An amazing bit of luck
What happened next? - John Ball
What happened next? - John Ball
Hi, Keith
In 1967 I was cycling in the Bodmin area and stopped by Dunmere Crossing in the hope of seeing the Wenford goods. It duly appeared, and the crew kindly offered me a trip up the line (Lucky you). On returning to Dunmere Junction, the train performed a gravity shunt using the stub of the Bodmin North line, as per the attached photo. I've never seen any other photographic record of this manoeuvre. Was this unusual? Regards John
Can anybody answer this please? The line from Dunmere Junction to Boscarne Sidings was freight only by this time (Bodmin North had closed to passengers 30th January 1967). Maybe, having pushed the stock a short distance up the branch, the loco recessed onto the Wenford line while the stock was gravitated a short distance towards Boscarne and the loco connected for a controlled descent back to Boscarne. This would have seen it the right way round for the subsequent haul up to Bodmin General without the need for a 'run round' at Boscarne.
In 1967 I was cycling in the Bodmin area and stopped by Dunmere Crossing in the hope of seeing the Wenford goods. It duly appeared, and the crew kindly offered me a trip up the line (Lucky you). On returning to Dunmere Junction, the train performed a gravity shunt using the stub of the Bodmin North line, as per the attached photo. I've never seen any other photographic record of this manoeuvre. Was this unusual? Regards John
Can anybody answer this please? The line from Dunmere Junction to Boscarne Sidings was freight only by this time (Bodmin North had closed to passengers 30th January 1967). Maybe, having pushed the stock a short distance up the branch, the loco recessed onto the Wenford line while the stock was gravitated a short distance towards Boscarne and the loco connected for a controlled descent back to Boscarne. This would have seen it the right way round for the subsequent haul up to Bodmin General without the need for a 'run round' at Boscarne.
The subject of the question above. 1967 Copyright John Ball
A P.S. From Roy Hart. This maneouvre was only possible between January and December 1967. Passenger services on the Bodmin and Wadebridge ended, but full signalling (and the boxes at Bodmin General Boscarne and Wadebridge) remained until December 1967. While Bodmin North was open, this shunt would have needed the consent of the Bodmin North signalman and a tablet for the section withdrawn, to ensure safety for the shunt.
With Bodmin North gone, there was no problem.
It all ended in December 1967 when the whole line became a long siding, under the control of the shunter.
With Bodmin North gone, there was no problem.
It all ended in December 1967 when the whole line became a long siding, under the control of the shunter.
St Ives Branch goes green!!
Roger Winnen
Roger Winnen
This is most probably the first occasion that this unit in GWR Green Livery has run on the St Ives Branch.
160403aThe 16.03 St Ives to St Erth is seen passing through Carbis Bay non stop. Copyright Roger Winnen
160403b The 16.33 St Ives to St Erth is seen rounding the bend after leaving Carbis Bay approaching Hawks Point. Copyright Roger Winnen
160403c The 17.03 service awaits departure from St Ives. Copyright Roger Winnen
160403d 150232 Departing St Erth with the 17.55 service to St Ives. Copyright Roger Winnen
Cornish Compton Railtour
John Cornelius
John Cornelius
Copyright John Cornelius Details 33211+33207 London Waterloo - Salisbury - Warminster - Westbury 33207+33211 Salisbury - Exeter St Davids - Penzance. Return via Honiton. The railtour was so popular that it was repeated the following Saturday.