Items added on July 3rd 2016 Those added most recently come first

First Torbay Express for '16
David Tozer

Hi Keith,
The first Torbay Express of the season with 46100 'Royal Scot'.
Heard talk that it came to a halt at Marlands, possibly why it was running late.
Dave                  Many thanks David

Lovely picture at that classic location. First Torbay Express of year 46100 Cowley Bridge 3rd July 2016 Copyright David Tozer

Curry Rivel Junction
John Cornelius

Many thanks to John Cornelius for what you are about to receive, a collection of pictures of action at Curry Rivel Junction. I attach a very rough sketch of the arrangements at the junction which may help you locate the pictures which will follow over the next few days.

You have seen this picture before when it was incorrectly captioned - it of 3733 heading off down the branch towards Yeovil - the next station being Langport West. The picture was taken on the 6th June1960. Copyright John Cornelius N.B. There was double track between Curry Rivel Junction and Langport West.

Time for tea!! 5554 arrives at Curry Rivel Junction having come from the Yeovil direction on the 6th June1960 Copyright John Cornelius

Note on the buffer beam of 5554 the can of water for the signalman. 6th June 1960

A rough sketch of Curry Rivel Junction. Taunton is off to the left, Westbury to the right, and the Yeovil branch, double track to Langport West heads off down the sketch. Note the up loop - it was possible to reverse from the down main onto this or the up main via a single slip point

Two Greens within minutes
Rob Thomas

If seeing one green HST is rare enough, I was treated to both of them going the same way within 10 minutes of each other today near Tiverton Junction. 1C83 (1235 PAD-PGN) and 1C84 (1306 PAD-PNZ) were formed of sets LA15 and LA16 respectively.
Scheduled to run within 15 minutes of each other between Taunton and Newton Abbot, it presented an ideal opportunity to take a break on my cycle ride to see them.
Rob Thomas    A new contributor Rob - welcome to the CRS website.

2nd July 2016 1C83 (1235 PAD-PGN) runs through the now closed Tiverton Junction station Copyright Rob Thomas An interesting shot of the remaining pointwork at the old Tiverton Junction station site.

2nd July 2016 1C84 (1306 PAD-PNZ) follows having just come through Tiverton Junction heading towards Cullompton. Copyright Rob Thomas

Query Bodinnick Signalbox Mick Dowrick

Hi Keith, Further to my last email - I've got a copy of the Mineral Railways of West Cornwall, the quote regarding the siding is the same as copied by Maurice. It doesn't give the date for the signal box though. I'm trying to find the publication that contains his reference to the signal box at the siding, which is titled, 'from my notes on China clay tramways' - he included this in his original letter. Do these notes appear anywhere or is this from a particular book or CD? My main purpose in asking, is regarding the build date of the signal box and then discovering how it operated and for how long. It would be fantastic to know. Trust all is well with you - voting day here, won't mention anything more about politics! Very best wishes, Mick Dowrick.  
Can anybody help Mick please dates on Bodinnick Signal B ox - this was sited west of Coombe St Stephens viaduct.  Thank you. Mick lives in Adelaide but is moving to Auckland.

Mike Morant visits
South Devon 4

4-6-0 No. 2916 Saint Benedict is westbound as she leaves Dawlish in this undated view. 2916 was built in 1907 and just about survived into the nationalised era being withdrawn from Tysley Shed in 1948. Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection. 160601_W_GWR_2916_SRA120625