Lucky at Lapford
Ron Kosys
On 20th June 1984 I was en route from Barnstaple for Exeter, following a meeting with a Member of European Parliament who we used to regularly fly out of Bristol, the nearest airport to where he used to live. I just happened to call at Lapford to top-up my very pleasant childhood memories from the 60’s and 70’s. On looking towards to Exeter, there appeared to be a stationary Class 47 two bridges down, where the southern ground frame was. Sitting on the former Ambrosia sidings on the north side of the main road bridge was a solitary OCA, which I presumed had previously brought in a load of bagged UKF fertilizer traffic, the former Ambrosia factory/creamery having become a distribution [agency] depot for UKF . Was the 47 leaving, or had it just arrived? Fortunately it had just arrived light engine to collect the empty wagon which it had to place onto the former down line in order to run round before returning to Exeter. Having run-round, it reversed out to the north to access the former ‘up’ line. A VERY fortunate visit! My almost brand new Vauxhall Astra can be seen in the station car park. Regards Ron Kosys Many thanks indeed for these unique pictures.
47128 arrives at Lapford. We are looking towards Barnstaple. 20th June 1984. Copyright Ron Kosys. Note ordinary goods traffic was withdrawn on the 4th December 1967.
47128 stands at the south ground frame at Lapford The former down platform stood this side of the bridge within the loop. There was no disabled access, the only way to the platform was down a steep flight of steps originating from the bricked up aperture one can see on the bridge walls. A hut on the platform, manned as required, served as a booking office. Up services were catered for on the 'still remaining' platform on the far side of the bridge.. 20th June 1984 Copyright Ron Kosys
47128 propels the OCA out under the bridge at the Barnstaple end of the station and runs into the up platform ready to depart for Exeter, 20th June 1984 Copyright Ron Kosys
47128 stands at Lapford up platform ready to depart for Exeter. 20th June 1984 Copyright Ron Kosys
The nest one in this series of unique pictures appears tomorrow.
Exe Valley Steam?
Eric Stuart
I enjoy using your website and viewing the many excellent items.
May I be allowed to comment on your Exe Valley item?
Some pictures are captioned about the 'diesel era' on theExe Valley. My understanding is that the diesel era lasted one day - the last day*.
For some strange reason, the WR trained the loco crews on diesels (even though I expect some left the railway service on closure) and operated the last day only with Class 22 haulage, not steam. This seems a weird and nasty thing to do, as many people must have come to "pay their last respects" and found steam gone.
I think the 3 and more coach trains were only run for the last day. Normally, one or two Autotrailers sufficed, although I have seen photos of an 'illegal' train with three Autotrailers being pushed, which was officially forbidden.
*As I understand it, latterly, only one round trip a day was by dmu, otherwise the line being a steam stronghold.
Sincerely, Eric Stuart Any comments or information please!
Furthermore It so happens that I am currently writing two articles: one on Trains That Went Backwards and the other a review of steam Push-Pull/Autotrains. It's surprising how little seems to be 'out there'. The fact is that any engineman who worked such trains is probably at least in his mid-70s now, so you can see that dipping into the 'collective memory' is getting problematic.
The Backwards train article is about such things as gravity shunting, that went on at such places as Yelverton, Maiden Newton, Helston and Banff in Scotland. The Cornish website has helped me somewhat, but, again, memories are rare!
if you get any 'gen' from any of your members, or if you could put out a request for any recolections of gravity shunting or Autotrain workings, that would be appreciated.
After all, much of our hobby is from folk sharing their recollections and passing them on; Again, can you help please. Eric Stuart
May I be allowed to comment on your Exe Valley item?
Some pictures are captioned about the 'diesel era' on theExe Valley. My understanding is that the diesel era lasted one day - the last day*.
For some strange reason, the WR trained the loco crews on diesels (even though I expect some left the railway service on closure) and operated the last day only with Class 22 haulage, not steam. This seems a weird and nasty thing to do, as many people must have come to "pay their last respects" and found steam gone.
I think the 3 and more coach trains were only run for the last day. Normally, one or two Autotrailers sufficed, although I have seen photos of an 'illegal' train with three Autotrailers being pushed, which was officially forbidden.
*As I understand it, latterly, only one round trip a day was by dmu, otherwise the line being a steam stronghold.
Sincerely, Eric Stuart Any comments or information please!
Furthermore It so happens that I am currently writing two articles: one on Trains That Went Backwards and the other a review of steam Push-Pull/Autotrains. It's surprising how little seems to be 'out there'. The fact is that any engineman who worked such trains is probably at least in his mid-70s now, so you can see that dipping into the 'collective memory' is getting problematic.
The Backwards train article is about such things as gravity shunting, that went on at such places as Yelverton, Maiden Newton, Helston and Banff in Scotland. The Cornish website has helped me somewhat, but, again, memories are rare!
if you get any 'gen' from any of your members, or if you could put out a request for any recolections of gravity shunting or Autotrain workings, that would be appreciated.
After all, much of our hobby is from folk sharing their recollections and passing them on; Again, can you help please. Eric Stuart
Sir Piranius
at Southampton
John Cornelius
at Southampton
John Cornelius
Copyright John Cornelius
A lot more Southampton pictures to appear next month.