CORNWALL RAILWAY  GALLERY 
MAIN  LINE - Lostwithiel Excl to St Germans Order of listing 

In this section, we travel from Lostwithiel to St Germans.
  

Credits, and references - please see a list on the home page.

If you do not see what you require

Go to the Links page and select Cornwall Centre, then on their home page select 'Cornwall Image Bank'. There is a selection of photographs by John Vaughan, Arthur Trevan, George Ellis and others.
You could always visit the Cornwall Centre at Alma Place, Redruth. Very near the station.

If you wonder what Cornwall looks like under the snow click here for a journey by Mike Roach in the winter of 1986.

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

Lostwithiel, east of

CDA's 'a plenty'. 37674 and 50029 on clay workings just east of Lostwithiel Crossing 11th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

The first up HST working heads east from Lostwithiel.Lostwithiel 4th July 1979 Copyright Mike Roach

50049 Defiance leaves Lostwithiel on the 5th July 1986 with the 1M83 1030 Penzance to Liverpool Copyright Julian Stephens Note the station yards are very busy with tanks and clay hoods.

47365 at Lostwithiel with the 6M22 1215 Truro-Ince & Elton on the 11th August 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

East of Lostwithiel, and interesting picture with clay hoods on the down loop. Copyright Roger Winnen

Just east of Lostwithiel 50 035 Ark Royal on the 4th July 1979 75th Anniversary of CR. Copyright Mike Roach

Restormel Farm Bridge

Everything is nice and bright and green and red, as at a very quiet location, best described as Restormel Farm Bridge Class 47722 hauls the 5m99 18.08 St Blazey - Plymouth on the 11th May 1999 Copyright Roger Geach

Brown Queen.
The tunnel here is 88 yards long

Views from Restormel Castle. 
This castle, situated in the Glyn Valley, provides superb views of the valley but unfortunately due to tree cover only glimpses of the railway - still it's an excellent spot.

Viewed from the ramparts of Restormel Castle. The HST is the 07.30 Paddington to Penzance 20th April 2013 Copyright Chris Harvey

Restormel, another view from the castle looking more towards Lostwithiel as Class 150 forming the 11.46 Penzance to Plymouth on the 20th April 2013 emerges from that delightful bridge in the valley bottom. Copyright Chris Harvey

Respryn

Respryn 1068 Western Reliance in the hot summer of August 76 Copyright Roger Aston

1065 Western Consort heads a down service near Rspryn. Copyright Roger Aston

25052 and 25207 head the St blazey to Carlisle freight at Respryn 12th June 1978. Copyright Roger Geach

With power on 50048 Dauntless sweeps around the curves at Respryn with the Liverpool to Penzance on Monday 26th March 1984 Copyright Roger Geach

47603 Leeds to Penzance vans passes Respryn on the 6th September 1989 Copyright Roger Geach

Respryn 47810 heads the 08.48 Penzance to Manchester seen here racing along the valley at Respryn Respondent in 'Virgin Colours'. 20th July 2002 Copyright Chris Harvey.

0823 Penzance - Paddington HST, in Great Western Trains 'Merlin' livery disturbs the peace roaring through Respryn on the 27th March 1999 Copyright Chris Harvey

Brown Queen tunnel  88 yards

Just east of Brown Queen tunnel 50019 Ramillies heads west 2nd June 1983 Copyright Mike Roach

50021 Rodney pops out of Brown Queen tunnel on the 2nd June 1983 Picture taken leaning over the fence by Mike Roach - copyright

140809e Brown Queen Tunnel east portal. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bodmin Road

47645 Milton Keynes to Penzance at Bodmin Road 29th August 1987 Copyright Roger Geach. A train from an unusual starting point which ran on Summer Saturdays.

Proof, if that was needed, that steam engines are not the only things which make smoke! A down HST service gets under way, smoking well, front and rear (Clagg can make an attractive scene). Apart from the smoke the semaphore signals add to make this a very fine picture. February 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

A fine study in black and while by John Cornelius. Copyright

5570 takes water at Bodmin Road. The extremely narrow platform at the east end prevented the erection of a standard water crane and resulted in this most unusual arrangement, Note the 'Fire devil' standing ready to prevent the system freezing up during the bitter winter nights. Copyright Roger Tabb who was a fireman on this line.

Bodmin Road. A lady moves to board railcar W55014 on a service to Padstow in May 1964 Copyright John Ball.

Safety in numbers. No less than three of the unreliable class 22's on a down train. Are they all working? Maybe the first two! Note the goods shed, and the vans. The back siding was removed December 1966, the shed track t.o.u. in March 1968. Picture dated August 1961 Copyright Mike Roach

The classic picture as 1044 Western Duchess prepares to leave Bodmin Road with the 1b81 0800 Bristol TM to Penzance. 15th April 1974 Copyright Roger Geach

50007 Hercules , 50033 Glorious at Bodmin with the Plymouth - Penzance intercity charter, 26th September 1993 Copyright Steve Widdowson

The Dries at Bodmin road lay at the end of a long siding. This picture dated 5th June 1988 is by Maurice Dart (Copyright) and comes from his CD 'Cornish Clay'. This can be purchased from Wheal Martyn Museum, details on 'references' on Home page.

Bodmin Rd 1968 Oil lighting, locked in a time warp, no electricity or mains water, yet just 4 miles from Bodmin. Copyright Andrew Jones

A poor enlargement of the above sht but it shows the man with the handle winding up the lamp. 1968. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Having no gas supply Bodmin Road was lit by oil lamps - the scene here is taken in 1968. Copyright Andrew Jones

A lovely nostalgic shot taken by Andrew Jones at Bodmin Road in 1968. The old wooden buildings and the oil lamps each of which would have to have been trimmed regularly. Memories. Copyright Andrew Jones

And here's how we enthusiasts like to remember it - Bodmin Road, not Parkway. However it was Rusty Eplett who brought about the name change and being a Cornishman we must forgive him. The car park certainly is big. N.B. The oil lamps have been replaced by modern electic lights. Oct 1977 Copyright Mike Roach

It's October 1977 and 08 377 arrives from duties up the branch. Copyright Mike Roach

Hello, hey whats this, one minute after the 08 had arrived and made its way into the sidings a brake van appeared, as if by magic. Actually it was gravity that did the work. October 1977 Copyright Mike Roach

Little and large! D1048 Western Lady had a short spell on the Bodmin and Wenford, seen here in 'camouflage' at Bodmin Parkway on the 7th April 1990 Copyright Roger Winnen

A smashing vi ewpoint when anything interesting is happening is a steep field which slopes down towards the station approach road. Here we see 45146 leaving Bodmin Road with the 09.18 Penzance to Leeds on June 20th 1984 Behind can be seen the single freight only line to Bodmin General, Wadebridge and Wenford. The branch side of the up platform has been fenced off and the single line no longer serving the platform joins the main line east of the station. A facility which no doubt the Bodmin and Wenford wish they still had instead of having to use the exchange siding. Copyright Andy Stace

Pictures of Bodmin Road, or Parkway. All nine below were taken by the late  Patrick English no doubt with a view to featuring in one of his models. All pictures without trains, other than the bottom three give one a good idea of the structure of the station. It is probably down to as basic as it got - it has improved in later years.

50046 Ajax sets out from Bodmin Parkway with an up service in June 1977, The 'Fire Hazard' sign is a bit redundant. A lovely display of Rhododendrons. Copyright Mike Roach

October 1977 and 50 001 arrives with an up service. The interesting thing here is the fact that the signals are still operational. Copyright Mike Roach

Adding a bit of colour here is an ex Devon General bus on the Western National service to Padstow. Since the sudden demise of Western Greyhound in March 2015 the bus service to Bodmin Parkway is provided by Plymouth Citybus route 75, which goes from Liskeard to Padstow. Its now possible to travel by bus direct from Bodmin Parkway to Trago Mills which was not possible in Western Greyhound days. Friday 4th May 1979 Copyright Mike Roach

Bodmin Road Signalbox in 1971/72. Pictured on a damp day by Chris osment Copyright

Bodmin Parkway 50 049 Defiance 25th July 1982 arriving at Bodmin Road with the18.40 Penzance to Paddington. Copyright Clive Smith

50034 Furious calms down and comes to a gentle stop at Bodmin Parkway. An interesting point is that this trains previous stop was at Largin box where empty water cans were collected - these will be refilled and returned on the next up service. The date is February 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

Taken the same day as the views above and below we see the newly renamed Bodmin Parkway Signalbox still in operation at that time. However, to 'senior enthusiasts this station is still known as Bodmin Road just as Plymouth is called 'North Road'. Copyright Mike Roach

50014 Warspite calls at Bodmin Parkway in February 1984. Note the semaphore signal and also the ugly passenger accommodation on the up platform. The name Warspite reminds us of a warship on its way to the breakers yard was wrecked on the foreshore of St Michaels Mount. Copyright Mike Roach

An interlude at Bodmin Parkway  - John Cornelius

Copyright John Cornelius

An interlude at Bodmin Road in 1983      Kevin Redwood

On Friday 15th April 1983 I made a visit to Cornwall, as usual I set off from Weston-super-Mare by catching the 06.20 Bristol Temple Meads to Plymouth, this was always a loco hauled service formed of a short set of mark 1 stock with booked tail traffic of parcel vans. This day the loco was 45137 and the same loco and stock then worked the 10.20 Plymouth to Penzance service which took me to Bodmin Road.
While at Bodmin Road I took a number of photos.

An unidentified HST set approaches Bodmin Road working the 10.20 Penzance to Newcastle Cross Country service 15th April 1983 Copyright Kevin Redwood

45016 45016 passes Bodmin Road working 6B39 the 05.40 Severn Tunnel Junction to St Blazey Speedlink service 15th April 1983 Copyright Kevin Redwood

The Wenford Bridge tripper 08113 had already finished work for the day and headed back to St Blazey with its brake van. 37181 with empty clayhoods for Wenford Bridge will therefore run round the train at Bodmin Road and take the empties to Boscarne Junction where they will be left to be picked up on he next working day, 15th April 1983 Copy Kevin Redwood

50012 Benbow is working a Friday relief service to the Down Cornish Riviera and is seen running into Bodmin Road, 15th April 1983. Copyright Kevin Redwood

HST powercar 43152 at Bodmin Parkway alongside GWR 4247. 2nd August 2017 Copyright James May

Fitzgerald Lighting Traffic
For a period in the 90's we saw a welcome return of freight to the Bodmin & Wenford line when Fitzgerald lighting developed some traffic.  The pictures below are all in order. Early in the evening the B & W Class 50 042 Triumph arrived complete with two loaded vans. These were left parked on the Bodmin line.  The 50 then ran to the far end of the transfer siding. Shortly afterwards a class 37 668 arrived from St Blazey with empty vans in tow.  These were propelled off the main line onto the class 50. The 37 then left the siding and waited just on the up main line.
The 50 then propelled the empty vans into the B & W platform line.  Having done this with the empties still coupled it ran up to the beginning of the branch and coupled to the two vans previous left there (8). The 50 then returned coupled between the two full vans and the two empties. The full vans were then propelled onto the transfer siding from whence the 37 took them forward onto the national network.  The 50 was then free to depart on the short journey to Bodmin General where it ran round the empty vans before taking them back to Fitzgerald Lighting where they were deposited in the siding.

A pristine up HST led by 43166 leaves Bodmin Parkway on the 28th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

An excellent view of Bodmin Parkway despite the trees. . 57602 has just departed Bodmin Parkway and continues up the Glynn valley with 2P70 1028 St Erth to Plymouth. 17th June 2017 Copyright Ron Westwater

66007 still in EWS livery about to depart for Westbury with a ballast train. This location is just east of Bodmin Parkway station . 25th November 2018 Copyright Alan Peters .

Onslow sidings  
(Bowaters siding opened 1931 and closed Sep 68, the Box closed 10 Nov 1968)

On the lower slopes of the Glynn Valley 47 475 at work on the climb alongside the A38. Seen here at Mile Post 271.5 4th May 1979 Copyright Mike Roach

Penadlake Viaduct   462 feet long 42 feet high. The current eight arch viaduct replaced the timber one in 1877 

Roger Geach captures 47285 as it coasts down the valley with the 10.58 Paddington to Penzance crossing Penadlake viaduct on Saturday 9th September 1978 Copyright

Cornwall Railway timetable from the Great Western Railway timetable of June 1865

Cornwall Railway boundary marker post - found in the Glynn Valley by Mike Roach in 1978. Copyright

Clinnick viaduct  330 ft long 74 ft high. Replaced 16 Mar 1879 

50 002 Superb doing a superb job on the climb up the Glynn Valley approaches Clinnick Viaduct 4th May 1979 Copyright Mike Roach

Clinnick Viaduct at night, engineering trains were crossed wrong road in the possession to the 'up' line at Largin. The down line has already been lifted and the trackbed re-ballasted prior to re-sleepering, note the sleeper spacing attachment which will be used to unload the concrete sleepers by road-railer. 25th November 2018. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

A final look at the weekend work to relay both the 'up' and down' line at Clinnick viaduct between Largin and Bodmin Parkway, this was the site access for staff up to the viaduct, note the train of Falcon wagons being unloaded by road-railer which gained access at Onslow - Copyright Alan Peters N.B. Track replacement work took place at Clinnick Viaduct over the weekends 23rd and 24th November and the 1st and 2nd December 2018. This photo and caption explains the complex arrangements necessary for access.

Derrycombe viaduct  369 feet long 77 feet high.  Replacement viaduct came into use in May 1881

On a Virgin Trains service 47814 crosses Derrycombe Viaduct with the Penzance to Manchester train. 12th July 1999 Copyright Roger Geach

The 'new order' as 57 605 crosses Derrycombe Viaduct with the 11.25 Par to Plymouth Saturday service on 30th July 2016. Copyright Chris Harvey.

Largin viaduct   567 ft long and 130 ft high.  The original piers were reused when Brunels timber structure was replaced in 1886.

140809f Just before the site of Largin Signal Box the train enters a single line section over the Largin and St Pinnock viaducts. Copyright Roger Winnen Here we see the point at the west end of the single line section. Note the point motors and the spare pointwork lying in the grass

Largin Signal box

Largin Box from up the line. Copyright Charles Fennamore

Largin Signal Box in 1987. Copyright Steve Elliott

Largin box from down the line. Copyright Charles Fennamore

The track diagram and instruments at Largin. The catch point and sand drag was/is provided to catch any trains which failed to observe a stop signal before the single track section. This picture in 1987 by Steve Elliott.Copyright.

Largin Box from down the line. Copyright Charles Fennamore

The frame at Largin Signal Box in 1987 Copyright Steve Elliott

An up services passes Largin Signal Box in 1987 Copyright Steve Elliott A can of drinking water was dropped off here once a day.

Craig writes - ;This picture at Largin shows relief signalman Phil Hancock changing the water containers in 1987. His top rather matches the containers too! This practice continued until the box v=closed tin 1992 as there was no running water in the area'. A priceless moment caught by Craig Munday - many thanks. Copyright

Copyright John Cornelius

Copyright John Cornelius

A note from Craig Munday, signalman at Largin at the time. The class 50s, from memory it was 044 on test with 045 as insurance. I heard it was a pair from Liskeard, stopped at the East end of Largin and spoke to the Laira Driver (an old boy) and made the arrangements for the way back. He obligingly stopped at the box and did even moved them up for me once. The eight exhaust pillars as full power was applied was awesome. The Fitter wasnt too impressed though!  The last picture in this sequence is of a down train slowing to make the morning water delivery to the box. Note all the railway paraphernalia, speed limit, mile post, corrugated iron hut, gangers hut, there is also somebody out working on the viaduct. 

Going to work at Largin Box

Copyright Craig Munday. Largin, was a super place to work. The Signalman would park at Bird Cage access point the site which was on the small road up right just before Trago Mills. This was between the two single line viaducts. Largin and St Pinnock. You called the box from the phone at track level for a running report. It took about 4 mins to walk along the viaduct to the box. This was quite a feat with a keen wind blowing. The pictures shows a down freight with a class 47 in charge.

The Largin to St Pinnock single line, Reasons for and operation.  
                                                                                                     An article by Roy Hart.
Largin and St Pinnock viaducts were originally Brunel timber, single line structures, of course. Both were rebuilt for double track by raising the masonary piers and installing decking of iron girders: St Pinnock in 1882 and Largin in 1886. In 1963 the Chief Civil Engineer reported that these two viaducts were unlikely in future years to withstand two heavy trains passing at speed on them. The cheapest solution (rebuilding being out of the question) was to single the line. Luckily, Largin signal box (9 levers, controlling signals and a crossover) was immediately west of the viaducts, so a short single line section controlled by Largin was feasible. Largin box opened in 1908, to break the long section between Bodmin Road and Doublebois. It was closed and boarded up for a few years in the 1920s, but was revived in about 1927 and still working in 1964. It was one of the loneliest posts on the system, no piped water, no electricity, no habitation or light in sight. Water came by train. Over two weekends in May 1964, the line was slewed into single track outside Largin box and over the viaducts. I remember being on a train passing over the site at walking speed. The new single line passed down the centre line of the viaducts when the work was complete. Mains electricity arrived and the points at the Doublebois end were power-worked. Because of the steep down gradient, there were sand drags on both up and down main for a third of a mile at the London end. The 'up' drag had spring points, to catch any backward movement. All signals were colour light, distant and home on the up line and distant , home and IBS signal on the down (this to increase line capacity because of possible single line delays). As far as I know, there was little disruption of traffic (I think there were 2 Sunday occupations). The new line and signals came into full use (except for temporary speed restrictions) on May 24th 1964. The up side sand drag was later removed: the down one remains, but much shorter than the original. The single line meant that Largin box now had to be open during all traffic hours; today the entire installation is controlled by a miniature panel in Lostwithiel box.
​                                                                                       Many thanks to Roy Hart for this 'in depth' article.

St Pinnock viaduct 
633 ft long and 151 ft high. Here Brunels piers which carried the original timber structure continue in use to support the 'new' structure completed in 1882

140809h Well polished rails over the St Pinnock Viaduct. This was rebuilt in 1882 with iron Girders. Copyright Roger Winnen

The nightly St Blazey to Tavistock Junction freight, headed by a St Blazey 42XX 2-8-0T eases across Largin viaduct in the twilight. This was a regular working for many years: the 42XX were notorious for their poor water capacity and this engine will have filled up at Bodmin Road, having only come from St Blazey! Copyright Roy Hart

140809i The catch point protecting the single line over the viaducts at the east end of the section. Copyright Roger Winnen. Note the catch point leads onto a very short section of Brunel's bridge rail. Rumour had it for a long time that on one occasion an HST sliding on slippery rails was caught and ventured onto the bridge rail!! This is fact see below.

Largin Catch Points and the Sand Drag.  Steve Rickett

For a long time there has been a rumour that an HST was caught by the trap point at the east end of the single line section of the main line over Largin and St Pinnock viaducts. It is with many thanks to Steve Rickett that the facts are now revealed.
Steve writes :- I've just been perusing the Largin section of the photos on the website, and one caption mentions a rumour about an HST entering the sand drag there. I can confirm, as the signalman on duty that night the event did take place. The train concerned was the down Golden Hind driven by Penzance driver Johnnie Brown. LN8 signal was at danger as an up empty coaching stock train was on the single line as the  Hind approached. I was a little shocked to say the least to see not only the train pass LN8 signal but the whole train went past! When the driver rang me I was a little surprised but greatly relieved to hear the train hadn't derailed knowing that it wasn't full size rail in the sand drag. Fortunately the train was able to reverse from the sand drag unassisted. I can't remember the exact date of the event, but I was at Largin from May 1980 until January 1981 when I moved to Par signal box 
Regards, Steve Rickett   Member No 1801
Further enquiries were made concerning this incident as we did not wish to offend Johnnie Brown by embarrassing him.  Terry Addicoat was the guard on that train and advises us of the fact that the power car and half the first coach ran on into the sand drag.  Terry says the service was an additional train laid on on a Friday night after the Golden Hind.  Terry said that the train slid on leaves on wet rails. Johnnie could do nothing about it. Johnnie, now, unfortunately the late Johnnie Brown, was not embarrassed by the incident as it was most definitely not his fault. After finishing his driving career Johnnie remained in railway service until retirement. Many thanks to both Steve and Terry for their contributions.

Largin. Looking back east from a down train. Note the rusty line leading to the sand drag and the Milepost 269.25 27th June 2015 - Copyright Roger Winnen

Looking back east from a down train. The overgrown sand drag can clearly be seen on the right - 27th June 2015 - Copyright Roger Winnen

Largin. Looking back west from an UP train, the sand drag is visible to the left. Further protection from any derailment is provided by the guard rail. 9th August, 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen

Largin. Looking back west from an UP train. Note the point control equipment and that the trap point is set to run into 9th August 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen

Westwood Quarry Signalbox - this picture taken on the 15th June 1961 when it had long been relegated to a Gangers Hut. Picture taken by Maurice Dart. Copyright

Below - Two pictures - same place, same day.  
                                                            The site of a serious accident in 1895.

The milepost on the left of the second picture is 271.25 miles. On the 13 April 1895 the 5.00pm from Plymouth to Penzance was passing this point at speed. The train comprised 2 locos, 4 coaches and 3 trucks. The front engine derailed 76 feet east of the milepost, almost exactly where 47026 is located. It went on for several hundred feet finally plunging down the bank and taking most of the rest of the train with it. Remarkably no-one was killed. The Accident Report can be viewed at www.railwaysarchive.co.uk

47598 1035 Penzance to Paddington near Dobwalls on Sunday 27th August 1989 Copyright Roger Geach

Class 47741 storms up the bank from the west to Dobwalls, near Doublebois, with the 08.56 Penzance to Manchester on the 31st July 2000 Copyright Roger Geach

47619 on the 1200 Paddington to Penzance at Dobwalls. Sunday 7th September 1986 Copyright Roger Geach

Doublebois - the station here closed 5 Oct 1964 The signal box closed and all points t.o.u. 11 Nov 68.

Doublebois - station, the box and siding. Later more sidings were opened up just to the east. This picture by Mike Roach dated May 1962. Copyright Mike Roach

It is January 1965, the station has closed, and nameboards removed. However the signalbox is still open, it didn't close until three years later on 11th January 1968. Copyright Mike Roach

Doublebois 1b25 09.30 Paddington to Penzance at Doublebois 7th February 1974 Copyright Roger Geach

Doublebois 47716 with the power on hauls the 1030 Penzance to Paddinton towards the Doublebois summit on the 15th July 1990 Copyright Roger Geach

8th December 1967 as a class 63 headed up service approaches the summit of the climb from Bodmin Road. The up yard, which was on the down side had already closed with effect from 7th December 1964 Copyright the Eric Curnow Collection

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140809j Sperritt Tunnel near Doublebois. Copyright Roger Winnen Previously the A390 Dobwalls to Lostwithiel road passed under the line at the bridge seen beyond the tunnel. In 2008 a long bridge, or tunnel was built over the line to carry the diverted A390 road.

From the West Briton 3rd April 2010 A CORNISH railway tunnel has been named in honour of a man who worked on the railways for most of his life. Frank Sperritt worked for Network Rail in the Westcountry for 42 years. Now the newest rail tunnel in the region – linking the mainline between Penzance and London – bears his name.
Relatives, friends and former colleagues gathered at the Sperritt tunnel on Thursday to unveil the nameplate commemorating the engineer. Sperritt Tunnel was built two years ago as part of the A38 Dobwalls road improvements.

TREMABE Signalbox  From information kindly supplied by Roy Hart
​
This spot is forgotten today. In the run-up to D-Day, there was a need to provide extra facilities for the increased traffic. New loops were put in ar Par (the down refuge was extended eastwards to make a goods loop) and Lostwithiel (new up goods loop). A new up goods loop was laid in at Tremabe, (between Doublebois and Liskeard) and a signalbox opened there in 1943. After WW2 it saw little use and was closed and removed in 1952. It is hard to spot today. The box was a flat-roofed 'ARP' design.

Dobwalls

A picture of 60037 on the not so silver bullets nr Dobwalls on a grey 27th March 1997. Thought you could do with a 60 or so on the CRS website , they did not work in Cornwall for many years . Been a while since one has been that far west now. Copyright Roger Geach

47576 in NSE colours together with the alternately coloured vans makes for a very nice picture. It is on the morning Leeds to Penzance vans, just after leaving Moorswater viaduct, and taken from the footbridge on the 19th July 1991 Copyright Roger Geach

37673 hauling 37420 to Laira for repairs on 16th April 1992 seen from the footbridge at Moorswater. Far less growth then. Copyright Roger Geach

Near Moorswater

  Re picture 4.  This train started to run during Feb 1967 and because it was air braked had to be worked by an air braked loco which meant class 47s as no Westerns at that time were air braked. It thus brought class 47s to Cornwall from that date at least. I think it was worked by La men in those first days. It would also run additionally on other days if demand required. The empties came  back on a Tuesday morning arrival and they were very bad time keepers !  During the  mid 70s it was quite common for the loco to be sent out light from Laira to Burngullow to work this service.

Sometimes you strike it lucky with the sun, sometimes you don't. However Roger Geach has been very lucky here judging by the blackness beyond 1023 Western Fusilier it heads east with the 6a21 St Erth to Acton milk on the 1st June 1976 Copyright Roger Geach N.B. This view is taken from the 'Black Bridge.

Black Bridge Just to the west of Moorswater Viaduct

A note from Peter Murnaghan
You might recall that my good friend, Brian Oldham, who volunteers at Liskeard Museum, gave me a picture to identify, entitled The Flying Dutchman at Blackbridge.  This was a crack Great Western express in the closing decades of the broad gauge.  Blackbridge was a name that we were not familiar with, but we have since narrowed it down to the footbridge to the west of Moorswater viaduct. 

Here is the picture again, together with the equivalent position (more or less) with Clan Line speeding past this evening.

Much has changed in the intervening 130 years !
Best wishes,  Peter.                   Many thanks Peter

Black Bridge Liskeard Flying Dutchman pre 1892 Liskeard Museum Collection Brian Oldham

Black Bridge Liskeard The up Cornishman speeds beneath the Blackbridge. No longer black and wood but of a steel girder construction and painted grey. 17th June 2018 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Moorswater viaduct 147' high and 954' long 

Lucky John - cabbing D1024 Western Huntsman. Copyright

140809k Looking out of the back of the locomotive hauled train during the summer of 2014 one got this unusual and most interesting view of Moorswater Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

A fine view of a fine structure, a picture by Mike Roach taken from the west end. Copyright Mike Roach. This replacement structure was completed and passed for service on 25th February 1881. The masonry piers of the previous timber viaduct can be seen alongside.

Moorswater Viaduct in May 1969 with a solitary western heading an up train. Copyright Andrew Jones

57303 crosses Moorswater viaduct . 1C99 MX 23.45 Paddington-Penzance 06.08 8th June 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater Note alternate blue and green coaching stock!

For an old view of Moorswater viaduct in 1906 try clicking here   http://cornishmemory.com/item/WAT_01_047#.Vrnvahd3nho.mailto
Note the area around the engine shed.

An interesting view of 50003 Temararie Approaching Liskeard having just crossed Moorswater viaduct with the 13.54 Penzance to Bristol Temple Meads on 16th February 1985 Copyright Clive Smith Beyond the railway the A38 Liskeard by-pass makes a steep climb from left to right - beyond and the flanks of a hill the expansion of Liskeard is evident.

Liskeard

Liskeard station staff - from many years ago. From the Mike Hitchens collection

A picture to really enjoy - so full of interest. 1057 Western Chieftain arrives at Liskeard with the 1105 Penzance to Paddington, The date is 11th July 1971. Beautifully framed by the bridge the Western rolls in whilst on the down platform another service waits the 'right away'. Now take a look at the up goods yard we see the goods shed and all three sidings in use. Clay wagons occupy the left hand road and a DMU stands in the middle road (What was that doing there, maybe the Looe branch unit stabled there while the branch was out of action for some reason - or else waiting to take up a local service to Plymouth). There appear to be two or three coal wagons to the far right. All fascinating, if only one could go back in time and enjoy this once more. Copyright Ron Kosys' Additional information from Roger Geach for which many thanks :- The dmu was waiting to follow 1057 to Plymouth and would work a stopping all stations service . in my 1971 wtt it was a 1310 Liskeard to Plymouth service.

A smashing study of Liskeard as 804 rolls in with an up service. 17th July 1971 0815 Penzance - Paddington Copyright Ron Kosys. This shot is an excellent one for the modeller, note the signals, the clay and coal wagons.

An HST on an up service slows for the station stop. Picture by Mike Roach.

Another HST on an up service rolls in past the distinctive signal on the down platform. The diamond on this signal notifies drivers that track circuiting is installed to inform signalers of the position of the train. Photograph by Mike Roach

Liskeard 50 037 Illustrious is held at the home signal with quite a large train to re-start up the grade into the station. 30th June 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

Liskeard, the west end as Peak 45015 rolls in with the 1e21 Penzance to Leeds in November 1974 Copyright Roger Geach. A classic picture as it includes the sidings complete with vans and wagons, it is also before the up platform extension.

A grand picture and a grand sound as 1045 Western Viscount slows to a stand at Liskeard station with the 1m85 0740 Penzance to Liverpool on the 30th April 1972 Copyright Douglas Nicholls

Liskeard as a Down Speedlink trundles through behind 45 009 10th Aug 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

A picture full of interest as 50 031 Hood slows for passengers to the east to board. The down home is pulled off, but there is time to look at what has changed in this scene at Liskeard on the 10th August 1984. There's a new footbridge and ticket offices for a start. Copyright Mike Roach

Liskeard Signalbox 1971-72 Copyright Chris Osment. Note access to east down sidings still available - this point also at one time gave access to an engine shed.

1057 Western Chieftain with the 11.05 Penzance to Paddington. Note the almost bare paintwork on the Western and the points leading off to the down sidings on the right. 11th July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys. Additional comment from Neil Phillips - I have just seen Ron Kosys’ superb photos of D1057 at Liskeard on 11th July 1971 looking somewhat past its best! This was a last opportunity to photograph a Western with small yellow warning panels as by then the other 73 class members were all in blue with full yellow ends. D1057 would make its way to Swindon Works for a well-earned overhaul the following month and when outshopped in early January 1972 the entire Western fleet was in the same livery for the first time. I have checked my own records for summer 1971 and I last saw it in this ‘livery’ on 29th May when it headed the up 1A48 through Truro - I don’t recall it looking this run down but it must have been. Turning the clock back over 4 years, D1057 was the first loco I ever saw in BR Blue, exiting the tunnel into Redruth station as a down light engine in April 1967. It was of course gleaming in the spring sunshine……..what a difference 4 years and umpteen trips through the Laira washing plant made! Regards, Neil Phillips

You can almost hear the roar! Note both the sidings are protected by catch points. Copyright John Cornelius

Keep well back as 45 038 comes towards the down platform at Liskeard. This low level shot makes the tight curvature of the link line to the Looe branch very obvious. 10th August 1984. By the way notice the notice on the door. Copyright Roger Winnen.

D843 Sharpshooter departs Liskeard with a characteristic roar on the 20th May 1963 Mike Morant Collection

An undated picture from the Alan Harris Collection. A Prairie appears to be shunting the engineers sidings. Note the large water tower on the up side. Copyright

An interesting shot taken from the walkway between the main up platform and Looe branch platform at Liskeard on the 28th June 1964 . Class 22 D603. leaves heading for Plymouth passing the sidings accessed off the Looe branch metals. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

A most interesting view from the Mike Morant Collection showing the sidings on both sides of the main line at the east end of the station. Both sets of sidings are in use, those on the down side being well populated with clay trucks, presumably brought up from Moorswater. There are also two sidings on the up side of the main line which connected into the Looe Link line. From the Mike Morant Collection

A young man enjoys watching as a Class 63 draws some wagons into the engineers sidings on the up side. Presumably the purpose of the move was either to place or extract wagons from the sidings. Interestingly the home signal is off for trains from the Looe Link to approach the station. Mike Morant Collection

A lovely shot by John Cornelius. Note the clay hoods standing on the down sidings - these are long gone. The sidings were once the location of a loco shed. From the signals we can see that a down train is due. Copyright John Cornelius The photograph of 1048 Western Lady at Liskeard taken by John Cornelius on 13 August 1976 had intrigued me for a while. I first noticed it published in Profile of the Westerns and had attempted to identify the service. I believe it to be the 12.05 Penzance - Paddington relief (1Z15) which had been noted with 1033 on August 6th and 1056 on August 20th. It would appear to use the stock of the 21.15 ThO Swansea - Paddington, running as the 5Z97 03.15 FO Empty Coaching Stock from Old Oak Common to Penzance, back to Paddington, to then work the 20.38 FO Paddington to Fishguard and finally the 08.00 Cardiff to Portsmouth and return on the Saturday. To me it is a most intriguing use of spare rolling stock. Regards Graham Harris

​Graham Harris  writes :-  The photograph of 1048 Western Lady at Liskeard taken by John Cornelius on 13 August 1976 had intrigued me for a while. I first noticed it published in 'Profile of the Westerns' and had attempted to identify the service. 
I believe it to be the 12.05 Penzance - Paddington relief (1Z15) which had been noted with 1033 on August 6th and 1056 on August 20th.
It would appear to use the stock of the 21.15 ThO Swansea - Paddington, running as the 5Z97 03.15 FO Empty Coaching Stock from Old Oak Common to Penzance, back to Paddington, to then work the 20.38 FO Paddington to Fishguard and finally the 08.00 Cardiff to Portsmouth and return on the Saturday. To me it is a most intriguing use of spare rolling stock.   Many thanks to Graham for this information.

Minutes later and the up home has been restored to on. Another 'golden oldie' from John as 47500 and 50002 'SUPERB' slow to call at Liskeard. 47 500 was named 'GREAT WESTERN' at Old Oak Common without ceremony on February 27th 1979. 'SUPERB' was built in December 1967, rebuilt 21st March 1978 and withdrawn 9th September 1991. It was almost ten years later on the 17th May 1986 that 'Superb' was to haul the Cornwall Railway Society charter 'Severn Explorer' Railtour. It is indeed 'Superb' that 50 002 has made it into preservation. Copyright John Cornelius

It's Christmas Eve at Liskeard as 50041 Bulwark hauls the 0740 Penzance to Liverpool onwards towards Plymouth 24th December 1976 Copyright Roger Geach

Liskeard Freight the 0550 Severn Tunnel Junction to St Blazey 26th August 1983 Copyright Clive Smith

The evening sun provides contrasts as 50024 Vanguard approaches Liskeard with a down service in September 1985 Copyright Mike Roach

In 2018 after absence from the county for many years 158's have begun re-appearing on services in Cornwall. Here is an undated picture from the John Cornelius Collection of 158 871 on the daily Penzance to Portsmouth Harbour and return working. This provided some comfort over quite a long journey without the need to change trains. This is an undated picture copyright john Cornelius

A well know feature of the up platform is this pair of signals with the ground disc mounted at a 'dizzy height'! Copyright John Cornelius.

Just to the east of the main station building at Liskeard and at the same high level lay this redundant coach. It must have taken considerable effort to 'station' it at this location. What purpose it served is, at the moment unknown. From the Alan Harris Collection. Information obtained from The Liskeard and Looe Branch book by Gerry Beale states that this grounded coach body was formally a GWR Sleeping Car and was used at Liskeard as a Staff Association Club Room for many years. Does it still survive I wonder!

This building stands in the yard at Liskeard. A plaque on the building says 'Built by British Railways Exeter'. Photo dated 27th February 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen

50036 Victorious runs into Liskeard with a Plymouth to Penzance local 7th July 1987 Copyright Andy Stace. Picture taken from the bank behind signalbox.

With clay hoods from Moorswater 37671 is seen on the crossover moving from Up to Down lines. 22nd September 1987. Copyright Andy Stace

The clay waits at the signal (Placed on the up side of the track to improve sighting) the rear of the train fouling the crossover. 22nd September 1987. Copyright Andy Stace.

Liskeard Soon after 37671 has proceeded west, 47438 is seen arriving at Liskeard with an inter regional service, the 1027 Penzance to Glasgow and Edinburgh. 22nd September 1987. Copyright Andy Stace

The station as seen by the camera of Mike Morant in the early 60's. Many thanks to him.

The running in board at Liskeard. Mike Morant Collection

Looking across at the down platform from the up. Bother the down building and the footbridge have been replaced - the footbridge in 2014. Mike Morant Collection

A very interesting view of the main station building at Liskeard situated high above the running lines. Although this view remains virtually unchanged the far side of this building has been much improved with a comfy waiting room and buffet facilities. Sid Sponheimer advises that of the buses waiting that the 71 was on a St Cleer to Upton Cross service. Whereas the 119 was somewhat off its route - Callington to Launceston. It was either lost on a rail replacement service. The window behind the shed was at one time a tall doorway, now a toilet window. From the Mike Morant Collection

Heading down the road which leads to the goods yard and Looe platform and turning around to face west one gets this view of a grounded coach which as been put to other uses. Mike Morant Collection

The weekly cement train - running round.

70636 runs round its train of cement wagons at Liskeard on the 21st September 2017. Copyright Gareth Thornton - Signaller, Liskeard.

Gareth writes Thanks for the reply and for finding my pictures worthy of inclusion.  I checked all the wagons and there was only one with the spelling mistake.  There were 24 of them, the longest we can run round at Liskeard,  and even then we have to bring the train off the branch, across the up main onto the down main and then get the driver to set back into the down platform before he can uncouple his loco and run round the wagons. Great fun for us lever monkeys! Anyway, I hope this finds you well, keep up the good work on your wonderfully informative site. 
Very best wishes  Gareth                        Many thanks Gareth

'Pocket Rocket' stop notice on the up platform shelter at Liskeard station. November 2017 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Please find attached a February image from eight years ago, which you might be able to use. Just after dawn on the 6th Feb 2010, the 0630 Penzance - Edinburgh Voyager glints in low early light, as it prepares to depart east under clear signals. I remember it being a cold morning! Copyright Chris Harvey

Liskeard Signalbox  Pictures kindly supplied by Craig Munday

A summetime view looking east. 25th May 2017. Copyright Craig Munday

140809l An unusual view of Liskeard Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Liskeard. Demolition of a former atcost concrete store in yard. Most probably a feedstuff establishment. 19th January 2019 Copyright Roger Winnen

Liskeard viaduct  720 feet long and 150 feet high Rebuilding on original piers was completed in 1894

An early warship crosses Liskeard viaduct on the 23rd November 1965. Copyrght Sid Sponheimer

Liskeard viaduct heads over Liskeard viaduct with the down sleeper 1C99 MO 2350 Sun Paddington to Penzancez 27th April 2015 N.B This train was due at 06.22 this photograph taken at 06.53 The early morning photograph provides an unusual illumination of the up side of this viaduct. Copyright Ron Westwater.

1063 Western Monitor crosses Liskeard Viaduct on the 4M05 Penzance to Crewe vans on a gloomy 28th March 2001. Copyright Roger Geach

57604 crosses Liskeard viaduct with the 1C99 2350 London Paddington to Penzance 21st March 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

A remarkable million to one picture. Lord Dowding and Royal Scot crossing Liskeard viaduct, with the 1324 Class 153 to Looe approaching on the branch line' 6th May 2017. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Bolitho

37669 with 37674 on the afternoon St Blazey to Exeter Riverside speedlink passing Bolitho , east of Liskeard at 1607 hrs on Friday 2 Sept 1988. A nice variety of wagons from that period. It has been raining. Copyright Roger Geach

47024 on the Leeds to Penzance on Bolitho viaduct. This viaduct 546 ft long is 113 ft high replacing original structure in 1882. Picture 20 jan 1978 Copyright Roger Geach

The low early morning sun casts striking shadows across the furrows. 18th may 17 66850 heads on early running 6C22 04:56 Falmouth Docks to Westbury over Bolitho viaduct 66847 was on the rear. Copyright Ron Westwater

A well lit shot of a Speedlink service headed by 47145 just off Bolitho viaduct in September 1985 Copyright Mike Roach N.B. In the background can be seen Liskeard Church

47613 Penzance to Milton Keynes at Bolitho on Saturday 26th August 1989 This was a regular turn on summer Saturdays for at least a couple of years and brought West Coast Main Line stock to Cornwall. Copyright Roger Geach

Note the frost in the valley below as 57604 crosses Bolitho viaduct with 1C99 2350 London Paddington to Penzance. 21st March 2016.. Copyright Jenny Westwater

Menheniot Down Loop     Situated west of Menheniot station starting just beyond the buffer stops of the Quarry Sidings 

With a 'pink tinge' to the sky 1062 Western Courier passes the site Menheniot down loop with the 6b59 Ponsandane to Riverside 7th March 1974 Copyright Roger Geach

Looking glorious 1072 Western Glory 6b33 1400 Riverside to Truro at Menheniot loop 7th March 1974 Copyright Roger Geach

From Tony Cooke's East Cornwall Track Layouts the loop was into use in 1936 and taken out of use 1973

Menheniot

In this view by Mike Roach (Copyright) we see the station complete. The station is dominated by the buildings associated with Clicker Tor Quarry quarry behind. June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach. It is understood that the signalman would be consulted when it was required to carry out blasting in the quarry. When convenient and no trains were about permission was given.

In this picture from June 1965 the box which closed on 6th May 1973 can clearly be seen. The footbridge here was replaced recently. Copyright Mike Roach.

In this view the up platform shelter which dates from Cornwall Railway days is the only building now left standing on the station site. This picture June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Menheniot station building was quite grand and its style resembles that once at Penryn. The five dogfish wagons parked on the siding shows that quarry was still in business in June 1965. However the sidings remained for only a short time being closed 1965. Copyright Mike Roach

Copyright John Cornelius

Menheniot Station and Signal Box August 1973 . The box remained as a staff mess room for about a quarter of a century after closure. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Remember these? The tail end of an up motorail train passing through Menheniot, a nice study of the down buildings. Sept 73 Copyright Mike Roach

A sad sight - Menheniot Signal Box boarded up. 21st August 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen

140809m By 2014 Menheniot Station looks tidy but a bit 'bare bones' with no shelter at all on the down platform. Luckily the Cornwall Railway structure on the up platform remains to add character. Copyright Roger Winnen

57602 Restormel Castle perfectly positioned. As Peter says Menheniot doesn't often feature in our pictures so here we are - The 1026 St Erth to Exeter St Davids at Menheniot 21st July 2018 Copyright Peter Murnaghan Note the original Carnwall Railways waiting room on the up side, a delightful feature. Cornwalls stations have had beautiful floral decorations this year and Menheniot is no exception. Congratulations to Peter for his photograph which thoughtfully includes the flowers the shelter and of course the train.

140809n Looking back onto Coldrennick Viaduct, this is the east end. It was rebuilt in 1897 with iron girders and renewed by steel in 1933. Copyright Roger Winnen

Coldrenick Viaduct 2P84 1051 Penzance-Plymouth-150xxx-Coldrennick viaduct 22nd February 2018 Copyright Richard Hay

Tresulgan

A warship 828 Magnificent at Tresulgan, this is quite near Menheniot. Copyright Mike Roach

50024 Vanguard caught on the curve with the 0923 Newcastle to Penzance near Tresulgan on Friday 6th September 1985 Copyright Roger Geach

50046 Ajax with the 16.17 Penzance to Paddington comes off Tresulgen viaduct on Thursday 5th September 1985 Copyright Roger Geach

Bethany west of Trerulefoot

47818 Penzance to Manchester at Bethany or Brudges Shop 17th March 1999 Copyright Roger Geach

With reference to Picture 4 above Roger Geach writes. This train did not go far into Cornwall as it passed me nr St Germans at 1643 and returned at 1720 ) I can only assume it went to Liskeard or Bodmin Road only

Trerule Foot overbridge looking west.

Looking west off the bridge mentioned below we see 7031 Cromwell's Castle on the first of the day's up milk trains, with 12no. 3-axle milk trucks, at 3.12pm on Tuesday 15th September 1959. In the distance the tail of the train has just passed over the A38 trunk road. 7031 was a Laira engine at the time, but was transferred to Swindon the same month. Copyright Mike Roach

200415 57303 passes Trerulefoot with 1C99 MO 23:50 (Sun) Paddington-Penzance 20th April 2015 Copyright Ron Westwater

Trerule Foot  - east of The  Class 60 photo below is taken on the first over bridge bridge on the Torpoint side of the Trerulefoot Roundabout , east of it. Very close to the busy roundabout and Windy Ridge cafe. Info direct from Roger Geach, many thanks for this rare shot.  There was at one time a signalbox here and crossover.

A rare shot. Two 63's D6304 and sister D6305 at Trerule. Note also in the picture is Trerule Signalbox already disused. The train is the down Cornishman, running a few minutes late at 3.54pm, and the date 15th September 1959. Mike could not afford to let the train get any closer as the highest shutter speed on his primitive camera was one hundredth of a second. Copyright Mike Roach.

D6349 at Trerulefoot on an up freight train on 28th June 1965 Copyright Geoffrey Matthews An extremely interesting photograph at a rare location.

Trerule Signal Box   From information kindly supplied by Roy Hart
In similar vein, Trerule box (opened at the same time as Baldhu 1938  and of similar size) was to be the junction for the projected new branch line to Looe, but the project ended with world war two and Trerule, like Baldhu, remained as a 6 - lever 'break-section' box. Like Baldhu, it was replaced by colour light IBS signals in the 1950's.

St Germans

D1013 Western Ranger on the 1745 Plymouth to Penzancez at St Germans on 22nd February 1977 Copyright Roger Geach N.B. This was the last Western Hauled service passenger train down through Cornwall.

On the 13th October 2008 Class 150 265 calls at St Germans on the 1630hrs service to Plymouth. Copyright David Andrews

An up local departs St Germans in June 1969 Copyright Mike Roach

This first class cheap return ticket from St. Germans to Saltash is dated 06 FEB 60. Mike Roach Ticket Collection

A clear notice, still, at that time not having had the 'Great' painted out. June 1969 Copyright Mike Roach

For a while, on closure of the original signalbox at St Germans control of the section was transferred to a room within the original station building. The CRS were privilaged to have an official visit to the control panel shortly before its closure on the 18th April 1998. This picture of the tidy arrangement was taken on 28th March 1998. Copyright Roger Winnen

On a lighter note Roger Winnen takes a self portrait with the aid of the signalmans 'sighting mirror'. In the background Maurice Dart can be seen explaining some facet of the stations operation. 28th March 1998. Copyright Roger Winnen

Class 158 Sprinter at St Germans. 28th March 1998 Copyright Roger Winnen

A note re St Germans from Craig Munday.  The mirror was for Up trains passing when a down train was fouling the view. With the advent of flashing tail lamps - you were lucky to see a red "Flash" in the dark at the precise moment the image was caught!

As it was happening St Germans new footbridge in position but not in use. 9th July 2014 Copyright Nathan Stockman

140715k St Germans, key dates for the replacement of the footbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen Running to time, well done.

140715j The temp bridge is due to be dismantled on Saturday night 19th July, 2014. Copyright Roger Winnen

140715i A unique view of St Germans and the new footbridge. Taken from the temporary footbridge, the Atlantic Coast Express departs St Germans for Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

140715n A final view of the temp bridge due to vanish in just over one hundred hours time from this photograph. Copyright Roger Winnen

For pictures between St Germans and Plymouth go to St Germans Excl to Plymouth on the menu

​For more pictures of this area and many other locations in Cornwall please click below to see a wonderful selection of Cornish railway pictures which have been made available to us by Andy Kirkham.  All his pictures are, of course Copyright.
​ https://www.flickr.com/photos/52554553@N06/albums/72157636828119615/with/10419848883/