricklade New Arrival.down on Terra Firma. 19th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford. [6]

Swindon & Cricklade New arrival . 'Dave' is shunted into position after delivery. 19th November 2021.

The origins of the loco

Operational. Originally built by Hunslet as Austerity-type 0-6-0ST saddle tank 3781 of 1952, later named Linda on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Converted to a side-tank locomotive in order to create a lookalike LB&SCR E2 class No. 1 "Thomas"No. 1 "Thomas" (works number 3781 of 1952) in 1994. The loco is commonly referred to as "Dave" when not carrying the Thomas identity.[1]
Information gleaned from the Watercress Railway stock list by Roger Winnen.
All the best, Roger.

Many thanks Roger and Ken.

Sign of the times - Open again
Okehampton
Andrew Hickson

A sign of the times - we wish the line every success. A very nicely composed picture by Andrew Hickson. Copyright.

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