Retew & Meledor Mill Branches
With many thanks to all our contributors - please see list on the Home Page
As mentioned elsewhere, through the generosity of the then Cornwall Railways Manager, Mr. Rusty Epplet, the Cornwall Railway Society was granted on various occasions permission to walk many of the Cornish branches. We had, of course, all had to sign the indemnity form. But what pleasant days out we had. There were no trains on the days we walked but there was plenty to see, much of it hidden from public view.
The St Dennis to Meledor Mill staff. Copyright Julian Hanwell
Dear Keith,
Julian's picture of the train staff brings back a memory: the train staff for the Retew branch (as it was known to railwaymen) was held at St Dennis Junction box. It was issued to the enginemen of trains proceeding on to the branch. Until 1966, when the line became simply a long siding, the line was operated under 'one engine in steam' rules, with the wooden staff carrying a key which unlocked the various ground frames giving access to the numerous sidings.
In order to leave St Dennis, the train had to pass the 'Retew Branch Starting Signal' - a tall post bearing a ringed arm indicating a goods line. This signal - about 500 yards down the branch, was operated by a lever on the post, released by the key on the staff.
The rules were thus: the train stopped at the signal.The guard dismounted and proceeded to the engine and took the staff. He inserted it into the lock on the signal post and lowered the signal. The train passed the signal and stopped. The guard returned the signal to danger and withdrew the staff. He walked back to the engine and returned the staff to the crew. The train proceeded.
On the one occasion that I rode the Retew mineral, we simply roared past the signal at danger without stopping! I wonder why.
Roy Many thanks Roy
Julian's picture of the train staff brings back a memory: the train staff for the Retew branch (as it was known to railwaymen) was held at St Dennis Junction box. It was issued to the enginemen of trains proceeding on to the branch. Until 1966, when the line became simply a long siding, the line was operated under 'one engine in steam' rules, with the wooden staff carrying a key which unlocked the various ground frames giving access to the numerous sidings.
In order to leave St Dennis, the train had to pass the 'Retew Branch Starting Signal' - a tall post bearing a ringed arm indicating a goods line. This signal - about 500 yards down the branch, was operated by a lever on the post, released by the key on the staff.
The rules were thus: the train stopped at the signal.The guard dismounted and proceeded to the engine and took the staff. He inserted it into the lock on the signal post and lowered the signal. The train passed the signal and stopped. The guard returned the signal to danger and withdrew the staff. He walked back to the engine and returned the staff to the crew. The train proceeded.
On the one occasion that I rode the Retew mineral, we simply roared past the signal at danger without stopping! I wonder why.
Roy Many thanks Roy
This undated picture by Roger Salter taken from a Newquay to Par train. Shows St Dennis Signal box and the tip sidings. The Meledor Mills & Retew branch dips away to the right. The sidings were latterly used for work on the CDA fleet. Copyright
The DMU pulling away as the signal drops is the 'Royal Duchy Railtour' on the 30th April 1977. Copyright Keith Jenkin. This was the last ever passenger train to visit the branch. Details of this railtour reached the local Engineer on the Monday following the railtour. He is reported to have said that in no way would he allow this railtour to run, presumably giving the reason of poor condition trackwork - he then noticed the date - the previous Saturday!! Weren't they lucky?
900703C4 There was, however one last train to visit the St Dennis Tip sidings. This was the Cornwall Railway Society 'China Clay Rambler' Here it is seen from the old A30 road bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen. Note that sadly St Dennis Junction has already gone and the line singled. Railtour participants explore the site.
A picture of our railtour on the sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen.
.A shot of St Dennis junction from the old A30 overbridge, showing just the remaining single line then fairly close to the large electrical sub-station near St Dennis. Copyright Dave Anthony 31st March 2020
Out on my legitimate exercise allowance yesterday, did a loop of the Goss moor trail. First up on the Retew branch is the Gaverigan crossing, taken from a similar position as one already on your site but with considerably more vegetation. Facing the other way the alignment is clear and had signs of recently being cut back. Copyright Dave Anthony 31st March 2020
Out on my legitimate exercise allowance yesterday, did a loop of the Goss moor trail. First up on the Retew branch is the Gaverigan crossing, taken from a similar position as one already on your site but with considerably more vegetation. Facing the other way the alignment is clear and had signs of recently being cut back. Copyright Dave Anthony 31st March 2020
A scene which epitomises the Cornish Alps. From the Maurice Dart China Clay lines Pt 1 CD. This is available from the Wheal Martyn Museum. Copyright
From the Maurice Dart China Clay lines Pt 1 CD. This is available from the Wheal Martyn Museum
From the Maurice Dart China Clay lines Pt 1 CD. This is available from the Wheal Martyn Museum