Blog Archives

Items added on 31st December 2017 Those added most recently come first

31/12/2017

New Years Eve
May 2018 it be a good and prosperous year for you all. Many thanks to everyone for your support.

The Winter Steam up
Bodmin & Wenford Railway featuring the restored Bagnell Austerity Saddle Tank
Roger Salter John Ball & Roger Winnen

This Gala featured three engines GWR 6435 LSWR The Beattie Well tank and the restored Bagnell built Austerity locomotive 2766 being in steam after trials earlier this year during April to haul its first train since 1976, however in its lifetime this was the first passenger train that this engine has hauled as it was on colliery duties until 1976.. Work began on the restoration of this locomotive by the Cornwall Steam Locomotive Preservation Society at Bodmin in 1995 and has now been outshopped in its original guise as WD No 75178
A very fine job indeed!

171230k The rebuilt Bagnall Austerity tank awaits to haul its first passenger train. The last time thst this engine was in steam was over forty years ago in 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230zn Road Ahead as the fireman steps down from the engine to change the points at Boscarne Junction. Copyright John Ball

171230zf 75178 waits for the Beattie to couple up for the return journey to Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Salter

171230s Returning from Boscarne Junction we see both engines rounding the curve into Bodmin General Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230zc 30587 rounds the curve into Bodmin General Station with the 10.30 goods from Boscarne Junction. Copyright Roger Salter

171230zk The beattie well tank after arriving at Bodmin General with the goods runs around its train. Copyright John Ball

171230v 6435 arrives with the goods from Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

More photographs of this event appear in the Features Pages September-December 2017

Roskear Level Crossing barriers damaged by high winds
Roger Salter

171230zi Viewed from the 08.44 The Cornish Riviera Express to Paddington running under caution on leaving Camborne. We see Roskear Level Crossing barriers which were damaged in the recent gales. Copyright Roger Salter

171230zj Network Rail in attendance at Roskear. These barriers have recently been replaced, however after this damage it is believed that replacements were coming by road transport. Copyright Roger Salter

West Somerset Gala
John Cornelius

Good Morning Keith, spent a day at the WSRLY WINTER GALA
yesterday. After some heavy rain when we arrived at B/Lydeard
it cleared and we had a sunny day until 1430 when it clouded over.Three locos in steam 7822,6960 & 53808 plus a DMU which was covering for 53809, which wasn't available. Thanks John

Boscarne Exhange Siding
Then and now.
Andrew Jones

Boscarne Exchange Siding, the 1978 photograph depicts the final layout, before closure and conversion. The empty china clay hoods are waiting collection by the frequent 08 shunting locomotive, having been deposited by a class 37 the previous day.
    850 of these wagons were built by BR in 1955, unusually small, they had a 9 foot wheelbase and were only 16 foot six inches long with an end opening tipper door, for emptying on an inverter mechanism at Fowey Docks.
The once extensive clay railways were in the main lightly built with restrictive curves.
The first 300 wagons were unfitted, but within a short space of time, vacuum brakes were installed. These wagons replaced a similar GWR design fitted with patented Williams sheets,(the distinctive A frame shape covered with a blue tarpaulin in ECLP corporate colours).
   They served the china clay system perfectly, simple in design, reliable and easily maintained at the dedicated wagon works, in St Blazey.
  Typifying the Victorian philosophy of mechanical simplicity combined with sound design and build quality.
Please note the rail chair packing, on the right hand exchange siding, wooden blocks were rare even in the 70’s.
Access to this siding was only via a set of points adjacent the signal box next to the crossing gates and could accommodate a considerable amount of wagons.
Today the transformation is complete. Only a loop exists serving the excellent new build station. The triangle of land to the left, once part of the short lived exchange platform, has no apparent function and unfortunately this latest update photograph is slightly to the right of the original 1978 shot as I did not want to trespass onto railway property.

Best wishes Andrew Many thanks Andrew for your pictures and the extensive 'write up' it all adds very much to the interest.

WENFORD BRIDGE COMPARISONS 005 Boscarne Exchange siding 1978 Copyright Andrew Jones

WENFORD BRIDGE COMPARISONS 006 Boscarne Junction 27th December 2017 Copyright Andrew Jones

Buckfastleigh
Ron Kosys

Going through Ron's extensive Buckfastleigh collection it was quite a surprise to find this. DVR No.2 ex D2192 alongside the new embankment of the A38. 30th May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

Items added on 30th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

30/12/2017

A nice surprise to end 2017
Mark Lynam &
Roger Winnen

During the afternoon I received a number of text messages from various friends advising me of a Class 143 Pacer was travelling to Penzance on the 16.03 service from Plymouth. After arriving home on the Royal Duchy from Bodmin I returned to the station where the train was shown as arriving into Platform 4, however conveniently this was then changed to Platform 2 under the roof keeping the passengers dry on leaving the service. We believe that the last 143 Pacer arrived at Penzance in December 2015 so its a nice end to 2015.

171230d 143611 seen in pouring down rain at Redruth on route to Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam

171230a 143611 has just arrived at Penzance on the 16.03 service from Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230b 143611 Viewed from the balcony sitting in Platform 2 at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230c The return service to Exeter St David's scheduled to depart at 19.06. Copyright Roger Winnen

171230e 143611 resting between duties at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

171230f 143611 under the overall roof waiting for its departure at 19.06 to Exeter St David's. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Bristol Bath Road
Supervisor ?

On December 24th we featured a most interesting article on an unofficial visit to Bristol Bath Road shed by Steve Carter. In his article Steve mentioned how friendly the depot supervisor had been and asked if anybody could supply his name? Steve's article can be found in our 'Bristol Temple Meads, the harbour lines and the sheds' section .

So now we know - this is Lee Jewell. The kindly depot supervisor at Bath Road Depot. Photograph by Steve Carter.

It is with many thanks to Chris Osment who advises us :- I made enquiries elsewhere and got the following reply:-

This..... is Lee Jewell aka 'Six Million' or 'Six' for short. In his younger days he bore an uncanny resemblance to the American actor Lee Majors who played the Six Million Dollar Man in the TV series the Bionic Man. He.....became a supervisor some years after ......1983. He does feature in the 1995 video of Bath Road which was filmed prior to closure.
Regards, Chris Many thanks to you Chris for such a detailed reply and also to Lee Jewell who allowed Steve access to get those once in a lifetime pictures. Now we know.

Carnon Viaduct
Roger Winnen

Very nicely framed :- Carnon Viaduct with a Gloucester Cross Country DMU on the Falmouth service. 12th January 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

Yeovil Pen Mill
Lampman
John Cornelius

KJ asked a few questions :- I had to put the thinking cap on to answer your many questions about the lampmen. It is me with my colleague Tim Reynolds. At the time we were 'zappers',assistants to the MOM at Yeovil Junction doing a variety of jobs around the area, and sorting out any problems or emergencies that might arise concerning the running and safety of trains. We did early and late shifts. On Thursdays we did the lamps at Penmill. If I was early turn, I would be at Penmill ready to walk out to do the up home signals, where south junction used to be, once the Weymouth train had departed and i had the ok from the signalman. After returning to the box, it was time for a cup of tea,before returning to the junction. When my mate came on duty at 1230, he would go straight to Penmill and start to change the lamps around the station, If I wasn't otherwise engaged I would join him and give him a hand finishing the job before I went off duty at 1330. The following week it would be reversed. However there were the odd occasions when we had to do them on our own. As this was done between trains there wasn't a problem and signalman knew where we were as he could see us. The lamps were used in the ground signals [dummies] as well and there was no cycling involved. Early Friday mornings the few signal lamps at the Junction were changed, this didn't take long and were usually done by the time the MOM came on duty. We were never involved with maintenance to signals or equipment, all that being under the wing of the S&T DEP. The lamps would burn for a week without a problem. Many thanks for your long reply and the picture. Copyright

A Postscript LampmanMemories
Roy Hart

John Cornelius's article about Lamps brought back some memories. Joe, the Camborne-Redruth area lampman lived at Brea. His duties began at Chacewater on Mondays and proceeded westwards, reaching Carn Brea yard on a Thursday and finishing Camborne on a Friday. I accompanied him sometimes -easy when the weather was good, but climbing every signal post twice and keeping the lamp alight was not easy. The railway signals and discs had long-burning lamps. Each one had to be brought down and replaced. The wick had to be trimmed and the oil topped up. Chacewater, for example had 26 lamps, Carn Brea Yard 17. Many of these lamps required a long walk. Drump Lane down distant was near the old Redruth by-pass bridge at Treleigh. The lampman had to bring out a fresh lamp (the signal was 1200 yards from the box) and then trudge back with the old one. Lamps would blow out halfway up the ladder etc. You get the idea!
One man covered all lamps Penzance to Gwinear Road; one had Camborne to Chacewater and one the Truro area up to Grampound Road. The smell of lamp oil still brings back memories.

Roy Many thanks for that Roy

Buckfastleigh
Ron Kosys

Buckfastleigh 1420 + Pecket DVR No.1 30th May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

4555 + 6435 30th May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

Items added on 29th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

29/12/2017

Great Western Railway Planning Application
St Erth Station

St Erth Station Approach St Erth TR27 6JW- Listed building consent for extension of Platform 3 towards Platform 4 (The sidings platform) to provide increased circulation space around the passenger entrances to both the ticket hall and the café. The buffer stop and signals cabinet to be relocated to a distance of 15m from the building and the tracks realigned with a new riser wall construction at the platform edge. Replacement of the existing non compliant ramp and steps between Platforms 2 & 3 with new accessible facilities. Installation of sections of heritage-style spear top fencing around the works locations-Mr Tony Cole Great Western Railway PA17/11584
As printed in the Cornishman edition of Thursday 28th December 2017

171229a St Erth today with the buffer stops to Platform 3 & 4. This area could be filled in up to the Platform 4 ramp to increase the passenger circulation area. Copyright Roger Winnen

171229b The buffer stops to be moved 15 metres together with the signal cabinet box on the left. Platform 3 The St Ives Branch platform to be extended towards Platform 4. Copyright Roger Winnen

171229c The new staff amenity room built. Copyright Roger Winnen

171229d Looking from the buffer stops today, I would suggest that the new buffer stops would be placed approx between the 1st an 2nd coaches of the 150 Class Sprinter Unit adjacent to the ramp going down from Platform 4.. Paceing out the distance of Platform 3 there would still be room to hold 2x2 car 150 units. Copyright Roger Winnen

Laira 2 days ago
David Field

Following a trip to see the family in Plymouth on Boxing Day, I took the opportunity to pop down to Laira Depot to see what was parked up there over the Christmas period. The attached photos were taken on 27 December 17 whilst it was still dark, and as the stock for the day was starting to move off the depot.
There were least nine HST sets present, and I was able to identify 43002, 43012, 43032, 43042, 43088, 43091, 43092, 43142, 43158, 43149, 43179, 43189 and 43193. In addition Arriva Cross Country's Super Voyager 221131 moved off shed whilst I was there. HST power car 43179 must be moving off lease soon, as it has now lost its' "Pride of Laira" nameplates and crests.
The depot shunter 08644 was busy throughout, moving carriages from the various sidings into the main HST shed.
I hope these are of interest to your members.
Kind Regards, Dave Field Much appreciated - thank you

08644 moves a Mk3 carriage into the HST Shed at Laira 27th December 2017 Copyright David Field

08644 moves around Laira depot on 27th December 2017. The Pretendolino stock and another HST set are in the sidings behind. Copyright David Field

43088 prepares to move off depot whilst 43092 awaits its next duty - Laira 27th December 2017 Copyright David Field

An overview of Laira Depot in the early hours of 27th December 2017. Eight HST Sets visible Copyright David Field

The darkness and wet weather add to these remarkable pictures of Laira waking up from its two days rest.
Many thanks.

Laira Shed
Where it was
Trevor Tremethick

After all these years it is hard to remember where the old steam shed was. In this annotated picture Trevor reminds us of what has been swept away. The train approaching is the return Mazey Day 'Cornishman' on the 28th June 2014. Copyright Trevor Tremethick. Many thanks to Trevor for his time and trouble in preparing this portrayal of the scene today with memories of the past. Many thanks also to Mike Roach proof reading. The picture is copyright of Trevor Tremethick.

Nr. Buckfastleigh
Ron Kosys

4555 nears Buckfastleigh on the 8th August 1972. Copyright Ron Kosys

Taunton
John Cornelius

Items added on 28th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

28/12/2017

Paddington
Roger Geach

Out of of our coverage normally but with Paddington closed for extensive work over the Christmas period an excuse to include this one from our old friend Roger Geach of a very work stained Western Gauntlet just arrived at Padddington with the 1V38 station from Brirmingham. Sat 23rd November 1974 Copyright Roger Geach

Freightliner heads for Southampton and HST for London Marylebone
David Tozer

171227f 66524 Heads east through Swindon with the 09.56 Wentloog Freightliner to Southampton MCT. Copyright David Tozer

171227g 43155 The Red Arrows at Swindon bound for London Marylebone. Notice the overhead equipment for the Great Western Railway electrification. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

A prickly endeavour to photograph at Long Rock
Roger Salter

171228h 08410 with the spare rolling stock together with 57603 Tintagel Castle and 57602 Restormal Castle coupled to the Night Riviera stock which is having a well earned rest until the New Year. Copyright Roger Salter

Boscarne Comparisons
Then & now. Andrew Jones

Dear Keith, Today, 27th December 2017, I returned to Boscarne, with the aim of illustrating the many changes to this once busy junction.
My first photograph was taken in 1978, looking towards Wadebridge, from the level crossing gates at Boscarne.
You might say, hang on a minute! This location is not part of the Wenfordbridge branch and for most of the railways life this was true. All changed with the complete closure to Wadebridge and from 1978, this section formed part of the exchange siding.
Remarkably the sign on the left, had only recently been erected and states on the reverse “STOP, open crossing gates before proceeding”
Slightly obvious, you might think, however there had been a spate of gate bashing during the 70’s, on goods only lines.
I can remember as a child that also a large steel roller used to be propped up against the fence on the ballast at this location, for what reason perhaps one of your readers may know.
Looking towards the horizon, we can see a hill which today is covered by Grogley Forest.
In the second photograph taken on the 27th December 2017, we can see the massive change which has taken place.
Trees have formed a tunnel effect, the” Open “ gate sign just survives, (posts only), the camel trail partnership have erected a railway sleeper platform for the benefit of horse riders and during the night a heavy storm has brought down one of the many trees lining the old trackbed.
Without the Camel Trail conversion, this photograph would have been the point of no hope, but with a bit of luck and an awful lot of money who knows, A Beattie or T9 back in Wadebridge! Now that would be a good Christmas present.!

best wishes and a brilliant new year to all at the Cornwall Railway Society
from Andrew Many thanks indeed Andrew.

WENFORD BRIDGE COMPARISONS 003 Boscarne level crossing in 1978 Copyright Andrew Jones

WENFORD BRIDGE COMPARISONS 004 Boscarne level crossing 27th December 2017 Copyright Andrew Jones N.B. It looks like a rather serious tree fall ahead!

Buckfastleigh
Ron Kosys

4555 at Buckfastleigh on the 8th August 1972 Copyright Ron Kosys

Blue Anchor
John Cornelius

Items added on 27th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

27/12/2017

Dave Knowling SDR
Sad News

It is with great sadness that I have to pass on the news on behalf of the SDR of the passing of South Devon Railway stalwart Dave Knowling.
Dave was one of the original members of staff to join the halcyon Dart Valley Railway after leaving British Railways, and worked on the Ashburton Branch for many years as the full time driver into South Devon Railway days and, even to the end of this season, could be seen on his regular Monday driving turn.
This year he had clocked up 63 years of continuous footplate work, making him probably the longest serving footplateman ever.
Dave was receiving treatment for oesophageal cancer but, due to complications, he suffered lung problems and he was brought home on Friday to be cared for by his family. Dave passed away late on Saturday 23rd December.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Dave’s family and friends, and I’m sure everyone will agree that the SDR really won't be the same without him. From the SDR Website -for more details and a tribute click.

http://www.southdevonrailwayassociation.org/News-and-Press-Releases/Dave_Knowling_1939-2017.html

Paddington Station Closure over the Christmas Period
Roger Winnen

London Paddington has been closed over a four day period from Christmas Eve 24th December 2017 through to Wednesday 27th December 2017 for upgrade work in connection with the electrification of the Great Western Main Line.
In total five trains from Penzance being the 05.32 07.41 10.00 15.59 and 17.42 have been diverted to the former Great Central Station at London Marylebone routed via Bristol Temple Meads-Bath-Chippenham-Swindon-Didcot North Junction-Oxford-Bicester-High Wycombe to Marylebone.
Returning to Penzance is the 13.42 and 15.42 service from Marylebone together with a number of services to Plymouth. Certain trains from Swansea are also terminating at Marylebone slotting in to make departure timings at 42 mins past the hour. Other trains from Cornwall and Devon are terminating at Reading Station where connections could be used to and from London Waterloo.
Looking at the Western Region Timetable of 1958 the 10.00 Cornish Riviera Express was timed to arrive at London Paddington at 16.40 by steam running non stop from Plymouth to Paddington (however a pilot engine would have been detached on route.
Today you would arrive London Marylebone at 17.02 by HST however it was the Great Way Around!
Roger Winnen

171227a Returning families waiting to board the 10.00 'The Cornishman' to London Marylebone. Copyright Roger Winnen

171227b HST 43187 The Welshman is the rear Power Car on the 'Cornishman' to London Marylebone as displayed on the station departure screen.. Copyright Roger Winnen

171227c Quite a rare event of a train going to London Marylebone. With the train not having destination labels affixed in the carriages this was the proof. Copyright Roger Winnen

171227d 43130 heading the 'Cornishman' the 10.00 service to London Marylebone is seen passing Long Rock Depot. Copyright Roger Salter

171227e Bringing up the rear 43187 The Welshman is seen through the bushes. Copyright Roger Salter

Penwithers Junction
Roger Winnen

Penwithers Junction July 1973. This view has changed little in the past 40 years except for the tree growth. In this view it is possible to visualise the once direct route from the West Cornwall Railway direct to Newham - from right to left. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Ashburton
Ron Kosys

Ashburton in the days of alternative uses - the goods shed, the station in the background, note the gas holder. 8th August 1972

Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius

Items added on 26th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

26/12/2017

Happy Boxing Day

Devizes branch
Re-opened!

A bit of a headline grabber I know and an impossibility, however using a few of my rather tatty half frame images taken on the last day over 50 years ago along with gems provided by Guy Vincent and Mike Roach we remember that former main line. We reopen it in your thoughts at least! KJ.

From the Guy Vincent Collection

So lets grab the token above and take a ride down memory lane along the Devizes branch. This picture by Roger Winnen shows the formation of the former line closing in near Holt Junction. 24th April 1983. Copyright Roger Winnen

Devizes station as it once was - courtesy the Guy Vincent Collection.

To see the rest of our coverage of the Devizes branch please click here.

Bristol Area
Christmas Day
David Field

Good Morning, I thought in order to balance out the Long Rock photos that were posted yesterday, that your members might like to see what was on shed up in the Bristol area on Christmas Day. This might be the last Christmas for the Class 43's at St Philip's Marsh, so I thought I ought to go and record them for posterity.
The photos were taken at St Philip's Marsh, and Bristol Barton Hill. I hope some are suitable for publishing on your website. I have numbered them, but feel free to remove these if you don't feel they are all suitable for publishing, I won't be offended. Apologies for not submitting these on the 25th.
Kind Regards, Dave Field Many thanks David

St Philip's Marsh depot 25th Dec 20 17 (L-R) 166202, 166216, 43069, 43071, 08483 Copyright David Field

43069 and 08483 St Philip's Marsh depot 25 Dec 17. The latter has recently had nameplates removed on transfer to St Philips Marsh. 25th December 2017. Copyright David Field.

Looking very smart 166214 at St Philip's Marsh Depot 25th December 2017 Copyright Dave Field

Bristol Barton Hill on 25th December 2017. Three Class 220's and one Class 221 present along with Arriva Traincare's 08516. Temple Meads. Copyright David Field

Arriva Cross Country Class 220's and 221 at Bristol Barton Hill Depot 25 December 2017. Copyright Dave Field

Arriva Cross Country 221137 and 220006 at Bristol Barton Hill Depot 25th December 2017 Copyright David Field

Burngullow '73
Roger Winnen

The good old days! A Class 52 Western approaches a very tidy Burngullow. Copyright Roger Winnen April 1973 Note the semaphore and Burngullow box - later idiots were to set fire to it.

Bugle on the 9th June 1973. The coaches parked up are for Brass Bands who had entered the Bugle Band Festival in the adjacent Bugle AFC . Copyright Roger Winnen N.B. A scene which looks very much different today!!

Items added on 25th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

25/12/2017

A very Happy Christmas Day to one and all

AND SO SAY ALL OF US TO ALL OF YOU

Happy Christmas to Cornwall Railway Society from Colas Rail Freight Driver Alan Peters, a festive snowy scene of Middleway crossing as seen on 3rd February 2009 Copyright Alan Peters

Penzance :- It's the 23rd of December 1973 and a light dusting of snow covers platform three as a Western awaits departure with the Cornish Riviera. Copyright Roger Winnen

A Christmas Card picture from Guy Vincent who wites :- Thanks for your seasonal offering that arrived courtesy of Royal Mail today. By way of return here is an image from 2013 from the digital route-refresh file I compiled and keep for easy reference should the need ever arise. It shows a rearward-facing view of Dean station on the Wilts/Hants border looking towards Romsey on a cold January day in 2013. The level crossing here was upgraded in 2015 and now has full barriers and obstacle detection equipment in place. It is a fast stretch of line, 85mph in both directions with signals either side of the crossing offering protection until it is proven to be clear and the barriers are down. Lines here are 'Up and Down Dean', up being towards Romsey. From Romsey you are on the 'Down Test Valley' towards Redbridge, Up being vice-versa. This goes back to the days of the now closed Andover Jctn-Redbridge via Stockbridge 'Sprat and Winkle' line the closed section of which diverged in a northerly direction at Kimbridge Junction between Romsey and Dunbridge. See Wikipedia for more info. Many thanks Guy for your very valued contributions. Copyright.

Filton Bank - the 7.20 Penzance to Edinburgh 'The Cornish Scot' climbs the bank at Lochleaze on a bitterly cold day 7th February 1996. Copyright Chris Harvey Considerable work is now (Dec 2017) in progress as the double track is being converted to quadruple track.

Up in 'Wintery Wiltshire' we're at Trowbridge on the 20th January 2013 as 158952 rolls in with a Portsmouth bound service. Copyright Guy Vincent

Again on the 20th January 2013 we see an HST at Frome, the barely swept platform edge looking decidedly slippery, but with limited staff what better can one do. Copyright Guy Vincent

Christmas Day and Long Rock is at Rest, but not the photographers!!
Courtesy Mark Lynam Andrew Triggs & Roger Salter
Many thanks to you all

43155 43003 43168 43185 Longrock Depot 25th December 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam N.B. The centre two sets are short formed.

Alongside the four HST's two Cross country sets are resting. The idea of the balls is that if an HST is brought up such that the balls almost touch the windscreen then the set is in the correct position for the sets etc. 25th December 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam

43187 on the fuel road at the extended Longrock Depot on the 25th December 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam

Andrew Triggs takes his dog for a walk (Or is it the other way round!) and discovers 57602 and 603 On newly restored old bank loop. 25th December 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs

57602 and 603, from the west end, on the newly restored old bank loop. 25th December 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs

171225a Long Rock yard on Christmas Morning. Copyright Roger Salter

171225b Penzance Railway Station on Christmas Morning. Copyright Roger Salter

Items added on 24th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

24/12/2017

Christmas Eve
o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.

Distant Memories of November 1977
Roger Winnen

771126a Coombe Junction Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

771126b Having exchanged the token at Coombe Junction Signal Box the train proceeds to Coombe Junction Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

771126c A Class 50 is seen crossing St Germans Viaduct on route to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

771126d A Peak class diesel comes off the Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash. The station still has its canopy and footbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

Roger Winnen wishes everyone a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year for 2018

Ashburton
Ron Kosys

Ashburton station seen on 8th August 1972. The track has been removed - it awaits its fate. Meantime it has found other uses but, importantly it is still there Copyright Ron Kosy

Hi All
You may have aready seen this petition, about Ashburton station.
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-ashburton-railway-station
please pass on. Regards Steve Widdowson

Steve Carter remembers
Bristol Bath Road Shed

Having read recently that the last trace of Bristol Bath Road depot's existence, namely the track work adjacent to Temple Meads Platform 15 (seen as it was in August 2015), had been removed came as something of a shock to realise that nothing now remains of a depot with which was familiar to me for so long.
My acquaintance with it began in 1980 when I would regularly pass by en-route to Exeter and then after moving to Weston-super-Mare in 1986, Bath Road (or BR as British Rail coded it) became 'my' local depot.
Surrounded by running lines to the West and rear and the River Avon to the East, attempts to get around the site proved almost impossible due to official access being via the walk way over the running lines at Temple Meads or the main entrance to the shed off Bath Road itself. Many was the time on going down the depot access steps that I would be walking back up them moments later!
In common with depots around the country, Bath Road saw a gradual decline in importance as traffic patterns and impending privatisation saw locos withdrawn or reallocated. By 1995 the writing was on the wall and in July of that year InterCity Cross Country pulled the plug on their locos being serviced at the depot. The two other users of Bath Road would follow suit in the same year with RES (Rail Express Systems) opting for a site at Bristol Barton Hill and InterCity Great Western concentrating on the adjacent St Philip's Marsh site. The depot finally succumbed to closure on the 28th September 1995.
Having taken many an image of the depot from the platforms at Temple Meads, I realised that time for getting pictures from within the depot confines was becoming less and on hearing that Cross Country were to leave the site I decided that maybe this would be my one chance to succeed.
Thus early on Sunday 23rd July I made the familiar journey from Weston to Bristol Temple Meads and duly made my way up Bath Road but this time with a different method of entry planned! Squeezed in between the rear of the depot and the avoiding line to St Philip's Marsh was an access road which led up to Bath Road (this was the main reason the depot kept its turntable in order to turn visiting delivery vehicles due to lack of space to reverse).
Donning a hi-viz vest I wandered down the road, under the Bath Road bridge and into the depot before making my way around to the front where I found the depot supervisor at work in his office. I fully expected to be given the boot but on striking up a conversation with him I was told to not make it too obvious what I was about and to let him know when I had finished - success at last!
I managed to secure quite a few images amongst which were some of 47.743 "THE BOBBY" which was involved in a severe derailment North of York the very next day.
As I left the depot I managed to take a picture of the gentleman who had been kind enough to facilitate my visit with the intention of passing it on by way of thanks. Unfortunately I never got to visit again before the depot shut and not having his details I wasn't able to send him the image.
I have listed the picture on a number of forums but to date haven't succeeded in finding any details for him so if anyone recognises the face then that would be great - with the advent of social media then maybe I can finally put a name to that face. See below.

Bristol Bath Road Depot Supervisor - a kindly gentleman. Can anybody name him please? Any contact details? 23rd July 1995. Copyright Steve Carter - a very grateful young man at the time.

Seen from left to right in front of the depot office building RES liveried Class 47s Nos. 47.475 "RESTIVE", 47.716, 47.732 and 47.743 "THE BOBBY" 23rd July 1995/ Copyright Steve Crter

Nameplate 47.743 "THE BOBBY" applied at Bristol T.M. station on 30th March 1995 (name later transferred to 47.746 but using newly cast plates). 23rd July 1995. Copyright Steve Carter

Class 08 08.668 with non-standard numbers appears to be being used as a source of spares (given that the official date of withdrawal was April 1997). Fellow class member 08.804 sits in front and went on to become one of the last of its type, being offered for sale by DB Cargo in September 2016. 23rd July 1995. Copyright Steve Carter

47.815 seen filling the shed with exhaust as it prepares to come off shed after undergoing an 'A' examination. Alongside sits HST power car 43.005. 23rd July 1995. Copyright Steve Carter

47.508, once proudly named "GREAT BRITAIN", sits withdrawn at the depot before finally being cut up on site in November 1995. Also in the scrap line were 47.527, 47.509 and 47.432. 23rd July 1995. Copyright Steve Carter

47.432 in faded large logo livery had been withdrawn as long ago as March 1992 and had obviously been used to yield spares for fellow class members. It was finally cut up on site in September 1995. 23rd July 1885. Copyright Steve Carter

Many thanks Steve for a very interesting article and photographs. You were very lucky to get in!

Christmas at
Yeovil Railway Centre

Happy Christmas to all. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 23rd December 2017 Those added most recently come first

23/12/2017

Nancegollan remains
Mark Lynam

Just when you'd think nothing remains of Nancegollan station on the Helston branch Mark Lynam leans of the bridge and finds the edge of the down platform. Taken on the 18th December 2017. Copyright

One could say that Mark is a shadow of his former self!! He stands on the double bridge at Nancegollan. This spanned the original route, a stone bridge, and the later edition, nearest, which spanned the yard metals. 18th December 2017. Copyright Mark Lynam

Bugle Box
Roger Winnen

Bugle Box, a passing shot. Complete with crossing gates and nameplate. There was until 29th November 1964 a loop here serving either side of Bugle station platform. From then until 18th August 73 the box was in use as a ground frame after which it was closed and demolished. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bugle Box closed and shorn of its nameplate, soon to be demolished. Crossing gates removed. Note Fire buckets hung under the steps. Copyright Roger Winnen

Buckfastleigh
Ron Kosys

Buckfastleigh 1638 on the 24th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Very Appealing!
J.G. Churhward remembered

Hi Keith, The peal was rung in my home tower at Shepton Beauchamp, which has 12 bells,but only ten were needed yesterday. I've scanned a copy of the details which I forward to you. i specifically asked for it to be named
G J CHURCHWARD. CHEERS JOHN C.