Blog Archives

29th December 2023

29/12/2023

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO
PART 62
Michael L. Roach
The Blizzard of December 1962

It is 175 years since the South Devon Railway opened its railway line into Plymouth from the east. To the best of my knowledge, in all that time there have only been two occasions when the railway lines approaching Plymouth around the edge of Dartmoor have been struck by blizzards so severe that the resulting snow drifts were deep enough to stop all train movements and trap trains for several days. However if you know of any other occasions please write in to the web master. The first occasion was in March 1891 and on that occasion there were drifts and problems right across Southern England. The details of that event as it affected Devon and Cornwall may appear in a subsequent part of this series. In this part the blizzard of 29 December 1962 will be recalled through my photographs. This blizzard also seriously affected Exmoor and resulted in the decision to use helicopters for the first time to drop food, water and other essentials to isolated properties on Dartmoor and Exmoor and not just for humans but also for farm animals. There have been numerous other snow events in other parts of Britain, including Dartmoor in 1947, but what marked out the December 1962 event were the gale-force easterly winds and the resulting depths of the snow drifts which were up to 20 feet (6 metres) deep on Dartmoor and Exmoor. The cold spell of winter 1962-63 lasted some twelve weeks.
The blizzard of 29 December 1962 coincided with the last day of passenger services on the Plymouth – Tavistock South – Launceston ex-GWR branchline, and the complete closure of much of the route. I was there on the branch that day, all day for some 14 hours. Because of what I chose to do that day, the date became a landmark date in my life. If I had chosen instead to make a couple of return trips on the branch and stay home after tea due to the apalling weather conditions I might have felt differently about the date. The full story of what I did on 29 December 1962 has been recounted once before twelve months ago and the words that follow will be a repeat of that story with different photographs from the same day.
On the 28 December1962 there had been a dusting of snow in many places after a week of intensely cold weather. On the following day we woke to some 3 inches (75mm) of snow in Plymouth. It was a sad day for someone who had come to love this line in the preceeding three years and who would miss the atmosphere of a line that was in many ways still as it was pre-nationalisation in 1947 or even pre-war in 1938. It was still worked by the same classes of engines (the 4500s and the 6400s) that had worked the line in the nineteen thirties. I had taken hundreds of photos of the Launceston Branch trains and made many trips along the line and knew that with the crowds expected for a “last day” that I had little chance of getting my favourite position on the train which was the first window in the first coach. So instead I opted to travel out to one of my favourite stations, Yelverton, and spend several daylight hours there watching the last trains calling at the station. Later I planned to make an evening return trip to Launceston and back. I travelled out to Yelverton on the 10.40am off Plymouth which was a very popular choice for enthusiasts. The train was strengthened from the normal two coaches to four coaches hauled by Laira's small priarie 5564 which had arrived there earlier in the year. At the start of the day the snow was just a bonus and few of us travelling out on the 10.40am train could have realised the severity of the weather that was approaching the area. (to be continued)

5564 has arrived at Yelverton with the very last 10.40am Plymouth to Launceston where the overnight snow was a little deeper than it was in Plymouth. Copyright Michael L Roach

A handful of passengers wait to board the 10.15am Launceston to Plymouth at Yelverton on 29.01.1962 as the train arrives behind 5569. The small booking office in the building shown closed at 2.00pm. Copyright Michael L Roach

The 12.40pm Tavistock to Plymouth stops at Yelverton viewed from the trackbed of the Princetown Branch, which at this point was rising on a 1 in 40 gradient check-railed curve. Copyright Michael L Roach

6430 leaves Yelverton with the 12.40pm Tavistock to Plymouth consisting of 4 auto coaches (nos. 255, 230, 228, 234). Copyright Michael L Roach

I have walked nearly half way to Clearbrook Halt to capture 6400 on the 12.45pm SO Plymouth to Tavistock. Copyright Michael L Roach

5564 leaves Yelverton with the 12.40pm SO Launceston to Plymouth running 24 late; the latest train seen so far. Copyright Michael L Roach

Copyright Michael L Roach

Summer Sun
Jon Hird

In this current period of awful weather, what we wouldn't give for a few days of this!

In the summer of 2004, due to a shortage of rolling stock, Virgin Cross Country were forced to hire in EWS traction in the form of class 67's to work a few trains per day to Paignton. One such train is seen at Dawlish in the hands of 67014. Copyright Jon Hird.

Another one of the additional trains heading back North past Aller Junction in some wonderful evening sunshine. A scene which was sadly consigned to the history books due to the demolition of the farm access bridge I was standing on. Copyright Jon Hird.

Truro Resignalling
Mick House

Truro down side. Copyright Mick House

Truro up side. Copyright Mick House

Many Thanks Mick

St Erth Station yesterday
Dennis Clarke & Mick House

Hi Keith, I was at St Erth today and took a few photos. 150238, still in blue livery, was on the St Ives shuttle. The other photos show the progress on the new footbridge, with the foundations taking place. Kind Regards, Dennis

The St Ives Unit awaits departure. Copyright Dennis Clarke

St Erth Copyright Mick House

Foundations for the new footbridge on the up platform. Copyright Dennis Clarke

Foundations on the down platform at St Erth. Copyright Dennis Clarke

St Erth east side. Copyright Mick House

St Erth Station looking towards Hayle. Copyright Dennis Clarke

Many Thanks Dennis & Mick

Seeing out 2023 With the Castle Class HST at Penzance
Roger Winnen

Castle Class Old Oak Common arrives at Penance on a midday working from Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

43153 Stands at Penzance after working the 10.42 Plymouth to Penzance service. Copyright Roger Winnen

150 units working the 12.19 Plymouth Penzance service. Gales all over Britain on Wednesday. Copyright Roger Winnen

The arrival of the 15.47 Plymouth Penzance service arrives at Platform 3. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Welshman awaiting to head the 18.15 service from Penzance to Exeter in heavy rain. Copyright Roger Winnen

Penzance station view from the balcony. Copyright Roger Winnen

Burngullow to Grampound Road Station in 1976
Roger Winnen

These were the days of the 50p Cheap Cheap Day Returns available on Saturdays by the 09.30 Penzance to Plymouth service aimed at shoppers going to Plymouth

760213f The 09.30 from Penzance coming up St Stephens Coombe formed of 2 Three Car Cross Country Units. Copyright Roger Winnen

760213c The 08.42 Plymouth to Penzance approaching Burngullow. Copyright Roger Winnen

760213b Burngullow Clay Dries with the 08.45 Penzance to Paddington approaching. Copyright Roger Winnen

760213h The 10.25 Cornishman from Penzance at St Stephens Coombe. Copyright Roger Winnen

760213j The 11.00 Penzance to Paddington crosses the St Stephens Coombe Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

760213k The Fal Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

760213l Grampound Road Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

760213n Grampound Road Station with the 12.35 ex Penzance passing by. Copyright Roger Winnen

Remembering our very good friend
The Late John Cornelius

Many thanks John, you gave many super pictures and of these this is in my opinion is your 'crowning glory'.

26th December 2023 BOXING DAY

26/12/2023

Boxing day at Laira
Trevor Tremethick

Dear Keith and Roger

A bit late for ‘Boxing Day News’ but I managed to get time to grab the attached shot of a full Laira at about a quarter to four today. All looks closed up. There are two spare power cars on the fourth track in from Embankment Road, these being 43094 (nearest) and 43122, a bit hard to make out as there is a train behind them. There was another last week but I was unable to see the number.

Also. I would like to wish you and yours all the very best for the coming year.

I hope I speak for many in thanking you for your outstanding and tireless work on the Society’s website which continues to be an important, and I believe international, resource as the railway we once knew gradually slips away into history.

With kind regards

Trevor

Many Thanks Trevor
Wishing you both the very best for 2024

Boxing day at Longrock
5 years apart.
Dennis Clarke and Mark Lynam

Boxing Day 2018 - a drone view by Dennis Clarke. HST's rule the roost. An impoved resolution picture Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Boxing day 2023 - the HST's are gone and IET's now fill the sidings. Copyright Mark Lynam.

A view from the level crossing. Left to Right: 802103, 57605, 802111, 802005, 802006 and 800026. 26.12.2023, copyright Mark Lynam,

St Piran - 08645 with three Sleeper coaches near the shed. Nothing on the old fuel road, So the voyagers and Sprinters must be in the shed. 26.12.2023, copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks to both Dennis and Mark for these views. No room at the inn!

Blue 37's on the clay
Jon Hird

37308 and 37047 were sent to Cornwall to collect ballast from Meldon Quarry for the Burngullow re-doubling. On 07.02.2004 the pair managed to sneak out onto the local clay circuit, pictured passing Coulsons Park in Lostwithiel early in the morning. Copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks Jon.

34046 Braunton & 5029 Nunney Castle heads the Atlantic Coast Express from Penzance to London Victoria
Roger Winnen

September 2014

140908c The majestic pair waiting to back the ACE into the platforms at Penzance. Viewed from the 08.44 to Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

140908e Mighty in strength and endurance as 34046 and 5029 race through Camborne non stop.'Was Jethro at Camborne waiting to catch the train". Copyright Roger Winnen

We see the train passing the former Holman Bros building at Camborne. Copyright Roger Winnen

140908i Both now coupled for the return journey to Victoria. Copyright Roger Winnen

140908k Relief as the HST just clears in time. Copyright Roger Winnen

140908l Leaving Plymouth on time at 12.31, next stop Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

Portishead branch comes a
step nearer reopening.

Plans for a new train line linking Portishead to Bristol have taken a step closer to becoming reality after new documents were submitted to Bristol City Counil.The new route forms part of the MetroWest expansion set to take shape over the next few years, after being announced in 2018.
Initial permission for the work was given in November 2022 with the requirement of addressing issues around five invasive plant species found on parts of the route. New documents submitted indicate that a plan to tackle the plants is in place, with initial construction potentially starting before the end of 2024.
A Network Rail Spokesman said: “We will be submitting our full business case for MetroWest Phase 1 to the Department for Transport at the end of February 2024. Should we be successful in securing funding, construction would start in the late autumn (2024).”

25th December 2023 HAPPY CHRISTMAS

25/12/2023

Good Morning World
Wishing everybody a
Very HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Truro 1978
Trevor Tremethick

08941 and 50025 brave the cold in March 1978.....
Best wishes for Christmas and 2024, Trevor Tremethick

08.941 and 50.025, Truro Yard, March 1978. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

A superb Chrismas Card scene from Trevor for which many thanks - fortunately it is not so cold to day but with heavy winds forecast all must take care.

Box Tunnel
Guy Vincent

Some views around Box (Wilts) today - 23rd December 2023.

1. The west portal of Brunel's Box Tunnel, opened to traffic on 30th June 1841. The tunnel is dead straight, 1 mile 1460 yards in length with an east-west falling gradient of 1 in 100 and six deep ventilation shafts. Since the late 1960s vegetation growth has been an issue but today seems about as clear as ever it will be.

2. 802101 emerging at speed in almost total silence working the 1C14 1230 Paddington - Weston-super-Mare. This unit was originally intended for use chiefly on the Paddington-Plymouth-Penzance route as it is fitted with uprated engines to better manage the steep Devon banks. However, post- Covid all class 800s have gone into one big pot and can turn up on anything from class 1 express passenger work to more lowly class 2 local stopping trains.

3. 800302 heading east and passing the site of Box Mill Lane Halt, opened on 31st March 1930, closed on 4th January 1965. This was built by the GWR and consisted of two platforms of timber construction, similar to Dilton Marsh Halt on the Westbury - Salisbury line which opened in 1937. The eastern portal of the short (175 yards) Box Middle Hill tunnel can be seen in the distance

4) View westwards towards Bath from above Box Tunnel.

5) Postcard view dated c1935 looking south east showing the railway line, halt and tunnel.

Seasons Greetings

Guy Vimcent

133933 Box Tunnel West Portal 23.12.2023 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Box Tunnel West Portal 802101 1C14 1230 PAD-WSM 20231223_135849

Box Mill Lane 800302 1A22 1302 WSM-PAD 23.12.2023 140001. Copyright Guy Vincent

View from above Box Tunnel westwards towards Bath, Middle Hill Tunnel (R) ....2023. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Box Valley looking east showing Mill Lane Halt, A4 road bridge and Box Tun... c1935. Copyright Guy Vincent.

With very special Christmas Wishes to Guy and his extended railway family,
Many thanks for your years of support.

Christmas Eve. 24th December 2023

24/12/2023

Roger Winnen sends Christmas Greetings to all readers and contributors to the Cornwall Railway Society Website

Memories of the past

790101e Locomotive cabs in the sidings at Penzance 1st January 1979. Copyright Roger Winnen

790101m Class 47 on the 08.40 Plymouth Penzance at Marazion on 1st January 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

790101o The Down Sleeper arriving at 11.45 a.m. on 1st January 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

870112c Snow scene Penzance Station on 12th January 1987. Copyright Roger Wnnnen

Angarrack from 'On High'
Dennis Clarke

Hi Keith / Roger, Just to say thanks for everything that you all do in keeping the Cornish Railway Society a special website. It is much appreciated and wish you all the best over the festive season. Here’s a drone picture that I took of a HST on Angarrack Viaduct on 24th December 2018, 5 years ago. The website gallery is always there to remind us of times that have gone !! Best Wishes, Dennis

Angarrack Viaduct. Christmas Eve, 24th December 2018. Copyright Dennis Clarke

Many Thanks Dennis - superb picture.All the very best you and yours too.

Carol Service Special at
Yeovil Junction
Bill Elston

Hi Keith,

Some busy scenes at YVJ today (23rd December 2023), with the arrival of the 07.15 Peterborough to Sherborne Carol Service special, 1Z15.
This was hauled by royal 67006 Royal Sovereign, and continued to Yeovil jct Heritage Centre for servicing.
Also shown is 159015 tailing a Waterloo to Exeter working, with in the background as the steam Santa special.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas,

Bill

67006 arives 23rd December 2023. Copyright Bill Elston.

67006 at Yeovil Junction. 23rd December 2023. Copyright Bill Elston

67006, at the turntable - 23rd December 2023. Copyright Bill Elston

67006+159015 departs heading for Exeter, while in the background can be seen the Santa Steam Special. 23rd December 2023. Copyright Bill Elston.

67006 completing the 'run around' procedure. 23rd December 2023. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill you caught the action well - hope you joined in the carols!

Christmas at Bodmin
Jon Hird

I think I found the only patch of sun in Cornwall yesterday (23.12.23), and happily it was at the right time and place to illuminate GWR Prarie Tank 5552 bringing the 13:00 Bodmin Railway Christmas train up the bank at Charlie's Gate.

The Christmas trains run again today (24.12.23) and then on Friday the 29th December there is a 'Winter Steam Up' with 5552 and Port-of-Par Bagnall Saddle Tank 'Judy' providing the motive power.

More info and timetables for the steam gala can be found by clicking here

Prarie Tank 5552 leads the return of the 13:00 Christmas Train past Charlie's Gate on the Bodmin Railway, 23.12.2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

23rd December 2023

23/12/2023

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO
PART 61
Michael L. Roach

Railway Air Routes (1)
In the second half of the nineteen fifties I would occasionally cycle out to Plymouth Airport with a friend to watch the planes landing and taking off. The airport was situated at Roborough on the northern outskirts of the City with Dartmoor a short distance away as a backdrop. There were few scheduled flights but plenty of private aviation and if my memory serves me right trainee pilots from the Royal Navy Air Service were trained there for a number of years.
It was 90 years ago in 1933 that the first railway-operated air route was started by the enterprising Great Western Railway. The route was from Cardiff to Plymouth and return, twice a day, stopping at Haldon Aerodrome en-route for Exeter and Torquay. The aeroplane used was a 3-engine 6-seater Westland Wessex made at Yeovil and operated by Imperial Airways on behalf of the GWR. The first day was on Tuesday 11 April 1933 with public services starting next day. Much more about Imperial Airways on the internet. The attached article from the GWR Magazine for May 1933 explains all.
In a strange twist of fate none of the three airports used in the 1930s is still used as a functioning airport. Cardiff Municipal Airport was two miles south-east of the city centre on the coast and became RAF Pengam Moors for World War Two; it closed in 1954 when all services were transferred to the present Cardiff International Airport which is some miles west of the city. Haldon became a Royal Navy Air Station during World War Two but closed after the war. Meanwhile Plymouth Airport lies unused waiting for a white knight to save it from the ignominy of having housing built on it.
Plymouth Airport closed and ceased all operations 12 years ago on 23 December 2011. Since that time all the infrastucture has been mothballed at a reputed cost of £500,000 per annum. Most of the 113-acre site is owned by the City of Plymouth but it is let on a long lease to a local firm who wish to redevelop the site against the wishes of others who wish to see it reopened as an airport. One would hope that there is room for compromise with perhaps a smaller airport using helicopters to provide a link from Plymouth to the airports at Exeter, Bristol and Cardiff to feed passengers into the many long distance routes available at those three airports.

MLR / 11 December 2023

Many thanks Michael.

Class 31s at Dawlish Warren
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, Our last picture for 2023 ,from Michael Adams ,shows 31296/257 at Dawlish Warren on 1 August 1981 with an unknown down train.
Happy Christmas to you and all the team from the two Michaels.

Wishing you both Seasons Greetings Roger Winnen

Seasons Greetings to all
Guy Vincent

Seasons Greetings to all, especially Keith & Roger for all the hard work that goes in to maintaining the CRS website on each of the 365 days of the year -- no mean feat! Thanks to the many contributors who have provided so much interesting and informative reading throughout 2023.

Two photos taken at dusk at Westbury on the shortest day of the year.

1) 66779 Evening Star at rest as darkness begins to set in. This was the last class 66 built for the UK market and is operated by GBRF who in recent times have increased their activities here. This in contrast to fellow freight company DB Cargo who have reported a countrywide 25% drop in traffic and a number of redundancies. Time to reflect on a not particularly good year with 2023 having seen the end of most HST operations in all but the far south west and DB Cargo retiring their remaining class 60 locos to store. 2024 looks like being the time to finally start catching up with updating several years of records.

2) 158762 shortly before departure on the 2M21 1623 to Swindon. The former buffet on P1, although well lit and in good condition is used only occasionally by a local rail users group and no longer available for general use.

Regards

Guy Vincent

Westbury 66779 1600hrs 21st December 2023. (Shortest Day). Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury 158762 2M21 1623 WSB-SWI 21st December 2023. (Shortest Day). Copyright Guy Vincent

Coming from a veteran and very much valued contributor to our website such as your good self Guy this is very much appreciated.praise. I have been adding 'bits and pieces' for over eleven years now. It is also with a great many thanks to other contriburors who have kept 'at it' as well. A month ago we had a much younger contribitor by the name of Jon Hird, himself an expert with a camera (and drone) was welomed onto our team as a committee member - RW and I are delighted to have Jon as a member amd look forward to many years of his contributions.

22nd Decemner 2023

22/12/2023

Liskeard Box
Chris Libby

You might want this photo for your archives?
Liskeard branch signal box
Louis Clarence (Charlie) Hutchings.
Date unknown
Dog….. Spot

Chris Libby veru kindlt sent in the above picture with unfrotunately little more detail.

Many thanks Chris - a quite unique picture. Can anybody add more details please.

Roy Hart replies

Dear Keith,
Liskeard Branch box is one of those forgotten places on the Cornish network.

It was built by Saxby and Farmer, signal contractors to the Liskeard and Looe railway company when the new loop line up from Coombe Junction opened in 1901.

The box at Coombe was its 'twin '.

The Liskeard and Looe was absorbed by the Great Western in 1909 and after that, the only change was the gradual substitution of GWR standard signals for the old S & F ones. The layout was simply an engine loop opposite the platform, plus the facing pointsf for L iskeard and Looe siding' leading to the main line.

The line to Coombe was operated by the electric tablet system - extremely rare on the GW, but common on the LSW lines in the south west. This was a relic of Saxbys.

DMUs arrived in 1961, so the loop became redundant. The box closed on 15th March 1964. A ground frame now works dthe L and L siding points. At the same time, the token instrument for Coombe (token having succeded tablet a fee years before).

Liskeard Branch box had a Saxby and Farmer horizontal tappet frame of 19 levers.

Christmas greetings to all, from an Asian Janner!

Roy

Many Thanks indeed Roy
Have a Happy Christmas

A few from 82
Paul Barlow

Toton Based ETH fitted Peak 45129 on the Sundays 1215 Penzance to Leeds, 21st February 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

45066 Taunton shed. 21st February 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Gateshead Peak 46038 waits at Exeter on 1618 Plymouth to Birmingham 1M74. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks to you Paul - Happy Christmas

21st December 2023

21/12/2023

Roger Geach
Remembering old friends

1, 1023 at Newquay driver Noel Granger from st Blazey and shunter Joe Hawley - enlargement from one of my pictures
2, St Austell . the 2b24 1745 Plymouth Penzance was diagramed on summer Saturdays for a St Blazey driver to work the train to St Austell and a Penzance driver forward.St Blazey driver Roy Trevithick is seen with his driver bags while looking on is the late Mark Tancock 1975

Thanks to various people who have identified the people shown.

Hope may be of interets. Roger Geach

Picture 1) 1023 on the 1b95 09.50 Paddington. Noel Granger, Joe Hawkey. Copyright Roger Geach

Roy Trevithick at St Austell. Roger Geach. Note Motorail signage.

Thanks for the memories - Happy Christmas Roger.

Class 67's for sale
Jon Hird

67026 working an 'Eden Excursion' (a day trip by rail to the Eden Project) through Bodmin Road/Parkway on 14.08.2004. This locomotive is currently offered for sale by its owners, DB Cargo. Copyright Jon Hird.

News has emerged over the past week that DB Cargo have offered for sale 10 of their Class 67 locomotives. These locomotives were once an everyday sight in Cornwall, working Royal Mail trains in and out of the County for EWS, having been purchased as a replacement for the aging fleet of Class 47/7's.

Sadly, not long after their delivery, Royal Mail made the decision to move much of their operations away from rail, focusing instead on road and air transport.

With a high route availability (RA8) largely due to their bo-bo axle configuration and relatively low ETS capabilities, operators have struggled to find alternative work on the network and many of the class have spent large periods of their lives in storage.

If you fancy one (!), the DB Cargo disposal list can be viewed by clicking here.

Creech St Michael
Bill Elston

Hi Keith,

Over at Creech today, for 6G97, Eggesford to Westbury rail delivery train.
This was operated by GBRF 66719 + 66728 T/T ( 66728 'fresh' from RHTT duties )
Best wishes
Bill Elston

66719, Creech St Michael 17th December 2023 Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill, wishing you both a very good Christmas, sorry for the late delivery of the Rail delivery train.

Peaks in the 80's
Paul Barlow

Hello Keith, a few from early 1982. Kind regards, Paul

Gateshead Peak 46038 waits at Exeter on 1618 Plymouth to Birmingham 1M74. Copright Paul Barlow.

1982/01/02 45066 Taunton shed. Copright Paul Barlow.

Toton Based ETH fitted Peak 45129 on the Sundays 1215 Penzance to Leeds Service at Bristol Temple Meads 21 February 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks for the photos, Paul!

Swindon and Cricklade
Ken Mumford

Today 20th December 2023 I paid another visit to the Swindon & Cricklade Railway site at Blunsdon and took these photo relating to 35011. General Steam Navigation (SR 21C11 & BR 35011)
Note the thermal syphons!
Kind regards,
Ken

Looking through the fireox doors. 20th December 2023. Copyright Ken Mumford

A closer view - Looking through the fireox doors. 20th December 2023. Copyright Ken Mumford

Many thanks Ken.

20th December 2023

20/12/2023

The 2U20 Penzance (10.50) to Cardiff Central (16.23) service passes Hallenbeagle Engine House (11.19) on Tuesday 11th January 2023. Copyright Mick House.

A smashing snowy scene - Many Thanks to you Mick. Wishing you and everybody all the very best for the festive season.

Class 47 47487 in 1967
Heading towards Winterbourne amongst the Pylons
Phil Shattered

47487-1987-Heading towards Winterbourne. Copyright Phil Shattered

Many Thanks Phill

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO
PART 60
Michael L. Roach

Centenary of the Castles (2)
In July 2023 I was reading a magazine from August 1906 with a contemporary short news item and photo of a new four cylinder express passenger engine built to the design of Gorge Jackson Churchward (1857-1933) who had then been Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Great Western Railway for some four years. The engine had been given the number 40 and quite surprisingly the engine was of the 4-4-2 wheel arrangement because, although the GWR had many 4-4-0s, it had very few 4-4-2s. Because the article was contemporary with the first appearance of the engine the writer could not have known that the loco would be converted to a 4-6-0 wheel arrangement just 3 years later in 1909 and renumbered 4000. The reason for building no. 40 as a 4-4-2 was to compare it with the three De Glehn 4-4-2 Compounds purchased from France. Number 40 was the first 4-cylinder engine built by the GWR but it was not the first 4-6-0 after rebuilding as that honour fell to no. 100 which appeared in February 1902 just a couple of months before the retirement of Willam Dean (1840-1905), when Churchward was Dean's Chief Assistant. No. 100 was an express passenger design with 2 outside cylinders, the first GWR design with outside cylinders, and therefore the forerunner of the Saints, Halls, Granges and Manor classes. No. 4000 was the forerunner of the Stars and was converted to a Star in 1909 and given the name of “North Star”. The 4-cylinder 4-6-0s of the Star class were the forerunners of the Castle class and the King class. No. 4000 was converted to a Castle in 1929 and lasted until 1957.
The first part of this commemoration of the Castle class appeared on 27 February 2023. In this Part we will look briefly at what one very well-known enthusiast and professional railwayman thought of the Castle Class. Kenneth H Leech (1892 – 1994) worked for Westinghouse at their signal works at Chippenham, Wiltshire and was so well-known that he could obtain a footplate ride along the Great Western main line between Paddington and Bristol any time he wanted to. All that bouncing around on the footplate of a steam engine did not do him any harm as he lived to the great age of 102 years. He was also a very active photographer and time recorder.
In September 1963 The Journal of the Stephenson Locomotive Society carried a Supplement to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the introduction of the Castle class. The SLS turned to Kenneth Leech to write the article that accompanied the photographs and the result was a delightful little booklet. There is no doubt that Kenneth Leech knew his subject after making dozens if not hundreds of footplate trips. The first two paragraphs of the booklet are reproduced here as a tribute to Kenneth Leech and the Castle Class. This is what he wrote for the Supplement.
“The Castle Class of the Great Western Railway is one of the most celebrated classes of locomotives in the world. The fine reputation of these engines has been gained by their performance, not only in sustained high-speed running, but in the hauling of heavy trains at express speed and in exceptional economy in coal consumption. Never has any other class of express locomotive been built, with only the smallest change in details, over such a long period as 28 years and never has any other class of locomotives remained as the standard express type for anything like as long as 38 years. Yet with all their proud history, the class were originally a compromise design, carrying a smaller boiler than had been intended – a boiler which in service always limited the maximum continuous power output of the engines below the maximum which the cylinders could produce.” Fascinating stuff !

MLR / 18 October 2023

7094 6938 and 5098 Clifford Castle double-head the 9.10am Liverpool to Plymouth past Venton Farm at the eastern end of Hemerdon Sidings on 19 May 1962. 5098 would move to Carmarthen July 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7136 5093 Upton Castle has just passed Tigley Box on 26 May 1962 with 9C on the Liverpool to Plymouth train. I am standing on a bridge three miles from Totnes Station and heard 5093 making a laboured climb of Rattery Bank the whole way taking ten minutes for the three miles from Totnes Station. The gradient eased slightly at Tigley Box and when I was on the same train three weeks earlier 5055 covered the last quarter mile before the box at 14 mph. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7160 5094 Tretower Castle of Bristol SPM Shed approaches the top of Dainton with 7C on an unidentified train on 16 June 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7242 5036 Lyonshall Castle of Old Oak Common Shed approaches Newton Abbot with 14 coaches on the 12.30 Paddington to Plymouth and Kingsbridge on 21 July 1962. 5036 would have needed assistance up Dainton Bank as the limit for a Castle was 315 tons or nine coaches. Five or six coaches would have come off the train at Brent to go to Kingsbridge. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7320 5066 Sir Felix Pole is seen in the long shed at Laira on 25 August 1962. The shed was built in 1931-32 using Government Grants and Loans to relieve unemployment.

7334 5001 Llandovery Castle passes Tigley Box assisted by a North British Type 2 in the D63xx series on 25 August 1962 with 14C on the 12.30pm Paddington to Kingsbridge and Plymouth. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many many thanks indeed Michael.

Class 50s at Exeter St David's
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Great pictures by the late Rob Barnes ,look forward to seeing more.
Computer now fixed after a problem over the weekend so I can send a picture taken at Exeter,near the old depot.
This shows 50019 ‘Ramillies’ at rest with 50035.

Many thanks Michael

Bodmin Festivities
Craig Munday

Hi Keith

Well, there we go, the end of another year on Cornwall Railways. What a change we will see in 2024 with Largin to Penwithers re-controlled from Exeter.
Boxes as familiar to me as a relative's kitchen will fall silent as the signals are stripped of their boards and relevance. New searchlight colourlights will loom across Par, Truro and Lostwithiel.

I popped into Bodmin on Sunday to see the last run of the Santa Steam Specials get disposed of after the excited children had alighted. 47306 was lit up (with permission) before heading off to stable itself.

To all members, readers and contributors of the CRS, have a Merry Christmas, and prosperous 2024.

Craig Munday

Best wishes to you and your Craig and very many thanks for your support over the past years - far and wide.

Truro Re-signalling
Dennis Clarke

Hi Keith and Roger, I was in Truro today and took a few pictures of the resignalling that is in process. The new colour light signals are in place to sadly replace the semaphores. Kind Regards, Dennis

Many Thanks Dennis

GNER in the West
Jon Hird

The summer of 2004 brought some difficulties for Virgin Cross Country. The year prior, they had celebrated the 'cross country HST farewell' with promises of modernising all their services with new Voyager trains. Unfortunately, they didn't have enough of these, and with many of their own HST's now off-lease, hire-ins were their only option. During that year we had HST sets visting the county in all manners of colours, Midland Mainline, debranded Virgin and GNER. Here are a few photos of the GNER sets during their travels to the South West.

29.05.2004 saw GNER 43006 leading a train to Newquay, passing Middleway in the morning. Copyright Jon Hird.

29.05.2004 - the rear power car still with its original Valenta engine pushing the set towards Newquay. Copyright Jon Hird.

03.07.2004 saw 43008 waiting to head a service North at Plymouth North Road. Copyright Jon Hird.

03.07.2004, the rear power car shoving the set North. Copyright Jon Hird.

14.08.2004 saw 43006 again, starting a north-bound service at Bodmin Parkway. A view now lost to the trackside vegetation. Copyright Jon Hird.

The morning of 21.08.2004 saw an unidentified power car pausing at Bodmin Parkway with a set heading West - Newquay or Penzance? Copyright Jon Hird.

I assume this is the same set as above, heading back North on 21.08.2004. Copyright Jon Hird.

19th December 2023

19/12/2023

GWR 5521
John Hutchinson

Although living in Norfolk (Norwich) I regularly enjoy perusing the Cornwall Railway Society website 'Latest Input' items. I was delighted recently to find Michael Roach's item featuring the history of ex-GWR Small Prairie tank 5521. The reason? At the North Norfolk Railway Gala in September 2009, 5521 was a guest loco at the event (along with 0-6-2T 6619) and I took a few photographs of them both. The first one that I have attached has been my monitor Screen Saver picture ever since that time.

It is taken at Weybourne, with 5521 piloted by 6619, plus the added bonus for me of former Eastern Counties 1950 Bristol/Eastern Coach Works LL718 (KNG 718) passing over the bridge at just the right moment, en route from Sheringham to Holt as part of the Gala event. The vehicle is part of the Eastern Transport Collection's fleet, currently awaiting major restoration. The other attachment shows L150, alias 5521, at Rayners Lane on the Uxbridge branch of the Metropolitan/Piccadilly Lines in 2013 during the 150 years of London Transport celebrations; the photo source is unknown.

I originally contacted Michael on this matter and he suggested that your esteemed Society might be interested in the above.

Kind Regards

John Hutchinson (Norfolk Railway Society member)

John Hutchinson collection

Many thanks John for your write up mentioning the Cornwall Railway Society and the enclosed photographs of 5521& 6619 which are most interesting. Roger Winnen

Rob Barnes Remembered
Clive Smith

A few magnificent photos that were taken by my old friend Rob Barnes who sadly passed away in July 2020. About forty years ago Rob gave me about two dozen of his slides from his extensive collection that were duplicates and here are some of them.
I’d known Rob since the mid-1970s when I and a number of other spotters in our mid-teens used to gather at Plymouth station in the adjacent ‘back lane’ as we called it that ran parallel to the railway. We would congregate there after school and often on a Friday evening to view the 4B10 parcels hoping for some rarity. Rob was a little bit older than most of us and already had his own car, a yellow and black Ford Capri mark one which he would pull up in. Not only that but he was good looking with attractive girlfriends and was a railway enthusiast to boot, something we found incompatible with our hobby so we were highly envious of him.

Rob was first and foremost a photographer and a very good one and his photos were on a par with the best photographers from our area. He was prominent in capturing the Westerns in their heyday and also their end as well as travelling the country in search of other classes. I had the pleasure of driving around in the Capri with him to various spots, particularly for railtours.

His online obituary in the Plymouth Herald contained just one photo. A lovely picture of D1009 Western Invader.

Regards Clive

1023 at Exeter St Davids in late 1976 on the 4B10 15.50 Bristol TM - Plymouth parcels. Copyright the Clive Smith collection

1033 at Plymouth 30th October 1975 on the 1A35 19.20 Penzance - Paddington postal. Copyright the Clive Smith collection

What a superb picture of Western Pathfinder in a busy Friary Yard in Plymouth on the 15th July 1975 with vanfits in the sidings, bitumen tanks in the distant old station beyond the Beaumont Road viaduct and NCL vehicles parked up to transport goods. The train is the 7B64 13.02 Friary - Exeter Riverside mixed goods, a train I sometimes used to pop down on my lunch break at my nearby school to see . There was often an 03 or 08 in the yard which worked trips over to Plymstock or Cattewater. Highlight of the week for me as a young spotter was the 6094 08.35 Friary - Fawley empty bitumen tanks on a Thursday hauled by a class 33, usually an Eastleigh one, sometimes Hither Green and on one remarkable occasion I saw it, 33208. The incoming bitumen tanks was always double headed with a type 4 loco from Newton Abbot to Friary over the banks and I saw a few Westerns piloting the 33. Copyright the Clive Smith collection

D1064 Western Regent powers past the washing plant at Mount Gould approaching Laira with a well loaded mixed goods the 7B64 13.02 Friary - Exeter Riverside on 9th July 1975. Copyright the Clive Smith collection

This was taken on the 16th July 1975 by Tot Hill playing fields opposite the then Shellstar loading facility by the former Lucas Terrace Halt. D1037 Western Empress heads a short 7B64 13.02 Friary - Exeter Riverside mixed goods. Nowadays there are a lot of trees here but this part of the line to Friary still exists as far as the throat that fanned out to the sidings. It is essentially a long siding extending from the Mount Gould washing plant and coaching stock platform at the southern end of Laira. The only thing that has been along here in the last three years or so since the line was truncated has been the Midland Blue Pullman HST set stabled on a couple of occasions the nights before and after operating a very long day excursion from Plymouth at 05.xx.. Copyright the Clive Smith collection

Many Thanks Clive for the Rob Barnes collection

A day out
Dennis clarke

Hi Keith / Roger, Hope all is well with you both. Here are a free pictures that I have taken today on my travels. The 10 CDAs at St Blazey awaiting the cutters torch. 375102, preserved at St Blazey. Several signals, soon to disappear, and their replacements at Par snd Lostwithiel. Shame the clay didn’t run today, Regards, Dennis.

18th December 2023.

Par 18th December 2023. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

375102 waits by the turntable. 18th December 2023. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Par semaphores awaiting their fate. 18th December 2023. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Many thanks Dennis.

18th December 2023

18/12/2023

My fathers GWR Apprenticeship Certificate
Signed by C B Collect Chief Mechanical Engineer

Roger Salter member of the Cornwall Railway Society

Thanks Roger

GWR 2-6-2 tank 5532

As ever, I am following Mike Roach’s ‘Nineteen Sixty Two’ series with great interest. The latest section, on Prairie 5532, reminded me of my February 1973 trip to Woodham’s Barry Scrapyard, and here is poor 5532 in the yard with part of her bunker cut away.
Happily, she is now rescued and under restoration.
Best wishes

Trevor Tremethick

5532 at Barry 03.02.73. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Many Thanks Trevor

Liskeard Station
Roger Winnen

Scenes not possible today

810705a The lifting of Liskeard Goods Shed lines on 5th July, 1981. Copyright Roger Winnen

740825p Liskeard Station in 1974 showing a DMU running from the down platform onto the Looe & Moorswater Branch. This connection has been long removed. Trains requiring the branch now need to use the crossover at the western end of Liskeard Station then a single lead from the up platform takes you to the branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bodmin Railway
Jon Hird

A quick trip over to Bodmin yesterday (17.12.2023) to see 47306 and 5552 working the Christmas trains.

47306 'The Sapper' leading the 13:00 Bodmin General - Bodmin Parkway Christmas special. 17.12.2023, copyright Jon Hird.

GWR Prarie Tank 5552 leading the return half of the 13:00 service back to Bodmin General. The A38 road bridge is in the background. 17.12.2023, copyright Jon Hird.

47306 heads the 14:30 service to Bodmin Parkway passing Walker Lines industrial estate. Plenty to see here - the former Fitzgerald lighting sidings (temporarily disconnected), the Boscarne branch marked by a line of trees in the background and a fleet of Siemens vans who are using the site as a storage compound in connection with the mainline resignalling project. 17.12.2023, copyright Jon Hird.

Camborne Redruth Tramway
An interesting article

Hi Gents,
Not sure if you are aware of this: https://wpehs.org.uk/camborne-redruth-light-railways-tramway
Take Care, Chris Bellett, Retired S&T Engineer CRS Member

Many thanks Chris

The Aeronian X

For our Christmas Bonus this year we have been sent a copy of the Aeronian X which you can view by clicking below. In addition to supplying us the CRS with many articles and pictures Ken is also the Editor of the Aberdonian which contains much content on a railway theme but also recollections of Transport Worldwide.

Ken and Tricia Mumford pictured on her recent birrthday Copyright Ken Mumford.

aeronian_winter_23-1.pdf
File Size:	9663 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

The Aeronian X is a very fine Newspaper into which Ken Mumford puts a lot of time effort - it is very well worth reading if you care to 'click' and read the many topics he has very carefully researched. So please heed Ken's plea for help, and if you can, drop him a line. Keep up the good work Ken and many thanks.

A long day out a long time ago
'The Devonshire Dart'
Paul Barlow

A couple of shots from 1984 of the Devonshire Dart tour that started at Bristol at 0505 and went via Birmingham,Plymouth, Bere Alston, Plymouth Friary, Meldon Quarry, Birmingham and back to Bristol at 0100

A very long day!
Kind Regards
Paul Barlow

Devonshire Dart departs Exeter St Davids. 8th July1984. Copyright Paul Barlow

Devonshire Dart 8th July1984. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many Thanks Paul

<<Previous

Boxing day at Longrock5 years apart.Dennis Clarke and Mark Lynam

Blue 37's on the clayJon Hird

Hello Keith, a few from early 1982. Kind regards, Paul

Many thanks for the photos, Paul!

Bodmin RailwayJon Hird

Archives

Boxing day at Longrock
5 years apart.
Dennis Clarke and Mark Lynam

Blue 37's on the clay
Jon Hird

Bodmin Railway
Jon Hird