Rod Garner is the Chairman of the Tarka Valley Railway Group based at Torrington Station. Rod made the CRS group very welcome when we called there on July 5th. In talking to us he mentioned that he had a few Cornish views and would look for them. Below are a couple of his gems of the Helston Branch taken while on holiday down here in the 1960's. More will appear on the St Ives branch and Kingswear branch pages in due course.
If in the area Torrington station is well worth a visit - certainly you should visit their website on www.tarkavalleyrailway.co.uk
If in the area Torrington station is well worth a visit - certainly you should visit their website on www.tarkavalleyrailway.co.uk
Hanging out of the window out of the steam hauled train, one got lovely views especially after Truthall Platform as the train coasted down grade along a line which hugged the contours towards Cober Viaduct which is prominent in this picture. A prank for local schoolchildren on their way home on the corridor-less 'B' stock was to transfer from one compartment to another on the outside of the train as it crossed the viaduct - this was done on the far side of the curved viaduct - out of view of the driver and guard. The prize, a 'six penny piece'. It is hoped that this viaduct will again support trains as the Helston Railway Preservation Society extends its track to Water - ma - Trout. This picture is the copyright of Rod Garner.
The second of Rod Garners Helston pictures is of Helston station itself. In this view the 45 or 55 tanks has gone to quench its thirst at the water column alongside the engine shed road. There are two stories to tell here. The first relates to a driver who didn't check his signals on being given 'right away' by the guard. He accelerated away complete with his train into the engine shed - doing some damage. The second is about an manouver which occurred when the run round loop was occupied with goods stock. In order to get the engine to the right end of the train the engine would be uncoupled and give a hefty shove to push the stock out of the station and up the grade out under the bridge, The locomotive would then rapidly return and retire to the engine shed with the stock gravitating back under the control of the guard. Also note the serpentine siding with a wagon standing under the shute. Copyright Rod Garner.