Blog Archives

31st December 2020 New Years Eve

31/12/2020

Thanks
As we come to the end of a rather terrible year it is time to look forward to, hopefully, a brighter 2021. Many many thanks to all of you who have contributed to our web site over the past year, your support is very much appreciated. Also my appreciation to Roger Winnen, my fellow operator, who not only provides much of the content but also acts as a very valuable proof reader.
All the very best to all of you for 2021, let’s hope for a brighter year. Keith Jenkin

Five Week closure of the
St Ives Branch
Roger Winnen

From Monday 4th January 2021 through to 7th February 2021 Network Rail will being renewing 1.5 miles of old track between Carbis Bay and St Ives costing over £3,000,000 million ponds requiring 3600 new sleepers and 400 tons of ballast. The GWR will be operating a half-hourly bus replacement service. Passengers are asked to check times before travelling.

201231a Bags of Network Rail ballast at Carbis Bay Station together with long welded rail for the relaying from Carbis Bay to St Ives commencing next week. Copyright Roger Winnen

201231b Only one passenger awaits to join the St Ives train at Carbis Bay.. Copyright Roger Winnen

201231c 150266 rounds the curve at Carbis Bay with the 10.48 St Erth-St Ives service, steel sleepers and rail etc for the relaying are visible alongside the track. Copyright Roger Winnen

201231d Quattro Road Rail vehicles stabled in the distance at St Erth in preparation for the five week blockade of the St Ives Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

Penryn & Penzance
Mark Lynam

Today saw the first XC HST run into Cornwall since 19th March, worked by new additions to the XC fleet 43208 & 43239 formally LNER. They worked 1C09 0624 Plymouth to Penzance then 1S49 0931 Penzance to Newcastle as far as Plymouth, swapped with a double voyager onwards to Newcastle.
Two Class 158s were also working the Falmouth branch today due to faulty Class 150s, the first time both diagrams have been 158 worked.

158760 (2F74 1045 Truro to Falmouth Docks) and 158765 (2T73 1045 Falmouth Docks to Truro) passing at Penryn. Copyright Mark Lynam

158760 at Penryn working 2T72 1015 Falmouth Docks to Truro.. Copyright Mark Lynam.

GWR 43042 Tregenna Castle waiting to depart on 2E07 0850 Penzance to Exeter St Davids. Copyright Mark Lynam

XC 43239 at Penzance after arriving on 1C09 0624 Plymouth to Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam

Shiny 43208 under the roof at Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam

XC 43239 at Penzance before working 1S49 0931 Penzance to Newcastle as far as Plymouth. Copyright Mark Lynam

Thanks Mark

Oxford
Doug Nicholls

Oxford D1051 Western Ambassador passes through with the 6M55 Clay St Blazey to Longport via Didcot and Bletchley. Copyright Doug Nicholls Probably November 1968.

Many thanks to Doug.

Exeter
Steve Widdowson

33011 stands at the end of platform 2 at Exeter St Davids 7th September 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Steve.

30th December 2020

30/12/2020

Cranbrook
Andrew Hickson

A banner sign reminds us that Cranbrook station opened 5 years ago on 13 December 2015. Note the deserted car park. Apart from the covid restrictions, patronage is not being helped by the fact that trains are currently running only between Exeter & Salisbury because of engineering work.
Andrew Hickson

Cranbrook. Copyright Andrew Hickson

Many thanks to a new contributor - welcome to Andrew Hickson - we look forward to more.

SAD FAREWELL at
Silverton
David Tozer

Gents,
I caught the final three Class 143's leaving Devon. With a farewell toot from the leading unit 143603,143618 and 143617 with Class 150/2 150207 on the rear approach Silverton with the 1219 5D81 Exeter T.M.D.St Philips Marsh. The working left Exeter 54 minutes early and arrived St Philips Marsh 113 minutes early.

Best wishes for the New Year. Dave Tozer

Farewell 143603, 143618. 143617 and 150207 pass waterlogged fields at Silverton on the 30th December 2020. Copyright David Tozer.

A final glimpse as they head for the former station site the other side of the bridge. 30th December 2020. Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks David - are you really sure that there are none left back at the depot!!??

X country
Penzance
Andrew Triggs

Afternoon Roger/Keith,
Today on 1S49 09.31 Penzance-Newcastle in place of the usual Voyager we had 2+7 HST XC02 set with recently added XC Power Cars 43208/43239, 2 shots enclosed for CRS. All the Best for 2021 to all CRS members
Andrew

1. 43208 before departure at Penzance at platform 3
2. 43239 leading passing Marazion

1. 43208 before departure at Penzance at platform 3. 30th December 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

2. 43239 leading passing Marazion. 30th December 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew and best wishes for 2021 to you and yours.

Turnchapel branch
Hooe Lake
Andy Smith

Hi I post on some facebook groups regarding old Plymouth pictures and took a picture of the old Hooe rail line along with adding a picture when the line was in service. A chap called Chas Francis said you might be interested in the picture for your site. I am happy for you to use it. I've attached the image.
Regards. Andy Smith

Hooe Lake Bridge - Turnchapel 1 - From Facebook - Chas Francis

Hooe Lake Bridge - Turnchapel (2) Copyright Andy Smith. Note the cottage in the distance to the right of the pier. It still forms a prominent feature in both of these photographs.

From Wikipedia - The Turnchapel Branch was a LSWR single track branch railway line in Devon, England, that ran from Plymouth Friary station to Turnchapel. It crossed the River Plym and opened up the east side of the river to rail connections. The short line opened in 1892 (as far as Plymstock) and 1897 (throughout). It closed in 1951 to passengers, and in 1961 completely.There were three intermediate stations, Lucas Terrace Halt (from 1905), Plymstock (opened 1892) and Oreston. There was a siding serving the Bayly Bartlett Wharf

With many thanks to Andy Smith and Chas Francis

Lyme Regis branch
Link to Video
Andrew and Diane Jones.

Dear Keith and Valerie, Please find attached link, a Christmas Gift in the shape of a wonderful film from the ‘Railway Roundabout series 1960’.
The Lyme Regis branch and the Adams Radials almost as old as the Beattie Well tanks are given several minutes of film, followed by some very rare footage of T9’s at Okehampton. Tavistock and Launceston.
In these uncertain times I am sure these images will cheer us all up!
Very best wishes to all from Andrew and Diane for a happier New Year.

youtu.be/GhDWKl-YPA8https://youtube/GhDWKl-YPA8

Many thanks Andrew and Diane - all the very best to you for 2021.

Taunton
Paul Barlow

A nightime scene at Taunton as 45140 is ready to leave with the 19.35 Exeter to Cardiff, the 1C74 6th December 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

29th December 2020

29/12/2020

The relief 'Crompton Cornish Swansong'

Penzance Railtour
Guy Vincent

33033 and 33031 at Penzance with the relief / additional Network South East 'Crompton Cornish Swansong' railtour from London Waterloo on another grim Saturday afternoon, October 29th 1988. This train was run due to the previous week's 'Crompton Cornish Farewell' being over subscribed by around 400 requests for tickets. Happily several passengers, myself included, were able to travel on both trains. 33033 was released from a CEM Light Overhaul at Eastleigh Works just a couple of days before and was the first of 12 examples similarly treated for use on Channel Tunnel construction trains, receiving Railfreight Triple Grey livery with Construction sector markings. 33021 042 050 051 053 056 063 064 202 204 207 were the other locos although 33050 / 051 did not receive full overhauls as they were in generally good condition.

Note the red Ford Fiesta parked on the narrow island platform. Once it was common to see staff motor vehicles parked and being driven within 'station limits', H&S has seen to it that this will never, ever happen again!!

Guy Vincent.

The Compton Cornish stands at Par on the outward run. 29th October 1988. Copyright Guy Vincent

33033 and 33031 haul the Cornish Compton up the bank past Carlyon Bay Golf course. 29th October 1988 Copyright Julian Stephens.

On now to Penzance where we see 33033 and 33031 standing at the buffers of platform 2. W55009 waits for its next duty at platform 3. 29th October 1988 Copyright Guy Vincent

Time has passed and the 33's now stand at the head of the return working. 29th October 1988. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Penzance 33031 & 33033 29th October 1988 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy for your photographs and very comprehensive notes.

Barnstaple to Wolverhampton at
Taunton
Paul Barlow

31414 31423 Barnstaple to Wolverhampton 1Z24 seen running into Taunton on the 6th June 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.Note the semaphore signal array.

Many thanks Paul

Par
Steve Widdowson

A nice colorful scene as the 50028 'Tiger' runs into Par with the 07.14 Glasgow to Penzance 'Cornishman' on the 5th September 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Steve.

St Ives
in miniature

For your entertainment. Many thanks to Trevor Tremethick who sent in this link to a fantastic working model by Paul Fabricius of St Ives station and surrounds during the 1950's and 60's.
Please click here and enjoy.

Happy New Year to all, Many thanks Trevor.

An appeal for for information on
Wadebridge Demolition
Can you help Mike Manning please

Dear Keith, Roger and staff,
May 2021 be a much happier and healthy New Year.
Could you please put this on the web site.
Appeal for archive information
Wadebridge 1966 onwards. Member Mike Manning.
While working on my book of the run down and closure of the railways of
Cornwall and Devon I have become stuck on the details of its track lifting.
I have details of the lifting of the Padstow to the Quay junction at Wadebridge
by May of 1968. The quay sidings were still in use until April 1973.
After that the tracks were lifted up to inside the level crossing gates. When?
The Signal box and the pedestrian footbridge were demolished as no longer
needed. When?
All tracks within the Wadebridge station area were lifted by a different
Contractor to the one that lifted the Padstow section. When?
Was this photo in my collection part of this clearance?

From the Micheal Manning collection - copyright.

No contractor used a crane mounted on rails on the Padstow section or on the Ex-B&WR section.
Also when was the NCR lifting to Wadebridge completed ?
I have a picture of Delabole minus its tracks in April 1968, but no completion date at Wadebridge.
Any snippets of information will be gratefully received to complete this Cornwall Section of my book.
Thank you Keith and Roger.
What is needed is a note saying MICHAEL IS SPELT MICHEALMANNING
Replies please to [email protected]

28th December 2020

28/12/2020

The first 'Crompton Cornish Swansong'
Penzance railtour
Guy Vincent

Good morning Keith,
In recent days some interesting images have been posted taken within the confines of Penzance station. As this is well known as being, quite literally ''the end of the line'' (or, for those of you that live there maybe the beginning?) would it be an idea over time to add to the "Penzance Gallery'' a sub-section containing a class by class collection of locos; steam all types and diesel from 08 to 70. One good quality image of each class in or close to the station. As an example there is a super photo of GWR Green 47484 taken on 2nd July 1985. Many rarities will only have arrived on railtours so photos will likely exist somewhere.
Just a thought and I'll fully understand if you decide not to pursue the idea as I know you put in a lot of work on a daily basis and the site's capacity has limits!

I've attached some scans of photos from a miserable October 22nd 1988 when 33211 and 33207 arrived from London Waterloo with Network South East's Crompton Cornish Farewell railtour. These were followed on 29th by 33031 and 33033 with 'The Crompton Cornish Swansong' relief railtour that ran due to the popularity of the earlier one. Photos of this train have yet to be scanned.

Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year

Guy Vincent N.B. Received on the 22nd December 2020

Cornish Compton Swansong Railtour arrives at Penzance on a wet miserable day with 33207 and 33211 with the Penzance CCF Railtour 22nd October 1988 Copyright Guy Vincent

Cornish Compton Swansong 33211 & 33207 Copyright Guy Vincent. N.B. The stock has been hauled out from platform 2 and placed in platform 3.

33211 and 207 continue the run-round maneuver. 22nd October 1988. Copyright Guy Vuncent.

Additional views of this railtour kindly supplied by Roger Winnen and Craig Munday

22nd October 1988 Copyright Roger Winnen

The railtour returns through St Erth 22nd October 1988. Copyriight Roger Winnen.

Both 33 s open up as they cross Hayle viaduct to pass through the station and commence the climb towards Gwinear. 22nd October 1988. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks to Roger and Craig.

Greetings from Canada
Chard Branch
Brian Naylor

Hello,
Born and raised in the U.K. I was searching the Web and came across your articles, one especially caught my eye; the Taunton to Chard branch railway, during much of the period from 1938 to 1946 I spent time with my Grandmother whilst my Parents were on war service and I would travel from London to Taunton and catch the Chard train to Thornfalcon, walking from there to Steart Cottages in Lipe Lane. My Grandmother had a Mr.Cox living with her, somewhat of a character who rode a large tricycle and was employed in cleaning out the roadside ditches, he also maintained the many disguised pillboxes with livestock and chimney smoke machines in the area and the cement filled car chassis intended to block the road in the event of an invasion. I have many fond memories of steam trains in England and even collected engine numbers using Ian Allen publications for recording. Thank you so much for your very interesting articles, they brought back many happy, almost forgotten, memories of a long ago childhood.

Sincerely,
Brian Naylor.

Taunton An 82XXX probably the Chard branch engine . 23rd April 1962 Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer

Arrival at Thornfalcon on the Chard Branch 22nd April 1962 - Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer

Thornfalcon plan Copyright the late John Cornelius. John was signalman here on occasions.

We'd like to hear more - have you any tickets or mementos please.
Many thanks Brian.

Taunton
Paul Barlow

45137 The Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment on the 1033 Leeds- Paignton 1V86 arrives at Taunton on the 30th July 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul, a lot of freight in evidence.

27th December 2020

27/12/2020

Go back a day to the 26th December to see Driver Alan Peters activities.

January 1987 Wintry Scenes at Penzance
Roger Winnen

870112a Taken from my front doorstep,Mount Street Penzance showing the old coblers shop, laterly W.H .Williams Turf Accountants before being turned into living accomodation, the railway garage on the right bombed during World War 11, the Longboat Hotel and Railway Station 0n 12th January 1987. Copyright Roger Winnen

870112c Snow scene Penzance Station. Copyright Roger Wnnnen

870112d Class 50 under the roof at Penzance with snow blowing in from outside. Copyright Roger Winnen

870112f Class 50s Under the roof at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Taunton
Paul Barlow

Peak 45071 stands at Tunton on the 1E70 on the 25th June 1981/ Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Newquay
Steve Widdowson

It's near the end of summer 50047 Swiftsure commences a run round at Newquay to form the 16.28 to Birmingham New Street 5th Sep 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks for another one from your archives Steve.

26th December 2020 BOXING DAY

26/12/2020

BOXING DAY BONUS
The late John Vines

Dear Keith,
Here are three more of my Father's pictures, a look back to sunnier and less difficult times, all taken in May 1970. They are: Lostwithiel station, Alfred at Par Harbour, and Par station.
The picture at Par is of particular interest as it shows not only the long gone Cornwall Railway timber building on the up side, but a GWR 'Toad' brake van bringing up the rear of a freight train disappearing under the bridge - very rare apparently by this date. In the original the guard can just be made out leaning from his veranda. This may be the 15.55 St Blazey-Tavistock Jn. freight, and unfortunately we can only guess at the loco which went unrecorded, no doubt either a 'Warship' or D63xx.
Best wishes
Andrew

Lostwithiel May 1970. Looking like a picture card. Copyright the late John Vines. Note the timber buildings on both up and down platforms.

Alfred posed for a picture at Par with the dockland of its home port behind. May 1970 Copyright the late John Vines

Par. as it was in May 1970 - now very much a memory - they used to sell marvelous pasties in the refreshment room in the long gone up platform building. Copyright the late John Vines.

Three more 'Gems' from the Treasure Trove of the late John Vines. Many thanks to Andrew Vines.

We don't all have Boxing day off!
Bristol East Junction
Driver Alan Peters

One of the Christmas engineering projects for 2020 was at Bristol East Junction (Kingsland Road) this picture was taken from the cab of Colas 70815 and shows Network Rail Multi - Tasker 1200 Kirow crane in action in the early hours of 26th December 2020 - Alan Peters

Christmas engineering project at Bristol East Junction showing the PEM - LEM turnout laying system at Kingsland Road 26th December 2020 - copyright Driver Alan Peters

One of the most important parts of any major Network Rail projects is of course the burger van this one being provided at the Bristol East remodelling, offering such delights as burgers and chips for the orange army. 26th December 2020. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

This impossible location for a photograph was between the Up Main and Down Filton at Bristol Temple Meads of top and tailed Colas Rail 70815 (rear) and 70802, taken on 26/12/20 during the Christmas remodelling of Bristol East Junction under T3 conditions. Note the new steelwork above the locomotive for the new Bristol East signal gantry, the train then worked forward as 6C29 to Westbury - Copyright Driver Alan Peters

6C29 Colas Rail top and tailed 70815 (rear) and 70802 formed of 18 Falcon wagons stand opposite the former Freightliner Depot near Parson Street junction waiting to exit the possession to return to Westbury on 26/12/20 - Driver Alan Peters

Just when we thought that everything on Network Rail was at a standstill for the two day Christmas break. Driver Alan Peters is still at it -
well done.

Christmas Greetings
Early Christmas Morning at Long Rock
Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Christmas Day at
Long Rock
Mark Lynam

Hello Keith/Roger, I hope you are enjoying your Christmas so far, Merry Christmas to you and the followers of the site. Here are some photos of the annual Christmas visit to Longrock depot.
From left to right 802105, 57603, 802002, 43194 in the main sidings.
The full lineup taken from the road. 802105, 57603, 802002, 43194, 802008 and 802022.
43122 "Dunster Castle" near the shed, 43172 was on the other end.
802017 in the old fuel road next to the shed. There are no trains in the station or on old bank, Ponsandane.

Merry Christmas,
Mark Lynam (Received at 15.15 on the 25th December 2020)

43122 Longrock TMD 25th December 2020 Copyright Mark Lynam.

802017 Longrock TMD 25th December Mark Lynam

802105, 57603, 802002, 43194, 802008, 802022 Longrock TMD 25th December 2020, Copyright Mark Lynam

802105, 57603, 802002, 43194, 802008, 802022 Longrock TMD 25th December 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam

Thank you for your Christmas Day Present to us Mark - we hope you had a good day too.

Peak at Taunton
Paul Barlow

46025on the 10.28 Leeds to Paignton 1V86 departs Taunton 25th August 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

Rare film of Par Docks + More China Clay film

Rare film footage of Judy passing under the main line at Par Docks. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HYKwC13YrK8

25th December 2020 05.30

25/12/2020

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Keith, Valerie and Roger and all the Cornwall Railway Society contributors and readers. Many thanks to Keith and Roger for all the hard work and effort you both put in. Wishing everyone a better 2021 and good health. Clive Smith

Many thanks for the card Clive, we send our best wishes to one and all.

Clive writes:= No white Christmas in 2020 so here are some snowy pictures from 1985 as a substitute.
The snow had fallen heavily in Plymouth the previous afternoon on the 18th and with no overnight thaw a second day of photos in the white stuff in Plymouth was possible albeit somewhat dull.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Regards Clive Smith

(1) 45058 emerges from Mutley Tunnel on the 18th with the 05.50 Severn Tunnel Junction - St Blazey goods consisting of one polybulk wagon. 18th January 1985 Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) Thornaby allocated 47307 pulls away from Plymouth station in heavy snow on the 18th with the 09.32 St Blazey - Severn Tunnel Junction goods. Certainly withdrawn in 1999, this 47 seemed to be reinstated and withdrawn again a few more times and transferring ownership. It was definitely cut up in 2008. 18th January 1985. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) Twenty fours after the heavy snowfall in Plymouth 50015 arrives at platform 7 on the 19th with the 07.30 Penzance - Glasgow Central and Aberdeen. This train would split at Carstairs. 19th January 1985. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) 47599 passes the site of Mutley station with the 08.53 Penzance- Newcastle on the 19th January 1985, Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) 45062 passes Lipson in Plymouth with the 05.15 Paddington - Plymouth parcels on the 19th January 1985, Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive.
My apologies to Clive - I made a typo error the date is now corrected to January.

Silk Mills
Paul Barlow

A very full and well illustrated account of the replacement of the level crossing and subsequent removal of the old signal box can be found using this link. https://www.tauntontrains.co.uk/oldsite/MEMORIES-SILKMILL.htm

Silk Mills crossing signal box. 26th March 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

50027 Lion on the 0730 Penzance-Aberdeen approaches Silk Mills crossing. 31st March 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

47500 Great Western approaches Silk Mills crossing.26th March 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

50030 Repulse 0920 Liverpool to Penzance 1V76 approaches Silk Mills Crossing. 26th March 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Class 31 Fairwater yard viewed from Silk mills crossing. 26th March 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Fairwater yard viewed from Silk mills crossing. 26th March 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

24th December 2020 CHRISTMAS EVE

24/12/2020

Merry Christmas
From Mick House

A big thank you to Keith, Roger, all of our contributors and you the readers for keeping this website as good as it is and may it continue. Regards Mick.

Many thanks Mick

An appeal for construction picture
Exeter St Davids
Peter Jordan

Skeleton of New Exeter Power signalling box in January 1983 Copyright David Tozer

This maybe what Peter Jordan was requesting - Copyright David Tozer January 1983.

West of England Woes
David Tozer and Keith Turley

With Covid playing havoc to timetables due to sickness further woes for GWR. Flooding between Exeter and Taunon has resulted in the diversion of GWR services via Honiton and Yeovil Junction to join the GWR route at Castle Cary.

802105 sits at Pinhoe with the 0604 Penzance to Paddington. Behind it at Bettysmead was the 0925 St David's to Basingstoke. Both were waiting for the 0738 Salisbury to Exeter to clear the single line at Pinhoe. This service also had been delayed by an earlier diverted GWR service.

Oh for the much talked about extra passing points.

Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year

Dave

802105 approaching Pinhoe 24th December 2020 Copyright Keith Turley

802105 waits at Pinhoe 24th December 2020 Copyright David Tozer. GW Main line blocked by flooding.

Many thanks Keith & David - you're on the ball!

Christmas & New Year memories over the years
Roger Winnen

191227c 75014 Standard Class 4 Braveheart tailing at Kingwear. on the train of lights last year. A feature which is not running this year owing to the pandemic. Copyright Roger Winnen

191227dd Looking from above as the passengers have alighted from The Christmas Train of Lights on 27th December 2019 Copyright Roger Winnen

781231f Class 50s on the milk and in Platform 2 at Penzance. Photograph taken 31st December 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen

790101o 50043 arriving with the Down Sleeper rather late at 11.45 a.m. Its New Years Day 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

790101k HST in Ponsandane sidings, its 1st January 1979. Only the siding nearest the running line to the depot is now in use. Copyright Roger Winnen

Santa comes to town
Exeter St Davids
Bill Elston

RECORD BREAKING 43102 seen at Exeter St Davids on the24th December 1991. Practicing before his overnight journey!!! Copyright Bill Elston.

Hi Keith,
Attached is photo of a cross country hst service led by 43102, driven by ‘Santa’, on Christmas Eve, 1991 – so much quicker than reindeer haulage!
This pc is notable in that it (with 43159) set a world record for diesel traction hauling a passenger train during a Press run on 27th September 1985 when it briefly touched 144 mph. Both are now stored.
By the way, you can check Santa’s progress across the Country on Christmas morning by referring to Real Time Trains, service 1X01 .

Merry Christmas everyone

Regards Bill Elston

Many thanks to you Bill and a Very Happy Christmas

Farewell HST at
Kings Cross
Dennis Clarke

HST farewell tour, on LNER, at Kings Cross, on 21st December 2019 Copyright Dennis Clarke

Here is a picture I took of the HST farewell tour, on LNER, at Kings Cross, on 21st December 2019. It seems such a long time ago when there was no social distancing etc. It’s been a difficult year for everyone and here’s hoping things get back to normal soon. Merry Christmas to all at the CRS and best wishes for 2021, Regards, Dennis

Out of bounds for our normal reporting area but as it's Christmas and a smashing picture plus the sentiment expressed to all - many thanks to you Dennis.

Greetings

Peter Radford writes :- just to say what a great website you and Roger run ,keeping us informed of the happenings in the S.West, keep up the good work and lets’ hope for a better year in 2021,regards from Manchester , Peter Radford.

Victor Menhennet writes :-
I still visit CRS almost every day. I particularly enjoy the photographs that everyone sends in. The recent article of Hayle and the rail connection with the Power Station brought me a lot of pleasure.
Looking forward to a fresh start in 2021 but I suspect that we are still on a long road to full recovery. We do not hold much hope of visiting the Homeland next year.
Here's wishing you All the Best. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Be safe and healthy. June and Victor Menhennet

Thanks also to Roy Hart from Rangoon - it is100 degs. F. out there now.

Brian Willis writes :- Merry Christmas Keith and to all the l helpers. Thanks once again for my daily fix and the interesting happenings in Gods own county throughout the year. Brian, in far off Gig Harbour (Not very warm out there!!)

From Brian Willis.

An appeal for construction picture
Exeter St Davids
Peter Jordan

Good morning.
I am currently compiling a book on the history of the signalling in Exeter that will be published by the ‘Signalling Record Society.’ The book is almost complete but at the moment I’m a bit stuck for suitable pictures of the exterior of the present panel signal box building.
During an internet search I found a picture of the girder framework of the building that is credited to ‘Cornwall Railway Society’ but I haven’t been able to find it on you website. If possible I would like to use that picture in the book, along with a good picture of the completed building. They will, of course, be credited in the book but they also need to be of a digital size that will allow good reproduction on the printed page.
Are you able to help me, please? This is the last part of the book I need to complete – once this is done I can send the remaining material to the SRS with a view to possible publication in 2021.
Sincerely
Peter Jordan, Castletown, Isle of Man

Quite often we find pictures credited to the CRS though we have no idea who put them there - that's the way of the internet world I'm afraid - however if any body can help Peter would be very grateful.

23rd December 2020

23/12/2020

CORNWALL RAILWAY SOCIETY
Seasons Greetings from the Chairman.
The year 2020 is one we will not forget for a long time and it is to be hoped that 2021 will bring a change of much better circumstances for us all.
I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Cornwall Railway Society Committee, to wish all of our members and friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy and peaceful New Year.
I look forward to seeing you again in September 2021 at our first indoor meeting at Redruth by which time our lives, hopefully, should have some semblance of normality.
Please take care and look after yourselves.
Best Wishes,
Dennis J. Flood.
Chairman
Cornwall Railway Society.

Many thanks to you Dennis for this Christmas Message, all the very best to you and Mrs. Flood marooned up in Newport. Best wishes for 2021. Thank you for your support in these troubled times.

Our Chairman Dennis Flood, Taken on a CRS visit to St Phillips Marsh Depot on the 28th July 2018. Copyright. N.B. Picture extracted from a group photograph.

Adelante + 47361 at Didcot
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Here we see 180104 on the 14.10 service to Cardiff on 30 April 2003. All the best to you and everyone for Christmas and a healthy New year., Michael

The second is of 47361 ‘Wilton Endeavour’ pulling away at 1 PM on 25 March 1994.A class 37 has just brought a MOD train into the yard and an 08 is about to shunt,common sights in those days

Many Thanks Michael

Carefree days at
Starcross and Teignmouth
Martin Baker

45 141, unofficially named Zephyr, heads the 05.55 Derby to Paignton. Seen at Starcross. 4th June 1988. Copyright Martin Baker

45 141 0n the return Paignton to Derby. 4th June 1988. Copyright Martin Baker

Many thanks to you and a Happy Christmas Martin.

Mortonhampstead Branch
Colin Burges

Dear Keith, I don't know whether you saw my Teign Valley piece and bit of Class 143 video.

I've just added a ramble along the Moreton Branch.

https://www.teignrail.co.uk/scouting/49-moretonhampstead-branch/

Cheers, Colin.

Dear Colin and all,
I found your items on both the Mortonhampstead and Teign Valley branches most interesting. Views of the branches, now and then are included also some are aerial views. I have no hesitation in recommending a click on the above link which will take our viewers to both your Moreton and by a further click the Teign Valley branches.
Happy Christmas at Christow Best regards KJ.

And here is the man himself - Colin Burges owner of the Exeter and Teign Valley Railway. Picture taken on a CRS visit on the 3rd June 2017.

Thank you Colin and best wishes for 2021.

22nd December 2020

22/12/2020

Moorswater
Roger Geach

Peaks were once a common sight in Cornwall. Here is 45002 on the 1v82 the 10.23 Manchester to Penzance having just crossed over Mooorswater viaduct, It the 13th July 1974. Copyright Roger Geach,

Many thanks Roger, and a Happy Christmas to you too.

Adventures on a bicycle in
Hayle 1964
Laurence Hansford

It's close to Christmas 2020, and what a year it has been. At Christmas time is is customary to pick up a book and read a little. Here our very good friend and regular contributor of articles Laurence Hansford, formerly of St Ives, sends us a copy of his childhood recollections and ventures on his bicycle. Click here to go to Features July to December 2020 and scroll to item 2025

From Laurence's very interesting article.

Griggs Forge Lelant. A photograph taken on the 16th December 2020. Copyright Roger Winnen. The forge Laurence recalls was in behind the black doors with a letterbox.

The level crossing over the old A30 at Hayle where the Hayle Wharves of power station branch crossed the old A30. Traffic continues to rumble over the crossing while the freight powered by a '63', from the wharves patiently waits for the barriers which were controlled from the diminutive signal box on the left ate lowered. August 1964. Copyright Laurence Hansford.

Now the barriers are fully down, D6349 is slowly drawing its train across the A30. The chap with the peaked cap just beyond the control cabin is obviously a railway employee. The tallest chimney of the power station emits a wisp of smoke from the well controlled furnaces below. The metals bearing off to the left lead to a head shunt a spur off which took rail traffic along beside Penpol Terrace under the viaduct passing the site of the original Hayle Railway station and back under the viaduct once more to serve the once busy wharves. The line was always horse worked. August 1964. Copyright Laurence Hansford.

To read Laurence's tales of his childhood adventures please click here and scroll to item 2025.
Or to see our coverage of the Hayle Harbour or Power Station branch plus the Hayle Railway go to our section on the Hayle area please click here.

Flogging a donkey or two!
David Tozer

It was said that the last day of service for the 143's would be 12th December 2020. Well today, 21st December 2020 two were in service photographed at Polsloe Bridge.

143617/150221 with the 1223 Exmouth to Paignton

143618 on the rear of the 1154 Paignton to Exmouth with 150244.

Even more confusing GWR said yesterday the Exmouth to Paignton service would be reduced to hourly this week. Today it was service as normal.

Dave

143617/150221 with the 1223 Exmouth to Paignton. Copyright David Tozer

143618 on the rear of the 1154 Paignton to Exmouth with 150244. Copyright David Tozer

Makes life interesting - many thanks Dave.

Passing traffic at the crossing at
Purton Common Lane
Ken Mumford

37025 [Inverness TMD] heads the 1Q15 Derby - Swansea via Swindon test train at Purton Common Lane Crossing, 22nd December 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford

A little later 37254 heads 1Q15 return working from Swindon to Gloucester. 22nd December 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

The ladies and the horses were gaily decorated at Purton (Collins Lane) crossing. 22nd December 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford. If anybody knows the ladies names - Ken will send on the pictures - good old Ken!

Many thanks Ken for your unusual pictures - well the last one especially. Don't tell Mrs. Mumford.

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