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Items added on the 22nd January 2016 Those most recently added come first

22/1/2016

Class 60047 at Truro. By Mick House

Class 60047 Arrived this morning at 08.53, 34 minuets late at Truro to pick up Railvac, after a run-round in the station the train ran to was put back into the yard ready for a 11.32 departure to Westbury.
Photos and words by Mick House

60047 arriving at Truro Copyright Mick House

The same loco from a different angle. 22nd January 2016 Copyright Roger Aston

60047 with Railvac in Truro yard. Copyright Mick House

60047 runs around Railvac in Truro station. Copyright Mick House

60047 with Railvac Truro yard waiting to depart for Westbury. Copyright Mick House

For more photos of the Railvac take a look at our
ENGINEERING PLANT DIARY

Items added on the 21st January 2016 Those most recently added come first

22/1/2016

STOP PRESS -
a last minute item from Martin Duff

Evening Keith,
Rather off piste I appreciate, however wanted to share the event with you all the same. This morning Class 37 No. 37025 "Inverness TMD" which is normally resident at Bo'ness, has been hired to Colas Rail this week. Recently out-shopped in BR large logo blue, the loco worked into South Wales via Lydney this morning. It was hauled by 50007 "Hercules", on 0Z35 from Washwood to Barry. The small convoy arrived in Cardiff just after 11.00, waiting on the Down Main line for a crew relief, and a handful of trains to pass before moving off at 11.19. After arrival at Barry, the 50 went back light - noted passing Chepstow at 13.32. A real case of third time lucky this - after two abortive solo runs earlier this week. This loco bowled me out in June 1998 (and here's the Cornish connection) when it hauled a Summer Saturday Virgin HST to Newquay, forward from Plymouth. Myself and Tony Wright had been at Newquay on the Midland Main Line HST from Manchester, and the up working was late. We got back to Par, and boarded a DMU to Truro - little did we know the 37 + HST was out round the corner waiting to cross to the branch! My response when I found out, was unprintable ... This is a family friendly site after all. Regards, Martin Many thanks Martin

50 007 Hercules looking immaculate hauls the 37 into Cardiff today 21st January 2016 Copyright Martin Duff

- and here is 37 025 also looking immaculate today 21st January 2016 Copyright Martin Duff

Two more from the late John Fill

A couple of unusual black and whites taken from our Severn Explorer Charter train by the late John Fill.

It's Cowley Bridge ahead as 50 002 Superb, hauling our 1986 Severn Explorer charter is about to pop under the bridge. Note the signalbox peeping under the bridge. Copyright the late John Fill

A quite 'superb' picture of 'Superb' on our railtour at Worcester Shrub Hill hauling the Severn Explorer 17th May 86 picture by the late John Fill

Items added on the 20th January 2016 Those most recently added come first

21/1/2016

Worried about rising sea levels? Derek Buttivant draws our attention to a detailed report.

Hello Keith.

You might like to put the following web link on the CRS site for anyone interested in reading a very detailed report on how rising sea levels can be expected to threaten rail routes and services in coming years. The link is:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966692315002197
This is a lengthy scientific paper but it includes a great deal of data about past and likely future disruption to south west train services resulting from storm damage on the Dawlish-Teignmouth sea wall. (The railway press has given coverage to this report in current magazine editions and it was widely reported in the media generally).

We had an interesting talk on this subject a couple of years ago and this study fills in a great deal of the detail. It also reinforces the need for an alternative route - likely to be a new railway inland between Exeter and Newton Abbot but also perhaps strengthening the case for reinstatement between Okehampton and Tavistock. Network Rail, in a report in 2015, looked at future capacity requirements and concluded that, quite apart from the worries about storm damage, four tracks would be needed between Exeter and Newton Abbot by 2034. I would be 90 in that year....so I'm not guaranteed to see whether these reports will have been acted upon by then!

Kind regards, Derek Many thanks Derek

The Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway Part 5 by Andrew Triggs

931107a Bath Green Park Station frontage in 1991. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Bath Green Park Station frontage in 2015. Copyright Mick House

931107b Chilcompton Tunnel, looking towards Midsomer Norton,the tunnel on the former 'up' line in use as a riffle range. Copyright Andrew Triggs

931107c Pylle Station, on the branch to Highbridge, the station building viewed from disused trackbed on 7th November, 1993

931107d Pylle Station, roadside view, with the sympathetically extended Station Building on 7th November, 1993.

931107e Midsomer Norton. The Waiting Shelter on the 'Up' platform, in need of some TLC on 7th November, 1993

Middleway Level Crossing Signal Box The late John Fill

There is a certain charm about black and white pictures and we hope to bring you some of the many which the late John Fill took while he was a member of the society. We are most grateful to Mary Fill for giving us the negatives of his work.

Middleway Bridge Crossing Ground Frame. This picture taken in 1981 by the late John Fill. Copyright

The days before barriers and CCTV. The gates and crossing keepers hut seen by the late john Fill while on a CRS Treffry Tramway walk in 1981. Copyright

Within a couple of hours of the above pictures appearing on the web site Roy Hart kindly advised us on the history of the box.
Very many thanks Roy.
Dear Keith,
The History of MIDDLEWAY This was believed to be built by the Cornwall Minerals Railway, in 1876. It worked with the original CMR box at St Blazey. Middleway was a fully- fledged signal box at that time. In 1908 the present St Blazey box was built and Middleway became a ground frame, controlling the gates and also 'slotting' the neighbouring St Blazey signals. Slotting meant that the signals were dual controlled, with the levers in both boxes reversed in order for the signal arm to be lowered. Technology improved, and in 1931 Middleway became a crossing keepers post, where the one remaining lever (out of the original 7) -the gate bolt -was released electronically by a lever in St Blazey box. Thus it remained until the next technological advance had the crossing controlled by CCTV from St Blazey.
Roy

Items added on the 18th January 2016 Those most recently added come first

21/1/2016

Roger Geach heads for Penzance

47827 1330 Penzance to Plymouth north of Angarrack Viaduct 29th July 1993 Copyright Roger Geach

Near the end of the journey. 47827 with the 1555 Plymouth to Penzance west of St Erth 29th July 1993 Copyright Roger Geach

1072 Western Glory arrives on the 1b83 2345 Paddington to Penzance 26th May 1975 Copyright Roger Geach

Items added on the 17th January 2016 Those most recently added come first

18/1/2016

HOPEFUL BUT NOT JUST YET! Kevin Jenkin

Indicating the destination of SWANAGE the 158 shown below was on the Salisbury, Romsey, Southampton, Eastleigh and Romsey shuttle. Hopefully it won't be long before we see such units and other trains providing a regular service between Wareham and Swanage.

158 888 waits to leave for St Denys, Swathing, Southampton Parkway, Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford, and Romsey. January 2016. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Items added on the 16th January 2016 Those most recently added come first

16/1/2016

The Railway scene in Cornwall, Andrew Triggs visits Calstock and Marazion nearly the two extremities of the railway in County.

160115a Early in the day 150263 working the 2P 84 being the 11.45 Gunnislake-Plymouth service crossing the viaduct back into glorious Devon on a wet day. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

160115b In the Cornish 'Mizzle; 150244 crosses Calstock Viaduct working the 2G 75 being the 12.54 Plymouth-Gunnislake service. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

160116a The Great Western Livery HST 43187 and 43188 on the 1A 81 08.45 Penzance to Paddington at speed passing Marazion Marsh Crossing. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

160116b Marazion Marsh Crossing. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Saturday St Blazey Shunt Picture by Craig Munday

Hiya Keith, One feature I never tire of is the St Blazey Saturday shunt. Rather like a dance practice, or other ritual, the various wagons needing attention are carefully plucked from their formations and deposited in the different lines at the depot for work.
From nearby, it a hark back to the golden days of marshalling yards, with buffers gently clanking, coupling being dropped, and the hissing of brake pipes as the trains are shuffled around. The whole process can take a few hours. Though it may seem a bit grotesque that a 126 tonne class 66 does the work rather than a resident class 08 or 09 diesel shunter.
The sun rose rather majestically this morning causing this rather super sun / shade effect across the trains and frozen infrastructure. The "dreaded" long term GM loco 66156 is back with us. Let's hope it's a shorter stay than a few years ago.
Cheers Craig Munday Many thanks Craig

Craig Munday braves the cold on a frosty morning and takes a strangely lit picture of the Saturday shunt ritual. 16th January 2016 Copyright

Two from Roger Geach

Roger Geach continues his journey west with pictures from his archive. Many thanks Roger

47814 heads the Penzance to Manchester over Derrycoombe viaduct 12th July 1999 Copyright Roger Geach

The classic shot as 1044 W Duchess prepares to leave Bodmin Parkway with the 1b81 0800 Bristol TM to Penzance on 15th April 1974 Copyright Roger Geach

Penryn 14th January 2016 Roger Winnen

The one time 'wide view' of Penryn station and Goods Yard area from the road overbridge south of the station has all but been lost due to the tree growth and the University Flats built on the yard's ground. 14th January 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

A platform viuew showing how convenient the station is for students from the University who lodge in the flats. 14th January 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

Roger Winnen comes up Trumps at Hayle Wharves.

The recent excellent article by Roy Hart on the operation of the Hayle Wharves branch has caused a lot of interest and provided yet more pictures. Take a look in the Hayle Wharves section for more pictures.
Roger Winnen has also been diving into his massive collection and provides pictures of Hayle Wharves Ground Frame, however, lets start with the box at Hayle from an unusual angle. Many thanks Roger.

820703a Hayle Signal Box photographed 4 days before closure. 3rd July 1982 Copyright Roger Winnen

820703b The signals are still in place, however Hayle Signal Box closed four days later on 7th July, 1982 Note the catch point. Copyright Roger Winnen

820703c The rusty rails of the Hayle Wharves Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

820703d Now here we have it. The disused Hayle Wharf Ground Frame with the Crossing Barriers lying on the ground behind it.. Copyright Roger Winnen

820703e Looking through thewindow of Hayle Wharf Ground Frame. Copyright Roger Winnen

820703f The signed document inside Hayle Ground Frame. The last entry on closure of the Ground Frame. Copyright Roger Winnen

Items added on the 15th January 2016 Those most recently added come first

15/1/2016

Shunting at Penzance yesterday Craig Munday

Hi Keith, Whilst at Long Rock on 15th Jan 2016, DRS class 57/6 57303 Pride Of Carlisle - still on hire to GWR - was engaged on servicing the down Night Riviera stock. Penzance Driver Lee Macdonald was in charge in the sunshine., Cheers Craig Many thanks Craig

Driver Lee Macdonald enjoys the sun at Penzance. 15th January 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Changing Landscapes by David Tozer

Keith, A couple of photographs taken this morning (14th) from the over bridge near Pinhoe Railway Station.
159004 'Basingstoke & Deane' approaches Pinhoe with the 1025 Exeter (St David's) - London (Waterloo).
This was then followed by:-
43014 'The Railway Observer' & 43013 with the Network Rail NMT HST 1040 Exeter (New Yard) - Salisbury.

Compare these scenes with the one I took from the same location of the Barclay Class 20's top and tailing the weed killer train back in 1989 posted in your Exmouth Junction - Honiton section.

Both o f these photographs were taken off my video footage.
Dave Many thanks David

159004 'Basingstoke & Deane' approaches Pinhoe with the 1025 Exeter (St David's) - London (Waterloo). 14th January 2016 Copyright David Tozer

43014 'The Railway Observer' & 43013 with the Network Rail NMT HST 1040 Exeter (New Yard) - Salisbury. 14th January 2016 Copyright David Tozer

The weedkiller train headed by 20904 with 20901 on the rear, they are also passing the site of the Ministry of Supply Siding on the 11th June 1989 Copyright David Tozer

Whoops - Derailment at Taunton Robert Lindley

Thought you might be interested in this picture taken at Taunton Fairwater Yard, when part of the HOBC set derailed during shunting procedures. One bogie decided to go each way at the points just out of the shot at the bottom of the picture – Oops!
I can’t remember the exact date, but it was around the 30th March 2009. It was after this that the crane sent to re-rail the vehicle, touched overhead power lines and welded itself to the rails! Luckily no-one was hurt.
Many thanks for this Robert, a real action shot, luckily a rarity.

Oh dear, rail engineers wonder quite what to do with this incident. Taunton Fairwater Yard March 2009. Copyright Robert Lindley

Variety at Truro Yard in 1975 Roger Geach

This vintage shot of Truro yard on the 23rd January 1975 shows quite a variety of wagons no longer seen on our system. Copyright Roger Geach

Don't forget - this evening at 18.30 BBC 2

Michael Portillo interviews Paul Burkhalter, author of that detailed work on the Devonport Dockyard Railways.

Items added on the 14th January 2016 Those most recently added come first

15/1/2016

Andrew Triggs explores the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway in 1991 Part 4

910101l Winsor Hill, the 'New' 126 yard, from when the line was doubled in 1892, looking towards Masbury. Copyright Andrew Triggs

910101m Winsor Hill 'up' tunnel looking towards Shepton Mallet. Copyright Andrew Triggs

910101n Station approach road at Masbury, and the preserved station buildings are on the 'up' platform. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

910101o A road near Bath Green Park Station named after the legendary S&D photographer 1915-1989. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

910101p Bath Green Park, the train shed remains as part of the Sainsbury's stores site. Copyright Andrew Triggs

910101q The former Goods shed at Pylle on the branch to Highbridge, now converted into a private dwelling. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

A night trip on the Gunnislake branch by Craig Monday

Hi Keith, An interesting couple of days in the South West.

Jan 12th saw me accompany 3Q91 The Network Rail Ultrasonic test train along the Tamar Valley line to assist with the ground frame at Bere Alston. In the event, the train terminated at Bere Alston with route restrictions for the DRS class 37/6 number 37688 Kingmore TMD. The trip was very enjoyable, especially on the return with the awesome sounds of the 37 powering up the steep climb to St Budeaux Victoria Rd with the Royal Albert bridge beautifully lit above us. Memories to treasure.

The next day, 13th, Colas loco 70803 dropped the Railvac off in Truro yard. A bit too soon for a picture on the way down, but the sun held for the return light loco at Coombe viaduct in sparkling light. 1A83 was up just before it too. All the best for now Craig
Many thanks Craig

Bere Alston long after the last passengers have gone home . 12th January 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Manning the 'Token box' at St Budeaux. 12th January 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

37688 3Q91 St Budeaux 12th January 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

A striking view of 37688 3Q91 at St Budeaux 12th January 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

And finally, the next day 70803 heads for home across St Stephens Coombe Viaduct. 13th January 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

A detailed look at the Railvac. by Roger Aston

The arrival of the Railvac at Truro, being an unusual machine, sparked off considerable interest. In these views Roger Aston has taken a close look at the component parts of the machine and its operation becomes self evident.
No more views of the Railvac unless it's somewhere other than at Truro please - many thanks to Roger A.

The business end of the rail vac - a giant vacuum cleaner. 13th January 2016 in Truro Yard. Copyright Roger Aston

The business end of the rail vac - a giant vacuum cleaner. (2) 13th January 2016 in Truro Yard. Copyright Roger Aston

The business end of the rail vac - a giant vacuum cleaner. (3) 13th January 2016 in Truro Yard. Copyright Roger Aston

The Rail Vacs Power Supply.. 13th January 2016 in Truro Yard. Copyright Roger Aston

Items added on the 13th January 2016 Those most recently added come first

13/1/2016

An Update on the Torbay Express to Penzance
Many thanks to Martin Duff

Hello Keith, A lot of eyebrows were raised on places such as Facebook etc, on Saturday night about the supposed running of the Torbay Express to Penzance.
I think I have found the reason. The Torbay Express normally runs as 1C22, the 16.27 Paddington to Paignton on Saturdays. However, on Saturday just gone, the schedule was altered due to engineering work, and the path for 1C22 16.27 Paddington was used for the Penzance train on a variation schedule. It is likely that the digital passenger systems recognise 1C22 (GWR operated) as the Torbay Express, and therefore the name was retained. Expect the same this weekend.
Regards, Martin Many thanks for Technical Explanation.

One more from Paul Rundle - The VAC at Truro

A lovely day for a picture - Paul Rundle's picture of the Railvac at Truro. 13th January 2016 Copyright Keith Jenkin

'Hoover on Tour' just in time to see the Class 70 at Truro with the Swedish Railvac machine. Roger Winnen

Class 70803 hauled the Rail Vac to Truro this morning from Westbury departing at 03.37, running 60 mins early with an arrival at Truro at 08.54. Travelling on the 10.00hrs Penzance to Truro I expected a long wait until 12.25 for its departure to Westbury, however on arrival at Truro the train crew were preparing to depart, which it did at 10.55 running 90 mins early and arriving at its destination in Wiltshire 150 early. When photographing Freight Trains you need the Boy Scout's moto 'Be prepared' for anything!

160113a 70803a With the Rail Vac at Truro. Copyright Roger Winnen

160113b In brilliant light the Class 70 is about to depart for Westbury. Copyright Roger Winnen

160113c With the signal pulled off for a Penzance service, 70803 is seen on the up road heading back west to Westbury. Copyright Roger Winnen

160113d The close up details of the Swedish Rail Vac. Copyright Roger Winnen

Part 3 Andrew Triggs explores the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway in 1991

910101f Memorial Gates at Sturminster Newton to the S & D, the reclaimed parkland behind being formed on the infilled deep former railway cutting through the town, Copyright Andrew Triggs

910101g Sturminster Newton, bridge No 171, with removed lattice girder over the River Stour. Copyright Andrew Triggs

910101h Charlton Road Viaduct, Shepton Mallet, showing the two halves of the viaduct,the brick section from the doubling of the line in 1892. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

910101i The recently demolished bridge No 3 removed in late 2015 as part of the GW mainline electrification programme. Copyright Andrew Triggs

910101j Winsor Hill tunnel looking towards Shepton Mallet. Copyright Andrew Triggs

910101k Winsor Hill. The original 239 yard tunnel, looking towards Masbury. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Roger Geach in East Cornwall

47813 at Forder. From the overbridge to the west of the viaduct looking west a Penzance to Paddington service on the 18th July 2001 Copyright Roger Geach

47818 a Penzance to Manchester train at Bethany or Brudges Shop 17th March 1999 Copyright Roger Geach

1063 Western Monitor on Liskeard Viaduct taken from the Plymouth side on the 4M05 Penzance to Crewe vans on a gloomy 28th March 2001 Copyright Roger Geach

Full details of the Dartmoor Railway Event

Special Events on the Dartmoor RailwaySulzer weekend
On January 23rd and 24th, Dartmoor Railway CIC will be running an enthusiasts weekend utilising the Polar Express traction before it leaves the railway. The locomotives available are 45060 'Sherwood Forester', 33103 'Swordfish' and 47701 'Waverley'. All are Sulzer-powered, the first 2 with Crompton Parkinson main generator and traction motors, the 47 with Brush electrics.

We will be running 3 round trips per day, with a 15 minute break at Meldon to allow time for a brief visit to the viaduct.

For full details of the Dartmoor Railway event please use the following link here http://www.dartmoor-railway-sa.org/specialevents

Items added on the 12th January 2016 Those most recently added come first

12/1/2016

Postal Memories with Class 47s in Res Livery and a 67 in its EWS Livery, by Michael Forward.

940303a Up at Par we see 47714 speeding through the station with the 14.00hrs vans from Penzance. Copyright Michael Forward

940303b 25 mins later now a sunny afternoon 47579 'Resilient' heads for Penzance, no doubt from Plymouth. Copyright Michael Forward

940303c With no actual date recorded, we see 47626 front and 47476 'Nignt Mail' with the 19.30 Postal from Penzance. The engines arriving together at 16.30hrs Copyright Michael Forward

940303d 67018 at the head of the Postal at Penzance on a dull evening in mid summer 7th June 2000. Copyright Michael Forward

Class 50's on the Newquay branch in 1987 David Ive

Hi Keith,

Following several recent pictures on the Newquay branch on the website, you may be interested in the attached offerings from my collection. They were taken on Saturday 4 July 1987; Newquay signal box closed in the October of that year.

These pictures are from the "Cornish Railways" gallery of my website at http://www.djipix.com/view/gallery/images?category=1&subcategory=19

I hope that these are of use and interest. Kind regards, David Ive
http://djipix.com Many thanks David

An unidentified Class 50 passing Luxulyan Halt with an up train. The coaching stock is in NSE livery, so I assume it is a train for Paddington. 4th July 1987 Copyright David Ive

A smashing picture especially with all the semaphores. Probably 50 044 'Exeter' coming in over Trenance Viaduct 4th July 1987. Copyright David Ive

Again the semaphores make the picture complete as the driver hands over the token to the signalman. All is gone now, the '50', the box and signals. We hope the signalman is still alive and well. 4th July 1987 Copyright David Ive.

And finally the crew sat on the bench enjoy a cuppa and chat. Surprisingly they don't seem to be in any hurry to run round ready to leave on a local service to Plymouth. Note the large gas holder so a feature at this station. Saturday 4th July 1987. Copyright David Ive,

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Class 60047 Arrived this morning at 08.53, 34 minuets late at Truro to pick up Railvac, after a run-round in the station the train ran to was put back into the yard ready for a 11.32 departure to Westbury.​Photos and words by Mick House

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Class 60047 Arrived this morning at 08.53, 34 minuets late at Truro to pick up Railvac, after a run-round in the station the train ran to was put back into the yard ready for a 11.32 departure to Westbury.
Photos and words by Mick House