Clay and a light engine
Craig Munday
The sunshine continues, and I caught 69003 and 66127 on the first day of April 2025. I always enjoy the weekend when the countryside suddenly pops and goes green. Various types of trees along the railways and highways seem to bud around the same 48 hour period, for Cornwall it was just as the clocks changed. It really sees a release from a wet and windy Winter doesn't it? I've lost count of the various warnings and named storms we've had since last Autumn. A settled spell is most welcome.
Also, please click here for a video showing 66127 departing St Blazey on Sunday. The empty JIAs were taken to Goonbarrow on a fine morning (although a lot of wind in the video), with Darrin Hart driving.
I thought it prudent to record the scene with some potential changes to the scene in the coming year. Firstly, the Electric Token will be withdrawn once the Axle Counters come into use, so the timeless practice of collecting the Token will cease. There may well be changes to the clay service too, although these are subject to negotiation at the moment so I cannot comment further.
For now, may the sun shine, the freight run, and the birds continue to sing! I hope you enjoy it.
Also, please click here for a video showing 66127 departing St Blazey on Sunday. The empty JIAs were taken to Goonbarrow on a fine morning (although a lot of wind in the video), with Darrin Hart driving.
I thought it prudent to record the scene with some potential changes to the scene in the coming year. Firstly, the Electric Token will be withdrawn once the Axle Counters come into use, so the timeless practice of collecting the Token will cease. There may well be changes to the clay service too, although these are subject to negotiation at the moment so I cannot comment further.
For now, may the sun shine, the freight run, and the birds continue to sing! I hope you enjoy it.
69003 passes Coombe with 0Z81. 01.04.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
A rare visit for me to Golant for 6G09 as 66127 brought down 16 loaded JIAs. The wagons will never look as good as the CDAs, but at least it's freight along the line two days a week (Mondays and Tuesdays). 01.04.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
Lovely shots Craig, thanks for sending them on. Make sure you all have a watch of the video too!
Pretty in pink - 31601
Roger Fletcher
31601 seen at Bristol Temple Meads on 16.11.2004. This Locomotive was the only one to receive the bright pink Wessex livery. Copyright Roger Fletcher
Wow Roger, there's a blast from the not-so-distant past! Thanks very much for sending it in.
Chacewater area in the sun
Mark Lynam
A place I've not visited in years and certainly not got a Castle set here so thought I would try one here 43097 + 43198 cross Blackwater viaduct immediately East of the former Chacewater station working 2C65 1042 Plymouth to Penzance. 31.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
Taken just off the public footpath linking the road by Penstraze to Chacewater village sees 43187 + 43189 working 2P15 1250 Penzance to Plymouth. 31.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
Not very far at all from the last shot - 43198 from the road bridge at Penstraze and the summit of this section of line working 2P16 1315 Penzance to Plymouth. 31.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
43156 + 43093 approaching the site of Chacewater station with Blackwater village in the distance working 2P17 1350 Penzance to Plymouth. 31.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
802002 + 802020 at Chacewater working 1A92 1415 Penzance to London Paddington. 31.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
And a rarity these days on the Cornish Mainline doing a Penzance to Plymouth working - 150221 vice Class 158. 31.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks indeed Mark, a lovely set. Make the most of the HST's!
Mid-Cornwall Variety
Steve Clark
Bit of a mad flap when I found out 150238 was on the Newquay Branch, but i just made it to Middleway for the 2N03 09.15 ex Newquay. This afternoon, I headed to Menheniot for a couple of hours to grab a couple of HSTs and the Clay.
150238, now the last surviving blue class 150, passes Middleway with the 0915 Newquay - Par. 02.04.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
A GWR 'Castle Class' HST with 43188 on the Penzance end crosses Menheniot Viaduct (Coldrenick Viaduct). 02.04.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
66127 heads for Exeter Riverside with 6C53, clay from Par Harbour for the potteries of the midlands. 02.04.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
Another HST crosses Coldrenick. 02.04.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
One final 'Castle', this time with 43093 'Legends of the Great Western' on the Penzance end. 02.04.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
Many thanks Steve - a bit of everything worth seeing!
Blue unit to Newquay
Jon Hird
150238, the last blue class 150, crosses the old A30 at Tregoss whilst working 2N12, the 1823 Par - Newquay. 02.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Early years of railway preservation in Cornwall
By Roger Winnen
Part 3
02.09.1972 - 1363 near Walker Lines Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen
02.09.1972 - 1363 near Walker Lines Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen
02.09.1972 - 1363 Near Walker Lines. Copyright Roger Winnen
02.09.1972 - 1363 at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen
02.09.1972 - 1363 Crossing the road bridge at Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen
More archieve photos from Roger to follow tomorrow!
April Railtours - Times Added
A quick note to say that the two 'Midland Pullman' HST railtours to Devon later this month now have their times added in our Railtour Calendar section. Click here to view.
The Midland Pullman HST set at rest in Goodrington on 26.03.2024. The train is due to visit Devon again twice this month - visit our Railtour Calendar section for dates and timings. Copyright Jon Hird.