CORNWALL RAILWAY GALLERY
Penzance area - as far as Marazion
The idea of this section is to publish photographs of the Cornwall Railway scene before 1980. However, in the interests of continuity we might include a later picture. If you are interested in contributing and seeing your work on the net then please let us have your material. You will be fully credited and you can state copyright. It is important that the material is your own work or that of a member of your family who approves or would approve of your action. Please state who took the original picture. You will be listed as the contributor and as such take responsibility for the material submitted. Please do not submit professional photographs or any which are copyright.
Order of listing
In this section we commence at Penzance station and work eastwards to Marazion. Long Rock shed is covered in a separate section.
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.
You could always visit the Cornwall Centre at Alma Place, Redruth. Very near the station.
Credits, Many thanks to all contributors - please see a list on the home page.
Members and general visitors to the CRS site will be interested in visiting http://www.railmaponline.com From the opening page a full map of the UK can be accessed which can then be enlarged to show every railway line in the UK. Not just today's network but lines from the past have been overlaid. As you zoom in sidings and even tramways become visible.
A valuable tip from Guy Vincent.
A valuable tip from Guy Vincent.
The big storm 14th February 2014
St Valentines Day 2014 was not a romantic occasion for the railway at Penzance which suffered immense damage in the storm. There is a separate section devoted to this towards the end of this page. This was also the occasion of the breach at Dawlish which cut off Penzance and of course anywhere west of Exeter from the rest of the country. The Dawlish breach is covered in the Devon section.
St Valentines Day 2014 was not a romantic occasion for the railway at Penzance which suffered immense damage in the storm. There is a separate section devoted to this towards the end of this page. This was also the occasion of the breach at Dawlish which cut off Penzance and of course anywhere west of Exeter from the rest of the country. The Dawlish breach is covered in the Devon section.
N.B Click on picture to obtain an enlargement and further details
The Eric Curnow Collection. You might remember in the dim and distant pass that you very kindly posted a link on your website to 'Far Western Diesel Hydraulics', that I later asked you to remove, as I was requiring my resources for the Project Class 22 Society website instead. I have now relocated the same material plus many hundreds of new images, extended back to early times through to about 1980 (1983 will be the cut off eventually, as it was then that my interest faded). It is still primarily Penzance-centred, but will extend to the metropolis, majoring on the GW main line, with the content fading away from this 'spine'. I wonder whether you would add me again, please - on your 'Links' Page, and the 'Other Sources of Cornish Pictures' on your 'Home' Page? You can evaluate my site at https://curnowcollection.wordpress.com/ Thanks for your attention to this matter - I have copied in the assistant webmasters for information. Best wishes, Eric Curnow
Your attention is also drawn to the considerable collection of photographs mainly at Penzance from 1969 to 1977.
More pictures of the railways in Cornwall - a collection of pictures compiled by Clive Parker during holidays in Cornwall in 1974 and 1975 can be viewed by clicking below - this is very much recommended.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgmRx_6rFDo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgmRx_6rFDo
CORNISH MAIN LINE Penzance to Marazion
The Albert Pier at Penzance viewed from high ground in the vicinity of the present Harbour View Cresent.. Looking at this photograph in detail can be seen railway wagons on the Albert Pier. The line to the Albert Pier was last used into the 1950s when scrap from the Battleship HMS Warspite being broken up just off of St Michaels Mount after breaking its tow to the breakers yard in 1947.
Penzance - this is truly the end of the line on Albert Pier. The metals can just be seen curving away to the right into the concrete block structure. Seen here on 30th November 1975. Copyright of Roger Winnen, who lives just beyond the station.
Poster from David Ward.
D7574 0n 31st December 1973 stands on the track which once lead to the Albert Pier. Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Rails on the Albert Pier Penzance on 31 12 1973 The rail connection to Penzance station was removed in Sept 1967 to make way for the bus and taxi park. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Awaiting the arrival of the Boat Train to The Isles of Scilly. True or False.It's false - the boat is moored for maintenance work. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Penzance Postcard. A 'Duke of Cornwall' class heads an up express - these locos were built in the period 1895 to 1899. Seen here near where the Tesco rroundabout is now situated. This section of the Penzance appraoch was washed away in a storm in 1879 Courtesy the Mike Morant collection
860216h16th February 1986 Platform 4 Penzance with telephone Box and Godfrey Davis Car Hire. What a change today as most things have been swept away.Copyright Roger Winnen
Penzance station prior to the new arrangement which came into being in 1940. From the Paddy Bradley Collection.
An additional note from Roy Hart.
A picture from the early Edwardian era. Until the rebuilding of 1937-40 there were only two platforms. Nearest in this picture is platform 1, then two carriage sidings, then platform 2. Both platforms could be used in both directions and both were desperately short.
The photo was, of course, taken from the grand staircase which used to be the main entrance.
I go for 1902-5.
All the best, Roy. Many thanks Roy.
(N.B. This note was received within minutes of the picture appearing on the website!! Thanks for watching from Rangoon Roy. )
A picture from the early Edwardian era. Until the rebuilding of 1937-40 there were only two platforms. Nearest in this picture is platform 1, then two carriage sidings, then platform 2. Both platforms could be used in both directions and both were desperately short.
The photo was, of course, taken from the grand staircase which used to be the main entrance.
I go for 1902-5.
All the best, Roy. Many thanks Roy.
(N.B. This note was received within minutes of the picture appearing on the website!! Thanks for watching from Rangoon Roy. )
A grand shot of Penzance, taken about 1907/8. In the foreground is Penzance viaduct: long and low (12 ft) and single track. It was replaced by an embankment and arches for double track in 1921.
The engine shed was very cramped (it closed when Long Rock opened in 1914) and the turntable (the engine centre-right is on it) could take nothing larger than the 4-4-0s we see here. Off to the right is the coal stage.
On the extreme left the signal box can be glimpsed. This is the original, dating from the 1870s, built by McKenzie and Holland, contractors to the GWR. It was replaced by a new box of timber construction in 1912 (Ponsandane and Long Rock boxes opened at the same time). Today's Penzance box (1938) stands on the site of this engine shed.
We are most grateful to Roy Hart who responded within minutes of the publication of the above photograph with the details above.
The engine shed was very cramped (it closed when Long Rock opened in 1914) and the turntable (the engine centre-right is on it) could take nothing larger than the 4-4-0s we see here. Off to the right is the coal stage.
On the extreme left the signal box can be glimpsed. This is the original, dating from the 1870s, built by McKenzie and Holland, contractors to the GWR. It was replaced by a new box of timber construction in 1912 (Ponsandane and Long Rock boxes opened at the same time). Today's Penzance box (1938) stands on the site of this engine shed.
We are most grateful to Roy Hart who responded within minutes of the publication of the above photograph with the details above.
A classic picture from the Mike Morant Collection :- GWR_3376 Bulldog class at Penzance in 1921 Re-boilered in the 1930's Last one withdrawn Mar 51 was 3377 Penzance. The crew are keen to be in the photograph, and why not? The naming of this class after towns did cause problems as some passengers thought the nameplates were destination boards! This picture before Penzance station was remodelled includes a fine display of advertising material.
A luggage label for a long long journey, around about 750 miles. This label from the Mike Morant collection.
Another rarity from the Mike Morant Collection
A train and loco stand in platform 3 - steam rising straight up indicates a calm day. Note the old chocolate and cream platform numbers. The coaches stand clear of the buffers indicating that possibly the locomotive on the incoming train had used the release crossover once located here and were subsequently pushed back a little nearer intending passengers. From the Mike Morant Collection
An external view of the terminus station at Penzance at about the same period as the picture above. Note the gates at the end of platform 4 lines presumably to facilitate loading and unloading of vehicles from trains. Copyright the Mike Morant Collection
On a gloomy December day 6875 Hindford Grange with a big train leaving Penzance on the midday service to Manchester 27th December 1960 - Copyright Mike Roach
5003 Lulworth Castle gets into her stride with the Up Cornish Riviera Express. Penzance is still in sight in the background. From the Mike Morant Collection
Penzance 8473 complete with shunters chariot moves stock in platform 4. The leading coach is a restaurant car possibly built to run with GWR open excursion stock of the 1930s.Copyright Micheal Forward
A view from 'The wall' taken in 1961. Lots of interest. A holiday snap taken by Steve Richard. Copyright
Hi Keith,
I saw Steve Richards’ excellent photo of two Warships over the wall at Penzance in 1961, and I can narrow down the identities – the short handrails in front of the windscreens were only fitted to D800-2 (they were later modified to the standard long handrails). Close examination of nameplate widths suggests that the far one is D800 Sir Brian Robertson, in which case the nearest one will be either D801 Vanguard or D802 Formidable.
Points to note in this relatively uncommon roof view are the Maybach engines’ in-line exhaust ports (NBL’s MAN-powered D833-65 had diagonally offset exhausts, as did the unique Paxman-powered D830) and the large central circular vent panel over the train heating boiler, with trademark blistered paint around the edge – this feature was restricted to D800-12 and Swindon’s final five D866-70, all others having an extra louvre cut into the cantrail above the nameplate on one side only instead.
Best regards, Neil Phillips
I saw Steve Richards’ excellent photo of two Warships over the wall at Penzance in 1961, and I can narrow down the identities – the short handrails in front of the windscreens were only fitted to D800-2 (they were later modified to the standard long handrails). Close examination of nameplate widths suggests that the far one is D800 Sir Brian Robertson, in which case the nearest one will be either D801 Vanguard or D802 Formidable.
Points to note in this relatively uncommon roof view are the Maybach engines’ in-line exhaust ports (NBL’s MAN-powered D833-65 had diagonally offset exhausts, as did the unique Paxman-powered D830) and the large central circular vent panel over the train heating boiler, with trademark blistered paint around the edge – this feature was restricted to D800-12 and Swindon’s final five D866-70, all others having an extra louvre cut into the cantrail above the nameplate on one side only instead.
Best regards, Neil Phillips
5934 Kneller Hall stands at platform 2 having just brought its train in. Picture taken, it is thought in 1961. Copyright Steve Richard
Journeys end. The late John Cornelius.
A battered looking 45124 awaits departure from Penzance with the 13.45 to Bristol TM on the 23rd April 1983. Rather sad to report that there was some vandalism to three peaks allegedly by rail enthusiasts involving objects and some red paint. 45124 was one of the victims. Copyright Clive Smith
781231f Class 50s on the milk and in Platform 2 Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen
The first non-stop Paddington-Penzance run ever was made by this locomotive. The journey took 5hr 11min. Western Campaigner was reduced to a crawl as it approached the Royal Albert Bridge - a 'nail biting' moment for all on board! 7th May 1966 Copyright Peter Dale
50040 Leviathan at Penzance on the 26th Feb 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow
45116 is set to depart with the 1B59 13.45 Penzance - Bristol TM on the 30th May 1983. It's raining so it must be a Bank Holiday. Copyright Clive Smith
781231f Class 50s on the milk and in Platform 2 Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen
781231n Chyandour Road the old A30 and Railway into Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen
790101h The St Ives Unit leaves Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen
Specials and Incidents at Penzance in 1985
GWR Anniversary train 29th July 1985
GWR 150th Anniversary Train at Penzance 29th July 1985 Copyright Roger Winnen
GWR Anniversary train - Western Progress 1836-1985. 29th July 1985 Copyright Roger Winnen
Radio 2 Roadshow at Penzance 2nd August 1985. Copyright Roger Winnen
The train photographed from the seawall. 2nd August 1985. Copyright Roger Winnen
Radio 2 Road show
47143 ready to leave with the 'GWR 150 years' is viewed from the station wall. Copyright Roger Winnen 29th July 1985
The Radio 2 Roadshow comes to town. 2nd August 1985 Copyright Roger Winnen
The roadshow train is stabled in the loading bank, a scene not possible today. 2nd August 1985 Copyright Roger Winnen. Note, in the distance, Rogers workplace at the time 'N. Holman Ltd',
The train photographed from the seawall. 2nd August 1985. Copyright Roger Winnen
Derailments at Penzance 3rd May 1985 & 7th July 1984
An update by Jonathan Henshaw
An update by Jonathan Henshaw
Thanks Keith but the two derailments seem to have got confused:
Thanks Keith but the two derailments seem to have got confused:
- May 3rd 1985 Saga stock derails and hits platform 3
- July 7th 1984 50014 derails in the station sidings
Derailment and platform 3 damage 3rd May 1985
The stock involved in the derailment spent the previous night in Slopers siding, unusually with wooden chocks on the leading bogie, when the stock was pushed into the station to form a SAGA special the following day, these chocks were not removed, the stock pushed the chocks as far as platform 3 where it ran over them and derailed.
The subsequent breakdown train was probably the same one that visited Penzance behind a pair of 37s on Summer Saturday 7th July 1984 when 50014 Warspite derailed in the station sidings taking both itself out of action and blocking several other locos in.
Quite appropriate really that of all the locos that could of derailed it was Warspite, when you consider that HMS Warspite was wrecked not far away on Cudden Point back in 1947 (and the ship took 5 years to cut up on site)!
Best wishes, Jonathan Henshaw.
The stock involved in the derailment spent the previous night in Slopers siding, unusually with wooden chocks on the leading bogie, when the stock was pushed into the station to form a SAGA special the following day, these chocks were not removed, the stock pushed the chocks as far as platform 3 where it ran over them and derailed.
The subsequent breakdown train was probably the same one that visited Penzance behind a pair of 37s on Summer Saturday 7th July 1984 when 50014 Warspite derailed in the station sidings taking both itself out of action and blocking several other locos in.
Quite appropriate really that of all the locos that could of derailed it was Warspite, when you consider that HMS Warspite was wrecked not far away on Cudden Point back in 1947 (and the ship took 5 years to cut up on site)!
Best wishes, Jonathan Henshaw.
Many thanks to Jonathon Henshaw for putting us right.
50006 Neptune with the Breakdown Train at Penzance. 3rd May 1985 Copyright Roger Winnen.
The steam crane with the breakdown train. Copyright Roger Winnen 3rd May 1985
Plenty of smoke from the steam crane. Copyright Roger Winnen 3rd May 1985.
The derailed coach TSO 4849. Copyright Roger Winnen. 3rd May 1985
One bogie is seen off the rails. Copyright Roger Winnen. 3rd May 1985. Copyright Roger Winnen.
The damage to platform 3 as the coach had ridden up to the platform. Copyright Roger Winnen. 3rd May 1985.
On the 27th May 1985 the Cornwall Railway Society ran the 'Oxford Explorer' Railtour from Penzance. The brake van of our train was stabled alongside the damaged section of the platform which was fenced off and as a result our catering crew were unable to load the refreshments.
I therefore asked the driver of the train if he could move the train forward for us to gain entry to the guards van area, which he did. Shortly afterwards I was approached by the Station Inspector informing me I had no right to request the driver to move as the train had triggered off the track circuit. Roger Winnen. Maybe Roger shouldn't have asked the driver but also the driver was at fault for taking orders from a member of the public and not appreciating where the track circuit commenced.
I therefore asked the driver of the train if he could move the train forward for us to gain entry to the guards van area, which he did. Shortly afterwards I was approached by the Station Inspector informing me I had no right to request the driver to move as the train had triggered off the track circuit. Roger Winnen. Maybe Roger shouldn't have asked the driver but also the driver was at fault for taking orders from a member of the public and not appreciating where the track circuit commenced.
The CRS's 'Oxford Explorer' - moved forward and shorting the track circuit. 27th May 1985 Copyright Roger Winnen
Penzance Peaks 1983
Paul Barlow
Paul Barlow
45113 has just arrived at Penzance on the 1020 from Plymouth 26 Feb 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow.
The same train from the lofty steps on the original entrance to Penzance. 45113 at Penzance on 1020 from Plymouth 26 Feb 1983 Copyright Paul Barlow.
45113 stands ready to leave Penzance on the 13.45 to Bristol due at 1B59. 26 Feb 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Old and the new at Penzance 2019.
08645 in striking St Piran livery stands at the buffers of platform one at Penzance having brought in the stock for the overnight sleeper. In platform 2 stands an IET. Ancient and modern! 9th September 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
A classical black and white image of Penzance as we remember the late John Cornelius. Copyright.
The White Ghost at Penzance
Martin Baker
Martin Baker
47846 Thor Nicknamed The White Ghost, which provided power for the sleeper which ran to Waterloo.12th August 1996 Copyright Martin Baker
Another view of the 'White Ghost' at Penzance 47846.12th August 1996 Copyright Martin Baker
Many thanks Martin.
Through the Fence at Penzance
4th April 2020
Roger Winnen
4th April 2020
Roger Winnen
My daily exercise for the day on Saturday in connection with the Coronavirus Pandemic was walking the footpath with a new access point through the station car park marked out in green paint leading to the sea wall at Penzance to photograph the various railway buildings.
200405a The former shunters cabin long out of use at Penzance. A station pilot was based in the station area for many years well into the diesel area. Copyright Roger Winnen
200405b Looking across to the examiners cabin now boarded up. Above can be seen the art deco style Royale Court built in 1937 formally The Hotel Royale built on the site of a basket works. Copyright Roger Winnen
200405c Penzance Signal Box built for the enlargement of the station area in 1938. Copyright Roger Winnen
200405d An IET passes the box to form the 10.15 to London Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen
200405e The new railings erected on the car park side of Platform 4. In the background is the recently opened Premier Inn located in the former Branwells Mill Building. Copyright Roger Winnen
Penzance Gallery 1
D1605 at Platform 1 at Penzance. Arriving into Platform 4 is a Warship Diesel arriving on a service from Paddington. June 1972 Copyright Roger Winnen
The board is off as D1057 Western Chieftain awaits departure from Platform 2 at Penzance. 10th September 1973. One of the machines built at Crewe. Copyright Roger Winnen
A Derby 3 car suburban unit on the St Ives working. 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen
Penzance Plenty of exhaust and steam as a Peak departs Penzance on The Cornishman. 10th September 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen
860216a 47509 plus othrs at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen
45137 once D56 The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment stands in the loading banks at Penzance Station. The loading banks can be seen in the distance in the picture above. Copyright the Mike Hitchens collection.
D1010 Western Campaigner on the Royal Mail together with 08954 on shunt. 12th June 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen
It is the 4th April 1976. 1056 Western Sultan stands at the blocks at Penzance having brought in the 10.30 Paddington to Penzance Cornish Riviera.
The loco worked out on the 1930 to Paddington when mail went by rail .. Copyright Roger Geach
Lots of summer Saturday activity at Penzance. Peak 45050 heads the 10.50 Penzance - Manchester on the 31st July 1982. Two HST sets ready for departures to London. Meanwhile 47105 sits on the stock for the 11.05 to Leeds. There are three others 47s in the sidings although just two front ends can be seen. These are 47075, 47553 and 47567.No shunters in the picture but 08576 and 08644 were busy at the opposite end of the station. Copyright Clive Smith
50044 Exeter stands at Penzance with the 1927 Penzance - Paddington Postal on the 4th October 1983 Copyright Roger Geach
Throughout the many pages of the CRS website you'll find a multitude of images from the widely travelled camera of Roger Geach a prolific photographer. For details of availability and price etc please click on the link below.
This new book takes the reader on a photographic journey on the Cornish railway main line from Plymouth to Penzance as seen through the camera lens of the author and friends. All the existing main stations en route are illustrated in colour, along with some of the major infrastructure, such as some of the splendid viaducts. The photographs date from the late 1960s through to the present, with the majority taken in the 1970s and 1980s. The huge variety of regular diesel motive power is shown together with a few steam hauled specials that have run in the county since 1985. Regular motive power from the 1970s, including the popular diesel hydraulic westerns, are shown working both passenger and freight traffic. The regular diesel electrics are also illustrated as well as some rare visitors to the county.
This book should be of interest to anyone who likes the railways of Cornwall. It should also appeal to modellers who wish to study train consist and station views from the past, and local historians.
This new book takes the reader on a photographic journey on the Cornish railway main line from Plymouth to Penzance as seen through the camera lens of the author and friends. All the existing main stations en route are illustrated in colour, along with some of the major infrastructure, such as some of the splendid viaducts. The photographs date from the late 1960s through to the present, with the majority taken in the 1970s and 1980s. The huge variety of regular diesel motive power is shown together with a few steam hauled specials that have run in the county since 1985. Regular motive power from the 1970s, including the popular diesel hydraulic westerns, are shown working both passenger and freight traffic. The regular diesel electrics are also illustrated as well as some rare visitors to the county.
This book should be of interest to anyone who likes the railways of Cornwall. It should also appeal to modellers who wish to study train consist and station views from the past, and local historians.
1041 Western Prince 1e21 1135 at Penzance with the to Leeds Penzance signals a Sunday 9th February 1975 Copyright Roger Geach
Penzance in May 1977 Semaphores still in control. Copyright Mike Roach
47455 brings in a service while 08643 waits to draw the train back to Long Rock. 27th July 1978 Steve Widdowson
Penzance Express Parcels 18th October 1980 - this didn't last long!!Copyright Mike Roach
D838 Rapid entered traffic on the 3rd October, 1960, it only lasted 11 years. This photo shows Rapid entering Penzance at Chyandour Cliff. Copyright Michael Forward
A steam crane at work lowing rocks for the sea defences. 11th September 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen
Penzance Gallery 2
First picture in this section :- Hymek D7032 rests under the overall roof at Penzance at around 15.00 on April 19 1972, having just arrived with a 3-coach special during an industrial dispute. It is now believed this was the last time a Class 35 was seen here.
Three views of the Albert Pier metals are shown, the Albert Quay line was taken out of use in September 1967, could have been an opportunity for a railtour to the furthest SW!!
Three views of the Albert Pier metals are shown, the Albert Quay line was taken out of use in September 1967, could have been an opportunity for a railtour to the furthest SW!!
Expert advice :- Big Western, little Craig. Another of our prime phtographers, Roger Geach advises re picture left hand side of 6th row down - I would think its 1029 Western Legionaire, no headboard clips. In 1973 1A49 was a Sunday train, the 1205 Penzance to Paddington. If the headcode is correct of course. There is damage to the front of this loco that is why I think its 1029 as it ran in poor condition in 73 before it was repainted.
45105 at the blocks on Saturday 15th May 1982 with the final loco hauled Cornishman 1V71 the 06.51 from Bradford Exchange consisting of ten carriages. The following day would see the gradual introduction of HSTs on the NE/SW route. Copyright Clive Smith
A second view. The last loco hauled Cornishman, 45105 at the blocks at Penzance with the final loco hauled 'Cornishman' 1V71 06.51 from Bradford Exchange. Copyright Clive Smith
Proudly displaying a banner across the bows the first ever HST service train awaits departure from Platform 2 at Penzance Copyright Roger Winnen
A selection of pictures taken during the 1970's by Neil Phillips.
A picture of Western Reliance with Mounts Bay and St Michaels Mount as a back drop. This picture with the loco at platform 4 was taken on 28th August 1974. Copyright Neil Phillips
25224 'Ownerless', it started the year as 7574 with BR Arrows. This picture on 30th December 1974. Copyright Neil Phillips
D1044 Western Duchess has uncoupled and pulled forward ready to be released over the crossover on to number 2 platform road. 30th December 1974. Copyright Neil Phillips.
'The viaduct inspection train that never was'. Class 103 M56160 + M50397 at Long Rock with Peak 45003 on the 30th December 1974. Copyright Neil Phillips.
1072 Western Glory arrives with the 1b83 2345 Paddington to Penzance 26th May 1975 Copyright Roger Geach
A mixture of all-sorts at Long Rock Shed. D5180 can be seen. Taken on a wander up the beach side path in January 1972 Copyright Roger Winnen
D1048 Western Lady near journey's end passing pilot 08840 at Long Rock 26th June 1976. Copyright Neil Phillips
A closer view of 08 840 the former D4008. Its condition displaying a combination of sea air attack and careless fueling, belies the fact that it had been overhauled and duel braked less than two years earlier. Copyright Neil Phillips.
25 225 stands at the buffers of platform 4 on 24th June 1977. Many 25's came and went in Cornwall between 1971 and 1980 but this one and 25 223 were in very near the start and amongst the last to leave. Both were overhauled in 1976, rather oddly neither were dual braked at the time which limited their usefulness beyond the South West and both went for scrap at Swindon Works in October 1980 having been replaced by Class 37's. Copyright Neil Phillips.
46004 awaits departure time on 24th June 1977. Flush ends with headlamps were still relatively new at the time. Copyright Neil Phillips
Penzance 47185 stands at platform one on the 24th June 1977 Copyright Neil Phillips
Neil witnesses the arrival of_50017 at Penzance 24th June 1977. It was still in its original 4 arrow livery style when named 'Royal Oak', believed to be unique - (But the jury is still out on 50034 Furious) Copyright Neil Phillips
50035 Ark Royal has arrived at Penzance in platform 2 on 24th June 1977. Neil believes that only this loco and 50003 were fitted with this design of sealed beam headlight in the roof box. Copyright Neil Phillips.
DB965994 stands alongside the HST Depot at Penzance on 24th June 1977. Being so close it was an 'unmissable' shot. Copyright Neil Phillips
Many thanks Neil for your collection.
A Class 25 brings a train into Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen 15th June 1976
Finally a view of the the brand new HST depot at Penzance taken on 24th June 1977. Copyright Neil Phillips.
Copyright Mike Roach
Water finding its own level at Penznce Stormy seas 27th October 2004. Copyright Chris Bellett
The cause of the flooding. 27th October 2004. Copyright Chris Bellett
It's the 18th December 2008 as the crews discus something, maybe it's the rare appearance of a class 142 Pacer at Penzance. 142 030 takes on passengers as it waits to return to its home district at Bristol. Copyright Mike Roach.
45130 once D117 stands in Plat 3 at Penzance. This engine was built in September 1961 and was withdrawn in June 1992. Copyright Mike Hitchens
Under a smashing blue sky 47484 makes a fine sight Penzance with the 1050 service to Paddington 2nd July 1985 Steve Widdowson
A trio at Penzance by Steve Widdowson - many thanks.
50028 has assisted 43130 into Penzance on the 5th Sept 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson
50035 Ark Royal at the head of the Penzance Sleeper 5th Sept 1987. Copyright Steve Widdowson
50040 Leviathan & 50035 has joined Ark Royal at the head of the sleeper . Whether this was to provide assistance or to work 50040 back to Laira is not known. 5th Sept 1987 F548 S Widdowson
Penzance - early HST pictures. Supplied by Craig Munday from the late Edwin Pascoe collection
An early 80's view of Penzance taken by the Late Edwin Pascoe then a fitter at Long Rock HST maintenance facility. Photograph from Ruth a relative of Craig Munday. Copyright Note the long gone gas holder in the background and the awning over the parcels facility to the left.
NOTHING MOVES - taken on 14th July 1982 during the National Rail strike. Not a passenger in sight, all the rails are rusty, two HST's a DMU and a 47 stand quiet. Copyright Roger Winnen
March 1987 sees the removal of the roof over the goods loading banks at Penzance Station. Mike Hitchens collection
50029 Renown 20th June 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson
Cornwall 50 034 Furious leaves with a local train to Plymouth in 1987 Copyright Martin Baker.
The weedkiller stands at Penzance on the 6th April 1990 Copyright Roger Winnen
The weed killer train departs Penzance on the 6th April 1990 Copyright Roger Winnen
Penzance, a nice night shot. 08644 stabled on the link line at Penzance with a RES class 47 in 1993 Copyright Craig Munday
It is May 1996 an HST service disturbs the silence at Penzance as it waits outside the train shed. Copyright Dan Engstrom
The Pirates Railtour arrives on 17th May 1997 behind 31466. 31s were extremely rare in Cornwall. Copyright Steve Widdowson
A fine study, another memory of 1996 as a heritage set arrives to stand at platform 3. The HST is still loading at platform 1. May 1996 Copyright Dan Engstrom
A contrast to the previous picture - though these units are also very old. The vary rare visit of Class 143 'Donkey's' to Penzence on the 12th December 2015 caused considerable excitement. Here Craig Munday catches the rare sight under Penzance roof. Copyright Craig Munday
A quite remarkable picture taken through the cab window of the first IET to visit Penzance. Copyright Doctor Chris Page. Comment by Derek Buttivant : - The picture was taken by my friend and colleague Dr Chris Page during the first (and so far only) visit of a new IET set (two sets, actually) to Penzance. If you use the photo, please credit it to Dr Page. Of note is the control panel for train door opening and closing with its invitation to select which doors to open. Also, the train's on-board clock - accurate to the second - agrees with Penzance time as shown on the station clock.
From the Mike Roach collection
From the Mike Roach collection
Over the wall at Penzance is 43094 after working 1C86 1506 London Paddington (Cornishman) and about to head empty to Longrock. Also 57602 waiting to head the Night Rivera sleeper. Taken on the 6th October 2017 Copyright Mark Lyman.
Penzance Signalbox
A double headed express pulls away from Penzance Station in the early 1900s with steam and smoke spreading everywhere. The original signal box – rarely seen in remaining photographs – is nearly opposite single line token equipment, and a brave man ascends a precarious ladder to the cable runs on the wall. Copyright Eric Curnow / The Curnow Collection - https://curnowcollection.com/
A note on the above image from The Curnow Collection, from Roy Hart:
The picture dates from 1906-11. The engines are Bulldogs or Atbaras and the coaching stock includes 'dreadnoughts', which were new in 1906.
The electric staff apparatus is for the single line over the old Penzance viaduct (token did not come along until 1912).
The box shown opened in 1880 when the station was rebuilt. It was replaced by a new box in 1912, along
with new boxes at Ponsandane and Long Rock.
In the distance, next to the goods shed, can be seen a small lean-to structure. This was the original Penzance engine shed of 1852.
The picture dates from 1906-11. The engines are Bulldogs or Atbaras and the coaching stock includes 'dreadnoughts', which were new in 1906.
The electric staff apparatus is for the single line over the old Penzance viaduct (token did not come along until 1912).
The box shown opened in 1880 when the station was rebuilt. It was replaced by a new box in 1912, along
with new boxes at Ponsandane and Long Rock.
In the distance, next to the goods shed, can be seen a small lean-to structure. This was the original Penzance engine shed of 1852.
Penzance signalbox - an interior view by Charles Fennamore Copyright
Penzance box interior A recent view 14th August 2014 Copyright Craig Munday
Morning Keith, I was at Penzance last evening for the high tide around midnight and high winds, both caused the railway no issue.
My colleagues from Sisk including Steve Young delivered the wonderful new signalbox nameplate, and we posed alongside a stabled class 802 in platform 2.
It can now be seen in its rightful place!
Best wishes, Craig. Thanks and best wishes to all at Penzance. Picture received at 05.59 10th August 2019.
A track plan of Penzance recently acquired from the Late Cyril Hitchens a former signalman.
Penzance Signal Box Class 1 Memories of the Late Cyril Hitchens
In my time Penzance Signal Box had a 75 lever frame and was a very busy job. It was the only Class 1 graded box in Cornwall. Work consisted of dealing with the arrivals and departures of the passenger, parcels and mail trains. In addition there was a great deal of shunting of stock as engines of incoming trains were released and fresh trains prepared. The shunters at Penzance always had to keep their wits about them with so much activity going on, making sure trains were properly formed, stock was in the correct place and dealing with screw and buckeye couplings, brake pipes etc..
Penzance was the only box in my area with a scissors crossing which was at the east end of the station. There was also a ground frame situated near the buffers of platforms 2 and 3 which operated points to release an engine from an incoming train on platform 3 onto the platform 2 road. A train arriving in platform 3 would stop short of the ground frame. Once uncoupled the loco would move forward to the buffers. The key was then released by the signalman at the request of the shunter, the points reversed and the engine could then proceed to the shed for servicing. The coaches remaining in platform 3 would then form one of the next trains out. As Penzance was a terminus there were some special regulations in force." Is line clear?" for up passenger trains had to be sent 2 minutes before the train was due to depart. For parcels trains "is line clear?" was sent when the train was ready to start. In the case of incoming trains "line clear" could be returned provided the platform line was clear to the buffer stops. If the platform lines were occupied a point opposite the platform 3 starting signal was then regarded as the clearing point-trains being accepted under regulation "line clear to clearing point 2-2-2.
Sometimes platforms had to be cleared so the shunter used the train engine to back the coaches into the "sea sidings"-the long sidings just inside the sea wall. On one occasion when I was working the early turn in Penzance Box the shunter requested to gravitate a set of 8 coaches from sea siding into No.3 platform. Unknown to him an examiner had found a fault under one coach and had duly went in to repair it. The rules state that if anyone has to go under a vehicle a red flag should be exhibited stuck out at the side. The examiner had failed to do this so I set the road, the shunter released the brake and the stock rolled back into the platform. As it passed the box I thought I could hear a hammering noise so I looked, but could see nothing. Later, when the shunter visited the box, he told me that when he brought the coaches to a stand in platform 3 a very pale faced examiner crawled out from underneath! Fortunately he had the presence of mind to lie still on the chassis girders until the coaches came to a stop.
My abiding memory of Penzance is of 1950s Summer Saturdays early turn being so busy that my carefully packed lunchtime sandwiches stayed in the tin until the end of the shift-there had literally been no opportunity to eat them...
C. H.
In my time Penzance Signal Box had a 75 lever frame and was a very busy job. It was the only Class 1 graded box in Cornwall. Work consisted of dealing with the arrivals and departures of the passenger, parcels and mail trains. In addition there was a great deal of shunting of stock as engines of incoming trains were released and fresh trains prepared. The shunters at Penzance always had to keep their wits about them with so much activity going on, making sure trains were properly formed, stock was in the correct place and dealing with screw and buckeye couplings, brake pipes etc..
Penzance was the only box in my area with a scissors crossing which was at the east end of the station. There was also a ground frame situated near the buffers of platforms 2 and 3 which operated points to release an engine from an incoming train on platform 3 onto the platform 2 road. A train arriving in platform 3 would stop short of the ground frame. Once uncoupled the loco would move forward to the buffers. The key was then released by the signalman at the request of the shunter, the points reversed and the engine could then proceed to the shed for servicing. The coaches remaining in platform 3 would then form one of the next trains out. As Penzance was a terminus there were some special regulations in force." Is line clear?" for up passenger trains had to be sent 2 minutes before the train was due to depart. For parcels trains "is line clear?" was sent when the train was ready to start. In the case of incoming trains "line clear" could be returned provided the platform line was clear to the buffer stops. If the platform lines were occupied a point opposite the platform 3 starting signal was then regarded as the clearing point-trains being accepted under regulation "line clear to clearing point 2-2-2.
Sometimes platforms had to be cleared so the shunter used the train engine to back the coaches into the "sea sidings"-the long sidings just inside the sea wall. On one occasion when I was working the early turn in Penzance Box the shunter requested to gravitate a set of 8 coaches from sea siding into No.3 platform. Unknown to him an examiner had found a fault under one coach and had duly went in to repair it. The rules state that if anyone has to go under a vehicle a red flag should be exhibited stuck out at the side. The examiner had failed to do this so I set the road, the shunter released the brake and the stock rolled back into the platform. As it passed the box I thought I could hear a hammering noise so I looked, but could see nothing. Later, when the shunter visited the box, he told me that when he brought the coaches to a stand in platform 3 a very pale faced examiner crawled out from underneath! Fortunately he had the presence of mind to lie still on the chassis girders until the coaches came to a stop.
My abiding memory of Penzance is of 1950s Summer Saturdays early turn being so busy that my carefully packed lunchtime sandwiches stayed in the tin until the end of the shift-there had literally been no opportunity to eat them...
C. H.
Copyright John Cornelius Details 33211+33207 London Waterloo - Salisbury - Warminster - Westbury 33207+33211 Salisbury - Exeter St Davids - Penzance. Return via Honiton. The railtour was so popular that it was repeated the following Saturday.
47715 in faded NSE livery runs back into the station at Penzance. A former Scotrail push-pull class 47.7, it was transfered to the NSE pool, and then once the loco hauled services were withdrawn it eked out a living in the Parcels Sector. Copyright Craig Munday
Penzance viaduct
The railway line we see today between Penzance and Truro was built as a single track by the Hayle Railway and the West Conwall Railway and later doubled by the Great Western Railway. The Hayle and West Cornwall Railways were both slightly quirky with a rich history which can be read on Wikipedia. There are eight railway viaducts in the 26 miles of track between the two towns but there were once nine. Despite this number of viaducts there are two deep valleys crossed by huge embankments, and I wonder why ?
The two large embankments are located in the villages of Brea and Carn Brea between Camborne and Redruth and are both around 20 to 25 metres high. When they were built in the 1830s any compaction of the fill material forming the embankments would have been primitive at best – perhaps a granite roller pulled by two horses; at worst no compaction at all. I think the reason for building embankments rather than viaducts are the long cuttings on both sides in an endeavour to make a reasonably level route through this mining district. It would have been very convenient to use the excavated material from the cuttings in the valleys and to balance the cut and fill. The material is likely to have been end-tipped into the valley leading to settlement for a number of years under self weight and the weight of the trains. The track would have to be packed up regularly to avoid a dip in the vertical alignment. These two embankments could be among the highest railway ones in Britain.
At the other end of the spectrum from the huge embankments mentioned above was the ninth viaduct which was dispensed with long ago. It was located just outside Penzance Station and was 347 yards long, which was the the longest between Penzance and Truro. Penzance Viaduct was just a few yards above ground level which was the foreshore of the beach with the tide coming and going beneath the viaduct. The viaduct was originally a timber trestle carrying a single line. This construction of a timber trestle across a beach was not unique but was quite rare in Britain. It is thought that all examples have been replaced. Maintenance costs were high due to regular damage by gales, so when the Cornish main line was being doubled it was quite natural to replace the viaduct with a stone-faced rubble embankment. The work was carried out between 1919 and 1921. In the last photograph of the attached article note what appears to be concrete fence posts which was most unusual for the time.
SCANS
7056-8 Scans of an article which appeared in the Great Western Railway Magazine for June 1922
MLR / 21 April 2023
The two large embankments are located in the villages of Brea and Carn Brea between Camborne and Redruth and are both around 20 to 25 metres high. When they were built in the 1830s any compaction of the fill material forming the embankments would have been primitive at best – perhaps a granite roller pulled by two horses; at worst no compaction at all. I think the reason for building embankments rather than viaducts are the long cuttings on both sides in an endeavour to make a reasonably level route through this mining district. It would have been very convenient to use the excavated material from the cuttings in the valleys and to balance the cut and fill. The material is likely to have been end-tipped into the valley leading to settlement for a number of years under self weight and the weight of the trains. The track would have to be packed up regularly to avoid a dip in the vertical alignment. These two embankments could be among the highest railway ones in Britain.
At the other end of the spectrum from the huge embankments mentioned above was the ninth viaduct which was dispensed with long ago. It was located just outside Penzance Station and was 347 yards long, which was the the longest between Penzance and Truro. Penzance Viaduct was just a few yards above ground level which was the foreshore of the beach with the tide coming and going beneath the viaduct. The viaduct was originally a timber trestle carrying a single line. This construction of a timber trestle across a beach was not unique but was quite rare in Britain. It is thought that all examples have been replaced. Maintenance costs were high due to regular damage by gales, so when the Cornish main line was being doubled it was quite natural to replace the viaduct with a stone-faced rubble embankment. The work was carried out between 1919 and 1921. In the last photograph of the attached article note what appears to be concrete fence posts which was most unusual for the time.
SCANS
7056-8 Scans of an article which appeared in the Great Western Railway Magazine for June 1922
MLR / 21 April 2023
Many thanks to Michael Roach for collecting and forward this extremely interesting material to us - it will be of wide interest to all readers.
Ponsandane
3440 City of Truro at Ponsandane Paddy Bradley Collection
A classic but undated photograph from the Mike Morant collection. This is a Castle passing Ponsandane Siding number 5 with the up Royal Mail. Note the mail collection apparatus stowed flat against the coach bodies.
Ponsandane Signal box 20th June 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen
Ponsandane Signal Box Class 2 Signalbox memories by the late Cyril Hitchens
Ponsandane Box was situated 836 yards east of Penzance and about three quarters of a mile (57 chains!) from Long Rock. Sited on the seaward side of the track it unusually had a flat roof. It was built this way, it is said, so as not to obstruct Col. Bolitho's view of Mounts Bay. It had large windows at the front and Penzance end and access was by means of stairs at the Long Rock end. The box was fitted with a 40 lever frame and controlled access to the goods yard from the Penzance end, permission having to be obtained from the yard foreman for trains to enter the yard.
Also under control of the box on the west side was a level crossing protected by large gates operated by a wheel and ratchet together with a pair of lockable pedestrian wicket gates. A very strict watch had to be kept on these as a lot of propelling movements took place between Penzance and Ponsandane (special code 3-3-3. There was much use of the pedestrian gates, especially in the summer months when walkers were liable to take their time crossing, frustrating the signalman or, conversely, getting annoyed at being kept waiting for so long while train and loco movements were taking place. Between Ponsandane and Long Rock, in addition to the up and down mains, was a loop known as the "Long Road" which also provided a path for locos and freights at times.
The gates were replaced by lifting barriers in May 1973 although the wicket gates remained. The box itself closed in June the following year to be replaced initially by a ground frame. Nowadays the level crossing is no more and pedestrian access to the beach is by means of a footbridge.
C.H.
Ponsandane Box was situated 836 yards east of Penzance and about three quarters of a mile (57 chains!) from Long Rock. Sited on the seaward side of the track it unusually had a flat roof. It was built this way, it is said, so as not to obstruct Col. Bolitho's view of Mounts Bay. It had large windows at the front and Penzance end and access was by means of stairs at the Long Rock end. The box was fitted with a 40 lever frame and controlled access to the goods yard from the Penzance end, permission having to be obtained from the yard foreman for trains to enter the yard.
Also under control of the box on the west side was a level crossing protected by large gates operated by a wheel and ratchet together with a pair of lockable pedestrian wicket gates. A very strict watch had to be kept on these as a lot of propelling movements took place between Penzance and Ponsandane (special code 3-3-3. There was much use of the pedestrian gates, especially in the summer months when walkers were liable to take their time crossing, frustrating the signalman or, conversely, getting annoyed at being kept waiting for so long while train and loco movements were taking place. Between Ponsandane and Long Rock, in addition to the up and down mains, was a loop known as the "Long Road" which also provided a path for locos and freights at times.
The gates were replaced by lifting barriers in May 1973 although the wicket gates remained. The box itself closed in June the following year to be replaced initially by a ground frame. Nowadays the level crossing is no more and pedestrian access to the beach is by means of a footbridge.
C.H.
Ponsandane Level Crossing History
24/06/1974 - Penzance resignalling. Ponsandane signalbox closed. 4-half gates converted to 2-full lifting barriers. Barriers out of use until 14/07/1974 then controlled from Penzance signalbox using CCTV supervision.
10/11/1984 - Barriers and CCTV System removed and chained and padlocked field type hand gates provided with telephone to Penzance signalbox.
Many thanks to Chris Bellett. For this information up-dated on 13th February 2021.
Chis is a Retired Signal and Telegraph Engineer. CRS Member
24/06/1974 - Penzance resignalling. Ponsandane signalbox closed. 4-half gates converted to 2-full lifting barriers. Barriers out of use until 14/07/1974 then controlled from Penzance signalbox using CCTV supervision.
10/11/1984 - Barriers and CCTV System removed and chained and padlocked field type hand gates provided with telephone to Penzance signalbox.
Many thanks to Chris Bellett. For this information up-dated on 13th February 2021.
Chis is a Retired Signal and Telegraph Engineer. CRS Member
Ponsandane Signal Box with lifting barriers. Copyright Roger Winnen. Viewers will note the redundant gate operating wheel lying against the wall outside the box, one wonders whether that was saved for posterity?
Replacement footbridge at Ponsandane - Roger Winnen.
Bridget Crowley wrote in in November 2021 as follows :-
Subject: Footbridge at Long Rock
Dear Fr Gilbert and/or Mr Kiszczuk
For some time I have wondered about the building of the footbridge that crosses the railway from just opposite Sainsbury’s to the beach and coast path at Penzance. I can find no information after some searching on the web, just two solitary photos - one of the bridge itself and another, a view from it. Neither of these is on your website. I want to know the date of its construction for a start and don’t know where to go from here, since there is no view of it in any of the photos in the Marazion to Penzance section of your site to give me clues.
To my mind, it must be one of the most photogenic footbridges out there - and I have amassed a fair number of photos of it and from it. I’d like to write an article on it if I can find the information and would be happy to share it with your members at some point.
Please could you help by pointing me in the direction of further research that I can do on this fascinating and immensely evocative construction.
Best wishes
Bridget Crowley
Thank you for your query - the pictures you requested were duly provided b Roger Winnen
Dear Fr Gilbert and/or Mr Kiszczuk
For some time I have wondered about the building of the footbridge that crosses the railway from just opposite Sainsbury’s to the beach and coast path at Penzance. I can find no information after some searching on the web, just two solitary photos - one of the bridge itself and another, a view from it. Neither of these is on your website. I want to know the date of its construction for a start and don’t know where to go from here, since there is no view of it in any of the photos in the Marazion to Penzance section of your site to give me clues.
To my mind, it must be one of the most photogenic footbridges out there - and I have amassed a fair number of photos of it and from it. I’d like to write an article on it if I can find the information and would be happy to share it with your members at some point.
Please could you help by pointing me in the direction of further research that I can do on this fascinating and immensely evocative construction.
Best wishes
Bridget Crowley
Thank you for your query - the pictures you requested were duly provided b Roger Winnen
Ponsandane Footbridge 1 Foundations for the new Ponsandane Footbridge 14th October 1984. Copyright Roger Winnen
Ponsandane Footbridge 2 The new footbridge is open. Photograph taken 21st December 1984. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Ponsandane Footbridge 3 The bridge photographed from the Eastern Green, Penzance on 21st December 1984. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Ponsandane Footbridge 4 The station pilot engine passes under the bridge on 21st December 1984. Copyright Roger Winnen
Ponsandane Footbridge 5 British Rail men at Work on the former foot crossing at track level on 21st December 1984. Copyright Roger Winnen.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ponsandane Box, Crossing, Goods Shed and sidings. 31st December 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen
790101h The St Ives Unit leaves Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen
790101k 1st January 1979 HST at Ponsandane. Soon we may see Castle Class HSTs in the new sidings created at this location. Copyright Roger Winnen
220401a An IET bound for Penzance passes the site of the ponsandane loading banks. Copyright Roger Winnen
220401b The infilling between the loading banks being removed. Copyright Roger Winnen
220401c Rails exposed still in situ, most probably laid in concrete. Copyright Roger Winnen
220401d Mounts Bay Bus Garage originally a fruit and vegatable store. Copyright Roger Winnen
220405a Looking across the A30 at Ponsandane showing the various buildings awaiting the bulldozer. Copyright Roger Winnen
220405b All hands at work removing the infill between Kings Bank and New Bank sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen
220405c A large undertaking removing the soil before new track is laid. Copyright Roger Winnen
220405d The area of land being upgraded into sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen
D71 The Staffordshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own) backs its train into Ponsandane Sidings. November 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen
Mysterious building at Penzance. March 2016 Copyright Julian Stephens
Another view of the mysterious building at Penzance. March 2016 Copyright Julian Stephens
Re the mystery building above - advise from Roger Winnen and Roy Hart is that is was used as below.
The building at Ponsandane was mess and office accommodation for shunters, carriage cleaners and, I think, carriage and wagon examiners as well.
The building at Ponsandane was mess and office accommodation for shunters, carriage cleaners and, I think, carriage and wagon examiners as well.
Clean sweep at Ponsandane as the former Shunters Cabin is removed.
Penzance Ponsandane Shunters cabin 1 15th January 2022 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Penzance Ponsandane Shunters cabin 2 15th January 2022. Copyright Andrew Triggs
D1072 Western Glory arrives Penzance. on the 24th May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen
1010 Western Campaigner on the 1b83 2345 Paddington to Penzance Long Rock 10th August 1975. Note dent below the train describer. In the distance hiding behind a post is St Michael's Mount. It is also worthy of note that 1010 holds a record in being the only locomotive to haul a train non stop for Paddington to Penzance. It was down to walking pace at times to avoid passing a red! Copyright Roger Geach
Long Rock Main Line (For depot see separate page)
Long Rock Signal Box Memories of the late Cyril Hitchens
Long Rock Signal Box was built of brick and had the usual style of roof unlike its neighbour at Ponsandane. There were the normal large windows at the front and ends. The box lay to the west of a level crossing which gave access to the beach the gates of which were worked by a wheel and rachet and there were also pedestrian wicket gates which could be locked by the signalman. During the summer months pedestrian traffic over the crossing was heavy and the views over the beach was of much interest. A pair of binoculars was part of the equipment provided and they were not used for train spotting! Latterly the gates were replaced by lifting barriers controlled from a pedestal within the box. Long Rock, just over one and a quarter miles from Penzance, was located in a crucial position controlling the access to the loco shed and was thus very busy with a constant procession of engines visiting the shed for servicing, turning and coaling before returning to their trains at the station. It had a 65 lever frame and deserved its Class 2 grading. The coal sidings opposite were for loco use, domestic coal being dealt with at the goods yard at Ponsandane.
The arrival of diesels in the late 50s and early 60s considerably reduced the movements to shed and management began to consider downgrading the box to Class 3. One morning when I arrived at the box on my motorbike at 5.15am I found a man complete with briefcase and clipboard standing at the foot of the steps. He informed me that he was an inspector from Plymouth and had come to take the movements for the day. The movements were taken as a series of marks with 1 mark for operating the block instrument, answering the phone, pulling a lever etc... However 5 marks were awarded for opening or closing the crossing gates. I managed to get a message to the shed shunter that marks were being taken in the box that day and he, in turn, passed the message on to an off duty signalman who lived nearby. Knowing that his pay would be affected if the box was downgraded this helpful gentleman then contacted several of his farming and market gardening friends. After a while the first of a steady stream of tractors, trailers and pick ups began to arrive all wanting access to the beach to collect sand and seaweed. This carried on at intervals for the rest of the day. When the inspector completed his survey he had collected enough marks to make us into a Class 1 box. Nothing more was heard from management!!
The last steam loco to visit the shed was "Salisbury" on the Cornubian railtour on the 3rd May 1964 and Long Rock Box itself closed in June 1974 when the present single main line came into use. Within a few years the coaling stage and loco shed had been demolished and replaced by the HST depot. The level crossing remains now controlled remotely from Penzance.
C. H.
Long Rock Signal Box was built of brick and had the usual style of roof unlike its neighbour at Ponsandane. There were the normal large windows at the front and ends. The box lay to the west of a level crossing which gave access to the beach the gates of which were worked by a wheel and rachet and there were also pedestrian wicket gates which could be locked by the signalman. During the summer months pedestrian traffic over the crossing was heavy and the views over the beach was of much interest. A pair of binoculars was part of the equipment provided and they were not used for train spotting! Latterly the gates were replaced by lifting barriers controlled from a pedestal within the box. Long Rock, just over one and a quarter miles from Penzance, was located in a crucial position controlling the access to the loco shed and was thus very busy with a constant procession of engines visiting the shed for servicing, turning and coaling before returning to their trains at the station. It had a 65 lever frame and deserved its Class 2 grading. The coal sidings opposite were for loco use, domestic coal being dealt with at the goods yard at Ponsandane.
The arrival of diesels in the late 50s and early 60s considerably reduced the movements to shed and management began to consider downgrading the box to Class 3. One morning when I arrived at the box on my motorbike at 5.15am I found a man complete with briefcase and clipboard standing at the foot of the steps. He informed me that he was an inspector from Plymouth and had come to take the movements for the day. The movements were taken as a series of marks with 1 mark for operating the block instrument, answering the phone, pulling a lever etc... However 5 marks were awarded for opening or closing the crossing gates. I managed to get a message to the shed shunter that marks were being taken in the box that day and he, in turn, passed the message on to an off duty signalman who lived nearby. Knowing that his pay would be affected if the box was downgraded this helpful gentleman then contacted several of his farming and market gardening friends. After a while the first of a steady stream of tractors, trailers and pick ups began to arrive all wanting access to the beach to collect sand and seaweed. This carried on at intervals for the rest of the day. When the inspector completed his survey he had collected enough marks to make us into a Class 1 box. Nothing more was heard from management!!
The last steam loco to visit the shed was "Salisbury" on the Cornubian railtour on the 3rd May 1964 and Long Rock Box itself closed in June 1974 when the present single main line came into use. Within a few years the coaling stage and loco shed had been demolished and replaced by the HST depot. The level crossing remains now controlled remotely from Penzance.
C. H.
A track plan of Long Rock and depot recently acquired from the collection of the Late Cyril Hitchens a former signalman.
Long Rock Level Crossing History
January 1961 - Converted from 4-half gates to 4-half lifting barriers controlled by Long Rock signalbox.
24/06/1974 - Penzance resignalling. Long Rock signalbox closed. Barriers out of use until 14/07/1974 then controlled from Penzance signalbox using CCTV supervision.
Many thanks to Chris Bellett. For this information up-dated on 13th February 2021.
Chis is a Retired Signal and Telegraph Engineer. CRS Member
24/06/1974 - Penzance resignalling. Long Rock signalbox closed. Barriers out of use until 14/07/1974 then controlled from Penzance signalbox using CCTV supervision.
Many thanks to Chris Bellett. For this information up-dated on 13th February 2021.
Chis is a Retired Signal and Telegraph Engineer. CRS Member
An extremely interesting picture by Doug Nicholls of Long Rock signal box crossing in July 1967 Long Rock signal box crossing 7 1967 It is particularly interesting not only of the stock in the sidings where today the Night Sleeper stock sits by day and HST's by night. Also interesting because the signalling is still in position, but look more carefully - and note the barriers are down but two very foolish youngsters intent on getting to beach dash across the main running lines. Long Rock signal box crossing 7 1967 Copyright Doug Nicholls
A Castle brings the Cornish Riviera Express into Penzance passing Long rock in 1955. Copyright Roger Salter.
Here is a nice shot of 5069 Isambard Kingdom Brunel, with its distinctive nameplate, at Long Rock. This engine was built in 1938 and was a common sight in Cornwall in the 1950s. The engine has reversed up from Penzance and pulled forward at the level crossing into the turntable siding. IKB ended its career in 1962, when it went from Laira for scrap.
Copyright Roy Hart.
An Instamatic picture taken in March 1973 as D1049 Western Monarch heads east passing Long Rock Shed. The date is March 1972 Copyright Roger Winnen
1036 Western Emperor on the 1a49 1205 Penzance to Paddington on Sunday 8th April 1973 - Copyright Doug Nicholls
Building a new crossover at Long Rock with the Shed in the distance. 12th January 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen
Long Rock Crossing with 50010 Monarch passing with a down train. 9th August 1978 Copyright Mike Roach
Long Rock - Converted from four half gates to two full lifting barriers in January 1961.
Long Rock - Re-Controlled from Penzance using CCTV Supervision with four half lifting barriers on 24/06/1974. Kind Regards, Chris Bellett. Thank you Chris.
Long Rock - Re-Controlled from Penzance using CCTV Supervision with four half lifting barriers on 24/06/1974. Kind Regards, Chris Bellett. Thank you Chris.
D172 with support coach at Long Rock. The train is the Cornishman which departed Coventry at 05.50 on the 23rd September 1995 Copyright Steve Widdowson
Comment from Roger Geach re the Hymeck photo above. There is some doubt as to the headcode. The 15 oct was a Friday and i have the Working Timetable for that period.
Departures that this could be were pos the following .....
1A62 1015 Penzance to Paddington
1A84 1150 Penzance to Paddington
1A94 1355 Penzance to Paddington
Looking at the sun and shadows I tend to think this was 1A84 the 1150 Penzance to Paddington but would be interested on other peoples views.
Departures that this could be were pos the following .....
1A62 1015 Penzance to Paddington
1A84 1150 Penzance to Paddington
1A94 1355 Penzance to Paddington
Looking at the sun and shadows I tend to think this was 1A84 the 1150 Penzance to Paddington but would be interested on other peoples views.
An early Derby 3 car unit with a light over the destination indicator returning from working the St Ives Branch. It's April 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen
Long Rock Crossing Notice 'Beware of goods trains and engines travelling in a wrong direction on this line' 20th January 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen
Chocolate and Cream 117 305 makes a pleasant sight as it leaves Long Rock behind and joins the double track main on a St Ives working. 3rd December 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen
Thought to be between Marazion and Long Rock 7820 'Dinmore Manor' c1959 Copyright the late David Eade
Mexico Crossing
Roger takes a stroll up the beach. A most interesting picture as D1021 Western Cavalier approaches Mexixo Crossing, Long Rock, with an up service. Mexico Crossing is no more following a fatality a few years ago.
Note the semaphores, the telegraph wires and posts. 31st December 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen
Marazion
Marazion station closed 5 Oct 1964, the sidings were taken out and removed over the period 1962/67
Marazion Signal Box Class 4 Memories of the late Cyril Hitchens
Marazion Box was fitted with a 38 lever frame and was located on the down platform of the station. Access was by a short flight of steps directly from the platform. Graded a Class 4 it was a pleasant and easy box to work apart from during the potato, flower and broccoli seasons when things got very busy with sidings full to capacity and a stream of perishables and "broccoli specials" leaving.
The frame at Marazion was the best laid out in our area. For example, point lever 10 was followed by ground disc lever 11 to go one way or 12 to go the other. This was certainly not the case in many of the other boxes where a good deal of extra walking to and fro was involved. There were very long sidings on the down side used to store (cleaned out!) cattle wagons used for potato and broccoli traffic. I have often been working the box when a Venlo empty wagon train with a full load of 48 hauled by a Castle, Hall or Grange would pull in at the down platform. I would quickly set the points and the disc and the train would reverse into the long siding in one movement, the loco would be uncoupled and sent off to Long Rock Shed, thus clearing the main line in only a few minutes.
The parcels office was also very busy during the early spring labelling and loading flowers onto the up perishables. At times I was drafted in as relief goods porter (at signalman's pay!). The local knowledge of the regular staff was invaluable as odd boxes of flowers were brought in throughout the day and had to be invoiced to the correct consignee many of whom had the same surname-just the initial being different. In the 1950s Marazion's annual traffic was 5000 passengers booked, parcels 34000 out & 10000 in and 3000 wagons of freight, mainly broccoli and potatoes.
The track layout was steadily reduced during the 1960s, the station was closed to passengers on 5th. October 1964 and the box itself closed a couple of years later leaving just the main lines and the disconnected siding where the Pullman camping coaches were stabled.
C. H.
Marazion Box was fitted with a 38 lever frame and was located on the down platform of the station. Access was by a short flight of steps directly from the platform. Graded a Class 4 it was a pleasant and easy box to work apart from during the potato, flower and broccoli seasons when things got very busy with sidings full to capacity and a stream of perishables and "broccoli specials" leaving.
The frame at Marazion was the best laid out in our area. For example, point lever 10 was followed by ground disc lever 11 to go one way or 12 to go the other. This was certainly not the case in many of the other boxes where a good deal of extra walking to and fro was involved. There were very long sidings on the down side used to store (cleaned out!) cattle wagons used for potato and broccoli traffic. I have often been working the box when a Venlo empty wagon train with a full load of 48 hauled by a Castle, Hall or Grange would pull in at the down platform. I would quickly set the points and the disc and the train would reverse into the long siding in one movement, the loco would be uncoupled and sent off to Long Rock Shed, thus clearing the main line in only a few minutes.
The parcels office was also very busy during the early spring labelling and loading flowers onto the up perishables. At times I was drafted in as relief goods porter (at signalman's pay!). The local knowledge of the regular staff was invaluable as odd boxes of flowers were brought in throughout the day and had to be invoiced to the correct consignee many of whom had the same surname-just the initial being different. In the 1950s Marazion's annual traffic was 5000 passengers booked, parcels 34000 out & 10000 in and 3000 wagons of freight, mainly broccoli and potatoes.
The track layout was steadily reduced during the 1960s, the station was closed to passengers on 5th. October 1964 and the box itself closed a couple of years later leaving just the main lines and the disconnected siding where the Pullman camping coaches were stabled.
C. H.
Marazion 5th September 1964 Copyright Mike Roach
Marazion Signal Box 5th September 1964 (An enlargement) Copyright Mike Roach
A track plan of Marazion recently acquired from the collection of the Late Cyril Hitchens. a former signalman.
Marazion Station in August 1962. Copyright Philip Hale.
The track layout is also well illustrated in this snowy view. Not many on the beach this day, and by the look of it not many on the platforms. This undated picture is courtesy the Alan Harris Collection. Note the rake of spare stock stabled in the sidings on the right and vans in the down sidings to the left. These sidings were later occupied by a rake of Pullmans. An up train is signalled through.
A D. Lawrence photograph of Marazion station in March 1964. Copyright Gavin Johns.
We are indebted to Mike Hitchens for this item from his collection.
Note from Malcolm re the four pictures below.
I have just discovered your website, and wondered if the attached might be of interest. I took the B&W shots on Marazion Station in 1960 or 1961, all on the same morning, and they depict the following (if memory serves me correctly):
D600 - 10am Cornish Riviera
D6313/7 - 10:10am to ???
D6312/x - 10:30am Cornishman
The color shot was taken in August 1961 by my grandfather, Hugh Parrish, and depicts my sister, myself and, more importantly, "Scotty," who was a porter at Marazion station. He also did 'odd jobs' at the B&B that we stayed in - perhaps some of your older readers remember him?
I spent many happy hours on Marazion station, train spotting, during our summer holidays and have no idea what possessed me to photograph only these three diesels - not a 'Castle' in sight!
If any of your readers can provide additional, or correcting, details, I'd appreciate hearing about them.
Regards, Malcolm Taylor Tulsa, OK, USA
(mailto:[email protected])
I have just discovered your website, and wondered if the attached might be of interest. I took the B&W shots on Marazion Station in 1960 or 1961, all on the same morning, and they depict the following (if memory serves me correctly):
D600 - 10am Cornish Riviera
D6313/7 - 10:10am to ???
D6312/x - 10:30am Cornishman
The color shot was taken in August 1961 by my grandfather, Hugh Parrish, and depicts my sister, myself and, more importantly, "Scotty," who was a porter at Marazion station. He also did 'odd jobs' at the B&B that we stayed in - perhaps some of your older readers remember him?
I spent many happy hours on Marazion station, train spotting, during our summer holidays and have no idea what possessed me to photograph only these three diesels - not a 'Castle' in sight!
If any of your readers can provide additional, or correcting, details, I'd appreciate hearing about them.
Regards, Malcolm Taylor Tulsa, OK, USA
(mailto:[email protected])
D600 Active passes through Marazion in 1960 or 61 Copyright Malcolm Taylor
Marazion D6313 and D6317 1960 or 61 Copyright Malcolm Taylor.
D6312 with the up Cornishman passes through Marazion. D6312 was one of the locos which hauled trains on the last day of passenger services, Saturday 3 November 1962. Copyright Malcolm Taylor
A holiday shot at Marazion station showing right to left, Malcolm Taylor, his sister and 'Scotty' the porter. 1960 or 61 Copyright the late Hugh Parrish, from the Malcolm Taylor collection.
Shunting on Marazion Marsh Sidings. Copyright Edward Hand
Some more Marazion Pullman pictures - from Sid Sponhiemer.
More on the Marazion Pulmans -
Steve Widdowson
Steve Widdowson
Steve writes :- Hi Keith, Came across the attachment plus a photo with the following caption on it.
There was another twist to the fate of the old Pullmans at Marazion near Penzance in 1990 . The 2nd owner who brought them since BR has given them up and tried to auction them in Febuary 90 in London but they did not meet the reserve. The coaches where then put up for sale for offers in excess of £300,000 and coming with planning consent for 12 bungalows.
They where still up for sale in September 90 when this photo was taken .
Steve Widdowson Many thanks for the recall.
There was another twist to the fate of the old Pullmans at Marazion near Penzance in 1990 . The 2nd owner who brought them since BR has given them up and tried to auction them in Febuary 90 in London but they did not meet the reserve. The coaches where then put up for sale for offers in excess of £300,000 and coming with planning consent for 12 bungalows.
They where still up for sale in September 90 when this photo was taken .
Steve Widdowson Many thanks for the recall.
Pullmans at Marazion in 1990. Copyright Steve Widdowson
Car 97 9870 'Calais' at 'Marazion August 1987. Copyright Steve Widdowson
The Steve Widdowson Collection
Many thanks to Steve Widdowson - from his collection
A cutting from that very worthy Newspaper - The Cornishman. Renovation for six Pullmans coachs From the cornishman dated 28 Jan 1988 Kindly supplied by Steve Widdowson.
It's the 1st January 1979 we're at Marazion, a cold scene as the six Pullman cars stand in the snow. Copyright Roger Winnen.
155307 passes Marazion on the 16th June 1988 Copyright David Tozer.
50050 Fearless passes Marazion on the 25th August 1987. Copyright Steve Widdowson
50029 Renown passes Marazion on the 25th August 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson
Prior to the introduction of Class 155 Sprinters into the South West, a number of loco diagrams saw ‘local’ workings by both Class 47 and Class 50 and stock. Those really were the days (after the Westerns, Warships et al), incredibly just short of 30 years ago !
50040 Leviathan passes Marazion 27th April 1988 with 2C83 0911 Penzance to Plymouth. Copyright Ron Kosys
790101l Marazion Station in snow showing the former Station Masters house and the six pullman coaches. Copyright Roger Winnen
Parcels at Marazion.
Three shots from my collection of the changing operation of the sadly discontinued parcel services in the region.
Holiday day trips to Penzance were not complete until we had watched the departure of the 19:30 TPO. A driver informed me that the train went to Leeds but I was never able to confirm that at the time.
First shot is of 50034 Furious with a rake of BR blue parcels sector stock, then 47671 in the familiar RES colours following ist launch in 1991. The final variation shows 67009 in EWS Maroon & Gold, this loco has been in storage since October 2016
Kind Regards
Martin Baker
Holiday day trips to Penzance were not complete until we had watched the departure of the 19:30 TPO. A driver informed me that the train went to Leeds but I was never able to confirm that at the time.
First shot is of 50034 Furious with a rake of BR blue parcels sector stock, then 47671 in the familiar RES colours following ist launch in 1991. The final variation shows 67009 in EWS Maroon & Gold, this loco has been in storage since October 2016
Kind Regards
Martin Baker
Marazion Parcels 1 50034 Furious heads a full rake. Copyright Martin Baker.
Marazion Parcels 2 47671 seen in 1991. Copyright Martin Baker,
Marazion Parcels 3 67009 Copyright Martin Baker.
Many thanks Martin.
1894 - from face book with permission.
The
BIG STORM
hits Penzance
On February 14th 2014 a very big storm hit the south west. Hardest hit on the railway in Cornwall was Penzance though there was damage elsewhere.
The following pictures by Roger Winnen and Roger Salter serve to record the event both at Penzance station and also at the Long Rock end of the foreshore.
BIG STORM
hits Penzance
On February 14th 2014 a very big storm hit the south west. Hardest hit on the railway in Cornwall was Penzance though there was damage elsewhere.
The following pictures by Roger Winnen and Roger Salter serve to record the event both at Penzance station and also at the Long Rock end of the foreshore.
Penzance storm 140214f Not much chance of a train in this weather. Copyright Roger Winnen
Penzance storm 140214g The flooded platforms at the terminus. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Penzance storm Looking into the train shed during the storm. 140214n Copyright Roger Winnen
Penzance storm - the was a siding here connected by a ground frame at both ends. 140214a Copyright Roger Winnen
140214a The Valantine's Day storm at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen
Penzance storm 140214e The storm at its height looking at the Signal Box and Chyandour. Copyright Roger Winnen.
140214j The sea creeps towards the buffer stops of Platform 2 & 3. (Poof if ever its needed that water finds its own level! ) Copyright Roger Winnen
140214p Number Four DOCK (Platform) at Penzance station. Copyright Roger Winnen
26th February 2014 Another problem being solved. Salt water is a conductor and the immersion of these metals, sleepers and ballast in salt water for days has caused low resistance paths between the rails and consequent failure. Copyright Roger Salter
More heavy work in progress at Penzance station Copyright Roger Salter 26th February 2014
Penzance station was closed for a long period and St Erth became the railhead for services between Newton Abbot and St Erth. Fortunately for Cornwall and Devon sufficient rolling stock was stranded west of the Dawlish break to provide a reasonable service along the lines which remained open. The local bus and coach companies did extremely well in providing rail repalcement services between St Erth and Penzance and also between Plymouth/Newton Abbot and Exeter
An interesting shot of a roadrail vehicle parked overnight at Ponsandane 07.59 26th February 2014 Copyright Roger Salter
The main line (single at the location, Long Rock crossing) remain fixed to provided access or egress from the depot. The main line looks very rusty. 26th February 2014. Copyright Roger Salter
At 08.38 a Cross Country set prepares to leave Long Rock on its empty coaching stock run to St Erth. 26th February 2014 Copyright Roger Salter
Large boulders unloaded at the site of the former Marazion station are ferried to the beach and carefully placed to reinforce the protection for the coast path and railway. Morning of 26th February 2014 Copyright Roger Salter
Chris is to be congratulated on his picture and you for finding the train. However this view from high above Marazion thirteen summers ago has much of interest. At first the railway takes second place - the A394 crossing the railway just before the station is very prominent. However taking a further look at the scene it shows how the railroute hugs the coast line - also note Long Rock sheds, now much bigger. Many thanks Chris. The date is the 3rd June 2006 and the train is the 10.53 Penzance to Paddington. Many thanks Chris. Copyright.
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/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/52554553@N06/albums/72157636828119615/with/10419848883/