Appreciation to contributors:-
Many thanks to :- Craig Munday, Roger Geach, Trevor Tremethick, Roger Winnen, Maurice Dart, Mike Roach, Derek Buttivant and Tony Wright for your contributions.
Many thanks to :- Craig Munday, Roger Geach, Trevor Tremethick, Roger Winnen, Maurice Dart, Mike Roach, Derek Buttivant and Tony Wright for your contributions.
Class 60 removed from St Blazey Store
Report and picture from Craig Munday
Report and picture from Craig Munday
A picture of this afternoon's 6C39 departure with 66043 hauling a dead class 60039 from the stored line at St Blazey. 60024 is believed to be following next week. 10 Aug 2012.
It's great to work for the railways
Pictures taken today 9th August 12 by Craig Munday
Pictures taken today 9th August 12 by Craig Munday
Hi there, It's joy to be in this job - treasure it while I can. St Blazey early turn in August. - Craig.
Sleeper in trouble Report and picture by Craig Munday
Aug 6th / 7th: There was some "fun" last night. 57605 failed near Gwinear Road with 1A40 the up Sleepers and assistance came from Fowey with 66156 being used to drag the train back into Penzance horribly late. The passengers were put on board an HST and the following 2C80 voyager was cancelled. This resulted in there being two sleeper trains in Penzance this morning (7 Aug 12), and three of the four FGW class 57s there too as 57603 came down on the rear of 1C99. 57603 was then used to haul the overnight stock up as 5C99 10.12 Long Rock to Old Oak Common.
A new location, but on private land. from Craig Munday
Been sussing out photographic opportunities on my doorstep, and have open invitiation to the bridge at Trenance farm. Lovely view from Ralph's field of Gover viaduct for a summer evening up train (if anything interesting ever goes up that is - remember the 18.10 Pnz - Bristol, Up TPO? - groan). Anyway here are some shots from bridge of 66122 having collected the naccos with the fuel tanks from 6C11 nearing St Austell 1st Aug 2012.
Note :- All on private property. Viaduct photo has a bull in the field!!
Note :- All on private property. Viaduct photo has a bull in the field!!
Hot off the press.
Night Shift at Truro A report and pictures from Craig Munday
We, at the CRS Website, are extremely lucky to receive material like this, the pictures are incredible and the detail fascinating. These pictures were taken only hours ago. Many thanks Craig.
Night Shift at Truro A report and pictures from Craig Munday
We, at the CRS Website, are extremely lucky to receive material like this, the pictures are incredible and the detail fascinating. These pictures were taken only hours ago. Many thanks Craig.
Craig writes :- The one advantage of night shift is the occasional chance to grab a unique set of photos whilst all else is quiet. Last night at Truro was no exception. 3Q55 the Network Rail UTU radio train ran from Laira to Taunton via Penzance at the very unsocial hour of midnight and 3am return. These images were taken at Truro. The down working was recording at 30mph, and the stopper from Plymouth 2C54 (22.13 off Plymouth) caught the train up by Probus. The decision was taken to cross 3Q55 over to the U Main at Truro to allow 2C54 to pass. Unfortunately, 2C54 had an abusive punter to wait Police attention at T ruro, so the plans were somewhat scuppered!
Here is the loco of 3Q55 class 37 convert 97304 John Tiley and 153380 as the leading unit on 2C54. The other end of 3Q55 was a DBSO driving trailer.
Here is the loco of 3Q55 class 37 convert 97304 John Tiley and 153380 as the leading unit on 2C54. The other end of 3Q55 was a DBSO driving trailer.
Cross Country HST to Newquay From Craig Munday
Cross Country HST 1V54 Dundee - Newquay in the sunshine at Par. The 150 was stabled in the Up Loop as a failed FGW HST was in Chapel Siding. Congestion indeed! This service departed Dundee at 06.32 and stopped at Par at 17.42 - due Newquay 18.45. One wonders if there were any passengers from end to end!
N.B. There was also a Diesel Railtour to Plymouth the same day. See the railtours section.
Cross Country HST 1V54 Dundee - Newquay in the sunshine at Par. The 150 was stabled in the Up Loop as a failed FGW HST was in Chapel Siding. Congestion indeed! This service departed Dundee at 06.32 and stopped at Par at 17.42 - due Newquay 18.45. One wonders if there were any passengers from end to end!
N.B. There was also a Diesel Railtour to Plymouth the same day. See the railtours section.
Radio - Liskeard to Looe From Craig Munday
1Q13 Network Rail radio testing train was active on the Looe branch on 5th July 2012 with DRS class 37/6s 37682 & 409 Lord Hinton providing the traction.
1Q13 Network Rail radio testing train was active on the Looe branch on 5th July 2012 with DRS class 37/6s 37682 & 409 Lord Hinton providing the traction.
St Germans From Roger Geach
The train depicted crossing St Germans viaduct is the 09.27 Newquay to Dundee 23 Jun 2012
The train depicted crossing St Germans viaduct is the 09.27 Newquay to Dundee 23 Jun 2012
Royal Albert Bridge From Roger Geach
Roger Geach took this picture at 1948 hrs on Friday 22 June 2012 which shows the Saltash Bridge under repair.
Very few passenger trains using this bridge have retention toilets, for obvious reasons travellers are asked not to flush while passing over the bridge. The up freight depicted is the Fridays only 6C43 1423 Burngullow to Exeter Riverside which spends many hours at St Blazey before it heads east. The loco is 6606, along with the clay wagons were three scrap wagons on the rear which had been loaded at St Blazey. The distant viaduct is Coombe by Saltash, it has seven arches each of 70 ft span and has a total length of 603 feet - it is 86 feet high. It replaced the original timber structure w.e.f. 19 October 1894.
Roger Geach took this picture at 1948 hrs on Friday 22 June 2012 which shows the Saltash Bridge under repair.
Very few passenger trains using this bridge have retention toilets, for obvious reasons travellers are asked not to flush while passing over the bridge. The up freight depicted is the Fridays only 6C43 1423 Burngullow to Exeter Riverside which spends many hours at St Blazey before it heads east. The loco is 6606, along with the clay wagons were three scrap wagons on the rear which had been loaded at St Blazey. The distant viaduct is Coombe by Saltash, it has seven arches each of 70 ft span and has a total length of 603 feet - it is 86 feet high. It replaced the original timber structure w.e.f. 19 October 1894.
Lostwithiel From Craig Munday
Sunshine & showers sum up 2012 really. We're living history now as I fear the years of semaphores are numbered. 66156 sits amongst the signals under threatening clouds at Lostwithiel on Thur 28th June 2012 with 6G09 bound for Goonbarrow.
Sunshine & showers sum up 2012 really. We're living history now as I fear the years of semaphores are numbered. 66156 sits amongst the signals under threatening clouds at Lostwithiel on Thur 28th June 2012 with 6G09 bound for Goonbarrow.
Bodmin & Wenford Railway From Maurice Dart
On 21 June a privately chartered train hauled by 50042 was operated to mark the retirement from publishing of celebrated railway author John Vaughan. Many authors, publishers, Railtour organisers and other notable people connected with railways were present by invitation. Despite foul weather, ‘Rain did not stop play’!
( Members will recall that John gave the Cornwall Railway Society a most interesting evening a few years ago)
On 21 June a privately chartered train hauled by 50042 was operated to mark the retirement from publishing of celebrated railway author John Vaughan. Many authors, publishers, Railtour organisers and other notable people connected with railways were present by invitation. Despite foul weather, ‘Rain did not stop play’!
( Members will recall that John gave the Cornwall Railway Society a most interesting evening a few years ago)
DBS Contract with Imerys Minerals, Rumours scotched . From Maurice Dart
Rumours have been circulating spreading doom and gloom regarding the transport of China Clay by rail. A Cornish transport company called Maen Karne bought a fleet of around sixteen new very large lorries with the hopes of wrestling transporting clay in Cornwall from DBS. Maen Karne undercut DBS with a quote for doing this. DBS staff at St. Blazey were very concerned about this as it was considered a real threat to the depot’s continued existence. To many local and other people the thoughts of these huge lorries carrying all of the clay from Rocks Dryers, Treviscoe and Parkandillack to Par to access the Haul Road to Fowey was horrific and not practical. A meeting with DBS, Imerys and Maen Karne was held on 17 May. The outcome was that DBS lost around 10% maximum of the clay they transport by rail. So rest assured that CDA wagons will continue to operate hauled by class 66s for some time.
Rumours have been circulating spreading doom and gloom regarding the transport of China Clay by rail. A Cornish transport company called Maen Karne bought a fleet of around sixteen new very large lorries with the hopes of wrestling transporting clay in Cornwall from DBS. Maen Karne undercut DBS with a quote for doing this. DBS staff at St. Blazey were very concerned about this as it was considered a real threat to the depot’s continued existence. To many local and other people the thoughts of these huge lorries carrying all of the clay from Rocks Dryers, Treviscoe and Parkandillack to Par to access the Haul Road to Fowey was horrific and not practical. A meeting with DBS, Imerys and Maen Karne was held on 17 May. The outcome was that DBS lost around 10% maximum of the clay they transport by rail. So rest assured that CDA wagons will continue to operate hauled by class 66s for some time.
West Cornwall Railway sign Derek Buttivant writes
Derek Buttivant writes :-
I was contacted by a pleasant gentleman from Yorkshire who had found and bought a West Cornwall Railway cast iron notice. he wanted to know a bit more about the railway (which I could tell him) but was also interested to find out whether WC Rly notices are unusual/rare (which I couldn't). I don't remember seeing any WCR signs around and, with only about 25 miles of track and lasting only a decade or so, there may not have been many such items in existence.
I enclose a photo he sent me and wondered if you can offer any information. Please feel free to pass on the enquiry to anyone else who might have knowledge about such things.
Can you help - RSVP
Derek Buttivant writes :-
I was contacted by a pleasant gentleman from Yorkshire who had found and bought a West Cornwall Railway cast iron notice. he wanted to know a bit more about the railway (which I could tell him) but was also interested to find out whether WC Rly notices are unusual/rare (which I couldn't). I don't remember seeing any WCR signs around and, with only about 25 miles of track and lasting only a decade or so, there may not have been many such items in existence.
I enclose a photo he sent me and wondered if you can offer any information. Please feel free to pass on the enquiry to anyone else who might have knowledge about such things.
Can you help - RSVP
Network rail test train - at Respryn on 12th June 2012 Craig Munday
FGW Report Sent by Derek Buttivant
COPY EXTRACT FROM FGW PRESS RELEASE
Thursday 7 June
Transport Minister praises improvements to rail network in Cornwall
Transport Minister Theresa Villiers has praised the hard work of local people and organisations in developing the local rail network in Cornwall.
The comments follow a tour of Truro Station, which is undergoing a £500,000 renovation as part of the National Station Improvement Programme, due to be completed by the beginning of July.
Theresa Villiers MP said:
"I am delighted to be able to announce that the Paddington to Penzance sleeper service will be included in the new franchise agreements. Together with the improvements to Truro railway station, this will provide a great service to rail customers. The improvements in Truro represent a significant and welcome investment in rail travel in Cornwall.
“I was also delighted to see the hard work put into the Maritime Line by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and the local community is paying off with a massive 91 per cent increase in passengers since 2007-8. This shows the value that local people and organisations can bring to developing the local rail network."
Train service frequency, passenger numbers and train punctuality are now at record levels, borne out by the huge increase in demand in the area.
Since 2006 passengers numbers have increased by over 54% on Devon and Cornwall branch lines and by 20% in the last year alone for the Truro to Falmouth branch line.
Additional services have also been provided by First Great Western to meet rising demand. Working with Cornwall Council, the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and local groups, it has added 650 seats on peak weekday services and 1,275 at weekends.
Mark Hopwood, Managing Director said:
“We were delighted to welcome the Minister for Transport to this important part of our network and to also show her how our branch lines are a vital part of the local community".
“As Truro station’s renovation nears completion, we can promise the community a bigger, brighter station with modern facilities and the level and frequency of train service they expect.
Largin Scenes Craig Munday
The last sand working from Burngullow to Thorney Mill on 31st May is seen below 66617 heads the train
The last sand working from Burngullow to Thorney Mill on 31st May is seen below 66617 heads the train
Last sand traffic from Burngullow Craig Munday 66617 worked the final days sand traffic from Burngullow on the 31st May 12. The first portion 6C59 is seen at Burngullow loading in Methrose siding, and on largin viaduct. The loco appeared late afternoon to depart slightly late as 6Z61 Burngullow to Thorney Mill. This seen below about to pass through St Austell.
St Blazey Depot - more 60's Craig Munday
More 60's into storage. The storage line at St Blazey with class 60s 100, 044, 096 & 024. Craig reports that two more are expected including 039.
More 60's into storage. The storage line at St Blazey with class 60s 100, 044, 096 & 024. Craig reports that two more are expected including 039.
66 on Fowey branch Craig Munday
Named trains in the Summer Timetable 2012 Roger Winnen
The 'Night Riviera' 23.45 or 23.50 Paddington - Penzance
The 'Merchant Venturer' 07.30 Paddington to Penzance via Bristol
The 'Cornish Reviera' 10.06 Paddington to Penzance
The 'Atlantic Coast' 11.35 Paddington to Newquay
The 'Royal Duchy' 12.06 Paddington to Penzance
The 'Cornishman' 15.06 Paddington to Penzance
The 'Golden Hind' 18.03 Paddington to Penzance
The 'Armada' (Fridays only) 19.03 Paddington to Penzance
The 'Merchant Venturer' 07.30 Paddington to Penzance via Bristol
The 'Cornish Reviera' 10.06 Paddington to Penzance
The 'Atlantic Coast' 11.35 Paddington to Newquay
The 'Royal Duchy' 12.06 Paddington to Penzance
The 'Cornishman' 15.06 Paddington to Penzance
The 'Golden Hind' 18.03 Paddington to Penzance
The 'Armada' (Fridays only) 19.03 Paddington to Penzance
TRURO Derek Buttivant
Until full resignalling of the railway in Cornwall takes place (likely to be quite a long way ahead) minor tweaks are being made to improve capacity, especially when recovering from delays. One such is the provision of a tail-lamp camera at the Penzance end of Truro station. Previously, the signaller at Truro had to wait until the rear of an up train had passed the 'box and the tail lamp had been seen before sending "line clear" to Roskear to allow a following train to set off towards Truro. With the camera in place, it will be possible for the Truro signaller to check that the train is complete and send "line clear" anything up to five minutes sooner instead of having to wait for the train to stop at the platform, complete station business and re-start before allowing the next train into the section. This may not seem a very big gain, but when trains are running late, it could give a useful few minutes' saving of time.
NEWQUAY BRANCH Derek Buttivant
Network Rail have carried out a number of track upgrades between Par and Newquay, designed to allow HSTs to work over the line at the same speeds as lighter DMUs. One example is the curve at St Dennis Junction. Some of these improvements have been in place for a while but it was decided to wait for everything to be finished before allowing trains to use the higher speed limits. While there will not be a noiticeable change in the timetable, the improvements mean that when long-distance down trains are running late, they will be able to get to Newquay and start their return journey more quickly, thereby reducing possible delays to following trains. The long single-line section between Goonbarrow Junction and Newquay and the absence of facilities to stable a train at Newquay while a second one traverses the line mean that there is little opportunity to improve the service or cope with additional charter and special trains. An extra loop and/or second platform road at Newquay is not ruled out in the longer term.
NEWQUAY STATION Derek Buttivant
Work has been going on during May to replace the remaining sections of the Newquay station canopy with a modern structure more appropriate for this major resort. When finished, it will provide a much larger under-cover space for waiting passengers. While numbers using the station are quite low outside the holiday season, much larger numbers queue for long-distance trains especially on summer Saturdays and the new canopies will benefit those passengers.
ST AUSTELL STATION Derek Buttivant
The boarded-up building on the up platform has been given a new coat of paint (at considerable cost) to try to improve its appearance (though doing nothing for waiting passengers) pending replacement and other improvements for which funding has now been found. These works will be implemented over the coming year or so. The new footbridge, with passenger lifts, will at last be built, allowing the existing listed structure to be temporarily closed while major refurbishment is carried out.
Jubilee HST at Penzance 27th May 2012 Roger Salter
Clay Trains to and from Carne Point 24th May 2012 Craig Munday
Network Rail Test Train Craig Munday
This is thought that this could be carrying out radio trials with a view to controlling all rail movements from a central control point. The train visited Penzance, Moorswater & Looe during the night inspections. The train also visited the other Cornish branches during the week, including St Ives on the 15th
This is thought that this could be carrying out radio trials with a view to controlling all rail movements from a central control point. The train visited Penzance, Moorswater & Looe during the night inspections. The train also visited the other Cornish branches during the week, including St Ives on the 15th
Work in progress on the Royal Albert Bridge 2nd May 2012 Mike Roach
Class 60's placed into store at St Blazey Craig Munday
Commorative HST at Redruth 4th May 2012 Keith Jenkin
Class 20's at Plymouth 2nd May 2012 Craig Munday
May Day Clay Empties 1st May 2012 Roger Geach
Saturday Freight 28th April 2012 Roger Geach
Venice Simplon-Orient Express Friday 27th April 2012 Roger Geach
Bodmin visitor Trevor Tremethick
On Saturday 21st April 2012 on the way home from the CRS Reduth and Chasewater walk, Trevor Tremethick called in on the Bodmin & Wenford, and spotted visiting locomotive No. 24 Calbourne piloting the Beattie Tank.
N.B. A further note by Roger Winnen. Calbourne of the 02 class was once frequently in Cornwall operating on the Bodmin - Wadebridge - Padstow and Plymouth - Bere Alston - Callington services. This engine previously number 209 was shipped to the Isle of Wight in 1925 where it carried the number 24. in the summer of 1961 there were 19 examples of the class on the I.O.W. with eight survivors on the mainland. These were basedat Plymouth Friary (4), Wadebridge (1), Exmouth Jct (1) and Eastleigh (2).
On Saturday 21st April 2012 on the way home from the CRS Reduth and Chasewater walk, Trevor Tremethick called in on the Bodmin & Wenford, and spotted visiting locomotive No. 24 Calbourne piloting the Beattie Tank.
N.B. A further note by Roger Winnen. Calbourne of the 02 class was once frequently in Cornwall operating on the Bodmin - Wadebridge - Padstow and Plymouth - Bere Alston - Callington services. This engine previously number 209 was shipped to the Isle of Wight in 1925 where it carried the number 24. in the summer of 1961 there were 19 examples of the class on the I.O.W. with eight survivors on the mainland. These were basedat Plymouth Friary (4), Wadebridge (1), Exmouth Jct (1) and Eastleigh (2).
Walkham Viaduct Mike Roach
Walkham Viaduct was a magnificent 15-span structure on the Plymouth to Tavistock South railway line. It was demolished about 1964/65 and the site cleared after closure of the line at the end of 1962. A new 5-span steel bridge has recently been constructed on the site of the original viaduct to carry a cycleway. A visit on 2 April 2012 found the finishing touches being done to the bridge.
Central Trains Class 153 at Apex. Near Scorrier Roger Geach
N.B Click on pictures for an enlargement and further details
Class 142 Farewell Notes and pictures by Derek Buttivant
On Sunday 27 Nov 2011 a railtour was operated around the various branches frequented by the class 142 Skippers. This was on the occasion of their final working before being transferred up north. The train worked four journeys from Exeter St Davids. Departing at 09.30 to Alphington/Marsh Barton, 10.25 to Heathfield, 13.15 to Meldon Quarry, then Crediton then Barnstaple, finally to Plymouth at 17.25.
Unusually the outward bound trip to Heathfield was operated wrong line from Dawlish Warren to Teignmouth, possibly because Network Rail were working on the down line and possibly because it was an interesting thing to do.
At Heathfield the train continued to the very end of the line before returning to the platform where we were allowed to alight
On Sunday 27 Nov 2011 a railtour was operated around the various branches frequented by the class 142 Skippers. This was on the occasion of their final working before being transferred up north. The train worked four journeys from Exeter St Davids. Departing at 09.30 to Alphington/Marsh Barton, 10.25 to Heathfield, 13.15 to Meldon Quarry, then Crediton then Barnstaple, finally to Plymouth at 17.25.
Unusually the outward bound trip to Heathfield was operated wrong line from Dawlish Warren to Teignmouth, possibly because Network Rail were working on the down line and possibly because it was an interesting thing to do.
At Heathfield the train continued to the very end of the line before returning to the platform where we were allowed to alight
Penzance - here we see the unusual sight of two HST Power cars 43 135 and 43 145 coupled back to back to provide motive power for the down sleeper which had been powered by an ailing class 57 602 23 Jan 12. See News item for 23 Jan 12