Okehampton - new station
David Tozer
David Tozer
It is reported that Devon County Council is discussing proposals for a New Parkway station which will provide a regular daily service to Exeter. Discussions include platform provision, how many, and the location of the new station.
The celebrity HST Power Cars with a glimpse of sunlight
Roger Winnen
Roger Winnen
180128a 90 Glorious Years the rear Power Car of the 09.47 to Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen
180128b A glimpse of sunshine as this celebrity departs to Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen
We continue to explore the Wenford Bridge Branch Courtesy of Andrew Jones
Dunmere Junction and towards Dunmere Crossing
We are now entering the Wenfordbridge Branch, in the 1978 photograph, the branch gate is closed, it still has its southern pattern cast iron ‘shut the gate ‘ sign and is in good condition. The footpath mentioned in an earlier posting is clearly there.
The building to the left is the permanent way trolley house and it is possible this once contained the ‘Camel Trolley’ which if I remember correctly was used to give rides at the April 1970 open day, at Bodmin General, hopefully Roger could verify. It did!
This building is situated at the start of what was the original trackbed to Bodmin, (later Bodmin North), sandwiched between the Wenfordbridge branch and the later deviation.
It is still possible to follow, adjacent and above the Wenfordbridge branch. Unfortunately in recent years the owner has allowed the track bed to return to nature, but it is still discernable.
In use from 30th September 1834 until the 1st November 1886, it crossed the main road on a level crossing approx 20 yards above and east of Wenfordbridge branch level crossing.
Major restructuring took place starting on the 1st November 1886, involving the closure of Bodmin station and the construction of a new alignment. This required a substantial cutting to the east and a road bridge, which can be seen on the map supplied by Keith.
The new alignment was opened after a lengthy closure, on the 1st November 1895.
It was not until the 2nd July 1906 that Dunmere Halt was commissioned.
The Jan 2018 photograph shows that the gate is still there, closer examination reveals that a faithful replica has been built, although not quite the same height, giving the gate a wider appearance.
The footpath is still usable to the right of the gate, but is restricted to pedestrian use, take a bicycle at your peril!
We are now entering the Wenfordbridge Branch, in the 1978 photograph, the branch gate is closed, it still has its southern pattern cast iron ‘shut the gate ‘ sign and is in good condition. The footpath mentioned in an earlier posting is clearly there.
The building to the left is the permanent way trolley house and it is possible this once contained the ‘Camel Trolley’ which if I remember correctly was used to give rides at the April 1970 open day, at Bodmin General, hopefully Roger could verify. It did!
This building is situated at the start of what was the original trackbed to Bodmin, (later Bodmin North), sandwiched between the Wenfordbridge branch and the later deviation.
It is still possible to follow, adjacent and above the Wenfordbridge branch. Unfortunately in recent years the owner has allowed the track bed to return to nature, but it is still discernable.
In use from 30th September 1834 until the 1st November 1886, it crossed the main road on a level crossing approx 20 yards above and east of Wenfordbridge branch level crossing.
Major restructuring took place starting on the 1st November 1886, involving the closure of Bodmin station and the construction of a new alignment. This required a substantial cutting to the east and a road bridge, which can be seen on the map supplied by Keith.
The new alignment was opened after a lengthy closure, on the 1st November 1895.
It was not until the 2nd July 1906 that Dunmere Halt was commissioned.
The Jan 2018 photograph shows that the gate is still there, closer examination reveals that a faithful replica has been built, although not quite the same height, giving the gate a wider appearance.
The footpath is still usable to the right of the gate, but is restricted to pedestrian use, take a bicycle at your peril!
WENFORD BRIDGE COMPARISONS 012 Dunmere gate 1978 Copyright Andrew Jones
Moving on, the next 1978 photograph, time has stood still, its unlikely that this view has changed in over a 100 years, apart from the telegraph posts.
In the latest photograph taken in Jan 2018, the rails have been lifted and the track bed is now a private road. The original buildings have been extended and vegetation has started to encroach.
In the latest photograph taken in Jan 2018, the rails have been lifted and the track bed is now a private road. The original buildings have been extended and vegetation has started to encroach.
WENFORD BRIDGE COMPARISONS 014 East of Dunmere Junction. 1978 Copyright Andrew Jones
WENFORD BRIDGE COMPARISONS 015 East of Dunmere Junction. 2018 Copyright Andrew Jones
Test run to Lostwithiel
Jamie Dyke
Jamie Dyke
Don't know if you have received any other photos of this working however 43153 + 43031 ran a test run from Laira to Lostwithiel and return yesterday. It ran as 0Z77 1245 Laira to Laira via Lostwithiel seen here at Bodmin Parkway. 27th January 2018. Copyright Jamie Dyke
Penzance 1987
Mike Hitchens
Mike Hitchens
A van stands beside the covered goods siding at Penzance station. 1987 Copyright Mike Hitchens Collection.
March 1987 sees work on the removal of the roof over the goods loading banks at Penzance Station. Copyright the Mike Hitchens Collection
Clifton Gorge
John Thorn
John Thorn
It's 1975. At that date the line to Portishead itself was still open for freight, whilst the line into the new Portbury Docks was not opened until about 2000-02. I would suggest therefore that this is probably a return trip of ‘empties’ from Portishead power station. Work is in progress on the suspension bridge. Thanks for the info - from Chris Osment. Copyright John Thorn
Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius
John Cornelius
When two members of the 6024 support crew, Shirley and Nick were married in 2007,they chartered a special train from Paddington to Yeovil junction hauled by 6024. The wedding took place at Sherborne and a reception held at the 'YRC' Yeovil junction. Later, the train which was named 'THE YEOVIL BETHROTHAL' took the happy pair and guests back to Paddington. Copyright John Cornelius.
6024 King Edward I passing Park Bridge Marston Magna in heavy rain with the returning Yeovil Betrothal charter. Presumably, after the wedding at Sherborne the contents of the tanks have now turned from water into wine! 16th February 2007 Copyright Brian Pibworth