Blog Archives

20thNovember 2023

20/11/2023

The Penzance Fryer Railtour from Manchester
Roger Winnen

Who is he!
Hi Roger, this masked man was a regular on rail excursions . He was on the P Z fryer hauled by 40122 and is pictured with my mother at Penzance on the 9th November 1985. Did you ever spot him?
Peter Radford

007 Westbury
Alan Peters

Looking resplendent in DB livery 66007 is captured in the new SCO sidings at Westbury on 09/11/23 the loco was being used as the yard pilot.

Alan Peters

66007 Looking resplendent at Westbury 9th November 2023. Copyright Driver Al Peters..

Good to hear from you Alan.

Basingstoke
Doug Nicholls

Basingstoke VEP 1973 Copyright Doug Nicholls

The British Rail Class 423 (4 VEP), electric multiple unit passenger trains were mostly built by British Rail (BR) at York Works from 1967 to 1974,

A very nice 'glint' there - many thanks Doug.

D600 Warships in South Wales
Neil Phillips

Hello Roger and Keith,

Further to Peter Murnaghan's item (See News 16th November 23) including his letter from friend Andy Oxley regarding the D600 Warships, I can confirm that D601/2/4 did indeed make the temporary and ultimately unsuccessful move to South Wales, being allocated to Landore (Swansea) between August and November 1967. Photos of them there are rare but do exist, although they only seem to feature the blue one, D602, on shed at Margam in August and two views working a freight on the Central Wales line at Llandrindod Wells in September. I'm surprised that their novelty value in that location hasn't produced more photos but many photographers were away chasing steam traction in its final year, this being one of many modern traction events not well recorded as a result. D602 towing D601 were photographed passing Bristol Bath Road depot on 24th November, "heading back to Laira and withdrawal" although they were returned to use on passenger and freight turns in Cornwall before their final demise on 30th December.

While these three were away D600 and D603 continued to work off Laira as before; however for the same months D601/2/4 were in South Wales Laira gained two Hymeks, D7029 from Bristol Bath Road (82A) and D7088 from Old Oak Common (81A), I assume to help 'plug the gap' while giving Laira crews some refresher training on the type. The depot must have regarded them quite highly as they were frequently rostered for the 'CRE' through Cornwall during their autumn in the South West.

As Andy correctly states, following withdrawal D602/3/4 were towed to Cashmore's at Newport, who despatched all three by the end of October 1968; D600/1 went to Woodham's at Barry, who were not so quick off the mark - D600 lasted until March 1970, and of course D601's survival for more than a decade beyond this is now legendary!

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

Many thanks for sending in all that info. Neil.

19th November 2023

19/11/2023

Withdrawn Diesel Hydraulics at Swindon in 1974
Roger Winnen

These withdrawn disels were awaiting the cutters torch at Swindon viewed from a passing train

740730i Swindon Works. Copyright Roger Winnen

740730j Swindon Works 30th July 1974. Copyright Roger Winnen

An amazing drone view of
Moorswater
Jon Hird

A superb view taken by Jon's drone which had taken off from the valley floor 80 metres below.

Moorswater GWR 43 004 leading a Cardiff - Penzance service. 18th November 2023. Copyright Jon Hird. Caradon hill in the distance.

A slightly cropped version of the above image. The pillars which once supported the original wooden viaduct are visible and somewhere in the growth beneath lurks the mothballed Moorswater branch.

Spinning around to see 43156 on the rear, pushing the service towards the lonely iron bridge upon which many enthusiasts have spent some time.

An entirely new angle, a new perspective, many thanks indeed.

Barry Scrapyard
Keith Gale

Please see article D800 in Newsline posted 16th November.

Dear Roger,
A very interesting article about details of the D600 Warships and their operation in Cornwall. I did not manage to see these locomotives in operation - but as I had heard that a single example remained in the Scrap Yard at Barry, I purposely ventured to see it. None of us knew it at the time - but both examples of North British diesels (D6122 and D601) would be scrapped around two months later! A little out of the West Country patch - but I attach a photograph of D6122 and D601 at Barry Scrap Yard on 9 April 1980.
Kind regards Keith Gale

D6122 and D601 at Barry 9th April 1980 Copyright Keith Gale.

Many thanks Keith, very interesting, no problem in stretching our boundaries a little.

Falmouth
Town and Docks
Roger Geach

Falmouth Town 153368 1350 Falmouth to Truro, Tuesday 9th April 2013 Copyright Roger Geach

Falmouth Docks track - the gorse covered area formerly led to Falmouth Shipyard. Tuesday 9th April 2013 Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger.

18th November 2023

18/11/2023

The RHTT at Pill on the Portishead Branch
Tony Shore

66848 TNT 66850 3S59 09.11 Hereford - Swindon via Portbury passing through Pill. Copyright Tony Shore

66850 TNT 66848 returning down the branch from Portbury to Parson Street. Pill old station platform. 15-11-2023. Copyright Tony Shore

Many Thanks Tony

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO
PART 51
Michael L. Roach

Devonport Kings Road Station (1)
The Royal Navy as we know it today was founded by King Henry VIII in 1546, although it was his immediate predecessor as King of Henry VII who founded the first dockyard at Portsmouth in 1496 to build large ships to export goods to the rest of the world. The Devonport Royal Dockyard was constructed in the 1690s on a virgin site on the east bank of the River Tamar just to the north of where the river entered Plymouth Sound. With several later extensions it would become the largest naval dockyard and naval base in Western Europe. The town which grew around the dockyard was called Plymouth Dock until being renamed Devonport in 1824. The three individual towns of Devonport, East Stonehouse and Plymouth amalgamated under the name of Plymouth in 1914. Although Devonport once had several railway stations the two main ones were Devonport GW (later Albert Road 1948 - 1968) on the line from Plymouth to Cornwall; and Devonport LSWR (later Kings Road) on the line from Exeter via Okehampton to Plymouth Friary. However when Kings Road opened on 17 May 1876 the LSWR trains arrived from the east, courtesy of running over the GWR for many miles, and the station was a terminus. It remained a terminus for 14 years until 1 June 1890 when trains started arriving from the north over the rails of the Plymouth, Devonport and South Western Junction Railway from Lydford. There is a very good history of Devonport Kings Road Station on the Old Devonport website; and the station is comprehensively covered in the book “The Okehampton Line.” The station closed to passengers on and from 7 September 1964 when the trains from Plymouth to Exeter via Okehampton were diverted away on to the ex-GWR line as far as St. Budeaux,
RECOMMENDED READING: The Okehampton Line by Irwell Press. ISBN: 978-1-911262-03-9
Heavy Trains (2)
I have written before about the lengthy and heavy trains hauled out of Paddington by quite small engines in the early years of the twentieth century in the days before every long distance express was hauled by a 4-6-0 steam engine. However I was still surprised when I read the following example. The second trip to be looked at in detail comes from Saturday 18 May 1907, which was Whitsuntide and the following Monday was the Spring Bank Holiday; and is some ways the trip is even more interesting than last time. The trip involved the 1.45pm to Stourbridge Junction with fourteen 8-wheel coaches where the first stop was at Oxford reached at an average speed of 50 mph. The driver was one William Soden and he was given engine 3219 of 1889 which was one of 20 engines in the 3206 or “Barnum” class. These were the last engines built at Swindon with sandwich frames and were William Dean's most successful 2-4-0 class – yes , nothing bigger than a 2-4-0 to haul 14 bogie coaches along the main line to the north at the time. The Bicester Cut-off from Ashendon Junction to Aynho Junction opened to passengers three years later on 1 July 1910 and shortened the main route to Birmingham considerably, which the GWR took immediate advantage of by introducing the 2-hour Birmingham express. The GWR produced a diagrammatic map illustrating the best times to stations along the route – reproduced here as the last image.
As an enthusiast in the nineteen fifties I associate 2-4-0s with seeing them in photographs in Trains Illustrated eking out their last days on two coach trains on rural lines in East Anglia and not with hauling heavy express trains along the main line. Although Soden did well on this trip to average 50 mph to Oxford he was not such a reliable driver as Tallis who we met in Part 42. With relatively unusual surnames both drivers were easy to find in general and railway records. Tallis's railway records were blemish free, while Soden's contained a long list of incidents and misdemeanours. More about these two drivers one day perhaps.

MLR / 15 November 2023

7231 Unrebuilt Bulleid light pacific no. 34023 Blackmore Vale (PRESERVED) on the up Atlantic Coast Express approaches Devonport Kings Road Station on Saturday 21 July 1962 with nine coaches in tow. 34023 was a long-term resident of Exmouth Junction Shed – more than 13 years. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7233 Light pacific 34076 “264 Squadron” slows to a halt at Kings Road with 8C on the Plymouth to Brighton train 70 minutes after the up ACE called in the previous photo. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7234 34076 departs Kings Road at 11.16am around the sharp curve into the tunnel under Devonport Park. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7542 T9 no. 30120 (PRESERVED) waits to depart Devonport Kings Road with the up ACE on 6 May 1961. It can be seen that it was necessary to leave around a sharp check-railed curve to change from heading west to north and the line went into tunnel almost immediately. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

3607 Possibly the only picture I have ever taken of a 2-4-0 steam engine. This is the LNWR's Precedent no. 790 “Hardwicke” of a class built 1874 and 1882 seen at the parade of steam at Shildon in 1975 to celebrate S&D 150. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7559 The diagrammatic map produced by the GWR to illustrate the best times along the route to the north after the opening of the Bicester Cut-off in 1910. MLR / 15 November 2023

Many many thanks indeed Michael - wonderful pictures.

Cullompton and Wellington
To reopen??

The government has announced funding-in-principle to restore railway services, which will see stations reopen and reintroduce rail passenger services to Cullompton and Wellington. This announcement is part of 11 national projects, which also includes the reopening of the Tavistock-Plymouth line.

Please click below - https://www.middevon.gov.uk/funding-for-new-cullompton-train-station-announced/#:~:text=www.middevon.gov.uk/funding-for-new-cullompton-train-station-announced/#:~:text=The%20government%20has%20announced%20funding,of%20the%20Tavistock%2DPlymouth%20line.The%20government%20has%20announced%20funding,of%20the%20Tavistock%2DPlymouth%20line.

Cullompton and Wellington
Views kindly supplied by
Roger Winnen

These views taken by Roger on the occasion of a minibus outing.

Cullompon

770709q Cullompton Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

770709s Class 45 with a down train at Cullompton. Copyright Roger Winnen. Unfortunately little can be seen of the station other than the roof line and goods shed behind.

Wellington

770709k Class 47 heads east through Wellington Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

A nice view as a down trains passes through the station.. The signal box and remains of up buildings stand on the partly demolished up platform. Copyright Roger Winnen.

No trains in sight in this view of Wellington Station, the down platform building is clearly visible on the down loop line. 9th April 1977. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks to Roger for digging in his archives.

17th November 2023

17/11/2023

Todays pictures
Jon Hird

Hello all,
Please find 3 photos attached taken within a short time at Burngullow at lunch time.
43162 leading a Penzance - Plymouth service
Then bang-on 10 minutes behind, 43277 leading the New Management Train with newly reconditioned 43013 on the rear. I’ve also attached a photo of the last time I saw this power car, 20 years ago - 2003 - at Plymouth.
All the best, Jon

Led by the NMT 432778 heads for Plymouth seen at Burngullow. 17th November 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

The NMT heads for Plymouth with 43013 on the rear. 17th November 2023. Copyright Jon HIrd.

43162 leading a Penzance - Plymouth service. Copyright Jon Hird.

Network Rail Test Train at Plymouth in 2003. Copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks indeed Jon.

This weeks photos
Mark Lynam

1. 43097 + 43098 cross Largin Viaduct in the colourful Glynn Valley working 2P13 1150 Penzance to Plymouth. Mon 13th Nov.

2. 150202 at the Foot crossing just West of Perranwell station working 2F79 1315 Truro to Falmouth Docks. This area has been cleared during the recent 2 week blockade. Wed 15th Nov.

3. 150238 approaching Perranwell working 2F80 1345 Truro to Falmouth Docks. Wed 15th Nov.

4. 150202 and 150238 passing at Penryn working 2F81 1415 Truro to Falmouth Docks and 2T80 1415 Falmouth Docks to Truro. Wed 15th Nov.

5. Newly overhauled 43013 at Marazion Marshes working 1Q18 0611 Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton via Penzance. Fri 17th Nov

6. 43277 on Platform 4 at Penzance with the NMT with GWR 43162 on Platform 3 which would form 2P13 1150 Penzance to Plymouth. Fri 17th Nov

7. 43277 Departs Penzance heading back up the line working 1Q18 0611 Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton via Penzance. Fri 17th Nov

Thanks,
Mark Lynam

Picture (1) Copyright Mark Lynam.

Picture (2) Copyright Mark Lynam.

Picture (3) Copyright Mark Lynam.

In the two pictures above note the piles of saw dust, evidence of the extensive clearance works track side which have taken place while re-signalling work has been taking place elswhere.

Picture (4) Copyright Mark Lynam.

Picture (5) Copyright Mark Lynam.

Picture (6) Copyright Mark Lynam.

Picture (7) Copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark.

The RHTT and Network Rail Train in West Cornwall
Andrew Triggs

Hi Keith/Roger
A productive morning's work, before the inevitable change of weather conditions, capturing the RHTT and NMT in a variety of locations this morning
All the Best
Andrew

DBC 66097 with 66113 heading west, running 62 early with 3J13 09.23 Par-St Blazey LIP, crossing Angarrack viaduct. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Later DBC 66113 with 66097 rounding the curve from the former Gwinear Road station site, running 121E with 3J13 09.23 Par-St Blazey LIP. Copyright Andrew Triggs

43277 'Storm Force' with 43013 stabled at platform 4 at Penzance, following arrival from Reading Triangle Sidings Copyright Andrew Triggs

Now back on the NMT after overhaul and modifications, 43013 'Mark Carne CBE' (with 43277) passing through St Erth, now heading to Paignton after visiting Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

The Railhead Treatment train
and the Measurement Train
Roger Winnen

231117a Todays Railhead Treatment Train arrives at Penzance for a two minute stay. Copyright Roger Winnen

231117b No view out of the back cab. Awaiting the window cleaner. Copyright Roger Winnen

231117c 66113 Awaiting departure back to St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

231117d The Measurement Train seen passing St Erth on route from Reading. Copyright Roger Winnen

231117e The newly painted front power car of the Measurement Train at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

St Blazey
from the air
Jon Hird

I had hoped to catch the JIA’s being loaded at Par Harbour (they swapped days with the Treviscoe trip this week) but arrived too late for this. But with the sun out and 3 locos visible on shed, I grabbed some pictures of the yard instead.

The RHTT is being serviced half in/half out the shed, 66102 is awaiting a path to take the JIA’s to Exeter Riverside, and if you look really closely you’ll see 66165 on the fuelling point too. The first time I’ve managed to get 3 locos in a photo at St. Blazey for a few years.

A shot looking the other way towards the harbour also included, not so much railway interest in this one but there are bits and pieces there which may draw some interest - work being done on the road around the crossing, the old fowey branch (now a haul road for lorries) and the Cornish mainline cutting across the scene.

Hope they’re of interest.

All the best, Jon

St Blazey from the south. 16th November 2023. Copyright Jon Hird

St Blazey and Par Harbour looking from the north. 16th November 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

St Blazey from the south (2) 16th November 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks indeed Jon more very interesting and exciting views.

Looking at Dawlish
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, Thank you for dealing with the last pictures of ‘Lion’. Here is an earlier picture of 50027 by Michael Adams at Dawlish, with an unknown up service on a dull 8 April 1980. Best wishes Michael Copyright Michael Adams

Thanks Michael

Another Big Cat

Michael Forward

Roger, My own picture now of 50028 ‘Tiger’ waiting at Salisbury on 15 August 1989 with the 13.18 to Waterloo,It is worth mentioning that ‘Lion’ can still be seen at the Watercress line, Hampshire. Thanks, Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Pinhoe
Keith Turley

Colas liveried No.43277 with Ex. works classmate No.43013 on the rear approach Pinhoe station working the 1Q23 0556 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter Riverside. 16th November 2023 Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks Keith - the leaves turning colour to autumnal shades make for an unusual picture with the Colas livery.

Aerial view
Stoke Canon
Paul Barlow

A scene from last summer which has now passed into history. Cross country HST 43303 43239 works the 1227 Plymouth to Glasgow past Stoke Canon level crossing on 11 August 2023.jpg

kind regards, Paul Barlow

43303 43239 works the 1227 Plymouth to Glasgow past Stoke Canon on 11th August 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul - memories are made of this!

16th November 2023

16/11/2023

Castle to Newquay
and CDA scrap line shunt
and new bridge
Craig Munday

66165 arrived double headed at Goonbarrow with 66102 on the empty JIAs early on 13th November. 66165 returned light to St Blazey leaving 66102 to handle the local Carne Point traffic.
On arrival it was employed positioning the scrap CDAs onto the cutting line in the lower yard. Some super sunshine bathed the yard. It was poignant to hear the CDAs have air breathed into the braking system for one final time and they put up no resistance being dragged gently to the "death line".

The area stayed in the news thanks to 150219 having a toilet out of use, and defective horn. This resulted in Castle set 43186/189 pulled from working 2P09 and running three round Newquay services. I grabbed a couple of shots at Goonbarrow and beside the new road bridge connecting the A392 by Hendra to the new town of Nansleden. The structure resembles a train scanner or portal into a new dimension at present. The optics are strange, but I assure you the train fits! The image is on X and has caused quite a stir about clearances! The down working passes Manuells crossing nearby.

Cheers for now, Craig Munday

2N07 43186 43189 Nansleden bridge. 13th November 2023. Copyright Craig Munday

66165 CDA shunt. 13th November 2023. Copyright Craig Munday

66165 CDA shunt behind St Blazey signalbox. 13th November 2023. Copyright Craig Munday

2N06 at Manuells Crossing 13th November 2023. Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks to you Craig - sad with the CDA's - very interesting about the new bridge.

The New Bridge at Nansledan
More information.

If you click on the links below you will find much more information and pictures.

https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/network-rail-to-install-new-road-bridge-over-railway-at-nansledan-cornwall

https://nansledan.com/project-news/network-rail-installs-new-road-bridge-over-railway-at-nansledan/

Many thanks to Network Rail for the above information.

D600 Warships
Peter Murnaghan

Hi Keith,
A couple of updates from me, but no pictures this time.
Firstly, I have been looking for my collection of Luggage Labels. Most have been despatched to an auction site and I only retained a few items. In the collection, I did have a Yeovil (B&ER) to Morebath label. And I had another B&ER label, but cannot lay my hands on it - perhaps it has gone to the auction site with the rest.
In response to Michael Roach's query, I can confirm that his label originated from Yeovil Town station. With permission from the parcels officeI, I picked up my, identical, label from Yeovil Town's label rack in 1965, together with a goodly number of other labels.
Also, I have found the letter below from a very good friend of mine, Andy, who used to drive buses in Winchester. Sadly, Andy passed away many years ago now, but his letter is full of information about the D600 'Warships'. I can't vouch for the facts, but he does seem to have been well informed about this short lived class of diesels.
It might be of interest to members, who may wish to add, or perhaps amend Andy's account.
With best wishes,
Peter Murnaghan

Andy Oxley's note 1 From Peter Murnaghan

Andy Oxley's note 2 From Peter Murnaghan

Many thanks to Peter Murnaghan and respects to the memory of the late Andy Oxley

Swindon Steam +
Colin Pidgeon

[1] & [2] Steam locomotive 34046 'Braunton' passes alongside platform 3 [27 minutes late] with a Peterborough to Worcester special called THE COTSWOLD EXPLORER.
[3] Units 165029 and 165008 pass Swindon 17 minutes early with 5V65 Wembley to Bristol (Barton Hill)
[4] TRANSPORT for WALES units 756110 and 756111 seen here departing from platform 3 with 3Q37 Swindon to Newport (South Wales) 8 Late BUT arrived as 3Q36 [Cardiff (Canton) to Swindon 1 minute early - part of a mileage accumilation run

[1] 15th November 2023. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

[2] 15th November 2023. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

[3] 15th November 2023. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

[4] 15th November 2023. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Many thanks Colin - lovely light.

15th November 2023

15/11/2023

Camborne
Dennis Flood

HST Power Car No. 43187 arriving at Camborne leading the 0541 from Bristol Temple Meads to Penzance service and the RHTT passing through as our Chairman Dennis Flood waits to start his journey home to Newport on Wednesday 15th November 2023.

43187 leading on the 05.41 ex Bristol to Penzance. 15th April 2023. Copyright Dennis Flood

343187 heads away for Penzance on the 05.41 ex Bristol to Penzance. 15th April 2023. Copyright Dennis Flood

Headed by 66113 the RHTT passes through Camborne. 15th November 2023. Copyright Dennis Flood

Many thanks Dennis - hope you had a succesful journey and a timely arrival.

The Railhead Treatment Train at Long Rock
Roger Salter

3J13 09.23 Par-St Blazey running 116 minutes early just time for the driver to change ends 66097 & 66113

Thanks Roger

Lion at Portsmouth Harbour
and Salisbury
Michael Adams & Michael Forward

Here is a picture from Michael Adams of 50027 ‘Lion ‘ waiting at Portsmouth Harbour on 9 June 1987 with the 12.03 for Paignton. Thanks, Michael. Copyright Michael Adams

‘Lion’ at Salisbury on 15 August 1989,now in Network South East livery,with the empty coaches from the 10.20 from Waterloo. Thanks and best wishes,Michael Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks to you both for the 'Lion' photographs

The Sleeper
Andrew Triggs.

Hi Keith/Roger,
After finishing work today I caught up with 57602 'Restormel Castle' with the Night Riviera ECS at Marazion and then at Penzance, have worked to and from Exeter St Davids as 5Z70 and 5Z71 today - 14th November 2023.
All the Best
Andrew

1. 802108 working 1G77 15.50 Penzance-Gloucester, while 57602 is signal checked on the Marsh with 5Z71, awaiting the road towards Penzance
2. 57602 leading the return 5Z71 12.55 Exeter St Davids-Longrock T&RSMD ECS approaching Marazion at 15.56
3. At Platform 4 following arrival at Penzance at 15.59

Picture 1. 14th November 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture 2. 14th November 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture 3. 14th November 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew - nice to see the rails getting polished again!!

Taking a look at
Bere Alston
James Bown

Hi Keith. 3 pictures from Bere Alston today (14th November 2023). Looking north, it’s tempting to imagine the line will one day continue to Tavistock and sensibly further on to revitalised Okehampton. A journey up to Gunnislake and back is always a wonderful experience. Best wishes James Bown

Looking onwards towards the future at Bere Alston 14th November 2023. Copyright James Bown.

Bere Alston 14th November 2023. Copyright James Bown.

A closer look at the pointwork at Bere Alston 14th November 2023. Copyright James Bown.

Many thanks James.

14th November 2023

14/11/2023

Castle to Newquay
Jon Hird

Hi Keith and Roger,
Owing to a fault with the class 150 unit today, GWR sent a Castle HST set consisting of 43189 and 43186 to cover two trips from par to Newquay and back.
I saw the second working at Luxuylan, this being the 13:10 Par to Newquay 2N06 service, with 43189 ‘Launceston Castle’ leading.
A couple of photos attached from a very grey and windy 10 minutes at the station. One shows the side of one of the coaches, which has clearly been brushing the lineside growth along the branch!

All the best, Jon

Many Thanks Jon

A Quick Trip to Newquay
Andrew Triggs

Afternoon Keith/Roger
A quick trip to Newquay today as 43186 & 43189 (With GW07 set) worked 2 services from Par to Newquay return today in place of the usual Class 150, following arrival of 2N07 13.15 Newquay-Par, the 2+4 set then ran as 5N07 to Laira T&RSMD and services were then worked thereafter by FGW Blue liveried 150219
All the Best
Andrew

43189 leading 2N06 12.13 for Newquay at Par Copyright Andrew Triggs

43186 leading 2N07 13.15 for Par at Newquay . Copyright Andrew Triggs

5N07 14.05 Par-Plymouth ECS departing Par. Copyright Andrew Triggs

802012 arriving at Par with 2C26 13.42 Plymouth-Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Perranwell
Roger Geach

150261 calls at Perranwell with the 14.51 Truro to Falmouth service seen on Saturday 15th June 2013 . Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks to you Roger.

13th November 2023

13/11/2023

A decade ago
Truro
Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger. Alas, soon those semaphores will be gone!!

12th November 2923

12/11/2023

Diesels in the far West
16th April1976
Roger Winnen

760416c A Class 50 50007 at Long Rock Depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

760416d Double Headers on the Penzance to Birmingham D1001 Western Pathfinder and a Class 47 . Copyright Roger Winnen

760416e D1070 Western Gauntlet on the 09.20 Relief Paddington to Penzance at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Winnen

760416f 47147 on the 09.30 Paddington to Penzance at Marazion. Copyright Roger Winnen

760416g 45005 on the Cornishman passing Long Rock Shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

The big resignalling job
Martin Duff

Evening Admins, I think Mick House might be interested in this little collection. Early this morning we took a RRV from Truro - Liskeard to inspect the lines for any fallen trees etc following the blockade and the recent storms. We left Truro just after 6 and after stops at St Austell and Par we were clear just before 10.00 (max speed 15mph). A new 3 aspect colour-light signal has also been installed on the down platform at Lostwithiel - for movements off the Fowey branch, it will route 4 ways, that’s both loops, the up line and what will be a new limit of shunt signal / fixed red on the down line near Brown Queen tunnel. The possession is due to hand back at 5 o’clock Monday morning.

12th November 2023 Copyright Martin J Duff.

Lostwithiel - new signal in position but not in use. 12th November 2023 Copyright Martin J Duff.

Many thanks indeed Martin - we hope every aspect of the operation was a complete success. Time for a rest for you.

Drone to
Pontsmill
Jon Hird

Par and the sea from above the railway at St Blazey. 11th November 2023, Copyright Jon Hird.

The drone - Jons wonderful flying machine.11th November 2023. Copyright Jon Hird,

Hello Keith and Roger,

Keith, a few weeks ago you suggested taking a look at Ponts Mill with my drone. Today, with very little wind, I thought I’d have a go.

It wasn’t the easiest of flights, I had to pick my way through the trees and electrical cables to get above the ‘canopy’. Once up there, I was pleased to see the footprint of the dries were still relatively clear.

However, it crossed my mind that it would be difficult for anyone viewing the images to orientate themselves, so I recorded some video too. I’ve uploaded to YouTube, you can view it here -
https://youtu.be/eHgqCqU1CFI

I added some subtitles to the video detailing the history of the site. This is information both from your website and Wikipedia. I was stunned to read that ships of up to 80t could once reach Ponts Mill via the Par River - I guess that was massively narrowed to form the canal we have today? You’d struggle to get a kayak up there nowadays!

With it being such a nice still day and with another battery charged, I stopped in at St. Blazey on my way home to have a quick CDA ‘headcount’! No further wagons have been cut since last week - although there are also no engines on shed, so I suppose they’ve been unable to shunt any more over to the disposal siding. This means that right now as I type, there are 38 complete CDA’s in St. Blazey.

The view from Middleway crossing looking towards the yard is interesting - you can see the lines original alignment going straight ahead where it now curves to the right and over the metal bridge, following the waterway. Granite sleepers are still in the ground here.

Finally a view from 120m above (the max legal height I can reach) which shows 2 stations, St. Blazey and Par, along with a distant view of Par Harbour and the mainline dissecting the scene.

Any suggestions or requests (from yourselves or your readers) for where to go next?

All the best, Jon

For those you who can get You Tube Jons views are fantastic - almost out of this world - take a look. Thanks ever so much Jon - a new dimension to our viewing.

Mainline Blockade a miserable day
Andrew and Diane Jones

Dear Keith and Valerie,
As the relentless modernisation of the local rail network progresses, I decided to venture out during the blockade to capture, perhaps for the last time a glimpse of our railway heritage about to disappear.
Liskeard looked very sad today, no trains and heaps of replacement buses. The rails were rusty, the signal box switched out with warning beacons protecting the permanent way on the outskirts of the station in each direction.
It felt very lonely as I photographed the remaining infrastructure.
Just as the light was failing I decided to pop down to Combe Junction, it was hard to imagine that I had not stepped back in time, witnessing a 1960’s closed station with the undergrowth fast taking over the Moorswater branch.
All a bit depressing! So I picked up Diane from her Lino cut card making course at Pensilva and went home to light the wood burner and relax for the evening before writing this article. I feel much better now!

Very best wishes Andrew and Diane

Liskeard 1 - Mainline Blockade a miserable day. 11th November 2023. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones. The waiting rooms have been repainted.

Liskeard 2. Replacement buses are no substitute with lengthy detours 11th November 2023. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Liskeard 3. Looking towards Plymouth 11th November 2023. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Liskeard 4 Combe Junction looking forlorn 11th November 2023 although the ...ainted. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Liskeard 5. A last look at the impressive signalling 11th November 2023 . 11th Novemner 2023. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Many thanks Andrew and Diane for your full coverage of the day - a very nice picture of the semaphores at Liskeard.

Terras Crossing
Mark Lynam

I have included a few shots below from Terras Crossing on Friday during high tide, although no reflections as it was fairly windy,

1) 50244 at Terras Crossing working 2L83 1346 Liskeard to Looe.

2) Going away shot of 150244 at Terras Crossing working 2L83 1346 Liskeard to Looe.

3) 150244 with the return working 2L84 1418 Looe to Liskeard.

All pictures copyright Mark Lynam

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

Many thanks Mark - a lovely day.

Lorry stuck under the bridge
Trerulefoot

Motorists using the A38 at Trerulefoot this evening are being warned of possible delays. The road is blocked after a lorry struck a bridge and is reported to be stuck.
Traffic and travel monitoring system, Inrix, reports the A38 is partially blocked in both directions at the A374 Trerulefoot roundabout.
Inrix says: "A38 in both directions partially blocked, queueing traffic due to bridge struck by vehicle at A374 (Trerulefoot roundabout). The lorry Is stuck under the railway bridge."
The incident was first reported at around 6pm.

Newquay Cornwall 00 gauge Exhibition layout.

The layout is based on Newquay, Cornwall, operating in the late 1950’s to early 60’s. The layout gives a fair representation of the station at Newquay.

Newquay Model Railway 1

Newquay Model Railway 2

Newquay Model Railway 3

This exhibition layout is offered for sale - details from Roger Speck
07-746-764-986

11th November 2023

11/11/2023

Exeter Resignalling '84 Part 2
Paul Barlow

A busy scene at Exeter Central seen from Pennsylvania road bridge 28 October 1984
Exmouth Junction A DMU waits for it's next turn to Exmouth 28 October 1984
33005 Exmouth junction to 0958 to Honiton ECS, to frorm a Honiton to Waterloo train 28 October 1984.jpg
33005 leaves Exmouth junction at 0958 for Honiton, the shunter on the left is now preserved by Colin Burgess at the Exeter and Teign Valley railway at Christow station yard;
50026 and a DMU stabled at Exmouth Junction.

A busy scene at Exeter Central seen from Pennsylvania road bridge 28 October 1984 Copyright Paul Barlow.

Exmouth Junction A DMU waits for it's next turn to Exmouth 28 October 1984. Copyright Paul Barlow.

33005 Exmouth junction to 0958 to Honiton ECS, to frorm a Honiton to Water...r 1984 Copyright Paul Barlow.

33005 leaves Exmouth junction at 09.58 for Honiton, the shunter on the left is now prrserved by Colin Burges.. Copyright Paul Barlow.

50026 and a DMU stabled at Exmouth Junction. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks for Part two Paul - apologies for the delay. An excellent record.

Dawlish
Phil Smith

43196 on an up service seen at Dawlish in 2005. Copyright Phil Smith

Many thanks Phil.

Any ideas can U help
John Roberts

Those of our age will remember Railway 150 at Shildon in 1975 and planning has started for Railway 200 in 2025. Community groups are invited to submit ideas, so maybe we could do something around the opening of the little-known Redruth & Chacewater which opened the same year as the world-famous Stockton & Darlington?

More will be added to the website as events emerge.
www.railway200.com
John Roberts.

Many thanks for your idea John - can anybody help us with this excellent suggestion?

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D600 Warships in South Wales
Neil Phillips

A decade ago
Truro
Roger Geach

The big resignalling job
Martin Duff