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Liskeard to Looe branch  & Moorswater 

Credits, Many thanks to all contributors - please see a list on the home page.

DMU's took over the Looe branch with effect from 1st September 1961. However, steam returned briefly for two successive Sundays - 19th and 26th September 2010. To see a record of these trains go to the 'Steam Railtours in Cornwall' section.

Very interesting Papers by Bruce Hunt.
We are most grateful to David Critchlow for drawing our attention to four very detailed and most interesting papers written by Bruce Hunt.
These papers are accessed by one link and cover four items of great interest to students of Cornish Railways.
The four items covered are :-
1)    The proposed short cut to Looe.
2)    Railmotor number 93 on the Looe branch.
3)    The Tregantle Military Railway. (Very detailed)
4)    The Cornubian Railtour. (3rd May I964)
To locate these papers please click on the following link.
http://brucehunt.co.uk/south%20east%20cornwall/tregantle%20military%20railway.html
Our appreciation to Bruce Hunt for putting the results of his considerable research on the web.

Liskeard - Looe branch platform

The chocolate and cream 117 305 on the Looe branch connecting curve 11th November 1996. The reason for this happening either onto or off the branch in daylight in November is not known. The headlights are on, yet as there is no driver in sight it is assumed that the driver is at the other end. Copyright Roger Winnen

5572 arrives at Liskeard 5th November 1959. Copyright Mike Roach

Liskeard 17th July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys. Ron advises us that he had travelled on this service from Plymouth and that it formed the first train to Looe that day. Here it is leaving the main line. Note the refuge sidings are still extent on the right hand side of the down main

Liskeard - the first train of the day to Looe approaches 17th July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys 'Ron has travelled down from Plymouth on this train and taken the mandatory walk from the down main platform to the Looe branch platform. Very few passengers have ever traversed the link line between the main line and Looe branch. John Ball is one of our privileged members, he was the lone passenger on the last service of the day from Looe and was asked if he minded getting out at the main platform - he didn't!!

During this work of refurbishment an open waiting area, a bay, was created within the station building by removal of a section of the front wall. Chris Bellett kindly informs us that this work was undertaken in April 2004 - he was involved with the work on the 27th Apil of 2004.

The Looe branch platform at Liskeard.
​ Refurbishment and public displays.
As recorded on 13th August 2019 by Peter Murnaghan.

Peter writes - I don't think that the recent refurbishment of Platform 3 at Liskeard station has featured on the site.  The splendid team at the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership have made an excellent display of posters through the ages in the waiting area of the branch platform.
My photos show the overall effect and a close up of each of the posters, covering a different period in the line's history.  They are designed to complement the interactive App that allows visitors to watch and listen as the posters come to life and also to hear a personal commentary as trains proceed down the branch to Looe. For more information, visit Looerailheritage.com or visit the information rooms at Liskeard and Looe stations, which are manned by volunteers on weekday mornings during the summer.
      Best wishes, Peter  Many thanks Peter - well worth recording

General view of the display of posters on platform 3 at Liskeard. 13th August 2019. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Poster 1 - the story begins.

Poster 2 - GWR Days.

Poster 3 - the end - well almost!

Poster 4 - Modern times

Liskeard Information room display. 13th August 2019. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

A goodly number is seen boarding the first train of the day to Looe. 17th July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

The very last train of clay hoods is seen emerging off the branch into Liskeard station hauled by 37674 Liskeard 10th February 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

Liskeard as a 37 6xx eases its train of loaded CDA's forward towards the main line on the 2nd of August 1987 Copyright Roger Smith Not quite sure what the lady is carrying, however she does seem to be wearing a badge of some sort to indicate an official position. Her daughter appears to be suffering somewhat from the noise of the 37!!

37673 with CDA's from_Moorswater 2nd Sept 1988. This was a regular St Blazey loco with 37669 to 37675 for a period with 37668 and 37521 when the Irvine slurry started. Was a Laira loco from April 1987 Picture and information kindly supplied by Roger Geach Copyright

                        Steam Railmotor visits the Looe branch
      Steam Railmotor number 93 visited the Looe branch on two following Sundays - the 11th and 18th November 2012.

Is it coming or going? Railmotor number 93 at Liskeard Sun 11th November 2012 Copyright David Hibberd

Railmotor at Liskeard Sun 11th November 2012 Copyright David Hibberd

The driving cab of the Railmotor. Sun 11th November 2012 Copyright David Hibberd

The Railmotor stands at Liskeard, Looe Branch platform on Sunday 18th November 2012. Driver Ray Churchill in attendance on the platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

37 608 slipping while trying to restart the Hullaba Looe railtour train at Liskeard. At the country end 37 609 10th February 2013 Peter Murnaghan

Dramatic Diesel - 37 608 slipping while trying to restart the Hullaba Looe railtour train at Liskeard. 10th February 2013 Peter Murnaghan

Steam in the Looe Valley, try this link for a super video of this event - not CRS
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDxGfKWRm8M&t=218s

The weed killer on the sharp 180 deg curve near the top of the bank from Coombe Jct to Liskeard - the question is, is it coming or going? 9th April 89 Copyright Roger Winnen

You can almost hear the 'throaty roar' as a class 37 brings a train of loaded CDA's up the incline from Coombe Junction and under Liskeard viaduct. 11th November 1996 Copyright Roger Winnen

A view for the other side of the valley and a contrast in motive power as 70801 heads under Liskeard Viaduct and up the branch to run round in Liskeard with the 6C36 ThO 11:38 Moorswater-Aberthaw cement works. 20th July 2017 Copyright Ron Westwater

5572 climbs towards Liskeard from Coombe Junction passing under the lofty Liskeard viaduct. 5th November 1959 Copyright Mike Roach

Coming up the bank from Combe Jct we see 5570 5th August 1960 Copyright Mike Roach

This picture from the Adrian Vaughan Collection was a mystery until Roy Hart guessed. - My guess is 'climbing out of Coombe Junction towards Liskeard'. The signal is right for that and the setting fits. The tail lamp in position suggests that the train is descending towards the junction. Many thanks Roy.

Liskeard & Looe Timetable 96  18 June - 9 September 1961 

Liskeard to Looe Timetable 96  Winter  62/63

Moorswater No 2 Ground Frame - Combe Junction - Looe Staff. From the David Hayball Collection, Copyright

​A much appreciated note from Roy Hart on the signalling operations on the Looe & Moorswater line

The staff in the photo dates from as recently as May 1981, when Coombe Junction box closed. The key is for the Ground Frame points at Coombe.
The Looe line was independent of the GWR and the signalling was done by contractors (Saxby and Farmer, later absorbed by Westinghouse). The line was worked by electric tablet -like on the Southern; a heavy brass disc withdrawn from what looked like an enormous Victorian chocolate machine. The boxes were at Looe (inside the station building, levers and all) Coombe Junction and Liskeard Branch. Looe box was replaced in about 1920 by the rather sad little  hut in the photograph: it had 7 levers. The tablet instrument was still in the station building.
Looe box closed in 1964 and the line worked by wooden staff from Coombe -not the wooden staff in the picture, though.
Liskeard branch box also went in 1964 and the token instrument transferred to the main line box. The more modern token had replaced tablet working in about 1956.
The signal in the photograph is Terras Crossing up distant. Terras crossing had a 3 lever ground frame, operating two distant signals and the gate bolt. The lady crossing keeper had a repeater instrument and bell which warned her of train movements. The crossing became 'open' and the signals etc removed in the 1970s.

Roy

The signal at Looe referred to in the text above. July 1969 N.B. Looe Signalbox closed 15th March 1964 - Copyright Mike Roach

Coombe Junction 1 Steam days - the last day of steam operation

Coombe Junction - last day of steam operation 9th September 1961 Copyright Mike Roach

Coombe Junction 5th November 1959 5523 waits light engine from Moorswater while 5552 has run round on the loop ready to go to Looe 5th November 1959 Copyright Mike Roach

Ticket dated 05 NOV 59. From the Mike Roach Collection

Coombe Junction 2

Major changes took place at Coombe Junction in May 1981. The signal box was closed on the 9th May. Prior to this the box had controlled the junction between the lines leading to Liskeard and Looe and also the run round loop.  Passenger trains had previously run into the platform where the steam locomotives used a run round loop to gain the head of their train. The release route for the locomotives also formed the running line of branch to Moorswater. With the demise of steam traction the crossover at the north end of loop was removed in June 1963. However the Moorswater line remained a separate route from a junction by the signal box. With the changes in May 81 a ground frame was established at the Liskeard/Looe junction and the platform line became the access for Moorswater trains with a second ground frame being established to control at catch point egress from Moorswater.

A single car waits at Coombe Junction by Sid Sponheimer. The loop has been taken out so it is after June 63. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Coombe Jct building resplendent in a new coat of paint 16th July 1978 Copyright Mike Roach

Coombe Junction layout on the 16th July 1978. In those days all trains called at Coombe Jct platform for run round purposes but nowadays only two trains a day are extended from the junction to the platform. Copyright Mike Roach. The line to the right was the direct route to Moorswater and also used as the run round line for steam locomotives until the signalbox was dispensed with after which time the line serving the platform became the only route to Moorswater. There is a catch point preventing uncontrolled access from Moorswater. Copyright Mike Roach 16th July 1978.

A low sun illuminates the signal box and signals - all soon to go. This picture dated 1971. Copyright Jim Lewis'

17th July 1971 as the incoming service blots out the view of the signalbox. Copyright Ron Kosys

Coombe Junction 13th August 1972. Copyright Ron Kosys With 26 passenger entries and exits between April 2014 and March 2015, it is the second-least used station in Great Britain,

25155 hauls clay hoods up from Coombe Junction in May 1978 Copyright Roger Geach This fine view no longer possible on several counts, one of which is that trees now obscure the sight, also there are no 25's around these days, no clay hoods and finally no signalbox and semaphores. The line to Looe is located in the valley below.

Coombe Junction Signalbox in July 1969 Copyright Mike Roach

An interesting view here - the train has just come down from Liskeard and the driver is handling over the token attached to its hoop to the signalman. It would seem that the tail light has been at the wrong end for the journey down from Liskeard. July 1969 Copyright Mike Roach

Comment from Chris Osment concerning the above picture and caption  As the train is approaching the signal-box, then it is clear that the driver is about to hand over the (larger red) One Train Working staff from the section to Looe and collect the (smaller) Electric Key Token for the section to Liskeard. This must therefore be an Up, not a Down train. Now, the picture which I have attached (below)  does show a Down train arriving from Liskeard, and if you look careful you see that the token and staff are being swopped over in the other direction. There was no hoop involved in the process, though clearly the railmen needed long arms!

 

Combe Junction Signalbox. A token exchange taking place in 1972. Copyright Chris Osment

An enlarged view of the above picture kindly supplied by Chris Osment. Copyright

The late Charles Fennamore poses with 'tea in hand' at Combe Junction. Copyright the Charles Fennamore Estate.

Coombe Junction from the north, a view by Chris Osment in 1981. A galvanised iron hut remains very close to the former signalbox location. Evidence of the fairly recent removal of the remains of the passing loop is to be seen. Copyright

Combe Junction in August 1971. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Railmotor at Combe Junction Sunday 18th November 2012. Copyright Roger Winnen

​Steam in the Looe Valley, try this link for a super video of this event - not CRS
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDxGfKWRm8M&t=218s

Liskeard & Looe Union Canal at Coombe 
Restoration of Lock 21            
An# most interesting paper by Peter Murnaghan.

​The Looe branch line has its history in the movement of goods between Looe and Moorswater.  Initially it was a canal that linked these two points, with the Liskeard & Looe Union Canal opening in 1828 with 24 locks between Terras Bridge tidal lock, near Looe and a basin at Moorswater.  Its principal purpose was to bring sea sand, lime and seaweed inland to help farmers in the Liskeard area to make their land more fertile. Later, when copper ore was discovered around Caradon Hill and granite quarries opened, the canal was used to convey these commodities southwards to Looe.  The copper went to ships waiting at Looe Quay to take it to South Wales for smelting and the granite for transport around Britain and the rest of the world to construct bridges, lighthouses and harbours.
 
This extra traffic overloaded the little canal and the horse drawn barges could take up to 8 hours to make the journey through all the locks.  As a result, the Canal company decided to update its transport link and built a railway for merchandise between Moorswater and Buller Quay at Looe in 1860 alongside the route of the canal.  This railway, the basis of today's Looe branch line, linked up with the Liskeard & Caradon railway and was able to convey minerals far more quickly than the old canal.  The Looe line opened for passengers nineteen years later in 1879 and was eventually linked up to Liskeard station in 1901.

Meanwhile, the canal slumbered, largely as a drainage channel alongside the railway and the East Looe River.  The route of the canal and a few of its locks, chiefly under bridges, can still be seen by eagle-eyed travellers on the train.  But Lock 21, between Coombe Junction and Lodge Farm crossing, was severed by the 1901 link line to Liskeard.  As a result, it has survived as the only 'dry' lock on the route, without a constant flow of water. Because the railway was opened by the canal company, almost all of its remains are within land owned by Network Rail. Lock 21 has been quietly dominated by tree growth over the years and last week local volunteers were able to access the site, courtesy of Network Rail, to cut back the trees and vegetation that had been threatening to destroy the stonework of this ancient lock.  It is hoped that it will remain a visible reminder of the valley's important transport heritage for many years to come.

Lock 21 can be seen from the branch line, as well as the road that runs parallel, beneath Lodge Hill.  Here are some photos, showing the newly rescued lock, together with a view taken 11 months ago in December 2018, when it was almost invisible beneath the vegetation.

                                           A good job well done. Many thanks Peter
​

Liskeard & Looe Union Canal (1) Lock 21 is seen on the 3rd December 2018 before work started. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Liskeard & Looe Union Canal (2) A class 150 approaches the worksite. 3rd November 2019 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Liskeard & Looe Union Canal (3) The lower entrance of Lock 21 is now clearly visible. The branch train continues on towards Combe Junction, 3rd November 2019. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Liskeard & Looe Union Canal (4) Another view of the worksite and details of responsible parties. 3rd November 2019. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

-------------------------------------------------

Twixt Coombe Jct and St Keyne

Approaching Combe Junction from the Looe direction August 1960. Copyright Mike Roach

5518 last day of steam. Copyright Mike Roach

A winter picture from Landlooe bridge of 153369 on the 1143 Looe to Liskeard on Friday 27th February 2015 Copyright Roger Geach Extensive pruning of the tree opens out the view at this spot.

St Keyne

St Keyne in 1970. The Paul Corin Collection of Magnificent Musical Machines is still at St Keyne Wishing Well Halt - it was open for the summer of 2016. If you wish to visit it is suggested that you contact them for times etc.

Causeland

Causeland, through the window. The station here sees more traffic in the summer months, serving as it does, a collection of holiday lets at the small hamlet. Large parties of walkers sometimes use the station as a starting point for walks along the lovely Looe Valley. 21st July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Skipper 142025 makes its way to Looe on 17th April 1987 - these units proved very unsatisfactory on the sharp curves of the Cornish branches. However on cwr track, up North they seem to provide good service. Copyright Roger Winnen

The charming little halt at Causeland viewed in July 1969. From the smoke from the DMU is looks as if it is travelling at a fair speed as it makes its way towards Looe. Causeland is a request stop. Copyright Mike Roach

Causeland some views by John Cornelius

A large information display for a very small station! Copyright John Cornelius

We're going to have to stop, a solitary passenger waits an up service. Copyright John Cornelius

A new, or very much improved shelter waits passengers. The little halt has seen a 'makeover' and looks very smart. Copyright John Cornelius.

Near Sandplace

The 1030 Looe to Liskeard seen nr Sandplace in brillaint sunshine on Friday 27th February 2015 Copyright Roger Geach

Near Plashford farm Sandplace. The 11.11 Liskeard to Looe on Friday 27th February 2015 Copyright Roger Geach

Plashford Farm 16th April 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

Plashford Bridge 12.49 Looe to Liskeard. 7th May 2018 Copyright Chris Harvey

Sandplace

Sandplace waiting shelter on the 13th August 1972. Copyright Ron Kosys

A delightful shot of Sandplace on the 13th August 1972. If only we could travel in heritage DMU's on this line today!! Copyright Ron Kosys

Terras Crossing

This picture of Terras Crossing taken in August 1973 clearly shows bridge over the canal, the main river over to the left covers the road and railway at times. The crossing keepers residence to the right, perhaps at one time it also served to house the lock keeper. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

A scene from the 80's taken by Ross Griffiths reminds us of how pleasant rail travel was in those days. We didn't mind the perhaps rough ride when we had the privilege of large windows and could also see the drivers view - if only from one end only. If only one could bring back the bubble cars!! Thanks for the happy memories Ross. Copyright Ross Griffiths. Picture from the 80's comment from 2018!!

Copyright John Cornelius

A most interesting map courtesy of the National Library of Scotland of this location showing the location of the river and canal bridge and the level crossing can be seen by clicking here.

The DMU is presumably heading away from Terras Crossing, one can tell by the lamp hung on the back of the train. The water is being ruffled by a stiff breeze otherwise there would be a good reflection here.

For this picture Roger Geach would have got more than his feet wet had the tide been as in the picture above. One must admit that the distinctive livery of the train makes it stand out from the background. Here we see a train approachingTerras crossing on the 29th May 2004 Copyright Roger Geach. There is a hint of a reflection.

Hullaba Looe railtour approaching Terras Crossing 10th February 2013Peter Murnaghan

A Looe bound Class 153 crawls to a stand before Terras Crossing - the time is 15.02 on the 29th April 2015. There is just a glimmer of a reflection in the mud from the cottage north of the crossing 29th April 2015 Copyright Ron Westwater.

Two minutes later the same unit has accelerated away from its stop at the crossing and heads on towards Looe beside the ruffled waters. 29th April 2015. Copyright Ron Westwater

Steam in the Valley

Terras Crossing - Sunday 18th November 2012. Copyright Roger Winnen

Terras Crossing - Railmotor heads for Looe. 18th November 2012. Copyright Roger Winnen

​Steam in the Looe Valley, try this link for a super video of this event - not CRS
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDxGfKWRm8M&t=218s

Looe

The picture was taken in July 1969 when this distant signal for the level crossing at Terras was operated by the crossing keeper.15 Mar 64! Copyright Mike Roach. N.B In this view the train appears to be travelling towards the photographer. The mast in the distance is on top of Caradon Hill - the metals of this railway once very nearly encircled the hill on route to Minions and Kit Hill.

W55025 approaches Looe with a service from Liskeard on 16th February 1985.Copyright Clive Smith

A delightful picture from the Alan Harris Postcard collection.

This is Looe as we like to remember it, the longer platform, steam trains used to run down into the goods yard beyond where there was a loop. Railway wagons went even further along the quayside well beyond the bridge. The quarter mile post gives a clue to the position of the current station. It is probably a BR lorry backed in ready to distribute and parcels. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Bubble car W55034 at Looe Station on 1st July 1969 Copyright Geoffrey Matthews

A view alongside the buffer stops at Looe station of Bubble car W55034 on the 1st July 1969 Copyright Geoffrey Matthews

55000 at Looe it was the last of the class being withdrawn in 1993 Mike Hitchens Collection

117305 was a firm favourite in Cornwall - those colours look perfect on a Cornish branch line. Seen here on the 11th November 1996. Copyright Roger Winnen

153318 failed at Looe this week, and arrangements made to assist with 150104 from main line duties. I was tasked with bringing the staff from the failed train back to Coombe no. 1 ground frame to allow the assisting unit on to the single line. One of the few occasions when the staff does NOT remain with the failed train. The three detonators certainly made a racket across the river at Looe as the assisting unit approached the assistance protection pout pout by the crew of the failed unit. 15th June 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

153382 at Looe about to work 2L02 18.40 to Liskeard December 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam

Changes at Looe - John Cornelius

Copyright John Cornelius

A view taken from what is now the site of Looe Police station. An interesting display of cars! Copyright John Cornelius

The waiting shelter has been replaced by a more fitting structure. Copyright John Cornelius

Copyright John Cornelius

Steam in the Valley.

Looe Sunday 18th January 2012. Copyright Roger Winnen

Steam at Looe - Sunday 18th November 2012. Copyright Roger Winnen

​Steam in the Looe Valley, try this link for a super video of this event - not CRS
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDxGfKWRm8M&t=218s

The old days at Looe

Looe station Sep61 Copyright Mike Roach

Maintenance in progress on the roof of the station building where two men can be seen at work. The station staff await the arrival of the next train from Liskeard while potential passengers shelter under the roof. The run round loop was beyond the station and the lines to the quay extended from one of the sidings. 5th November 1959 Copyright Mike Roach

The 11.55 train from Liskeard runs in behind 5572 passing the station name picked out in large stone on the grass between the track and the river bank. 5th November 1959 Copyright Mike Roach

5572 stands on arrival at the platform - passengers move along the platform but will be unable to board until the locomotive has run round its train beyond the station. 5th November 1959 Copyright Mike Roach

5572 has run round its train which it is preparing to bring up to the platform. Note the wide expanse occupied by the railway - this is now taken up by the Police station, a garage and the doctors suregy. 5th November 1959 Copyright Mike Roach

A general view of the station looking towards Liskeard - the two men are still at work on the roof. Note the two signal posts in the distance and also the P.W. (permanent way) staff hut complete with fireplace and chimney. 5th November 1959 Copyright Mike Roach

5572 has now drawn the stock into the platform bringing it neatly to a stand by the water column where the tender is about to be replenished. Note, beyond the engine that there are two signalposts with the whiter one possibly the new one awaiting transfer of the signal arms and wires. 5th November 1959 Copyright Mike Roach

'All change at Looe', or perhaps better titled 'All is changing at Looe' ! This picture dates from July 1965. By this time steam was long gone, since 9th September 1961, and the run round and sidings had been lifted. Still remaining is the water tank, minus its hose, and a solitary buffer stop pronounces the end of the line. This was later further cut back, in hindsight, what a shame. Copyright Mike Roach

Looe Signalbox Copyright photograph by W.H. Walshaw/ 'Photos from the Fifties collection' Hugh_davies@btopenworld.com Test version 1

Looe Quay

A picture taken in the 1950's by the late Sidney Sponheimer Snr of a locomotive well beyond the station, probably running round its rake of coaches, which can be seen in the background. Copyright Sid Sponheimer collection

East Looe Quay. You'd hardly recognise it these days but, look, there's the East to West Looe road bridge in the distance. Courtesy the Alan Harris Collection

• MOORSWATER

An up service disturbs the peace and quiet of the valley as it crosses Moorswater viaduct on its journey east. 16th July 1978 Copyright Mike Roach

A lovely study of 37673 at Moorswater 12th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

37673 shunts at Moorswater 12th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

37672 passes Combe Jct platform with clay for the Moorswater Driers 19th July 1991 Copyright Roger Geach

37673 proceeds to Moorswater with the clay empties leaving Coombe Junction 13th April 1995 Copyright Roger Geach

25080 literally in the middle of a shunt with clayhoods at Moorswater. Pictured in September 1978 Copyright Roger Geach

37370 dominates the scene at Moorswater Crossing with a cement working.on the 21st March 2000 Copyright Roger Geach

170708a Looking down on Moorswater which was taken on 8th July 2017, Compare it with a similar photograph taken on 24th August, 1974 which is two above. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

37675 hauls hoods away from Moorswater 21st January 1988 2 Copyright Ron Kosys

37673 leaves Moorswater with CDA's in tow. 12th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

37673 at Coombe from Moorswater 12th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

With a characteristic roar 37674 takes the last clay hoods away from Moorswater and up to bank towards Liskeard. Coombe Junction on the 10th February 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

We're into April 1988 with CDA operation as 37673 leaves Coombe 12th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Moorswater Shed in April 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Moorswater Shed in April 1965 Copyright Mike Roach