26th October 2020

Lightning at
Long Rock
Roy Hart

Lightning being turned at Long Rock Copyright Roy Hart

Dear Keith,  Here is a slightly murky, but interesting view of 70019 Lightning (69 feet 8 inches) on Penzance turntable (70 feet 0 inches) in about 1953.
Laira got five of these engines in 1951/2/3 and they left around year's end 1956-7. The regular turns were the 'Limited' and the up 'postal'.
All the best, Roy.

Many thanks Roy.
​

I too have memories of Lightning, it often saw it when I walked home from school and paused to look through the railings by the tunnel at Redruth at an up train headed by the 'gleaming monster'.  After a brief stop there would be an unusual 'toot' before it quietly chuffed away into the tunnel. These are my memories of about 68 years ago!!

The last ever steam to stop at Redruth.

Another steam memory at Redruth as West Country 34002 comes to a stand just before the tunnel at Redruth. 3rd may 1964. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

West Country 34002 Salisbury stands at Redruth on the 3rd May 1964 with probably what will be the last ever steam train to stop at Redruth. Up on the bank to the right are the railings through which I peered to see Lighting. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

56 years ago!!

The Last of the Open Days at Bodmin General
Roger Winnen

This weekend saw the last of the Four Weekends when the Bodmin & Wenford Railway staged a static Open Day at Bodmin General.
When will services resume people are asking? Time will only tell!

201025a The rusty rails at Bodmin General showing that nothing as run for some time. Copyright Roger Winnen

201025b Motive power at Bodmin, being the Austerity from Antwerp, Denise originally from Burngullow and 47306 The Sapper. Copyright Roger Winnen

201025c The track diagram prior to the new installation of signals between Lostwithiel and Liskeard located in a coach at Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

201025bb The Sapper viewed through the fence outside of the station. Copyright Roger Winnen