Blog Archives

21st January 2023

21/1/2023

Snow in West Cornwall
9th & 10th February 1991
Roger Winnen

910209a 47584 County of Suffolk at Long Rock with the Royal Mail. Copyright Roger Winnen

910209b An HST heads a service to the north of England. Copyright Roger Winnen

910209c The Pullman Coaches at Marazion. Copyright Roger Winnen

910209d 47628 Arrives at Penzance with a local from Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

910209e A Class 47 departs Penzance with a service to Manchester. Copyright Roger Winnen

910209f The arrival of a Paddington service approaches Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bourton & Ashbury Crossings
Ken Mumford

Friends,
I decided to go to Ashbury Crossing myself today BUT because the sun was so strong I decided to go east to Bourton, then back to the north side fo Ashbury Crossing. These are my photos.
Kind regards, Ken Mumford.

At Bourton Crossing where 'over the hedge' I got this shot of what I think was 6C48 running late! 20th January 2023. Copyright Ken Mumford.

At Bourton heading east 'Ben Nevis' AGAIN! [Seen yesterday at Ashbury Crossing!] 20th January 2023. Copyright Ken Nunford.

An extremely informative information board at Ashbury Crossing. Note the old board behind. 20th January 2023. Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

Around
Exeter
Paul Barlow

43184 on the rear of 1527 Plymouth to Leeds 1E63 43303 was on the front20th January 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43022 43189 1400 Cardiff to Penzance leaves Exeter 43022's Penultimate day in traffic. 20th January 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43042 43009 on the 12.50 Penzance to Cardiff approaches Exeter St Thomas 20th Jan 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43042 with 43009 on the rear 12.50 Penzance to Cardiff approaches Exeter St Davids 20th January 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43184 on the 06.06 Edinburgh to Plymouth 1V50. 43303 on rear approaching Stoke Canon. 20th January 2023. Copyrigh Paul Barlow.

A very good days work and reporting - many thanks to you Paul.

20th January 2023

20/1/2023

Pictures from the archive and a question
Barnstaple
Paul Barlow

Hello Keith, More Barnstaple shots.

This is when two preserved coaches were conveyed to Barnstaple on the back of the 1743 Ex Paignton from Exeter to Barnstaple. The coaches were shunted into the station yard, I have no idea why this happened or where they went afterwards. The coaches were Ex royal train M45005M and GNR no.1.

Also note the ex GWR siphon G van stabled in the centre road. These were in use as Newspaper vans at this time I believe

May be some knows the purpose of the movement of these historic coaches?

Kind regards, Paul Barlow.

31422 at Barnstaple with 2 preserved coaches on the rear of the train. Note Syphon van in centre road.18th May 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

31422 has now run round and is collecting the two preserved coaches. .18th May 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

31422 in Barnstaple yard with 2 preserved coaches. 18th May 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

Has anybody any idea what these two coaches were taken to Barnstaple for and where they might be now. Many thanks to Paul for the pictures and the question.

Chilly journey
Crediton - Okehampton
James Bown

A little chill in the air and an icy platform at Crediton did little to spoil a delightful train journey to Okehampton for lunch in the excellent station buffet and return today. Please use the pictures if you so wish. Best wishes James Bown

Crediton 19th January 2023. Copyright James Bown.

Okehampton. 19th January 2023. Copyright James Bown.

Okehampton 19th January 2023. Copyright James Bown.

A nice bright day, many thanks James.

Ashbury Crossing
Ken Mumford

It's months since I went out to Ashbury Crossing, so this afternoon I went with my grandson [Stefan] to the south side and here are some of my photos.
The last one is at a wooden area immediately south-west of the former level crossing which often gets flooded - here some of the ice still remains from when it was MINUS 5 C overnight.
BOURTON is the nearest timing point with REAL TIME TRAINS - it is about just about a mile west of Ashbury Crossing [which is south of the village of Shrivenham.
Kind regards, Ken Mumford.

[1] 60 029 'BEN NEVIS' [a long way from home - who's moved it?] east of my location with 6Z22 [Tyrington to Appleford] 8 LATE passing Bourton at 1441. 19th January 2023. Copyright Ken Mumford.

[2] 66518 heads 6Z86 [West Drayton Sidings to East Usk Yard] about to pass under the footbridge which replaced the original level crossing. 19th January 2023. Copyright Ken Mjumford.

[3] An IET heads west towards Swindon [Is this 1C17 from Paddington to Bristol running 2 LATE?] 19th January 2023. Copyright Ken Mumford.

[4] 6B33 60020 'THE WILLOWS' with the Theale Puma to Robeston Sidings running 4 LATE. 19th January 2023. Copyright Ken Mumford.

[5] Just to prove they had a little inclement weather at Ashbury. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks for your observations and timings Ken.

19th January 2023

19/1/2023

Flooding at
Hinksey
Alan Peters

Hinksey Flooding past 9th January 2014. The line has since been raised and resignalled to prevent such incidents in the future. Copyright Diver Alan Peters.

The access road to Hinksey yard flooded where the Hinksey Stream had burst its banks, the ice had also caused an unfortunate incident for a car on 17th January 2023,
Alan Peters

Hinksey Flooding present. Access flooded. 17th January 2023. Copyright Alan Peters.

Many thanks Alan - it seems that the flooding problems are not just in Somerset.

More coal for Didcot Power Station
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, Here is a shot from Michael Adams showing 58006 powering through Oxford with a load of coal for Didcot power station on 8 July 1986. Thnaks for dealing with this, Michael. Copyright Michael Adams

Many Thanks Michael

It's been snowing!
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
Goodness what a surprise to wake up to snow on 17th January. And such a deluge, around two inches on the car in St Austell. As the sun peeped through, and the Castle sets started working back eastward - the opportunity to go out couldn't be missed. I headed to the mainline between Trewoon (Burngullow) and Coombe (Dowgas) and caught four different trains in just over an hour at four different locations. Rather like Challenge Anneka leaping back into the car and gingerly making my way among the snow covered lanes between locations.
The light held for my favorite view at Coombe with manacing clouds over Truro blowing in from the NW.
Also included is a shot from near Lower Trenowin from 2nd Jan.
A late entry is the new Hunslet Imerys shunter recently delivered by road to Goonbarrow. It looks rather splendid with the CDAs. The resident locos are shunted clear, presumably requiring repair?

All the best, Craig Munday

Lower Trenowin 2nd January 2023. Copyright Craig Munday

And now four glorious scenes - sunshine and snow.

43022 & 43189 seen at Coombe on the 17th January 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

2C67 43154 & 43016 seen at Coombe on the 17th January 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

2P12 43097 & 43194 seen at Crugwallins on the 17th January 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

2U20 43187 & 43156 seen at Henball on the 17th January 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

An immaculate Hunslet shunter at Goonbarrow 17th January 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks for all your pictures Craig especially the snow scenes, it would have been nice had you included Anneka!!

Eggesford
Paul Barlow

33005 on the 20.55 Barnstaple to Exeter seen at Eggesford on the 5th May 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks for your history of 31 years ago Paul.

A report on the
Flooding problems
Ken Mumford.

This is of the Swansea train I saw - diverted via Gloucester AND later, diverted via the VALE OF GLAMORGAN
Kind regards, Ken.

A screenshot received from Ken Mumford.

18th January 2023

18/1/2023

The Helston Railway extension at Truthall Halt towards the Cober Viaduct
Ken Babbage

Went to see a friend of mine on Sunday at Ashton and he said that he
had a job this week driving a digger for the Helston Railway clearing the
cutting, this excited me.
Came back from Falmouth this morning and remembered coming up
Sithney Common Hill so popped down to see how Paul was doing.
Pictures attached maybe the Cober Viaduct is not a “bridge so far”. I think that the interest will greatly increase once the track is laid across
the Cober Viaduct.

Kindest Regards

K.J. Babbage

Clearing the cutting from Truthall Halt. Copyright Ken Babbage

The road overbridge at Truthall Halt can be seen in the background. Copyright Ken Babbage

Making progress towards Lowertown Viaduct. Copyright Ken Babbage

I believe that the field on the right is also owned by the Helston Railway where exhibitions were mounted during the running season. Copyright Ken Babbage

Looking towards the Cober Viaduct which is round the bends to the left and Helston in the far distance. Copyright Ken Babbage

Many Thanks to you Ken

It never snows but it pours
Apex and Wheal Busy Crossing
Mick House

Hi Both, What a lovely day I had at Apex Bridge and Wheal Busy Crossing photographing numerous trains in the snow, one of them was the 10.50 Penzance to Cardiff passing me on Apex Bridge at 11.21 with 43 156 on the front and 43 187 at the rear (Photos 1&2) and another was the 11.15 Penzance to Plymouth, passing me at Wheal Busy at 11.45 with 43 194 at the head of the train and 43 097 on the rear (Photos 3&4.
Regards Mick House

1) 43 156 at Apex. 17th January 2023 Copyright Mick House

2) 43 187 at Apex. 17th January 2023 Copyright Mick House

3) 43 194 at Wheal Busy 17th January 2023 Copyright Mick House

4) 43 097 at Wheal Busy. 17th January 2023 Copyright Mick House

Many thanks Mick - excellent pictures - Christmas card scenes.

No snow at
Newton Abbot
Paul Barlow

Hi Keith,
A few shots from the Newton Abbot area today, a bitterly cold day but bright.

Kind regards, Paul Barlow.

43303 43184 on the 06.06 Edinburgh to Plymouth 1V50 leaves Newton Abbot. 17th January 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Colas track machine on the 09.59 Westbury to Truro movement Aller, Newton Abbot. 17th January 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

FGW Blue liveried166211leaves Newton Abbot with the 1257 Exmouth to Paignt... 17th July 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43156 43187 approaching Aller with the 10.50 Penzance to Cardiff. 17th January 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43301 43357 approaching Aller with the 1227 Plymouth to Edinburgh 17th January 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow

43301 43357 approaching Aller with the 1227 Plymouth to Edinburgh a going away shot. 17th January 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul for a bumper bundle on a bumper day- well observed and reported.

Bristol TM
Martin Baker

50 010 Monarch at Bristol Temple Meads on a southbound Newspaper/parcels service. 8th August 1987. Copyrght Martin Baker.

50 010 Monarch at Bristol Temple Meads. 8th August 1987. Copyrght Martin Baker.

33005 at Bristol Temple Meads. Copyrght Martin Baker.

In addition Guy Vincent offered the following details -

I can offer further information on your latest photos. During the mid-late 80s I spent much of my spare time riding around behind class 33 locos and still have notes and records from that time to hand. 33005 was 'fatally' damaged on 19th June 1987 when it suffered an electrical fire at Brighton before it was due to work the 830 departure to Bristol Temple Meads. Together with sister loco 33061, which had been stopped since 17th March that year, 33005 was withdrawn at Eastleigh works on 25th June 1987 as 'life expired'. This set in motion a gradual reduction of class 33s through wear and tear that continued throughout 1987 and 88, the withdrawn locos being stripped at Eastleigh to provide components that enabled other locos to remain in service.

Kind Regards
Martin Baker

Many thanks indeed Martin super pictures & thanks also to Guy Vincent for the additional info.

Totnes Footbridge Incident
Peter Bailey

In the Autumn of 1987 a train which included a crane was passing through Totnes station - unfortunately the jib on the crane had not been fully retracted and inflicted serious damage on the footbridge. It was deemed necessary to close and remove the footbridge. See and read all about it in a feature written by Peter Bailey. Click here to go to the feature item 2301.

Preparing to lift the footbridge. Copyright Peter Bailey.

Many thanks Peter - now read all about it.

17th January 2023

17/1/2023

34072 257 Squadron at Corfe
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are managing all-right down there, I have just seen pictures on the internet of snow in Cornwall including a picture up Madron. Here are pictures taken on a warm 2 June 2001 showing 34072 ‘257 Squadron’ arriving and starting away from Corfe Castle with a Swanage to Norden train. All the best, Michael. Hello Michael No Snow here in Penzance we have just missed it Roger Copyright Michael Forward

34072 Departing Corfe Castle. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Redruth report today at 06.00 - snow lay deep crisp and even!!

Signal SE63 at
St Erth
Dennis Flood

On my way back to South Wales yesterday morning I noticed this signal arm looking a little odd at St.Erth from a down train I was travelling on to Penzance. I alighted at St.Erth to have a look and it was clearly the ‘worse for wear’.! It had been damaged by wind over a period causing it to bend. I took these photographs whilst I was there at 1055, prior to catching the 1059 service to Newport from St.Erth. This signal is the starting signal for the St. Ives branch from St.Erth, as you will know. I found out later from my NR sources that the signal arm actually fell off at about 1130 - about 35 minutes after I had taken the pictures.! The signal arm was reported to have fallen off to the St.Erth signaller by an Operator on the Stoneblower standing in the civil engineers siding opposite. Feel free to put the images and explanation on the CRS website. It is not likely we will see this again.! Best wishes, Dennis.

St Erth signal SE63. 16th Jabuary 2023. Copyright Dennis Flood.

St Erth signal SE63. 16th Jabuary 2023. Copyright Dennis Flood

Sad end to a semaphore. Thanks Dennis.

Swindon yesterday
Ken Mumford

59204 has just come out of Swindon East Loop [at 14.43] and is acceleratng westwards past platform 4 with 6C48 - Appleford to Whatley Quarry. 16th January 2023. Copyright Ken Mumford.

The sun catches 66518 as it leaves platform 4 4 hauling 6Z86 [West Drayton Frays Sidings to East Usk Yard]. 16th January 2023. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

Early days at
Portway station
Guy Vincent

Portway Park and Ride Station Site 26th February 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Thanks Guy.

Barnstaple
Paul Barlow

Barnstaple 5th May 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Thanks Paul.

16th January 2023

16/1/2023

Silverton Today
David Tozer

Gents,
A break from the rain and a little sunshine at Silverton. However plenty of flood water in the surrounding fields
1 - 800001 with the 1100 Cardiff Central to Penzance passes the 802007 and 802012 with the 1020 Penzance to Paddington.
2 - 253051(43184) with the 1227 Plymouth to Edinburgh.
Dave

800001 802007 802012 16.1.2023 at Silverton. Copyright David Tozer

43184 16.1.2023 at Silverton. Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

The Swanage Bullied Gala Part 1 March 2017
Roger Salter

34070 Manston at Corfe Castle Station. Copyright Roger Salter

34070 Preparing to depart from Corfe Castle Station for Norden. Copyright Roger Salter

Battle of Britain 34052 Lord Dowding with a freight at Corfe Castle. Copyright Roger Salter

M7 Class 30053 at Swanage. Copyright Roger Salter

Swanage Station with 34092 City of Wells with Standard Tank 80146. Copyright Roger Salter

80146 Coming off the turntable at Swanage with an unrebuilt Bullied alongside. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks very much Roger

Engineers at
Cullompton
Keith Turley

Hello Keith and Roger.
On a cold wet 15th January 2023, GBRF class 66/7 No.66770 with classmate No.66709 'Sorrento' on the rear pass Cullompton, working the 6G97 08:30 Liskeard to Westbury down TC empty CWR train.
Regards Keith Turley.

Cullompton 66070 15th January 2023 Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks Keith, a fine but chilly sight.

Keighley & Worth Railway at
Hinksey
Driver Alan Peters

In a brief moment of sunshine GBRf 66784 'Keithley & Worth Valley Railway' is captured stabled at Hinksey (Oxford) yard on 09/01/23 - Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan - a nice view caught in the bright sunlight - well done.

Barnstaple Town
Paul Barlow

Derelict Barnstaple Town station seen on the 4th May 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul. This station closed 5th October 1970 on the withdrawal of services to Ilfracombe.

Many thanks also to Roger who provided a very good evenings entertainment last Saturday - an excellent wide ranging show. The pasties were pretty good too!

15th January 2023

15/1/2023

Bathpool (Taunton)
Bill Elston

Hi Keith,
A GBRf - operated rail delivery train ran today, 6G97. 1523 Westbury to Par. It was hauled by MSC - liveried 66709 Sorrento, and tailed by 66770.
As it was running some 20min early, I headed to my 'go-to' location of Creech st Michael to see it but it was cut off by flood water, so I dashed round to Bathpool, and was lucky enough to catch it with 5 min to spare!
As can be seen from the photos, the River Tone was in full flood.
Best regards, Bill

66709 at Bathpool. 14th January 2023. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill. As can be seen furrther down in this News Column 66709 completed its journey right down to Penzance. It is nigh on impossible to keep all entries in time order - but many thanks to you all for your support.

Plymouth Power Cars
Andrew Triggs

Evening Keith/Roger,
The first jolly of the year to capture recently repainted (again) 43184, which was working 1V50 and 1E63 on the day for Cross Country Trains, with a trip thrown in to Laira T&RSMD, again to make the most of the remaining Power Cars stabled there, some in service with others now withdrawn and their days numbered, time waits for nothing and no one
All the Best
Andrew

A brief stop at St Austell on the way up to capture 43274 trailing 1Q18, as it clears the station on the way to Penzance (43290 leading) Copyright Andrew Triggs

GWR 08836 outside the Main Buildings Copyright Andrew Triggs

Viewed from Embankment Road overbridge, various stored, withdrawn and stabled FGW, GWR and XC Power cars, 43161 nearest the camera Copyright Andrew Triggs

XC 43285 with 43207 & 43304 with 43239, viewed from Embankment Road Copyright Andrew Triggs

Celebrity 43184 trailing 1V50 as it arrives at Plymouth from Edinburgh (43303 leading) Copyright Andrew Triggs

43184 following arrival on the rear of 1V50 at platform 4 at Plymouth, looking immaculate indeed Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many Thanks Andrew

Popped into
Truro Yard
Mick House

I was out and about this morning (14th Jan) photographing DR80210 Pandrol Jackson Stoneblower in Truro Yard and as usual when you are about to go, the crossing barriers come down and as it was a Castle Set about to departed Truro Station and we know that they are not long for this world I thought I better catch it departing. The set with 43 029 (Caldicot Castle) on the front and 43 188 (Newport Castle) at the rear passed over Truro Level crossing at 09.31 forming a Penzance to Cardiff service.

Regards Mick

1) DR 80210 Truro Yard 14th January 2023 Copyright Mick House

3) 43 029 Caldicot Castle. 14th January 2023 Copyright Mick House

4) 43 188 Newport Castle. 14th January 2023 Copyright Mick House .

You were well caught Mick, many thanks.

Floods
Martin Scane

Fkooded fields just East of Cowley Bridge Junction. 14th January 2023. Copyright Martin Scane.

Hi Keith. I’ve been travelling to Bristol regularly but strikes etc have meant a greater use of my car unfortunately and hence no photos. Today (14th January 23) however I ventured forth by train but my service was terminated at Weston due to flooding somewhere between there and Bristol TM. Hence a quick hop on the bus from WSM to Bristol. My journey home is, currently, going to plan by train with an on time departure from TM. Here’s a rather poor picture (from the window of a GWR Castle set) of flooded fields just East of Cowley Bridge Junction. Oh and it was a good day at the football with a fine 4-2 win. Cheers Martin

Many thanks Martin hope you got home okay.

Penzance Rail drop
Andrew Triggs

Evening Keith/Roger
Tonight's GBRf rail train drop with 66709 and 66770 top and tailing 6G97 15.37 Westbury Down T.C- Par (via Penzance) stabled at platform 1 at Penzance for CRS
All the Best
Andrew

1, 2 & 3. 66709 'Sorrento' leading on arrival at Penzance
4 & 5 66770 viewed from above the station wall
6. 66709 'Sorrento' Nameplate

Picture 1 Penzance 14th January 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture 2 Penzance 14th January 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture 3 Penzance 14th January 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture 4 Penzance 14th January 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture 5 Penzance 14th January 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture 6 Penzance 14th January 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew - a nice clear evening.

B & W Movements
Jon Hird

Hi Keith/Roger, The BWR had another move around today. 50042 and a couple carriages were taken to Bodmin Parkway by 47306, and a couple of other coaches were propelled back up to General.
I’m sure Chris Bellett will have some photos from the signal box for you too..?
A very interesting day watching the big shunt at Parkway and luckily the weather was kind, too.
I’ve tried to attach the photos in the order that things happened, I’m not sure whether they will arrive with you in the same order though!
All the best, Jon Hird

B & W movements (1) 14th January 2023 Copyright Jon Hird.

B & W movements (2) 14th January 2023 Copyright Jon Hird.

B & W movements (3) 14th January 2023 Copyright Jon Hird.

B & W movements (4) 14th January 2023 Copyright Jon Hird.

Many many thanks Jon, we normally limit it to a max of six pictures a session but as the B & W had a megga session we'll have a few extra.

14th January 2022

14/1/2023

6826 Nannerth Grange Penzance
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Thanks for dealing with the last picture. I am sorry this picture is not very good . I found it in a box when having a sort out over Christmas but I hope it will be of interest ,especially to old timers like us who will remember seeing 6826 at Penzance many times in the 1950s(I think the engine was based at Penzance from about 1952 to 1959. Looks like its backing out on the way to Long Rock,and surprisingly I recorded the date and it was 19 June 1960. Copyright Michael Forward

Many thanks Michael it brings back many memories

Lucky Friday 13th?
Bristol Temple Meads &
Portway Park & Ride
Guy Vincent

Hello Keith

A couple of shots from Bristol today, a much brighter day although quite a chilly wind to contend with!

1) 43184 stands beneath the sea of scaffolding in place for the ongoing repair work underway on Bristol Temple Meads station's famous overall roof while it pauses with Cross Country's 1V50 0606 Edinburgh-Plymouth on Friday 13th January 2023. 43303 was the leading PC.

2) On the return leg of a trip from Bristol to Severn Beach and back I passed the now complete but yet to open Portway Park and Ride station, so grabbed a photo as the train went through. The station has been given the CIS code PIR and appears to be located at approximately 8 miles and ten chains (mid-point of platform) on the single line between Shirehampton station (7m50ch) and Avonmouth Dock Level Crossing (8m29ch). The 5-car platform is on the right-hand side of trains travelling from Bristol TM towards Avonmouth. No opening date has yet been announced as the car park has yet to be finished but the entire site is fully illuminated during the hours of darkness and the CIS screens appear to be working. The cost of the project has been given as £4.2 million. Like most modern stations the area resembles a bright steel fortress with long lengths of contrasting green palisade security fencing currently being erected. The tall viaduct that carries the M5 motorway across the river Avon and docks area can be seen in the background.

Regards, Guy Vincent

Bristol Temple Meads

Bristol Temple Meads a view of 43184 at the rear of 1V50 the 06.06 Edinburgh to Plymouth on Friday 13th January 2023. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Great News - Bristols New station - Severn Beach line

Portway Park and Ride station (PIR) towards AVN with M5 viaduct in background. This brand new station is due to open later this year; As seen on Friday the 13th January 2023, Copyright Guy Vincent

We are extremely grateful to Guy for his deliveries of news and current photographs. I, KJ was unaware of any plans for the new station at Portbury Parkway and here it is - bravo, long may the Severn Beach branch prosper.

Celebrity Class 37 at
Swindon
Colin Pidgeon

37405 of HNRail on loan to Colas Rail on 6Z38 Swindon Transfer Sidings to Hinksey Yard arriving at Swindon Station to run round before departing to Hinksey Sidings south of Oxford Station.

Colin Pidgeon.

Lookiing extremely smart 37405 of HN on loan to Colas Rail at the head of a rake of very grubby RHTT vehicles on the 6Z38 Swindon Transfer Yard to Hinksey Yard (S of Oxford). One hope that the RHTT duties for the season are over to ensure that 37405 remains immaculte. 13th January 2023. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Many thanks Colin, keep up the good work.

Bath Green Park
Paul Negus

Paul writes - The builders are making quicker progress on the roof reglazing than I anticipated. As can be seen, the scaffolding has been removed over the first half of the overall roof revealing the finished article. The area beneath is much brighter now, despite it being inclement weather outside.

The area beneath is a supermarket car park, hence the markings on the floor. There are also a number of busy cafes and shops (including food, vinyl records, barbers, butcher) situated at the south side of the station and one set of seating can been seen to the right.

Kind regards,
Paul Negus

Many thanks Paul, brings back memories of almost 57 years ago when I (KJ) caught one of the last trains to Bournemouth behind 48760. It was the last day of the S&D.

Burngullow
Jon Hird

I managed to sneak off to Burngullow on my lunch break today to grab a photo of the returning NMT. Feel free to use it as you see fit!
Best wishes, Jon Hird

Thanks Jon.

13th January 2023

13/1/2023

Changes to Saturdays CRS Meeting 14th January 2023
- at the Wesley Memorial Hall Redruth, 18.30 start.
Unfortunatley David Letcher is unwell and unable to provide the promised programe. However our very good friend Roger Winnen has stepped into the breech and will provide a proramme as below with the usual refeshments.
Part 1 Through the Lens 1975 followed by a break
Part 2 The CRS Visit to the North East 2018

The Network Rail Measurement Train at Marazion
Roger Salter

Many Thanks Roger

Westbury report.
Guy Vincent

Westbury 12.01.2023
After a very dark and wet morning with multiple issues affecting train running on several major routes the weather improved slightly after lunch with some welcome sunshine. The Network Rail New Measurement Train came into Westbury at 1435, reversed and then headed away back towards Salisbury. Power cars 43274 (Purple) and 43290 (shabby ex LNER Red, White and Grey) were in charge with carriages 977995 975814 977993 9977994 and 975984. At the same time 59206 and 59204, working in multiple, came in with the heavily loaded 6L21 1323 Whatley - Dagenham Dock loaded stone working and 66523 arrived and ran-round the 6V62 1321 Southampton (Northam) - Whatley empty stone. A while later with leaden skies and dusk approaching 60010 was seen (through the gap in a secured palisade gate) on Hawkeridge curve to the north of Westbury with the diverted 6B33 Theale-Robeston empty fuel tanks.

Regards, Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy.

Pinhoe
Keith Turley

Colas operated class 43 power car No.43290 on the rear of the 1Q23 05:56 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter riverside new yard Network rail test train at Pinhoe on 12th January 2023.
Regards Keith Turley.

343290 brings uo the rear at Pinhoe. 12th January 2023. Copyright Keith Turley.

Whimple
Andrew Hickson

The visit of the NMT tempted me out today to take my first railway photos of the year, despite the pouring rain. Here at Whimple as the train headed back to Reading.
Andrew Hickson

Many thanks Andrew- a damp day.

New track at
Bodmin
Phil Hawke

The new siding will, at some later date, be extended on to land now controlled by the BWR at Walker Lines. The DIY buffer stop is in fact a loading ramp to allow a tractor-mounted flail to be loaded onto a lowmac as the lineside clearance season has started. Previously the BWR used rail mounted flails but these are no longer available as the contractor has withdrawn from this business.

Phil Hawke

New siding at Bodmin. Copyright Phil Hawke

Walker lines. Copyright Phil Hawke

New siding at Bodmin. Copyright Phil Hawke

Many thanks Phil.

Flooding at
Swindon
Ken Mumford

[1] and [2] 7B12 Merehead Quarry to Royal Wootton Bassett.

DUE SWINDON through platform 4 at 1330 BUT actual passing time was 1609.On REAL TRAIN TIMES there were no passing times after Fairwood Junction [passd 20L] until Swindon [pass 114L] - this train passing through the station from the east and NOT having its loco run-round this train as is normal..

[3] 2-car dmu in bay platform 2 engines NOT running - Swindon to Westbury trains not running as the only line open was Swindon to Gloucester. Therefore can I assume that there was flooding in the cutting approaching the Chipping Sodbury tunnel as well as at Box Tunnel?

[4] If one looks at REALTRAIN TIMES for Swindon for today (Thursday) one will see that many trains were cancelled or delayed. This is a Paddignton to Swansea train [which I assumed to be 1B17 according to REAL TRAIN TIMES. It was due at platform 3 at 1440 and left at 1510 [29L].The next report for this train was at Severn Tunnel Junction which it passed at 1625 [it was due to pass 1514] and thus it was some 70L. The lady member of the station staff is handing the driver some information whilst the guard looks out and smiles!! NOTE ROUTE INDICATOR - K for Kemble.

[5] Trying to hide east of the station - 60062 [6M53 - Swindon Stores to Toton Up Sidings via the Gloucester branch?]

Kind regards, Ken Mumford

P.S. I hope that this e-mail is of some help and value to someone!!

Picture 1 - Copyright Ken Mumford

Picture 2 - Copyright Ken Mumford

Picture 3 - Copyright Ken Mumford

Picture 4 - Copyright Ken Mumford

Picture 5 - Copyright Ken Mumford

Many thanks for your report Ken - a very confusing day all round!

12th January 2023

12/1/2023

43274 at Pinhoe this morning in the rain
David Tozer

Gents,

I braved the weather and visited to Pinhoe for the monthly visit of the NMT working the 0556 1Q23 Reading - Salisbury - Exeter - Honiton - Salisbury.
Dave

43274 Pinhoe 12.2.2023 Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

On a very wet day at
Taunton
Bill Elston

My first foray to the railway this year took me to a very soggy Taunton Station.
Photo 1 shows Castle set 2U20, tailed by 43192 Trematon Castle, working to Cardiff.
In the other direction, XC 1V50, Edinburgh - Plymouth, headed by recently spruced-up 43184.
This was running about 60min late due to bridge problems in the Midlands.
In the event it was terminated at Exeter.
Cheers, Bill Elston.

43192 at Taunton on the 2U80 working to Cardiff , 11th January 2023. Copyright Bill Elston.

43192 nameplate Trematon Castle. 11th January 2023. Copyright Bill Elston.

43184 at Taunton on XV150 Edinburgh - Plymouth. Running 60 minutes late. 11th January 2023. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill, good to hear from you, happy new year.

Concluding item - the timetables.
The End of 1962
Michael L. Roach.

THE END of 1962 – PART 22
Postscript
Many railway enthusiasts enjoy poring over railway timetables and no matter how many times you look at a particular table there is always more to be discovered because they are just full of information. This applies equally to the working timetable if you have it or can view it online. The last timetable to show the Plymouth to Launceston branch was dated 10 September 1962 to 16 June 1963 but the line never reached 1963 as the passenger service was withdrawn on and from Monday 31 December 1962. A limited freight service continued for a few years over part of the line. Attached are scans of Table 93 of the public passenger timetable and scans of the equivalent pages of the working timetable which covered exactly the same dates.
RECOMMENDED READING
ISBN 0 906 867 90 8 The Great Western in South Devon 1990
ISBN 1 901706 19 2 Branch Lines to Launceston and Princetown 1998
ISBN 0 9508754 0 6 The Branch by Bernard Mills 1983
SCANS
5922, 5924 - 7
MLR / 10 January 2023

Scan 5922

Scan 5924

Scan 5925

Scan 5926

Scan 5927

Many thanks indeed Michael. Viewers will find the long and profusely illustrated article in our Features item2248 Features October to December 22
Having selected this collection you will need to scroll to find the desired item

Ashton Gate
BBC report

Campainers have called for the old Ashton Gate station in Bristol to re-open to relieve traffic problems in the area during football matches.Recent proposals have been made for the station on the dormant Portishead branch to reopen as part of the MetroWest project to improve rail transport in the Greater Bristol area

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