30th September 2022

Cornish Railways
Andrew Jones

In answer to Alex Fishers question.
Cornish Railways was really the dream of one man, Arthur H J Eplett, the son of a railwayman.
‘Rusty’ as he was locally known was what some would call ‘a rugged individualist.’
He was a passionate advocate of Cornwalls Railways and desperately tried to hang on to its infrastructure and prevent its ultimate demise under ‘Big Brother British Rail.’
He ran many local initiatives and tried to micro manage Cornwalls Railway from his Truro base.
Established in July 1983, he endeavoured to stay under the radar for a few years, but eventually was found out when his crossed Cornish flag logo started to appear on the class 37 clay locos.
Head office decided that this unofficial branding was against its general policy and eventually removed the separate management of Cornwall around 1986, thus ending a brief but eventful period.
 
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane Jones

The late Rusty Epplett, Cornwall Area Manager on the right, and on the extreme left is Vic Millington - the getleman responsible for the design of the headboard. 16th July 1985. Copyright Roger Winnen

Good old Rusty.
Many thanks for your tribute and appreciation Andrew.
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More on 'Cornish Railways'
Martin J Duff

I can assist with Alex’s enquiry. Rail Enthusiast magazine in September 1984 ran a very good article about Cornish Railways. CR was launched on 11/07/1983. The brand was strong, with some lovely publicity including mugs and a tie. Such items are now most collectible! British Rail “Western at Work” no.4 concerning Cornwall Railway was published in 1984 and has a lot of suitable information in it. I’d be happy to be put in touch with Alex “offline”.

Souvenirs - Copyright Martin J Duff

Rusty Eplett at Truro sporting his Cornish Railways Tie.

Cuttings Cornish Railways and Rusty Eplett.

Cornish Railways - Books. Collection by Martin J Duff.

Many many thanks Martin for your input on Rusty - remembered by many. A good friend of the Cornwall Railway Society.
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Tre, Pol & Pen
By this ye shall know the Cornishmen
Trevor Tremethick

Good Morning all
 This morning’s piece on Cornish Railways brought back some memories. I may have sent this before, but here’s my shot of 37196 Tre Pol & Pen and 37308 at Par with the headboard up. My slide is annotated ‘Down china clay empties 06.09.85’, which you will no doubt recall was the date of Clun Castle’s visit.
 
I also remember Guard Vic Millington coming through the train as we crossed the Royal Albert Bridge, saying: “Have your passports ready please.”
 
Regards, Trevor Tremethick

37196 Tre Pol & Pen + 37308 with down clay empties at Par 6th September 1985. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

'Wot a picture, wot a photograph' brings to my old mind a song!! However this is surely true of this picture of Trevors - a professional photographer with a super camera.  Many thanks Trevor.
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Clun Castles visit to Truro on 6th September 1985 was the first steam in over 20 years into Cornwall. Copyright Roger Winnen

7029 Clun Castle stabled in Truro yard prior to working the return special. Copyright Roger Winnen

A footnote by KJ

In the old days an organisation called the 'Railtours Operators Association' was formed in an effort to prevent clashes of railtour operating dates. Roger Winnen and I attended such a meeting at Swindon.  There was one B.R. official present - he didn't seem to like 'Rusty' and regarded him as perhaps 'The Pest from the West' - my words, nobody else's. However, we,  in the CRS were very sorry to hear of his passing. 
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Latest News - Royal Scotsman at
Cullompton
Keith Turley

On a dull misty 30th September 2022,GBRF Royal Scotsman liveried class 66/7s Nos.66743 and 66746 pass Cullompton, working the 1Z79 04:30 Gloucester to Bath via Newton Abbot 'Royal Scotsman' charter
Regards Keith Turley.

Cullompton 66743 66746 Royal Scotsman Gloucester to Bath via Newton Abbot. 30th September 2022 Copyright Keith Turley

Thanks for taking the trouble Keith on a none too good day.
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