Dave Knowling SDR
Sad News
Sad News
It is with great sadness that I have to pass on the news on behalf of the SDR of the passing of South Devon Railway stalwart Dave Knowling.
Dave was one of the original members of staff to join the halcyon Dart Valley Railway after leaving British Railways, and worked on the Ashburton Branch for many years as the full time driver into South Devon Railway days and, even to the end of this season, could be seen on his regular Monday driving turn.
This year he had clocked up 63 years of continuous footplate work, making him probably the longest serving footplateman ever.
Dave was receiving treatment for oesophageal cancer but, due to complications, he suffered lung problems and he was brought home on Friday to be cared for by his family. Dave passed away late on Saturday 23rd December.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Dave’s family and friends, and I’m sure everyone will agree that the SDR really won't be the same without him. From the SDR Website -for more details and a tribute click.
http://www.southdevonrailwayassociation.org/News-and-Press-Releases/Dave_Knowling_1939-2017.html
Dave was one of the original members of staff to join the halcyon Dart Valley Railway after leaving British Railways, and worked on the Ashburton Branch for many years as the full time driver into South Devon Railway days and, even to the end of this season, could be seen on his regular Monday driving turn.
This year he had clocked up 63 years of continuous footplate work, making him probably the longest serving footplateman ever.
Dave was receiving treatment for oesophageal cancer but, due to complications, he suffered lung problems and he was brought home on Friday to be cared for by his family. Dave passed away late on Saturday 23rd December.
Our thoughts and condolences are with Dave’s family and friends, and I’m sure everyone will agree that the SDR really won't be the same without him. From the SDR Website -for more details and a tribute click.
http://www.southdevonrailwayassociation.org/News-and-Press-Releases/Dave_Knowling_1939-2017.html
Paddington Station Closure over the Christmas Period
Roger Winnen
Roger Winnen
London Paddington has been closed over a four day period from Christmas Eve 24th December 2017 through to Wednesday 27th December 2017 for upgrade work in connection with the electrification of the Great Western Main Line.
In total five trains from Penzance being the 05.32 07.41 10.00 15.59 and 17.42 have been diverted to the former Great Central Station at London Marylebone routed via Bristol Temple Meads-Bath-Chippenham-Swindon-Didcot North Junction-Oxford-Bicester-High Wycombe to Marylebone.
Returning to Penzance is the 13.42 and 15.42 service from Marylebone together with a number of services to Plymouth. Certain trains from Swansea are also terminating at Marylebone slotting in to make departure timings at 42 mins past the hour. Other trains from Cornwall and Devon are terminating at Reading Station where connections could be used to and from London Waterloo.
Looking at the Western Region Timetable of 1958 the 10.00 Cornish Riviera Express was timed to arrive at London Paddington at 16.40 by steam running non stop from Plymouth to Paddington (however a pilot engine would have been detached on route.
Today you would arrive London Marylebone at 17.02 by HST however it was the Great Way Around!
Roger Winnen
In total five trains from Penzance being the 05.32 07.41 10.00 15.59 and 17.42 have been diverted to the former Great Central Station at London Marylebone routed via Bristol Temple Meads-Bath-Chippenham-Swindon-Didcot North Junction-Oxford-Bicester-High Wycombe to Marylebone.
Returning to Penzance is the 13.42 and 15.42 service from Marylebone together with a number of services to Plymouth. Certain trains from Swansea are also terminating at Marylebone slotting in to make departure timings at 42 mins past the hour. Other trains from Cornwall and Devon are terminating at Reading Station where connections could be used to and from London Waterloo.
Looking at the Western Region Timetable of 1958 the 10.00 Cornish Riviera Express was timed to arrive at London Paddington at 16.40 by steam running non stop from Plymouth to Paddington (however a pilot engine would have been detached on route.
Today you would arrive London Marylebone at 17.02 by HST however it was the Great Way Around!
Roger Winnen
171227a Returning families waiting to board the 10.00 'The Cornishman' to London Marylebone. Copyright Roger Winnen
171227b HST 43187 The Welshman is the rear Power Car on the 'Cornishman' to London Marylebone as displayed on the station departure screen.. Copyright Roger Winnen
171227c Quite a rare event of a train going to London Marylebone. With the train not having destination labels affixed in the carriages this was the proof. Copyright Roger Winnen
171227d 43130 heading the 'Cornishman' the 10.00 service to London Marylebone is seen passing Long Rock Depot. Copyright Roger Salter
171227e Bringing up the rear 43187 The Welshman is seen through the bushes. Copyright Roger Salter
Penwithers Junction
Roger Winnen
Roger Winnen
Penwithers Junction July 1973. This view has changed little in the past 40 years except for the tree growth. In this view it is possible to visualise the once direct route from the West Cornwall Railway direct to Newham - from right to left. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Ashburton
Ron Kosys
Ron Kosys
Ashburton in the days of alternative uses - the goods shed, the station in the background, note the gas holder. 8th August 1972
Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius
John Cornelius
Copyright John Cornelius