Items added on 17th January 2017 Those added most recently come first

Extremely interesting notes
on the St Ives branch 
Roy Hart

​Dear Keith, This material might be of interest: it comes from information supplied to me many years ago by the late C.R. Clinker, as well as notices which once hung in St Ives signal box, together with my own researches. As opened in 1877, the St Ives line was worked by wooden train staff ('One engine in steam'). This would have been supplemented by the single-needle telegraph, the standard means of communication on the railways before the telephone. The handle on the instrument, not unlike a door knocker, was moved left and right in different combinations to produce letters of the alphabet or the familiar GWR telegraph codes (siphon, toad etc., etc). Si ngle-needle telegraph was still in common use on the GW until world war two. It survived on the Eastern Region into the 1970s. In 1877, Lelant had a signal box, controlling a level crossing at the St Erth end of the platform, leading to a jetty. There was also the connection to Lelant Quay -a spread of three long sidings. In addition, there were distant, home and starting signals in either direction. The box lost its signals and became a ground frame some time around 1892. By 1906, the OS 25 inch map showed Lelant Quay sidings intact, but disconnected from the running line. In 1884, the 'Train staff and Ticket' system was introduced on the branch. It was a slight advance on the old system in that it enabled one train to follow another from St Erth to St Ives or vice versa: The signalman, if in possession of the train staff, could unlock a special box containing tickets which were inscribed with the name of the line section (St Erth to St Ives'). The train driver, having been shown the staff, was given the ticket as authority to proceed. Following trains could proceed as long as the signalman had the staff. The last train had to carry the staff. All changed in 1894, when the electric staff system was introduced on the branch. This could well be the time when Lelant lost its signals. Electric staff remained in use at St Ives until June 28th 1956, when it was replaced with the more compact electric token. In September 1963, the wheel turned full circle when the box became a ground frame and wooden staff working returned. St Ives box dated from 1877, and contained a 20-lever frame dating from 1902. Local regulations stated that all down trains had to be brought to a stand at the home signal (no 20 in the frame and situated at Porthminster point.). Enginemen normally whistled on arrival there. One supposes that there might have been a near-disaster or two on the steep descent into St Ives, as the home signal was moved 400 yards further out in 1920, and a new inner home provided. After closure of the signal box, a large STOP board was erected at the site of the home signal and the DMUs had to perform the ritual there. This board was dispensed with in the 1970s. For shunting and traffic purposes, the capacities of sidings and loop at St Ives were: Run around Loop 6 coach capacity Single line between engine release crossover and stop blocks 3 coaches Sea siding 4 coaches Porthminster viaduct was rebuilt in the 1950s, though this does not seem to have had any effect on the weight limitation placed on the whole branch. 4500 class prairies were 'specially authorised to work on the line in 1931. Previously, 4400 class were allowed, but they were somewhat lighter. Roy
We are most grateful to you for your time and trouble, the information is invaluable.  Many thanks indeed.

Bournemouth steam
John Cornelius

The fourth in a series of pictures all taken within the space of two hours at Bournemouth.  Those were the days!

Copyright John Cornelius

Hayle Wharves
Terry Richards

We are most grateful to Terry Richards for allowing us to publish his article first written for the 'Hayle Pump Newsletter' on our website. A fascinating account of operations and happenings on the branch.

It looks like 9717 is taking a run at the bank as mentioned by Terry Richards. Picture from the collection of the late Jon Wood. Copyright

Remember these?
Ross Griffiths

Past publicity material makes interesting reading.

Named train publicity from good old British Rail days. From the Ross Griffiths collection

From the Ross Griffiths collection