Steam returned to Millbay
Roger Winnen
Roger Winnen
4160 Rescued by the Plym Valley Railway stands near the former Millbay Station at Plymouth. This engine has been restored working on the West Somerset Railway. 9th May 1981
This picture taken on the 9th May 1981. Copyright Roger Winnen
This picture taken on the 9th May 1981. Copyright Roger Winnen
Mortonhampstead
Mike Morant
Mike Morant
5153 stands at the Mortonhampstead terminus ready for a run down hill to Newton Abbot. Mike Morant collection
Nanstallon Nostalgia
Andrew Jones
Andrew Jones
Today it is a great delight to bring you some moments in time caught by Andrew Jones, and what a delight they are. Andrew writes:- Dear Keith, Please find the next set of photos, Nanstallon level crossing April 1970.
Generally this was a difficult picture to obtain, as the goods service to Wadebridge, passed Nanstallon at approx 06.30. Luckily the lamps are still the originals. Shortly after this picture was taken, they were removed and later replaced, with a pair of standard bull nose lamps.
A perfect example, of a low tech solution, which typified the country railway era, up until the 1980’s.
The vandalised crossing keepers house, still exists, being sold for around £3,000 in the mid - 1970’s.
I would very much appreciate, if anyone can put a name, to the gentleman in the photograph.
Best wishes Andrew Jones Very many thanks Andrew.
If you go to Google Earth Street View you'll also see a charming view of the crossing as seen recently - the cottage has been extended.
Generally this was a difficult picture to obtain, as the goods service to Wadebridge, passed Nanstallon at approx 06.30. Luckily the lamps are still the originals. Shortly after this picture was taken, they were removed and later replaced, with a pair of standard bull nose lamps.
A perfect example, of a low tech solution, which typified the country railway era, up until the 1980’s.
The vandalised crossing keepers house, still exists, being sold for around £3,000 in the mid - 1970’s.
I would very much appreciate, if anyone can put a name, to the gentleman in the photograph.
Best wishes Andrew Jones Very many thanks Andrew.
If you go to Google Earth Street View you'll also see a charming view of the crossing as seen recently - the cottage has been extended.
Nanstallon level crossing April 1970. The ' bulls eye' lamp receives attention before the train moves on towards Wadebridge. Who is he, any ideas? April 1970 Copyright Andrew Jones.
Here is the mystery man again, wish he'd turned to face the camera, any ideas who he is please? The cottage door in recent years blocked up would have served as a quick exit for the crossing keeper at time of need. Sadly every pane in the cottage has suffered a hit by some mindless fool probably chucking ballast. April 1970 Copyright Andrew Jones.
Walking down the track towards Wadebridge and 'turning about', one sees, about a hundred yards away the crossing cottage. The area to the right of the running line was occupied by a siding called Nanstallon Wharf. This was closed w.e.f. 2nd May 1960 and removed in 1961, This picture is from April 1970, copyright Andrew Jones.
We've moved on about a year - it's about April 1971. Andrews faithful VW is parked up the road and the 'bulls Eye' lamp has gone. As for the cottage either, in the interests of safety all the glass has been removed, or replaced, one cannot tell. Two upstairs windows are open. Now take a look at it on Google Earth Street view for a charming picture. Copyright Andrew Jones
A more recent picture of the mystery man - taken at Bodmin General on the 1st November 1974. A delightful picture, note the smoke drifting from the chimney of the brake van. Seems like nice day trip. Copyright Roger Winnen
Many thanks Andrew - he promises us another dip into nostalgia in a month or so.