Changes on the Newquay Branch
Craig Munday
On my travels I'm capturing history in the making. The Cornwall Metro project will see considerable investment in new level crossing technology, and some alterations to the existing crossings on the Newquay line.
Trencreek AOCL(B) and Chapel AOCL crossings will become bridleway type crossings (non-vehicular) with miniature red/green lights (MSL) from September. The new bridge opening crossing the railway near Hendra will negate the requirement for vehicular traffic here (Trencreek is quite busy for a cut-through). I have few pictures here so thought I ought to grab some before the planned alterations.
The many rural crossings were automated with wigwag lights over 40 years ago to replace the gated crossing with residents crossing keepers living adjacent. None were fitted with barriers back in the day, but Trencreek Qunitrell Downs, Coswarth and Haloon (St Columb Road) were fitted with barriers for added safety. There is no signal box supervision, the Driver receives flashing white light once the crossing is detected as functioning, allowing the train to proceed without stopping. The arrangement for up trains at Quintrell Downs are slightly different however.
The resident crossing keepers is a subject worthy of an article itself! The working practice beggars belief today, but the staff there had to attend every train throughout the day! A bell was often installed in their property to alert when the gates needed to be opened, and signals cleared. Many had a small Ground Frame with locking bars and stop / distant signals. The keepers had a rest day when a relief signalman or crossing keeper would cover their turn for them to go shopping. Roger Matthews covered these turns and was given the run of the house whilst the rest day was enjoyed. There was a rudimentary shelter otherwise which must have been a tiresome shift I would imagine. Many of the dwellings still exist to this day, though I understand no BR staff still live in them. Trencreek was one of the last such arrangements where a Crossing Keeper lived at the cottage well into her retirement.
Two crossings are pictured, Chapel and Trencreek. Both crossings are between Quintrell Downs and Newquay. Trencreek is the nearest to the report, and the busiest traffic wise. There have already been road alterations on the main junction to prevent right hand turns into Trencreek.
Chapel crossing is along the line towards Quintrell, and due to the once busy farm to field activity there are many numbered Chapel crossings. The road is simply named Chapel Crossing and is sparsely used. Though now Nansleden is now established on the other side, it sees more traffic than ever before. A turning circle has been installed for when the road is truncated, a number of dwellings there will still have deliveries etc. This can be seen in the picture. Chapel was never fitted with barriers unlike Trencreek.
Trencreek AOCL(B) and Chapel AOCL crossings will become bridleway type crossings (non-vehicular) with miniature red/green lights (MSL) from September. The new bridge opening crossing the railway near Hendra will negate the requirement for vehicular traffic here (Trencreek is quite busy for a cut-through). I have few pictures here so thought I ought to grab some before the planned alterations.
The many rural crossings were automated with wigwag lights over 40 years ago to replace the gated crossing with residents crossing keepers living adjacent. None were fitted with barriers back in the day, but Trencreek Qunitrell Downs, Coswarth and Haloon (St Columb Road) were fitted with barriers for added safety. There is no signal box supervision, the Driver receives flashing white light once the crossing is detected as functioning, allowing the train to proceed without stopping. The arrangement for up trains at Quintrell Downs are slightly different however.
The resident crossing keepers is a subject worthy of an article itself! The working practice beggars belief today, but the staff there had to attend every train throughout the day! A bell was often installed in their property to alert when the gates needed to be opened, and signals cleared. Many had a small Ground Frame with locking bars and stop / distant signals. The keepers had a rest day when a relief signalman or crossing keeper would cover their turn for them to go shopping. Roger Matthews covered these turns and was given the run of the house whilst the rest day was enjoyed. There was a rudimentary shelter otherwise which must have been a tiresome shift I would imagine. Many of the dwellings still exist to this day, though I understand no BR staff still live in them. Trencreek was one of the last such arrangements where a Crossing Keeper lived at the cottage well into her retirement.
Two crossings are pictured, Chapel and Trencreek. Both crossings are between Quintrell Downs and Newquay. Trencreek is the nearest to the report, and the busiest traffic wise. There have already been road alterations on the main junction to prevent right hand turns into Trencreek.
Chapel crossing is along the line towards Quintrell, and due to the once busy farm to field activity there are many numbered Chapel crossings. The road is simply named Chapel Crossing and is sparsely used. Though now Nansleden is now established on the other side, it sees more traffic than ever before. A turning circle has been installed for when the road is truncated, a number of dwellings there will still have deliveries etc. This can be seen in the picture. Chapel was never fitted with barriers unlike Trencreek.
150221 crosses Trencreek crossing on 22.04.2025. This crossing is due to close to road traffic, the diversionary route being over the new bridge leading to the Nansledan development. Copyright Craig Munday.
Chapel Crossing on 22.04.2025. The road here is due to be severed and a turning circle has been provided so that vehicles can turn. Copyright Craig Munday.
Roaming the rails of Cornwall
Michael Hitchens
Armed with my £11-30 Cornwall Ranger, on Monday 21st April I strolled down to Camborne Station at 07-45 and caught a train to Penzance. At Penzance, I boarded the next up train (destination Newport, because of bridge repairs between Newport and Cardiff) and travelled to Liskeard, noticing on the way the cleared vegetation at the Moorswater Loop.
A short time later, I was heading down to Coombe Junction and onward to Looe where I explored the route of the line which once extended along the quay. After spending about an hour there (medium pasty £3-60-OK, but nowhere near medium by Camborne standards-cost to spend a penny 30p) I rejoined the train (toilets free) back to Liskeard.
Thanks to the frequent mainline service there was only a brief wait for the next down train to Par, where I crossed over to the Newquay branch. There were views of the work on the viaduct in the Luxulyan Valley, the new loop near St. Dennis Junction an the replaced track and platform at Newquay itself. I enjoyed my 5 minutes in Newquay (time for a brief look at the route of the harbour branch) before managing to find a seat on the same train back to Par. I continued my journey west bound for Penzance.
I spent about 45 minutes in Penzance-I'd been there the previous day riding on the vintage buses. Pz toilets were free, and as it was late afternoon sausage rolls, cake and pasties were selling at half price! I left Penzance and just had time to eat my saffron bun before detraining at St. Erth. There was time to sample the new footbridge before the St. Ives train departed.
I stayed in St. Ives for about an hour (toilets 40p, bank Loan for a crab sandwich), during which time I saw the life boat being launched on an exercise.
After IETs and 150 units I was pleased to see my mainline connection at St, Erth was double headed by Castles (unfortunately not of the steam variety!)
I was back home enjoying fish and chips in Beacon by 7pm after a most enjoyable day out. All trains appeared to be on time throughout and indeed my HST journey from Hayle back to Camborne (not stopping at Gwinear Road and avoiding the Angarrack and Penponds inclines) only took a lively 6 minutes........
I hope my account of my Cornish Ranger day out will be a reminder that, although we will never be able to return to former railway eras, we still have an interesting system to enjoy-the views are still as attractive and the operating procedures are just as fascinating.
At Liskeard there are still the sights and sounds of semaphore signals, the reversal at Coombe Junc. and the tiny halts on the way to Looe. Indeed, on Monday there were passengers at St, Keyne and Sandplace on both my outward and return journeys, while at Looe there was a worker in hi-vis busily weeding and tidying the name LOOE which is spelt out on the bank opposite the platform.
There was plenty of atmosphere on the Newquay line with staff exchanges and proper signals at St. Blazey and Goonbarrow, sound effects grinding and squealing up the Luxulyan Valley and warning horns, bells etc. at the numerous level crossings. Again, there were passengers at all the intermediate stations. It was good to hear the announcements - Luxulyan, Bugle, Roche, St. Columb Road, Quintrell Downs, all still on the railway map.
At St. Erth, windows on the new footbridge give a view of a GW junction in full swing, with semaphore signals and frequent main and branch line services. Incidentally, the CARBIS BAY name in white painted stones and gravel needs some attention from our workman seen at Looe!
I've already mentioned my return journey from Hayle to Camborne in 2025-in 1843 the journey from Hayle to Redruth took about 45 minutes. This, of course passed through Camborne where the station is on its original site making it the oldest station on the Cornish network.
Reread my account in 25 years time.....what will have changed?? Will the following still be true....
Once again I'running down
On a winding track from a Cornish town
And I hear the names of the stations through
St. Keyne, Causeland, Sandplace, Looe.
(Dedicated to all those who travel staring at their phones!)
A short time later, I was heading down to Coombe Junction and onward to Looe where I explored the route of the line which once extended along the quay. After spending about an hour there (medium pasty £3-60-OK, but nowhere near medium by Camborne standards-cost to spend a penny 30p) I rejoined the train (toilets free) back to Liskeard.
Thanks to the frequent mainline service there was only a brief wait for the next down train to Par, where I crossed over to the Newquay branch. There were views of the work on the viaduct in the Luxulyan Valley, the new loop near St. Dennis Junction an the replaced track and platform at Newquay itself. I enjoyed my 5 minutes in Newquay (time for a brief look at the route of the harbour branch) before managing to find a seat on the same train back to Par. I continued my journey west bound for Penzance.
I spent about 45 minutes in Penzance-I'd been there the previous day riding on the vintage buses. Pz toilets were free, and as it was late afternoon sausage rolls, cake and pasties were selling at half price! I left Penzance and just had time to eat my saffron bun before detraining at St. Erth. There was time to sample the new footbridge before the St. Ives train departed.
I stayed in St. Ives for about an hour (toilets 40p, bank Loan for a crab sandwich), during which time I saw the life boat being launched on an exercise.
After IETs and 150 units I was pleased to see my mainline connection at St, Erth was double headed by Castles (unfortunately not of the steam variety!)
I was back home enjoying fish and chips in Beacon by 7pm after a most enjoyable day out. All trains appeared to be on time throughout and indeed my HST journey from Hayle back to Camborne (not stopping at Gwinear Road and avoiding the Angarrack and Penponds inclines) only took a lively 6 minutes........
I hope my account of my Cornish Ranger day out will be a reminder that, although we will never be able to return to former railway eras, we still have an interesting system to enjoy-the views are still as attractive and the operating procedures are just as fascinating.
At Liskeard there are still the sights and sounds of semaphore signals, the reversal at Coombe Junc. and the tiny halts on the way to Looe. Indeed, on Monday there were passengers at St, Keyne and Sandplace on both my outward and return journeys, while at Looe there was a worker in hi-vis busily weeding and tidying the name LOOE which is spelt out on the bank opposite the platform.
There was plenty of atmosphere on the Newquay line with staff exchanges and proper signals at St. Blazey and Goonbarrow, sound effects grinding and squealing up the Luxulyan Valley and warning horns, bells etc. at the numerous level crossings. Again, there were passengers at all the intermediate stations. It was good to hear the announcements - Luxulyan, Bugle, Roche, St. Columb Road, Quintrell Downs, all still on the railway map.
At St. Erth, windows on the new footbridge give a view of a GW junction in full swing, with semaphore signals and frequent main and branch line services. Incidentally, the CARBIS BAY name in white painted stones and gravel needs some attention from our workman seen at Looe!
I've already mentioned my return journey from Hayle to Camborne in 2025-in 1843 the journey from Hayle to Redruth took about 45 minutes. This, of course passed through Camborne where the station is on its original site making it the oldest station on the Cornish network.
Reread my account in 25 years time.....what will have changed?? Will the following still be true....
Once again I'running down
On a winding track from a Cornish town
And I hear the names of the stations through
St. Keyne, Causeland, Sandplace, Looe.
(Dedicated to all those who travel staring at their phones!)
Thanks for sharing your grand day out with us, Michael.
I agree completely that although the railway has lost much of what we enthusiasts deem 'interesting', there is still plenty of greatness and history out there to be enjoyed if you go looking for it.
I agree completely that although the railway has lost much of what we enthusiasts deem 'interesting', there is still plenty of greatness and history out there to be enjoyed if you go looking for it.
Clearing the line to
Moorswater
Tony Shore
The line between Coombe Junction and Moorswater is currently being cleared by a NR contractor, Ground Control LTD. It's believed that the plan is to clear the line all the way to Causeway, with the waste wood/chippings being brought back to a compound near the Moorswater run round loop to be disposed of, owing to concerns over contaminating the canal with the wood.
The following photographs were taken with kind permission of Ground Control during a supervised visit.
Please do not trespass on the railway to obtain images of these works - although it is mothballed/out of use, the line between Coombe and Moorswater still remains NR property - trespassing on the railway can carry severe penalties, as well as presenting obvious safety risks both to yourself and to rail workers.
The following photographs were taken with kind permission of Ground Control during a supervised visit.
Please do not trespass on the railway to obtain images of these works - although it is mothballed/out of use, the line between Coombe and Moorswater still remains NR property - trespassing on the railway can carry severe penalties, as well as presenting obvious safety risks both to yourself and to rail workers.
Safety notice at the Moorswater compound. 24.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
Chopped down trees in the compound awaiting chipping. 24.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
Vehicles in use to remove the lineside vegetation. The tractors will be used to move the felled trees back to this compound. 24.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
Moorswater run round loop visible for the first time in many years. 24.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
Moorswater run round loop. 24.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
Looking up at Moorswater viaduct. 24.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
Looking up at Moorswater viaduct. 24.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
Contractors working along the footpath which runs from Moorswater to Coombe. 24.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
The remains of the boundary fence which has become overgrown with trees. 24.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
A GWR Castle Class HST crosses Moorswater viaduct. The hope is that all this vegetation will be cleared, restoring a view which has been lost for decades. 24.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
Contractors at work near Coombe. 24.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
The track here has been almost invisible for many years. 24.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
The line from Coombe to Moorswater looking rather sad. 24.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
Looking towards Moorswater from Coombe. 24.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
The ground frame which operates the catch points at Coombe. 24.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
A very interesting report Tony - many thanks indeed. Great to see the area being given some attention. Now we just need a reason for trains to return!
The 2004 South Devon Railway
Diesel Gala (featuring 37037)
Paul Barlow
A few more of 37037s first day in service in preservation.
Other locos working on this gala 47197 was withdrawn and cut up by T.J. Thomson in January 2008. 20118 is back on the main line and based at LNWR Crewe.
Other locos working on this gala 47197 was withdrawn and cut up by T.J. Thomson in January 2008. 20118 is back on the main line and based at LNWR Crewe.
The gala timetable/programme. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Totnes 37037 on 1100 to Buckfastleigh It's first run in presevation. 12.06.2004, copyright Paul Barlow.
47197 20118 1218 Totnes to Buckfastleigh. 12.06.2004, copyright Paul Barlow.
47197 20118 on 1218 Totnes to Buckfastleigh. Jon H in the black and red top nearest the camera. 12.06.2004, copyright Paul Barlow.
37037 and 20118 1252 Buckfastleigh to Totnes. 12.06.2004, copyright Paul Barlow.
20118 Buckfastleigh on 0958 To Totnes. 12.06.2004, copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul, great memories of a fantastic event.
37037 - looking a bit smarter!
Roger Geach
I thought you may like to see 37037 looking a bit more like it.
37037 was a March loco in the mid-late 1970's, and was often seen on the Liverpool Street - Cambridge - Kings Lynn line. In 1981 it was moved to Glasgow Eastfield and became a Scottish loco. It moved again to Canton in April 1992
I only ever recall seeing the loco in Cornwall once, with 37141 on the Burngullow to Irvine tanks on 01.08.1994. It was never very common down West - unless others know different.
37037 was a March loco in the mid-late 1970's, and was often seen on the Liverpool Street - Cambridge - Kings Lynn line. In 1981 it was moved to Glasgow Eastfield and became a Scottish loco. It moved again to Canton in April 1992
I only ever recall seeing the loco in Cornwall once, with 37141 on the Burngullow to Irvine tanks on 01.08.1994. It was never very common down West - unless others know different.
37037 at Glasgow Eastfield depot, October 1982. Note the missing buffers. The loco is now under restoration at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Geach.
Many thanks Roger - let's hope the Devon Diesel Society can get her back up and running!
Severn Tunnel Junction by night
Phil 'Shattered' Smith
47589 prepares to leave STJ depot in 1987. A wonderful place, now all but completely wiped out. Copyright Phil Smith.
Many thanks Phil - a brilliant photo.
Far West HST's
Tom Lloyd
43093 and 43186 stand side by side under the station roof at Penzance. 24.04.2025, copyright Tom Lloyd.
43156 on the rear of a west-bound service at Camborne. 24.04.2025, copyright Tom Lloyd.
43093 at Camborne, pushing its train to Plymouth. 24.04.2025, copyright Tom Lloyd.
Many thanks Tom, always good to see the HST's at work.
Swindon & Stratton
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon
IET 1L12 Carmarthen to Paddington with 800034 and 800007 passing Stratton. 24.04.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
Coming out of Stratton Loop a few minutes late - should have stopped in the Loop for 10 minutes. Power cars TnT 43272 and 43251 with 1Q23 Bristol Kingsland Road to Derby Network Rail. 24.04.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
43272 and 43251 TnT with 1Q23 Bristol Kingsland Road to Derby Network Rail via platform 1. 24.04.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
6C03 Northolt to Severnside Sita hauled by 66244 passes platform 4. 24.04.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
66604 moves west along the little used line parallel to that on Platform 4 to join up ready to depart with 6M53 Swindon Stores to Toton Up Sidings via Kemble and Wocester. This train departed east [at 1459 - 82 EARLY!!] to Cockleberry Sidings [just east of the station] but after the locomotive ran around this train, it didn't leave passing through the station until 1644!! 24.04.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
66787 passes alongside platform 4 with 4B77 Colnbrook to Avonmouth West Wharf. 24.04.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
5Q76 Wembley to Newport docks [Sims] - 37800 hauling unit 321316. 24.04.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
Many thanks to the two of you, a train in almost every colour!