Items added on the 5th June 2015 Those added most recently come first

Riding Loco Hauled in Cornwall and Devon on Saturday 4thJune.
Steve Widdowson

160604ze The 10.15 ECS Long Rock to Par is seen arriving as the Northern Belle was waiting in the down platform. Copyright Steve Widdowson

160604zf A break at Bodmin Parkway sees 50042 Triumph coupled to 37142. Copyright Steve Widdowson

160604zg The 11.25 Par to Plymouth is seen on Platform 6 behind 57603. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

160604zh The 13.35 service from Plymouth to Exeter St David's arrives at Dawlish. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

160604zi The returning 17.50 service from Exeter through to Penzance is seen approaching Dawlish. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Diesels Galore in the Duchy on Saturday 4th June.
Craig Munday

160604za 66066 is seen at Treesmill near Par. Copyright Craig Munday.

160604zb 66066 is seen at Newham, Lostwithiel working the clay on Saturday owing to a failure of a loco during the week. Copyright Craig Munday

160604zc 57603 is seen climbing Hayle Bank with the ECS to Par. Copyright Craig Munday

160604zd The same train seen at Brea, Camborne. At Camborne it stops to collect train crew. Copyright Craig Munday

Watts a Horse Power?
That is the question.

What horsepower means is this: In Watt's judgement, one horse can do 33,000 foot-pounds of work every minute. 

This picture of ecs of the Northern Belle was taken from Treleigh bridge near Redruth. Obviously the horse in the field is, besides noting the number of this shiny new machine, is wondering how many horses this is equivalent to. The answer is probably more than you could get in this field - the power plant is rated at 3,800 horse power. The tail of the train is on Wheal Bois crossing better known to locals as 'Shallow Adit Crossing'. 4th June 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Lots more pictures of the Northern Belle will be found in a feature on this railtour being prepared by Roger Winnen.

Games at Long Rock?
Brian Pibworth

Good Morning Keith,
Passing over Long Rock Crossing last week I noticed this strange piece of equipment on the Up side (picture R) and wonder if anyone knows its purpose.  At first sight it looks like one of those gadgets medieval knights used to practise jousting or maybe they are re-introducing the Mail Train and need to refresh the technique of picking up the mail bags.

Apologies if I have missed an earlier posting with a more "sensible" explanation.

​Best regards, Brian Pibworth

                                                        Thanks for that, we await a reply.

Long Rock 'Games' Equipment 1st June 2016 Copyright Brian Pibworth

The answer to the poser above!!

Hello Keith

In response to the Long Rock hanging balls issue. These were "raised" at a recent depot meeting, and the Engineer Mr Grobelaar is very proud of his balls! They are stopping marker, simple but ingenious. When a HST or Voyager wiper touches the ball, you are at the optimum position opposite the new steps along the cab side. 

My suggestion of a high water marker was far from factual! Though we'd be in trouble if the sea reached this high!

All the best

Craig                                                                     Thanks Craig

Bason Bridge
Mike Morant

It is a pleasure to welcome back Mike Morant with a collection of his Somerset and Dorset Gems. More tomorrow, many thanks Mike.

Here is a delighful view of Bason Bridge, the first station out from Highbridge on the journey towards Evercreech Junction. It closed to passengers along with other stations on the S & D with effect from 7th March 1966. It had lost its goods services w.e.f. 10th June 1964. However the metals from Highbridge stayed in use to serve a milk depot at this location until 2nd October 1972. From the Mike Morant Collection.

The Northern Belle Railtour
Swindon-Bath-Bristol-Par and ECS to Penzance
David Tozer Andrew Triggs Roger Salter and Roger Winnen

160604a Whilst waiting for the Northern Belle an Exeter-Paignton passes the site of the proposed new station at Marsh Barton, Exeter. Copyright David Tozer

160604b 68016 'Fearless' heads the Northern Belle 07.05 Swindon to Par seen passing Marsh Barton. Copyright David Tozer

160604f The Nothern Belle Pullman enters Plymouth Station at 10.17. Copyright Roger Salter

160604c Arriving 4 late at Penzance 68016 top and tailing with 68017 arrives with the Northern Belle. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160604d Busy Penzance 1A94 on Platform 4 1V48 arriving on Platform 2 and the ECS Stock on with 68017 on Platform 1. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160604e The return 16.09 empty stock to Par with 68017 passing the former Marazion Station. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160604g In the full evening sun with 68017 in charge The Northern Belle departs Plymouth a little after 18.00hrs. Copyright Roger Winnen

More will feature on the Features Page

Three from yesterday
Ron and Jenny Westwater

Another lovely sunny day brings out the photographers as Ron and Jenny Westwater look around the St Austell vicinity.  Many thanks.

Hi Keith, Well at least a sunny hour as the cloud piled in after the trains....
Two loco hauled over Gover within 15 minutes!!!!!
                                                                          B Rgds Ron

57603 on the 5P70 1015 Penzance T.& R.S.M.D. to Par pass Burngullow. Copyright Jenny Westwater

57603 on the 5P70 1015 Penzance T.& R.S.M.D. to Par cross Gover viaduct. Copyright Ron Westwater

68016 'Fearless' Tnt with 68017 'Hornet' head the Northern Belle ECS to Penzance (5Z32 1121 ex Par) over Gover viaduct Copyright Ron Westwater