Inspection Saloon at Truro
Neil Phillips
Neil Phillips
Hi Keith,
What a fascinating article sent in by Laurence Hansford on the end of St Ives signalling – there’s no substitute for being there and witnessing such events first hand (that’s how I know Warship 805 Benbow visited Wadebridge 45 years ago, although sadly unlike Laurence I didn’t have a camera to hand so you’ll have to take my word for it!) They certainly didn’t waste any time on the dismantling. I was particularly interested to see the photos of the inspection saloon which was one of three (DB999506/8/9 – ‘507 was a departmental railbus) built at Swindon Works to the BR Mark I design on a 57’ underframe around 1960. What makes this so interesting is that until now I had never seen a photo of one of these in original lined maroon, and the lining wrapping around the ends in similar fashion to ex-GWR autocoaches is especially eyecatching! No yellow warning panels either.
Since I have no knowledge of the other two getting anywhere near the West Country I am sure that this would have been the now-famous DB999508, as this vehicle was the South West area inspection saloon well into the 1970s as far as I know – it was certainly around in the early ‘70s, as the attached photos will testify (these are scans of prints not taken by myself but a school friend, William Heggie) and show a by-then blue/grey DB999508 accompanied by a battered, snowplough-fitted and very nearly life-expired D6322 at Truro in I believe March 1971. Just like at St Ives, its presence at Truro turned out to be a harbinger for serious rationalisation!
Why famous? In 1987 this vehicle was modified into a track recording coach and in more recent years was seen all over the country sandwiched between Network Rail locos. I have just learned that it was retired in 2012 and now resides in (well-earned) preservation on the West Somerset Railway.
Regards,
Neil Phillips Many thanks Neil
What a fascinating article sent in by Laurence Hansford on the end of St Ives signalling – there’s no substitute for being there and witnessing such events first hand (that’s how I know Warship 805 Benbow visited Wadebridge 45 years ago, although sadly unlike Laurence I didn’t have a camera to hand so you’ll have to take my word for it!) They certainly didn’t waste any time on the dismantling. I was particularly interested to see the photos of the inspection saloon which was one of three (DB999506/8/9 – ‘507 was a departmental railbus) built at Swindon Works to the BR Mark I design on a 57’ underframe around 1960. What makes this so interesting is that until now I had never seen a photo of one of these in original lined maroon, and the lining wrapping around the ends in similar fashion to ex-GWR autocoaches is especially eyecatching! No yellow warning panels either.
Since I have no knowledge of the other two getting anywhere near the West Country I am sure that this would have been the now-famous DB999508, as this vehicle was the South West area inspection saloon well into the 1970s as far as I know – it was certainly around in the early ‘70s, as the attached photos will testify (these are scans of prints not taken by myself but a school friend, William Heggie) and show a by-then blue/grey DB999508 accompanied by a battered, snowplough-fitted and very nearly life-expired D6322 at Truro in I believe March 1971. Just like at St Ives, its presence at Truro turned out to be a harbinger for serious rationalisation!
Why famous? In 1987 this vehicle was modified into a track recording coach and in more recent years was seen all over the country sandwiched between Network Rail locos. I have just learned that it was retired in 2012 and now resides in (well-earned) preservation on the West Somerset Railway.
Regards,
Neil Phillips Many thanks Neil
D6322+DB999508 Truro in yard early 71 Copyright William Heggie
D6322+DB999508 at Truro in the Falmouth bay - early 71 Copyright William Heggie
Ivybridge Steps
Colin Burges
Colin Burges
As the crow flies Ivybridge old station site is about 0.8 miles from the new station site. However, the walk between the two locations is quite a bit more. From the new station the walk takes one down in the valley to the village centre followed by a challenging climb up under the viaduct and then to check your heart out a climb of 67 steps to the station site. The old station site is not visible being behind bushes and a substantial security fence.
It's best to leave your bike at the foot of the steps, unless you want an additional challenge, and an easy free wheel back ! Copyright Colin Burges April 2016
Looking down, be sure to count those steps! Ivybridge steps, April 2016. Copyright Colin Burges
Gasping for oxygen - the summit is nigh. Ivybridge steps. April 2016. Copyright Colin Burges.
Stoke Cannon
Roger Geach
Roger Geach
Much of the field has been harvested as Roger Geach catches 47810 nr Stoke Cannon on Tuesday 18th September 1992 Copyright Roger Geach. Note the 'matching set' of loco and coaches.
Somerton 5
John Cornelius
John Cornelius
A smashing shot looking east of 5021 Rodney on a down train. The station buildings then in private use can be seen to the left of the loco. Copyright John Cornelius
Weymouth Tramway Pullman
Mike Morant
Mike Morant
Another shot of that rare, never to be repeated event, a Pullman train on the Weymouth Harbour Tramway. The loco is 33008, the date is the 29th June 1985. Courtesy The Mike Morant Collection