TRURO
An important anniversary.
Neil Phillips
An important anniversary.
Neil Phillips
Hi Keith,
Since it has just occurred to me, I thought it was worth mentioning that 7th November 1971 was a significant date in railway history for the Truro area. 45 years ago today Truro Goods Yard was reopened following its remodelling throughout much of 1971, which included demolition of the former steam depot and the demotion of the former Up Main through Platform 4 to a mere dead-end siding. The scheme encompassed more than the station area of course – this was also the officially recorded date for the closure of the Newham branch, rationalisation of Penwithers Junction (initiating ‘wrong-line’ running through Highertown Tunnel for Falmouth to Truro trains) and the abolition of Truro West and Penwithers Junction signal boxes. Truro station signage was also changed from the old enamel brown & cream colours to BR’s rather less attractive corporate black & white.
Class 47 1660 ‘City of Truro’ was present on the day, parked in the down sidings opposite Truro East signal box. Miraculously it is still operational with Colas Rail and recently even regained its original name, having carried ‘Atlantic College’, ‘Resplendent’ and ‘Demelza’ in between!
Best regards, Neil Phillips
Many thanks to you Neil for such a detailed record of a milestone in the history of Truro station and the area.
Since it has just occurred to me, I thought it was worth mentioning that 7th November 1971 was a significant date in railway history for the Truro area. 45 years ago today Truro Goods Yard was reopened following its remodelling throughout much of 1971, which included demolition of the former steam depot and the demotion of the former Up Main through Platform 4 to a mere dead-end siding. The scheme encompassed more than the station area of course – this was also the officially recorded date for the closure of the Newham branch, rationalisation of Penwithers Junction (initiating ‘wrong-line’ running through Highertown Tunnel for Falmouth to Truro trains) and the abolition of Truro West and Penwithers Junction signal boxes. Truro station signage was also changed from the old enamel brown & cream colours to BR’s rather less attractive corporate black & white.
Class 47 1660 ‘City of Truro’ was present on the day, parked in the down sidings opposite Truro East signal box. Miraculously it is still operational with Colas Rail and recently even regained its original name, having carried ‘Atlantic College’, ‘Resplendent’ and ‘Demelza’ in between!
Best regards, Neil Phillips
Many thanks to you Neil for such a detailed record of a milestone in the history of Truro station and the area.
Charlton Mackrell
Janet Seaton
Janet Seaton
The station staff and passengers wait as 3696 runs into Charlton Mackrell station with a service for Taunton. Picture Ref SM (22) kindly supplied by the Langport & District History Society 3696 Care of Janet Seaton. Copyright
Blatchbridge Junction
John Cornelius
John Cornelius
A smashing picture by John Cornelius, a signalman at the time. There is a striking resemblance between the dark green on 47146 and the green livery being introduced by FGW. Picture copyright John Cornelius