Blog Archives

Items added on 31st January 2018 Those added most recently come first

31/1/2018

Minehead
'Butlins Express'
Brian Pibworth

Butlin's Express 28th July 2007 Copyright Brian Pibworth.

Brian Pibworth has written an excellent article on this short lived experiment - to read all about it click here to go to our features section and look for item 1802

Time in Looe
Alan Harris

A delightful picture from the Alan Harris postcard collection.

Incredible shots at
Cowley Bridge
Ron Kosys

Railway and Aircraft Enthusiast Ron Kosys must have been 'over the moon'' to get these extremely rare shots at Cowley Bridge on the14th September 1988. Ron writes :-
Whilst having a session at Cowley Bridge Junction, the almost constant traffic noise was broken by the sound of a very close by helicopter. I was staggered when AS355 Twin Squirrel G-PAMI dropped over the top of the pub and hovered above the field immediately behind it. G-PAMI was at the time operated by Airzed Ltd, an Eastleigh based company, and was fitted with a camera for aerial film work. Within a minute or so, a very clean HST passed by on the Up, and G-PAMI set off in hot pursuit. I never did find out what the filming was for....
Despite how it looks in the image, the overhead power lines were not a safety hazard; they and the railway separated as the line headed north and certainly initially the filming was being undertaken from the east side of the line. Many thanks Ron for sharing these with us

Cowley Bridge 1 14th September 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

Cowley Bridge 2 14th September 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Seaton Junction
John Cornelius

Items added on 30th January 2018 Those added most recently come first

30/1/2018

The 'Red Devil'
Peter Murnaghan

I enclose a few pictures of the Red Devil, 153 325. As you know, it received a vinyl wrap to cover up its London Midland livery in 2013 to advertise Citizens Rail, a European funded project (2012-1015) that the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership participated in. I travelled on it on the Newquay branch last week and was amused to see that it still displays its London Midland legacy inside, with green seats (actually now in keeping with the new GWR green livery) and the old LM name (now historic itself) on the safety notices. I also took a picture in its former guise at Plymouth station on 24th October 2012.
I am sending you these pictures if you would like to use some of them.
Best wishes, Peter. Many thanks Peter

153325 at Plymouth 24th October 2012 Copyright Peter Murnaghan Doesn't it look smart?

153325 approaching St Blazey Bridge crossing. 26th January 2018 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

London Midland legacies in 153325 26th January 2018 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Close-up of London Midland legacy in 153325 26th January 2018 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Penzance visitors
Steve Widdowson

50047 Swiftsure waits to depart Penzance in August 1983 Copyright Steve Widdowson

D172 with support coach at Long Rock. The train is the Cornishman which departed Coventry at 05.50 on the 23rd September 1995 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Luxulyan Tunnel
Roger Winnen

Our party are seen emerging from Luxulyan Tunnel on the 7th April 1973. Those were the good old days when we were allowed to walk on branch lines - with the permission of the late Rusty Eplett of course. We were accompanied by Senior Railman Arthur Anstis. We'd left a Newquay bound train at Luxulyan station and, having walked down the line through the tunnel we scaled the cutting by Treffry viaduct and then walked down the tramway to Par. Copyight Roger Winnen

Bridges for
Luxulyan
Alan Harris

The pagoda at Luxuylan. Formerly known as Bridges for Luxulyan until 1st May 1905 Alan Harris Collection

Creech
John Cornelius

John recalls the wonderful days of steam on the four tracks at one time between Cogload and Taunton. One wonders whether increased traffic these days will ever result in the relaying of this section as four tracks once more? Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 29th January 2018 Those added most recently come first

29/1/2018

St Vincent at Penzance
Michael Forward

790610a 50004 St Vincent in sunshine at Penzance. Notice the old tracklayout when engines from Platform 1,2,3 and 4 could go direct to the sidings Sea and Long Siding before reversing into the loading banks. Copyright Michael Forward

A 'Taster'
Bob Evans

The last train of china clay came down the Pentewan Railway on 29th January 1918, exactly 100 years ago today Monday 29th January 2018. St Austell Voice newspaper last Wednesday 's edition did a 2 page spread for me, to commemorate this event with 11 pictures from my collection. I thought I should just let Cornwall Railway Society members know of this historic event. A couple of pictures attached. Taster of my talk to you on the 10th Feb. Regards Bob Evans Many thanks Bob, see you soon.

The now landlocked harbour at Pentewan. Copyright Robert Evans.

Don't forget. Bob will be presenting his talk at our usual venue in Redruth at 18.30 on Saturday 10th February - don't miss it.

Marazion
Alan Harris

Not many on the beach this day, and by the look of it not many on the platforms. This undated picture is courtesy the Alan Harris Collection. Note the rake of spare stock stabled in the sidings on the right and vans in the down sidings to the left. These sidings were later occupied by a rake of Pullmans. An up train is signalled through.

Tolcarn Junction
Roy Hart

TOLCARN JUNCTION A history by Roy Hart

Tolcarn Junction was, for the first half of the twentieth century, a vital node in the Cornish rail network, especially in the summer season, yet it remains a place of semi-mystery, under-photographed and forgotten. Today the site lies beneath residential and industrial development and has been completely lost.
The Cornwall Minerals Railway (Treffry tramways) established a single track triangular junction here in the 1870s. There was the passenger line to Newquay and the mineral triangle leading to the Treamble line.
At the Newquay apex was Treloggan Junction, at the Par end, Tolcarn Junction and at the Treamble end lay Lane Junction. In the 1870s there was a signal box mid-way along the northern chord, named Tolcarn Junction. It was probably a small wooden affair, operating some semaphore signals and the junction points at the eastern and western ends of the triangle.
The east chord (Tolcarn to Lane) seems to have fallen out of use in the 1890s, meaning that whatever traffic was coming up from Treamble had to be worked via Newquay, or stored in a group of sidings which replaced the east chord (they were connected to the Par line).
All changed with the construction of the Perranporth line, and the overhauling of the line to Shepherds to complete it, in 1905. A new, standard Great Western box with a 43 lever frame opened in about 1903, for the work to begin and passenger services began in 1905. Newquay station was rebuilt at the same time.
The age of the mineral lines here had ended and passenger traffic now dominated both lines.
Longer and heavier passenger trains between the wars saw the need for larger engines, but there were no facilities for them. The 1905 turntable at Newquay could just manage a 4-4-0 and the loco depot at Newquay was to be closed to allow for platform extensions, so the solution was to reinstate the old triangle at Tolcarn for engine – turning and this was done in 1931.
This was not quite the end, for during the 1930s the GWR steadily improved and expanded the facilities on the Par to Newquay line. Crossing loops were lengthened and some doubling took place. The final phase was to be an expansion of Newquay station, including doubling of the track from Tolcarn to Newquay. The box got a new, 52-lever frame in 1938 in preparation for this. The work required the reconstruction of Trenance viaduct. The widening of the viaduct was complete in 1939, but the remainder of the work was suspended for the duration of the war. The double track finally opened in 1946.
In the 1950s, Tolcarn Junction was a hive of activity on summer Saturdays especially, with two branch lines, through trains, engine turning and carriage movements. Diesels did not need turning and the closure of the Perranporth line put paid to Tolcarn Junction: the box closed in November 1964.
A short distance down the Perranporth line from the junction was Trevemper siding, serving Trevemper mill. The siding occupied a stretch of the Treffry mineral line which had been by-passed in 1874. The section to Trevemper remained technically open after the Perranporth line closed, because of an unexpired private siding agreement. There was no traffic and the lifting contractor is said to have put paid to the whole thing by mistakenly lifting the track! Many thanks to Roy for this article

Note the bonus 'E', an incorrect spelling. Thee token part of the K. Jenkin Collection.

A distant view of the lonely signalbox taken from a Chacewater bound train in August 1962. Copyright Keith Jenkin

A glimpse of the third leg of the triangle from a Chacewater - Newquay train. The line to the left to Newquay, that to the right towards Par. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Shepton Mallet
High Street
John Thorn

Shepton Mallet High Street on the Yatton to Witham line. A glimpse through the glass of a carriage window taken in 1958 which required quite a lot of editing but still well worthwhile recording. The sign, the goods wagons in the bay. This station closed to passengers on the 9th September 1963 and to goods on the 13th July 1964 Copyright John Thorn.

Bristol Temple Meads
John Cornelius

Items added on 28th January 2018 Those added most recently come first

28/1/2018

Okehampton - new station
David Tozer

It is reported that Devon County Council is discussing proposals for a New Parkway station which will provide a regular daily service to Exeter. Discussions include platform provision, how many, and the location of the new station.

The celebrity HST Power Cars with a glimpse of sunlight
Roger Winnen

180128a 90 Glorious Years the rear Power Car of the 09.47 to Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

180128b A glimpse of sunshine as this celebrity departs to Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

We continue to explore the Wenford Bridge Branch Courtesy of Andrew Jones

Dunmere Junction and towards Dunmere Crossing

We are now entering the Wenfordbridge Branch, in the 1978 photograph, the branch gate is closed, it still has its southern pattern cast iron ‘shut the gate ‘ sign and is in good condition. The footpath mentioned in an earlier posting is clearly there.
The building to the left is the permanent way trolley house and it is possible this once contained the ‘Camel Trolley’ which if I remember correctly was used to give rides at the April 1970 open day, at Bodmin General, hopefully Roger could verify. It did!
This building is situated at the start of what was the original trackbed to Bodmin, (later Bodmin North), sandwiched between the Wenfordbridge branch and the later deviation.
It is still possible to follow, adjacent and above the Wenfordbridge branch. Unfortunately in recent years the owner has allowed the track bed to return to nature, but it is still discernable.
In use from 30th September 1834 until the 1st November 1886, it crossed the main road on a level crossing approx 20 yards above and east of Wenfordbridge branch level crossing.
Major restructuring took place starting on the 1st November 1886, involving the closure of Bodmin station and the construction of a new alignment. This required a substantial cutting to the east and a road bridge, which can be seen on the map supplied by Keith.
The new alignment was opened after a lengthy closure, on the 1st November 1895.
It was not until the 2nd July 1906 that Dunmere Halt was commissioned.
The Jan 2018 photograph shows that the gate is still there, closer examination reveals that a faithful replica has been built, although not quite the same height, giving the gate a wider appearance.
The footpath is still usable to the right of the gate, but is restricted to pedestrian use, take a bicycle at your peril!

WENFORD BRIDGE COMPARISONS 012 Dunmere gate 1978 Copyright Andrew Jones

Moving on, the next 1978 photograph, time has stood still, its unlikely that this view has changed in over a 100 years, apart from the telegraph posts.
In the latest photograph taken in Jan 2018, the rails have been lifted and the track bed is now a private road. The original buildings have been extended and vegetation has started to encroach.

WENFORD BRIDGE COMPARISONS 014 East of Dunmere Junction. 1978 Copyright Andrew Jones

WENFORD BRIDGE COMPARISONS 015 East of Dunmere Junction. 2018 Copyright Andrew Jones

Test run to Lostwithiel
Jamie Dyke

Don't know if you have received any other photos of this working however 43153 + 43031 ran a test run from Laira to Lostwithiel and return yesterday. It ran as 0Z77 1245 Laira to Laira via Lostwithiel seen here at Bodmin Parkway. 27th January 2018. Copyright Jamie Dyke

Penzance 1987
Mike Hitchens

A van stands beside the covered goods siding at Penzance station. 1987 Copyright Mike Hitchens Collection.

March 1987 sees work on the removal of the roof over the goods loading banks at Penzance Station. Copyright the Mike Hitchens Collection

Clifton Gorge
John Thorn

It's 1975. At that date the line to Portishead itself was still open for freight, whilst the line into the new Portbury Docks was not opened until about 2000-02. I would suggest therefore that this is probably a return trip of ‘empties’ from Portishead power station. Work is in progress on the suspension bridge. Thanks for the info - from Chris Osment. Copyright John Thorn

Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius

When two members of the 6024 support crew, Shirley and Nick were married in 2007,they chartered a special train from Paddington to Yeovil junction hauled by 6024. The wedding took place at Sherborne and a reception held at the 'YRC' Yeovil junction. Later, the train which was named 'THE YEOVIL BETHROTHAL' took the happy pair and guests back to Paddington. Copyright John Cornelius.

6024 King Edward I passing Park Bridge Marston Magna in heavy rain with the returning Yeovil Betrothal charter. Presumably, after the wedding at Sherborne the contents of the tanks have now turned from water into wine! 16th February 2007 Copyright Brian Pibworth

Items added on 27th January 2018 Those added most recently come first

27/1/2018

Prepare for disruption

Major engineering works are planned in Cornwall for four days between the 19th and 22nd March 2018. There will be no trains between Truro and Penzance and the St Ives branch will be closed. Replacement bus services will be run - for details click here. During this time track replacement work will be carried out on the St Ives branch, a new and wider platform provided at St Erth for St Ives services - this is in conjunction with a new park and ride car park. Near Redruth, probably at Hallenbeagle, a mine shaft will be capped and further work carried out on the re-signalling scheme in Cornwall.

Shepherds
Roy Hart

SHEPHERDS A history by Roy Hart

Named after a neighbouring farm, Shepherds was a wayside siding on the mineral tramway built by Squire Treffry of Fowey and running from Treloggan near Newquay to Treamble, serving lead and tin mines there. It opened in 1849. At this time there were several mines working around the area, most notably East Wheal Rose. The line was upgraded for use by locomotives on June 1st, 1874.
Treffry’s tramways later became the Cornwall Minerals Railway and was absorbed by the GWR.
The GWR wished to forestall a move by the London and South Western Railway westwards into Cornwall. The LSWR had opened their North Cornwall line in 1890 to Wadebridge and Padstow, so a development of the Par to Newquay and Treamble branches was envisaged.
Shepherds station opened in 1905, when services through to Newquay began. The station, though remote (there were some railway houses adjacent, but nothing else except the farm) was a crossing place with two platforms of the same timber construction as that at Perranporth. The signal box was a standard Great Western ‘type 7’ of brick, with a 23-lever frame, same as Perranporth. The Junction for Treamble was on the up side and the branch was worked under ‘One Engine in Steam’ regulations, with wooden train staff.
The station buildings were of the standard GW pattern of the Edwardian era, found all over the system. Even the standard clump of Great Western trees was provided (they survive today).
Treamble was lifted in 1917, but re-instated in 1925. Traffic after the first world war seems mostly to have been sporadic, at best. The 1926 working timetable shows a daily trip, but by the 1930s it was ‘..to run as required’. After world war two there was virtually nothing and official closure came in 1952, although some of the line was used for the storage of redundant wagons for a few years after that.
The descent at the Newquay end of the station was steep and for safety reasons, the points leading to the siding at the Newquay end of the up platform were ‘spring points’ –set for the siding in order to deflect backward runaways. The siding formed a long loop, with the points at the Newquay end operated from a ground frame.
Local freight and passenger traffic was never much: the significance of Shepherds was as a crossing place on the long single line section and as the junction for Treamble.
During world war two there were one or two troop trains using the Treamble branch as access to the Penhale training area, but otherwise the war passed the Perranporth branch by. There were none of the expansions and additions which occurred on the branches on the South Cornish coast.
Shepherds housed a Camping Coach from the 1930s onwards: it was (along with all others) withdrawn during world war two, but had returned in the 1950s.
With only three significant buildings of brick, Shepherds station soon disappeared after closure: today the site is a muddy farmyard.
Many thanks Roy

Shepherds station looking from the road overbridge. Whilst the metals of the loop and main line are well polished it doesn't look as if the Treamble branch off to the right has seen much use. Although note a few wagons can be seen being stored on the branch.. As can be seen the line towards Truro which as been a steady climb from Trewerry and Trerice having levelled off for Shepherds station continues its climb towards Lanteague and Goonhavern. Copyright Mrs Maureen Glanville.

For more on the Chacewater to Newquay branch please click here.

Bath Spa
John Thorn

A very unusual view taken from Railway Place. Two 55XX DMU's (Bubble cars) in the up bay at Bath. The bay taken out of use w.e.f 31st March 1967. Copyright John Thorn

Forde Abbey
John Cornelius

Forde Abbey is actually about 200 yards away. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 26th January 2018 Those added most recently come first

26/1/2018

Today at
Stoke Canon
David Tozer

I managed a couple of photos of the 0831 Westbury - Exeter (Riverside) headed by 70814 with 70811 on the rear. Included in the formation of four wheel open wagons was Colas Crane DRC78226. Thanks David

70814 at Stoke Canon 26th January 2018 Copyright David Tozer

70811 brings up the rear. Stoke Canon 26th January 2018 Copyright David Tozer

St Blazey
Craig Munday

Under a darkening sky 66200 awaits departure from St Blazey with 6C53 25th January 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

Renumbering!
David Tozer

You are all going to love this, try the link below :-

http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/new-longer-train-numbers-to-come-into-effect-this-year

Regards Dave Tozer Many thanks David

Up Wearde Way
Ross Griffiths

50007 threads through Wearde cutting in the Mid 1980's. Copyright Ross Griffiths

A Peak with its train has just crossed Forder viaduct and will very soon enter Wearde cutting. This picture taken in the mid 1980's. Copyright Ross Griffiths.

Many thanks Ross

Whatley Quarry branch
Great Elm Tunnel
John Thorn

Great Elm tunnel June 2008 Copyright John Thorn

Looking from Great Elm Tunnel towards the quarry June 2008 Copyright John Thorn

The original route to the quarry proved unsuitable for modern motive power and was bypassed by Great Elm tunnel. This is the original route in June 2008 Copyright John Thorn

Many thanks John

Malago Vale 4
Ron Kosys

43015 and 43092 at Malago Vale with the 0Z74 0950 Laira-St Phillips Marsh 8th July 2009 Copyright Ron Kosys

43195 43097 Malago Vale 8th July 2009 Copyright Ron Kosys

43097 43195 Malago Vale 8th July 2009 Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron

Bristol Temple Meads
John Cornelius

What a grand name of a locomotive - the leader of the pack! Copyright John Cornelius

Many thanks John

Items added on 25th January 2018 Those added most recently come first

25/1/2018

Westbury Interlude
Martin Scane

My apologies to Martin - these pictures were taken yesterday but due to other business I've been unable to upload until now.

Rather a grotty day at Westbury yesterday. 66093 having moved its train out of the up yard is now seen reversing back onto the main line in order to access the down yard. 24th January 2018 Copyright Martin Scane

Westbury 66722 Sir Edward Watkin moving its train out of the up yard 24th January 2018 Copyright Martin Scane

The Swindon train departing. Westbury passing 66722 Sir Edward Watkin 24th January 2018 Copyright Martin Scane

66528 moves to access the up yard. Westbury 24th January 2018 Copyright Martin Scane

66528 waiting to access the up yard. Westbury 24th January 2018 Copyright Martin Scane

Many thanks Martin, better luck with the weather next time.

Terras Crossing
Ross Griffiths

A scene from the 80's taken by Ross Griffiths reminds us of how pleasant rail travel was in those days. We didn't mind the perhaps rough ride when we had the privilage of large windows and could also see the drivers view - if only from one end only. If only one could bring back the bubble cars!! Thanks for the happy memories Ross. Copyright Ross Griffiths

Midford (S & D)
John Thorn

Midford (S & D) in 2011 Closed to passengers 7th March 1966 and now a very popular cycleway. Copyright John Thorn

37025 At Truro
Craig Munday

News that the NR test train was to run to Truro, cross over and return to Penzance resulted in quite a gallery waiting at Truro for it. The train was worked by 37025 Inverness, rumoured to be leaving Colas soon.
The train is seen on arrival in the Up platform on 24th Jan 2018.
Cheers, Craig Many thanks Craig

37025 creates interest at Truro on the 24th January 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

HST Formations
Peter Murnaghan

With HST stock heading off from lease up to Scotland, I wonder whether it is depleting the available stock for our trains down here in Cornwall. This morning, the 0647 Penzance to Paddington was formed of only 7 cars, one of which was a First Open in the Standard class portion of the train (I presume that it was declassified for Standard class ticket holders). Here is the train leaving Liskeard, with 43 141 on the head, with 43 196 on the rear. Can we expect to see more abnormal formations over the coming months, I wonder ?
Best wishes, Peter Many thanks Peter

43141 leading 7 coaches 43196 on rear 25th January 2018 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Cardiff Calling
Adrian King

Adrian writes :- Hope your keeping well and still in fine form. I don't know if you'll be able to use these as I know Cardiff is well out of your area normally, but as Andrew Triggs visited our capital here in Wales earlier this week, as another set of his excellent photos showed I thought to send you a couple of much earlier shots I took back in the early 60's.
They were the days of course and its Easter Monday 1962 with a change of locomotive taking place at Platform 2 with a London bound train in the first photograph. Unfortunately I have no definite record of the locomotives but I think the one nearest the camera is No.5073 Blenheim or possibly No. 5072 Hurricane. The second photo shows No. 4912 Berrington Hall on the same day preparing to head off for Newport.
A little late but just the opportunity to wish you and all at CRS a very Happy New Year
Cheers Adrian Memories are made of this, Many thanks

Cardiff General early 1960's Copyright Adrian King

Cardiff General early 1960's 4912 Berrington Hall Copyright Adrian King

37025 Inverness TMD
Most probably its last visit for sometime
Roger Winnen

37025 Inverness TMD hauling the 20.29 test train Penzance to Exeter Riverside. This will be probably its last visit to Penzance for sometime. This engine is going off lease from Colas Rail and back to the Scottish Railway Preservation Society at Bo-ness on the shores of the Firth of Forth. Copyright Roger Winnen

Down Melksham Way
Guy Vincent

Guy writes on the 24th January :- A very wet and miserable day across the far east of your CRS domain today but two notable workings had to be covered on the Bradford Junction-Thingley Junction 'Melksham Single' line. 1) The regular 1Z22 0814 Tyseley-Bristol High Level Siding Infrastructure Monitoring Train which was top-and-tailed running south by class 37s 37116 and green 37057 rather than the more usual Colas class 67 locos. Forty or so minutes later the 'as required' 6M46 1218 Marchwood-Bicester MOD stores container train headed north along the same stretch of single line, a near-full load of containers hauled by GBRF celebrity 66743 in Belmond Royal Scotsman livery. Not every rare working takes place in good weather conditions, a shame but these were unmissable in my humble opinion!

ATB for now and hopefully no need for an umbrella for the next few days at least! Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy - enjoy the better weather

37116 passes Melksham with the 1Z22 0814 Tyseley - Bristol via Weymouth 24th January 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

37057 Melksham = The rear of 1Z22 0814 Tyseley-Bristol HLS via Weymouth 24th January 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Not far from Melksham 66743 passes Broughton Gifford with the 6M46 1218 Marchwood to Bicester 24th January 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Newquay
Alan Harris

A Castle dwarfed by the giant gas holder alongside Newquay station. On the same platform ahead is a 4675X class tank. presumably just arrived from Par. Alan Harris Collection

Malago Vale 3
Ron Kosys

37602 passes Malago Vale with the 6Z37 0900 Taunton - Fletton 8th July 2009 Copyright Rpn Kosys

67016 passes Malago Vale on the 8th July 2009 with the 2U14 1102 SX Taunton-Cardiff Copyright Ron Kosys

67017 passes Malago Vale on the 8th July 2009 with the 2U14 1102 SX Taunton-Cardiff Copyright Ron Kosys

Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius

The Yeovil team getting down to it. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 24th January 2018 Those added most recently come first

24/1/2018

Todays special
Karl Hewlett

Wednesday 24th January Penzance to Exeter Riverside NY
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H33271/2018/01/24/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H33273/2018/01/24/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H33272/2018/01/24/advanced

Should be 37025 which note this is likely the last time you will see this machine down here for some while, it is going off lease from Colas and back to SRPS at Bo-ness. At least you still have the day stop over at Penzance to view it! Kind Regards Karl (Friends Of Penmere Station).
Thanks Karl.

Newquay
Alan Harris

A delightful postcard courtesy the Alan Harris Collection depicts the days when the harbour was served by the tramway from Newquay station. This closed in 1926. Copyright

Malago Vale 2
Ron Kosys

Malago Vale 2A 43005 Paddington to Weston super Mare 11th August 2007 Copyright Ron Kosys

Malago Vale 2B Hired in Midland 42046 leads 1V49 0941 SO NCL - NQY 43073 at rear. 11th August 20017 Copyright Ron Kosys

Malago Vale 2C First Trans Pennine liveried 158764 works a Cardiff to Taunton service. 11th August 2007 Copyright Ron Kosys

East Anstey
John Thorn

East Anstey Camping Coach Holiday John Thorn writes - Only 5 at the time but I remember a violent storm - the same one that washed out Lynmouth. The yard was still in use at the time - August 1952. Copyright John Thorn

Pensford viaduct
Chris Osment

A ground level view of this remarkable structure taken by Chris Osment. Copyright

Par
Roger Winnen / Roy Hart

Here is a picture of the site of the old Par signal depot. It is of interest because the view is impossible today. By the time of this picture (1976) most of the buildings (a collection of old signal boxes and huts made from signal box components) had been demolished, including the former Blackwater West box. The building in the foreground is an example of the use of 'bits' of signalboxes being assembled into a box-like structure. PAR Signalling Depot Old Signal Box Par 22nd April 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

Roy replies :- This is the spot allright, but not the box. I note that the picture dates from 1976: by that time the signal depot had been shut for about 8 years. GW signal depots were made up of
1. Old wooden signalboxes, re-erected.
2. Buildings made up of bits of old signal boxes, such as the characteristic windows

The building in the picture is a 2.
The Par signal depot was a collection of about 7 or 8 such huts and boxes. The old Pinnock Tunnel box (closed 1959) stood next to the main line. Old Blackwater West stood off the picture to the left. It was what the Signalling Record Society call a type 25. There was only one other like it in Cornwall: St Germans. It was, if you like, a wooden version of type 5 (Roskear/St Erth).

Thornford
John Cornelius

Items added on 23rd January 2018 Those added most recently come first

23/1/2018

Burning the Midnight Oil
at Penzance
Andrew Triggs Roger Winnen

. WellA group of seven railway enthusiasts arrived by midnight at Penzance Station to witness the first run in the dark to Penzance of an IEP and being the first 0802 101 set a nine car formation on a test run. The train was the 5X23 Laira T&R.S.M.D. 21.13 to Penzance and returning at 03.31hrs. Well done!!!

180124a One small step for man as 802101 a nine coach IEP unit arrives Penzance at 00.03 hrs Copyright Roger Winnen

180124d A black and white photograph 802 101 Copyright Andrew Triggs

180124b Viewed from the balcony at Penzance Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

180124e 802 101 Brand new condition with its seats still covered over stands in Platform 1 at the terminus. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180124c This train was scheduled over three hours at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

180124f The full length of this unit viewed from the buffer stops. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Bristol Temple Meads
Today
Martin Scane

Many thanks Martin

Exeter's New Depot
David Tozer

Many thanks to Dave Tozer who has sent us the link below to some very interesting information on the start of work on the new depot. Please click below :-
https://www.gwr.com/about-us/media-centre/news/2018/january/work-on-new-40-million-rail-depot-for-exeter-due-to-start

Blackwater Junction
Roy Hart

BLACKWATER JUNCTION An article by Roy Hart

The late Lance Ibbotson, former General Manager of the Western Region once commented to me that they ‘closed the wrong Newquay branch’. How right he was, but too late.
As a teenager, I spent much time in Chacewater box, in the company of the late Leslie Roberts. His father, still alive then (this would be 1964-6) had worked on the construction of the line in 1901-3 and lived to ride on the last train on February 2nd, 1963. The old man lived at Blackwater and would often climb up on to the rusty track and shake his head in bewilderment at the course of events. Both he and his son told me about Blackwater Junction.
The photographs show the junction in the spring of 1903, just before the passenger opening. The first of the three boxes to open was the East box, on December 21st 1902. The West and North boxes followed on July 6th 1903. The photographs show that the line from East box to Perranporth appears ready for traffic, but the signals on the West curve carry crosses –‘not in use’. West and East boxes had 19 lever frames: North had 17. Picture (1)
Note the contractor’s tiny locomotive with wagons at the centre of the second picture. Pictures (2A) & (2B)
For almost its entire life, Blackwater West box was ‘switched out’. There was limited traffic on the West curve (notably a daily freight from Redruth) and regular passenger trains on the curve stopped during the first world war.
Oddly, West box had the longest life of the three: it opened in 1892 as Scorrier signal box. It was of wooden construction. A new brick box opened at Scorrier in 1902 and the structure was dismantled and re-erected at Blackwater West Junction. It was the first of the three to close (18-9-24) and was again dismantled and re-erected at Par signal depot, where it survived as a workshop and store until demolished in 1967, when the depot moved to St Blazey. Par signal depot stood on the up side, just beyond the overbridge: the site is notable today for the vast clump of the pernicious Cupressus Leylandii there, which seem to be taking over the place.
The normal operation of trains on the branch required East box (on the main line) to be open and also North box. North box issued the electric staff for the section to Perranporth. St Agnes was then merely an intermediate station with a freight siding operated by ground frames: trains could not cross there.
Passenger services between Truro and Perranporth began on July 6th 1903 and were operated by steam railmotors from the start. Chacewater station at this time was merely an intermediate station with two, short platforms: trains could neither start nor terminate there. The section beyond Perranporth to Newquay (partly using an upgraded section of the old Cornwall Minerals Railway) opened in 1905.
With the West curve virtually unused, the GWR made the inevitable economy in 1924. West curve (officially closed since 1919, but still usable) was removed on September 18th while a new third line into Chacewater station (which had been rebuilt in 1912 with a bay line) opened on November 9th.
The triangle was constructed largely of mine spoil and was so polluted that almost nothing would grow on it. The ballasted formation of the west curve was still a distinctive feature of the view from main line trains until the whole site was bisected by the construction of the A30.

Many thanks to Roy for this article.

Blackwater Junctions From 25 inch OS Map 1900. Reproduced with permission of National Museum of Scotland. The Great Western Main line heads to Redruth, left and to Truro, right. The Newquay branch heads north crossing the old A30 road by means of a substantial brick bridge. The new A30, dual carriageway parallels the railway from the left cutting through the triangle.

Picture (1) Looking at Blackwater North Signalbox the line crossing the old A30 bridge - see brickwork to the left. The branch line becomes double just prior to this location, to the left it swings towards Blackwater East Junction with the main line and to the right it heads to join the main line at Blackwater West Junction.

Picture (2A) We are now looking at Blackwater North signalbox from the far side of the main line which is in the foreground. Looking carefully you can see a contractors loco beyond the telephone pole.

An edited enlargement from the picture above. In this view in which the telephone pole has been removed the contractors loco and wagon are better seen. Apologies for the quality of this picture.

Blackwater Junction. This picture taken from a down train on the 18th February 1964 shows the Newquay branch heading away for St Agnes. Blackwater West Signalbox would have been just off this picture to the right. Copyright K. Jenkin

For more on the Chacewater - Newquay branch please click here.

50016 Barham
at Penzance
Michael Forward

850616a 50016 Barham having just arrived at Platform 3 with the 07,02 from Exeter. Copyright Michael Forward

East Anstey 1
John Thorn

East Anstey1 Camping Coach holiday at East Anstey (just W from Dulverton) in August 1952. Copyright John Thorn

Special trains this week
Karl Hewlett

Dear Keith. A third attempt at running, this week 'should' see a run of a test train to our region which will be the usual Colas Rail class 37 with coaches and DBSO. The down run is in a Q path again and there are no less than at least three different variations of this path currently in the system, all Q and with the dreaded pink banner: Runs as required - this service only runs when it is required. This warning will disappear if it is activated in the railway computer systems. Again keep a close eye nearer the day, but I am on the understanding that the times sent below should be the right ones. The times are:

Tuesday 23rd January Exeter Riverside NY to Penzance via Falmouth Docks
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H33267/2018/01/23/advanced

Wednesday 24th January Penzance to Exeter Riverside NY via Newquay and Looe
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H33273/2018/01/24/advanced

Another return visitor to the south west is an IET set. There has been some confusion in the past over their official classification of IEP or IET, I can confirm that it is IET. Unfortunately this run is at night but there are a few stopping points en route at Liskeard, Bodmin, Lostwithiel, Par, St Austell and Redruth, times are:

Tuesday 23rd January Laira T&RSMD to Laira T&RSMD via Penzance
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K97613/2018/01/23/advanced

Kind Regards Karl Hewlett Many thanks Karl

Also from Richard Kitson The IET Test Train

This has been passed to me by a colleague in Exeter, unfortunately extremely unsociable hours.Mon 22/01/18
5X22 19:13 Stoke Gifford to Laira
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K12945/2018/01/22/advanced

Tue 23/01/18
5X23 21:13 Laira to Laira via Penzance
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K97613/2018/01/23/advanced

Thu 25/01/18
5X32 21:10 Laira to Stoke Gifford
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K12948/2018/01/25/advanced

Richard Kitson Many thanks Richard

Nanstallon
Alan Harris

Unfortunately low resolution but a fascinating study of Nanstallon. Undated. From the Alan Harris Collection

Mallago Vale 1
Butlins Express
Ron Kosys

The main road was clear when I headed out of Bristol to Bristol Airport. Unfortunately some four hours later (after doing my work followed for a very short photting stint at Flax Bourton) I joined a very slow moving line of traffic heading towards Bristol.
I wasn’t going to get the Butlins express returning at this rate. I only knew of a couple of suitable locations but was still keen to shoot the 31s returning south off the footbridge that crossed over the site of the former extensive carriage sidings at Malago Vale.
I turned off the main road at the first opportunity making very frequent left and right turns following only my sense of direction. Incredibly I found the footbridge, parked in the only remaining parking space, ran up onto the bridge as I heard an approaching train. This turned out to be a 158 heading north but as soon as that had passed under the footbridge the 31s appeared around the corner heading south. How do you spell ‘phew’??
Regards Ron Many thanks Ron

Saturday 11th August 2007
31454 (front) 31452 (rear)
1Z39 1406 Bristol - Minehead

Malago Vale 31454 heads the 1Z39 1406 Bristol - Minehead 31452 11th August 2007 Copyright Ron Kosys

Malago Vale 31452 on the rear of 1Z39 1406 Bristol - Minehead 31454 11th August 2007 Copyright Ron Kosys

Exton
John Cornelius

A delightful spot. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 22nd January 2018 Those added most recently come first

22/1/2018

A Day spent at
Cardiff Central
Andrew Triggs
Part 2

180119e DBC 66086 awaiting the Green Light for Margam working 6F06 from Newport Docks, while 800024 and 22 run back into the station for the next train to Paddington. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180119f HST's still providing sterling service with 43020 'MTU Power, Passion & Partnership' arriving with a Swansea Paddington service - Copyright Andrew Triggs

180119g 6H27 Margam T.C. Llanwern Exchange with DBC 66018 in charge heading east. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180119h Freightliner 66526 heading through Platform 7 with 6C93 Cwmbargoed Opencast FHH Port Talbot Grange SDG FHH. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Pensford
John Thorn

Pensford viaduct, beautifully lit, looking south November 1999 taken from a plane landing at Bristol. Pensford station site, now built over, is centre far left. Copyright John Thorn

Mystery Location
Alan Harris

Taken by his young grandson, who thought it of railway interest, a picture somewhere in the Camborne area. Any ideas where? From the Alan Harris Collection.

Gunstone Mill
Ron Kosys

Ron writes :-
At the time, one of my favourite locations ANYWHERE. Period.
Peace and quiet.
Only interrupted by the occasional passing car and DMU.
And the less occasional Class 33 and Class 50 on ballast.
Many thanks Ron

Laira 954 passes Gunstone Mill on the two single line section between Crediton and Yeoford with a working to Barnstaple. 4th May 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys

Digby & Sowton
John Cornelius

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