Return light engine movements
of 6201 Princess Elizabeth and 47746 - Laira to Penzance.
The return running of 6201 Princess Elizabeth its support coach and 47746 may have been missed by a lot of you as it ran 90 minutes early off Laira depot (13.35), 104 minutes early at Plymouth (14.04) and by the time it had got to Truro it was 119 minutes early (15.11), then on arrival at Penzance it was 122 minutes early arriving at 15.22. Words by Mick House.
The returning convoy passes Par Golf Course. Copyright Paul Rundle
47746 approaching Saveock with support coach and 6201 in tow, running 119 minutes early. Photo Mick House
About to go under the new bridge at Saveock. Photo Mick House.
Under the new bridge at Saveock. Photo Mick House.
The early running of the return steam caused KJ problems as it was due at 14.31 which coincided with the up 14.30 HST to Paddington.. The above was thus the best possible on this occasion. 18th September 2016 Copyright KJ
160918e The returning train from Laira with 47746 Chris Fudge,the support coach and 46201 Princess Elizabeth passing St Erth 116 mins early. Copyright Roger Winnen
160918f LMS splendour as 46201 tails the train through St Erth.Copyright Roger Winnen
160918g The first time that a Princess Royal Class has been in the County, 46201 heads through St Erth on route to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen
160918p The return run from Laira to Penzance ran 2 hours early. The 47746 Chris Fudge, support coach and the Princess Elizabeth are seen arriving at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs
160918q The trio stands in Platform 4 awaiting a shunt move. Copyright Andrew Triggs
160918r Heading for the long siding adjacent to the coastal footway and sea wall. Copyright Andrew Triggs
160918s The pair of engines side by side at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs
160918t The 47746 Chris Fudge moves off to slopers siding to couple to its train. Copyright Andrew Triggs
160918h 47746 Attached to the stock in Slopers siding for the return working on Tuesday departing Penzance 09.14 Copyright Roger Winnen
160918i 46201 Princess Elizabeth at Penzance after turning at Laira. Copyright Roger Winnen
When it's gone, it's gone!
Westbury Chimney
Guy Vincent
Westbury Chimney
Guy Vincent
I do hope that Guy won't mind me adding a common 'Sales' 'catch phrase' to the excellent article below, however I feel it a sad day.
Morning Keith,
Today, Sunday 18th September was anything but a day of rest for the thousands of spectators who invaded Westbury and the surrounding hillside to witness the demolition of the 51 year-old chimney at the former Blue Circle (later Lafarge) cement works situated to the east of the town below the famous White Horse. The demolition was scheduled for 07.00hrs but with local and national media/social media having been widely publicising the event large crowds were naturally to be expected. My wife and I arrived at 05.10 to find hundreds already gathered and for the next 80 minutes a constant stream of cars, vans, campers, 4x4s motorcycles and, as it got light, pedal cycles continued to slowly make their way along the narrow single track road to fill every available space on the top of the hill, the occupants then making their way across to the edge of the site overlooking both the cement works and a large area of west Wiltshire. At 0655am as daylight broke silence gradually descended as the warning siren indicated only 5 minutes to go. Then at 07.00hrs and ten seconds a large muffled boom was immediately followed by the 400 foot stack toppling in a north westerly direction to come crashing down exactly as planned in a large plume of dust, the show being all but over only twenty seconds after it started. As soon as the dust cloud started to rise we were in the car and away as quickly as we could, leaving thousands of others with the same idea to follow on...
The Westbury chimney demolition had mixed opinions, some were happy to see it go as it was a source of controversy for many years due to the smoke and dust pollution it was claimed it produced, a final row over the increased burning of refuse and, more so old tyres, may possibly have helped seal the fate of the plant as it is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. However, while it was open the works provided much needed employment and benefited the local economy. At the time the works opened in 1962 the railway, another major employer, was in decline with the loss of dozens of firemen's jobs and the impending Beeching report seeing many stations and several local branch lines closed. Indeed some men transferred to Blue Circle from British Railways at Westbury and later redundancies saw more railwaymen join the expanding Somerset Quarries such as Yeomans at Merehead and ARC at Whatley. Both these firms now have a major rail presence at Westbury as many will know. The chimney was a notable landmark for just over half a century, visible from west country-bound trains as far away as Crookwood east of Devizes and from all other lines approaching Westbury. Many will miss its towering presence as their HST or, soon, Bi-Mode IEP whisks them along the main Paddington-Penzance railway line through the Westbury area.
Guy Vincent 18.09.2016
Thank you very much indeed for your article detailing not only the destruction of a 'local monument' but how employment has changed as the years roll by.
Today, Sunday 18th September was anything but a day of rest for the thousands of spectators who invaded Westbury and the surrounding hillside to witness the demolition of the 51 year-old chimney at the former Blue Circle (later Lafarge) cement works situated to the east of the town below the famous White Horse. The demolition was scheduled for 07.00hrs but with local and national media/social media having been widely publicising the event large crowds were naturally to be expected. My wife and I arrived at 05.10 to find hundreds already gathered and for the next 80 minutes a constant stream of cars, vans, campers, 4x4s motorcycles and, as it got light, pedal cycles continued to slowly make their way along the narrow single track road to fill every available space on the top of the hill, the occupants then making their way across to the edge of the site overlooking both the cement works and a large area of west Wiltshire. At 0655am as daylight broke silence gradually descended as the warning siren indicated only 5 minutes to go. Then at 07.00hrs and ten seconds a large muffled boom was immediately followed by the 400 foot stack toppling in a north westerly direction to come crashing down exactly as planned in a large plume of dust, the show being all but over only twenty seconds after it started. As soon as the dust cloud started to rise we were in the car and away as quickly as we could, leaving thousands of others with the same idea to follow on...
The Westbury chimney demolition had mixed opinions, some were happy to see it go as it was a source of controversy for many years due to the smoke and dust pollution it was claimed it produced, a final row over the increased burning of refuse and, more so old tyres, may possibly have helped seal the fate of the plant as it is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. However, while it was open the works provided much needed employment and benefited the local economy. At the time the works opened in 1962 the railway, another major employer, was in decline with the loss of dozens of firemen's jobs and the impending Beeching report seeing many stations and several local branch lines closed. Indeed some men transferred to Blue Circle from British Railways at Westbury and later redundancies saw more railwaymen join the expanding Somerset Quarries such as Yeomans at Merehead and ARC at Whatley. Both these firms now have a major rail presence at Westbury as many will know. The chimney was a notable landmark for just over half a century, visible from west country-bound trains as far away as Crookwood east of Devizes and from all other lines approaching Westbury. Many will miss its towering presence as their HST or, soon, Bi-Mode IEP whisks them along the main Paddington-Penzance railway line through the Westbury area.
Guy Vincent 18.09.2016
Thank you very much indeed for your article detailing not only the destruction of a 'local monument' but how employment has changed as the years roll by.
Firstly we look at the chimney as we wish to remember it. Copyright Guy Vincent
Demolition day just a week away. Westbury Cement Works 11th September 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent
A lovely view of the works and a passing HST from the 'White Horse Hill' 11th September 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent
Again on the 11th September 2016. There used to be a lovely white plume coming from this chimney. Copyright Guy Vincent
This morning at 06.59.5. Just 30 seconds to go. 18th September 2016. Copyright Guy Vincent
A 'zoomed in shot' of the felling on 'our monument'. The time is 07.00 and twenty seconds. Copyright Guy Vincent
'Tis Gone' a cloud of dust rises from where it fell. Remember the height of the chimney and note the length of the dust cloud. The time is just 30 seconds after seven. 18th September 2016. Copyright Guy Vincent
Just some of the witnesses! Note the crown of the hill and the masses there standing above the white horse on the remains of Bratton Castle. 18th September 2016. Copyright Guy Vincent
Todays outward light engine movements
of 6201 Princess Elizabeth
Penzance to Laira
of 6201 Princess Elizabeth
Penzance to Laira
160918aa This move to Plymouth today was advertised as a Charter Train, However it ran earlier than reported leaving Penzance 4 mins early and St Erth 6 early.. Copyright Roger Winnen
At Penzance
160918a 46201 Princess Elizabeth at Penzance on Sunday morning prior to a trip to Plymouth for turning. Copyright Roger Winnen
160918b Viewed from the Station wall the 47746 Chris Fudge ,the support coach and 46201 Princess Elizabeth. Copyright Roger Winnen
en route to Laira
160918o 47746 Chris Fudge on the 10.06 Turning move to Laira passes Marazion Station. Copyright Andrew Triggs
160918c Having now arrived on the 09.48 Bus from Penzance I was taken by surprise on arrival at the Plantation Bridge of the train rounding the bend on the approach to the Hayle Viaduct running at least 6 mins early. Copyright Roger Winnen
160918d Smoke gets in your eyes! The 47 Support Coach and 46201 cross Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen
6201 on tow passes Drump Lane - the signal box was on the up side just off picture to the left while in the background we have Carn Brea with its castle and monument. 18th September 2016 Copyright Keith Jenkin
Wheal Busy Crossing (This is the crossing by Hallenbeagle Engine House. 18th September 2016 Copyright Roger Aston
The convoy continues on towards Apex Summit where Mick House and Mike Eddows were waiting. 18th September 2016. Copyright Roger Aston
47746 hauls support coach and 6201 past Wheal Busy Crossing and Hallenbeagle. Photo Mick House.
Many thanks to Mike Eddowes for this nice view of 6201 having passed Wheal Busy Crossing and Hallenbeagle is drawn over Apex summit. 18th September 2016 Copyright
The ensemble have passed under Apex bridge on there way to Laira T & R S M D . Photo Mick House.
47746 hauls 6201 over Combe St Stephens viaduct. 18th September 2016 Copyright Craig Munday
47746 plus 6201 St Austell 18th September 2016 Jamie Dyke
John Cornelius visits
Hewish Crossing's in '81
Hewish Crossing's in '81
Hi Keith ,here's a couple of pics taken a day apart back in 1981,of a train at Hewish xing, near Weston-S-Mare and at Hewish Xing near Crewkerne, thought they may be of interest. Cheers JOHN C.
They most certainly are interesting, many thanks John.
They most certainly are interesting, many thanks John.
About one mile west of Yatton. N.B. Some call it Huish although everywhere in the area is known as Hewish!! Copyright John Cornelius
About three miles west of Crewkerne station.
Morebath Junction
Mike Morant
Mike Morant
5700 class 0-6-0PT no 3794 pauses at Morebath Junction Halt on 29/5/63.
[Mike Morant collection]
[Mike Morant collection]
A grand title for a very small station!
Westbury Chimney comes down
At 07.00 the chimney at Westbury former cement works is due to be demolished. We hope to bring you a report on this. The weather at Westbury is 'Cloudy' and it is barely light. To check on the history read Guy Vincent's excellent note published yesterday. Also click here for more details http://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/14749346.Westbury_chimney__How_to_stay_safe_during_the_blast/