Lostwihiel to Fowey branch

Lostwithiel to Fowey branch

A most excellent collection of old railway films has come to the net from Cornish Memories.Com Just click here to see them http://cornishmemory.com/items/browse?search=diesel
The first entitled Bodmin Rd to Padstow is actually from Padstow to Bodmin Road - it lasts for 11 mins and includes Padstow station, Little Petherick Creek bridge, lineside and on train sequences including Wadebridge, Grogley, Nanstallon, Boscarne Exchange (See the Bodmin N connection), Bodmin General and Bodmin Road.
The second entitled Plymouth to Fowey is actually Lostwithiel to Fowey. A film of almost ten minutes comprises a fascinating journey in both directions along the branch - it starts off with a glimpse inside Lostwithiel Signal Box with the gate wheel, then Golant, a run past the busy docks and round the bend into Fowey Station. Plus a glimpse inside Fowey Signal Box.
The third Plymouth - Saltash two minute film is actually from Lostwithiel to Plymouth. Lostwithiel station views, approach to Liskeard, Shillingham tunnel, glimpse of the Weard loop, The Royal Albert Bridge and the road bridge under construction, glimpse of Devonport Docks then the approach to Plymouth including Plymouth West Signalbox - this closed 26th November 1960.
Cornwall Memories. Com deserve a very hearty congratulations on making these long gone scenes available to the world. What memories they stir up.

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

Members and general visitors to the CRS site will be interested in visiting http://www.railmaponline.com From the opening page a full map of the UK can be accessed which can then be enlarged to show every railway line in the UK. Not just today's network but lines from the past have been overlaid. As you zoom in sidings and even tramways become visible.

A valuable tip from Guy Vincent.

For more details see PRC Railtour.

N.B Click on picture to obtain an enlargement and further details

Lostwithiel - Fowey branch timetable 9th September 1963 to 14th June 1964 Copy supplied courtesy Andrew Jones

Lostwithiel, looks tropical with those trees! The main station building seems to be emitting rather a lot of smoke but it is probably a passing cloud. Not a lot of traffic as one single car unit exchanges passengers with another on a down service. A shame that the island platform building succumbed before it became listed. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Lostwithiel January 2nd !965 was the last day of passenger services on the Fowey branch. This is the 16.40pm to Fowey on probably the penultimate day. Freight services, in the form of china clay, continue to this day. Copyright Mike Roach

The unit scheduled for the half past one departure from Lostwithiel for Fowey carried this portable 'train describer' blackboard balanced on the handrail at the front. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Another last day picture as the DMU driver cleans his windsceeen. The last train was the 18.45 off Lostwithiel. A main line service pauses at the up platform, the up starter signal is already off. 2nd January 1965 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Lostwithiel, a 'be-wiskered Bubble' comes in off the Fowey branch. - Copyright Alan Harris The passenger service on this branch ceased in January 1966. Sometime after this, in 1972, the access to the Fowey branch was moved to a location west of the bridge over the river Fowey and the associated section of this bridge removed,

A picture taken in 1985 by Mike Roach sees a class37 taking a loaded train past Coulsons Park at Lostwithiel. The main line is out of sight but close by on the left. To the right there is a glimpse of the bank of the river Fowey. Copyright

Network Rail test unit 950001 at Coulson Park in Lostwithiel returning from Fowey working 2Q08 0318 Plymouth to Penzance via Gunnislake, Parkandillack & Fowey. Tues 22nd August.. 950001 Coulson Park, Lostwithiel. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Lostwithiel,near 45009 on clay February 1978 Copyright Roger Geach.

Probably the same 37 brings a train of empties back from Carne Point. 1985 Copyright Mike Roach

Mike Roach label collection

Fowey 47 252 breaking records brings a load of 61 Hoods alongside the River Fowey on its way down to Carne Point 4th July 1979 Copyright Mike Roach

750404j Clay heading for Carne Point on 4th April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

750404k Clay heading for Carne Point on 4th April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

1036 Western Yeoman has its train reflected by the calm river has it heads for Carne Point. 23rd July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

With the closure of Lostwithiel signal box in March 2024, this installation has been provided to house the staff required for trains to continue along the branch to Fowey. 10.04.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

Looking back towards Lostwithiel we have a new colour light signal and a sign to advise of the end of the staff-worked section. 10.04.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

The driver of 66130 is on the platform working the device to release the staff so that he can proceed to Fowey to deliver the clay. 10.04.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

66092 crosses Milltown viaduct with the 6G06 0740 Goonbarrow-Fowey 27th April 2015 Copyright Ron Westwater

An unusual view as 66092 heads down the branch with a load for Carne Point. 27th April 2015. The field of golden daffodils make a smashing foreground. Whilst the branch accompanies the river, the main line is climbing steeply in a cutting from right to left behind the hedge in the centre of this picture, Copyright Ron Westwater

37267 came down to Cornwall in 1978. Here it is between Lostwithiel and Golant in Sept of that year. Copyright Roger Geach

Lower down the branch the river Fowey broadens out and from St Winnow Church fine views across the estuary are obtained. Here in 1985 a 37 takes a train of over thirty CDA;s towards Carne Point. Copyright Mike Roach

A superb view as 66092 heads past St Winnow with the morning Goonbarrow to Fowey (Is there a more peaceful place to wait for a train) 20th April 2015 Copyright Ron Westwater

St Winnow Church again features in the picture. After running round at Lostwithiel 66206 heads down stream with the 6G06 07.39 Goonbarrow to Fowey, 10th August 2017 Copyright Ron Westwater

Woodgate Pill

66023 crosses the inlet at Woodgate Pill and heads towards Fowey with the 6G06 07:39 Goonbarrow-Fowey 3rd October 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

Visit to the War Department sidings at Woodgate Pill Sunday 30th March 2014 Notes and photographs by Roger Winnen

With the kind co-operation of Network Rail a small party visited the former sidings of the War Department at Woodgate Pill. Very little information is available on this line and none appears to be recorded in any documentation to far other than in the Middleton Press East Cornwall Mineral Railways by Maurice Dart.
Constructed at the time of the First World War it lasted into the Second World War and lifted sometime afterwards.
These are on private land - access is strictly prohibited.

Woodland Pill Sidings. These were situated at milepost 280. Trains reversed from Fowey to gain access to the two sidings. Presumably the very short siding was to stable the brake van which would have been leading in the push from Fowey. The sidings were on a rising gradient from 1 in 66, then 1 in 110, followed by 1 in 264 within the wharf limits then 1 in 110 to the end of the sidings. Between the sidings stood a wharf/platform on which there was 215 feet long Transit Shed for storage.

Walking the track of the Lostwithiel to Carne Point line. 30th March 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen

Penquite Quay. Notice the finiel on the roof. Copyright Roger Winnen. 30th March 2014

Chris Groves stands at the junction for Woodgate Pill Sidings. There may have been gates at the entrance 30th March 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen

The party makes a start on following the line to the wharf. 30th March 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen

Woodgate Pill track formation. 30th March 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen.

A transit shed 215 feet long stood on the wharf seen on the right - the second siding was on the far side. 30th March 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen

The side of the War Department loading wharf is still clearly visible nearly 70 years after the war. 30th March 2014. Copyright Roger Winnen

A member of the party returns from the far end of the sidings. 30th March 2014. Copyright Roger Winnen

The far end of the sidings. 30th March 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen

Returning down the route of the second siding a view of the Fowey Branch is seen crossing the entrance to Woodland Pill. 30th March 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen

A piece of rail, all that was found of the railway as such. 30th March 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen

The loading wharf wall of the second siding The transit shed covered a large area between the two sidings. 30th March 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen

Golant Halt

Taken just before the train rumbled over the bridge which provides access for boats to the waterfront at Golant. In the near distance can be seen Golant Halt platform. A last day picture taken by Sid Sponheimer. Copyright

A fine picture of a very busy Golant Halt taken during a regatta week. The picture copyright the Edward South Collection

Another picture from the Edward South Collection of the 1901 regatta. Copyright the Edward South Collection

A very well know locomotive on Cornish Metals 5572 calls at Golant with a service for Fowey. Late 50's. Copyright Roger Tabb

Golant shortly before closure. A classic picture by Sid Sponheimer. The gentleman with his pipe, the lady passing the time of day with the guard before the train continues its journey to Lostwithiel. Copyright.

Golant Halt looking towards Fowey, taken on a sad day, the last day of passenger services on the branch 2nd January 1965. Copyright Mike Roach

Taken during time when 47339 spent a short period at St Blazey. Here we see it heading for Fowey on the 28th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

50149 passes Golant with the return empties from Carne Point 25th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Golant In 1994 The Lostwithiel chamber of commerce organised several operating days on the Fowey branch perhaps with a view to making this a tourist attraction. However there was limited support and the trail was not repeated. 24 July 94 Copyright Roger Winnen

The village of Golant affords some attractive locations for train pictures as can be seen of this Chamber of commerce charter on the 24th July 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen

A very attractive picture. Reflections in the still water as 37065 and 37679 top and tail the weedkiller train as it crosses Golant embankment along the branch on the 10th July 1999 Copyright Roger Geach

A very attractive picture as 37670 crosses Golant Harbour with CDA empties on 31st August 1989 Copyright Roger Geach

As pretty as a picture. A scene full of interest 37412 crosses the embankment at Golant with the empties from Carne Point destined for St Blazey. 19th August 1992. Copyright Roger Geach

The tide is out for this winter scene as 66171 hauls the 1350 Fowey to Goonbarrow CDA empties past Golant on the 27th February 2015 Copyright Roger Geach

The peace and quiet of the charming port of Golant is disturbed as a class 37 6xx accelerates away from the slack over the level crossing hauling its empty CDA's towards Lostwithiel after emptying the load at Carn Point. 2nd August 1987. Copyright Roger Smith

37 673 at Golant with loaded CDA's for Carne Point, Fowey c.1990 Copyright Colin Moss

A lovely reflection in the still waters inside the embankment as 66152 passes Golant on 22nd September 2014 Copyright Craig Munday

37670 passing Golant with a afternoon set of empties from Carne Point 3 9 1989 . This was a Local engine working off St Blazey as 37182 before it was refurbished at Crewe works during 1987. It was a La engine from October 1982 to April 1983 as 37182. Then again as renumbered 37670 from April 1987 but arriving during August 87 at La. It stayed until July 99 , Many will recall its name as St Blazey TRS depot named at ST Blazey 4 2 1993. This loco was involved in a serious collision at Tavistock Junction along with 37671 on the 25 11 1987 so wa sthen missing from the county for quite some time while it was repaired. Cheers Roger Geach. Copyright

I usually enjoy the Golden 8 Weeks, around the longest day in June, but the weeks leading up to 21st have been very disappointing. Cloud has shrouded the County with only a few glimpses of sunshine. I see that is set to change this week, which create a sunny Mazey Day - a feat not seen for some years now. I was advised the clay empties from Carne Point may be ready early last Friday so hoped for a high tide, break of sun departure. The sun was hazy to say the least, but it did appear as the squealing of flanges could be heard leaving Fowey. My friend Ian's fields stayed lit in the background which was a good omen. As the train blew up for the slipway crossing at Golant the train passed through in fine evening light, and a tick on the bucket list was crossed off! All the best, Craig. N.B. This photo was taken on the 15th June 2018 Copyright Craig Munday.

Many CDA;s approach Golant behind 66009 on the 7th April 2008. tide out and few leaves on the trees. Copyright Roger Geach

Weedkiller to Carne Point at Golant July 2023
Jon Hird

Here are a three photos of GBRF’s 66701 and 66711 at Golant on a trip to and from Fowey with the weed killer this evening.

This was timed to run much later than it actually did, as it was due to visit St. Austell first, but thankfully that trip didn’t happen which meant that it was present at Golant before the sun dropped down behind the hill. I thought that was going to be the case for the return, but the train came back literally minutes before the shadows crept over the track embankment, you can see the boats in the foreground are in shadow already.

A lot of luck and a lovely evening ‘down by the river’ after a miserable wet and windy weekend!

All the best, Jon Hird

Weedkiller en route to Fowey. lead by 66701. 16th July 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

Very well lit by the setiing sun. Weedkiller to Fowey. 66711. brings up the rear. 16th July 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

Mission accomplished the Weedkiller returns from Fowey. 66701. 16th July 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks Jon

Fowey Docks - Carne Point

Mark Lynam
Yesterday I had a day of chasing both the Clay trains. 66131 Was in Par harbour early yesterday morning, now heading away after being on the local clays in Cornwall for the last few months.
Another red Class 66 - 66104 is now on the local clays seen in the Luxulyan Valley and at Fowey Docks, quite a difficult location to get to starting on the Saints Way at Fowey then trecking through the steep woods to the railway boundary, but was worth it in the end.

66104 After bringing the 2nd rake of CDAs to the loading shed.Copyright Mark Lynam

A very modern picture taken on the 19th March 2014 shows 66006 at work at Carne Point. At the time 66006 was the only loco of this class west of the Dawlish breach and had been in Cornwall since January 11th 2014 In the background Netherlands registered cargo ship 'Nordland' sits at no.8 Jetty. Copyright Nathan Stockman

66090 approaches Carne Point in brilliant sunshine with a load of 39 CDA's on the 13th March 2015 Copyright Craig Munday 66090 has just crossed the Network Rail / Fowey Docks boundary.

Fowey station

Fowey station opened in 1895 as a 2-platform through station with a goods line down the middle. The passenger service from St Blazey was never more than a skeleton and it ceased in 1929 (though it continued unadvertised for another 5 years for the benefit of GW dock employees at Fowey - a rake of ancient 4- and 6- wheeled coaches was kept at St Blazey for it). In this picture we see 1419 propelling its auto car off to Lostwithiel in 1952. The old 'up' platform was on the left here and had just been lifted, in 1951. Note the water column and footbridge. Until 1951, Lostwithiel trains arrived in the down platform (foreground) then shunted to the up platform for departure. 1419 was the Fowey regular (and the only member of its class shedded in Cornwall) throughout the 1950s until the end of steam, in 1961. Roy Hart

A further copy of the picture above. Fowey 2nd January 1965 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

An interesting view at Fowey by Sid Sponheimer. Sid is well out on the track to take this picture, no doubt he has got permission as it appears that the guard is holding a red flag to prevent any movements, besides that the signal is holding the train. The lady beside the signalbox may be secretly eating a pasty!!! Note all the vans stowed in the sidings beyond the station. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Fowey on a very sad day for the branch - single car unit W55026 waits time to leave on the 16.15 to Lostwithiel 2nd January 1965. The last train in this direction was at 18.20 Copyright Mike Roach

Fowey. Shortly before the line closed to passengers. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Lostwithiel and Fowey timetables Summer 61 above Winter 61/62 below

A very wet day with 50149 Defiance - Ron Kosys

Ron writes :- Thursday 28th April 1988 was just typical of my ‘luck’ whilst trying to phot 50149.
When the weather was good, there was very little traffic on the move.
And when the weather wasn’t so good there was a fair bit about.

Well this day was appallingly bad. It was very dull and very wet. Pity digital photography wasn’t around at that time....
This particular Thursday found 50149 employed almost continuously between Lostwithiel and Fowey.
Unfortunately it was that dark Kodachrome photography was nigh-on impossible, but you had to give it a go...

Here, 50149 passes through Lostwithiel heading for Fowey with loaded CDA’s. Note 47339 in the former Fowey bay platform. It didn’t move all day so I’m guessing it was out of service. 28th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

50149 returns from Carne Point with the empties. 28th April 2018. Copyright Ron Kosys

Ron says that he wished that he had gone a little further along the footpath. But nevertheless with the tide in the sombre light makes a good picture. Copyright Ron Kosys 28th April 2018.

The final picture on the rather dull day. Ron says that he's not sure whether the tide was in or that the harbour had filled up due to the excessive rain!!! 28th April 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

Weekend Work on the Fowey Branch - July 2021
Lengths track based on Concrete Sleepers were replaced by new track on steel sleepers.

Track relaying took place on the Fowey Branch over the weekend of 3rd and 4th July, although the line is predominantly known for it's DB traction, both Colas and GBRf trains visited Fowey with 6C20 comprised of the NTC machine and steel sleepers hauled by 66850 'David Maidement OBE' and 6G71 comprised of auto ballast hoppers top and tailed by 66723 'Chinook' and 66713 'Forest City' the trains were cascaded at Fowey Docks with 66713 working 6G71 back to Westbury and 66723 working top and tail with 66850 on 6C20 to Westbury.

Firstly we see a collection of pictures taken by Mick House at Lostwithiel station and close by the station.
These are followed by four views by Driver Alan Peters down along the branch towards Fowey and at Carne Point

Lostwithiel and close by - pictures kindly supplied by Mick House.

Photo 1) 66 713 Forest City stand ready to depart the Fowey branch for Westbury. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 2) 66 713 Forest City, coming off the branch. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 3) 66 723 Chinook ZA 723, coming off the branch and passing through Lostwithiel and heading for Westbury. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 4) 66 850 David Maidment OBE, on the rear of the track laying train, standing on the Fowey branch. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 5) 66 850 David Maidment OBE on the rear of the track laying train, passing through Lostwithiel, on its way to Westbury. Copyright Mick House.

Down the branch - pictures kindly supplied by Driver Alan Peters.

Stranger on the shore, Colas Rail 66850 'David Maidment OBE' has detached the NTC machine and sleeper wagons and drawn the NTC truss wagon clear of the relay by stabling at Fowey Docks during the early hours of July 4th 2021 Alan Peters

The view of the relay worksite in the middle of the night in the pouring rain, note steel sleepers have been used to replace the existing concrete 04/07/21 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

GBRf 66723 'Chinook' made a rare appearance on the Fowey branch with the auto ballast hoppers, tailed with 66713 which is out of sight due to the heavy overgrowth along the line 04/07/21 Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

The sight of Colas Rail 66850 'David Maidment OBE' at Fowey Docks complete with NTC machine and empty sleeper wagons on 04/07/21 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Carne Point - three pictures taken by Driver Alan Peters during a 'duty visit' to the docks on the occasion of the track renewal on the branch in July 2021.

Many thanks Alan for your pictures taken while on duty at Carne Point, as you say it is extremely difficult to imagine how the branch could ever be re-opened to the original terminus for passenger use.