Items added on 28th March 2017 Those added most recently come first

NEXT SATURDAY
1st April

Modernising
the Great Western 
by Paul Stanford 
Paul makes a second visit to the CRS to bring us up to date on further major projects undertaken as part of the electrification of the Great Western main lines.
This meeting will take place at the Memorial Hall Redruth Methodist Church at 18.30, for location details click here

Falmouth branch
Craig Munday

On a recent trip around the parish, I was delighted to see the ongoing vegetation clearance work near Perran tunnel, between Perranwell & Penryn. Once a notoriously difficult line to photograph, there are now some stunning views of the countryside around Perranwell to see the trains. It's so easy to see 4 train movements an hour too, with the frequent service.
Best regards Craig Munday.                      Many thanks Craig 

159 129 on the 27th March 2017 approaching Perran tunnel (behind the photographer). Beyond the train can be seen the rather low Perran Viaduct. Perranwell Village has expanded over the hill in the back ground. Copyright Craig Munday

153 305 and 153 372 on the 27th March 2017 crossing Collegewood Viaduct on the Falmouth branch. Copyright Craig Munday

Delays at Topsham last Saturday Evening
Andrew Triggs

Having arrived from Exmouth on the 2E 37 15.53 Exmouth to Exeter St David's (153372/143612), alighting for photo opportunities with the passing place there. 150106 then arrived working the 2F39 14.43 Barnstaple to Exmouth, running some 24 mins late. Due to three passengers being extremely drunk, and related on board problems the service was then cancelled at this point and the passengers asked to vacate the train, until further notice. Witnessing the three men from the opposite platform, they actually walked to the Exmouth end of the station and were urinating against the hedges and shouting and acting aggressively. The Police had been called by the Train manager and eventually the 3 were taken away, this delayed all services until 2Z 43 17.20 Topsham to Exmouth, when 150106 departed south, then forming 2T 24 17.53 Exmouth to Paignton, which was rammed  to the gunnels, much to Exeter Chiefs rugby supporters annoyance, many being left behind on the platform. Another service (2F41  15.13 Paignton to Exmouth) was held at the signal on the Exeter end of the loop, eventually returning north back to Exeter and then to Paignton as 2T23 17.09 Newcourt to Paignton. My personal delay at Topsham being over 2 hours.

170325g 15337243612 arriving with the 2E 37 from Exmouth. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170325h 15106 Entering the loop working the 2F 39 to Exmouth, where the service was terminated. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170325i The passengers decamped from 15106 on the down platform, while the queue starts to build up on the Up platform. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170325j Following the Police taking the 3 men away, 150106 departs south for Exmouth with 2Z 43 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Ince Castle
Trevor Tremethick

 As it happens I was about to email you because we went to Ince Castle today (second visit in a few months - it is only open three or four times a year). Ince Castle is owned by Viscount and Lady Boyd. As you will know, Ince and Trematon castles are quite close to each other near the River Lynher and both are the names of 'Castle' 4-6-0s that worked in Cornwall. 'Trematon Castle' (5020) was a Laira and then Penzance engine (I travelled behind her a couple of times) and 'Ince Castle' (7034) was a Bristol engine, although I am reliably assured that she was seen in Cornwall.
I was fortunate to purchase, many years ago, a cabside numberplate from 'Ince Castle' (not for sale before anyone asks!) and I attach a photo of the plate mounted on my bookcase.  I was surprised to find one of 7034's nameplates bolted onto an outbuilding at Ince Castle (see my picture). I asked Viscount Boyd about the history of the nameplate and he confirmed that it is an original from 7034, bought directly from BR. Although it has suffered a little from being in the open, it is shielded from the prevailing winds in its current position.
When I mentioned to Lord Boyd that I have the numberplate, he went into the house and gave me a large stamp (my third picture) showing 7034 on the 'Bristolian', evidently taken from a Don Breckon original. Location looks like Box Tunnel. When we went back today I took with me a picture of my numberplate and showed it to Lord Boyd.
I would recommend Ince Castle as a thoroughly nice day out, especially if you like beautiful gardens. In this case, there is the added attraction of being able to view a locomotive nameplate as well!
Trevor and Barbara Tremethick    26th March 2017.
     Many thanks Trevor for a fine article and colourful pictures
Open days Sundays April 9th & 30th, May 7th and July 16th. 2 to 5PM

'Ince Castle' nameplate on an outbuilding at Ince Castle. 26th March 2017 Copyright Trevor Tremethick

A phototograph of he stamp shown to Trevor by Lord Boyd. on the 26th March 2017 Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Looking absolutely immaculate the number plate of 'Ince Hall'. Possession of and copyright of Trevor Tremethick

For a location map, courtesy of the National Library of Scotland Click here
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=15&lat=50.3889&lon=-4.2555&layers=168&b=1

Taunton
John Cornelius

Copyright John Cornelius