Exeter
Paul Barlow
Craig Munday
Hope all is well? My apologies for the lack of prompt pictures lately, it really is a barmy time with the end of the CDAs, the resignalling interest, work and domestic stuff. I'll be glad for a rest soon!
Here is a recent round up of images in the Duchy:
The GBRf operated weedsprayer 3Q98 visited for a catch up with the programme over the period of 18th/ 22nd Aug. The Friday night run coincided with Storm Betty which had caused all manner of operational issues. Sadly the train returned having not operated on 22nd Aug. It is seen at Par, St Blazey and returning eastbound at Tywardreath.
By chance, St Blazey also had the RHTT set on the depot which looked like a "showcase" for all manner of things spraying the infrastructure! The visit of former LMS loco 45116 also allowed a quick picture passing the vehicles on Sunday 20th whilst it was turned.
Also on the 20th the long awaited arrival of the stored wagons to bolster the clay fleet arrived in the County. The 22 wagon train just squeezed into the down goods loop at Lostwithiel (see how close the loco is to the exit signal LL40). The 7 wagons are behind the locomotive 66190, and include 5 JGA wagons. They will be attended to at the workshops prior to entering service. I understand all the wagons will join a general pool and could find themselves on the local circuit or going up to Stoke On Trent. I fear that the JGAs will be covered in graffiti before if that happens though.
The picture is also of interest in the signalling department. Look closely and you can see the clamp lock machines mounted on concrete plinths that will eventually drive the points across when they become electrically operated from Exeter.
All the best for now, Craig.
Penmere?
Phil Hawke
The recent celebrations re Penmere reminded me of a question that has puzzled me for a long time. From various snippets on the internet I gather that the tanker sidings were provided in the early part of the second world war to serve the storage tanks at Swanvale. Now, I've seen the product that was transported and stored referred to both as petrol and diesel, this traffic lasting until the 1960's.
Now my questions are; were the rail tankers delivering or collecting and was it petrol or diesel and where did they originate or terminate at the other end. As the Air Ministry commissioned the building of the storage tanks I assume the fuel was aviation grade petrol during the war and later became kerosene for use in jet engines at St Mawgan? I can feel an answer from the east on its way before long!
Phil Hawke
Dear Keith/Phil,
Penmere sidings were indeed provided in 1941 at the behest of the Air Ministry. The fuel came by sea, of course. The layout consisted of a long loop siding, with a connection to four long loading sidings at the Falmouth end. I have always assumed that the fuel was taken on by road.
There were 2 ground fames working the points, released by annett's key on the Penryn-Falmouth train staffs.
After the war, Nancekuke and Predannack airfilds ceased to be operational and traffic at Penmere dwindled. By 1958/9 it was zero. The main loop siding was used for storing condemned goods stock in the early sixties, but the oil sidings remained fenced and locked although the pipework and taps etc remained intact. It was all lifted in 1966.
All the best to you both,
Roy
Phil Smith