Lympstone Troop Trains
Notes from David Tozer
Notes from David Tozer
Lympstone Commando was opened in 1976. Believe it or not but it was constructed in three weeks by a small gang from the Southern Region Building Department at Exmouth Junction. They used a recycled platform from a halt on a line that had been reduced double to single track. (Weston Milton Halt) I know this to be correct as I have for many years enjoyed a pint or two with one on the men who built it. He is now ninety five.
As for the extra trains these ran in the place of a timetabled service which was withdrawn on the day the train ran. It was always a case of pot luck to get photographs as the train only ran when the camp was closed.
It is interesting to note that a sign on Lympstone Commando states that only passengers who have business at the C.T.C can alight. However since constuction in 1976 a new cycle/walkway has opened which passes between the camp and the railway platform. It now begs the question as to why members of the public cannot board/alight here as the manned security gate to the camp is now on the opposite side of the cycle/walkway to the platform.
I must confess I am always reluctant to take photographs of the platform as the camp has several security camera along the their fence.
I suspect that these operation of trains ceased following the privatisation of passenger services.
Best regards David Tozer Many thanks David
As for the extra trains these ran in the place of a timetabled service which was withdrawn on the day the train ran. It was always a case of pot luck to get photographs as the train only ran when the camp was closed.
It is interesting to note that a sign on Lympstone Commando states that only passengers who have business at the C.T.C can alight. However since constuction in 1976 a new cycle/walkway has opened which passes between the camp and the railway platform. It now begs the question as to why members of the public cannot board/alight here as the manned security gate to the camp is now on the opposite side of the cycle/walkway to the platform.
I must confess I am always reluctant to take photographs of the platform as the camp has several security camera along the their fence.
I suspect that these operation of trains ceased following the privatisation of passenger services.
Best regards David Tozer Many thanks David
Lympstone Commando Halt
John Cornelius
John Cornelius
Good morning Keith, Here's a couple of pics I took of Lympstone commando halt back in September, when I had a couple of sessions photographing the branch stations.
Trains only they stop there if army personnel require to alight or join the train. The day I took these pics I was lucky as the trains I was on stopped in both directions. I stood ready by the door and as soon as the train stopped, I opened the door and got a couple of quick pics from the doorway, I did not venture onto the platform. cheers JOHN C.
You deserve a medal - thanks
Trains only they stop there if army personnel require to alight or join the train. The day I took these pics I was lucky as the trains I was on stopped in both directions. I stood ready by the door and as soon as the train stopped, I opened the door and got a couple of quick pics from the doorway, I did not venture onto the platform. cheers JOHN C.
You deserve a medal - thanks
Lympstone Commando 1 16th September 2016 Copyright John Cornelius
An intending passenger takes a snap. Lympstone Commando 2 16th September 2016 Copyright John Cornelius
Lympstone Commando
Colin Burges
Colin Burges
Now that there is public access between the camp's security gate and the Exmouth Branch, it seems odd that the halt is still restricted.
A few years ago, while ticking off the 104 operational stations in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall (out of the 490 there were), I got myself off by claiming that Lympstone Commando was not a network station. Nevertheless, just to cover it both ways, I stopped one day and asked the security officer if I could use the halt, explaining my obsessive mission. He said that I could and stupidly I rode on, thinking that I would catch the train later. When I returned, there had been a shift change and the relief told me that no matter what his colleague had advised, he could not allow a civvy to go through the gate. He pointed to the cameras and said that he would be shot if he were seen.
So, always take an opportunity when it presents itself.
Actually, the halt is railway property so theoretically there is nothing to stop someone getting off and staying there.
The branch now having an extra stop at Newcourt, with another planned for Hill Barton (Met. Office), it would not be outlandish to consider the closure of Lympstone Commando. The camp's perimeter fence is so close to Exton Station and the River Exe path now connects the two. Though it is a closure I would accept, I am not going to be the one to promote it!
A few years ago, while ticking off the 104 operational stations in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall (out of the 490 there were), I got myself off by claiming that Lympstone Commando was not a network station. Nevertheless, just to cover it both ways, I stopped one day and asked the security officer if I could use the halt, explaining my obsessive mission. He said that I could and stupidly I rode on, thinking that I would catch the train later. When I returned, there had been a shift change and the relief told me that no matter what his colleague had advised, he could not allow a civvy to go through the gate. He pointed to the cameras and said that he would be shot if he were seen.
So, always take an opportunity when it presents itself.
Actually, the halt is railway property so theoretically there is nothing to stop someone getting off and staying there.
The branch now having an extra stop at Newcourt, with another planned for Hill Barton (Met. Office), it would not be outlandish to consider the closure of Lympstone Commando. The camp's perimeter fence is so close to Exton Station and the River Exe path now connects the two. Though it is a closure I would accept, I am not going to be the one to promote it!
Up Wenford Way
Colin Burges
Colin Burges
Colin takes his faithful bike exploring around Wenford. Here are the once very nusy dries. 2016 Copyright Colin Burges
Beyond the end of the loco worked branch an incline served the De Lank quarry . The remains of the bridge over the road in Lower Lank which carried the line to De Lank Quarry from the head of the incline. 2016 Copyright Colin Burges
Mystery Solved
Mike Roach
Mike Roach
Hi Keith
You may recall this mystery picture from a couple of years ago, taken in 1961. No-one identified it at the time. Thanks to Colin Burges we now know where it is. The bridge abutments have changed very little, a testament to the quality of construction.
Regards Mike Roach It's great to have solved the mystery 55 years on.
You may recall this mystery picture from a couple of years ago, taken in 1961. No-one identified it at the time. Thanks to Colin Burges we now know where it is. The bridge abutments have changed very little, a testament to the quality of construction.
Regards Mike Roach It's great to have solved the mystery 55 years on.
55 years separate this picture and the next one above. De Lank Quarry, Wenford. 1961 Copyright Mike Roach
Salisbury
John Cornelius
John Cornelius
Rodney is one of the lucky few having survived into preservstion. Copyright John Cornelius
Yesterday at Truro
Jamie Dyke
Jamie Dyke
Here are some photos of 43185 working 5A89 out shortly to form 1A89 1339 to London Paddington. I was very lucky with the sun today as it was very much sunshine and showers. Will only put a couple of shots up as I did see Andrew there as well, and I have noticed he has put some up as well! As a bonus we also have 75406 'Eric Machell' in the sunshine in Truro Yard and colourful Ex London Midland duo 153325 and 153333 on the Falmouth. Many Thanks, Jamie Many thanks to you to.
Truro 43185 arriving at Truro with 5A89 shortly to form 1A89 to London Paddington. 28th January 2017 Copyright Jamie Dyke
Truro 5A89 ready to depart for Paddington 28th January 2017 Copyright Jamie Dyke
75406 'Eric Machell' in the sunshine in Truro Yard. Note also one of the smart new red buses awaiting further duty on rail replacement services. 28th January 2017 Copyright Jamie Dyke
Making a colourful combination 153325 and 153333 depart for Falmouth Docks at 1250 28th January 2017 Copyright Jamie Dyke