Blog Archives

30th December 2019

30/12/2019

Coal to Exmouth Junction
David Tozer

With the signal pulled off a Peak 156 depart St David's with a rake of coal wagons bound for the
Exmouth Junction Coal Concentration Depot - March 1973. Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

Exeter
Paul Barlow

45038 and 33009 stand at the Exeter stabling point on the 8th February 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow

Fifty years ago
Truro
Neil Phillips recollects

Neil writes:- :Clive Smith’s very wintery from-the-train photo of 45042 looked like it was crossing Siberia, not Gloucestershire! Less than 3 years after his other snowy tale involving 45147, this loco would suffer the most serious damage inflicted on any Peak other than 46009’s appointment with a nuclear flask – on 4th December 1984 it ploughed into the rear of a loaded gas oil train near Eccles and was mostly incinerated, becoming the first Class 45/1 to be withdrawn as a result. Unfortunately the driver, who was held responsible for the accident having passed a red signal, died in the crash.

On a happier note, Monday 30th December 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the first visit of a Peak to Penzance, when Class 46 D151 worked 1C30, 0830 Paddington – Penzance through Cornwall. I missed it that day but was ready for it the following day (my photo can be found in ‘Truro - Gallery 2’ – is this the only photo of a Peak in Cornwall in the 1960s, even if only by a matter of hours?!) This train was due off Truro at 14.05 and D151 returned on what I believe was an up local (2B24?) at 17.12. This became the regular training run for local crews. Between 1st & 23rd January 1970 D151 worked this diagram on a further 11 known occasions, by which time an evening working had joined in, as well as further WR Peaks and, strangely, Leeds Holbeck’s 167!

Best regards, Neil Phillips. Many thanks Neil

Truro D151 on the 1C30 the 08.30 Paddington to Penzance on the 31st December 1969. Copyright Neil Phillips

29th December 2019

29/12/2019

Black and White at
Exeter
Paul Barlow

Black and white at times makes a refreshing change from colour and there now follow a series of pictures taken by Paul when he was doing his own developing and printing - well done Paul - and many thanks.

33106 stands at Platform 6 with the 19.35 Exeter to Cardiff on the 16th December 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

Central Cornwall Railway.
Peter Murnaghan

An old document has recently come into my possession which I thought might be of interest to your members and readers. It is a Prospectus for the Central Cornwall Railway, which was trying to raise funds to avoid the change of gauge and link the standard gauge West Cornwall Railway at Truro with the (under contruction) Okehampton Railway, by way of the Bodmin & Wadebridge Railway between Ruthern Bridge and Wenford Bridge. The document is undated, but the Okehampton Railway is shown as under construction; this opened on 3 October 1871. The line from Launceston to Lydford was the broad gauge Launceston and South Devon Railway, which was to be dual gauged; the LSWR line to Launceston didn't arrive until 21 July 1886.
The railway's proposers envisaged direct links from Penzance and Falmouth to Waterloo by avoiding the change of gauge. The projected line would have gone across open country, populated only by villages, with Camelford being the single significant town. But much was made of the minerals and mines that could have been served. Having traced the alignment on a map, I reckon that it would have crossed Davidstow Moor, later the site of the airfield. In an uncanny reflection of today's debate, the prospectus makes much of the benefits of avoiding the South Devon line with its gradients and curves, by boasting that it could connect with London "..at a saving of 30 miles and with improved gradients".
I have established that the Central Cornwall Railway Act was passed in 1867, but the project was abandoned by the Board of Trade on 16 March 1870. Only later, on 18 August 1882, was the North Cornwall Railway Act passed, but it could be argued that the later railway was even more remote, opening between Halwill Junction and Launceston on 21 July 1886, with Wadebridge to Padstow not opening until 27 March 1899. Interestingly, the Engineer for the North Cornwall line was WR Galbraith, who had been intended as the engineer for the Central Cornwall. As we know, the Withered Arm closed to Wadebridge on 3 October 1966, with the link to Padstow closing on 30 Jan 1967.
It is interested to read the optimistic forecasts for the railway in the prospectus and one can only wonder how many people were prepared to commit to buying £2 share in the endeavour. Clearly not enough !
I hope this is of interest.
Very best wishes,
Peter

Central Cornwall Railway Prospectus page 1. Peter Murnaghan

Central Cornwall Railway Prospectus page 2. Peter Murnaghan

Central Cornwall Railway Prospectus page 3 Peter Murnaghan

The District Map. Peter Murnaghan.

The 'Through Route' map. Peter Murnaghan

Many thanks Peter for giving us an insight into your valuable acquisition. This item is repeated in our January to June 2020 Features section.

28th December 2019

28/12/2019

The Christmas Train of Lights
The Paignton & Dartmouth Railway
Roger Winnen

After photographing The Train of Lights last year at Paignton I decided to travel to Kingswear on the 120 Bus Service from Paignton Bus Station at 16.40 hrs giving me ample time to photograph its arrival at Kingswear before returning on the 18.10 bus to Paignton and home to Penzance arriving at 22.30.
This train is scheduled to run today 28th Dec 29th Dec & 30th December at 16.45 18.45 and 20.45 from Paignton, advance booking must be made as only a few seats remained yesterday.
It was well worth the visit!

191227a The crowds are seen arriving at Paignton Station for the 16.45 Train of Lights to Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

191227b D6975 arriving at Kingswear with the train of lights. Copyright Roger Winnen

191227c 75014 Standard Class 4 Braveheart tailing at Kingwear. Copyright Roger Winnen

191227d 75014 Braveheart clears the level crossing at Kingswear with its ten coach train. Copyright Roger Winnen

191227dd Looking from above as the passengers have alighted from The Christmas Train of Lights. Copyright Roger Winnen

191227e Looking towards the buffer stops at Kingswear with the replica Signal Box visible. Copyright Roger Winnen

191227f A nice vantage point looking over the station wall at Kingswear onto the train. Copyright Roger Winnen

191227g The station sign reads Kingswear for Dartmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

191227h The trains departs from Kingswear after a 15 to 20 minute stay. Copyright Roger Winnen

191227i Quite an experience! Well worth the visit. Copyright Roger Winnen

Taunton at Taunton
John Simons

Service 2C77 Bristol - Penzance, HST Castle class 43186-"Taunton Castle". Stands appropriately at Taunton Station prior to departure on 27th December Regards. John Simons

Many thanks John

27th December 2019

27/12/2019

Exminster
27th December 1999
Roger Winnen

991227a Exminster on 27th December 1999. Copyright Roger Winnen

991227b A First Great Western passes a Virgin HST near Exminster. Copyright Roger Winnen

A Snowy Winter's Tale -Part 2
Clive Smith

Saturday 9th January 1982 was my first outing with my new Canon AE1 camera and it was one of those days that British Rail would persevere in running a service in the most severe weather. It was a public service and trains ran if they could. The drivers would be working hours way past their normal working day. I had joined the 07.40 Penzance - Liverpool train at Plymouth at 10.12 and normally would have taken it to Birmingham for the same loco back on 1V90 to Plymouth arriving about 19.45. My train was two hours late by Cheltenham but with the deteriorating weather it was time to think about getting home so I got off at 15.25. Trains were still running south and north albeit late. As the snow fell I joined the huddle in the station buffet. I let 47163 go on a Taunton train and also one of the new HSTs to Plymouth on this route. Next train was the delayed 1V90 from Liverpool which turned up 210 minutes late with 45147. Why I was out and about this late in the day I don't know. The madness of a railway enthusiast. The warning signs were apparent earlier in the day when I passed the down Paddington newspaper train at Exeter at 11.45 a.m. followed by the down postal. We had heard that the down sleepers to Penzance was stuck in a snowdrift in Bath and hadn't moved by 14.30. At least trains were running but progress in the snow was slow. Leaving Cheltenham at 19.25 the 1V90 eventually got to Plymouth at 00.43 some 5 hours late. On today's railway the trains would have all been cancelled and messages would be put out saying don't travel.

Regards
Clive Smith

To get a real feel of how much snow fell I would suggest reading the follow weather links-

Philip Eden: January 1982 | weatheronline.co.uk

Blizzards of 8th Jan 1982

(1) 45147 stands in the deep snow at Bristol Temple Meads with the 07.40 Penzance - Liverpool Lime Street. 47316 is on the through road not going anywhere with an exhibition train. This was a day of exceptional weather. 9th January 1982, Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) Just outside CRS's area is Cheltenham and it's 15.25 and the snow is lying thick. 45147 is on the 07.40 Penzance to Liverpool Lime Street./ 9th January 1982. Copyright Clive Smith

26th December 2019

26/12/2019

Boxing Day

A Snowy Winter's Tale -Part 1
Clive Smith

Clive tells us a story from his spotting days 31 years ago
Saturday 12th December 1981 turned out to be one of the coldest days on record in some parts of the country. I was travelling from Plymouth to Birmingham and had been on 45042 since mild and snow-free Taunton and just a few flakes were falling at Weston-Super-Mare. However the temperature started plummeting just west of Bristol TM with snow laying on the ground. Not thick just extremely cold even with the sun shining. What I do remember was the bitter cold on my skin as I jumped out at Temple Meads for a snowy shot in the sunshine. My recollections from the weather forecasts was that it was 12F in the Bristol area, that's minus 11C. That is extremely cold for the UK. As I headed north to Birmingham the landscape looked positively Arctic with tree branches covered in solid ice. As usual in such weather British Rail continued to run services and there was no mention on radio or TV of staying at home unless travel was essential. The railways ran and people travelled. Once I'd reached Birmingham and started to return south on 46051 on the 1V91 11.43 Newcastle - Bristol TM was when the real trouble started. As darkness had descended the temperature plummeted further, from being very cold to exceedingly cold with multiple frozen points and track circuit failures occurring. I eventually left Bristol 4 hours late on 47459 on the 1V90 Liverpool - Plymouth arriving at Plymouth over 5 hours late at 01.00. 1V82 the Manchester - Plymouth due at 16.25 had ended up terminating at Taunton some 6 hours late. Very unusual for BR back then to terminate a train.

Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Indeed Clive.

(1) 45042 stands at Bristol Temple Meads with the 10.40 Taunton - Manchester Piccadilly. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) This is the scene leaving Bristol Temple Meads passing Barton Hill. 45042 opens up on the 10.40 Taunton - Birmingham New Street as 33055 passes with the 09.10 Portsmouth Harbour - Bristol TM running 30 minutes late. Ice is encrusted on the carriage. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) 31401 is photographed on the goods line from Avonmouth as my train approaches Bristol Parkway from Filton. This was very cold hanging out of the window for the photo. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) Steam gushes from 1M72 as 45042 turns north from Westerleigh Junction. The trackside bushes have ice frozen on them. I can still feel the cold air making my face raw. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) Just outside our CRS area but included for continuity, the station staff at Gloucester have been busy with the shovels clearing snow from the platform. Ice hangs from the side of the parcels vans. 45042 is now at the east end of the station ready to leave with the 10.40 Taunton - Birmingham New Street. Copyright Clive Smith

To get a real feel of just how cold it was I would suggest reading the follow weather links -

Philip Eden: Snowiest of 20th century | weatheronline.co.uk
December 1981

It's very good to be in on days like this, we tend to forget what the journey to work must have been for rail staff and others,

25th December 2019

25/12/2019

Happy Christmas Day

Greetings from the Fireside
Mike Roach

After a drizzly and windy Christmas Eve here in Cornwall its a delight to pull up the drawbridge, sit by the fireside, and send Season's Greetings to all Cornwall Railway Society website viewers. In the days of steam it was always a pleasure to enter a station waiting room with a coal fire burning away when you had walked to the station in the rain or were just changing trains on a cold day. The pictures attached show a genuine Great Western waiting room unchanged in more than 70 years and decorated for Christmas. Happy Christmas to all viewers who I am sure would join me in thanking Keith and Roger for updating the site with new information and photographs every single day of the year. Long may it continue.

Regards and Best Wishes, Mike.
If it weren't to all the good people supplying pictures and articles then the web site would all the poorer. Many thanks to One and All.

Early Christmas Morning Long Rock
Roger Salter

Many Thanks Roger
'Wishing you a Happy Christmas'

Christmas Morning sunshine at Long Rock
Mark Lynam

I hope you're having a good Christmas so far. Here are a few photos from this morning of the traditional Xmas line up at Longrock Depot
802104,007,006,112 at the Eastern end. Copyright Mark Lynam

A panoramic view of 802104,007,006,112 and 008. Copyright Mark Lynam

From the Western end only 9-cars 802112 & 802104 are visible. Copyright Mark Lynam

221131 between the shed and sidings. Copyright Mark Lynam

And sprinters at the station. 150266,216 and 244 right under the roof I think. With Class 158s 765 and 763. Copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks Mark 'Wishing you a Happy Christmas'

Past and Present
The Millpool Coach
Roger Winnen

This coach was located in a field at Millpool near Germoe, Penzance by the late Jon Wood a member of The Cornwall Railway Society who had a passion for ancient and modern coaches in 2006 and purchased by John and Lizzie Stroud of St Germans. Its a GWR Brake Third of 1896 and has now been beautifully restored by them to a very high standard.
Photographs are by kind permission of John & Lizzie Stroud

060810a The Millpool Coach at Millpool nr Germoe before removal from the site. 10th August 2006. Copyright Roger Winnen

060810b Surveying the scene at Millpool with the present owners John & Lizzie Stroud. Copyright Roger Winnen

191216e The Millpool Coach at St Germans which was recovered at Millpool Nr Germoe in West Cornwall. Copyright Roger Winnen

191216f The beautiful restoration inside of the Millpool Coach taken on 16th December 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen

191216g Luxury at its best at St Germans. Copyright Roger Winnen

191216i Plenty of pots and pans ideal for the family holiday. Copyright Roger Winnen

191216z Restored to a very high standard. Copyright Roger Winnen

Class 142 run down
Recollections by
Craig Munday

My first recollections of withdrawn locos hark back to the small scrap line at Laira containing a few faded blue and windowless Western & Hymek locos in the early 70s. It seemed rather sad as a six year old standing there watching these dead former front line locos with sister Western class locos powering by on the mainline. Diesel hydraulics gave way to diesel electric culls, and I recall many a scrap line at Swindon hosting a wide range of classes from far away from the WR. Classes 20, 25s, 27s, 31s, 40, 45, & 46s all sat among the fire weed and buddliea silently awaiting their fate. Some locos, like the class 46s, actually did see reinstatement in 1983/84.

Then the class 47s and 50s were next. A solemn line of class 50s in "modern" liveries stood against the estuary at Laira, again, whilst fellow locos raced by on class one services. Crewe was another mass graveyard also containing older AC electric locos for the smelting pot.

It must make me sound old, but here we are now seeing second generation DMUs, HSTs and locos (class 56/60s) being scrapped. The class 142s or Skippers were less than welcome additions to the Cornish fleet in 1985. The bus seats were hard and fixed wheels caused torturous squealing as the units ran on the branchline's tight curves. They were not to last though. Here are some pictures to illustrate the piece.

Kind regards, Craig. Many thanks to you Craig.

Farewell to the 142's 142024 seen behind Par signalbox. Copyright Craig Munday

142016 rests in Truro yd. Copyright Craig Munday

142s At Par one on a Newquay service and one spare. Copyright Craig Munday.

142025 at St Dennis Junction, the signal box has gone and the track singled. Copyright Craig Munday

An unknown Hymek at Laira - is one those being photographed Craig? Copyright Craig Munday.

A further note added by Karl Hewlet, for which many thanks. I believe this loco to be D7089, Hymeks at this time were rare at Laira and the loco was brought down in 1974 to be renumbered TDB968008 although I don't believe this was carried. This loco was put into the departmental sector as a coaching stock pre heating unit and was scrapped in 1976.

Karl Hewlett again adds valuable comment :- This next image and caption for the Westerns. I believe this image was also taken at Laira because comparing the Hymek and the Western images it seems to be the same location plus D7089 is coupled or buffered up to a Western in Craig's image. With that said I am fairly confident in saying the Westerns were also taken at Laira, the locos noted as being next to D7089 were D1006 'Western Stalwart' and D1050 'Western Ruler'; Ruler being next to the Hymek..

40's on the scrap line at Crewe, 18th August 1985. Copyright Craig Munday.

Class 40's on the scrap line at Crewe. 18th August 1985. Copyright Craig Munday.

On the scrap line at Laira. Copyright Craig Munday.

On to Crewe and the class 40's, the first picture shows a disk front version with a solitary right hand side disk displayed and is most likely to be 40028, 40183 is the loco next to it with an extra large blue star emblem on the secondmans side only. In the second class 40 image the two disk fronted loco's with all the disks showing bar one are 40088 and 40115.

Regard,
Karl (Friends Of Penmere Station).
Thank you Karl for your valuable up-dates on the above pictures.

And finally a collection of current classes at Swindon Works. Copyright Craig Munday.

24th December 2019

24/12/2019

Christmas Eve

Class 802 014 at Hallenbeagle. By Mick House.

Wishing all of our members, contributors and visitors to the website a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Mick House.

991227a Wishing you a Happy Christmas, the Mousehole Christmas Lights of 1999. Copyright Roger Winnen

Hello Clive Many Thanks for forwarding this picture to us on Christmas Eve

Class 56 to
Carne Point
Craig Munday

Hi Keith,
Another Railvac move brought another class 56 to the Duchy, this time Colas 56049. The livery brightened up a drab landscape and brought an early Christmas present to many photographers. The Railvac had been working on the Fowey branch, and was stabled at Carne Point. This brought the "Grid" to Fowey, the first visit for the class.

I arranged with Ian to grab a shot from his field overlooking Carne Point. So late in the year (shortest day yesterday) I was taking a risk light wise. The loco was 20 late from Lostwithiel due to a couple of issues, which meant by 09.35 the whole of the Sawmills area and river was lit. The light held and the loco looked splendid (if a little lost) in the creek below. The loco drifted past the CDA shunt wagons and it provided a glimpse of what could have been if Colas had gained the clay contract through the years.

The light faded for departure, so I headed off to Factory Bridge near Treviddo. Chris the farmer was moving the wire across the field so his hungry sheep could devour the turnip crop. They made a nice feature for the shot. Chris's quad bike is also visible. The light sadly evaded me here too, but a record shot was taken.

All the best to all reading and contributing to the CRS.

Craig Munday . Many thanks Craig

56049 very nearly at Carne Point. 23rd December 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

With the trackwork at Carne Point very nearly in the shadow of the hill , 56049 stands out wonderfully. 23rd December 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

56049 having collected the railvac is seen at Factory Road bridge 23rd December 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

56060 On a trip working from Merehead
Ron Kosys

56060 has just passed Fairwood Junction and is heading for Westbury with a ‘trip’ working from Merehead. By now a cloudy 11th August 1988 this is almost certainly a train destined for ‘somewhere’ but a brake van is included, after which there is a number of wagons of varying types probably for repair at Westbury. Copyright Ron Kosys

Christmas Eve 1999
Roger Winnen

991224a The ECS of the Royal Mail behind two Class 47s departs for St Blazey on 24th December 1999. Copyright Roger Winnen

991224b 43101 The Irish Mail being the rear power car on the 09.22 service to Edinburgh. Copyright Roger Winnen

991224c A cloud of smoke from the Virgin service as it leaves Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

991224d Great Western fag parket livery HST from Long Rock Depot to Penzance to form the next service to London Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

Recent Photographs and a Happy Christmas
from Clive Smith

A few photos of activity over the last week and a golden oldie with some snow. I would like to thank Keith and Roger for all their hard work and efforts in running a magnificent website. Merry Christmas to them and Valerie and all the contributors and readers and a Happy New Year to everyone. Clive Smith

Rainy day blues. 43010 leads the 11.29 Truro - Cardiff Central into Ivybridge station on the 18th December 2019. The train had started at Truro rather than Penzance due to signalling problems. The rear power car is blue 43161 . Copyright Clive Smith

) In dreadful light on the 19th December blue 43010 arrives at platform 5 with the 10.50 Penzance - Cardiff Central which would terminate at Exeter St Davids. The saving grace of this picture is the reflected front of the HST in the platform puddle. I would like to say this was all planned but I was more concerned with staying dry under the platform canopy. Only later did I see the reflection I'd accidentally caught.
Copyright Clive Smith

An hour after I should have left Plymouth at 12.49 from platform 5 with the two blue power cars I was on platform 4 being directed to an awaiting taxi to take me home to Ivybridge due to the lines at Dawlish being blocked by the two wave-struck IETs.. This photo is of the 11.50 from Penzance headed by 43154. The rear was 43194. Blue 43161 is still on the abandoned 10.50 Penzance - Exeter which did eventually leave 109 minutes late but not with me on it. Copyright Clive Smith

Exeter St Davids 20th December 2019. A soon-to-disappear pacer 143 and a hanging-on-in there FGW blue liveried 150. This is the 08.38 Paignton - Exmouth formed of 143603 and 150238.
Copyright Clive Smith

Finally a blast from the past with some rare sunshine and even rarer snow. Not sure on the date or train but it is 50006 passing Mutley in early 1986. Copyright Clive Smith

Many Thanks Clive and a Happy Christmas to you!

Purton Common
Ken Mumford

Arriving at the foot crossing at Purton Common (which is just north of the site of the former Purton Station) I have chosen what I consider the three best train photos taken during my hour or so stay.

5-car IET train running on diesel power.heading for Swindon. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Network Rail test train (1Q15) heading for Swindon running about 15 minutes late. Leading locomotive en route to swindon was COLAS FREIGHT 37.219. At Swindon it reversed. Copyright Ken Mumford

At Swindon it reversed and headed back up to Gloucester running about 15 minutes late with 37.612 leading.. I could have got the whole train in my third photo BUT I would have had the brightly shining sun lighting up the wrong sdie of the teain. Copyright Ken Mumford

With many thanks Ken wishing you
A Happy Christmas

56049 on route to Cornwall
Clive Smith

Colas 56049 is 0Z26 08.00 Doncaster CHS - Par Chapel Sidings light engine movement. This grid will return the next day hauling a Railvac from Fowey. Weather forecast is looking good for the south west . Sunset in Ivybridge was 16.13 and the 56 was bang on time at 16.05. Best I could manage in the conditions. Fingers crossed for some good photos on Monday. Copyright Clive Smith

Cornish driver Dave Pond powers Colas 56049 on the 6X56 10.40 Fowey Dock Carne Point - Bescot Sidings Railvac movement at Hemerdon Summit . A rare break in the incessant rain and dull skies of late was welcome but the sun here was intermittent but thankfully we did get a break as the 56 came up the bank. Copyright Clive Smith

With many thanks Clive wishing you a
Happy Christmas

Bristol Parkway
Phil Smith

Catching the last rays of the sun. 43090 heads a Virgin train leaving Bristol Parkway in 2001. Copyright Phil Smith

Hello Keith and the CRS have a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year thank you for all the help, a great web site. A special mention please to Andy Bond for the diagrams of the HST's I'm been after and still hunting Cheers to you all Phil Smith from Bristol.

Christmas Quiz
Boundary Marker

Walking in Tavistock in Crease Lane I came across this boundary post quite away off the alignment. Is the a story behind its position? The post stands where the road meets the property in the distant in the second image looking down Crease lane from the overbridge. I was surprised to come across it there so far off the formation.

Google earth coordinates
Lat 50.5445142214, Long 4.15769618637 (LSWR boundary post

View one

Crease Lane, Tavistock. View Two.

Paul Burkhalter replies - many thanks Paul. :- I would hazard a guess that it could indicate the Limit of Deviation of the original Act of Parliament. When seeking powers to construct the railway, a wide swathe of land either side of the centre line would be included to allow some ‘wiggle room’ when finally designing the route. Happy Christmas to all in CRS. Paul Burkhalter.

Merehead
Ron Kosys

Ron writes - 11th August 1988 was spent in the Merehead area.
56045 arrives at Merehead with a train of fairly new Tiphook bogie hoppers. Many thanks Ron.

56045 Merehead 11th August 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

A note on Bridge Rail
Roy Hart

Bridge rail was standard on the GWR for the latter period of the broad gauge. It was laid on longitudinal baulks of timber separated by steel ties. You will find the perfect illustration of bridge rail on the Didcot Railway Centre Facebook page. Keep scrolling down and you will find a lovely shot of a broad gauge train passing Worle Junction (Weston super Mare). The track in the foreground is shown in great detail. Bridge rail was already being replaced by bullhead when the gauge was converted in 1892, but lengths of it survived well into the 20th century. Remnants of bridge rail were used to make cattle pens, fence supports, covering culverts and supporting notice boards all over the system. You will not find a mile of track in Cornwall today without pieces of bridge rail in evidence!

Roy Hart, Thanks Roy, All the best for the festive season.

Pencarrow Watertank.
Keith Jenkin.

Brian Pibworth was asking if anybody from the CRS had been on a railtour up the Wenford Branch passing the Pencarrow water tank. Luckily I was on one it was hauled by a class 03 diesel, the date 10th September 1966. The passengers had started out the day aboard a DMU bearing the headboard - 'Two Rivers Tour' first of all this ran from Liskeard down to Moorswater and back before journeying on to Par. From there we went to St Blazey where we reversed. We then formed probably what was the last passenger train ever to traverse the Par to Fowey Direct route via the Pinnock Tunnel, We continued up alongside the River Fowey (the first of the two rivers) from Fowey to Lostwithiel making a stop en route at Golant. Then on the main line to Bodmin Road from where after two reversals our DMU travelled to Boscarne Junction. Here an 03 shunter plus a massive train of brake vans waited to convey us to Wenford. Going up the branch we paused at the Watering facility but of course had no need of it. Our leisurely progress up the branch was halted for a short while for a 'pasty and tea stop'. Apologies for the quality of the pictures, although a Cornishman my interest in railways had previously been very limited and on that day I knocked up quite a few miles of previously unknown track. Keith Jenkin

Seen from Boscarne Exchange Platform our special awaits its full complement off the DMU to proceed to Wenford. 10th September 1966, Copyright Keith Jenkin.

The Two rivers tour makes leisurely progress on the Wenford branch alongside the upper reaches of River Camel. Passengers rode where they chose - so much for Health and Safety. Nobody died or was injured!! 10th September 1966. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

The 03 stopped a little way past the Pencarrow Tank for a few minutes. We had time to wander up to the front. 10th September 1966. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

A view of the headboard carried on the train. The Pencarrow water tank is some distance back. Copyright Keith Jenkin. 10th September 1966.

The 'Two Rivers Railtour stands at the Wenford Terminus. 10th September 1966. Copyright Keith Jenkin

The 'Two Rivers Railtour' back at Dunmere junction awaits permission to proceed to Boscarne. Note the well polished metals of the line to Bodmin North. 10th September 1966. Copyright.

This collection poor as it might be, brings to my mind the song 'Those were the days, my friend - we thought they'd never end'! But unfortunately they did!!!

22nd December 2019

22/12/2019

Warminster
Ron Kosys

A short break from work for a quick look at Warminster station on 6th June 1984 produced a few photographs, including this one of the Merehead to Eastleigh hauled by 56055.
Pity the sun didn’t play ball. Still a super photograph Ron, many thanks.

An unusual view of Warminster - from the Salisbury end. 56055 Warminster 06.06.84 Merehead-Eastleigh. Copyright Ron Kosys

message from Andrew and Diane,
Bridge rail from Mulberry Pit, near Ruthernbridge
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith, just back from Lanzarote, an island not noted for railways! When I am travelling away from home the Cornwall Railway Society never fails, with up to the minute content and marvelous archive photographs of past years in the Duchy and our broader region. The photography recently has reached extraordinary levels and your contributors should be very proud.
My neighbour Peter Wilson, a retired tea planter, recently found this length of rail in his garden and I wonder if any members could forward any information about it.
The profile is of a type called Bridge Rail. It weighs approx 10 pounds per yard, so is unlikely to be anything to do with the mainline from Wadebridge to Bodmin, which was initially laid with rail weighing 35 pound per yard.
I have attached a photograph of the rail which is drilled every yard and I am not sure if the if the sleepers would have been as standard practice or running parallel with the rail as was the norm in broad gauge.
I think it more likely that the rail came from Mulberry Pit, just south east of Ruthernbridge.
I have included a rail from my proposed 7 ¼ gauge railway to give an idea of the size of the Bridge Rail, which I intend to lay through our woodland for about half a mile.
Having lived at Grogley for 35 years and hoped that steam trains would by now pass our property, after my trackbed campaign in the early 80’s, I have no option but to try and lay my own line on the other side of the river as time will eventually run out!
Unfortunately Diane thinks that because I am an engineer it can be done for no expense….fingers crossed 2020 will bring some sort of railway back to the valley!

Best wishes to all at the Cornwall Railway Society and a very happy new year!
(hopefully the new government will see the sense in re opening the Okehampton to Bere Alston route, now that would be a brilliant Christmas present!)

Andrew and Diane

Bridge Rail and comparison with a length of 7 and a quarter inch gauge rail. Copyright Andrew Jones

The trackbed of the proposed railway from Grogley to Polbock 7 and 1 quarter gauge. Copyright Andrew Jones.

The view from our balcony, The Wadebridge to Bodmin railway lies across the River Camel. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Dear Andrew and Diane, Many thanks for your long letter together with a request for information and the pictures. While I hope we can help with information what is extremely interesting is your proposed seven and a quarter in railway. We hope that everything goes well with your project - maybe one day we can come and visit. HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND BEST WISHES FOR 2020.

Pencarrow water tank
Brian Pibworth

I'm sure we aren't alone in finding this diminutive watering point fascinating. Recently we cycled up the track-bed from Bodmin and despite reading that "nothing now remains", at least found the site of the tank by reference to the stream, milepost and sleepers in the bank. On return we scoured the CRS archive for pictures to confirm our view, intending to build the structure in 4mm scale. There are plenty of side views and even one in colour, but nothing from end on to give any clue to width and depth. After all, most photographers were on special trains and the loco would be in the way. I wonder if any CRS members have first hand memories of the Branch and could recall the approximate width of the tank (metric or imperial accepted) and have a guess at the colour, as SR Malachite Green has been mentioned! Any information would be much appreciated. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

Pointed topped sleepers where the water tank legs once spanned the bank. Very good detective work Brian. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

Pencarrow Watering tank this picture taken in September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

Many thanks to Mike Roach for the use of this picture (already on the CRS Website) of the Pencarrow water tank. The tanl was fed with water from a stream which tumbled down the hillside to the left and passed under the trackbed, A pipe which kept the tank continouly topped up can be seen through the trees to the left of the tank. The water bag which topped up thirsty engines can be seen hanging from the tank.

Now we take a look at the filling operation actually in progress taken by the late Sid Sponheimer. The loco is 30567, originally number 298 - built in 1874. The bag appears to be in the tank, Is that shadowy figure apparently kneeling and wearing a cap possibly the fireman? And who is the lady seemingly talking to the driver - is it Mrs. Christine Sponheimer?

If you want to know anything which doesn't seem to be recorded elsewhere the best avenue I find is to ask Roger Winnen, He has a mass of pictures and a lot of gen.
Using the picture from Mike Roach, next but one above, and measuring the track gauge of 4' 8.5 inches and marking this on a sheet of paper then 'pacing' it out along the length of the tank I find it to be about 14'. We do not appear to have a picture taken end on of the tank however the picture below shows 'yours truly' plus somebody; Using my leg in the picture above and measuring from my 'current knee; with a tape measure the height of the tank would seem to be almost exactly 2'. I recall that the tank was about 2' wide and from Rogers picture below which is slightly oblique this would appear to be the case.

The Pencarrow Tank plus two 'inspectors'. Sorry but we do not recall the name of the gentleman to the left but the person to his right is R,K,J, The picture was taken on the 7th December 1974, Copyright Roger Winnen.

The Shortest day of the year'

The shortest day of the year occurs when the Earth's axis rotate leaving the North ... The winter solstice will occur around 4.19am in the UK on Sunday and there - good to get that over with isn't it?

21st December 2019

21/12/2019

It soon will be Christmas!
Santa by Steam amd Diesel
Roger Winnen

191221a Santa by Sulzer as 47306 The Sapper 47306 prepars to depart Bodmin General on the 12.45 Santa by Sulzer service to Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

191221b Inside the Signal Box by kind invitation of David Letcher. Copyright Roger Winnen

191221c 4612 tails Santa by Steam to Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

191221d The returning service being the 12.25 from Bodmin Parkway approaches Bodmin General Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

191221e The new platform is seen taking shape at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

191221f With the weather closing in we see 47306 The Sapper arriving at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

191221g 4612 decorated for the occasion departs Bodmin Parkway at 14.17. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many Thanks to David Letcher for his information of movements during my visit which was most appreciated.

Class 67s at Arena Park Exeter
David Tozer

The 0556 1Q23 Reading to Exeter and back to Salisbury with 67027 leading and 67023 tailing on the Network Rail Measurement Train. Copyright David Tozer
I had hoped to get a better photo when they returned, however this proved impossible as another train blocked the view passing going towards Exeter.

Thanks David

Distant Signals
Change to Yellow
Julian Hanwell

Hi Keith.
I discovered this interesting memo about changing over the Distant Signals in Cornwall to Yellow lights.
I'm sure Roy will be interested in this paper....
Hope you're ok for Christmas, Regards. Julian Hanwell.
Yes, extremely interesting, many thanks. and a happy Christmas to you too.

GWR NOTICE to Enginemen and fof signalmen ref yellow arms 1933. From Julian Hanwell.

Marazion/Long Rock
Mark Lynam

A lovely day yesterday took Mark Lynam to Long Rock and Marazion where in brilliant sunshine he saw the test train on its way in and out of the terminus. What a delightful view the properties on the left must have - and, depending on your interests either enhanced of spoilt by the train. An enthusiasts paradise!! Many thanks for your support during the year Mark - all the very best to you.

67027 & 67023 Longrock working the 1Q18 Reading triangle to Penzance and back to Paignton, 20th December 2019. Copyright Mark Lynham

After a brief rest at the terminus 67023 heads the test train away for Paignton. 20th December 2019. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Later in the day, looking splendid 43004 heads past Marazion marshes towards Penzance With the 2C19 1017 Plymouth to Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam

Salisbury
Ron Kosys

A train of empty 4-wheeled ARC hoppers are passing through Salisbury on 19th April 1988, heading towards Westbury.
Note the exhibition train on the left, which was of course based there.
Very best regards, Ron.
Many thanks indeed Ron, we never know where we'll see you next - variety is the spice of live. Happy Christmas.

56044 seen at the Exeter end of the island platform at Salisbury on the 19th April 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys.

20th December 2019

20/12/2019

The 1Q18 at Penzance
Andrew Triggs

All photographs are Copyright Andrew Triggs

Hello Roger/Keith
4 shots of todays visit by Colas 67023 with 67027 vice the NMT again for CRS, working 06.09 Reading Triangle Sidings-Paignton. To be honest, I got lucky while out walking our dog, having forgotten about it coming down and not checking Realtime trains. Arrival was at 11.25 departing again at 12.03 Have a great Christmas and New Year to all involved with C.R.S
All the Best
Andrew

Many Thanks Andrew we wish you also a
Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

The Last HST Cross Country Slam Door ? - 19th December 2019
Plymouth
Clive Smith

Could this be the red light signalling no more Cross Country HST slam door sets? On a thoroughly miserable wet day the 1S49 09.25 Penzance - Dundee Cross Country service arrives at platform 6 at Plymouth. This is normally a Voyager except on Fridays when it is an HST. It was an HST either because it was busy or more likely it is a reliable soundly built train that doesn't fail when hit by saltwater waves at Dawlish. This train is reportedly the last ever Cross Country slam door service. The penultimate XC HST set fitted with sliding doors was returned to Laira from Doncaster the previous evening thus paving the way for this last set "XC05" to be converted as slam doors are supposed to be gone by the end of 2019. Here are a few scenes that were once everyday but have rapidly disappeared from regular services on the national network during 2019 and are now coming to an end.

Regards, Clive.
Many thanks Clive - thanks for witnessing the likely end of an era familiar to us all. AND also many thanks to you for your support over the past and previous years.

Last X Country Slam Door set arrives at Plymouth. 19th December 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

Last X Country Slam Door set at Plymouth. People and doors, a familiar scene - has it gone forever? 19th December 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

Last X Country Slam Door set at Plymouth. 19th December 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

Ore Train at Cardiff
Michael Forward

More great pictures on the site and Ron’s excellent shots of class 56 s encouraged me to send my offering.
We see 56001 ‘Whatley’ and 56034 ‘Ogmore Castle with one of the regular Port Talbot to Llanwern workings at a sunny Cardiff on 17 February 1988.Thanks for dealing with this and Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New year,best wishes,Michael

Many Thanks Michael
Wishing you a Happy Christmas and a prosperous
New Year

Stone for Wotten Basset
Staverton Junction
Ron Kosys

The Foster Yeoman aggregates depot at Wootton Bassett was regularly taking two trains of stone each weekday in 1988.
An early start on the 22nd April 1988 got me to the village of Staverton, Wiltshire, just slightly north of Bradford Junction. As it happened, it was only with a few minutes to spare and my first target of the day, the morning Merehead to Wootton Bassett loaded aggregate train could be heard negotiating Bradford Junction.
56040 is seen here emerging from the mist and passing Staverton Junior School with the first of the two daily trains.

By the time the empties returned later in the day, I had moved to the Westbury area and it was a mainly sunny day.
The morning empties from Wootton Bassett were photographed passing Hawkeridge Junction, heading once again for the massive Foster Yeoman quarry at Merehead.

56040 Bradford Jn Staverton 22nd Aptil 1988. with the Merehead to Wootton Bassett stone train. Copyright Ron Kosys.

56040 returns with the empties seen here at Hawkeridge Junction 22nd April 1988. The train is from Wootten Bassett and heading for Merehead. Copyright Ron Kosys.

<<Previous

Wishing all of our members, contributors and visitors to the website a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Mick House.

A short break from work for a quick look at Warminster station on 6th June 1984 produced a few photographs, including this one of the Merehead to Eastleigh hauled by 56055.Pity the sun didn’t play ball. Still a super photograph Ron, many thanks.

Archives

A short break from work for a quick look at Warminster station on 6th June 1984 produced a few photographs, including this one of the Merehead to Eastleigh hauled by 56055.
Pity the sun didn’t play ball. Still a super photograph Ron, many thanks.