Twin Peaks
Michael Forward
Michael Forward
800613a 46028 comes off the long siding into Platform 4 at Penzance. Copyright Michael Forward
850618a 45124 arrive St Erth with the 18.15 Penzance Bristol this being a regular working with the peaks. The milepost and GWR seat adds some nice details. Copyright Michael Forward
Fact not Fiction
HST in Largin sand drag
Steve Rickett
HST in Largin sand drag
Steve Rickett
For a long time there has been a rumour that an HST was caught by the trap point at the east end of the single line section of the main line over Largin and St Pinnock viaducts. It is with many thanks to Steve Rickett that the facts are now revealed.
Steve writes :- I've just been perusing the Largin section of the photos on the website, and one caption mentions a rumour about an HST entering the sand drag there. I can confirm, as the signalman on duty that night the event did take place. The train concerned was the down Golden Hind driven by Penzance driver Johnnie Brown. LN8 signal was at danger as an up empty coaching stock train was on the single line as the Hind approached. I was a little shocked to say the least to see not only the train pass LN8 signal but the whole train went past! When the driver rang me I was a little surprised but greatly relieved to hear the train hadn't derailed knowing that it wasn't full size rail in the sand drag. Fortunately the train was able to reverse from the sand drag unassisted. I can't remember the exact date of the event, but I was at Largin from May 1980 until January 1981 when I moved to Par signal box
Regards, Steve Rickett Member No 1801
Further enquiries were made concerning this incident as we did not wish to offend Johnnie Brown by embarrassing him. Terry Addicoat was the guard on that train and advises us of the fact that the power car and half the first coach ran on into the sand drag. Terry says the service was an additional train laid on on a Friday night after the Golden Hind. Terry said that the train slid on leaves on wet rails. Johnnie could do nothing about it. Johnnie, now, unfortunately the late Johnnie Brown, was not embarrassed by the incident as it was most definitely not his fault. After finishing his driving career Johnnie remained in railway service until retirement. Many thanks to both Steve and Terry for their contributions.
Steve writes :- I've just been perusing the Largin section of the photos on the website, and one caption mentions a rumour about an HST entering the sand drag there. I can confirm, as the signalman on duty that night the event did take place. The train concerned was the down Golden Hind driven by Penzance driver Johnnie Brown. LN8 signal was at danger as an up empty coaching stock train was on the single line as the Hind approached. I was a little shocked to say the least to see not only the train pass LN8 signal but the whole train went past! When the driver rang me I was a little surprised but greatly relieved to hear the train hadn't derailed knowing that it wasn't full size rail in the sand drag. Fortunately the train was able to reverse from the sand drag unassisted. I can't remember the exact date of the event, but I was at Largin from May 1980 until January 1981 when I moved to Par signal box
Regards, Steve Rickett Member No 1801
Further enquiries were made concerning this incident as we did not wish to offend Johnnie Brown by embarrassing him. Terry Addicoat was the guard on that train and advises us of the fact that the power car and half the first coach ran on into the sand drag. Terry says the service was an additional train laid on on a Friday night after the Golden Hind. Terry said that the train slid on leaves on wet rails. Johnnie could do nothing about it. Johnnie, now, unfortunately the late Johnnie Brown, was not embarrassed by the incident as it was most definitely not his fault. After finishing his driving career Johnnie remained in railway service until retirement. Many thanks to both Steve and Terry for their contributions.
Largin looking back east from a DOWN train. Note the rusty line leading to the sand drag and the Milepost 269.25 27th June 2015 - Copyright Roger Winnen
Looking back east from a DOWN train. The overgrown sand drag can clearly be seen on the right - 27th June 2015 - Copyright Roger Winnen
Largin looking back west from an UP train - the sand drag is visible to the left. Further protection from any derailment is provided by the guard rail. 9th August, 2014
Largin, looking back west from an UP train. Note the point control equipment and that the trap point is set to run into 9th August 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen.
Many thanks also to Roger Winnen for digging out these views.
Redruth
Alan Harris
Alan Harris
Redruth station is dominated by that marvelous 738' hill, Carn Brea, of which all 'Redruthians' are very proud. Note the busy yard on the down side. Also note the roof of the signalbox in the left foreground. This closed in 1914 to be replaced by another box also on the down side at the far end of the platform overlooking Bond Street. This box closed 11th December 1955.. Looking down Station Hill to Alma Place the view is the same today. The station footbridge has recently been restored and the original down platform building restored. Note the very high telegraph poles wires from which cross the bottom of this picture. The down sidings have long been removed and a railway social club occupies the spot. All in all Redruth station has survived modernisation far better than neighbouring Camborne. Courtesy the Alan Harris Collection
Meldon Activity
Ron Kosys
Ron Kosys
A most interesting picture of Meldon Quarry from an unusual angle. Dust hangs over the workings. Ron tells us that there were two class 33s there at the time but he couldn't see them. 5th May 1990 Copyright Ron Kosys.
Heavy Load at
Yeovil Junction
John Cornelius
Yeovil Junction
John Cornelius
Copyright John Cornelius
Safely delivered to the up yard. Copyright John Cornelius
To see more pictures of this 79 tonne delivery to Yeovil Junction up-yard please click here and scroll to
19th March 2003
19th March 2003