Craig Munday
Winter beginning to bite today. The down sleeper made a late start due to loco problems, delayed at Acton by dragging brakes, Made up some time to Plymouth. Once in Cornwall frosty rails caused problems. The train is seen passing Lostwithiel - remarkably in daylight after 8am. The clay train recessed in the down loop, just in case the class 66 needed for assistance.
Happily it made Penzance with some stops knocked out the schedule. Well done to all concerned.
Also seen later in glorious light was the RHTT passing over Moorswater viaduct.
Best wishes, Craig Many thanks Craig.
P.S. First Moorswater Cement to run tomorrow I've heard. There is some doubt so please check real time trains.
A report by Brian Pibworth
Regarding you comment about the close proximity of the creamery to the sewage works, I can confirm that the filter beds adjacent to the down line were there to treat what remained after extracting butter, cream and Marvel and this has now gone with the rest of the plant. My recollection of visiting the factory was of ducts of steaming "water" flowing through the plant and presumably ending up in the R. Axe after treatment. Tatworth, the adjacent village, has its own sewage works on the north side of the old station. As a teenager heading for a Boy Scout camp near Ilfracombe in the 1950s, I remember seeing a similar close proximity of treatment plant and creamery when our train stopped for an age near Lapford, N Devon. My friend Ronnie quickly concocted an explanation which somehow reversed the flow, from village to factory, and managed to put us off eating a certain brand of creamed rice for a very long time!
A quick snoop at Google Earth shows that their latest satellite picture shows all but the original buildings demolished, but we are wondering if the site will remain in its "original condition" for long before someone finds a way of developing it, especially as it is bordered by various business premises.
With kind regards, Brian. Many thanks Brian, for your report and pictures.
Michael Forward
A barrier coach coupled to the 08410
Roger Winnen

Alan Harris

John Cornelius