Post 1985 Steam railtours in Cornwall & Devon

Steam Railtours
in Cornwall & Devon
1985 to 2013

Credits, Many thanks to all contributors - please see a list on the home page.

STEAM IS BACK
IN DEVON

One can almost hear and smell the engines as they gradually ascend to the summit of Hemerdon . This was the long awaited return of steam to the South Devon banks on 8th April 1985. 4930 Hagley Hall and 7819 Hinton Manor make heavy work of the 1 in 42 gradient with load 13 on "The Great Western Limited" 09.46 Plymouth to Bristol TM. The long wait was a day longer than expected as both 6000 King George V and 7819 had both failed with hot boxes on route the previous day with the westbound leg .

Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks for the following nostalgic pictures Clive.

Heard long before they were seen!! 4930 Hagley Hall, 7819 Hinton Manor struggle up the bank with 13 on with the Great Western Limited Copyright Clive Smith

Very nearly here. 4930 Hagley Hall, 7819 Hinton Manor Great Western Limited Copyright Clive Smith

4930 Hagley Hall, 7819 Hinton Manor with Great Western Limited 8th April 1985 Copyright Clive Smith

The summit is in sight for 4930 Hagley Hall, 7819 Hinton Manor hauling the Great Western Limited. 8th April 1985 Copyright Clive Smith

STEAM IS BACK
IN CORNWALL

Steam officially came to an end on Cornwall's main line on 3 May 1964 when 34002 'Salisbury' made a farewell to steam run from Plymouth to Penzance, 'Salisbury' became the last locomotive to be turned at Penzance. After this run the turntable was scrapped.

However all was not lost for on 6 September 1985 No. 7029 'Clun Castle' made a run down as far as Truro. Luckily the turntable at St Blazey, where it served the roundhouse was still in action. 'Clun Castle' paused to visit the turntable on the way down and thus ran tender first from Par to Truro.

Many thanks to Ian McKey for the slide scanning of Roger Winnen's slides in this section.

Order of Presentation. Photographs in this section have been entered with the railtours in chronological order

6th September 1985 'Clun Castle' broke the steam ban in Cornwall - after over 21 years steam returned to Cornwall's main line.

A glorious view of 7029 Clun Castle crossing the lofty Moorwater viaduct on the 6th September 1985. Copyright Audrey Mills

7029 Clun Castle seen here on the downward run at Milltown climbing the bank towards Treverrin tunnel. 6th September 1985 Copyright Mike Roach

Clun closer up at Milltown. 6th September Copyright Mike Roach

7029 Clun Castle near Treesmill on route to Par. 6th September 1985 Copyright R. Winnen

Clun Castle arrives at Par 6th September 1985. A quite amazing picture, who were these gentlemen up in the signal? Did they get a better view? Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Here is '7029' having come off its train making its way towards St Blazey for turning. 6th September 1985 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

7029 arriving at St Blazey shed for turning. 6th September 1985. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

7029 on the turntable at St Blazey 6th September 1985 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

850906e Backing into shed, the last steam engine to leave the turntable and enter the shed 6th September 1985 - Copyright Sid Sponheimer

850906f 7029 In shed 6th September 1985 - Copyright Sid Sponheimer

850906g Clun Castle in shed, just who was that man up on the roof of the shed? Can't see a camera, what pictures he might have got! - 6th September 1985 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Clun Castle after turning at St Blazey. 6th September 1985 Copyright R. Winnen

Leaving Par and running bunker first on route to Truro 6th September 1985 Copyright R. Winnen.

850906k Clun Castle climbs past Holmbush on its way to Truro - just look at the vintage cars. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Clun Castle at Holmbush, near St Austell. 6th September 1985 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

850906m Near Probus on the way to Truro - Copyright Sid Sponheimer

It's 11.30 as 7029 comes to a stand at Truro. 6th September 1985. Copyright Martin Duff.

Another shot of 'Clun Castle' at Truro. 6th September 1985. Copyright Martin Duff.

850906n 7029 reverses off its train which is standing in platform 3. A view from the black bridge by Sid Sponheimer 6th September 1985

The white paint has been truly rubbed off the buffers following the Par to Truro haul. 6th September 1985 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

850906p Running in towards Platform 4 - Copyright Sid Sponheimer

850906q . For sometime after the closure of platform 4 as a through road and the main up platform rails remained in position up to a cabin which spanned the track and was occupied by the area manager. 6th September 1985 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

850906s Christine Sponheimer and daughter Lisa posing for the family album - a historic moment. Does Lisa remember it? - Copyright Sid Sponheimer

After a period in the truncated metals of platform 4 Clun moves out to the west to pass through the goods yard . 6th September 1985 Copyright R.Winnen

850906u Reversing out of platform 4 Clun ran through the loop behind the box to gain the front of its train. Just look at the size of the crowd. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

850906v And here she is moving around the back of the box to gain the head of the train. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

850906w Clun stands at Platform 3 ready to leave, what a fine sight. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

850906x The Truro Cathedral as a backdrop 7029 Clun Castle leaving the city. Taken from Sid Sponheimers garden at Kenwyn - Copyright Sid Sponheimer

850906z With the open fields of Moresk in background the view of Clun tackling the bank towards Buckshead tunnel from Kenwyn - Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Looking fine, 7029 Clun Castle nearing Burngullow on its return trip 6th September 1985 Copyright R.Winnen

Audrey Mills catches 7029 Clun Castle in beautiful light as it crosses Combe St Stephens viaduct 6th September 1985. Copyright.

Clun Castle returning up country leaves Lostwithiel behind. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

What a 'Gem' this picture is? Respryn is quite a remote location in the middle of nowhere - just see the number of people who turned out to witness the spectacle. 7029 Clun Castle 6th September 1985 Copyright Julian Stephens

Clun tackling the Glyn Valley. 6th September 1985. Copyright Mike Roach

Clun Castle - Glyn Valley 6th September 1985. Copyright Mike Roach

1st May 1994 Exeter Rail Festival
In addition to a fine display of Locomotives and rolling stock laid out on display in the sidings at Exeter Riverside there were steam runs to Barnstaple and later to Exmouth. See more views of the display below.

Somewhat short of time at the end of a good day Roger Winnen and myself caught a train up to Exeter Central and walked onto the Queen St Road bridge from which views of the 1 in 37 bank up from St Davids can be obtained. We were well rewarded. The shortened train came up the bank at good speed 80080 bursting out of the tunnel. However as it neared us it was slowing but pulling very hard, suddenly and dramatically 80080 lost its footing on the catch point and despite valiant attempts to keep the train going it ground to a halt. For a minute or there was silence. Then the crews, with much whistling between the two engines the crews tried to get the train moving moving but only succeeded in slipping backwards. Only after further efforts to 'get it together' did the train slowly but surely move forward until it reached level ground at Central Station. About 15 mins was lost in this grand show. It was only by the kindness of a friend that we had a lift back to Exeter St Davids just in time to catch our train home, from this train we could see the trail of steam being made on the opposite bank as the train made its way towards Exmouth. We have a video of the action mentioned above, maybe it could go on this site.

1st May 1994 Exeter Rail Festival
Additional Material from the Rail Festival Site received from Trevor Tremethick

2nd May 1994 Steam along Dawlish Sea Wall

14th October 1995

The Royal Duchy Explorer ran down on Saturday 14 Oct 1995. The train powered by 70000 disguised as a regular Cornish engine 70019 was assisted by 7802 Bradley Manor. Unfortunately Bradley Manor developed a hot box and was removed at Plymouth. The Britannia carried on alone and was observed climbing past Carlyon Bay Golf Course at a good speed. However later in climb it stalled prior to St Austell on the 1 in 60 gradient. Rumour has it that the regulator was closed too soon.

What power, lots of clagg from Bradley Manor as it powers up Dainton Bank. 14th October 1995. Copyright Audrey Mills

The Royal Duchy with Brittania on it's own taking the train onwards to Penzance. 14th October 1995 Audrey Mills

Britannia rests at Long Rock after her journey down. 14th October 1995 Copyright Roger Salter

After a week in Cornwall, during which time the loco had made a trip to St Blazey for turning, 70000 now renamed from Lightning to Britannia returned to England heading the 'Cornubian' on 21 Oct 95.

30th November 1996 The Devon Devonian at Dawlish

5th April 1997

A snashing action picture of 6024 Birmingham to Plymouth steam Ex Taunton at Rattery Sat 5th April 1997 Copyright Roger Geach

9th May 1998 saw 'The Par King Pioneer'. King Edward 1 hauled the 'Par King Pioneer' into Cornwall. It was, as the name suggests, only going as far as Par. The third shot of this sequence is a 'classic'.

King Edward was in operation on the Bodmin and Wenford for several days before returning up country

30th May 1998 'The Clotted King'

The 'Clotted King' at Stoneycombe bridge 30th May 1998 Copyright Julian Stephens

19th September 1998 - 'The Penzance Pirate'

As an observer of the arrival of the King at Penzance we'd expected it to be berthed at Pz overnight. However, this was not to be - with a 'toot' on its whistle the King was hauled out of platform 3 and last seen as a distant plume of steam passing Long Rock.

20th September 1998
'The Falmouth Packet' Pathfinder Tours
Locos Used:- 56078 & steam: 6024 'King Edward I'
Stock Used :- Set CS01 + 6024 Support coach

24th October 1998 Black Five 45110 and 8F 48773 honoured the county with a visit. Bad weather continued throughout the week long visit.

25th October 1998 the two locos moved to the Bodmin and Wenford where they stayed for a week.

31st October 1998 The two engines were brought down to Penzance ready to head a charter back up the main line.

8th May 1999

After the climb of Hemmerdon bank 35005 is seen at Dinniton just west of the old ivybridge station on 8th May 1999

15th May 1999

25th November 2000 'The Devonian' Pasttime Railtours

Info from Six Bells Junction website
Locos Used 09008, 67021 & steam: 4936 'Kinlet Hall' & 6024 'King Edward 1'Stock Usedload 12 (? plus support coach when steam was working the train?)
Route :
1Z42 : Paddington to Plymouth
1Z?? : Plymouth to Paddington

Loco(s)Route6702107.18d London Paddington - Slough - Reading - Didcot - Swindon - Melksham - Westbury - Frome avoiding line - Taunton4936 + 6024Taunton - Exeter - Laira Jn - Speedway Jn - Plymouth Friary09008 (2)Plymouth Friary - Plymouth North Road4936 + 6024Plymouth North Road - Exeter St Davids6024Exeter St Davids - (reverse of outward route) - Westbury 67021Westbury - (reverse of outward route) - London Paddington.

Kimlet Hall leads King George V past the Laira washing plant at Mount Gould. 25th November 2011 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Kimlet Hall and King George V run stand just outside Friary. 25th November 2000 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

7th April 2001 4396 Kinlet Hall and 5029 Nunney Castle brought a railtour to Cornwall. Whilst, an overnight stop at Penzance was made by the steam before the engines went to shed at St Blazey for the week the tour train returned east same day behind a class 67.

Defiance 7th April 2001 4936 Kinlet Hall and 5029 Nunney Castle Copyright Roger Winnen

In the gloom of Penzance station 7th April 2001 4936 Kinlet Hall and 5029 Nunney Castle Copyright Roger Winnen

With their train removed 4936 Kinlet Hall and 5029 Nunney Castle are released. 7th April 2001 Copyright Roger Winnen

4936 Kimlet Hall and 5029 Nunney Castle move over to the sidings where they spent the night before travelling to St Blazey for a week. Copyright Roger Winnen

67 010 pushes the railtour stock back in to platform 1 at Penzance. 7th April 2001. Copyright Roger winnen

With the steam and the support coach safely in the sidings passengers flock to rejoin their railtour. 67010 at the head. 7th April 2001. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The returning railtour with 67010 at Angarrack. 7th April 2010 Copyright Roger Winnen.

Resting overnight at Penzance 7th April 2001 Copyright Roger Winnen

8th April 2001 saw the engines and support coach heading for St Blazey.

The pair heading for St Blazey 8th April 2001 Copyright Roger Winnen

The pair heading for St Blazey 8th April 2001 - making smoke!! Marazion Marsh. Copyright Roger Winnen

15th April 2001 4396 Kinlet Hall and 5029 Nunney Castle make their way from St Blazey to Penzance in readiness for the next days railtour.

16th April 2001
Saw 4936 Kinlet Hall and 5029 Nunney Castle On the 'Royal Duchy' head out of the county en route to Bristol.

6th & 26th August 2001 Dawlish Donkey
The Dawlish Donkey made a number of excurions along the sea front during August 2001.

4th May 2002 Two Castles to Penzance - outward run

5th May 2002 The two castles went from Penzance to St Blazey for turning. Very unfortunately on the return run to Penzance 5029 Nunney Castle was failed due to a bearing problem. It was later removed using road transport. This left 5051 Earl Bathurst with a train considered too heavy for one engine and 50 031 Hood was brought down to assist.

6th May 2002 saw 'The Two Castles' railtour run from Par to Exeter. Unfortunately there weren't two Castles so participants had to make do with 50 031 Hood and 5051 Earl Bathurst.

8th May 2002 Saw 5029 Nunney Castle made an undignified return up country on board road transport seen here at the service station at Victoria, Roche on the A30. Captured at 20.30 by Julian Stephens.

31st August 2002 Saw King 6024 on its way to Par

Later on saw the return journey

1st February 2003 Saw a Royal Duchy charter from Slough to Penzance. This was hauled forward from Exeter to Penzance by 5029 Nunney Castle.

15th March 2003 Cathedrals Express
Operated by Steam Dreams

Locos Used 73096
Route: London Waterloo - Clapham Junction - Wimbledon - Woking - Basingstoke - Andover - Laverstock North Jn - Salisbury - Gillingham - Yeovil Junction - Exeter Central - Exeter St Davids - Taunton - Castle Cary - Westbury - Salisbury - Laverstock South Jn Laverstock South Jn - Laverstock North Jn - (reverse of outward route) - London Waterloo

A dramatic picture as 73096 nears Stoke Canon on 15th March 2003 Copyright Roger Geach

29th May 2004 Saw Nunney Castle and Earl Bathurst on Cornish metals en route to Penzance.

31st May 2004

29th May 2004

30th November 2004 The opening of the re-doubled main line between Probus and Burngullow on 30th November 2004 was an occasion worthy of a special and also worthy of the task was 3400 City of Truro.

A superb picture of 3400 'City of Truro' crossing Forder Viaduct on the 30th November 2004, Copyright Roger Geach

3rd December 2004 Plymouth to Bristol Temple Meads - Roger Geech

23rd May 2005

27th August 2005 Saw West Country 34067 Tangmere in action in Cornwall

29th August 2005Tangmere returned up country

29th May 2006

30th May 2006. Saw the 'Isambard Kingdom Brunel' charter operate from Plymouth to Parkandillack.

21st October 2006

Steam on the branches. 25th to 28th March 2007

All branches being covered except the Looe branch and the Gunnislake line beyond Bere Alston.

25th March 2007

'The Cornish Pixie', Par 09.21 37410 leading, St Austell 09.29, Burngullow 09.37, Truro 09.53. At this point the train became 'The Falmouth Packet' Truro 10.02, Falmouth 10.29Arr Dept 10.34 as the 'The West Briton' Truro Arr 11.01, Truro Dpt 11.06 37410 leading, Camborne 11.24, St Erth 11.34, Penzance Arr 11.39.Penzance Dpt 14.37 as the 'St Ives Steamer'. St Erth 14.46, St Ives Arr 15.03 Dpt 15.06 St Erth 15.23/26 Penzance Arr 15.37. Penzance Dpt 1Z56 16.15,St Erth 16.24, Camborne 16.42,Truro 17.00/17.03, Burngullow 17.21, St Austell 17.25, Par Arr 17.36.

26th March 2007

45407 was shedded at St Blazey overnight departing from there at 11.05 as the 5Z20 with 37410 leading it made its way to Plymouth. Par pass 11.20, Lostwithiel pass 11.28, Liskeard pas 11.50, Saltash pass 12.10, Plymouth 12.21/31 Laira Jct 12.4/54 Plymouth Arr 13.00. Plymouth Dpt 13.42, Saltash pass 13.54, Liskeard pass 14.23, Lostwithiel pass 14.32, Par 14.44/49, St Blazey SB 14.54 dpt to Par Docks 15.10, back to Par for a 16.10 Dpt, Goonbarrow 16.41 - 17.11, Newquay Arr 17.56 Dpt 18.15, Goonbarrow 19.00/02, St Blazey 19.19-32, Par 19.38-41 Lostwithiel pass 19.50, Liskeard pass 20.12, Saltash pass 20.39. Plymouth 20.48
N.B. Now included in this sequence recent pictures taken on that day when 45407 stalled at Pontsmill the train being assisted after a 25 minute delay by 37410 which would otherwise have followed light engine to Newquay.

27th March 2007

Saw two runs to Bere Alston the first Plymouth Dpt 08.10, St Budeaux Victoria Road, pass 08.17, Bere Alston Arr 08.37. Dpt 09.10, St Budeaux VR 09.30, Plymouth 09.36/50, Mount Gould Jct pass 09.55, Plymouth Friary Arr 10.02, Dpt 10.10 Lipsom Jct pass 10.17, Plymouth Arr 10.20. The second run Plymouth Dept 15.00, St Budeaux VR pass 15.07, Bere Alston Arr 15.27, Dept 15.40, St Budeaux VR pass 16.00, Plymouth 16.06/09, Mount Gould Jct. pass 16.14, Plymouth Friary 16.21/35, Lipson Jct pass 16.48, Plymouth Arr 16.51.

Some unusual views in this sequence, passing under the Royal Albert Bridge by Roger Winnen, and even more unusual, distant views of a train in Devon taken from Cornwall by Roger Geach - all to be savoured.

28th March 2007

The final day of touring. First train to Fowey Docks. Plymouth Dpt 09.31, Saltash pass 09.40, Liskeard 10.03/06, Lostwithiel pass 10.23, Fowey Docks 10.34/11.10, Lostwithiel pass 11.17, Liskeard 11.48/51 Saltash pass 12.08, Plymouth Arr 12.17.
Second train to Parkandillack. Plymouth 12.28, Saltash pass 12.37, Liskeard pass 12.55, Par pass 13.17, St Austell 13.23/25, Burngullow 13.31/36 Parkandillack 14.13/35 Burngullow 15.10/12, St Austell15.17/20, Par pass 15.25, Liskeard pass 15.53, Saltash pass 16.13, Plymouth Arr16.22.

31st March 2007 - 'The Cornishman'

24th August 2007

7th April 2009

3rd April 2010

4th April 2010

On the 4th April 2010 44871 and 70013 set off for the South Devon Railway. They travelled light engines with the support coach to Laira where they turned using the triangular junction. At Totnes the pair were booked to provide much of the motive power for the day. However all did not go exactly to plan. On a tender first run from Buckfastleigh to Totnes 44871 managed to derail its tender, an event which curtailed the rest of the days services. A bus had to be laid on to provide transport from the South Devon to Totnes.

15th May 2010 We know it's not Cornwall but as it's Trevor Tremethick we'll push the boundaries just a little bit.

4965 & 5043 on Dainton Bank on Sat 15th May 2010 Copyright Roger Geach

1st June 2010

26th June 2010

The gauging train had determined that the Castle and the King which had brought the charter down on the 26th June 2010 were 'out of gauge' at Hayle. Consequently the steam haulage ceased at Par and 1015 Western Champion took over. Participants on the charter diesel hauled to Penzance on 28th June 2010 had better luck. In an unprecended move the King and Castle were worked down from Par during the hours of darkness on the up line. The two locos were thus available at the terminus for the run back up country.

28th June 2010

19th & 26th September 2010 On Sundays 19 and 26 September 2010 we were extremely lucky to have steam return to the Looe branch.

Very interesting Papers by Bruce Hunt.
We are most grateful to David Critchlow for drawing our attention to four very detailed and most interesting papers written by Bruce Hunt.
These papers are accessed by one link and cover four items of great interest to students of Cornish Railways.
The four items covered are :-
1)    The proposed short cut to Looe.
2)    Railmotor number 93 on the Looe branch.
3)    The Tregantle Military Railway. (Very detailed)
4)    The Cornubian Railtour. (3rd May I964)
To locate these papers please click on the following link.
http://brucehunt.co.uk/south%20east%20cornwall/tregantle%20military%20railway.html
Our appreciation to Bruce Hunt for putting the results of his considerable research on the web.

19th September 2010
The first ever visit of an A4 to Cornwall - what a treat!

5th APRIL 2011

23rd April 2011 saw the Great Briton 1V Railtour visit the Duchy

29 April 2011

10th July 2011, a Sunday, saw Nunney Castle in action on the Cornish main line at St Germans

6th September 2011

A dismal day for all, photographers and participants alike, here Craig Munday and Roger Geach catch Britannia at Goonbarrow and Bolitho respectively.

28th April 2012 The Great Britain V
On a cloudy day 34064 Tangmere piloted 70013 Oliver Cromwell into the county.
Pictures in the order the train travelled down through the county - left to right, then down.

4th May 2012 Saw 70013 Oliver Cromwell and Tangmere prepared at St Blazey and then run down to Penzance for the return Royal Duchy on the next day. Many thanks to Craig Munday who was on hand to record the preparations on that day.

5th May 2012 Saw the return run of 'The Royal Duchy'. Penzance to Bristol (and Paddington)

19th May 2012

28th July 2012 'Tamar Devonian' This train the 1Z96, left Bristol at 08.45, paused Exeter 11.01/02 Plymouth Arr 12.17 Plymouth Dep 17.02 as the 1Z97, Newton Abbot 17.51 Exeter pass 18.26 Bristol Arr 20.21 It is understood that they took water at Tiverton Junction in the downwards direction.

28th July 2012 'Tamar Devonian' - The Return Journey

Sunday 29th July 2012 'The Royal Duchy'

Steam loco 70013 1Z34 08.48 Bristol TM to Par
Taunton: 09.49 / 09.53 Exeter Sd:10.42 / 11.23 Plymouth:13.06 /13.09, Liskeard: 13.40 Par: 14.05
ECS & Loco to St Blazey dep BZ 16.55
1Z35 17.45 Par to Bristol TM Liskeard:18.25, Plymouth: 18.55/18.59, Exeter SD 20.22/20.41
Taunton: 21.18/21.29

Which do you prefer - old time black and white or modern colour - its the same train!!

Sunday 2nd September 2012 Bristol to Par and return

Sunday 9th September 2012 Bristol to Par and return

Saturday 15th September 2012 The Mayflower

11th November 2012 Steam on the Looe branch

Sunday 11th November 2012 was the day for the operation of the railmotor on the branch, however, the movement from Bodmin Parkway to Liskeard was accomplished in the hours of darkness on the Saturday evening. 33/2 33207 providing the required escort.

18th November 2012 Steam on the Looe branch

Many thanks to Craig Munday, Nathan Stockman and Mick House for these entries.

19th November 2012 Railmotor returns from Liskeard to Bodmin.

23rd March 2013 'The Mayflower'
Euston 06.45 Plymouth 13.37 to 16.05 Paddington 22.58

It's 16.05 on 23Mar13. 34067 Tangmere and 4547 start to move. Paddinton will be reached at 22.58. Copyright Mike Hitchens

6th April 2013 The Atlantic Coast Express
Waterloo - Surbiton - Honiton - Exeter St Davids - Rtn via Honiton, Laverstock S Jct - Waterloo.
34067 leading to Exeter St Davids then at rear to Laverstock Jct, then leading to Waterloo.

Tangmere near Exeter Central - from Howell Road bridge. 6Apl13 Copyright Roger Winnen

Atlantic Coast Express leaves Exeter St Davids with Tangmere in the rather undignified position as banker. Seen just before the view was eclipsed by 159008 arriving from Waterloo. 17.46 6April April 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

20th April 2013 THE GREAT BRITAIN VI (Day 1 of 9)
London Victoria-Par
44871+45407: Taunton Exeter-Par

The down 'Great Britain V1' having entered the County of Cornwall now crosses Combe by Saltash viaduct. The time is 17.17 on 20Apl13 Copyright Roger Winnen

21st April 2013 THE GREAT BRITAIN VI (Day 2 of 9)
Newquay-Cardiff
44871+45407: Newquay-Bristol
34067: Bristol-Gloucester-Cardiff

St Blazey - the start of the day at 08.07. A rather grubby West Coast loco 47245 backs on to its train. Copyright Craig Munday.

Meanwhile at 08.13 the 'steam' is being prepared. This will be attached to the rear of the train and drawn to Newquay by 47245. Copyright Craig Munday

Newquay bound - Middleway, at 08.39 the ECS is hauled by 47246 with the steam on the back. Copyright Craig Munday

With 44871 and 45407 giving a gentle push the train proceeds towards St Blazey Bridge Crossing and the steep bank to Luxulian where no doubt the push changed to shove. Copyright Craig Munday.

It's 09.04 and it looks almost like fairground ride as the ECS bends over the infamous Black Bridge on Goss Moors. Copyright Craig Munday

On the outward journey at 09.23 44871 is hauled past the platform at Quintrell Downs. 21Apl13 Copyright Roger Salter

It is 09.50 as Roger Salter captures the action as the 'Great Britain V1' leaves Newquay behind. 21Apl13 Copyright Roger Salter

The loaded and lengthy train hauled by 44871 & 45407 is seen here at Chapel at 09.53 with a backdrop of Newquay. Copyright Craig Munday.

Seconds later and the pair head over a small field crossing, the outskirts of Newquay still being visible. Copyright Roger Salter

Despite the fog Roger Winnen manages to capture the pair breasting the summit over the infamous 'iron bridge' - this de-capiated many lorries in the years gone by. It is now bypassed by the new A30. Copyright picture.

It's 10.36 and Goonbarrow signalbox witnesses a rare sight as 'The Great Britain V1 ' passes the first train of the day to Newquay. Copyright Craig Munday

Serious smoke as the train starts away from the Newquay platform. Copyright Roger Winnen Note the length of the train!

Clinnick Viaduct in the Glyn Valley, the early morning sun has gone, its 11.48 Copyright Craig Munday

Plymouth at 13.10, the locos have come off their train and are being watered on the east side of the the station, Copyright K. Jenkin

13.38 with steam aplenty, the train eases out of platform 8 and commences the climb to Mutley tunnel. Copyright K. Jenkin

Very skillful driving was necessary to keep the train on the move, it was travelling at no more than 15 MPH when seen entering the tunnel. Copyright K. Jenkin.

44871 & 45407 passing Laira at 13.40 on Great Britain VI 21.04.2013. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

27th April 2013 The Cornishman

From Totnes Castle 4965 & 5043 on 'Cornishman' passing Totnes 27.04.13. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

10th May 2013 The Cathedrals Explorer
A Steam Dreams railtour visits Okehampton.

35028 - The Cathedrals Explorer at Crediton 10th May 2013 - Copyright David Tozer

The Cathedrals Explorer seen here between Sampford Courtney and Okehampton on its run from Exeter to Okehampton. There was a class 66 tacked on the back to return the train to Exeter. Friday 10th May 2013 Copyright Tony Hill.

35028 stands in the up platform at Okehampton on the 'Cathedrals Explorer'. The future of this line is in considerable doubt while its American Owners contemplate the future operations here. We hope for a speedy resolution. This picture on 10th May 2013 by tony Hill Copyright

9th June 2013 The Royal Duchy

The Royal Duchy departed Bristol Temple Meads at 08.48, arrived Par at 14.01 Departed Par at 17.45 arr Bristol Temple Meads 22.25 Locomotive 60009 Union of South Africa

60009 'Union of South Africa' on down 'Royal Duchy' seen from Saltram 9 June 2013. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

60009 Union of South Africa at Milltown 13.54 9Jun13 Copyright Craig Munday

60009 Union of South Africa rests before turning at St Blazey 9Jun13 Copyright Craig Munday

St Blazey on the turntable 15.46 Copyright Roger Winnen

It's 16.15 9th June 20 13 Coming around the double track curve from St Blazey Copyright Roger Winnen

Par 17.21 Passing the station before reversing into the up platform Copyright Roger Winnen

It's 17.47 and the train starts to move out of Par platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

Laira Junction 60009 'Union of South Africa' on up 'Royal Duchy' passing Laira Jct 19.00 9 June 2013. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

16th June 2013 The Royal Duchy Bristol to Par 44932

On the way down we 44932 on the Bristol TM to Par at St Germans Sun 16th June 2013 Copyright Roger Geach

44932 brings in the support coach from St Blazey at 16.55 Copyright Roger Winnen

44932 draws forward leaving the Newquay platform and then reverses on the empty stock. 16th June 13 Copyright Roger Winnen

Loco coupled up to empty stock for the return railtour at 17.45. Copyright Roger Winnen

HST forming the 17.16 Newquay to Paddington service draws into the platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

The up 'Royal Duchy' storms towards Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

Roger reports that the footbridge was almost blasted off its foundations as the train passed. Note the fan of trackwork into the B & W carriage shed to the right. Copyright Roger Winnen

For the last shot we switch to another Roger - Roger Geach for this fine shot approaching Plymouth

The Royal Duchy with 44932 at the head blasts its way over Keyham Viaduct and on towards Dockyard Halt with the Par to BTM Railtour Sunday 16Jun13 Copyright Roger Geach

4th July 2013 'The Devonian;

The Devonian from Poole to Exeter St David's approaching Black Boy Tunnel. 13.21 4th July 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen N.B. It's amazing how trees have changed the scene here. Exmouth Jct Box in the distance.

The Devonian awaiting departure for Poole via Bristol,Westbury, Salisbury, Eastleigh & Southampton. 15.59 4th July 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

Waiting for the right away at Exeter St David's 16.01 4th July 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

34067 Tangmere departs Exeter at 16.10 for Poole. 4th July 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

A final sight of 'The Devonian' as it passed through Tiverton Parkway at 16.54. 4th July 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

1st September 2013 Railtour from Bristol to Par and return

Comment by Roger Geach
I understand the 47 went on the front at Newton Abbot , it had been on the rear . The 47 was put on the front due to line side fires in the Exeter area which the black five was blamed for starting. The 47 was doing all the work at St Germans . Try again this Sunday ! Rog

47237 pilots 44932 on the Bristol to Par . Taken as the down train crossed the viaduct at St Germans on Sun 1st September 2013 Copyright Roger Geach

8th September 2013

The Royal Duchy

70013 Oliver Cromwell storms through Newton Abbot on the Royal Duchy to Par running some 28 mins early. Copyright Roger Winnen

70013 Oliver Cromwell coasts over the St Pinnock viaduct with the Bristol to Par on Sunday 8th September 2013. A lovely view by Roger Geach - a Cornishman from nearby Liskeard.

A fine picture as Oliver Cromwell passes through Bodmin Parkway at l2.50 on 8th September 2013 copyright of Philip James Tremain www.majorimages.co.uk

The Torbay Express

34046 Braunton cruising through Newton Abbot with the Torbay Express. Copyright Roger Winnen

34046 'Braunton' at Three Beaches on 09.15 Bristol - Kingswear, 8 Sept 2013. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

34046 Braunton starts to move heading back to Bristol from Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

Seconds later 34046 accelerates its long train over the level crossing at Paignton. The coaching stock of the next train to Kingswear can be seen in the background. 8th September 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

15th September 2013 The Torbay Express

34046 'Braunton' with Torbay Express at Three Beaches 15 September 2013. Copyright Trevor Tremethick N.B. Being a perfectionist Trevor doesn't like a WR headboard on Braunton - but it is still a jolly good picture.

29th September 2013 Royal Duchy

34046 'Braunton' on down 'Royal Duchy' passing the site of Plympton station 29 September 2013. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

34046 Braunton on its first visit to the Duchy on the 'Royal Duchy' passing through Lostwithiel. At 13.50 on the 29th September 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

Still at Lostwithiel but much closer. Note the sidings beyond the platform are already well overgrown - due for removal very shortly. 29th September 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

Courtesy of Rogers camera despite the dull and overcast day 'Braunton' still makes a fine sight on the turntable at St Blazey. 14.45 29th September 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

It is with many thanks to a member of staff who took Rogers camera through to take this superb shot - thank you - a real gentleman. Copyright 29th September 2013

'Braunton' and support coach standing at the Newquay Platform at Par. 16.50 29th September 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

It's 17.17 and Braunton plus its support coach has coupled to its train at Par. 29th September 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

It's 19.04 as 'Braunton' makes a departure from Plymouth beneath a rapidly darkening sky. 29th September 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

One final view as 'The Royal Duchy' continues its journey on into England. 29th September 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks to both Roger Winnen especially and also to Trevor Tremethick for their part in recording this railtour

The Dartmouth Express 19th October 2013

70000 Britannia atTorquay hauling the Dartmouth Express through Torquay 19th October 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

The return Dartmouth Express heads through Torre on route to Poole. 19th October 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

Britannia storming the bank through Torre Station. 19th October 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen