Items added on the 16th June 2015 Those added most recently come first

The Return of the Cement Traffic to Moorswater
Roger Winnen

It has been circulated amongst the railway enthusiasts that cement traffic will be resuming to Moorswater.
An entry on Realtime trains shows a departure from Aberthaw Cement Works at 02.50hrs the 6C35 via Cardiff, Severn Tunnel Junction, Dr Day's Junction, Bath Spa, Westbury and down the Berks and Hants. Once in Cornwall the train engine is scheduled to run around its train at Lostwithiel before returning to Liskeard to gain access to the branch to Moorswater Lafarge Depot. Possibly the first working will be on 28th June, 2016 Watch out for any updates. The timings as shown on realtime trains for this working is Plymouth 09.44 Saltash 09.56 Liskeard 10.20 Lostwithiel 10.41/11.06 Lostwithiel Up Goods Loop 11.08/11.35 Liskeard 11.58/12.00 Liskeard Ground Frame 12.06/12.29 Coombe Junction 12.37/12.39 and into Moorswater. There is no return working shown to date
.http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H39069/2016/06/28/advanced
Many Thanks Karl Hewlett

The Branch has seen no traffic over the last couple of years but the photographs below will remind us of the traffic in February, 2013.

130204a 66132 Heads a cement train to Moorswater on 4th February, 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

130204b Departure from Coombe junction to Moorswater. Copyright Roger Winnen

130204c The returning empties departing Moorswater on the 4th February, 2013

130210a 6 Days later on the 10th February, 2013 a Pathfinder Tour to Moorswater at Coombe Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

130210b On its way to Moorswater taken from the bridge at Coombe Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

130210c And approaching the old Moorswater Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

Special Charter on WSR
Press release

Many thanks to Martin Duff for drawing our attention to this, which, it appears, should see the first passenger train on the stub laid on the former Barnstable line trackbed.

​Where: Minehead Station
When: 1300, Sunday 19 June
 
New ticket deal saves passengers almost 20% on local attraction
Special charter service to mark the new deal
 
GWR invite you to a special charter service on Sunday 19 June 2016 for the launch of the West Somerset Away Day ticket.
 
Running from Taunton to Minehead and return, you will get the chance to sample the longest preserved line in England from one of our newly refurbished Class 150 trains.
 
The trip will include:
 

•          A launch party on arrival at Minehead with special guests in attendance
•          A visit to the start of the former Taunton to Barnstaple branch at Norton Fitzwarren, on the return journey – a first for a GWR Class 150
•          An on-board trolley service with proceeds going to charity

 
The service will depart from Taunton (1115), calling at Bishops Lydeard at 1135 before arriving at Minehead at 1255 for a special launch party. The return service will depart from Minehead at 1515, arriving at Bishops Lydeard at 1630 and Taunton at 1705.
 
Etickets for the special charter service are £25.99 and can be purchased here.
 

Looking back 30 years
Julian Stephens

Many thanks Julian

Treesmill at 19.15 on the 17th June 1986 37175 at Stoneybridge near Treesmil Copyright Julian Stephens

50010 Monarch is seen at 14.06 14th June 1986 climbing away over Pontsmill viaduct with the 1V39 0918 Birmingham to Newquay. Copyright Julian Stephens N.B. Julian apologises for the 'arm waving' which for some strange reason was part of the scene in those days!!

West Cornwall Gems 2
Mike Morant

GWR Collett 4- 6- 0 6801 at Rospeath whilst in charge of an up train. Courtesy the Mike Morant collection 160320_W_BR_6801_MB272