Blog Archives

Par at 02.30 today, were you there? - Craig was!!!

28/2/2015

Hi Keith, After a drought of pictures, here's former class 37 178 as 97303 with 3Q01 at Par. The picture was taken at 02.30 on the 28th, though the Network Rail test train had left Penzance at 22.40 the previous evening and visited St Ives & Falmouth. Due to crewing issues the Parkandillack trip was missed. The Driver Dave Pond took his break as scheduled here, so this shot was obtained in typical Cornish mizzle! I will miss the Rail Vac at Liskeard tonight unfortunately. Cheers Craig Many thanks Craig

97303 at Par on the Network Rail Test Train at 02.30 on the 28th February 2015

A very interesting and varied selection from Julian Stephens

28/2/2015

Hello Keith, You and your contributors are to be congratulated for the seemingly never-ending supply of images for the excellent site. It must have become a full-time job for you. Long may it continue. I have now had time for a further look through my collection and have found a few more that might be of interest. Please feel free to use whatever you wish. The problem is that they are all very interesting, perhaps too many for Latest News but you'll find them all in 'Inside Stories - Features.
Well worth a look - many thanks Julian.
Now here's a taster.

Remember English, Welsh and Scottish Railways? Here at Par_37411+DB999504 9th June 1997 Copyright Julian Stephens

The crossing keepers Box at Nanstallon. Will this be recreated by the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, one hopes so. Copyright Julian Stephens

Non-stop at Newcourt! (Exmouth branch) David Tozer

27/2/2015

A couple of pictures taken today at Newcourt showing progress. Many thanks David

0820 2F13 Paignton - Exmouth passes Newcourt on the 27th February 2015 Copyright David Tozer

A note from Paul - re the 20's to Okehampton

27/2/2015

Just to say I really enjoy your website which gives me more info on railways in Devon than anywhere else!!
FYI the images of the class 20s that talk about going to Meldon. As they came here onto Dartmoor Railway with no advance notice they were only allowed to proceed to Okehampton on both occasions as it was a route learning exercise for DRS drivers linked to forthcoming Pathfinder tour on April 25th and it only goes to Okehampton.
Thanks for the wonderful website. Cheers Paul And thanks Paul for the information - by the way what is your surname?

Friday Morning at the Terminus with The Class 08 on the sleeper and a Network Rail 37 on a test train departing at 22.40 hrs.

27/2/2015

150227b Plenty of white smoke as the sleeper departs for Ponsandane behind 08641 Laira. Copyright Roger Winnen

150227c Its like looking back to the steam days over 50 years ago. Copyright Roger Winnen

150227d Simultaneous exits from Penzance, the 08.28 to Glasgow and the sleeper. Copyright Roger Winnen

150227e 97303 Stands with a test train at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Its all a matter of luck being in the right place at the right time even if the trains run one and two hours early by Roger Winnen

27/2/2015

150226b Stabled at St David's these pair of twenties 20305 and 20308 worked two return route learning trips to Okehampton earlier in the day. Copyright Roger Winnen

150226d Receiving the token at Crediton, 31601 pulls away for Meldon Quarry, Copyright Roger Winnen

150226f Caught by surprise as the Alphington Scrap passes Exeter St David's nearly 60 mins early on route to Cardiff Tidal sidings. Also at 17.47 The Derby RTC Plymouth test train was due, but this eluded me as it passed Exeter two hours early whilst I was drinking tea at Crediton in the nicely furbished Refreshment Room. Copyright Roger Winnen

150226j Descending the steps to Platform 4 sees the 17.37 to Penzance arrive whilst in the other direction is the St Blazey-Exeter Riverside Freight. Copyright Roger Winnen

More photographs on the Inside Features Page

50 years ago today HALWILL TO TORRINGTON CLOSED Mike Roach

27/2/2015

Fifty years ago today the last passenger trains ran on the North Devon & Cornwall Junction Railway. The line ran from Halwill Junction northwards to Torrington 20.5 miles away, and only opened in 1925, lasting just 40 years for passengers. The last scheduled passenger trains ran on Saturday 27 February 1965. Freight, in the form of clay, continued at the northern end until 1982. Clay is still extracted in the area, and now goes by road, with some going to Spain by ship from the quay at Bideford.

The line ran through sparsely populated countryside, and the passenger service was equally sparse. Just two trains each way ran the full length of the line on weekdays only. On 27 March 1965 The Exmoor Ranger Railtour passed along the line during an extensive tour of North Devon and West Somerset. This was exactly 4 weeks after part of the line had closed completely.

There are pictures of the Exmoor Ranger Railtour - see Railtours Section and also other pictures featuring this attractive route in other sections.

20's to Meldon David Tozer

26/2/2015

Morning Keith, DRS Class 20’s visited Meldon Quarry early today. They left Crediton at 0726 for Meldon Quarry. Later they returned and went back to Meldon. Dave Many thanks David

20308 & 20305 arrive at 07.21 Crediton 07.21 26 February 2015 Copyright David Tozer

20308 & 20305 waiting for the road at Crediton 26th February 2015 Copyright David Tozer

It's 0935 and 20308 & 20305 are back at Crediton. Copyright David Tozer

Pinnock tunnel visits Alan Peters

26/2/2015

Hi Mick, I found our local community has trips through St Pinnock tunnel, can you post the flyer on the 'Cornwall Railway Society' website for those who are interested
http://www.parcommunity.org.uk/page17.htm
Regards Alan Peters Many thanks Alan

Big changes with Freightliner - interesting reading

25/2/2015

Keith, A very interesting piece of news
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150224006904/en/Genesee-Wyoming-Enters-Agreement-Acquire-Freightliner-Group%23.VO2DmMrfWhA#.VO2eebBybIV
Regards David Tozer Many thanks David

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