博客存档 - Cornwall Railway Society

January 31st 2025

31/1/2025

Goss Moor Loop
Jason Prole

Just before the rain started on Friday 31st January 2025, (around 02.00), and thanks to a Tower Light illuminating the East end of the workite, 66550 is seen alongside the area that is being dug out to lay the new passing loop at Goss Moor. The 10 'Falcons' being loaded with spoil, and departing as 6Y60, 05.30 Goonbarrow Junction - Westbury Yard. Copyright Jason Prole (Freightliner Driver, Taunton Depot)

Many thanks, Jason

The Channel Islands Boat Train
by Roger Winnen
Part 2

24.07.1974 - 33111 with the Channel Islands Boat Train runs through the streets of Weymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

Re: Churchill's funeral train
Roy Hart

Gents,

I enjoyed reading Mike Roach's piece on this. (click here)

BR were faced with a number of logistical difficulties for this operation: Handborough station (until the 1960s it was HANDBOROUGH FOR BLENHEIM, but today both Village and station are HANBOROUGH) had its main buildings and road approach on the up side, but the train would (obviously) arrive on the down. This was clearly impossible, for Handborough had a signalbox and there was a crossover, but this would require an undignified and unseemly reversal. The solution was that a temporary facing crossover was laid in double-quick time and the train glided in direct to the up platform.

The station building at Handborough, being the station for Blenheim palace, had a special entrance with rather grand double doors for ceremonial occasions. They were never used much - indeed, the last time that they were opened before Churchill's funeral is when the German kaiser visited in 1901!

The funeral train returned the party to Paddington after the burial, hauled by a 'Western' class diesel.

Today Hanborough (without the 'd') is a halt on the Oxford to Worcester line: it is single track at this point with just the old up platform in use. The buildings are long gone.

Hope this is of interest,

Roy

Many thanks for the additional information, Roy - quite a length to go to, interesting stuff.

The days clay
Jon Hird

Making a return to traffic after several weeks spent in warm store at St. Blazey is 66152, which has replaced locomotive 66131 on the local clay traffic. It's pictured coming off the Parkandillack branch with 6C10 on 30.01.2025. The growth of the hedge/trees on the left hand side of this scene have now reached such a height that the shadows across 'the shot' are quite severe. Copyright Jon Hird.

A little further on, 66152 waits at a signal, with the rather sad-looking remains of Burngullow behind it. 30.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Re: Ken's 'Mystery bridge'
Mike Bellew

As an 'out of area' reader of your excellent website I noticed that mystery bridge photograph adjoining the Cotswold Water Park. I too had wondered what it was when visiting one of my sons who lives nearby - the very handy National Library of Scotland maps website provided me with the answer: it was a bridge carrying the road (parallel to the current one) over the MSWJR railway line from Cricklade to Cirencester.

The line closed during the Beeching cuts.

Ken's mystery bridge near the Cotswold Water Park, which we now know carried a road over the former MSWJR railway line from Cricklade to Cirencester. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks for the additional information Mike, mystery solved. I'm glad to hear you enjoy the website, too.

Neil Phillips also writes:

Hi Roger, Keith and Jon,

I saw Mike Bellew's explanation for the 'mystery bridge' and immediately wondered why I hadn't thought of that! It wasn't as if I was unaware of the MSWJR, but its position in the former gravel pit now Water Park area threw me. Of course none of that was there when the railway was open, all I had to do was check old maps, as Mike has done!

The area is very flat so bridges to cross the former railway had to be built up both sides. It seems ironic that this extravagant structure is still standing over nothing much, while a couple of miles away the bridge at Blunsdon with its earth embankments has caused the Swindon & Cricklade Railway quite a lot of trouble over the years!

Best regards,

Neil Phillips

And Rich McLeish writes, too:

G'day,

Love reading the site - thanks to all involved.

Re. Ken Mumford's recently posted photo of the 'mystery bridge' - this is an abandoned road bridge over the former Midland & South Western Junction Railway near South Cerney.

Regards,

Richard McLeish

Thanks Rich and Neil - glad the photograph has drawn so much interest, hopefully Ken's mystery is now totally solved!

January 30th 2025

30/1/2025

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 27
Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)
Michael L. Roach

Sir Winston Churchill was a British statesman, military officer, writer and painter who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955. He was one of the most famous Englishman of the twentieth century and one of the leaders of the free world during World War Two. The day after the new President of the United States was installed on Monday 21 January 2025 Sir Winston's bust was restored to its place in the Oval Office at The White House in Washington DC, after having been in store for four years. This was entirely appropriate as Sir Winston had died 60 years earlier on 24 January 1965 at the age of 90 years. He was given a state funeral on 30 January 1965 at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. There has been only one state funeral since then, that of Queen Elizabeth the Second on 19 September 2022. After the funeral service at St. Paul's Cathedral Sir Winston's coffin was taken along the River Thames by barge to Waterloo Station to be taken by train to Hanborough Station in rural Oxfordshire. The coffin was then taken one mile east by road to be buried in the churchyard of St. Martin's Church at Bladon. Appropriately the funeral train was hauled by Southern Railway Battle of Britain class 4-6-2 no. 34051 “Winston Churchill” then based at Salisbury Shed. The engine was constructed at Brighton Works in December 1946 and was withdrawn from BR service in September 1965 to be preserved by the National Railway Museum.

The funeral train was routed from Waterloo through Reading, Didcot and Oxford. I decided that this was one train that I just had to see even though it was a journey of more than 190 miles to Didcot. I left Plymouth at 06.35 and Bristol TM at 10.15 arriving at Didcot at 11.41 both journeys being hauled by a Warship in the 800 series. Still undecided where to see the funeral train I journeyed on to Oxford. The 203 miles to Oxford had cost me 51 shillings (£2.55) for two cheap day returns.

Oxford was very busy with north - south freight and passenger trains as it still is, and in January 1965 many of them were still steam-hauled for the next 12 months; one of the last steam outposts on the Western Region. I stayed at Oxford for 80 minutes photographing trains but decided that this was not the place to see the funeral train. I headed back south again just seven miles to Culham to do some more photography, but again decided that this was just not the place to see the funeral train. The station was just too closed-in to see the whole train, so I headed north across the fields for half a mile to an overbridge. It was a cold damp miserable day which was perhaps appropriate to accompany a sombre occasion because in some ways the death of Sir Winston Churchill really did signal the end of an era.

My guide that day was the OS 1-inch map and I could see that if I continued to head north, after photographing the funeral train, I would come to a bridge across the River Thames where I was able to take more photos before the light faded completely. I had no idea what the bridge was called but 58 years later I would learn that it was called Nuneham when on 11 April 2023 all rail traffic across the bridge was stopped at short notice due to a failing abutment. The bridge had been constructed 180 years earlier by the GWR as part of its Didcot to Oxford Branch and was showing its age. The line was said to be carrying 40 freight trains per day and with passenger trains added and simple maths was probably carrying in excess of one million tonnes of train per month. I believe that the original bridge abutments were founded on wooden piles driven into the clay.

My journey home started at Oxford at 17.17 and took in the last train of the day at 21.15 off Bristol TM. This was hauled by a Hymek to Taunton where a North British Type 2 came on to the six coaches. It was a dreadful journey starting 33L and reaching Plymouth at 01.53 the next day – 65L - because of trackwork and signal delays at several places between Bridgwater and Teignmouth. This was a journey to be endured rather than enjoyed after a long day. In 2025 the last train of the day leaves Bristol TM half an hour later and covers the 128 miles to Plymouth in two hours.

Winston Churchill's funeral saw the largest gathering of world leaders in history up to that point with representatives from 112 countries. Among the more interesting ones present was King Frederick 9th of Denmark, because seven years later he would also die in the first month of the year, and he was also carried to his final resting place by funeral train hauled by two steam engines. That train is believed to be the last funeral train to have run in Europe.

In the present century the funeral train which should have run and didn't was that of our late Queen as her body was brought back from Scotland to London for the funeral. I believe that a carriage had been adapted to carry the coffin several years earlier and there is a Royal Train to carry the family accompanying the coffin. The coffin could have been put on a train at Edinburgh and have travelled via Carstairs, Carlisle, Settle, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester, Bedford and St. Albans. Yes, I know the train would have taken seven or eight hours to reach London by that route as it reduced speed at the major stations but hundreds of thousands of the Queen's subjects would have turned out to see the train pass. In fact the coffin was flown from Edinburgh to London.

Apart from 18 months at Nine Elms and Exmouth Junction Sheds in 1950-51 34051 spent the whole of its time after Nationalisation at Salisbury Shed. The engine was withdrawn from normal service eight months after it hauled the funeral train in September 1965. One would have expected it to be in demand for hauling rail tours but I could find only one – the SLS Bulleid Pacific Rail Tour of 23 May 1965 starting and finishing at Birmingham Snow Hill. 34051 operated the first leg of the railtour to Salisbury via Reading West Junction. I am obliged to Richard Hoskin for providing a photo of 34051 at Solihull where the rail tour stopped to pick up passengers.

6823 Oakley Grange heads north through Oxford with a general freight train on 30 January 1965. It was then shedded at Oxley, Wolverhampton and was withdrawn just five months later. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

An unidentified Hall-class engine heads through Oxford with a short freight. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

6967 Willesley Hall of Oxford Shed heads south with oil tanks through Culham Station. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Rebuilt Battle of Britain Class 4-6-2 no. 34071 601 Squadron of Eastleigh Shed heads north through Culham with a passenger train. The class were common at Oxford where they usually came off to turn and head back south. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

34051 with the Funeral Train is seen about half a mile north of Culham Station. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The Funeral Train heads away north shortly to cross the River Thames. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

An unidentified Hall-class engine heads south across the River Thames at Nuneham. It was the nearest abutment which failed in April 2023. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Here is 34051 stopped at Solihull Station to pick up passengers ten minutes after leaving Snow Hill on the Bulleid Pacific Rail Tour of 23 May 1965. Copyright Richard Hoskin

Many thanks as always, Michael.

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

Don't miss our next indoor meeting!

Please join us on February the 8th for an interesting presentation by Dennis Clarke.

Members: FREE!
Non-members: £3.00

(For info on how to become a member of the CRS, please Click here)

Meeting at the Memorial Hall of the Redruth Methodist Church (above the railway station - TR15 2EG), the show commences at 18:30.

The Channel Islands Boat Train
by Roger Winnen
Part 1

24.07.1974 - Steamer for the Channel Islands service at Weymouth Quay. Copyright Roger Winnen

24.07.1974 - The Channel Islands Boat Train. Copyright Roger Winnen

24.07.1974 - The Boat Train at Weymouth Quay. Copyright Roger Winnen

24.07.1974 - 33111 leads as The Boat Train departs Weymouth Quay. Copyright Roger Winnen

24.07.1974 - 33111 brings The Channel Islands Boat Train through the streets of Weymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

January 29th 2025

29/1/2025

Wooton Bassett Stone Terminal
Neil Philips

Hello Roger, Keith and Jon,

As a 35-year resident of Swindon until five years ago yesterday (as it happens!) I appreciate Ken Mumford's and Colin Pidgeon's contributions to the CRS. The stone train workings to Wootton Bassett (it wasn't 'Royal' at the time!) terminal are often illustrated but photos of the terminal itself - probably referred to as a 'virtual quarry' these days - are rarely seen. As with railway sites of old, public access these days is presumably forbidden but back in the 1970s and 1980s it was tolerated, as long as one didn't get in the way or hang about too long.

I am not sure now how I came to find D1051 'on site' on 19th March 1976, but in 1984 I spent 4 months commuting from Swindon to Bristol and on 11th September had noted 47901 in the sidings from the train on return to Swindon, so before heading home in the car I made a quick dash out to Wootton Bassett to see if I could capture this unique Class 47 there in the bright sunshine. It had also just received red bufferbeams to add a splash of colour!

47901 had started life as D1628 in October 1964, becoming 47046 in November 1973. Ten months later it suffered collision damage at Peterborough serious enough to put its future in doubt, but fortunately BR had need of a 'test bed' for the Ruston power unit to be fitted to the planned Class 56 fleet so 47046 was totally rebuilt at BREL Crewe for the purpose, becoming 47601 and re-entering traffic in January 1977. The loco was withdrawn in September 1978 to be re-equipped at Crewe with an upgraded Ruston engine and ancillaries, this time destined for the forthcoming Class 58, emerging as 47901 in December 1979 although it was mid-1980 before it got into its stride on the Mendip stone traffic, on which it was almost exclusively employed - in fact only Westbury drivers were trained in its operation - before final withdrawal in March 1990, being scrapped by MC Processors in Glasgow two years later. By all accounts as a Type 5 it acquitted itself well on these arduous duties, out-performing all of the lesser Type 4s.

Ken also submitted a photo of a mysterious bridge near the Cotswold Water Park - I knew which bridge he was referring to before even seeing his photo, it sits alongside the Spine Road and my work used to take me past it from time to time - but as to its purpose I'm as mystified as Ken!

Best regards,

Neil Phillips

D1051 'Western Ambassador' at Wootton Bassett stone terminal on 19th March 1976 Copyright Neil Phillips

Class 47 'test bed' loco 47901 at Wootton Bassett stone terminal on 11th September 1984. Copyright Neil Phillips

Many Thanks Neil

Classic Traction in Devon
Clive Smith & David Tozer

Railfreight Metals liveried 37901 'Mirrlees Pioneer', two barrier coaches & Europhoenix 37510 'Orion' on the rear thrash up Hemerdon Bank in Plymouth with the 5W97 09.54 Laira T & R.S.M.D - Landore TMD move. The pair had come down overnight from Ely with 175009 which is now the third 175 at Laira. 'Slug' 37901 and 37510 were making quite a racket despite the light load. Good entertainment on another dull day. 28.01.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

37510 gives a helping hand from the rear of the train. 28.01.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Making a rare visit to Devon having delivered another Class 175 175009 37901 'Mirrlees Pioneer' with barrier coaches 6346 and 6344 with 37510 'Orion' on the rear pass the site of the former Exminster Station with the 0954 5W97 Laira to Landore. 28.01.2025, copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks, Clive and Dave - 37901 certainly looks the part.

More from Cattybrook
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

First Great Western 43144 leads a service past Cattybrook in 2001. Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks as ever, Phil.

5 minutes at Stoneybridge
Jon Hird

The GWR 'Trainbow' unit 800008 climbs the bank towards Treverrin passing Stoneybridge, working 2P13 - the 1150 Penzance to Plymouth. To the right of the image is an interesting building - it's timber clad and very close to the railway. The current owner isn't sure what it was originally, but doesn't believe it was a railway building. 28.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Just a few minutes later came 66131 with the Goonbarrow - Fowey clay. The hedges in the gardens have recently had a haircut, so it's possible to look down on the train a bit more now, and see its full length running down the gradient. This shot and the one above were both taken from private property with the owners permission. 28.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

If you've any idea what the mystery building was, or even if you remember seeing it before it became so hidden by the bushes etc., please drop us an email - [email protected]

'Old Timers'
Michael Forward & Michael Adams

Hello Roger and all, A couple of shots of DMUs approaching their 40th birthdays. Firstly we see two 150s at Plymouth on 6 November 2024 ,150244 has just arrived with the 13.19 from Gunnislake. Copyright Michael Forward.

Now we go back in time to Exeter St.Davids on 4 April 1991 where Michael Adams photographed 155309 with the 12.35 Plymouth to Bristol service. These units introduced a few years after the 150s and some still in service as single cars in Wales and Scotland. I liked them,nice seats with tables and aligned with the windows for good views. Copyright Michael Adams.

Many thanks to 'the two Michaels' - hard to believe that these units are as old as they are. They've served their owners well.

The Bridport Branch
Part 2
Roger Winnen

24.07.1974 - Entering Bridport Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

24.07.1974 - East Street Level Crossing Bridport. Copyright Roger Winnen

24.07.1974 - Former Signal Post on route to West Bay. Copyright Roger Winnen

24.07.1974 - Level Crossing after leaving Bridport. Copyright Roger Winnen

24.07.1974 - Maiden Newton. Copyright Roger Winnen

January 28th 2025

28/1/2025

Bristol Temple Meads
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

37422 moves around at Bristol Temple meads on a bright day in 1994. Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks, Phil

The Falmouth Line 1976
Andrew & Diane Jones

I recently came across a video of the Falmouth Branch filmed in 1976 by Westward TV.

Those of a certain age will remember their reporter John Doyle who presents the feature providing 8 minutes of nostalgia representing a period which seems almost lost.

There is a black and white version on YouTube (as below), but a colour version exists on the British Film institute site, just run a search 'the Falmouth Line 1976' which is free to view, sponsored by the BOX Plymouth.

Hopefully over the coming years more films will come available.

Many thanks Andrew & Diane - well worth a watch

The Bridport Branch
Part 1
Roger Winnen

24.07.1974 - Bridport Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

24.07.1974 - Crossing Keeper on the Bridport Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

24.07.1974 - Maiden Newton Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

24.07.1974 - Bridport Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Shivery Swindon
Ken Mumford

6T20 [Margam to Hinksey Sidings] passes through on the UML running 7 LATE headed by 70814 with 70813 bringing up the rear. 27.01.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

70813 bringing up the rear. 27.01.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

6B12 Merehead Quarry to (Royal) Wootton Bassett - creeping up to the red signal on the UML. My first photo was taken from platform 3 but as this train stopped I went quickly [but not quick enough] over to platform 4 to take a photo with the sun behind me BUT as I got there this train started on the move to the east of the station where the loco [59203] ran around its train though Real Train Times was a bit confusing as to where this run round took place!! So - back to the warm waiting room at the west end of the station from which I could see 6B12 starting to come alongside platform 4. 27.01.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

Having run round, 59203 comes back into the station. 27.01.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

A going away photo of 6B12 as 1A22 [Bristol (Temple Meads)] heads towards platform 3. 27.01.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken, a nice selection - hope you've thawed out!

January 27th 2025

27/1/2025

Teignmouth snapshot
Martin Scane

A GWR IET unit arrives at Teignmouth on the down line. 25.01.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks, Martin - sorry it's a day late

Long Rock
Roger Geach

The driver of 47137 has just opened the taps as can be seen from the distincitve Sulzer exhaust plume, as he lifts 1z84, the 1220 Penzance - Paddington relief out of Long Rock. This was just after christmas on Sat 27.12.1975. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger - a great action shot.

1970's variety pack
By Roger Winnen
Part 8

31.03.1979 - Site of Durston Station. Copyright Roger Winnen.

13.06.1979 - Approaching Yeovil Junction from the west. Copyright Roger Winnen.

13.06.1979 - Semley Station (Closed). Copyright Roger Winnen.

13.06.1979 - Milborne Port Station (Closed). Copyright Roger Winnen.

13.06.1979 - Chard Junction with an Industrial Diesel in the Milk Factory. Copyright Roger Winnen.

13.06.1979 - Templecombe Station (Closed). Copyright Roger Winnen.

13.06.1979 - Whimple Station. Copyright Roger Winnen.

13.06.1979 - Gillingham Station. Copyright Roger Winnen.

January 26th 2025

26/1/2025

Trowbridge Tug and Turbo
Guy Vincent

DC Rail's 60055 'Thomas Barnardo' heading south through Trowbridge with the (SO) 6M52 0844 Tytherington - Willesden DC Rail Sidings loaded aggregates. This train is routed via the Avon Valley and Newbury due to the train's lower maximum speed. Occupying platform 1 is 165136 on the 2E60 0952 Warminster - Gloucester. 25.01.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks, Guy - an interesting train and the sun's out too - seems a rarity at the moment, doesn't it!

Kemble odds and ends
Ken Mumford

Today I went to Kemble Station to photograph a particular freight train. It passed me about 10 minutes early and as it approached my camera decided to malfunction - it was OK before AND after that train had passed!!!

However, I took some photos of some items in one of the waiting rooms on the London bound platform! I then drove home via Kemble Airfield [where I took some more photos], then via Oaksey where I popped into the church but it was closed. Next I photographed a bridge which I have been wanting to photograph for years near the Cotswold Lakes BUT I know nothing about it

A weighing machine in Kemble waiting room. Copyright Ken Mumford.

The Queen of the skies has fallen from grace - a Boeing 747 being dismantled at Kemble airfield. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Aircraft fuselages awaiting disposal at Kemble airfield. Copyright Kem Mumford.

A mystery bridge near the Cotswold Lakes - any ideas? Copyright Ken Mumford.

Thanks Ken - not our usual sort of content, but very interesting - and 'tis a bit of a slow news day today!

1970's variety pack
By Roger Winnen
Part 7

31.03.1978 - Warminster Station. Copyright Roger Winnen.

31.03.1978 - Dilton Marsh. Copyright Roger Winnen.

01.04.1978 - Sherborne Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen.

01.04.1978 - Crewkerne Station. Copyright Roger Winnen.

01.04.1978 - Sherborne Station. Copyright Roger Winnen.

01.04.1978 - Sherborne Station

01.04.1978 - Lines approaching Yeovil Pen Mill in the foreground was the Yeovil Town line. Copyright Roger Winnen.

01.04.1978 - A old turntable behind Sherborne Station. Copyright Roger Winnen.

01.04.1978 - Exterior of Yeovil Pen Mill Station. Copyright Roger Winnen.

01.04.1978 - Castle Cary Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen.

January 25th 2025

25/1/2025

All quiet on the West Somerset Railway 24th January 2025
Andrew Triggs

Hi Roger
Trekking around the West of Somerset today and took the enclosed shots out of season at the WSR, all very quiet with hardly anyone around, had initially gone out for two booked freight/engineering runs that were cancelled by the respective Operators on the day
All the Best
Andrew

43154 (with 43155) stored at Minehead, on behalf of GWR Copyright Andrew Triggs

19 separate Mk1 coaches stored at Minehead on the day. Copyright Andrew Triggs

3 car Class 115 DMU (51880/59678/51859) with Class 117 Power Car (W51354) stored at Minehead. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Dunster Station, viewed from the Level Crossing . Copyright Andrew Triggs

WSR Departmental Dog Fish ballast Hoppers with dilapidated Syphon H stored at Dunster Yard Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many Thanks Andrew

Before and after storm Eowyn
Craig Munday

A week of contrasting calm and blustery conditions leading up to the named storm Eowyn.

On the 20.01.2025, 150219 still wearing GWR blue passes Perranwell bound for Falmouth. The mist still clinging in places. Copyright Craig Munday.

The 22nd saw a variety of trains in action in fine light. 150265 powers away from Goonbarrow bound for Par, frost still on the point rodding. Copyright Craig Munday.

43097 sat perfectly on St Pinnock viaduct working 2C68. 22.01.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

66131 led a rake of Par Harbour loaded JIAs making that afternoon's 6M53 and is seen waiting for its afternoon path in St. Blazey. 22.01.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

23rd into 24th saw the overnight onslaught of storm Eowyn. Although Ireland and the Lowlands of Scotland suffered the most fierce of conditions, its tail still whipped up wind strengths all over the UK. A tree was felled at Slades viaduct near Ivybridge which heavily delayed the down Midnight which was seen approaching St Austell 174 late. No often you obtain a daylight picture of the sleepers in January! 24.01.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks, Craig - a great selection.

A noctural visitor
Jonathan Harbage

Here is a photo of 57306 going through Truro on 23/01/35 to Penzance from Plymouth, for wheel work to be done at Long rock depot. Sorry it’s slightly out of focus. 24.01.2025, copyright Jonathan Harbage

Many thanks Jonathan - good to see other train operators making use of the excellent facilities at Long Rock.

Patriarch Parkway
Roger Geach

D1053 calls at Bodmin Parkway (Or Bodmin Road, as it was then) with 1B03, the 0730 Paddington to Penzance on Thursday 17.06.1976. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks as always, Roger

Sunshine and semaphores
Roger Winnen

20.01.2025 - Signals pulled off for the Branch Line train to St Ives

20.01.2025 - An IET passes under the new bridge at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

20.01.2025 - Semaphores and Castles at St Erth. Signal SE66. Copyright Roger Winnen

20.01.2025 - Semaphores and Castles at St Erth. 43092 Cromwells Castle arrives on the 10.42 Plymouth Penzance working. Copyright Roger Winnen

20.01.2025 - 43004 Caerphilly Castle tails the 10.42 Plymouth Penzance service at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

Old and new at Dowgas
Jon Hird

43098 and 43042 work the 1315 Penzance - Plymouth past Dowgas. 24.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

There were only a few minutes to wait before 'the new order' appeared with 802006 heading west with the 0900 Cardiff Central - Penzance. 24.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

1970's variety pack
By Roger Winnen
Part 6

31.03.1978 - Approaching Westbury from the Salisbury route. Copyright Roger Winnen.

31.03.1978 - Dilton Marsh Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen.

31.03.1978 - The western end of Salisbury Station. Copyright Roger Winnen.

31.03.1978 - With Salisbury Cathedral in the background, a Class 47 departs Salisbury. Copyright Roger Winnen.

31.03.1978 - The former Great Western Station at Salisbury. Copyright Roger Winnen.

31.03.1978 - A Class 33 Waterloo-Exeter service at Salisbury. Copyright Roger Winnen.

31.03.1978 - A thumper Unit departs from the east end of Salisbury. Copyright Roger Winnen.

31.03.1978 - Semley Station (Closed). Copyright Roger Winnen.

Dear Roger,

Managed to ID two of your images in the 1970's 'Variety Pack Part 6', 31/3/78. The class 33 with headcode 62 at Salisbury is 33045 and the class 205 DEMU is 1124 (205024).

The class 47 leaving Salisbury with Yeoman hoppers (I think), is either 47307 or 327, my money being on the latter. The loco doesn't have a steam heat pipe on the buffer beam and has a plated over roof boiler port, but does have the boiler tanks between the battery boxes so a non-boliered from new 47/3 variant.

HTH

Regards

Karl Hewlett - Friends Of Penmere.

Many Thanks to you Karl for the informatiom to the above photos
Roger

January 24th 2025

24/1/2025

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 26
Day Trip to Crumlin
Michael L. Roach

In the last part I described a half day trip by car to do some railway photography in North Cornwall around Halwill Junction Station without actually visiting the station. Two weeks later I made a completely different type of photographic trip by train and lasting more than 24 hours. This was not the longest such trip I made as six months earlier I had made a 30-hour day trip to Yorkshire and Lancashire using a cheap excursion ticket for Plymouth Argyle fans to watch an away match at Rotherham.

On Friday 10 April 1964 I left home about 11.30pm to walk to Plymouth Station where I bought a cheap day return to Bristol Temple Meads for 32 shillings (£1.60). My train was the 8.55pm Penzance to Paddington sleeping car train which was scheduled to leave Plymouth at midnight. Arrival at Temple Meads was at 3.33am some four minutes early. I then had to wait 2½ hours for my next train which was the first train of the day to South Wales at 6.05am. I never enjoyed BTM in the middle of the night but it was OK while the refreshment room was open. I think it was then open 23 hours a day from memory. At Newport I changed into the first daytime train north at 7.03am alighting at Pontypool Road at 7.20am.

The objective on Saturday 11 April 1964 was to travel the 42 mile route to Neath via Nelson, Quakers Yard, Aberdare and Hirwaun which had several lines connecting to it where it was possible to change for places like Rhymney, Dowlais, Merthyr, Caerphilly and Pontypridd. The line had a relatively good passenger service and carried many freight trains. I would spend more than ten hours on the line in total working my way westwards before travelling the full length on return. This was a line which saw a wonderful variety of steam engines of many different classes and sizes. This is best illustrated by my return trip from Neath to Pontypool Road aboard the 2.55pm from Swansea High Street from Neath at 3.26pm when I passed the following steam engines: 4157 (at Rhigos Pond); 3807 (Aberdare on a freight train); 9488 (Quakers Yard); 6144 (at Crumlin); and 4668 (at Hafodyrynys). Although I had travelled the line before I was here to pay my last respects because closure to passengers, and some of the line completely had been agreed. Closure came two months later but I would be at another line that closed that day. My journey home from Pontypool Road was at 7.03pm on a train which had through coaches from Glasgow and Manchester to Plymouth, due 12.36am.

Six miles west of Pontypool Road the line crossed a deep and wide valley on the magnificent Crumlin Viaduct. This was built between 1853 and 1857 of cast and wrought iron in the years before the invention of the Bessemer Process and mild steel. There were just five large all cast/wrought iron viaducts in Britain. By “all” I mean with cast or wrought iron piers as well as spans. There were many more with wrought iron spans on stone or brick piers and even more which I would consider as bridges because they spanned rivers rather than valleys. Of the five viaducts listed below just two remain and none carry trains. Three were demolished after the lines they were on closed completely:- Crumlin, Belah and Deepdale, with the last two being located high in The Pennines on the South Durham & Lancashire Union Railway between Barnard Castle and Tebay on the WCML. The two remaining extant examples are at Meldon on Dartmoor, near Okehampton and Bennerley, near Ilkeston in Derbyshire. Meldon, in particular, is in a magnificent setting and well-worth visiting together with the advantage of the Meldon Dam and Okehampton Station being close by. Wikipedia tells us that the Crumlin Viaduct was the least expensive bridge of its size ever constructed. It cost £62,000 to build which equals £5.95 million today – a real bargain.

The five large all-metal viaducts were:

It will be noted that Crumlin was not only the oldest, it was also the longest and the highest, and was quite jaw dropping to see perhaps because of its height in an urban area. Because of concerns over its structural integrity the number of tracks had been long ago reduced from two to one and an 8mph speed restriction imposed. It was magnificent when viewed from any angle and any level. I caught the 7.38am from Pontypool Road to Crumlin High Level Station at the far (west) end of the viaduct; then walked one mile east across the valley photographing the viaduct from various positions finally ending up at Hafodyrynys Platform to travel on westwards thus getting two trips across the viaduct in quick succession, plus another one later that day.

Interestingly as the Crumlin Viaduct was being built of cast and wrought iron Henry Bessemer was inventing and patenting his process for the mass production of steel which would soon become the metal of choice for bridge spans; and yet in France Gustave Eifel was building the magnificent Garabit Viaduct of wrought iron between 1882 and 1884; i.e later than any of the viaducts listed earlier and long after steel had been invented. Garabit has a total length of 565 metres and a height of 404 feet.

My train leaves Crumlin High Level Station for Aberdare where it terminated, behind 0-6-2T no. 6659. Note the platform edging slabs which have been removed because of frost damage 15 months earlier in the severe winter of 1962-63 – they would not be replaced with the line proposed for closure. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Crumlin Viaduct as seen looking north from the closed Crumlin (Low Level) Station on the Western Valleys Branch. The station was then still intact apart from the removal of some platform edging slabs. The picture was taken at 8.20am on the morning of Saturday 11 April 1964. It was a dull start to the day. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Looking west along the axis of the viaduct showing a close-up view of a pier showing the arrangement of the 14 cast iron columns in 3 rows of 4 with an extra one at the outside of the centre-line. These outside ones have a pronounced rake on them. Note also the diagonal ties and struts both in the vertical and horizontal planes. Each lift was 5.2 metres (17 feet) high; so there is more than 15 metres (50 feet) of columns shown here. The object sat on the cross-member is believed to be a cat or dog. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

A general view along the north side of the viaduct. The person admiring the structure was not known to the photographer, but with a duffle bag has got to be a railway enthusiast. Note the mineral wagons on the line below the viaduct and the fact that the farthest spans are on a curve. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

It is 8.36am and two men tend to their pigeons in a motley collection of buildings believed to have been swept away long ago. The railway across the viaduct had been single for many years with an 8 mph speed restriction. For comparison the Garabit Viaduct has a speed limit of 10 km/h (6.2 mph). Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks Michael - some very impressive structures there, a great record.

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

57306 Seen passing through Truro last evening
Jonathan Harbage

Here is a photo of 57306 going through Truro on 23/01/35 to Penzance from Plymouth, for wheel work to be done at Long rock depot. Sorry it’s slightly out of focus. Jonathan Harbage

Many Thanks Jonathan

Oxford '59'
Alan Peters

On long term hire to Colas Rail 59003 'Yeoman Highlander' seen at Hinksey Yard (Oxford) in a brief spell of sunshine on 22/01/25. Copyright Alan Peters

Many thanks, Alan, an unsual perspective

Memories of Cattybrook
Craig Munday

Phil Smith’s picture of 37422 at Cattybrook near Patchway tunnel reminded me of my time as a MOM in Bristol. Covering such a huge area, urban and rural, you became almost immune to odd and bizarre incidents to attend. One day, however, even I was bemused at the lineside search I was asked to undertake.

The Shift Manager in Bristol Panel called enquiring if I could carry out a line search between the two tunnels on the Down Tunnel line as a Driver had lost his trousers! The story was that a Driver on a Sprinter had departed Bristol Temple Meads with a hot drink on the drivers desk which spilled all over lap as the unit passed through the junctions at Filton or Patchway Jn. He took his trousers off (presumably while stopped at Patchway) and attempted to dry them out by hanging them out the window. The back draught from the single bore tunnel must have whipped the trousers from his grip, and he arrived at Cardiff in his pants! I’m not sure how they protected his modesty at Cardiff, the mind boggles.

After a quick line blockage between trains, I scoured the area to no avail. Rather than Wallace and Gromit’s Wrong Trousers, this was a case of No Trousers.

Phil's photograph from a few days ago - 37422 passes Cattybrook in 1999 - near to the site of the missing trousers. Copyright Phil Smith.

I'm glad Phils photo stirred up some memories Craig, thanks very much for sharing the story with us!

Mid-Cornwall in the sunshine
Roger Winnen

22.01.2025 - 66131 Departs Par Harbour with loaded clay. Copyright Roger Winnen

22.01.2025 - Opening the crossing gates. Copyright Roger Winnen

22.01.2025 - Entering the yard at St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

22.01.2025 - This train was loaded to 11 vechicles. Copyright Roger Winnen

22.01.2025 - Lostwithiel Station from the temp bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

22.01.2025 - Lostwithiel Station as one person waits for the train. Copyright Roger Winnen

22.01.2025 - 43097 on a service to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

22.01.2025 - Tailed by Driver Cooper. Copyright Roger Winnen

22.01.2025 - Going away photograph. Copyright Roger Winnen

22.01.2025 - Lostwithiel Level Crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen

22.01.2025 - IET at Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen

22.01.2025 - Legends of the West hauls the 12.50 Penzance to Plymouth service at Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen

22.01.2025 - 43004 Caerphilly Castle. Copyright Roger Winnen

1970's variety pack
By Roger Winnen
Part 5

29.10.1977 - Items in the old Swindon Museum of the Treamble Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen.

29.10.1977 - Treamble Tokens etc. Copyright Roger Winnen.

29.10.1977 - Taunton East Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen.

19.11.1977 - Cogload Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen.

28.03.1978 - Class 33 approaching Salisbury. Copyright Roger Winnen.

31.03.1978 - Class 31s in the yard at Yeovil Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen.

31.03.1978 - The old S & D at Templecombe. Copyright Roger Winnen.

31.03.1978 - Milborne Port Station (Closed). Copyright Roger Winnen.

31.03.1978 - Class 31 & 33 at Salisbury. Copyright Roger Winnen.

January 23rd 2025

23/1/2025

Sunset Sixty
Guy Vincent

DC Rail's 60028 (in one-off Cappagh blue livery) effortlessly hauling a heavy train of 77 tonne boxes loaded with fine grade aggregates past Berkley Marsh, Frome at dusk on Wednesday 22nd. This is the 6M16 1613 Merehead - Willesden which runs 'as required'. After so many grim days a period of late, weak sun gave just enough light at 1650hrs to capture this working. At the exact same time as this was passing me at Berkley, just 4 miles ahead 60046 was traversing the Hawkeridge loop just north of Westbury with a Wembley - Tytherington train of empties. 22.01.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks, Guy. Always great to see a '60' at work, and this livery sits well on them too.

More units for storage
Colin Pidgeon

47727 on 5Q87 Eastleigh TRSMD to Long Marston with 701033. This is the second time this unit has been to Long Marston. It was first taken there on 01-06-2023. 22.01.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

A going-away shot of 701033. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Many thanks Colin - and Ken for sending them in

1970's variety pack
By Roger Winnen
Part 4

09.10.1977 - Stoke Canon Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen.

09.10.1977 - Returning special with two Class 40s passing Rewe. Copyright Roger Winnen.

09.10.1977 - The Two Class 40s alongside Exeter Middle Box. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Dawlish Clay
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

37412 leads 37669 and empty clay wagons through Dawlish in summer 1992. Phil mentions that the young lad in the background wearing a Liverpool FC kit is his nephew - likely now in his 40's? Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks, Phil - a great shot and nice that you got your nephew in it too.

St. Keyne DMU
Roger Geach

Class 120 units were quite common on the branches in the summer time, here a 2-car set (P554) departs from St. Keyne heading towards Liskeard on 15.08.1978. Copyright Roger Geach.

Moorswater Interlude
Jon Hird

With some time owed to me by work, I thought I would use it for a quick trip over to Moorswater. The first train I saw was 802011 working the 1415 Penzance - Paddington. 22.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Next up, from the opposite direction, came 802110 working the 1205 Paddington to Penzance. Note the bushes growing up on the right hand side, I fear that come summer, when they grow their leaves, this shot may be off the cards. 22.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

A quick change of position for the next one. I was quite pleased with this drone shot of 66131 crossing Moorswater Viaduct with 6C53, clay for the midlands from Par Harbour. The run round loop which served Moorswater dries/cement works clearly visible beneath. 22.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

January 22nd 2025

22/1/2025

- Don't miss our next indoor event! -

Generations of power at Didcot
Michael Forward

Hello Roger and all, Here are three pictures showing locos across the years at the GWS centre Didcot.

Firstly we see Dukedog 3217(9017) at one end of the branch demonstration line.( Rebuilt c.1936 ,parts of it date to an earlier period). Summer 1982, copyright Michael Foward.

Next we see 5051 'Earl Bathurst' simmering in the sun at the coaling stage. Copyright Michael Forward.

Finally, bringing us more up to date, we see Hymek D7018 at rest. The loco is now on the West Somerset Railway. Copyright Michael Forward.

Many thanks, Michael - an interesting batch of photos.

Bodithiel Bridge
Peter Murnaghan

Just to the west of St Pinnock viaduct, the single line crosses a narrow lane on Bodithiel bridge, which has a ridiculously low headroom of just 6ft 6. Here is 2C68 the 1142 Plymouth - Penzance crossing the bridge, headed by 43187 on Tuesday 21st January 2025. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Many thanks, Peter - a very low bridge indeed, van drivers beware!

1970's variety pack
By Roger Winnen
Part 3

22.05.1977 - a CRS visit to the Seaton Tramway. Copyright Roger Winnen.

22.05.1977 - a CRS visit to the Seaton Tramway. Keith Jenkin looking at the camera. Copyright Roger Winnen.

22.05.1977 - a CRS visit to the Seaton Tramway. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Regional Railways
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

Still wearing its Regional Railways livery, 37422 passes Cattybrook in 1999. Copyright Phil Smith.

Another cracking photo, thanks Phil

Another Western at Onslow
Roger Geach

Nicely complimenting yesterdays photograph from the same location, today we see D1033 working 6M55 - the St. Blazey - Stoke clay, passing Onslow Sidings. 29.03.1976, copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks, Roger - bet you heard that one coming.

Swanpool Miniature Railway, Falmouth
Karl Hewlett

Dear Roger,

For some time I have been on and off looking at finding information on a little known miniature railway that was at Swanpool Lake in Falmouth, about a mile and a half from Penmere Platform station. As the CRS covers miniature gauges in the South West I was going to pose the question to fellow readers if they had any images of the railway, I only knew of one in a museum's collection but they would charge a copyright fee for usage.

I had another look recently, found an article and some cine film footage of the attraction in operation which must be very rare as it was only in operation for a few years. The site later went on to become a go-kart and a mini motorbike track for children, there was also a carboot here on Sundays all long gone and the site is now just a car park. I haven't copied over the images and footage directly so as not to breach any issues, but simply provided the links to them. Website: https://elechistory.org/falmouth-swanpool-beach. The video footage: https://www.cornishmemory.com/item/MISC_176.

Hope this provides interest to some readers at least, I don't think there is an awful lot of information about this miniature railway.

Regards

Karl Hewlett - Friends Of Penmere Station.

Thanks Karl - a great bit of history.

The train in the video looks, to me, like a Triang Minic - click here.

<<Previous

The Channel Islands Boat Trainby Roger WinnenPart 2

Re: Churchill's funeral trainRoy Hart

The days clayJon Hird

Re: Ken's 'Mystery bridge'Mike Bellew

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 27Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)Michael L. Roach

Don't miss our next indoor meeting!

The Channel Islands Boat Trainby Roger WinnenPart 1

Classic Traction in DevonClive Smith & David Tozer

More from CattybrookPhil 'Shattered' Smith

5 minutes at StoneybridgeJon Hird

'Old Timers'Michael Forward & Michael Adams

The Bridport BranchPart 2Roger Winnen

Bristol Temple MeadsPhil 'Shattered' Smith

The Falmouth Line 1976Andrew & Diane Jones

The Bridport BranchPart 1Roger Winnen

Shivery SwindonKen Mumford

Teignmouth snapshotMartin Scane

Long RockRoger Geach

1970's variety packBy Roger WinnenPart 8

Trowbridge Tug and TurboGuy Vincent

Kemble odds and endsKen Mumford

1970's variety packBy Roger WinnenPart 7

Before and after storm EowynCraig Munday

A noctural visitorJonathan Harbage

Patriarch ParkwayRoger Geach

Sunshine and semaphoresRoger Winnen

Old and new at DowgasJon Hird

1970's variety packBy Roger WinnenPart 6

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 26Day Trip to CrumlinMichael L. Roach

Oxford '59'Alan Peters

Memories of CattybrookCraig Munday

Mid-Cornwall in the sunshineRoger Winnen

1970's variety packBy Roger WinnenPart 5

Sunset SixtyGuy Vincent

More units for storageColin Pidgeon

1970's variety packBy Roger WinnenPart 4

Dawlish ClayPhil 'Shattered' Smith

St. Keyne DMURoger Geach

Moorswater InterludeJon Hird