Blog Archives

Items added on the 31st July 2016 Those added most recently come first

31/7/2016

Last of the T9's
Mike Roach

It was 55 years ago that the last of the T9 class of locomotives were withdrawn from normal service. They were a 4-4-0 express loco built for the LSWR between 1899 and 1901, so the youngest ones saw 60 years of active service. 66 were built and in the spring and early summer of 1961 there were just 6 left in service; 5 at Exmouth Junction Shed and 1 at Eastleigh Shed (no 30117). The Exmouth Junction T9s were used on trains to Padstow and Plymouth via Okehampton and were 30120, 30313, 30709, 30715 and 30717. The Exmouth Junction T9s appear to have ceased work at the end of June 1961. They were then sent to Eastleigh where they were formally condemned at the beginning of July 1961. 30120 was later preserved.

Very many thanks indeed for this reminder of the Greyhounds.

T9 30120 (now preserved) has charge of the up Atlantic Coast Express at Devonport Kings Road on 6th May 1961. Copyright Mike Roach.

30120 again out in the countryside near Otterham on the North Cornwall Line on 20 May 1961. 30120 had only arrived at Exmouth Junctin Shed (from Eastleigh) three months earlier in February 1961. Copyright Mike Roach

T9 30717 runs into Egloskerry Station with the last train of the day from Padstow to Okehampton, a two and a half hour journey, on 20 May 1961. Copyright Mike Roach

Chard Junction Silos
and report of another runaway.
John Cornelius

Keith, Chard Junc milk factory now virtually demolished, has featured quite a bit on the web in recent times.
So here's some pics from 2001 when several million pounds were being invested to update it, including four milk silos, two of which are seen arriving, then being craned into position and the finished job all on the new base. (See photographs below)
Runaway wagons. Featured in yesterdays news. CHARD photographer David Wheadon, captured the scene shortly after the incident and a picture appeared in the local press the following week. I have a prèss cutting of the photo showing the guards van and wagon in the pub yard. Also some years before, 0-4-2 No 5812 arriving on a passenger train from Taunton slipped on icy rails,failed to stop, slid through the platform and demolished the buffers,the force of the impact stopping the loco from going into the road.
Enjoy, cheers JOHN C I knew there was another story John, many thanks.

Rather an oversize load. Copyright John Cornelius

Cautiously crossing the railway. Copyright John Cornelius

Turning into the Creamery. Copyright John Cornelius

Lifting into position. Copyright John Cornelius

The completed task. Copyright John Cornelius.

Exmouth1975
Doug Nicholls

I am most grateful to Roger Geach who kindly forwards pictures from his friend and colleague Doug Nicholls.

Here we see P587 coasting into the station at Exmouth. The disused signalbox still at the end of the platform, note the array of 'X' television aerials on the chimneys - its June 1975. Copyright Doug Nicholls.

Chacewater - Blackwater
Roger Aston

Three superb pictures by Roger Aston trace the progress of the down e.c.s. as it passes over the summit and drops down to the old Chacewater station site. To those who knew Chacewater station it seems strange that Chacewater station wasn't called Blackwater as that village is nearest to the site of the station. It would have made sense then that viaduct nearest the station is called Blackwater. However, Chacewater viaduct which is nearer Truro does overlook the larger village of that name!! Puzzled!

All eleven coaches in view as the e.c.s of the Northern Belle drops down towards Chacewater. 30th July 2016 Copyright Roger Aston

A rare view of a rare train crossing Chacewater viaduct. 30th July 2016 Copyright Roger Aston.

and finally the ;Northern Belle' drops down to run across Blackwater viaduct into the site of Chacewater station. 30th July 2016 Copyright Roger Aston

Holmbush Crossing
Jamie Dyke

Nice to see a new location - well done Jamie and thanks.

Holmbush Crossing 68067 Hornet Northern Belle 30th July 2016 Copyright Jamie Dyke

Holmbush Crossing 68008 Avenger Northern Belle 30th July 2016 Copyright Jamie Dyke

Holmbush Crossing 57605 'Totnes Castle' passes Holmbush Crossing with the 1015 Penzance to Par ECS 30th July 2016 Copyright Jamie Dyke

Yesterday at Bodmin General
Paul Rundle

50042 deputising for the failed 37 at Bodmin General 30th July 2016 Copyright Paul Rundle

Yesterday at Powderham
David Tozer

My apologies to you David - these came in good time but I was out - it should have been titled 'Today at Powderham'

Nicely framed by the footbridge 68017 heads the Belmond Pulman at Powderham 30th July 2016 Copyright David Tozer

Just four minutes earlier Cross Country 220005 had passed by. Powderham 30th July 2016. Copyright David Tozer

Athelney 2
John Cornelius

A view from the box at Athelney, Lyng Church in the background. Copyright John Cornelius

Barnstaple Victoria Road
Mike Morant

Today Mike Morant brings us a smashing action shot of the Exmoor Ranger - more on this railtour in our steam railtours section. Many thanks Mike

M_BR_41291_41206_Barnstaple_27-3-65 Plymouth Railway Circle/RCTS: The Exmoor Ranger 27/3/65
Ivatt 'Mickey' Mouse' 2-6-2T's nos. 41206 and 41291 double-head the special as it departs from Barnstaple (Victoria Road) on the way to Ilfracombe.
[Mike Morant collection

Items added on the 30th July 2016 Those added most recently come first

30/7/2016

Runaway train from Chard
Brian Pibworth

Hello Keith,

An extract from a letter from Brian Pibworth

Regarding the terminus of the Chard Branch, pics below show tracks in the road left by a 20 ton brake van and a wagon which escaped from a shunting operation at Chard Town in 1962 and survived the runaway journey, over several miles of curving downhill track, to hit the blocks at Chard Junction Branch station at about 35 mph. The wagons demolished the blocks, careered across the road and the van embedded itself in the side of the Chard Road Tavern. The tracks remained in the tarmac for several decades but those across the road have now gone and the pub and car park are now part of a private house. A full account of this incident (which had no casualties apart from the wagons and pub wall) can be found on pp 82/83 "Working the Chard Branch"by Derek Phillips and R Eaton-Lacey pub Fox & Co. Yeovil.

The loest picture shows the creamery in full operation complete with milk tankers and the old LSWR signal box in 1981. The occasion was an unscheduled stop of the Deltic Devonian Railtour, headed by 55016, which waited 15 min to allow the 11.10 Waterloo - Exeter to pass. The stop attracted many local enthusiasts and photographers including the chap on the right sporting no less than two Exakta cameras! (PS If anyone collects old Exaktas, I still have the odd one deep in our loft). My notes show the film to be HP5 rated at 1600 ASA which indicated November twilight and credit goes to my wife, Patricia, for recording the event.
Hope this fills in a few gaps.

With kind regards, Brian Many thanks indeed Brian

Tracks left by runaway wagons, looking across the road towards the station Chard Junction 1982 Copyright Brian Pibworth

Tracks left by runaway wagons. The view from the station yard across the road. Chard Junction 1982 Copyright Brian Pibworth

Time to think! Presumably the signalman at Chard Junction had been advised by Chard Central that there was a runaway coming his way. If you were him, knowing what was likely to happen,unless the runaways derailed e-route, what on earth would you, could you do? Other than panic, in the few minutes available would you stop the road traffic, warn the pub or just run?

Deltic Devonian Railtour waits time at Chard Junction Nov 1981 Copyright Patricia Pibworth. Brian Pibworth is the gentleman with the two cameras.

Newquay 1973
Doug Nichols

Good Morning Keith
I see you have plenty of pictures to keep you busy ! I have left you quiet , I've not been down much this summer so far.
Here is a Doug Nicholls picture of a DMU at Newquay 4 1973. How much better Newquay looked then.
Thanks, Roger Geach Many thanks to you and of course Doug Nicholls - memories are made of this.

You can almost hear the 'clattering' of the diesels as P582 waits to return to Par on the 4th November 1973. How nice it would be to be able to sit behind the driver again and enjoy those forward views. The good old days! Copyright Doug Nicholls.

Athelney 1
John Cornelius

Former signalman John Cornelius takes us back to Athelney box where he spent many a long hour on duty watching the traffic safely through including the Royal Train. Many thanks to you John.

The Royal Train conveying the Queen to Exeter 30-3-1983, the only time I photographed the train with Royalty on board. the Queen was going to Exeter to distribute 'Maundy money' plus other duties. Copyright John Cornelius

Lyme Regis Branch
Mike Morant

We continue to look at the Lyme Regis branch with another picture from his amazing collection. Thank you Mike.

The Lyme Regis branch had just another eight months to run when this superb view was taken. 160710_ M_BR_41216_Lyme_Regis_27-2-65 Ivatt 2MT 'Mickey Mouse' 2-6-2T no. 41216 accompanied by GWR railmotor no.W238 descends towards Lyme Regis whilst in charge of the 13.06 service from Axminster on 27/3/65.
[Mike Morant collection

Items added on the 29th July 2016 Those added most recently come first

29/7/2016

Sun showers & Yellow Banana
Craig Munday

From his privileged position on duty at Liskeard signalbox Craig brings us some remarkable pictures for which many thanks.

No doubt where he is, a quite remarkable study of track and shadow - looking east from the box at Liskeard. 29th July 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Looking smart an up HST service accelerates away from Liskeard over the viaduct. 29th July 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Here comes the Network Rail Test train making its way out of the county and attracting the attention of at least one spectator on the up platform. 29th July 2016. Copyright Craig Munday

Heading for Paignton. 29th July 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

The Yellow Banana at Truro
Jamie Dyke

Looking down on the Network Rail Test train as it crosses the lofty viaduct. 29th July 2016 Copyright Jamie Dyke. N.B. The County Court at Truro can be seen to the left of the picture.

The Network Rail
Measurement Train at Penzance
Roger Winnen & Andrew Triggs

The Network Rail Measurement Train arrived at Penzance from Old Oak Common-and London Paddington before returning after a short break to Paignton on Friday morning 29th July, 2016

160729d Arriving at Penzance the 05.25 Old Oak Common, Paddington to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

160729b The Railway Observer the Network Rail Measurement Train at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

160729c Departing for Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

160729d Looking from the station wall the Network Rail train departs to Paignton. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160729e It snakes across the crossings on leaving the terminus. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many Thanks for your information Mike

Chard Demolition 1
The Creamery
Brian Pibworth

Brian has recently returned from holiday and very kindly sent in the following pictures of the demolition work at Chard Creamery, Chard Junction as in July 2016. Many thanks Brian.

1) Chard Junction Creamery Demolition July 2016 Copyright Brian Pibworth

2) Chard Junction Creamery Demolition July 2016 Copyright Brian Pibworth

3) Chard Junction Creamery Demolition, West End, July 2016 Copyright Brian Pibworth

4) Chard Junction Coal Yard July 2016 Copyright Brian Pibworth. Brian writes :- The coal yard (4) is almost unrecognisable from the old Darch's Coals operation that I remember and the current coal merchant has concentrated business behind a wall of railway sleepers adjacent to the road. This must be more efficient than the historical yard but effectively covers the remains of the Chard Branch station.

Putting things in perspective. A fantastic, never to be repeated view of Chard Junction in 1981. Taken by kind permission of the late Mike Chubb, then Manager of the Creamery. 6) View from top of Chard Junction Creamery 1982 Copyright Brian Pibworth

Bude
Kevin Jones

From the family album of Kevin Jones. Picture taken by Kevin Jones of standard 82019 at Bude in 1960. Kevin's Dad and sister watch on as coupling up takes place. Copyright Kevin Jones Steamindex N.B. This loco was built 26th September 1952 at Swindon Works. Its 1948 Shed was 72A Exmouth Junction and its Last Shed was 70A Nine Elms. It was withdrawn 9th July 1967

Ilton Halt
John Cornelius

Ilton Halt, Chard branch, picture taken three years after closure. Copyright John Cornelius

Tipton St Johns
Mike Morant

BR 41206 & 4666 Tipton 7-3-65 L:CGB: East Devon Rail Tour 7/3/65 Ivatt 'Mickey Mouse' 2MT 2-6-2T nos. 41206 was combined with Collett 5700 class pannier tank no. 4666 for the leg from Tipton St John's to Exeter Central via Exmouth and that unlikely pairing of motive power is depicted here at Tipton. Equally unlikely is that both locos were allocated to Exmouth Junction mpd at the time.
[Mike Morant collection]

Items added on the 28th July 2016 Those added most recently come first

28/7/2016

Marsh Barton station
Info from BLN

The following info is courtesy of Branch Line News.
Construction is expected to start in the Autumn. On opening in December 2017 the constraints of the timetable will restrict the frequency to less than hourly. December 2018 should see the introduction of a full stopping service.

Marsh Barton Station area 7th February 2016 Copyright David Tozer

Saveock Bridge.
Neil Phillips

Hi Keith,
News of the bridge deck renewal at Saveock on the Threemilestone to Chacewater road had me looking up these two photos of double-headers heading east from around 40 years ago. In the two years between them the diesel-hydraulic era had ended and so had the use of headcodes, although I believe they show the same train – 1M74 was regularly double-headed in the mid-1970s.
D1056 Western Sultan leads classmate D1036 Western Emperor at the head of train 1M74 at Saveock on a sunny 21st May 1975.
Two years later ‘Hoover’ 50024 pilots ‘Peak’ 45031 past the same location on what is believed to be the same service on a not so sunny 25th June 1977.
The photos were taken from a foot crossing which holds a particular memory for me as it was here that I copped first-built D800 Sir Brian Robertson on an up train around 1967/8!
Best regards, Neil Phillips Many thanks Neil

Saveock D1056 Western Sultan + D1036 Emporer 1M74 21st May 1975 Copyright Neil Phillips

Saveock 50024 later Vanguard +45031 25th June 1977 Copyright Neil Phillips

The Kissing Gate.
By Mick House.

Following on from Dennis Berry’s article on Perranporth Beach Halt, I have just visited the site and was informed by the owners that having purchased the surrounding land adjacent to 1 Beach Halt that the gate was standing on, they removed it to develop the land and install a new house called 2 Beach Halt, but they intend to refurbish the gate and lamppost then reinstate them as close as they can to the original site.
As you will see in the photos the gate is missing but the owners still have it, but it is in a sorry state along with the curved fence section, the three Bullhead rail posts two are still set in concrete are not in to bad a condition, the lamppost is in good condition being of cast-iron but missing it’s top lamp section.
Alongside this are two sections of Brunel’s Broad Gauge track that formed the fence posts of the footpath adjacent to the gate (standard GWR practise). This gate formed the entrance down a sloping footpath to the station platform.
If you are not familiar with the operation of a kissing gate I have included a plan view reconstruction.
Words, Drawing and Photos by Mick House.

Curved fence section and lamppost. Photo By Mick House.

The three Bullhead rail posts two are still set in concrete and two sections of Brunel’s Broad Gauge track Photo By Mick House.

Diagram of Kissing Gate operation. Drawn by Mick House.

The Belmond Northern Belle
Runs again this weekend to the Westcountry

On Saturday 30th July, 2016 the Northern Belle departs Swansea 06.02 Plymouth pass 10.21 Bodmin Parkway 11.00/11.04 and Par arrive 11.16 Passengers alighting for various destinations in the area including Padstow, Port Isaac and Bodmin Moor and The Eden Project.
The train runs Empty Coaching Stock dep 11.21 to Penzance arrive 12.16
The return working shows Penzance depart at 15.31 to St Austell arr 16.22. The train departs St Austell 16.30 Bodmin Parkway 16.53/16.58 Plymouth 17.35/18.01 and Swansea arr 22.16
Many Thanks to Martin Duff for the information supplied and also to Karl Hewlett for his advice as well.

Steam at Truro
Kevin Jones

A golden oldie. Prairie 4575 class number 5537 at Truro in 1960 Copyright Kevin Jones Steamindex This loco was shedded at Truro 83F and later transferred Penzance shed 83G. It was withdrawn 31st August 1962 Copyright Kevin Jones Steamindex

The 'Milk' at Plymouth
John Cornelius

Copyright John Cornelius.

Lyme Regis
Mike Morant

M_BR_41206_Lyme_Regis_7-3-65 L:CGB: East Devon Rail Tour 7/3/65 Ivatt 'Mickey Mouse' 2MT 2-6-2T's nos. 41206 and 41291 top and tailed this leg of the tour on the Lyme Regis branch. Here we see 41206 at Lyme Regis with 41291 visible at the rear of the consist.br> [Mike Morant collection]

Items added on the 27th July 2016 Those added most recently come first

27/7/2016

Perranporth Beach Halt
Dennis Berry

Hi I saw this yesterday and looking at your site about railways and especially Perranporth thought you would like to know about this sign it has been uprooted and left by the wall as per photo I am staying at Warwick Lodge Liskey Crescent, Dennis Berry Many thanks Dennis - we'll see what comes of it.

Remains of kissing gate and lamp from Perranporth Beach Halt. Also note a section of bridge rail - probably a fence or notice post. 26th July 2016 Copyright Dennis Berry N.B. They really need a padlock and chain for security.

The kissing gate and lamp from Perranporth Beach Halt as it was originally installed. By Mick House

Steamindex
Kevin Jones

My attention has just been drawn to a massive collection of railway photographs under the banner of 'Steamindex' carefully collected and assembled by Kevin Jones. For those of you seeking that rare picture nationwide it is well worth taking a look. www.steamindex.com/

It's 1960 and an unidentified '45' has just arrived at Helston. Copyright Andrew Jones Steamindex.

A rare machine at Taunton
John Cornelius

The rather elusive BRUSH 'FALCON'[D1200] makes an appearance at Taunton, it is seen running round after working a local passenger train from Bristol. Copyright John Cornelius

Plenty of clag!
Mike Morant

The ‘King Pioneer’ tour ran on 9/5/98 but isn’t mentioned on the sixbellsjunction web site for some reason but it did run and it is depicted here in the charge of preserved Collett King class 4-6-0 no. 6024 King Edward I rounding Aller West Curve and ready for the blast up to Dainton tunnel. [Slide taken by Mike Morant]

Items added on the 26th July 2016 Those added most recently come first

26/7/2016

Mixed HST Formations
Andrew Triggs, Craig Munday
& Jamie Dyke

Hi Keith
Here is a picture taken yesterday (25th July) at Penzance of split GWR green set with blue power car 43174 at the London end. 1A35 17.39 to Paddington.
Kind regards Craig Many thanks Craig

43174 at Penzance 25th July 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

160724a 43041 'Meningitis Trust'with the LA16 and 'Guest' 43174 at the rear approaching Marazion with the 1C84 12.57 London Paddington-Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160725a The 1A35 17.39 Penzance to London Paddington with FGW Blue 43174 'guesting' with LA16 and 43041 passing Marazion. Copyright Andrew Triggs

43174 sits on the rear of 1C83 1257 London Paddington to Penzance service with LA16 Copyright Jamie Dyke

and finally at Carlyn Bay. Copyright Jamie Dyke

Axminster - Hampshire Unit
Brian Pibworth

Good Morning Keith,
Today's posting from John Cornelius brought back memories of unusual workings through Axminster in the early 80s. Attached is a murky pic of a Hampshire unit which was pressed into service to deputise for the usual train and was itself failed during the journey and given a shove from a "spare" class 33. I haven't any details of the event other that it is in my 1981 album but as I recall it took place in fading light, during a thunderstorm and might have been the return working of the Saturday only Brighton - Plymouth service.
With kind regards, Brian Many thanks Brian

Axminster 33015 & Hampshire unit , 1981 Copyright Brian Pibworth

Hampshire unit 1102 departs Axminster in 1981 Copyright Brian Pibworth

'The Centurian' Railtour
John Cornelius

Here we go again Keith. Having seen Mike Morants pic of 4472 on Honiton bank on 29th December 1999 here's one I took of the train approaching Chard Junc the same day. Cheers JOHN C. Many thanks

Steam on Dainton
Mike Morant

A lovely shot with the full train in view. 45407 and 45110 climb Dainton Bank with the Past Time Railtours 'Mayflower' 15th August 1999. This ran from Paddington tto Plymouth and return. Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection. 160710_Heritage_M_BR_45407_45110_Dainton_15-8-99

Items added on the 25th July 2016 Those added most recently come first

25/7/2016

Relics of the Bideford, Westward Ho and Appledore Railway
1901 to 1917
Roger Winnen

I paid a visit to North Devon on Saturday to explore what remains of the above railway which only lasted sixteen years, being requisitioned by the Government to help the war effort in France. However one locomotive was relocated to Avonmouth and lasted until 1937, the other two was dispatched from a South Wales port to France, but lost aboard ship in the Bristol Channel. In the last few years reports suggest that two engines were discovered lying on the seabed it the Bristol Channel. Is it true or false.?

160723k The old Carriage Shed in Kingsley Road, Bideford of The Bideford,Westward Ho & Appledore Railway. 1901 to 1917 Copyright Roger Winnen

160723l This was the site of Westward Ho Station which survived into the 1970s. You can walk the alignment of this line towards the Golf Links. Copyright Roger Winnen

160723m This was the site of The Company Office of the Bideford, Westward Ho and Appledore Railway on Bideford Quay. Copyright Roger Winnen

160723n This wall remains as part of the platform at Appledore Station. From Appledore Station the former trackbed is now made into a road. Copyright Roger Winnen

160723o Attached to the wall of the former Appledore Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

160723p On closure of the railway in 1917 a temporary track was laid across this bridge to enable the locomotives to be shipped away from the Bideford L.S.W.R. Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

A stranger in our midst!
From the Mike Morant Collection

Mike sends us many surprises - this one is no exception.

4472 on Honiton Bank 29th December 1999. Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection. 160710_Heritage_E_LNER_4472_Honiton_29-12-99

This was The Centenarian Railtour which ran on 29th December, 1999 from Reading to Reading. 4472 Flying Scotsman replaced 6024 King Edward 1which was booked for this trip. The route was Reading-Westbury-Yeovil Pen Mill-Chard Junction-Honiton-Exeter Central-Exeter St Davids-Water Stop- Taunton-Frome-Water Stop- Westbury-Melksham- Chippenham-Didcot-Reading.
The Railtour was steam hauled from Yeovil Junction to Didcot together with 50050 on the rear for heating
Steam Railtour information 1999 Roger Winnen

Another stranger in our midst!
John Cornelius

205029 approaches Axminster on the 7th December 1991. Copyright John Cornelius N.B. John adds a note :- A 'HAMPSHIRE' demu on an Exeter- Waterloo service arriving at Axminster. When I worked at Axminster station, they would be pressed into service to cover, when there was a loco failure and nothing else was available. Sometimes a '4TC' SET and a '33/1' were used.

Items added on the 24th July 2016 Those added most recently come first

24/7/2016

A couple from Craig.
Craig Munday enjoys the sun - when available!

Hi Keith
It's been a strange week weather wise. Took this shot class 66 arrival shot at Carne Point during our brief heat wave, and 57603 working 5P70 past Carlyon Bay yesterday.

Kind regards, Craig Thanks Craig, enjoy your summer.

57603 Carlyon Bay 5p70 golf course 23rd July 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Lovely reflections as a Class 66 arrives at Carne Point with well over 30 CDA's in tow. 20th July 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

The 'Burma Road'!
Mike Roach

This is a query from Edward Mann, who is, I believe. associated with the Norfolk Railway Society.

I’ve just read that Halwill Junc to Torrington was known as “The Burma Road”. Why, please?
Edward Mann.

Can anybody help please. This suggests a connection with the Burma Railway during the construction of which many prisoners lost their lives. Surely prisoners weren't used in the construction of this line - did any people lose their lives? Does Roy Hart know?

90 Glorious Years at Penzance
Andrew Triggs

160723h 90 Glorious Years is seen at Penzance working the 08.39 to London Paddington. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160723i A striking livery for our Queen at 90. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160724j The 08.39 to London Paddington is seen heading through Marazion. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Goings on in darkest Greenbottom
Craig Munday

I popped down to the work site at Greenbottom adjacent to Saveock Crossing yesterday to see progress on the overbridge on the Chacewater to Threemilestone road. A lengthy road closure has been necessary to deal with the new bridge being installed. Painstaking preparations have included releasing fibre optic cables from the concrete casing along the structure under the former road bed. This trench can be seen in the picture taken on the former road.
The work to take out part of the deck happens this weekend 23rd/24th July. These pictures will be some of the last of the original bridge deck. An extensive paddock area has been created, and much vegetation cleared, giving a rather nice view back towards Chacewater on the Up from Saveock Crossing.
Photos taken on duty after full briefing and with thanks to Lee Davey on site.
Many Thanks Craig

160723a Looking back from Saveock Crossing. (2) Copyright Craig Munday

160723b Looking towards Chacewater from Saveock Crossing. (3) Copyright Craig Munday

160723c The road deck at Greenbottom (4) Copyright Craig Munday

160723d The bridge deck awaiting replacement at Greenbottom (5)Copyright Craig Munday

160723e The bridge deck awaiting removal (6) Copyright Craig Munday

160723f Saveock with the extensive paddock area. (9) Copyright Munday

160723g Saveock (11) A London bound HST passes the site. Copyright Craig Munday

Moving on to Martock
John Cornelius

John Cornelius enhances our extensive coverage of the Yeovil branch with more 'golden oldies' taken at Martock - many thanks John.

82044 leaving Martock for Yeovil on Saturday the 16th May 1964 Copyright John Cornelius. N.B. Less than a month to final closure with occurred on the 15th June 1964.

Mixed power at Exeter
Mike Morant

D819 Goliath departs with an up service from Exeter St Davids. Meantime a selection of steam power awaits duty up the bank to Exeter Central. Overlooking the scene is Exeter Middle Signalbox, now long gone, but railway staff provide a guard over the busy Red Cow road crossing coverage which is still provided to this day. D819 was built 25th April 1960, withdrawn on 3rd October 1971 and cut up at Swindon on the 3rd March 1972. From the Mike Morant Collection 160710_Diesel_BR_D819 _Exeter

Items added on the 23rd July 2016 Those added most recently come first

23/7/2016

57603 Tintagel Castle.
By Mick House

This mornings up ECS from Penzance to Par with 57603 and four coaches of the Night Riviera stock heading past Hallenbeagle four minuets early.
Photos By Mick House.

57603 approaches Hallenbeagle. Photo By Mick House

57603 about pass Hallenbeagle. Photo By Mick House

The End of Thorney after its track removal
John Cornelius

160723a The End. Thorney after track removal - looking towards Langport. 9th November 1966 Copyright John Cornelius

A Class 25 seen at Topsham
From the Mike Morant Collection

160723b A class 25 at Topsham 25063 the only passing place on the Exmouth Branch possibly with the inspection saloon as it is bearing the same headcode as another photograph of this engine which appears in the middle line at Exeter Central added yesterday to the website. Courtesy Mike Morant collection. 160710 Diesel BR 25063 Topsham AR 103

Items added on July 22nd 2016 Those added most recently come first

22/7/2016

Preparatory works begin at Ponsandane
to the upgrade of Long Rock Train & Maintenance Depot
Roger Salter

Announced during the former Prime Ministers Visit to Cornwall in July 2014 (David Cameron) Long Rock would take over the servicing of the rolling stock for the Night Riviera on the closure of Old Oak Common Depot in connection with the new London Crossrail. Long Rock would also be expanded to cater for the fleet of the new Great Western Trains.

160721a Gillards Transport queued up to deliver portacabins as preparatory work begins at Ponsandane Yard. Copyright Roger Salter

160721b Lifting the portacabins into position at Ponsandane. Copyright Roger Salter

160721c Men in action at Ponsandane. Copyright Roger Salter

Unusual movement at Thorney
John Cornelius

4569 towing withdrawn 3210 to Taunton, seen here passing Thorney Halt on the 28th May 1964. 3210 was at one time going to be named 'Earl Cairns' but never carried this name. Copyright John Cornelius

Mike Morants 'Brent'
An explanation - Mike Roach

Brent courtesy Mike Morant 160709_W_BR_5573_Brent

The picture above was published on the 19th July 2016 and a query was raised as to what 5573 was doing - apparently setting off for Plymouth, wrong line.

5573 was at Newton Abbot Shed from December 1957 to December 1962 when it was transferred away to Whitland. I photographed the loco on the Kingsbridge Branch on Saturday 1 July 1961, and I have seen a picture of it on the Branch the previous Saturday. A month later I photographed it at Wadebridge and Bodmin General but it was not formally transferred to St. Blazey so perhaps it was on loan.

The previous summers would have been similar but lets assume that this is a Saturday in June or July 1961. The train is the 10.55am Saturdays Only Kingsbridge to Paddington. The train would have arrived in its normal platform in Brent at 11.30am. 5573 would then have propelled its coaches out towards Newton Abbot over the crossover and onto the up main. It would then have worked its train westwards through the up platform out under the road bridge from which the photo was taken and into the up loop. The 11.15am Plymouth to Paddington arrived in the up platform and 5573 propelled its coaches out of the loop and on to the back of the Paddington train. Departure from Brent was scheduled at 11.45am and arrival at Paddington at 4.18pm. Many thanks to Mike Roach for this very detailed answer.

Exeter Central
Mike Morant

Exeter Central looking very quiet - 25063 on an inspection train. N.B. The central track seen in this picture was removed in 1985. Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection. 160710_Diesel_BR_25063_Exeter_AR104

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The Kissing Gate. By Mick House.

57603 Tintagel Castle.By Mick House

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The Kissing Gate.
By Mick House.

57603 Tintagel Castle.
By Mick House