St Blazey to Fowey
and Fowey Docks
and Fowey Docks
Credits, Many thanks to all contributors - please see a list on the home page.
If you do not see what you want try :-
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.
N.B Click on picture to obtain an enlargement and further details
St Blazey station
There was once a footbridge spanning the two lines here giving access to the up side platform. However after closure of this station on 21st September 1925 the footbridge was removed to St Austell to a location just to the west of the station where it provides pedestrian access across the main line by the redundant signal box. Prior to this provision there was a level crossing for road traffic.
Line to Fowey firstly travelling by train including the 1173 yard Pinnock tunnel
A note from Andrew Jones to complement the three photographs below.
Dear Keith, I have attached a photograph, which compliments an earlier set of the Par to Fowey line (below), just before conversion to the haul road.
Much has changed in almost 50 years. The skyline once covered in the conical distinctive spoil hills, the construction of which involved a series of almost vertical tram lines, (some including the long removed Dorothy Pit, near the lost village of Karslake, had multiple tram lines operating 24 hours/day) have now been almost entirely landscaped and are unrecognizable.
ECLP, was a major employer at the time of this photograph (1969), the new haul road was seen as sensible use of a redundant railway line. Conversion was undertaken at considerable cost, at least the company had the foresight to retain the Lostwithiel to Fowey line, although these facilities are unfortunately, now, much under used, as are those, at Fowey Harbour.
The large drys at Par Docks had still to be topped by the four chimneys, which for decades after this shot, billowed white clouds of smoke across St Austell Bay and have only recently been removed once again.
From the age of 5, I was brought up in Whitemoor and attended the local school. I have fond memories of this rather harsh environment and it is very sad when looking back at just how much has been lost.
The China Clay industry was well developed by the 1960’s, served by an efficient rail system and port infrastructure. Sadly environmental issues added to cheaper imports from South America have diminished this industry to a fraction of its former self.
There were once plans to ship sand by rail to the South East for building projects, but all to no avail!
One lasting memory was standing on Bodmin Road station listening to the double headed class 37’s hauling the Silver Bullet, power through, absolutely unbelievable!
Best wishes Andrew Many thanks Andrew
A note from Andrew Jones to complement the three photographs below.
Dear Keith, I have attached a photograph, which compliments an earlier set of the Par to Fowey line (below), just before conversion to the haul road.
Much has changed in almost 50 years. The skyline once covered in the conical distinctive spoil hills, the construction of which involved a series of almost vertical tram lines, (some including the long removed Dorothy Pit, near the lost village of Karslake, had multiple tram lines operating 24 hours/day) have now been almost entirely landscaped and are unrecognizable.
ECLP, was a major employer at the time of this photograph (1969), the new haul road was seen as sensible use of a redundant railway line. Conversion was undertaken at considerable cost, at least the company had the foresight to retain the Lostwithiel to Fowey line, although these facilities are unfortunately, now, much under used, as are those, at Fowey Harbour.
The large drys at Par Docks had still to be topped by the four chimneys, which for decades after this shot, billowed white clouds of smoke across St Austell Bay and have only recently been removed once again.
From the age of 5, I was brought up in Whitemoor and attended the local school. I have fond memories of this rather harsh environment and it is very sad when looking back at just how much has been lost.
The China Clay industry was well developed by the 1960’s, served by an efficient rail system and port infrastructure. Sadly environmental issues added to cheaper imports from South America have diminished this industry to a fraction of its former self.
There were once plans to ship sand by rail to the South East for building projects, but all to no avail!
One lasting memory was standing on Bodmin Road station listening to the double headed class 37’s hauling the Silver Bullet, power through, absolutely unbelievable!
Best wishes Andrew Many thanks Andrew
PAR to FOWEY line 1969 Copyright Andrew Jones
In this picture you can see the Par to Fowey line snaking its way up, left to right, at 1 in 50 towards Pinnock tunnel. In the distance on the hill is Trenython Manor. Trenython was a Great Western railway convalescent home for 50 years from 1906. A local paper reported “Trenython, the seventh Railwaymen’s convalescent home was opened by Viscount Churchill, chairman of the GWR. It has accommodation for 85 men – the cost of refurbishment about £25,000 – and the architect was Mr B. Andrew of St Austell. Copyright Andrew Jones.
This is a view of the western portal of the tunnel taken in June 1968 before the tracks were lifted. Copyright Andrew Jones
Lookin out from the western portal of the tunnel in June 1968. Copyright Andrew Jones.
Andrew reports that the tunnel had a bend at either end and he never dared venture into it in railways times. However in later years he was a security guard at the docks and one of his jobs was to check the emergency phones though the tunnel. Not the place you'd like to break down he records!!
CRS trip to the tunnel 3rd April 1993
On the 3rd April 1993 the Cornwall Railway Society paid a visit to the tunnel and docks at Fowey. However due to some bridgework going on down near Fowey we were unable to pass through the tunnel but had to be satisfied with a visit to the west end of the tunnel and a peek inside. Here are the late John Fill's pictures of our visit. Our thanks to Mary Fill for allowing us to use her husbands negatives.
Although this was an official visit nobody had thought to open the gates to allow us through - so we did the obvious thing! Copyright the late john Fill
The party head up the climb towards the tunnel. The late John Fill Collection
Eager to look inside the tunnel we walked a hundred or so yards in before turning back. Copyright the late John Fill
A reminder of the old railway days, A refuge in the tunnel wall. Copyright the late John Fill
Having sampled the tunnel the party return to our cars and head off to Fowey. Note the rectangular section of the extension of the west end of the tunnel - this was created such that once a door was closed extractor fans could removed diesel fumes from the tunnel. Copyright the late john Fill.
Down at the docks at Fowey. Copyright the late John Fill
Fowey station and docks area For more pictures see PRC railtour
This picture is from volume 2 of the Maurice Dart China Clay line collection CD and is available from Wheal Martyn Museum - see home page for details.
From the Alan Harris Collection. Very interesting detail of the second platform. Note (1) See the prominent advert - 'Navy Cut'
The phrase "Navy Cut" is according to Player's adverts to originate from the habit of sailors taking a mixture of tobacco leaves and binding them with string or twine. The tobacco would then mature under pressure and the sailor could then dispense the tobacco by slicing off a "cut". Note (2) Regular passenger services between Fowey and St Blazey ceased on the 8th June 1928 although workers trains continued until 29th December 1934. Presumably after this time the second platform saw no traffic. Picture from the Alan Harris Collection
Roy Hart writes :- This picture is hard to date accurately, but I would say 1920s. Fowey was laid out as a conventional 2-platform station; here the down main is on the left. The train is on the up main, so is probably for Lostwithiel. It could also be a St Blazey train, which would have to move over to the down main for departure. The up platform (right side) became a dead end at the St Blazey end when that passenger service ended, in 1934. The Lostwithiel service had to shift to the rh platform for departure until 1951, after when only the lh platform in the picture was used. The goods (mineral) line runs down the middle.
Many thanks Roy.
Many thanks Roy.
Another shot at Fowey with both platforms available. Note the substantial covered footbridge linking the two platforms. Railway staff appear to be having a chat with the engine crew. From the Alan Harris Collection
Roy Hart writes :- This photo was taken in the 1930s. A Lostwithiel train waits in the up platform while a mineral comes through, heading for Carne Point. Although the Lostwithiel train is an auto car, it is hauled by a 45XX (not auto fitted). This occasionally happened when St Blazey's sole auto engine was under repair. Until 1951, when the up platform was removed, the signalling required Lotwithiel trains to arrive on the left hand platform, then shunt over to depart from the right hand one.
November 1964, just days to go for the passenger service from Lostwithiel. For some reason the single car DMU has recessed in the bay, probably to clear a path for a clay empties heading for St Blazey through the Pinnock Tunnel. Copyright Mike Roach
Fowey. Shortly before the line closed to passengers. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
Fowey on a very sad day for the branch - single car unit W55026 waits time to leave on one of the last runs to Lostwithiel 2nd January 1965 Copyright Mike Roach
An Excursion along the haul road between Par and Fowey. These excursions have included visits to the docks and the clay unloading points.
The route Par to Fowey via the 1173 yard Pinnock tunnel. With effect from 1 July 1968 the line was sold to English China Clays and converted for use as a haul road. Several enthusiasts excursions have taken place over the private haul road from Par Docks to Fowey Docks.
The route Par to Fowey via the 1173 yard Pinnock tunnel. With effect from 1 July 1968 the line was sold to English China Clays and converted for use as a haul road. Several enthusiasts excursions have taken place over the private haul road from Par Docks to Fowey Docks.
Fowey Docks. The history and development of Fowey Docks is beyond the scope of this site. Recommended reading includes 'Wenford Bridge to Fowey Docks' by Middleton Press.
Fowey Docks GWR sign pictured on 27th August 1979 Copyright Mike Roach
Carne Point - this is the boundary to which most railtours operate.
Class 10 Fowey Docks 23rd November 1983 In the background the Cornwall Branches Railtour. Copyright Andrew Jones
This is the wonderful headboard carried by Rusty Epplets Royal Albert Bridge 125th Anniversary Special seen here at Carne Point. The painting is the work of Vic Millington, a guard at St Blazey Depot.
66027 arrives at Carne Point with the 6G06 on the 13th April 2016 Copyright Craig Munday
Back in time now to 1920 at Carne Point
This picture from the Wheal Martyn collection is a rarity. It shows Carne Point in 1920. What is of particular interest is that it shows the incomplete installation (many of the signals have crosses on them) of Carne Point signal box. This box replaced an earlier one which was nearer to Fowey and it was part of a major extension of the clay facilities at the port. As can be seen, the layout and signalling was ambitious: the signal box can be seen in the distance. The box had 43 levers and was elevated 17 feet on steel girders, to give a good view. Oddly, all of this was dismantled in March 1925, and a little 10 lever ground-level box was built, operating a single set of points (the connection at the Lostwithiel end). This, in turn, closed in 1954.
Many thanks to Roy Hart for all the information, the history of Carne Point Signalbox
Many thanks to Roy Hart for all the information, the history of Carne Point Signalbox
Empty G.W.R. clay wagons being shunted by a 0-6-0-PT steam locomotive, alongside River Fowey and covered wagons, sailing ship on river, looking towards Carne Point. Carne Point 1920 Cornish Memory WMA_P1_1_733ed
Almost a painting, in the background Fowey village clinging to the western bank of the Fowey river. In the foreground a string of sheeted clay wagons await unloading plus one truck with barrels. Note the turnplates on which the loaded wagons were turned prior to being trundled out on the jetty. Must be very early nineteenth century. A Gem from the Alan Harris Collection
Additional very valuable information added by Roy Hart who says :-
I would date this picture around 1892. We are looking at the southern end of Carne Point sidings and wharves. The line from Lostwithiel (built in 1869 to broad gauge) has been purchased by the CMR and was regauged and reopened in 1895. The state of the trackwork here suggests that this has not yet come to pass. The Lower wharves at Carne Point (the ones we are looking at here) were built by the CMR with their line from St Blazey and opened in 1874. In the 1890s the passenger service to Lostwithiel began and the GWR (the new owners) extended the wharf installations upriver.
Many thanks Roy.
I would date this picture around 1892. We are looking at the southern end of Carne Point sidings and wharves. The line from Lostwithiel (built in 1869 to broad gauge) has been purchased by the CMR and was regauged and reopened in 1895. The state of the trackwork here suggests that this has not yet come to pass. The Lower wharves at Carne Point (the ones we are looking at here) were built by the CMR with their line from St Blazey and opened in 1874. In the 1890s the passenger service to Lostwithiel began and the GWR (the new owners) extended the wharf installations upriver.
Many thanks Roy.
Carne Point 1920 Cornish Memory WMA_P1_1_733ed (A 'zoomed in' picture to show the signalbox)
FOWEY HARBOUR COPY-RIGHT PAUL WALKEY
Move forward in time now to
1986/7 at Carne Point.
Unloading 'Clay Hoods'.
1986/7 at Carne Point.
Unloading 'Clay Hoods'.
The following pictures were all taken by the late Keith Lloyd who sadly passed away on the 8th November 2012 and are reproduced in his memory.
We do not know exactly when these pictures were taken, however as the CDA fleet was introduced in 1987 and the service date for a Toad Brakevan, one of the last photos is clearly marked as 1986 we assume that the pictures are of that era. Keith was presumably alone when he took these pictures - it was not on a CRS visit and he thus had the privilege of getting views which a party wouldn't have been permitted to take especially with todays H & S laws.
From these pictures I, KJ, have put together captions which I am sure are not entirely correct. However, if you know better and can put me right please do so. I will add your comments with credits in due course.
Presumably the 'Clay Hood's had opening doors at both ends or was it necessary to ensure that they came in the right way round. Was there a time when the terminal equipment at Fowey could handle either 'Clay Hoods'or CDA's - maybe using the two lines which run into the terminal?
We do not know exactly when these pictures were taken, however as the CDA fleet was introduced in 1987 and the service date for a Toad Brakevan, one of the last photos is clearly marked as 1986 we assume that the pictures are of that era. Keith was presumably alone when he took these pictures - it was not on a CRS visit and he thus had the privilege of getting views which a party wouldn't have been permitted to take especially with todays H & S laws.
From these pictures I, KJ, have put together captions which I am sure are not entirely correct. However, if you know better and can put me right please do so. I will add your comments with credits in due course.
Presumably the 'Clay Hood's had opening doors at both ends or was it necessary to ensure that they came in the right way round. Was there a time when the terminal equipment at Fowey could handle either 'Clay Hoods'or CDA's - maybe using the two lines which run into the terminal?
We are in the era of the 'Clay Hoods'. The Clay Hoods came in variety of wagons styles - basically called 'hoods' as they had metal bar spanning the length of the wagon and the ends of which were bent downwards and bolted into the structure of the wagon so as to support a tarpaulin providing protection to the clay lying within the wagon. These were 'end tippers' and unloading involved a process of hauling the wagon up at such an angle that the clay fell on through a sieve and onto a conveyor below track level. From there it is elevated and passed out to discharge nozzles to discharge into a ships hold. A similar process exists today except the the CDA's now used discharge through bottom opening doors. Pictures of the unloading of the 'clay hoods' have recently come into our possession and from a set taken by the late Keith Lloyd who sadly passed away on the 8th November 2012.
These pictures are included on the CRS Website in remembrance of Keith who amongst other things was our archivist and also a very capable editor for our magazine.
Keith's pictures take us through from the arrival of a train of hoods at the port to the release of empty wagons to be returned to the pit. A 'Pit to Port' service.
These pictures are included on the CRS Website in remembrance of Keith who amongst other things was our archivist and also a very capable editor for our magazine.
Keith's pictures take us through from the arrival of a train of hoods at the port to the release of empty wagons to be returned to the pit. A 'Pit to Port' service.
An 08 complete with shunters truck handles a train at Carne Point Copyright the late Keith Lloyd
The river Fowey provides a deep water loading point alongside the plant used for un-loading. Copyright the Late Keith Lloyd
The same line of wagons this time seen from the otherside. The branch line connection to Lostwithiel comes in from the left. Copyright the Late Keith Lloyd.
Here is the terminal building - the Lostwithiel end. Wagons are propelled close to this by locos but the movement of the wagons into the tipping point is controlled by 'beetles', cable hauled devices which engage in the wheels of the wagons. The screens through which the clay is passed in the raised position. The screens are lowered to track level during discharge. The worker is about to descend down the ladder to check the operation of the Conveyor Belts underneath. Copyright the late Keith Lloyd
Movement of the wagon into the unloading facility is controlled by a 'beetle' a chain hauled device which once in position deploys small wheels out to engage with the wagon wheels. Copyright the Late Keith Lloyd
The wagon is positioned on and locked to a platform which is then raised to cause a 'tipping action' . Copyright the late Keith Lloyd.
The clay starts to tip onto the conveyor below. Copyright the late Keith Lloyd
Wagon B743853 is now at a steep angle, an operator stands by broom in hand. Copyright the late Keith Lloyd
B743853 - the end door is released. Copyright the late Keith Lloyd
Another view of B743853 tipped. Copyright the Late Keith Lloyd.
After being tipped and emptied B743113 taking advantage of the slight grade trundles towards the traverser. Once on the traverser its progress is brought to an abrupt stop by a buffer beam which leaves the wagon neatly centred on the traverser. Copyright the late Keith Lloyd
B743867 on the traverser at Carne Point. This view clearly illustrates the stout buffer beam which halts the progress of the wagon beyond the traverser and also gives details of the traverser trolley, the rails on which it runs and the chains which haul the traverser. Copyright the late Keith Lloyd
Clay hood B743113 has completed its sideways journey on the traverser and is now ready to be propelled forward onto the empties line where it will be re-coupled to form a complete train. Copyright the late Keith Lloyd
A close up of one of the 'Beetles' at Carne Point. The small wheels on extended arms press against the tyres of the wagon wheels to control movement. Copyright the late Keith Lloyd
A clay hood after removal from the traverser has joined the ranks of empties waiting formation into a train. Note the 'tramway style' flat bottomed track. Also note the tracks on which the 'Beetle runs'. Copyright the late Keith Lloyd.
A detailed look at the traverser showing the motors at the far end which control movement. Wagons exit onto the empties line at the far end. Copyright Keith Lloyd.
At Carne Point an unknown and scrap condition 08xxx coupled to D3452 Copyright the late Keith Lloyd
The old and the new order at Carne Point. Two wagon Hoods and the new order a CDA. Copyright the late Keith Lloyd.
A Toad brakevan at Carne Point apparently in use as a First Aid Point. Note the date marked on the chassis, presumably this was the date the last service was carried. Copyright the late Keith Lloyd.
Views at Carne Point. Andrew Jones
It a beautiful spring day, Sunday 22nd May 2005. Please find attached photograph, one of a series of day and night shots (which I will send over the coming months) taken whilst working for a short period at Par and Fowey Docks.
CARNE POINT SERIES 1. Carne Point CDA's looking towards Bodinnick on a quiet Sunday morning 22nd May 2005. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones
CARNE POINT SERIES 2. Night photograph taken at 3am on the 28th June 2005 Fowey Copyright Andrew Jones
CARNE POINT SERIES 3 Barrier Wagons and Infrastructure. Barrier Wagon and a third of the CDA fleet at Carne Point. 27th May 2005 Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones
CARNE POINT SERIES 4 Carne Point loading infrastructure. 27th May 2005 Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones
CARNE POINT SERIES 5 Barrier Wagons and Infrastructure Carne P 08 coupled to barrier wagon. 28th May 2005 Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones
Par to Carne Point - Mark Lynam covers a days workings. 3rd May 2023.
Good afternoon Keith/Roger,
Yesterday I had a day of chasing both the Clay trains. 66131 Was in Par harbour early yesterday morning, now heading away after being on the local clays in Cornwall for the last few months.
Another red Class 66 - 66104 is now on the local clays seen in the Luxulyan Valley at Fowey Docks, quite a difficult location to get to starting on the Saints Way at Fowey then trecking through the steep woods to the railway boundary, but was worth it in the end.
1. 66131 shunting at Par Harbour
2. 66131 approaches Par Bridge level crossing after loading 8 JIA wagons at the Harbour.
3. 66104 in the Luxulyan Valley with the spring colours now on the trees working 6G09 1302 Goonbarrow Junction Dbc to Fowey Dock Carne Point.
4. 66104 at Fowey Docks having just arrived on 6G09 1302 Goonbarrow Junction Dbc to Fowey Dock Carne Point. From here the 66 is uncoupled and goes towards the unloading facility to pick up a barrier CDA wagon.
5. 66104 in front of the unloading shed having picked up the barrier CDA wagon. It then takes the barrier and couples to the 2nd batch of CDAs still outside the main docks area and then couples the other end of the 66 to the First CDA batch so the 66 is in the middle of both lots of CDAs.
6. Having uncoupled from the 2nd lot of CDAs the 66 then propels the 1st lot towards the unloading shed ready for unloading.
7. 66104 After bringing the 2nd rake of CDAs to the loading shed.
Thanks,
Mark Lynam
Pictures numbered left to right then down - all copyright Mark Lynam. Click to enlarge.
Yesterday I had a day of chasing both the Clay trains. 66131 Was in Par harbour early yesterday morning, now heading away after being on the local clays in Cornwall for the last few months.
Another red Class 66 - 66104 is now on the local clays seen in the Luxulyan Valley at Fowey Docks, quite a difficult location to get to starting on the Saints Way at Fowey then trecking through the steep woods to the railway boundary, but was worth it in the end.
1. 66131 shunting at Par Harbour
2. 66131 approaches Par Bridge level crossing after loading 8 JIA wagons at the Harbour.
3. 66104 in the Luxulyan Valley with the spring colours now on the trees working 6G09 1302 Goonbarrow Junction Dbc to Fowey Dock Carne Point.
4. 66104 at Fowey Docks having just arrived on 6G09 1302 Goonbarrow Junction Dbc to Fowey Dock Carne Point. From here the 66 is uncoupled and goes towards the unloading facility to pick up a barrier CDA wagon.
5. 66104 in front of the unloading shed having picked up the barrier CDA wagon. It then takes the barrier and couples to the 2nd batch of CDAs still outside the main docks area and then couples the other end of the 66 to the First CDA batch so the 66 is in the middle of both lots of CDAs.
6. Having uncoupled from the 2nd lot of CDAs the 66 then propels the 1st lot towards the unloading shed ready for unloading.
7. 66104 After bringing the 2nd rake of CDAs to the loading shed.
Thanks,
Mark Lynam
Pictures numbered left to right then down - all copyright Mark Lynam. Click to enlarge.
A very good days exploring - many thanks Mark.