Features Late June to Dec 19

Features page from
Mid June to December 2019

1915    West Somerset Railway Diesel Gala - June 2019. Clive Smith
1916 Penryn station changes over the years. Mike Roach and the late John Cornelius.
1917 Tornado to Bristol to Par and return. 23rd June 2019
1918 Mazey Day Express to Penzance
1919    HST Histories - Technical Records.
1920    CRS visit to the Seaton Tramway 13th July 2019
1921    South Devon Railway Diesel Gala 20th July 2019
1922    Duchess visit to the South West 21st July 2019
1923    Contrasting Mineral Traffic Far and Wide Brian Pibworth
1924    Were you there? Crossing the Tamar - 29th April 1984?
1925    Launceston Steam Railway Gala - 15th & 16th August 2019
1926    Specials to Imber - 17 August 2019 Guy Vincent
1927    LNER to Plymouth 24th August 2019
1928    Statesman Pullman Railtour 31st August 2019
1929    The 'Walter Julian Tribute' - the South Devon Railway visit 7th September 2019.
1930    The Bodmin and Wenford Diesel Gala - 14th & 15th September 2019.
1931    West Somerset Autumn Gala 4th, 5th and 6th October 2019

1931 West Somerset Autumn Gala
4th, 5th and 6th October
Photographs David Tozer Roger Salter & Roger Winnen

Friday 4th October 2019

191004a Bishops Lydeard Station looking colourful in the morning sunlight. Copyright Roger Salter

191004b 6412 from the South Devon Railway has arrived at Bishops Lydeard with the 09.00 from Minehead, however it failed on route. Copyright Roger Salter

191004c After taking water 6412 failed on its 14.02 arrival from Williton seen here at Bishops Lydeard where the engine failed to make any further appearances. Copyright Roger Salter

191004d The 09.55 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard is seen at Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright Roger Salter

191004e The 11.55 from Minehead arrives at Crowcombe Heathfield behind 9351 a rebuilt engine from 5193. Copyright Roger Salter

191004f The 12.50 Goods from Bishops Lydeard arrives at Watchet behind 7752, the photograph taken from the crossing. Copyright Roger Salter

Saturday 5th October 2019

191005a 7822 Foxcote Manor and 53808 being prepared at Minehead for the day ahead. Copyright Roger Salter

191005b D7019 Stabled at Minehead. Copyright Roger Salter

191005c Assembling the goods train at Minehead, 7822 Foxcote Manor pulls the train into the yard for 53808 to run the train to Bishops Lydeard. Copyright Roger Salter

191005f 4612 and 7752 Doublehead the 10.05 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead service after leaving Blue Anchor. Copyright Roger Salter

191005a 7714 Awaits departure on the 11.00 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead service. Copyright Roger Winnen

191005b 4612 From the Bodmin & Wenford Railway brings in the 12 noon from Minehead. Copyright David Tozer

191005e 7714 Leaves Crowcombe Heathfield with the 11.00 Bishop Lydeard to Minehead. The only person seen leaning out of the window is Roger Winnen. Copyright David Tozer

191005f 9351 hauls the 11.40 short to Williton at Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright David Tozer

191005d 7822 Foxcote Manor arrives at Crowcombe with the goods from Bishops Lydeard. Copyright David Tozer

191005g 7822 on the 13.00 freight from Bishops Lydeard departing Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright David Tozer

191005b Crossing the trains at Williton. Copyright Roger Winnen

191005c 9351 arrives at Williton with the 11.40 from Bishops Lydeard, this train terminates at Williton. Copyright Roger Winnen

191005d A view from the footbridge at Williton with the diesels stabled in the yard. Copyright Roger Winnen

191005e 9351 runs around its train at Williton. Copyright Roger Winnen

191005g 9351 Proceeds from Williton yard for the 13.50 service to Bishops Lydeard. Copyright Roger Salter

191005h 9351 Awaits departure at Williton. Copyright Roger Salter

191005g Blue Anchor a pretty little station on the line. Copyright Roger Winnen

191005i 53808 depats from the shed yard at Minehead to work the 15.00 service to Bishops Lydeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

191005j Looking very smart after restoration D7018 stands at Minehead. Copyright Roger Winnen

191005k 7822 Foxcote Manor at Minehead being one of nine manors restored over the years. Copyright Roger Winnen

191005l Barclay R.O.F. Puriton No 2 at Washford. Copyright Roger Winnen

191005i 9351 at Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright Roger Salter

191005j 7828 Odney Manor at Crowcombe Heathfield on the 14.05 service to Minehead. Copyright Roger Salter

191005m 7822 Foxcote Manor arrives at Crowcombe Heathfield, the signalman awaits to receive the token. Copyright Roger Winnen

191005k 150232 Takes the 16.09 shuttle service from Bishop Lydeard to Taunton. Copyright Roger Salter

191005n Signals & steam at Bishops Lydeard to round off the day. Copyright Roger Winnen

191005l Good to see the service on the notice board at Taunton Station. Copyright Roger Salter

1930 The Bodmin and Wenford Diesel Gala
14th & 15th September 2019.

190914a 47306 The Sapper arrives at Bodmin Parkway with the 09.40 from Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

47306 The Sapper is nicely turned out for the10.10 service from Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Mike Bojko

47306 The Sapper arrives at Bodmin General on the 10.10 service from Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Paul Barlow

190914c 47306 Looking quite spectacular on arrival at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

190914d Locos in the yard at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

190914e 26007 a broadside view before departing to haul the 10.45 service to Boscarne Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

The first train of the diesel gala to arrive at Boscarne Junction was visiting loco 26 007 working the 10:45 from Bodmin General in the bright morning sunshine 14/09/2019 - Copyright Alan Peters

26007 runs around at Boscarne Junction on the 10.45 service from Bodmin General. Copyright Paul Barlow.

190914f 26007 Runs around its train at Boscarne Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

190914ff Activity at Boscarne Junction as the Class 26 backs on to couple up to its train. Copyright Roger Winnen

190914g 26007 Climbs out of Boscarne on the first train of the day. Copyright Roger Winnen

47306 and 26007 returning at Bodmin General from Boscarne Copyright Paul Barlow

37142 at Bodmin General. Copyright Paul Barlow

093K A locomotive line up at B&W gala 14th September 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

093H 26008 Stands at Bodmin General. B&W gala Copyright Craig Munday

This is the visiting Class 26007, next to the resident 37142 at Bodmin General. Copyright Mike Bojko

190914i 26008 and 47306 The Sapper stands alongside each other at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

190914j Viewed from the Signal Box steps at Bodmin General Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

190914l 26008 brings in the freight for the 12.20 working to Boscarne Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

190914m 08444 Departs Bodmin General with the freight to Boscarne. Copyright Roger Winnen

190914n Mike Bojko aboard the freight to Boscarne Junction, its a pity that the train is not going to Fowey! The Guards Van 'Fowey' Not in Common Use' Copyright Roger Winnen

190914q 50042 Triumph runs around its train at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

190914p 50042 Triumph photographed through the waiting room window at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

50042 on 1315 to Bodmin General. Copyright Paul Barlow

190914t 50042 arrives with the 13.15 service from Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

190914r 26007 and 37142 stand outside the workshops at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

37142 Top and Tailed at Boscarne Junction on the 13.50 from Bodmin General. Copyright Paul Barlow

37142 at Bodmin General. Copyright Paul Barlow

093I 50042 on the 14.15 Boscarne Junction to Bodmin General tailed by 37142 B&W gala 14th September 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

190914s Jimmy James with flag in hand awaits to flag off the next service. Copyright Roger Winnen

093E 26007 on the 14.40 service to Bodmin Parkway approaching Charlies Gate on B&W gala (Copyright Craig Munday

190914v The enthusiasts gather to photograph 26007 originally D5300 at Bodmin Parkway on its first run of the day to Parkway arriving at 14.57. Copyright Roger Winnen

26007 on 1510 to Bodmin General. Copyright Paul Barlow

190914w D5300 or 26007 Departs Bodmin Parkway on the 15.10 service to Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

093J 26007 climbs out of Bodmin Parkway passing Charlies Gate on the 15.10 to Bodmin General on B&W gala 14th September 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

47 306 On the 16.10 at Boscarne Junction Copyright Paul Barlow

093G 47306 on the 16.10 from Boscarne Junction to Bodmin General on B&W gala Copyright Craig Munday

093B 26007 B&W gala 14th September 2019 A Curry special stands in the platform. Copyright Craig Munday

093D B&W G ala 26008 Departs Bodmin General with the Curry Express.Copyright Craig Munday

093D B&W G ala 47306 The Sapper stands in the siding.Copyright Craig Munday

Sunday 15th September 2019

190915d Coombe Junction 1981 or Bubble Car at Bodmin 2019! Lunchtime departure for Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Martin Duff

190915a Lunch time Bubble passes 50042 Triumph at Bodmin. Copyright Martin Duff

190915b The Bubble Car at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Martin Duff

S3550002 26007 at Bodmin General on Sunday. Copyright Leslie Curnow

S3550005 Side by side The Pressed Steel Bubble Car and the Class 26. Copyright Leslie Curnow.

S3550006 Side by side 37142 and 26007. Copyright Leslie Curnow.

S3550011 Side by side 26007 and 50042 Triumph. Copyright Leslie Curnow

190915e 26007 with the 16.07 arrival at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

190915f 26007 Departs with the 16.20 return service to Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

190915c The All important tie as sported by railwayman Sam Hooper. Copyright Martin Duff

1929 The 'Walter Julian Tribute'
- the South Devon Railway visit 7th September 2019.

On 7th September 2019 a CRS visit was made to the South Devon Railway - this was free outing (other than a £5 deposit for the coach booking) available to all members whose membership was current for the year 2018/19. As this event was made possible by a very generous donation to CRS funds by the late Walter and Molly Julian it was felt right and proper to name this event the Walter Julian Tribute. Walter was a very much respected President of the Cornwall Railway Society.

A tribute to Walter Julian - an extract from the Cornwall Railway Society Magazine by Keith Jenkin. Photographs by Roger Salter & Roger Winnen

Our reserved Coach Label Roger Salter

190907zza Tony Wright fixes the headboard on our Walter Julian Tribute Train as Keith Jenkin looks on. Copyright Roger Salter

190907zzb Roger Winnen, Tony Wright and Keith Jenkin stand alongside of the auto prior to our departure at 11.20 to Totnes Riverside. Copyright Roger Salter

190907a Tony Wright in deep thought alongside the Auto. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907b Walter Julian 1921-2004 Copyright Roger Winnen

190907c Everybody is in a muddle at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907f 6412 with the freight arrives at Buckfastleigh prior to our departure to Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zzbb The Class 08 D3721 is seen at work at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Salter

190907g Maurice Dart boards our Auto to Totnes Riverside. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907h Passing L92 as it leaves Staverton for Totnes at Bishops Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907i Picking up the token at Bishops Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907j The Wickham Trolley and engineering vehicles are stabled at Staverton. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zzc Setting down the staff on the approach to Totnes Riverside. Copyright Roger Salter

190907k 6412 with the auto at Totnes Riverside. Nigel Tambling is deep in thought. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907l With the Walter Julian crest attached we await departure from Totnes Riverside. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907ll Our train at Staverton, Auto Coach 233 designed by Hawksworth and now riding on B4 bogies, The Walter Julian headboard has now been removed as the train awaits departure for Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zzd The train now departing heads for Buckfastleigh with our members onboard. Copyright Roger Salter

190907o 55000 The first of the batch of single railcars departs for Totnes on the 12.52 service. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zze The delayed 12.52 sevice from Staverton departs for Totnes. Copyright Roger Salter

190907m Staverton is a lovely little station full of memorabilla. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907n The delayed 12.15 Buckfastleigh to Totnes arrives at Staverton hauled by D7612. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zzf L92 Heads the demonstration goods into Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Salter

190907p At 14.21 we the the arrival of the freight from Bishops Bridge behind L92. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zzg L92 stands with the goods at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Salter

190907zzh Valerie and Keith Jenkin together with Richard Horwood relaxing at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Salter

190907pp D7612 has a breather in the sidings at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907q 4920 Dumbledon Hall has spent many years at Buckfastleigh stored in the open. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907r 2745 An industrial shunter at Buckfastleigh built by the Yorkshire Engine Co in 1960. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907s Built in 1946 3205 is seen inside the rebuilt engine shed, the work on her is nearing completion. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907t Class 04 D2271 Built in 1958 having a repaint in the shed at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907u 3803 and 3205 are seen in the shed at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907uu Refreshments are being served inside Buckfastleigh engine shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907uuu Coach Restoration in progress. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zzi1369 In the workshops receiving an overhaul Note the wheel lathe. Copyright Roger Salter

190907v 1369 is seen in the Workshops at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zzj Wheels galore in the Buckfastleigh Workshops. Copyright Roger Salter

190907zzk Profiling the wheels in the workshops. Copyright Roger Salter

190907zzl Large scale machinery is in evidence at the Buckfastleigh Railway workshops. Copyright Roger Salter

190907x 55000 is stabled near the shed as the signal is pulled off for the delayed 14.35 departure. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zzn The delayed 15.50 Buckfastleigh to Totnes is seen departing with 6412 sandwich between the auto trailers. Copyright Roger Salter

190907y A Fruit D Van which were being built in British Railways days of the 1950s. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907yy The London Transport Routemaster at Buckfastleigh providing a service to Ashburton via Buckfast Abbey. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907yyy Advertising the Replacement bus services to Ashburton and Buckfast Abbey. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907z Bus tours to Buckfast Abbey and Ashburton ran on the hour giving participants a 30min round journey. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zzo Slowly darting around at Buckfastleigh, Maurice Dart and Roger Winnen. Copyright Roger Salter

190907za Back to Buckfastleigh where we see 6412 sandwiched between a pair of Autos. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zzp Tony Brokenshire captures the scene at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Salter

190907zb D7612 is seen arriving at Buckfastleigh with the delayed 15.58 arrival from Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zc D7612 Arriving at the platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zd Great Western Coach 1645 Built in 1938 as a sunshine brake third owing to its large windows. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zf 55000 Looking spick and span after its arrival from Staverton. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zg 55000 enters the depot at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zzq The end of a good day at The South Devon Railway. Copyright Roger Salter

190907zh We depart for home after passing through the Booking Office at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

190907zzr Approaching The Tamar Road Bridge and the Royal Duchy. Copyright Roger Salter

190907zj The First and Last tunnel in Cornwall as we head for home. Copyright Roger Winnen

With many thanks indeed to Roger Salter and Roger Winnen for providing many superb pictures of a grand day out in memory of our Late Chairman - Walter Julian. Also many thanks to John Ball for organising the OTS coach and to Tony Wright who liaised with the South Devon Railway to provide our tickets and reserved accommodation on the first train.

1928 Statesman Pullman Railtour 31st August 2019

Photographs by Paul Barlow, Andrew Triggs and
Roger Winnen

A few shots of the Statesman Pullman tour (0512 Nottingham to Kingswear) running for the Dartmouth Regatta. First shot shows 47593 approaches Exeter St Thomas running right behind a late running Cross
country HST, the driver gets the green light and opens up the 47 producing a large amount of clag. Copyright Paul Barlow

Taken only a few seconds after the first photograpg showing 47593 passing Exeter St Thomas. Copyright Paul Barlow

190831aa 47593 Galloway Princess passes Torquay with the Statesman Railtour from Nottingham to Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

1Z86 05.12 Nottingham-Kingswear 'Dartmouth Regatta Statesman' with 47593 'Galloway Princess' leading up Goodrington Bank at 12.02 Copyright Andrew Triggs

190831bb Tucked away at Kingswear Station 47593 Galloway Princess is stabled alongside the station wall. Copyright Roger Winnen

190831b The only other photograph available at this location. Copyright Roger Winnen

190831c Lookling over the station wall at Kingswear showing the smart rolling stock of the Statesman Railtour. Copyright Roger Winnen

190831cc Two for the price of one at Kingswear as the service train behind 75014 arrives. Also seen is 4110 awaiting a long term restoration project. Copyright Roger Winnen

190831d 75014 runs around at Kingswear for the return working to Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

190831f Galloway Princess stabled at Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

190831g The Dartmouth Regetta brings crowds to this area. The Trinity House vessel THV Patricia can be seen moored in the River Dart and behind stands the Britannia Royal Navel College at Dartmouth high on the hill. Copyright Roger Winnen

Visiting No.7820 'Dinmore Manor' passes Waterside working the 16.15 Paignton-Kingswear, passing at 16.25
Copyright Andrew Triggs

The return 16.44 Kingswear-Nottingham passing Waterside with 47501 'Craftsman' now leading in lovely afternoon skies at 17.03 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Resident Tractor no.6975 was also out and about working the 17.15 Paignton-Kingswear service, heading up Goodrington Bank Copyright Andrew Triggs

190831e Opening up as the Craftman heads through Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen

190831e Glorious sunshine at Newton Abbot as the train heads back to Nottingham. Copyright Roger Winnen

190831ee Luxury travel for the passengers on board as the train heads away from Newton Abbot. At this hour my camera ran out of memory so I was unable to photograph the tailing engine of the train.. Copyright Roger Winnen

D1944 on the return 1644 Kingswear-Nottingham approaching Cowley Bridge Junction. Copyright Paul Barlow

1927 LNER to Plymouth
24th August 2019

The arrival of not one but two LNER HST sets on hire to Cross Country caused considerable interest in the South West - this was also co-incident with excellent weather and a Bank Holiday weekend.
Photographs by Andrew Triggs David Tozer Paul Barlow Mark Lynam & Roger Winnen

190824e The 06.45 from York arrives at Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

190824f The smart appearance of the interior of the rolling stock on leaving Exeter. Copyright Roger Winnen

190824a Passing through Dawlish we approach Kennoway Tunnel on the 06.45 York to Plymouth service. Copyright Roger Winnen

Viewed from above Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish 1V46 06.45 York-Plymouth with 43257/251. Copyright Andrew Triggs

190824g Rounding the curve as we enter Newton Abbot Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

190824b On arrival at Newton Abbot we see the rear power car 43251 in the smart LNER livery. Copyright Roger Winnen

York-Plymouth L N E R hire in departs Totnes. Copyright Paul Barlow.

190824w The 13.26 Plymouth to Edinburgh approaching Shaldon Bridge with power cars 43251 and 43257. Copyright Mark Lynam

190824x The going away photograph from Shaldon Bridge. Copyright Mark Lynam

062b-43290-24th-august-2019- The Edinburgh to Plymouth service near Exminster. Copyright David Tozer

The return working passing Powderham footbridge, running as 1S53 13.26 Plymouth-Edinburgh Copyright Andrew Triggs

. In the opposite direction, the late running 1V50 06.06 Edinburgh-Plymouth at Powderham footbridge with 43367/290. Copyright Andrew Triggs

190824h The Edinburgh Plymouth arrives at Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen

190824i Deltic 50 19.55 - 2005 at Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen

. Late returnee 1E63 15.25 Plymouth-York at Dawlish station, running 35 late at 16.47 Copyright Andrew Triggs

5. 1E63 nearing Langstone Rock shortly after passing Dawlish Copyright Andrew Triggs

190824y Rounding the curve at Dawlish Warren with the 15.25 Plymouth to York. Copyright Mark Lynam

190824z 43367 and 43290 heasing back through Dawlish Warren with the Plymouth York working.. Copyright Mark Lynam

062a-43251-The returning service to York is seen approaching Exminster. Copyright David Tozer

190824d The 15.25 Plymouth to York service is seen arriving at Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

Specials to Imber
Guy Vincent

A report on the Imberbus event at Warminster on the 17th August 2019 - Guy Vincent
Warminster station was overwhelmed today by a large influx of visitors who came from far and wide for the annual 'Imberbus' event which sees a large fleet of classic red London buses running a shuttle service to the abandoned village of Imber on Salisbury Plain. UK Railtours ran a special train from Waterloo for this event, formed of preserved class 33 D6515 (33012), the 'London Transport' 4-TC set and class 73 73107. I was unable to see the outward run and sadly 'proper' photography of the return train was near impossible due to the sheer numbers on the platforms and footbridge but I did manage to grab a few shots of the 1Z84 1704 departure for Waterloo. Of course, until May 1988 33012 was a regular visitor here when it made calls on the Portsmouth-Cardiff loco-hauled 'Table 132' services. To show how much has changed I've added a scan of sister 'Crompton' 33013 arriving on the 1007 Bristol-Portsmouth service on 7th May 1987. Note the lack of vegetation and the former Geest banana ripening and distribution warehouse on the right. This was built in 1959-60, was rail-connected and received deliveries from Barry and Avonmouth until the early 1970s. The factory closed in the late 1980s and was demolished to be replaced by a modern housing estate.

Guy Vincent. Many thanks Guy.

Warminster. 33012 arrives on the 17th August 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

33012 passes under the 'well populated' footbridge at Warminster, 17th August 2019. Guy Vincent

33012 ready for the return run. 17th August 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Looking back a few years at Warminster 33013 hauls the 10.07 Bristol Temple Meads to Portsmouth harbour on the 7th May 1987. Copyright Guy Vincent.

For more information on the lost village of Imber please click below:-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imber

and for more details of the imberbus service please click below.
https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/blog/2019/02/05/routemaster-buses-to-drive-through-a-military-firing-range/

1925
Launceston Steam Railway Gala
15th & 16th August 2019

Photographs by Roger Salter and Roger Winnen

190815a Arrival at the Launceston Steam Railway on Thursday 15th August, 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815b The Darjeeling Locomotive No 19 exits the shed at Launceston. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815c Number 19 rounds the curve before running down the incline to the running lines. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815d Oiling the engine in Darjeeling or is it Launceston. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815f It looks like a London Transport Sign at Launceston advertising Darjeeling. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815ff Covertcoats prepare to depart on the 11.00 service to Newmills. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815g Covertcoat runs around at Newmills. Copyright Roger Salter

190815h Covertcoat awaits departure at 11.20 from Newmills. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815i Arrival back in Launceston with the 11.20 from Newmills. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815j The Darjeeling locomotive couples up to the 12 noon departure for Newmills. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815jj Covertcoat on the incline to the shed. Copyright Roger Salter

190815k The driver looks on as Covertcoat built in 1898 heads for the shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815l Number 19 backs onto the 12.20 departure for Launceston at Newmills. Copyright Roger Salter

190815m Smoke and Steam from the Indian locomotive at Newmills. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815m Getting aboard for the 12.20 departure from Newmills. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815n Vertical boiler 'Perseverance built by Chris Parmenter and Steve Harris stands at the top of the incline. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815o Dorothea built in 1901 by Hunslet is seen being cleaned outside of the engine shed. Copyright Roger Salter

190815p Launceston Station decorated for this special event featuring the Darjeeling engine built in 1889. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815q A number of stalls were located on the station platform selling books etc on the railways of India.. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815r No 19 is seen arriving back into Launceston hauling the 13.20 train from Newmills. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815s Shunting operations at Launceston with Covertcoat and No 19. Copyright Roger Salter

190815t Perseverance viewed from the departing train. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815u The Darjeeling loco runs around at Newmills. Copyright Roger Salter

190815v A line up of steam waiting to double head the next train. Copyright Roger Salter

190815w Running around to head the 15.00 service to Newmills. Copyright Roger Salter

190815x A pair of Welsh Slate Quarry engines depart on the 15.00 to Newmills. Copyright Roger Winnen

190815y The last photograph of the day as the Darjeeling Locomotive stands in the run around loop at Launceston. Copyright Roger Salter

1924 Were you there?
Walking across the Royal Albert Bridge - 29th April 1984?

In connection with the celebrations for the 125th Anniversary of the opening of the Royal Albert bridge a special train was organised which starting from Penzance picked up passengers at Cornish Stations. To add to the interest to the event the special also reversed at Bodmin Parkway and did a run to Bodmin General and down to Boscarne Junction. Andrew Jones has very kindly sent us his collection of pictures which include his wife and then baby daughter Sienna. Andrew wonders if you can see yourself, in other words, 'Were you there?'. Many thanks Andrew - a bit of nostalgia for us all - I was there but cannot see myself. KJ.

The special arrives at Boscarne Junction - long before the Bodmin and Wenford Railway appeared on the scene. 29th April 1984. Copyright Andrew Jones.

A young Diane and a very young Sienna who is not quite sure what it is all about - at Boscarne. 29th April 1984. Copyright Andrew Jones.

The very well turned out unit waits at Boscarne Junction. Copyright Andrew Jones.

We now move on to Saltash where we stop and unload all passengers. This is picture was taken before the train moved on to St Budeaux Ferry Road where it waited for participants who had walked across the Royal Albert bridge to re-join the train. The event probably created two records - one for the most people ever joining a train at St Budeaux and the other for the longest a passenger train has ever stopped at St Budeaux Ferry Road.! 29th April 1984, On the downside spectators are watching the ceremonial unveiling of a plaque to commorate the 125th Anniversary of Brunel's famous bridge. Copyright Andrew Jones.

We're off - the party commences the probably 'Once in a lifetime' trek across the bridge. 29th April 1984. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Looking back towards Saltash staion, a very unusual view. Note the Baptist Chapel - this was burnt down sometime later. 29th April 1984. Copyright Andrew Jones.

About to enter the main structure of the bridge. 29th April 1984. Copyright Andrew Jones.

The young lady facing the camera is Diane. The party continues to make good speed across the bridge. 29th April 1984. Copyright Andrew Jones.

The scale of the structure is emphasised in this picture. 29th April 1984. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Andrew says 'I am in the foreground, Sienna is in the back pack!'. 29th April 1984. Copyright Andrew Jones.

- and finally a look back no doubt wishing I wish I could do that again - moments to be savoured. 29th April 1984. Copyright Andrew jones.

A Tailpiece Dear Keith, Just back from our travels. As promised I have attached a few of the photographs taken on the 29th April 1984 during the momentous Royal Albert Bridge walk. Our youngest daughter Sienna was only three at the time and unfortunately doesn’t remember the occasion, but has promised me that given the opportunity she will walk over the bridge on the 200th anniversary in 2059, something unfortunately we will not be able to do given that I will be 106!
Although I know you attended the ceremony and had a camera mal function, hopefully you will recognise fellow society members or family.

Best wishes Andrew Diane and Sienna Many thanks to you all.

1923
Contrasting Mineral Traffic Far and Wide Brian Pibworth

Message dated 28th June 2019.
Good Afternoon Keith,

While sorting through pictures for the August Cover I came across this small compilation which I had put aside for a rainy day.

The first two are firmly on "our patch" while the third shows where the Wool Sand trains ended up (or started). The fourth will be familiar to all who have photographed on Par Station but has a striking similarity to the fifth, on a similar gradient leading out of Lewisham Station in SE London. The difference is the bewildering complexity of some of the London junctions where freight trains weave their way through on complex routes sandwiched between frequent passenger traffic. What a contrast for long distance workings from some of our rural loading points such as Wool, Burngullow, Fowey and Moorswater and a challenge indeed for freight drivers.

They aren't really "News" as such but might find a place somewhere if you are short of copy during the holiday season.

With kind regards,

Brian

14th May 2014 Hanson Class 59 101 Village of Watley brings 7V52 13.58 Hamworthy to Watley Stone Bogies Boxes across Holes Bay Causeway on a rain swept Poole Harbour Dorset. Copyright Brian Pibworth

15th May 2012 Freightliner Class 66 518 heads the 6M42 15.00 Wool to Neasden loaded sand in bogie hoppers through Wareham. Copyright Brian Pibworth

27th March 2014 Freightliner 66544 passes Abbey Wood station in S.E. London with the Angerstein Wharf to Wool MOD Sidings sand train. Copyright Brian Pibworth

17th October 2012. After a day of breakdowns at Fowey the 6P07 12.38 Parkandillack path is used to shuffle wagons. 66449 attaks the 1 in 57 gradient at Par. Copyright Brian Pibworth

21st March 2019 the 09.16 Hothfield to Wembley Euro Freight Centre Sand Bogies heads slowly out of Lewisham Station and over the old SE line via Nunhead flyover. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

1922
Duchess visit to the S. W.
21st July 2019

190721b The Duchess at Totnes passing a voyager on the through lines. Copyright Roger Winnen

190721a 47802 Runs through Totnes to take over the Cornish leg of the tour from Plymouth to Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

190721c 46233 Duchess of Sutherland passing through Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

190721d Heading westbound to tackle Rattery Bank whick commences at the platform end of Totnes Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Duchess hammers through Brent. 12.46 21st July 2019. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

190721e The Duchess moves forward after detaching from her train at Plymouth Platform 8. Copyright Roger Winnen

190721f 46233 stands in the through road at Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

190721g The railtour seen departing moves off at 13.37 behind 47802 to Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

WCR 47802 arriving at Par working 1Z82 08.04 Bristol T.M Copyright Andrew Triggs

190721q 47802 With the Royal Duchy at Par. Copyright Martin Duff

190721h Duchess of Sutherland looks quite impressive as she couples to her support coach. Copyright Roger Winnen

190721i Stabled in No 2 Dock the Duchess is feed and watered with a road tanker and a lorry of coal. Copyright Roger Winnen

3490 6233 on Royal Duchy, being serviced at Plymouth, 21.07.2019. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

3498 6233 on Royal Duchy, running through Plymouth with support coach, 21.07.2019. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

190721j Just beford 17.00 hrs The Duchess and her support coach arrived a Par after spending some time in Lostwithiel loop. Copyright Roger Winnen

190721k Running around in Par sees the Duchess running through the up main. Copyright Roger Winnen

LMS Princess Coronation no.6233 'Duchess of Sutherland' right light through Par station. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The Royal Duchy - the return journey

190721l Preparing for the return jorney as the fireman joins his engine. Copyright Roger Winnen

190721p The Duchess awaits its move to couple to its train in the adjacent road. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Duchess working upgrade nearing Bodmin Parkway with the return 1Z85 17.40 Par-Bristol T.M. Copyright Andrew Triggs

190721m Duchess of Sutherland passing through Liskeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

190721n Liskeard Station with the Royal Duchy. Copyright Roger Winnen

Duchess 0f Southerland on the return Royal Duchy at Defiance. 16.21 21st July 2019. Copyright Ross Griffiths

1921
South Devon Rly Diesel Gala
20th July 2019
Photographs Andrew Triggs Roger Salter Martin Duff & Roger Winnen

190720a D7612 arriving a Totnes with the 09.15 service from Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

190720a 11.40 Totnes Buckfastleigh approaches Staverton behind D6501. Copyright Roger Salter

190720d D6501 heads the 11.40 Totnes to Buckfastleigh seen entering Staverton. Copyright Roger Winnen

190720e D7612 & D7535 stops at Staverton on the 11.40 Buckfastleigh to Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

190720b Double Headers D7612 & D7535 leaving Staverton on the 11.40 to Totnes. Copyright Roger Salter

190720cD7535 and D7612 at the rear of the Totnes Buckfastleigh train with 31101 leading. Copyright Roger Salter

190720d The 12.25 Totnes to Buckfastleigh with 31101 and the two 25s at the rear being held for over 10 mins. Copyright Roger Salter

190720f 31101 tailed by the 2 Class 25s arrive at Staverton on the 12.25 service from Totnes where passengers in the leading coaches were unable to alight.. Copyright Roger Winnen

190720g Much time was lost at Staverton before the train edged towards the Totnes end to allow passengers to alight. The Class 25s on the rear. Copyright Roger Winnen

190720e Finally 20 mins late D6501 appears after leaving Staverton with the 12.25 for Totnes. Copyright Roger Salter

190720j One never knows who one will meet, two Cornish Railway enthusiasts from Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

1900720k Bishops Bridge Signal Box taken from the window of the autocoach. Copyright Roger Salter

Class 04 D2271 nearing Buckfastleigh working the 09.10 Autocoach service from Totnes.20th July 2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs.

. Visiting Class 31 no.5518 rounding Caddaford curve, working the 10.00 Totnes-Buckfastleigh 20th July 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Class 25's D7612 & D7523 in the woods shortly after departing Staverton for Totnes at 12.13 20th July 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Final shot of the day with Class 31 no.5518 firing up at Hood Bridge, with the delayed 17.15 Buckfastleigh-Totne20th July 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

190720f The 10.00 Totnes to Buckfastleigh as the engine prepair to run around its train a Buckfastleigh.. Copyright Roger Salter

190720b 31101 Comes off the 10.00 hrs service from Totnes at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

190720c 31101 Formes the 10.45 sercvice from Buckfastleight to Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

190720g Visitor to the South Devon Railway Golden Jubilee Gala 31101. Copyright Roger Salter

190720h Buckfastleigh Station at 10.53 with no one around especially as it was a diesel gala. Copyright Roger Salter

190720i D2271 waits her turn with the Autocoach at the special gala. Copyright Roger Salter

190720l D7535 leaves Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Salter

190720h The yard at Buckfastleigh reminds us of the early days of preservation. Copyright Roger Winnen

190720i D7612 on the much delayed 14.10 service to Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

190720j D7535 & D6501 leave the yard at Buckfastleigh to form a much delayed service to Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

190720k On arrival at Totnes we see D6501 Sea King paired with D7535. Copyright Roger Winnen

190720x 5518 Runs around at Totnes on the Saturday evening. Copyright Martin Duff

190720y D7535 runs around at Ashburton Junction. One wonders is it collecting the milk. Copyright Martin Duff

1920
Visit to the Seaton Tramway
13th July 2019

On Saturday 13th July the Cornwall Railway Society paid a visit to the Seaton Tramway - the weather was dry and a little overcast. Roger Winnen did all the planning, and as usual his plans were without fault, everything carefully researched.
We travelled outward on an IET - the 07.53 departure from Penzance, various members joined at various places. The train was quite busy, and noisy, a party of well lubricated Horse Racing enthusiasts added considerably to the din. After Newton Abbot everything was pleasant!
We arrived at Exeter on time and made our way to platform 1 where our train the, 11.25 to Waterloo was standing. The train remained locked and unavailable until about 12.00, we were told that the delay was due to 'Trespassers on the track', where, we weren't told!!
Our arrival at Axminster was about half an hour late which meant that we missed our number 585 12.15 bus to Seaton, however after a further thirty minutes the next bus arrived and we made a very pleasant journey through the rich Devon Countryside passing through some very rural parts.
It was our first visit to the Tramway since the splendid Terminal Building was constructed. Each member of the party, on payment of the fare of £11 was issued with a distinctive yellow wrist band, in this way we looked rather like hospital patients but it was a very good way of keeping control of passengers. (Even the dogs proudly wore their yellow bands @ £1 on their collars!).
Many thanks to Roger for all his planning including variations should anything go wrong should it happen and due to our outward train problems it already had.
The pictures which follow are all the work of Roger and depict what was an extremely good day out.
Some of the party returned on the 16.30 bus to Axminster, the majority delayed an hour to travel on the 17.30 bus, two others took another bus straight back to Exeter. For those on the 17.30 bus we had but a short wait for our train which shouldn't have connected with a Cross Country train home but due to the latter being just a couple of minutes late leaving we made a dash across the platform at St Davids to join it and were thus back in Cornwall only half an hour later than planned - however we all had a wonderful day with many thanks to Roger.

The very grand Terminal Building at Seaton. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Inside the terminal building with the smartly dressed official and Kevin Salisbury looking on as we prepare to board our tram. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

A scaled down but lookalike version of a London Feltham tram runs into the depot. Points in the overhead wiring guide the trolley pole in sympathy with the setting of the tram track points below. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Shortly after leaving the terminus and taking several turns to pass a new housing estate which has grown up alongside the tramway we come to the Tramway Depot in which the maintenance tram lurks with several others. To the left the river flows through the bridge out towards the sea. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen,

Another low level view into the Depo taken on a return journey as tram takes a sharp bend throwing Roger somewhat off balance! 13th July 2019. Copyright roger Winnen.

One of the Exmouth Junction built concrete lineside huts. In the early days of the tramway this hut housed the generator used to power the tramway. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The local school band gave a superb performance on Seaton end of Colyton Station. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The next batch of passengers queuing for the return service - note the yellow wristbands which serve as tickets. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Tram number 9 continues past the platform and near the end of the reversing loop comes to a stand - the passengers off load. The driver changes ends and then carefully drives the tram pushing the trolley arm towards the trolley reversing triangle in the overhead cabling system. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

In this view the trolley has been pushed and follows the wires out towards the left. As the tram continues it then draws the trolley pole behind it having turned the trolley so that it is in the trailing position behind the tram as it readies itself to head back towards Seaton. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Passengers, wearing yellow wristbands join the tram. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Roger now travels towards Seaton downstairs. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

At Collyford station lies a historical cast iron convenience. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Quite a full tide in in evidence as across the waters St Michaels Church at Axmouth comes into view. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Down at Seaton terminus 'Feltham lookalike' runs in. 13th July 2019 Copyright Roger Winnen,

On the return to Colyton Roger passes Christine Simmonds and Kevin Salisbury heading for Seaton. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Roger leaving Colyton risks his camera taking a picture of the flowers and Keith and Valerie Jenkin, 13 th July 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen,

An interesting view looking into the tram depot as the driver who has brought us down from Colyton inserts the token in the box to clear the road for us towards the terminus. This driver had now finished his shift and is off home. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen

And finally a most interesting view looking into the terminal building. with its fan of tracks and fan of overhead cables. 13th July 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen,

Once again many thanks to Roger for organising the visit and for taking all the photographs

1919 HST Histories - Technical Records.

In view of the interest shown in the development and history of the H.S.T. it has been decided to put all relevant correspondence into a feature.
Many thanks to Paul Negus, Guy Vincent, Karl Hewlett and Kevin Daniel for this input.

Firstly - what started the 'Ball Rolling'. From Paul Negus. Received 21.27 8th July 2019
First of all a question for those in the know - is 43004 the oldest HST locomotive in operational service? It's certainly the lowest numbered that I have seen for a while but is the current Class 43 numbering in production (i.e. age) order? Is 43003 still operational? Wikipedia tells us that the Cross Country locomotives had 200 added to their numbers so is there a 43203 around? Here it is trailing the 08:24 to Cardiff this morning in Platform 3.
Incidentally, Wikipedia also records that 43003 was one of the first two locomotives (with 43009) to be fitted with the new MTU V16 4000 engines in 2005.

Best regards, Paul Negus.

43004on the 0824 Bristol to Cardiff 8th July 2019. Copyright Paul Negus

Received from Guy Vincent at 17.09 9th July 2019 :-
The production fleet originally consisted of 197 power cars numbered 43002 - 43198. These were built in batches by BREL at Crewe Works as follows:
1) 43002-43055 54 PC's for sets 253001-253027 for the Western Region and introduced in 1976. 2) 43056-43119 64 PC's for sets 254001-254032 for the Eastern Region, introduced from 1977. 3) 43120-43124 Four Spare Power Cars built in 1977. 43120 & 43124 were first used on the WR, the other three on the ER. 4) 43125-43150 26 PC's for Western Region West of England services, delivered 1978-79. 5) 43151-43152 Two further spare PC's for WR delivered 1979. 6) 43153-43162 10 PC's for ER sets 254033-254037 delivered 1980. 7) 43163-43192 30 PC's for sets WR 253041-253055 intended for Cross-Country NE-SW services and delivered 1980-1982. 8) 43193-43198 6 PC's intended as spare for class 254 units, delivered during 1982.

By the time the last PC's had been introduced in 1982 the Inter City market had changed and it wasn't long before the above initial allocations were altered. The Midland Main Line from St Pancras to Sheffield received some class 253 sets from the original WR batch in 1983 (43043-43055) Of these only 43053 has ever returned on a permanent basis to it's original area of operation. With 'Sectorisation' many changes occurred with the ER and Cross Country fleets and by the late 1980s power cars from any batch could more or less turn up anywhere. Generally speaking WR based PC's tended to stick to the WR and NE-SW Cross Country services. From 1987 some PC's were fitted with buffers for use as surrogate DVT's on the ECML with class 91s.

As to the current situation. 43002 is now off-lease and destined for the NRM at York. I believe it is currently in store at Laira. 43003 has gone to Scotland along with many other former GWR PC's and will be in use for several more years. This makes 43004 and 43005 (the original PC's from 1976 set 253002) as the oldest in service with GWR.

The GWR fleet will eventually consist of 43004 005 016 040 041 042 092 093 094 097 098 122 153 154 155 158 170 186 187 188 189 192 194 198. Certain others are still in use on the short sets but will disappear probably by the end of 2019.

The Cross Country fleet consists of ten PC's, 43207 285 301 303 304 321 357 366 378 384. Take 200 away from each number to get the original number carried. 43207 was originally part of WR set 253003.

Virgin East Coast PC's were renumbered when they were fitted with MTU engines with 200 being added to the original number. Ex Grand Central PC's became 434xx and all six are buffer fitted.

Network Rail have three PC's, 43013 43014 and 43062. All are painted bright yellow and carry names and work the 'New Measurement Train' to Cornwall regularly.

The first two PC's to receive MTU engines back in 2006 were 43004 and 43009. These were painted in the then-new 'dynamic lines' livery and ran as a short-formed director's special from Paddington to at least Bristol on 3rd April 2006, two days after the enlarged 'Greater Western' franchise launched.

Finally, don't forget the original Class 41 PC's, 41001 and 41002. These were later renumbered 43000 & 43001. This is the reason 'old number one' of the class 43 fleet is 43002! 41001 (as it is now) is owned by the NRM and operational.

Hopefully this info will be of assistance.

Regards, Guy Vincent.

Received from Karl Hewlett at 04.05 11th July 2019.
Regarding Paul Negus' question, as far as I am aware 43002 is still on the books with GWR, 43003 if not already should be going to Scotrail.

The first MTU V16 4000 fitted power cars were 43004 and 43009 in 2005, but far from the first HST power cars to be fitted with different engines/equipment. 43167 to 43170 were modified with experimental Mirrlees Blackstone MB190 Engines in 1987 (although 99% identical to the others from the outside), quite a few power cars also gained the Paxman VP185's, 43167 to 43170 being the first in 1993. In 2007 Brush Traction and Hitachi paired up and fitted 43089 (an original Paxman Valenta 12RP200L power car), coupled semi-permanently to a Mark III coach which had an experimental hybrid system using Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS), same as how a hybrid car works today. Also power cars 43124 to 43152 had GEC G417AZ traction motors, where as the rest have Brush Traction TMH68-46.

Hope this helps! Regards, Karl (The Friends Of Penmere Station).

Received from Karl Hewlett at 22.49 11th July 2019.
I forgot to add that the prototype HST coaches also differ from the production batch, their window and the frames are fairly noticeably different in size and spacing. For the fan of the prototype HST the two websites bellow (if you are allowed to use them), have a wealth of photographs some may find of interest:

http://www.traintesting.com/HST_prototype.htm

https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=21863.0

Regards, Karl (The Friends Of Penmere Station).

Received from Kevin Daniel at 23.35 on 11th July 2019

As a Cornishman living in exile (London), I am a regular visitor to your tremendously informative website.

I recently noted the query about the oldest surviving HST power car and thought the following maybe of interest.

The first test run of a production HST set from Derby-Morpeth took place on 02.03.76 with power cars 43002/3 and a rake of 7 Trailer Seconds (42003-9). The trial was cut short on the outward trip when 43002 developed a traction motor fault at Thirsk. On the 05.03.76 the run was successfully completed with 43005 replacing 43002. The following week this formation minus 42006 (delivered to St Philips Marsh on 18.03.76) moved to Gosforth Depot and spent two weeks on trials on the ECML north of York. On the 22.03.76 the set was struck by an open door on a passing express, causing considerable bodyside damage to a number of the trailer vehicles.

While the first set was based at Gosforth, a second set was trialled on 19th March using 43007 and repaired 43002 with TS 42010/11/14/20/23/24/25.

The delivery of the first set to the WR was scheduled for 24.03.76 but the repairs required to the damaged trailers from the first set placed that plan in jeopardy. Moreover, 43002 and 43003 were also deemed to require further testing while a further complication arose from the fact that 4 trailers (42010/11/14/20) from the second set were ear marked for fitting with test equipment at the Railway Technical Centre at Derby. Consequently the eventual delivery to Old Oak Common on 26.03.76 consisted of 43005/7, 42023/24/25.

43002 was finally delivered with 43004 to Old Oak Common on 05.04.76, while 43003 was paired with 43009 and arrived on the WR on 03.05.76, both sets with a rake of 7 TS vehicles.

Now that 43002 has been stood down, it would be correct to say that 43003, now with Scotrail, is the oldest surviving power car in traffic. 43005 has the longest time on the WR, since 43007 was transferred away some years ago, closely followed by 43004.

I have spent many years researching the early period of WR HST operation. As many members will know the formations of early WR sets were quite mixed in the early days owing to the teething problems that emerged on the new fleet. Despite formations supposedly being fixed, power cars and trailers were frequently exchanged between sets. I have been trying to track those changes, but given that few people were interested in the HSTs in the early days, details are scarce. If any members recorded HST formations or power car pairings on their travels on the London-Bristol/South Wales route in the period 1976/77/78 I would be keen to receive details of those observations. I would also be interested to hear from members who recorded any crew training formations that worked in Cornwall during late 1978 and through 1979 in preparation for the extension of HST working to the west country. Any help would be much appreciated. I am sure the Site's Editor will forward any correspondence or provide my email address to anyone who can assist.

Keep up the good work with the website. The updates keep me abreast of the railway scene in my spiritual home. Long may it continue.

Kind Regards

Kevin

1918 Mazey Day Express
29th June 2019
Photographers Craig Munday Mike Bokjo Clive Smith Peter Murnaghan Roger Aston Ollie Turrell Martin Duff Andrew Triggs & Roger Winnen

The journey down

Malago Vale - the outward Mazey Day Railtour. 29th June 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

37218 & 37059 pass through Newton Abbot with the 05.39 Tame Bridge Parkway - Penzance Pathfinders railtour with 68004 on the rear providing ETH for the aircon.. Copyright Clive Smith

190629a 37218 and 37059 Heads the Mazey Day Cornishman seen crossing the Royal Albert Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

190629b Seen coming off the bridge and entering Saltash Station 37218 & 37059. Copyright Roger Winnen

190629c Tailing the train was 68004 Rapid, the original Rapid D838 was a regular Diesel Hydraulic in the West Country. Copyright Roger Winnen

190629 The Mazey Day Cornishman, 0539 Tame Bridge Parkway to Penzance, crossing Liskeard viaduct. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

The 37's dive under the road bridge to pass through Par station. 29th June 2019. Copyright Mike Bojko.

68004 makes an usual picture was it tails the Mazey Day Express. 29th June 2019. Copyright Mike Bojko.

The down Mazey passes Hallenbeagle Engine house. 29th June 2019. Copyright Roger Aston.

190629m The down Mazey Day Special at Wheal Busy. Copyright Roger Aston

190629n The roar of the 37s as she tops the bank out of Chacewater. Copyright Roger Aston

190629 The Mazey Day Cornishman rounds the curve at Gwinear Road. Note that you can see all three locomotives in this shot - very well timed. Copyright Ollie Turrell

Cars waiting at the barriers as 68004 Rapid tails the train through Gwinear Road. Copyright Ollie Turrell

The Journey back

190629q Classic British Railways livery on The Mazey Day Cornishman at Penzance.. Copyright Martin Duff.

190629r Livery as we knew it years ago in British Rail days. Copyright Martin Duff

190629s The return special due to depart at 16.07 to Tame Bridge Parkway. Copyright Martin Duff

190629t The two Class 37s at the head of the train in Penzance. Copyright Martin Duff

190629u 37059 and 37218 awaits departure at 16.07. Copyright Martin Duff

190629d The return working to Tame Bridge Parkway is seen arriving at Truro. Copyright Roger Winnen

190629e 68004 Rapide brings up the rear. Copyright Roger Winnen

190629f This return service has called at Truro for the pickup of returning passengers for this tour. Copyright Roger Winnen

Restormel - the returning Mazey Day railtour. 29th June 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

Note on the above picture by Clive Smith. 37059 & 37218 pass Cheston Bridge east of Wrangaton at 18.30 with the 16.07 Penzance - Tame Bridge Parkway railtour with 68004 on the rear. This is a new photographic spot for me and worked out quite well. A problem in South Devon with return railtours is the late evening sun .The sun was shining high and bright in the north west so I took a punt on the former Wrangaton station but the steep cutting sides created too much shadow. In the distance down the track I could see another bridge and as the line curves around a little to the north east decided to investigate. Thankfully the drastic vegetation clearance along vast stretches of the main line around here had opened up a quite useful vantage point. Wrangaton station is in the distance located below the visible dwelling which are flats created from the former Coach House Inn closed in 2000. Many thanks Clive.

DRS 37059 with 37218 clagging nicely on exiting Whiteball Tunnel (Somerset end) working 1Z81 16.07 Penzance-Tame Bridge Parkway 'Mazey Day Cornishman' return 29.6.2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs

DRS 68004 on the rear of the 'Mazey Day Cornishman' at Whiteball 29.6.2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs

1917 Tornado to Par
23rd June 2019
'The Summer Cornishman'
Photographs by David Tozer, Clive Smith,
Mike Bojko, Roger Salter, Peter Murnaghan Andrew Triggs & Roger Winnen.

No.60163 'Tornado' clearing Whiteball Tunnel (Devon end) working 1Z74 08.03 Bristol T.M-Par 'Summer Cornishman' 23.6.2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs

190623 60163 Tornado heads 'The Cornishman' the 08.03 Bristol Temple Meads to Par seen passing Exminster. Copyright David Tozer

Just before the rain started to fall, 60163 Tornado makes light work of load 9 as it passes Daveys Cross bridge east of Ivybridge with the 08.03 Bristol TM - Par 'The Summer Cornishman'. Copyright Clive Smith

190623a 60163 Tornado arrives at Plymouth running at least 10 mins early with 'The Cornishman' the 08.03 Bristol Temple Meads to Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

190623b Raking the coal at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

190623c Departure from Plymouth at 11.43 for Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

190623cc Tornado heads away from Plymouth with 'The Cornishman' to Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

60163 Tornado is seen rounding the bend at Lostwithiel Station. Copyright Mike Boiko

Craig Munday catches 60163 Tornado at Par just before it was drawn back to Plymouth for turning. 23rd June 2019. Copyright Craig Munday,

The return journey E.C.S. for turning at Friary.

190623d Owing to the extreme length of this engine being 72 feet it was not possible to turn at St Blazey. The train is seen approaching Bodmin Parkway headed by 66171. Copyright Roger Winnen

190623e Tornado at the rear passing Bodmin Parkway on route to turn on the Laira triangle at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

66 171 on 1315 Par - Plymouth Friary passing through Liskeard, 23rd June 2019. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Tornado trailing on the rear of 1315 Par - Plymouth Friary through Liskeard station. 23rd June 2019. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Tornado appearing to run 'wrong line', but actually on the rear of 1315 Par - Friary heading over Liskeard viaduct. 23rd June 2019. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

The entire train having been turned returns to Par.

190623f The returning train seen app Liskeard at 16.19 for Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

190623g Tornado keeping up appearances as she brings up the rear at Liskeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

The 537V 15.16 Plymouth Friary to Par is seen passing through Bodmin Parkway with 60163 tailing its train. Copyright Roger Salter

Tornado in close up at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Salter

The 17.30 Par to Bristol Temple Meads Pathfinders Summer Cornishman Stops at Bodmin Parkway. Not much sign of summer on this Sunday. Copyright Roger Salter.

190623h The 17.30 return 'Cornishman' to Bristol Temple Meads arrives at Bodmin Parkway to pick up a few passengers. Copyright Roger Winnen

190623i Majestic looking Tornado at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

190623j The 'Torbay Express' in Cornwall !! Copyright Roger Winnen

190623k 60163 Tornado blowing off as she departs Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

In gloomy light 60163 Tornado is again captured at Davey's Cross with the 17.30 Par - Bristol TM. Copyright Clive Smith

1916 Penryn station and the    changes over the years
   Photographs by - John Ball, the late John    Cornelius, the late Patrick English, Keith Jenkin,    Mark Lynam, Doug Nicholls, Neil Phillips,    Mike Roach, Peter Salmon, the late Sid Sponheimer, Trevor Tremethick and Roger Winnen.
   Many thanks to our contributors

In preparation

The sign on the up platform - 1960's Copyright Keith Jenkin.

Penryn from the rear of a DMU heading for Falmouth. Note the signalman in the box watching the departing train. September 1968 Copyright Doug Nicholls

Penryn, a very active station. An undated picture from the late Sid Sponheimer. Note the DMU complete with tail lamp is coming from Falmouth and entering the up platform. Access to the up platform was by means of a board crossing.

Rationalisation took place in the 1970's. The up line was closed together with the signalbox on the 7th November 1971. Also taken out of use on the same day were all the sidings and the line into the goods shed. However a siding behind the down platform which had been removed in 1962 was re-instated in October 1965. Information from Track Layout Diagrams West Cornwall by R.A. Cooke.

Penryn Signalbox 1971 Copyright the late Patrick English. Note the well trodden boards of the crossing.

Penryn Signalbox in March 1971 Copyright the late Patrick English -

A sketch layout prepared by the late Cyril Hitchens when he was learning the box. An account of operation of the box written by Cyril can be found in our Falmouth Branch section.

Penryn Station Building 16th June 1973 Copyright Trevor Tremethick.

Penryn the demolition of Penryn Goods Shed 10th June 1973. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Penryn W51590-59582-51576-55026 head for Falmouth. The date is 21st June 1977 Copyright Neil Phillips. Note - Car Sales have taken over the former head shunt for the good shed and sidings.

The same train heads on down the grade towards Collegewood Viaduct. 21st June 1977. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Penryn from Truro direction. The siding which had been reinstated looking little used as is the station area - the down platform although in use is sadly overgrown. 16th June 1973. Copyright Trevor Tremethick.

Penryn - DMU app from North end- Date not known but the facing siding on the down side clearly visible. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

Penryn up platform building, a shot snatched from a passing train in June 1973. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Penryn - a freight headed by 25217 makes its noisy way away towards Truro. The date is the 13th Feb1977. Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer

One wonders how many of these visitors to the Car Boot sale as P468 passes by? 19th April 1987 Copyright Roger Winnen

Looking quite sorry for itself, Penryn station in March 2007. Photograph by the late John Cornelius.

The up end of the down platform in March 2007. Photograph by the late John Cornelius

The view from the down end of the down platform. March 2007. Viewed from the trackbed by the late John Cornelius who was a signalman at the time. Copyright

History
The station was opened by the Cornwall Railway in 1863. It originally had a passing loop but was rationalised to just a single platform when the line was being run by British Rail.
A new 400 metres (440 yard) passing loop was installed in 2008, being brought into use in 2009 before the new timetable commenced on 17 May as this called for two trains to be in operation on the branch for most of the day. To pay for this work £4.67million was provided from the European Union funds, £2.5million from Cornwall Council and £600,000 from Network Rail. The new works were formally opened by Kevin Lavery, the Chief Executive of Cornwall Council, on 18 May 2009.

Construction
There is a single platform that offers level access from the car park. Trains towards Truro run from left to right; trains towards Falmouth Docks run from right to left.
When constructing the loop a novel approach was adopted which avoided the building of a footbridge and works to the disused platform. The formerly disused northern end of the platform has been reinstated, and is now called Platform 2, and an extension has been built onto the southern end which is now called Platform 1, the middle section of the platform is now used to pass between the two. The extension and reinstatement creates a platform of 238 metres (781 ft) in length; the southern end of the loop joins the main branch at the northern end of Platform 1. New modern shelters have been built on each platform, and the brick shelter from 1998 still exists.
The disused platform on the far side of the loop line was formerly used by trains towards Truro.
On Monday 8 April 2013 Pay and display was introduced for the station car park.

The above details courtesy of Wikipedia.

The creation of a passing loop at Penryn - the display in Truro Station

The model of the intended arrangement - here seen on display in Truro station - up platform waiting room. Copyright Mike Roach.

More publicity in the up platform waiting room at Truro. 12th May 2009. Copyright Mike Roach.

Detail of construction work at Penryn Station

Penryn Loop, Installed in 2008 and into use in 2009. 11th May 2009. Copyright Mike Roach

Work in progress on the new Car Park at Penryn. 11th May 2009 Copyright Mike Roach

A train from Falmouth heads in. Copyright the late John Cornelius.

The centre section of the platform with a guard rail from the platform edge. The up section of the platform lies ahead. Copyright the late John Cornelius. June 2011.

The exit and entry to the platforms, car park and transport interchange is by means of the steps and ramp to the right.

Penryn in the autumn of 2013 with RHTT being passed by a down service train. Copyright John Ball

153 305 leads a service towards Falmouth passing under the road bridge at the south end of the station. It's the 14th January 2016. Note how the trees have grown up, and not only that note the University accommodation which has grown up on the former head shunt to the goods sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Derailment at Penryn. At around 12:36 hrs on 28 January 2019, a passenger train consisting of two coaches became derailed by the leading bogie at a set of points at Penryn station, while travelling at around 15 mph (24 km/h). The accident resulted in minor damage to the track, and there were no injuries to passengers.

28th January 2019. 150234 off the rails at Penryn. Copyright Mark Lynam

Services
The service in the 1960s was 16 or 17 trains daily, and had been reduced to 12 by 1975. By 2008 there were 13 trains each way, but with the new loop installed at Penryn the May 2009 timetable provides for 29. The enhanced timetable resulted in trains being formed with one coach instead of the former two, but the increase in demand has resulted in GWR allocating sufficient stock to enable both units to become two car units from 2012. Perranwell was a request stop for many years but trains have called without being requested since 2017. Well done Falmouth branch - long may it continue.

1915 West Somerset Railway Diesel Gala - June 2019. A report by Clive Smith

Despite the lack of heavier type 4 locos this year due to the condition of the track, the West Somerset Railway still managed to put together an attractive line -up of motive power. With the sun finally shining on Friday 21st June and a beer festival at Washford station to quench the thirst of enthusiasts, a great day was had by all. Here are six photos showing the six classes at work on the longest day.

(1) South Devon Railway class 25s D7535 and D7612 at Bishops Lydeard with the 08.30 to Minehead.

(2) D6566 arrives at Blue Anchor with the 09.20 Bishops Lydeard - Minehead. This should have been double-headed with D6575 which had some difficulties but did later work as a pair in the afternoon.

(3) GBRf 73107 and 73136 arrive at Blue Anchor alongside the flowers blooming in the sunshine. This is the 12.03 Bishops Lydeard - Minehead.

(4) D9526 arrives at Washford with the 13.03 Bishops Lydeard - Minehead. The beer festival is taking place at the goods shed to the left of the train.

(5) Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway's green 37248 pulls in to the grassy platform of Washford station with the 13.50 Minehead - Bishops Lydeard.

(6) Finally the most attractive working of the day was the 15.44 Minehead - Bishops Lydeard 'Quantock Belle' with double-headed hymeks D7018 and D7017. The gala has been D7018's first working since 1995 after painstaking work by the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group to restore it to its former glory. A beautiful sight and lovely sound leaving the seaside and journeying across the Quantock Hills.

Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks to you. Clive.