Western Tribute Railtour
26th February 1977
26th February 1977
This took place just over 40 long years ago. We thought we might gather together any pictures you may have of this memorable event to share.
If you have any in addition to those already on the website and you'd like to share them then please send them in.
If you have any in addition to those already on the website and you'd like to share them then please send them in.
Par to Fowey
Andrew Jones
Andrew Jones
Dear Keith, I have attached a photograph, which compliments an earlier set of the Par to Fowey line, just before conversion to the haul road.
Much has changed in almost 50 years. The skyline once covered in the conical distinctive spoil hills, the construction of which involved a series of almost vertical tram lines, (some including the long removed Dorothy Pit, near the lost village of Karslake, had multiple tram lines operating 24 hours/day) have now been almost entirely landscaped and are unrecognizable.
ECLP, was a major employer at the time of this photograph (1969), the new haul road was seen as sensible use of a redundant railway line. Conversion was undertaken at considerable cost, at least the company had the foresight to retain the Lostwithiel to Fowey line, although these facilities are unfortunately, now, much under used, as are those, at Fowey Harbour.
The large drys at Par Docks had still to be topped by the four chimneys, which for decades after this shot, billowed white clouds of smoke across St Austell Bay and have only recently been removed once again.
From the age of 5, I was brought up in Whitemoor and attended the local school. I have fond memories of this rather harsh environment and it is very sad when looking back at just how much has been lost.
The China Clay industry was well developed by the 1960’s, served by an efficient rail system and port infrastructure. Sadly environmental issues added to cheaper imports from South America have diminished this industry to a fraction of its former self.
There were once plans to ship sand by rail to the South East for building projects, but all to no avail!
One lasting memory was standing on Bodmin Road station listening to the double headed class 37’s hauling the Silver Bullet, power through, absolutely unbelievable!
Best wishes Andrew Many thanks for the picture and article.
Much has changed in almost 50 years. The skyline once covered in the conical distinctive spoil hills, the construction of which involved a series of almost vertical tram lines, (some including the long removed Dorothy Pit, near the lost village of Karslake, had multiple tram lines operating 24 hours/day) have now been almost entirely landscaped and are unrecognizable.
ECLP, was a major employer at the time of this photograph (1969), the new haul road was seen as sensible use of a redundant railway line. Conversion was undertaken at considerable cost, at least the company had the foresight to retain the Lostwithiel to Fowey line, although these facilities are unfortunately, now, much under used, as are those, at Fowey Harbour.
The large drys at Par Docks had still to be topped by the four chimneys, which for decades after this shot, billowed white clouds of smoke across St Austell Bay and have only recently been removed once again.
From the age of 5, I was brought up in Whitemoor and attended the local school. I have fond memories of this rather harsh environment and it is very sad when looking back at just how much has been lost.
The China Clay industry was well developed by the 1960’s, served by an efficient rail system and port infrastructure. Sadly environmental issues added to cheaper imports from South America have diminished this industry to a fraction of its former self.
There were once plans to ship sand by rail to the South East for building projects, but all to no avail!
One lasting memory was standing on Bodmin Road station listening to the double headed class 37’s hauling the Silver Bullet, power through, absolutely unbelievable!
Best wishes Andrew Many thanks for the picture and article.
The Par to Fowey line in 1969 - shortly before it was lifted to convert to a haul road. Copyright Andrew Jones
Frome Miscellany
Guy Vincent
Guy Vincent
Sorting out some odd photos today I found one that was taken during a visit to the NRM, York, on 30th June 2002. It shows the former Frome station up starting signal and Frome North distant, both of which were centre-pivoted due to poor sighting, being hidden beyond the platform awning. You have a nice shot of the signal in it's original location so this should make for an interesting addition. The signal was removed over the weekend of 26-27 October 1984 when control of the Frome area was transferred to Westbury PSB. The notice that was painted onto the bottom of the signal post read: 'This signal will become the property of BRB Museums'.
Frome Station Signal at the National Railway Museum York on the 30th June 2002 Copyright Guy Vincent
Below a picture of 'Tornado' (working a return Exeter-London Victoria 'Devon Belle' charter) departing Frome and passing over Rodden Road bridge was taken by my daughter, Charlotte, on April 2nd 2016. She was a passenger in her partner's car and the loco appeared as they waited at the traffic lights! Frome North signal box was located on the other side of the bridge. This was quickly dismantled and the top section was taken to Didcot Railway Centre where it can be found today as 'Frome Mineral Junction' in full working order. The base of the 'box can still be seen from the road although it is now partially hidden by vegetation. The lever frame was sold to the West Somerset Railway and subsequently installed in Crowcombe Heathfield Signal Box.
Tornado passes over Rodden Bridge, at Frome on the 2nd April 2016 Copyright Charlotte Vincent
Also attached are three further images of Frome station, two showing a return Weymouth-Bristol 'Seaside Express' with 34046 'Braunton' taking water on 10th August 2014, and one of the south end of the train shed following restoration in March 2014 with 150232 waiting time on a local service to Westbury. One day I hope to make a through trip by train, Frome to Ashburton, changing only at Castle Cary and Totnes - barn to barn! It's going to happen!
Guy V Many thanks Guy
PS Ron Kosys' photos of hydraulic action on the Kingswear branch have been very much enjoyed. Judging by the crowds waiting to join the Cardiff train at Churston I again wonder why on earth this line was allowed to close.
Guy V Many thanks Guy
PS Ron Kosys' photos of hydraulic action on the Kingswear branch have been very much enjoyed. Judging by the crowds waiting to join the Cardiff train at Churston I again wonder why on earth this line was allowed to close.
Frome on the 10th August 2014 with 34046 on the Weymouth-Bristol Copyright Guy Vincent
Frome 10th August 2014 The return Weymouth-Bristol rather overlaps the platform. Copyright Guy Vincent
Frome station 'Barn. on the 22nd March 2014 as 150 232 waits. Copyright Guy Vincent
Ashburton station in June 1965. This is the 'Barn' to which Guy Vincent hopes to travel to from Frome 'Barn'. Copyright Mike Roach.
Dawlish Warren
John Cornelius
John Cornelius
45139 hauls a sunstantial train past Dawlish Warren. This loco was withdrawn on the 27th April 1987 and scrapped at MC metals Glasgow in March 1994. Copyright John Cornelius