Items added on the 4th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

Exeter in the days of the Mechanical Signalling
Michael Forward

Michael Forward visits Exeter St David's on 3rd September, 1982 during the days of the mechanical signalling now just a memory.

820903a 45141 Starts a mixed freight from Exeter St David's,the presflo wagons may be from Chacewater Cement storage facilities. Copyright Michael Forward

820903b 50047 Swaftsure about to depart from Platform 3 on the 09.38 to London Waterloo. Copyright Michael Forward

820903c 45038 passes the magnificent Exeter West Box and the spendid gantry, with the 09.55 Paignton-Sheffield. Copyright Michael Forward

820903d Finally we see 50029 'Renown' departing with the 16.18 to London Waterloo. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Early Morning Visitor
Paul Rundle

Hi Keith,  Here are pics of colas operated train 6C20 at Newquay in the early hours of this morning, after just completing its ballast drop on the branch. Locos 66093 (hired in) and 66849 (first visit to Cornwall ) Regards Paul
Many thanks Paul - this is a little earlier than the first passenger train this morning - due in at 10.09!!

Almost at the buffers at Newquay is 66093 with the 6C20. Seen at 02.13 on the 4th July 2016 Copyright Paul Rundle

Five minutes later Paul is at the now front end of the train ready to leave Newquay at 02.18 behind 66849 4th July 2016 Copyright Paul Rundle

Job done. Back at Par at 04.13 on the 4th July 2016 Copyright Paul Rundle

One wonders what the residents at the former crossing keepers cottages along the line thought about this extra early service in the middle of the night ???

​Track Recording Unit 950001 at Truro

Track Recording Unit 950001 basking in the sun at Truro having arrived from Laira T. & R.S.M.D. (departing 03.16 right time) at 09.45 (107 minutes early).  
Photos by Mick House

Truro Yard 4th May 2016 Copyright Mick House

Ponts Mill - all quiet
Jim Lewis

Ponts Mill in November 1969 Copyright Jim Lewis

Road - rail history
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith, Your pictures of the Bristol Harbour Railway, reminded me of the attached picture of this Renault rail converted vehicle, which was being demonstrated there, at the end of 1996.
I am not sure if Railtrack still own this lorry, but I gather it was re-invented a number of times during its existence. Andrew Jones.
Many thanks

Bristol Docks end 1996 Copyright Andrew Jones

De-railment at Exeter
John Cornelius

In every walk of life incidents, accidents, occur and although on the railways these are rare and very rarely reach the public eye such an incident occurred at Exeter on the 17th May 1977 and John Cornelius was there and able to take pictures from the safety of platform 6.  Many thanks to you John, for sharing your marvelous collection with us.

Copyright John Cornelius

17th May 1977 Copyright John Cornelius

Note the coach has lost a buffer. Copyright John Cornelius

Gently does it as back on the right rails she goes. 17th May 1977. Copyright John Cornelius

Within minutes of placing the above Jim Cornelius pictures I received the following from David Tozer - many thanks David. 

​Morning Keith,  Interesting photographs of the breakdown crane in action at Exeter (St David's) in 1977.
Not sure if you are interested, but this crane was resident along with support coaches at Exmouth Junction. When Exmouth Junction closed on 7th March 1967 it was moved to Plymouth (Laira).
The crane was saved and is now in preservation on the Mid Hants Railway.
Fifty years since Exmouth Junction closed next year. I wonder if they ever rue selling off the the land as it would have had plenty of room for the much talked about new DMU depot at Exeter.
Regards Dave 

DS 1580 on the Mid Hants 21st August 2013 - Copyright David Tozer