Blog Archives

31st December 2018 NEW YEARS EVE

31/12/2018

Many thanks to all you web watchers for your support over the last year – we hope to continue to bring you new news and very interesting reports over the coming twelve months but remember that we are very dependent on you, our supporters for much of the information and pictures we show. So please keep up your good work.
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year

New Years Eve
A few photographs taken late this afternoon to end 2018
Roger Winnen

181231a A four car HST seen crossing Derrycombe Viadict on the 12.57 Penzance Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen

181231b The 12.03 Paddington Penzance HST service is seen crossing St Germans Viaduct Copyright Roger Winnen

181231c St Germans Station decorated for the Festive Season. Copyright Roger Winnen

181231d St Germans Station at 17.31 tonight. Copyright Roger Winnen

181231e The Travelling Post Office coach at St Germans. Copyright Roger Winnen

181231f One of the last HSTs into Cornwall for 2018 was the 14.03 Paddington to Penzance seen arriving at St Germans behind 'The Welshman' at 17.44hrs. - Copyright Roger Winnen

Classic Dawlish
Ron Kosys

A superbly sunny 25th August 1972 sees an unidentified Western on a down working roaring past a busy beach at Dawlish on the 25th August 1972. Copyright Ron Kosys. Additional information from Guy Vincent for which many thanks - The 'Western' passing through Dawlish on 25th August 1972 is one of the cab vent set so either D1039 D1056 or D1071. We can rule out D1028 as it had no headboard clips and D1012 would have had it's Electrification warning flashes in a slightly lower position as it was a Swindon-built loco.

Westbury Work
Nearly Complete
Guy Vincent

Westbury North Junction Renewals Day 8 30th December 2018
Here I more or less intend to conclude the look at the Westbury North renewal project that has now entered it's second week. Most of the 'interesting' work has now been completed so I'll wait until the trains are running normally before getting a small number showing it back in use. My biggest disappointment has been the grim weather and poor natural light throughout this job, hopefully allowance can be made for the poor quality of some of the images.

Photo 1) A class 166 on the diverted 0819 Bristol-Weymouth heading down the Westbury avoiding line towards Fairwood Jctn. This had come from Trowbridge via Hawkeridge loop and then reversed direction at Heywood Road Jctn. It's 09.26 on the 30th December 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Photo 2) Turbo 166212 on Hawkeridge curve having run empty from Trowbridge. After reversal at Heywood Road Jctn it too will return to Trowbridge and form the 1303 for Bristol Parkway. (nb. photo taken through a gap in a secured palisade gate). It's 10.15 on the 30th December 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Photo 3) A five car class 158 formation ex Trowbridge slowly negotiates Hawkeridge Jctn, heading for Westbury East Loop Jctn and Heywood Road Jctn where it will immediately reverse and then head back to Trowbridge ready to form the 1106 departure to Bristol Parkway. It's 11.53 on the 30th December 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Photo 4) 166212 coming back around Hawkeridge curve following reversal. Look for the Westbury White Horse in the left background. In years gone by it was common to see pairs of class 37s or single class 56 locos sitting at the signal whilst awaiting entry to the cement works on loaded coal or flyash trains from South Wales. It's 12.02 on the 30th December 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Photo 5) Looking more like an operational railway again the two tampers carry on with their work while the platforms receive attention. It's 11.12 on the 30th December 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Photo 6) S&T adjustments to some newly fitted points as the lines in front of the panel box also look ready for business. It's 11.15 on the 30th December 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Photo 7) Besides major track renewals, many smaller jobs are being carried out such as replacing train detection equipment that operates the track circuits. Barely noticeable but absolutely essential in order to run a safe and reliable railway. It's 11.00 on the 30th December 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Photo 8) A view of the work in progress at the north end of platform 2 where the height is being increased. It's 10.55 on the 30th December 2018. Copyright Gut Vincent.

A very sincere thank you to Guy for his painstaking reporting of this important event in Westbury's history.

Five from Clive -
December HST's
Clive Smith

As 2018 and December draws to a close my cameras have been busy capturing the disappearing GWR London HSTs. Here is a selection of HST activity around Devon from the last month. A Happy New Year to everyone.
Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks to you Clive and All the best.

(1) 43027 in its '90 Glorious Years' vinyls brings up the rear of the 11.32 Paignton - Paddington at Teignmouth on the 6th December 2018. The following week this train went over to IET. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) 43196 leads the 09.03 Paddington- Plymouth approaching Ivybridge station at Filham Bridge on the 10th December 2018. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) 43161 leads the 16.57 to Paddington at platform 4 at Plymouth on the 19th December 2018. Amazing how well mobile phone cameras work at night. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) 43158 leads the 09.03 Paddington - Plymouth approaching Exeter St Davids on the 20th December 2018. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) 43087 leads the 09.00 Penzance - Paddington past Tavistock Junction on a dull 21st December 2018. Copyright Clive Smith.

30th December 2018

30/12/2018

The Bodmin & Wenford Railway
Roger Winnen

Owing to operational reasons the Winter Steam Up this year was cancelled instead the lilac timetable was in force with the Austerity 75178 operating all services adorned with a wreath in Memory of Trevor Knight a former Southern Region and Bodmin & Wenford driver 1941-2018.

181230a 75178 Hauled today's services on The Bodmin & Wenford Railway, she returned into traffic in November 2017. Copyright Roger Winnen

181230c 75178 Carries a wreath in memory of Trevor Knight. 1941-2018 a former driver of the Southern and the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen

181230d Bodmin General Station at noon after the arrival of the 11.25 from Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

181230e The arrival of the 12.36 from Boscarne is seen as the crew hands over the token. Copyright Roger Winnen

181230f 75178 is seen running around its train at Bodmin Parkway, in the distance is one of the new signals installed for the upgrade of the Cornish Mainline. Copyright Roger Winnen

181230g The 14.05 is seen departing from Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bodmin Road '68
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith and Roger, this picture was taken towards the end of 1968, just over 50 years ago. Bodmin Road station, (I never will get used to Parkway!) was locked in a time warp, no electricity or mains water, yet just 4 miles from Bodmin. Services to Wadebridge and Padstow had ended the previous year, but all the original chocolate and brown signs were still in place advertising the connection.
Almost a living museum, the staff were always friendly, the station having a magical atmosphere with its coal fires and oil lamps.
The photograph shows a member of staff preparing to hoist one of the many oil lamps as the sun goes down.
If only we could turn the clock back!
Wishing all at CRS a happy 2019

Best wishes Andrew Best wishes also to you Andrew and many thanks.

Bodmin Rd 1968 Oil lighting, locked in a time warp, no electricity or mains water, yet just 4 miles from Bodmin. Copyright Andrew Jones

Bodmin Rd 1968 Up the Oil light goes. Copyright Andrew Jones

Kingswear
Arrive & Depart
Clive Smith

Saturday 29th December saw class 37 6975 arrive at Kingswear with BR Standard 75014 attached at the rear of the 13.45 from Paignton. 75014 then left at 14.25 producing quite a display as the near 105 ton 37 was very much idling .
Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks Clive.

37 6975 arrives at 13.45 from Paignton. 29th December 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

A dramatic picture as 75014 hauls the train plus idling 37 6975 away at 14.25 29th December 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

David looks back
Exmouth Junction
David Tozer

Hard to believe that 3509 was shunting the C & W Works at Exmouth Junction. This is now a road and the site of Morrison's Supermarket.

08 3509 at Exmouth Junction 5th April 1974 Copyright David Tozer

Westbury North Junction Renewals
Day 7 29th December 2018
Guy Vincent

With all the new track now in place the next phase of work is well underway with tons of new ballast being dropped, spread and finally 'tamped' into position. There is still plenty of S&T work to be undertaken and the project concludes with several days of adjustments and testing before 'normal' train services recommence at 0400hrs on Friday January 4th 2019. Let us hope also that a thorough tidy-up of the site takes place as it would be a pity to leave behind a bad impression of what has been a well-managed and well executed undertaking.

Guy V 29th December 2018
Many thanks to Guy for his detailed coverage of this major work at Westbury. In case you have missed anything so far a complete set of pictures can be found in our Features Section.

Photo 0) West country services calling at Frome during the Westbury blockade. 800314 ready to leave on 1C74 0800 Paddington-Exeter St Davids. 29th December 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Photo 1) Ballast being unloaded while S&T staff carry on with their work. Working beneath the bridge are two very noisy ballast regulator / tamper units. 29th December 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent

Photo 2) Similar view to 1) with ballast being unloaded and then spread where required by the excavators. 29th December 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Photo 3) Looking towards the signal box with the previously exposed concrete sleepers now hidden by a layer of fresh ballast. 29th December 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent

Photo 4) Close-up of the Colas Tamper & ballast regulator lifting and packing the new line. The operator sits inside the machine and follows the co-ordinates provided by the machine's laser measuring equipment to accurately lift and align the track. 29th December 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Newton Abbot
Ron Kosys

Peak No. 63 Royal Innskilling Fusilier seen at Newton Abbot on the 21st July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

29th December 2018

29/12/2018

Cockwood
Clive Smith

GWR 0-4-2T 1450 passes Cockwood Harbour on Easter Monday 13th April 1998 with an Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot 'Dawlish Donkey' tour. This was the inaugural year of these tours and this was the final day of three days of shuttles over the holiday weekend.

Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks indeed Clive.

A delightful picture as 1450 passes Cockwood Harbour on Easter Monday the 13th April 1998 with an Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot train. Copyright Clive Smith

Westbury Report
Day 6
Guy Vincent

Westbury North Junction Renewals Day 6 Friday 28th December 2018

Disappointingly dull weather conditions again today with most of the heavy work now completed. A short stretch of the Up Reception line was the only track still needing to be replaced.

Guy Vincent 28.12.2018

Picture 1) Looking towards the station with more ballast in place and engineers busy welding together the new rail sections and connecting up signalling and detection equipment. 13.02 28th December 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent

Picture 2) Looking towards the signal box more welding being undertaken with 66051 on a materials train that originated at Hinksey. 13.19 28th December 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent

Picture 3) Road replacement transport in the station approach road. Buses running to Frome, Warminster, Trowbridge and chippenham via Melksham with a minibus shuttle serving Dilton Marsh. 13.19 28th December 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent

Picture 4) Looking from platform 1 across to the site of the demolished diesel depot with a ballast train standing in P1 and the new signals for P2 (W402) and P3 (W502) visible. W402 previously occupied the empty space at the end of the remaining gantry. 13.24 28th December 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Exeter St Davids
Ron Kosys

33109 runs round its Waterloo train at Exeter St Davids on the 29th May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

28th December 2018

28/12/2018

Demolition of the former Dainton
Signalbox at Westbury
Guy Vincent

The former Dainton Signal Box that was featured on the CRS site in February 2017 (see Features) in use as a headquarters for the West Wilts Youth Sailing Trust has recently (week ending 14.12.2018) been demolished and removed as scrap from it's waterside location close to the entrance to Westbury station. The area is currently being redeveloped and as part of the deal the Sailing Trust are getting a new building provided for their use on the opposite side of the lake. Sadly no advance notice was given of the demolition so pictures were not possible.

Regards Guy Vincent Many thanks to Guy for getting these pictures .

The former Dainton Signal Box as seen on the 21st June 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent. Sadly no advance notice was given of the demolition so pictures were not possible.

Site of the former Dainton Signal Box next to lake 26th December 2018 (Boxing Day!! ) Copyright Guy Vincent

Kingswear
Steve Spingys

I have some very old glass plate photograph negatives which I have collected over the years and have found this little gem.
Attached is a picture of the GWR 6011 King James I at Kingswear station (date unknown) this locomotive was in service from 1928-1962 I believe.
Happy for you to use this image on your web site if you wish, please copyright to myself "Steve Spingys"
Regards Steve
Many thanks for sharing this with us Steve and welcome to the website.

Kingswear from an undated Glass slide 6011 King James 1. Copyright Steve Spingys

Newton Abbot
Ron Kosys

811 Daring seen at Newton Abbot on the 21st July 1971 heading the Stirling Motorail Copyright Ron Kosys

27th December 2018

27/12/2018

Westbury North Junction Renewals Day 1
23rd December 2018
Guy Vincent

As briefly mentioned recently, Westbury station is closed from December 23rd to January 3rd inclusive to enable Network Rail contractors and engineers to renew the complete track layout Westbury North Junction. The current layout is now life-expired and dates from April 1984 when the GWR semaphore signalling was removed, Westbury North Signal Box demolished and the area put onto the new Westbury Panel Box. At the same time as the renewal works are taking place signalling alterations will be made at the south end of the station prior to the platforms being extended in March/April 2019 to enable 10 car IEP's to be fully accommodated. In picture 3 the right hand gantry carrying signals W502 and W602 is to be removed with two new signals on straight posts replacing them. The left hand gantry and signal for P1 (W102) will remain but the right hand signal (W402) will be removed and relocated further south. I shall provide occasional pictures of the work as it progresses over the period. Westbury station will be closed and 'out of bounds' for the duration of the works but good views can be obtained from the public road bridge to the north. Train services will generally terminate & start back from Trowbridge, Frome and Warminster with West Country services using the avoiding line and calling instead at Frome. Buses will link Westbury to these stations and also Melksham as the Swindon-Westbury 'Trans Wilts' service is completely suspended for the period. Certain Weymouth-Bristol trains and vice versa will run through by using the Westbury avoider, reversing at Heywood Road Junction and continuing over the Hawkeridge loop to the east of Westbury. All part of 'Building a Greater West'.

Engineers well into the first stage of excavating the trackbed beneath the Down Reception, Patney Siding and Platform 1 lines at Westbury North at 1220pm on Sunday 23rd December. Just 13 hours beforehand this junction was in full use. 66416 is at the head of the spoil train. As the coming week progresses each line will be similarly dealt with

20181223_121908 Westbury Relaying on Day 1 Copyright Guy Vincent

20181223_122302 Westbury Relaying on Day 1 Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury North Junction Renewals Day 2
24th December 2018
Guy Vincent

Engineers cutting up the old track into small sections prior to removal into the waiting wagons as scrap. The machine at top centre of the picture has a 'claw' for picking up the redundant materials which are then dropped into the wagons. The adjacent formation has already been excavated, lined-out and received the initial drop of ballast.
Night views of the site with work continuing 24-7.

20181224_182340 Westbury North Day 2. Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury North Junction Renewals Day 3
Christmas Day
Guy Vincent

Looking towards the station with the Down Reception and number one platform line back in place with number two line dug out and sand already laid. Line two reconstruction with the sand bed in place and the liner being rolled out ready to receive ballast from the train standing to the left on the 'Up Trowbridge' line.

20181225_131719 Westbury North Day 3. Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury North Junction Renewals Day 4
Boxing Day
Guy Vincent

Day 4. Wednesday 26 December 2018. Picture 1) With track into the down reception and platform one replaced, the bed of the route into platform two has been excavated, levelled and bottom-ballasted ready for the new track to be laid. Beneath the ballast is a waterproof liner which sits on a bed of sand that has been compacted down and levelled in order to prevent 'wet beds' from forming. This junction carries some of the longest and heaviest trains to run in the UK so good support and drainage is absolutely crucial. The light-coloured line in the left foreground (to the left of the excavator) is believed to be the edge of the foundation of Westbury North Signal Box.
Picture 2) A Colas crane bringing in a new set of points that will chiefly allow trains from / to the Trowbridge (left) route to enter and exit platform one. The new crossover already installed behind the crane takes freight trains onto and away from the down reception line via number one line

20181226_110315 Westbury North Day 4.Copyright Guy Vincent

20181226_121503 Westbury North Day 4. Copyright Guy Vincent

Following the completion of the work at Westbury on 4th January 2019 a full account of the work that has taken place during that period will be found in the Features Section of this website.
We are very grateful for the very detailed photographs of this work being undertaken by Guy Vincent. Many Thanks Guy

Claverton
Ron Kosys

33027 at Claverton on 11th May 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

Plymouth & Newton Abbot
Roger Winnen

181227b On route into Plymouth we pass the former Southern Viaduct crossing the valley at Ford in the process of demolition, its 3rd January 1987 . Copyright Roger Winnen

181227a 50025 Invincible heads the 10.30 from Penzance to London Paddington seen at Cornwall Junction Plymouth on 3rd January 1987. Copyright Roger Winnen

181227c A Cornish Skipper heads a service to Paignton on 31st January 1987. Copyright Roger Winnen

181227d One of the Welsh named 47s departs from Newton Abbot on 31st January 1987, these namings too place during the 150th Anniversary of the Great Western Railway in 1985. Copyright Roger Winnen

181227e Photographed on the 31st January 1987 Newton Abbot West Box survived another three months until it was demolished on 2nd May 1987. Copyright Roger Winnen

Have a Happy Boxing Day

Christmas in
West Cornwall
Roger Salter & Mark Lynham

181225a 08410 at Long Rock on Christmas Morning. Copyright Roger Salter

181225b Long Rock Yard on Christmas morning a scene which will not be repeated next Christmas. Copyright Roger Salter

181226c 43171, 43093, 43153 Longrock TMD, Boxing Day 2018 Copyright Mark Lynham

181226c 43022, 43087, 43153 Longrock TMD, Boxing Day 2018 Copyright Mark Lynham

181226c An overall view of the Long Rock stabling sidings, Boxing Day 2018 Copyright Mark Lynham

181225d Pushing ballast under the track at Marazion Station on Christmas morning. Copyright Roger Salter

181225e With a load of metal and wood sleepers together with old sleepers at Marazion Station. Copyright Roger Salter

181226a Class 150 units 150221 and 150265 stabled in Penzance Station on Boxing Day. Copyright Roger Salter

181226b 43002 Longrock TMD, Boxing Day 2018 Copyright Mark Lynham

Sherrington
Ron Kosys

33008 at Sherrington on 10th April 1988 hauling the Brighton-Westbury. Copyright Ron Kosys

West Cornwall in the Snow
January 1987
Roger Winnen

181226a Penzance Station on the 17th January 1987. Copyright Roger Winnen

181226b 50005 Collingwood aproaches Rospeath near Crowlas on the 09.33 Penzance Paddington service. Copyright Roger Winnen

181226c A pair of 50s approaches Arch Lane bridge on 17th January 1987. Copyright Roger Winnen

181226d 50004 St Vincent climbs out of St Erth with the 07.00 Swindon Penzance on 17th January 1987 Copyright Roger Winnen

181226e Memories of the Age of Steam at Crowlas which closed around 1984. Copyright Roger Winnen

Christmas Day 2018

The Cornwall Railway Society would like to wish all its members, readers and contributors a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year

A Winterly Scene in West Cornwall
Its January 1987
Roger Winnen

181225a Penzance Station during the snowfall of the 12th January 1987. Copyright Roger Winnen

181225b A Cornish Skipper 142025 in Platform 4 at Penzance on 14th January 1987. Copyright Roger Winnen

181225c A Class 50 arrives under the station roof with the Plymouth stopper on 12th January 1987. Copyright Roger Winnen

181225d 50039 Implacable stabled in the station yard on 14th January 1987. Copyright Roger Winnen

181225e The front of a Skipper together which looks like a Top and Tailed parcels. Copyright Roger Winnen

Roger Winnen would like to wish you all a Very Happy Christmas on this special day!

Thanks at Christmas

Dear Keith, once again I am reminded at this time of year to thank you for all the Cornwall related news and pictures. I enjoy every one perhaps for sentimental reasons, so encourage our Cornish photographers to keep them coming!

Merry Christmas
Brian Wills

Kingsteignton
Ron Kosys

31460+31454 at Kingsteignton on 24.06.89 Hauling the 0933 Saturday Stockport-Paignton. Copyright Ron Kosys

The Turkey Trot Railtour
8th January 1983
Clive Smith

With Christmas and the turkey we look back to the 8th January 1983. Pathfinders' precursor F & W Tours ran the unusually named Turkey Trot railtour via a circuitous route from Bristol at 05.58 to Birmingham then to Exeter via Bristol. A run up the 'Southern' followed via Romsey to Eastleigh, then on to Southampton West Docks crossing the city to the Eastern Docks. Next up was Reading and back to Bristol and on to Plymouth arriving around 22.30

Regards
Clive Smith

45062 is seen here starting the tour at Bristol TM running as far as Birmingham New St. Copyright Clive Smith

Split head code panel 45128 is the replacement loco seen here at Weston-Super-Mare at 10.45. Copyright Clive Smith

It's 13.15 and the tour empties for a photo stop at Gillingham in Dorset. The legendary Peter Watts can be seen in the orange jacket at the far left of the picture. Copyright Clive Smith

4) Following a loco change outside Eastleigh, 73126 and 73122 now head the tour ready to leave Southampton Eastern Docks (Ocean Liner Terminal) at 15.20 for the Western Docks. Copyright Clive Smith

It's around 17.30 at Eastleigh and 45128 is back on the front of the tour. Copyright Clive Smith

Many Thanks Clive for photographs of this interesting Railtour

Patchway Old and New Tunnels 24th December 2018
David Field

The shutdown of the railways in the Bristol area over the 2018 Christmas period (and beyond) should finally herald the arrival of electrification wires from Bristol Parkway through Patchway station and up to the Patchway Old and New Tunnels. At the other end of the tunnels, wires will be strung from Pilning, which is already partially wired, up to the Patchway New and Patchway Short Tunnel portals, and also completed down to the Severn Tunnel.

The photos I have sent were taken today at the Patchway end of the Old and New Tunnels. I thought I would try and get some last minute photos without the wires. The HST photo isn't the best, but they are now so few and far between these days on services into South Wales that I thought I would include it. For information, Patchway New Tunnel is the lower and closer of the two in the photos,.

A Merry Christmas to you and all the CRS members, contributors and readers of this wonderful website.

Kind Regards,

Dave Field

GWR's 43005 brings up the rear of 1B40 the 1408 Reading to Swansea, seen entering Patchway Old Tunnel at 1511 on 24 Dec 2018. 43069 was leading. - Copyright David Field

GWR's 158955 in FGW Dynamic Lines livery heads towards Patchway Old Tunnel on the 1F18 1410 Trowbridge to Cardiff Central at 1505 on 24 Dec 2018 - Copyright David Field

GWR's 800318 emerges from Patchway New Tunnel on 1L66 1329 Swansea to Reading at 1459 on 24 Dec 2018. - Copyright David Field

Many Thanks David

Christmas Eve
24th December 2018

A Merry Christmas from Clive Smith
A snowy scene on the 19th January 1985 as an HST leaves Plymouth for Paddington. Wishing Roger, Keith and all the contributors and readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Westbury North Junction Track Renewals
23rd December 2018 to 4th Jan 2019
Guy Vincent
Engineers well into the first stage of excavating the trackbed beneath the Down Reception, Patney Siding and Platform 1 lines at Westbury North at 1220pm on Sunday 23rd December. Just 13 hours beforehand this junction was in full use. 66416 is at the head of the spoil train. As the coming week progresses each line will be similarly dealt with.

20181223_121908 Westbury Relaying Copyright Guy Vincent

20181223_122302 Westbury Relaying Copyright Guy Vincent

Many Thanks Guy

5572 at Taunton
Ron Kosys

5572 Taunton Way back on the evening of 25th August 1971 Prairie 5572 was stored alongside Taunton Station. Rescued from Barry Scrapyard this loco now resides at Didcot. Copyright Ron Kosys

The Clay Hoods etc in and around St Austell
Roger Winnen
Photos taken 31st December 1986

181224a Class 37 William Cookworthy heads Tiger Rail wagons through St Austell on 31st December 1986. Copyright Roger Winnen

181224b Clay Hoods passing throuth St Austell on 31st December 1986. Copyright Roger Winnen

181224c 47064 Coming off the Parkandillack Branch at Burngullow with clay hoods. Copyright Roger Winnen

181224d A Class 37 pulls out of Crugwallins Dries with a clay shipment on 31st December 1986. Copyright Roger Winnen

181224e The old order at Burngullow Dries as the Crugwallins shipment heads east on 31st December 1986 - Copyright Roger Winnen

181224f 50040 Leviathen heads the Swindon Penzance onto the single line from Burngullow to Probus. 31st December 1986 - Copyright Roger Winnen

Roger Salter
Wishing all CRS. members and friends a Happy Christmas & Healthy New Year

181223a With daylight not yet here at 07.50 Long Rock Yard is fully illuminated on a December Sunday morning. Copyright Roger Salter

181223b The stored set with 43165, the Night Sleeper Stock & 43022 on a damp Sunday Morning. Copyright Roger Salter

A tight fit to photograph a HST on Moorswater Viaduct
Peter Murnaghan

181219a The !000 Penzance-Paddington crossing Moorswater Viaduct on 19th December 2018 A tight fit to get the full length of the train onto the viaduct. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Freight Trains through Newport
Michael Forward

Hello Roger,
Great pictures on the site,topical and archive.
I send the first of two pictures taken at Newport on 22 July 1999.
The first is of 37884 in very smart Loadhaul livery,working unknown.It is good to see this loco. still in use,with Rail Operations Group, and with the equally distinctive Eueophoenix livery .
Thanks ,Michael

Here is the other one from Newport and what a combination!
This was an Alexandra Dock Junction to Mossend with 56037 leading 37131.
Thanks for dealing with these.
Best wishes for a happy Christmas and a healthy New year.Michael

Major works at
Westbury
Guy Vincent

Westbury Renewals 01 Westbury North Junction looking into the station on the 22nd December 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury Renewals 02 Westbury North Junction 22nd December 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury Renewals 03 Westbury Station South End 22nd December 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Winnen's Westerns
Penzance
Roger Winnen

D1013 Western Ranger at Penzance on the 16th October 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

St Denys
Ron Kosys

VEP 1705 in Connex livery passes St Denys 12th May 2001 working a Portsmouth to Southampton service. Copyright Ron Kosys (Taken from a footbridge which no longer exists)

As we'd like to remember it.
Newquay
The late John Cornelius

It's over three months since John passed away, a great loss to the website and to the Yeovil Railway Centre. Let's remember him with these three pictures of Newquay. John titled his pictures - a very nice feature.

22nd December 2019

22/12/2018

Westbury '60' and
Mendip Rail developments
Guy Vincent

60062 stabled in the down yard at Westbury on December 22nd. The type 5 arrived here during the last week of September and has seen regular use on stone trains from Merehead and Whatley Quarries with Wootton Bassett, Botley and Eastleigh being common destinations. It has also been used at Merehead for crew training but, given the recent press release that states the MRL contract is transferring to Freightliner from November 2019 in the longer term there would no longer appear to be a need for these fine British locomotives in this part of the world. The information released also stated that Freightliner are to take over ownership of the eight MRL class 59s, 59001 002 004 005 and 101-104 inc from December 2018. Interesting times ahead...

With best wishes to all members of and contributors to the CRS for Christmas and the New Year

Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy.

With reference to the Westbury and Mendip rail article. 60062 stabled in the down yard on the 22nd December 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Old Oak Common Depot
The History Makers
Roger Winnen

181222a For the record The Last HST off Old Oak Common Depot 8th December 2018. Copyright Roger Winnen

181222b 43093 arrives at Penzance on the 14.03 from London Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

Locomotive chasing in Devon
on the Shortest Day.
Andrew Triggs

Evening Roger/Keith
4 shots for CRS involving freight and stock moves from today in Devon, All the Best for Christmas and 2019
Cheers, Andrew Many thanks Andrew

1. Colas 66850 working 6C36 08.00 Moorswater Tarmac Colas to Aberthaw Tarmac Colas Rail approaching Totnes. 21st December 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

2. R.O.G 47812/815 powering through Totnes working 5L46 09.35 Laira T.& R.S.M.D. to Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings. 21st December 2018. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

3. 66169 on Dawlish wall working 6C12 09.56 Burngullow E.C.C. to Exeter Riverside N.Y. 21st December 2018. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

4. 66169 later returning west at Dawlish running as 0C1314.09 Exeter Riverside N.Y to St Blazey Ss. 21st December 2018. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Shortest Day Procession
Clive Smith

Daylight may not be long and the skies grey but the 21st December 2018 brought a festive bonus in the shape of all-too-rare freights and a stock move in quick succession. Also the same morning between 09.00 and 12.00 were four up HST operated Penzance - London services and a Penzance - St Philips Marsh HST ecs (not pictured here).

Regards Clive Smith. Many thanks for your time and trouble Clive.

(1) 66850 powers up Hemerdon with the 08.00 Moorswater - Aberthaw cements at 09.39. 21st December 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

(2) 47812 and 47815 follow half an hour later with the delayed 09.35 Laira - Ely Papworth Sidings stock move. This is the third time this week this train has run with the same pair of locomotives. A fine feat for these veteran 'over-50s'. 47815 was built in 1964 with 47812 the younger partner being built in 1965. 21st December 2018. Copyright Clive Smith

(3) 66169 passes Tavistock Junction at 11.35 with the 09.56 Burngullow - Exeter Riverside sand. 21st December 2018. Copyright Clive Smith

Mini HST
David Tozer

Seen near Exminster 43357 & 43303 at 14.56 on the 19th December 2018 Copyright David Tozer

A bit of Christmas Cheer
Clive Smith

Drake Circus shopping centre in Plymouth won't have featured on your site before but anything 'railway' is likely to be snapped by me. 20th December 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

Greetings from Craig

Hi Keith The camera has been largely dormant in December apart from night shots. There was a stunning morning recently at Lostwithiel with the mist rolling off the river like gun smoke. It hung in the air as the sun broke through. The best conditions were as Voyager 221134 passed by Glasgow bound. The signal and plan tree stood defiantly against the backdrop. Merry Christmas to compilers, contributes and readers of the CRS website. Craig

Many thanks and best wishes to you Craig from all of us.

St Ives branch
Near Lelant
Andrew Thompson

An unusual view of a 3 + 1 Heritage combination on route to or from St Ives at very nearly full tide. Of special interest is the domination of the scene by the giant stacks of the long gone Hayle Power Station. The pylons of the HV distribution route can be seen striding away to the right of the picture. Copyright Andrew Thompson.

Cockwood
Ron Kosys

50149 passes Cockwood Harbour on a hazy 24th June 1988, with 6B43 1545 St Blazey to Gloucester Speedlink, it’s booked working.Copyright Ron Kosys

Where is it?
A picture taken on an old railway route by an anonymous contributor.
(Perhaps the 3rd picture gives a clue)

Picture dated 2011.

Picture dated 2011

21st December 2018 SHORTEST DAY

21/12/2018

HST arrival at
Penzance
Andrew Thompson

Back in the 80's it looks like the HST has just arrived in platform 1 at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Thompson

Many thanks Andrew

Reflections near
Bishopsteignton
Chris Harvey

Marvellous reflections at Bishopsteignton as two 153's pass along the Teign Estuary. 16th December 2006 Copyright Chris Harvey

Many thanks Chris

Yeildingtree Railway Museum
Bleadon and Uphill
Ron Kosys

A passing visit of the already closed Yieldingtree Railway Museum at Bleadon & Uphill station (also closed!) near Weston-super-Mare. 1st June 1976.
Two large exhibits still remaining on site were the former Kitson built Cardiff Railway No. 5, later GWR 1338, and AC Cars Railbus 79976.
Quite why I didn’t take a general shot of the site remains one of the World’s great mysteries.....

The Railbus has had rather a charmed life. It was donated by owner Mr Brian Kinsey after closure of the Yieldingtree to the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, where it was used as a static buffet.
It finally finished up at the Great Central Railway where it was stored outside the loco shed at Loughborough for a number of years.
After a successful crowd funding appeal, it was moved during the summer of 2018 to Burton, where it is intended to restore the unit.
Best regards, Ron. Many thanks indeed Ron
N.B. Bleadon and Uphill station closed 5th October 1964

1338 (exCardiff Rly No.5) Beadon & Uphill 1st June 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

Railbus 79976 Bleadon & Uphill 1st June 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

20th December 2018

20/12/2018

Eastleigh
Ron Kosys

Virgin HST with 43071 leading at Eastleigh heading for Southampton and Bournemouth. 21st August 2000 Copyright Ron Kosys

Mid Winter at
St Erth & St Ives
Roger Winnen

181219a One of the few HST workings during daylight hours 43191 on the rear of the 10.00 Penzance to Paddington awaits departure from St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

181219b 150261 departs St Ives at 10.30 together with the A17 St Ives to Penzance bus seen in the background. Copyright Roger Winnen

181219c The St Ives Travel Centre built virtually on the site of the original station. Copyright Roger Winnen

181219d The 07.30 Paddington Penzance with a Class 800 nine car unit arrives at St Erth on time. Copyright Roger Winnen

Near Ivybridge
Clive Smith

47815 and 47812 approach Harford Road Bridge at Ivybridge with the 09.35 Laira - Ely Papworth Sidings stock move on 19th December 2018. This is the second time this week that this working has occurred and with the same pair of 47s. A welcome return to the area for these veterans. Alas the double rainbow that arched high over the scene could not be accommodated in the shot. Some you win some you lose.
Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks Clive.

Ivybridge, Harford Road Bridge, stock move from Laira to Ely. 47815 and 812. 19th December 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

The rainbow over Ivybridge, where do you think the crock of gold is?? 19th December 2018. Copyright Clive Smith

St Erth
Andrew Thompson

47627 at St Erth, the bright sky reflecting off the shining rails showing the cross over and also the up refuge siding still in position though it obviously it hasn't been used for a while. The loco was named City of Oxford in 1985. Copyright Ron Kosys

19th December 2018

19/12/2018

Newton St Cyres
Ron Kosys

A very lucky shaft of light illuminates 33012 and 33020 making a delightful picture as they pass through Newton St Cyres on the 27th July 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys Note the down platform and shelter still in situ but disused.

Waterloo Peak
Clive Smith

On the 11th June 1985 to celebrate the 300th anniversary (1685 - 1985) of the Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards 45143 was sent to Waterloo for a re-dedication of its nameplate . The ceremony was held four days before the 170th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. The loco was specially prepared by Toton and worked throughout on the 05:48 Exeter - Waterloo service. It returned on the 13:10 Waterloo - Exeter service. Less than two years later the loco was withdrawn on May 7th 1987.
Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks indeed Clive

(1) The peak awaits departure at Exeter St Davids on the 05.48 to Waterloo. Note the recently lifted through line. 11th June 1985. Copyright Clive Smith

(2) Waterloo is certainly not in our area but the picture shows the historic appearance of the peak and the addition of '1685 - 1985' to the nameplate. 11th June 1985, Copyright Clive Smith

(3) Back in our area 45143 stands at Salisbury with the 13.10 Waterloo - Exeter St Davids. 11th June 1985. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) Nearing the end of its historic day the peak waits at Honiton to cross an up service. 11th June 1985 Copyright Clive Smith

Long Rock
- closed doors
Craig Munday

As the first evening down Paddington service goes over to class 802, I thought I'd better get some Long Rock pictures. Thanks to the team there I took some pictures before dawn on Sun 16th Dec. The holding sidings were full with three HST's plus the sleeper stock. The IET which stabled overnight was in the shed, 802019, and sat next to 57605.

None the less, the lineup was impressive and looked great in the dark under the depot lights. The former Anglia buffet Mk3 was inside too.

All the best, Craig Many thanks indeed Craig.

18th December 2018

18/12/2018

Castle Class HST's at Plymouth
Roger Winnen

181217q The 09.26 Exeter to Penzance 4 car HST being cautioned at Weston Mill Viaduct St Budeaux, awaiting passage of the 09.00 Penzance Paddington over the single line . Copyright Roger Winnen

181217r 43040 arrives at Plymouth on its driver training run. Copyright Roger Winnen

An Interlude at Exminster on Monday 17th December 2018
David Tozer

181217m 802101 on the 07.30 Paddington Penzance at Exminster. Copyright David Tozer

181217o 47812 and 47815 haul off lease HST coches to Ely Papworth sidings seen going away towards Exeter. Copyright David Tozer

181217p The rear of the train with a Mark 1 barrier vehicle barrier. Copyright David Tozer

St Erth
Andrew Thompson

This picture of possibly 50017 Royal Oak in the 70's serves to illustrate the long gone telegraph poles, this one leaning under the strain. All part of the scene in those days. Copyright Andrew Thompson

Buzby
Ron Kosys

A shot of the Laira based Class 118 P460, seen at Exeter St Davids 23rd January 1988.
This was painted to advertise the privatisation of British Telecom some three years earlier, and spent some considerable time operating as a two-car. Regards Ron - many thanks Ron.

A peek inside
The Track Recording Machine
Alan Peters

I noted your pics of the TRU at Truro and thought you might like to take a peek inside to add to your pics on plant section of the website
Alan Peters Many thanks indeed Alan for these pictures.

Track Recording Train 950001 in Truro Yard. Copyright Mick House.

Following on from the Mick House pictures of the TRU I though you would like to take a peek inside the TRU (Track Recording Unit) purpose built at BREL in York based on a class 150 unit, vehicle 999600 contains the equipment for all track recording operations, showing the array of monitors. 17th December 2018 Copyright Alan Peters

Vehicle 999601 contains living accommodation, this being a kitchen & dining area. Copyright Alan Peters

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