Blog Archives

19th February 2020

19/2/2020

Trevor Tremethick would like to pass on his grateful thanks to Roy Hart and Bob Ayres for their input re: Trevemper Siding. This information is much appreciated.
Kind regards to you and Keith
Trevor

The New Bridge Installed on the St Ives Branch
Roger Salter

200219a A view from the Griggs Road Bridge as finishing work on the new bridge takes place. Copyright Roger Salter

200219b The new bridge installed at approx 16.00 hrs yesterday, track and ballast being laid. Copyright Roger Salter

200219c The ballast being laid on the new bridge, taken from the Griggs Road Bridge. Copyright Roger Salter

200219d Manouvering the dump truck to the makeshift crossing to enter the very large yard created for this work. Copyright Roger Salter

200219e The dumper enters the newly created yard. Copyright Roger Salter

200219f The old road bridge over the St Ives Branch now cut off after the creation of the roundabout. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

The glory of steam
Marauding Monarch
Roger Geach

I found this picture of of King 6024 on a railtour that is not on the CRS pages or six bells junction. It is 6024 on a Marauding Monarch tour climbing Whiteball on the 17 May 2000.

6024 King George V powers the Marauding Monarch up Whiteball. 17th May 2000. Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks to you Roger - an ace picture.

Preparation before laying the track at Camborne
Roger Winnen

An hour or so was spent at Camborne Satation on Tuesday morning watching the preparation of the trackbed for the renewal of the up main through Camborne Station, in the distance at Roskear Junction was an engineers train waiting to deliver the vital parts needed. A taxi was provided to take pedestrians via a circular route across to the other side of the crossing. However I decided to have a nice cup of tea in the friendly buffet.

All photographs are Copyright of Roger Winnen

Tuesdays Photographs of the West Cornwall Blockade
Roger Salter

The floodlight bridge at Hayle Causeway awaiting removal. Copyright Roger Salter

Is it a tea break at Camborne Station!. Copyright Roger Salter

66158 with a ballast train at Roskear Junction. Copyright Roger Salter

The orange army are back at work improving the Great Western Railway. Copyright Roger Salter

Loading ballast at Camborne. Copyright Roger Salter

Repairs and upgrading to Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Roger Salter

Royal Wessex 3
WeymouthTramway
Ron Kosys

33113 brings up the rear of the Royal Wessex railtour as the empty stock heads toward Weymouth Quay station. 10th December 1988 Ron Kosys.

18th February 2020

18/2/2020

Two more from
Driver Alan Peters

With the after effects of Storm Dennis, engineering trains in West Cornwall were delayed leaving the possession one such train was Colas Rail 66850 'David Maidment OBE' working 6C21 waiting to depart to Westbury seen near Paradise Crossing on 17-02-20
Words and photo by Alan Peters

Fuelling in the snow at Westbury Holding Sidings, Colas Rail 70815 being fuelled before working a train to Crediton 1st February 2019, when snow brought chaos to Cornwall rather than storms
Words and photo by Alan Peters

70815 being fuelled. Copyright Alan Peters.

Many Thanks Alan, Keep up the good work.

Truro Penzance Blockade.
Mick House.

The evening of Friday 14th February and the early hours and during the day of the 15th took me to Camborne, Redruth, Truro, Hale and St Erth to see some of the train’s booked to come to Cornwall for this large engineering possession, covering the Truro to Penzance to main line & the St Ives branch.
Words and photos By Mick House.

Driver Alan Peters bring in the first train 70 805, passing through Camborne with the Rail-Vac. Copyright Mick House.

: Colas Rail 66 850 David Maidment OBE was second passing through Redruth with Harsco Track Technologies, Track Construction Machine. Copyright Mick House.

Freightliner 66 528 Madge Elliot MBE - Borders Railway Opening 2015 is the third train and is passing through Redruth with five empty and five loaded ballast wagons. Copyright Mick House.

DB Schenker 66 197 is the forth train and stopped in Truro with loaded ballast wagons. Copyright Mick House.

Colas Rail 66 847 Terry Baker is the fifth train and is passing through Truro with loaded ballast wagons. Copyright Mick House.

GBRF 66 712 Peterborough Power Signalbox stand at Bodriggy. Copyright Mick House.

Freightliner 66 623 has proved to be quite elusive for most people so I have added three photos at Bodriggy. Copyright Mick House.

66 623. Copyright Mick House.

Freightliner 66 562 at Bodriggy. Copyright Mick House.

DB Schenker 66 197 stands in Hayle station. Copyright Mick House.

: Colas Rail 66 850 David Maidment OBE, stands in St Erth station. Copyright Mick House.

Colas Rail Freight 70805 seen sat on Angarrack viaduct

Colas Rail Freight 70805 seen sat on Angarrack viaduct, the loco had been detached from the NTC train (New Track Construction) and stood clear whilst relaying took place, once re-attached the loco worked back to Westbury as 6C21 on Monday 17th February 2020, later than planned due to Storm Dennis - Alan Peters

Colas Rail Freight 70805 on Angarrack viaduct. Copyright Alan Peters.

Ongoing works at Hayle & Camborne 17th Feb 2020
Andrew Triggs

Evening Roger/Keith,
Following finishing work today I visited the work sites of Hayle viaduct and Camborne station to view the ongoing rail works 5 shots enclosed for CRS, sadly all Loco hauled traffic had departed, leaving various Track plant machinery hard at it
All the Best
Andrew

1 Shots of Hayle viaduct and station from both road over bridges at 16.30. Copyright Andrew Triggs

2 Shots of Hayle viaduct and station from both road over bridges at 16.30. Copyright Andrew Triggs

3. The view from by Asda of the viaduct works and associated Machinery. Copyright Andrew Triggs

4 Views from Camborne footbridge of the ongoing Up Main works at 17.15. Copyright Andrew Triggs

5 Views from Camborne footbridge of the ongoing Up Main works at 17.15 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Bathpool (Taunton)
Bill Elston

An interesting 15 minutes at Bathpool today 14th February 2020) produced the following;
66137 working Exeter to Westbury, then 3-car Castle set 43189 +188 working 2U12 PZ - CF; finally, 43088 + 160 LA - Doncaster Wabtec for mods and repaint.
Best regards, Bill

Bathpool 14th February 2020, Copyright Bill Elston

Bathpool 14th February 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

Bethpool 14th February 2020. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill

The Royal Wessex Railtour 2
Weymouth Quay
Ron Kosys

33114 heads the empty coaching stock of the Royal Wessex railtour towards Weymouth Quay on the 10th December 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys.

17th February 2020

17/2/2020

Engineering Work
16th 17th February 2020
Roger Salter

What weather ,possibly the worst continuous time whilst trying to take photos.
After a great delay with the heavy lift crane being faulty since Friday, it appears the new part has been fitted today.
No work seems to be going on,on the Hayle Viaduct.
The point & track towards Penzance west of St.Erth station had attention y/day when I got thoroughly soaked twice!!
Camborne this morning was no better with a great diversion to get to the station then a soaking with 66528 choking me with its exhaust fumes!!

200216a 66528 Madge Elliot with ballast train at St Erth. Copyright Roger Salter

200216b Loading ballast for trackwork west of St Erth Station, heavy rain still falling as Dennis shows its muscle.Copyright Roger Salter

200216c The railvac working at St Erth. Copyright Roger Salter

200216d 66850 David Maidment OBE at Hayle. Copyright Roger Salter

200216e The crane part faulty awaits spares from Holland. Copyright Roger Salter

200217a The railvac seen at Camborne heading east. Copyright Roger Salter

200217b 66528 Madge Elliot starts from Camborne Station hauling ballast, railvac and empty wagons east amongst a toxic cloud. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Royal Wessex Railtour
Radipole Halt
Ron Kosys

Today we begin with the first of a series of pictures taken of the Royal Wessex Railtour as recorded by Ron Kosys who followed this railtour as it journeyed to Weymouth.

33113+33114 head the Royal Wessex Railtour seen at Radipole as it heads towards Weymouth. The date is the 10th December 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

10th December 1988
Hertfordshire Rail Tours
The Royal Wessex
Locos Used33113 & 33114 'Sultan'Route :
Loco(s)Route
33113 + 33114London Waterloo - Clapham Junction - Wimbledon - Raynes Park - Motspur Park - Epsom - Leatherhead - Horsham - Pulborough - Arundel Jn - Ford - Chichester - Havant - Farlington Jn - Cosham Jn - Netley - St Denys - Northam Jn - Southampton Central - Redbridge - Brockenhurst - Bournemouth - Poole - Wareham - Dorchester Jn - Weymouth Town (1)
33113 (2)Weymouth Quay - Weymouth Jn
33114 + 33113Weymouth Jn - Dorchester Jn - Yeovil Pen Mill - Castle Cary - Westbury - Trowbridge - Melksham - Chippenham - Wottoon Bassett Jn - Swindon - Didcot Parkway - Reading - Twyford - Slough - Acton Main Line - Acton Wells Jn - Dudding Hill Jn - Cricklewood Curve Jn - London St PancrasNotes :
(1) Passengers had to make their own way to Weymouth Quay to rejoin the train.
(2) 33114 on rear.
The above courtesy of Six Bells Junction Railtour Files.

Many thanks Ron.

Six by or near the sea
Martin Scane

Martin Scane writes, We have just spent a couple of days in Teignmouth primarily to attend Network Rail’s consultation event on their proposals for the realignment of the track between Parson’s Tunnel and Teignmouth. Anyway, I managed a few photos today in amongst the showers.

12th February 2020. Copyright Martin Scane.

150247 approaches Teignmouth 12th February 2020. Copyright Martin Scane.

Approaching Teignmouth 12th February 2020. Copyright Martin Scane.

1A88 Penzance to Paddington heading towards Sprey point. 11th February 2020. Copyright Martin Scane

66137 passes through Teignmouth station on the 11th February 2020. Copyright Martin Scane.

Teignmouth 57312 with the Laira Long Marston redundant stock train. 11th February 2020. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin - sorry about the delay in publishing. Things have been rather hecion around here during the last few days.

16th February 2020

16/2/2020

Trevemper Siding Newquay
Trevor Tremethick

Not a vast amount appears to have changed since Peter Bragg's 2014 visit, the site being occupied by many 'used cars'. We walked up what must have been the trackbed towards where the ground frame had been for 100 yards or so until we found it gated off and what looked like a farmyard beyond.

The first two pictures show cars parked on the A392 side of the massive goods shed which retains its roof timbers. The third 'detail' picture is on the 'siding' side. I read somewhere that there had been two sidings here but I'm not sure about that. The remaining pictures are in order of our walk, firstly in the Tolcarn direction and then southerly back to the shed. In the final view (somewhat overgrown since Peter's visit) you can just about see one of the uprights of the former buffer stop.

I have a lot of questions unanswered about this siding. I found a railtour of 14 July 1963 (Railway Enthusiasts' Club 'The Cornish Rail Tour') that took in Trevemper Siding along with most of the other Cornish lines by the look of it. I wonder if this was the last train (apart from the demolition contractor) to use the siding. It was a single unit railcar. Were any photographs taken on this tour? I have never seen a picture of the siding actually in use before it was lifted sometime around October of '63.

I also wonder what kind of business activity took place here when the Chacewater-Newquay branch was open. I imagine agricultural. In the Middleton Press Book about the Newquay branches it mentions the site being occupied by a firm called 'Taylor and Low'.

Back in the old days, as a child, I must have passed the entrance to Trevemper Siding a number of times on the train but don't recall ever noticing. For me it remains a place of mystery! Was there a ground frame hut, or just levers in the open? Was there a separate locking key or was it operated by the Shepherds to Tolcarn(e) Junction key token? You can probably tell I am not a signalman!

Anyway, I hope all this will be of some interest - at least that magnificent shed is still standing!

Oh, by the way. Although I did this on Valentine's Day, I did buy Barbara a nice pendant from the craft shop at the former St Agnes station!

Best wishes

Trevor Tremethick

.Dear Keith,

I can provide answers to some of Trevor Tremethick's questions:

Trevemper Mill lay alongside the old Treffry/Cornwall Minerals Railway line from Newquay to Shepherds and Treamble. When the GWR was reconstructing this line in 1903/4 to complete the Perranporth branch, they made a deviation at Trevemper to avoid a sharp curve. The old trackbed (or part of it) remained as Trevemper siding. The routes of both the old line and the deviation are clearly visible on 6 inch or or 25 inch OS maps. The siding was connected to the new single line by a ground frame (2 levers) in a hut. Michael Dunn's study of nameplates records that the order for the casting of the plate 'Trevemper Siding Ground Frame' was made in March 1904.
Although the siding was inside the Tolcarn Junction advanced starting signal, it was outside the down home, so had to be released by the Shepherds - Tolcarn electric train staff (token in later years). If a trip working from the Newquay end was required, the Tolcarn signalman asked 'clear' to Shepherds and withdrew a token. The train ran (propelling) to the siding, then surrendered the token on return.
Traffic in later years was just the odd wagon of coal. The siding remained open to traffic after the passenger closure because of an unexpired private siding agreement. I am sure that no revenue-earning traffic was carried in these months.

Roy Hart

Great article on the siding, a look at NLS maps 25inch will answer the query about the two mystery siding spurs to the east, off the “main line “ of the siding. Keep up the good work Bob Ayres

Trevemper Goods Shed 14.02.2020 Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Trevemper Goods Shed Detail 14.02.20. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Trevemper Goods Shed North Wall 14.02.2020 Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Trevemper Siding end of line. Part of buffer stop in undergrowth. 14.02.20. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Trevemper Siding trackbed view south to Goods Shed. 14.02.20. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Trevemper Siding trackbed view towards Tolcarn Jct. 14.02.2020. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Thanks Trevor

Bevois
Ron Kosys

33102 seen here at Bevois with the 1V15 the 14.40 Sundays Waterloo to Exeter on the 18th August 1991. Copyright Ron Kosys. Note the Network South East livery, also note the gentleman enjoying the fresh air from the open window of the first coach - a privilege now sadly denied us all. The, nowadays the concrete plant has disappeared, and turning about lies the level crossing and Northam Depot..

Many thanks Ron.

HST Castle Class Update
Guy Vincent

Castle Class 255 HST Update

In August 2019 it was reported that GWR planned to name a number of the HST power cars they were retaining for their new 'Castle Class' 255 short-formed HST sets. A total of twenty three names were given and the plates were displayed at the 'Steam' museum in Swindon and this event was duly reported on the CRS site. Now, 6 months on I have compiled a list of power cars and names so far fitted with the dates they were first reported in service following in brackets.

This is the current situation with the GWR Class 255 HST power car fleet as at 15th February 2020. All those in the main list are now in the all-over green livery.

43004 Caerphilly Castle (16.12.2019)

43005 Un-named
43016 Un-named
43040 Un-named
43041 St Catherine's Castle (09.10.2019)
43042 Tregenna Castle (29.01.2020)
43092 Cromwell's Castle (25.09.2019)
43093 Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018 Note. One nameplate has been replaced by a copy sticker.
43094 St Mawes Castle (06.01.2020)
43097 Environment Agency
43098 Walton Castle (10.02.2020)
43122 Dunster Castle (05.02.2020)
43153 Chun Castle (19.10.2019)
43154 Compton Castle (20.01.2020)
43155 Un-named
43158 Kingswear Castle (05.02.2020)
43170 Chepstow Castle (13.11.2019)
43186 Taunton Castle (19.12.2019)
43187 'The Welshman' (10.2016) Vinyls
43188 'The Welshman' (10.2016) Vinyls
43189 Launceston Castle (13.11.2019)
43192 Un-named
43194 Okehampton Castle (14.09.2019)

43198 Driver Brian Cooper 15 June 1947 - 5 October 1999 & Driver Stan Martin 5 June 1960 - 6 November 2004

Note: One nameplate is carried on each side commemorating the two drivers who sadly died in the Ladbroke Grove and Ufton Nervet collisions respectively.

It has been reported that First Group has purchased another four power cars from Porterbrook in order to form two further 'Castle Class' sets. These are 43088 43156 43160 and 43162. 43156 and 43162 have already moved from Laira to Doncaster for modifications and repainting. First Group also own collision-damaged 43195 which is at Laira for spares recovery and will not be returning to traffic.

Castle Names still to be applied:

Berry Pomeroy, Cardiff, Castle-an-Dinas, Castle Drogo, Newport, Powderham, Rougemont, St Michaels Mount, Trematon (Total 9) It is thought that the 'plates are being applied at Laira during periods of extended maintenance / exams.

It is unclear at this stage whether or not 43093 43097 43187 and 43188 will lose their current names. 43198 will not as it received the plates it now carries from 43033 and 43139 last autumn.

On 13th February a total of nine 4-coach sets were reported to be in use requiring 18 power cars. Typically M-F the '255's' work various turns between Penzance and Cardiff with one early morning trip starting at Gloucester.

I'll try to keep this list up to date and report further changes and namings as I become aware of them.

With regards

Guy V

A very sincere 'Thank you' to you Guy for all the work involved with providing us with such a detailed listing. Another interesting point is who, or what committee make the final decision on the names to be used.

15th February 2020

15/2/2020

Images of Engineering Trains at Bodriggy Hayle
Paul Roach

All photographs are Copyright to Paul Roach

Many Thanks Paul

Hayle Viaduct Possession
Andrew Triggs

Hello Roger/Keith
Braving the elements today to photograph the Engineering trains in the Hayle area as part of the 8 day possession for CRS...unsurprisingly I got rather wet but as Queen sang 'The Show Must Go On', 6 shots enclosed anyway (using my mobile phone camera)
All the Best
Andrew

DBC 66197 at Hayle station. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Colas 66847 'Terry Baker' to the east of the station. Copyright Andrew Triggs

. DBC 66111 near Bodriggy (Taken with permission on private property) Copyright Andrew Triggs

GBRf 66712 'Peterborough Power Signalbox' at Bodriggy. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Freightliner 66562 on the embankment near Bodriggy. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Colas 66850 'David Maidment OBE' with Colas Tamper at St Erth. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Photos of the New Bridge installation at Hayle Causeway
Roger Salter

During atrocious weather yesterday & early this morning with storm Dennis coming I managed these photos of the replacement work at Causeway Bridge on the St.Ives Branch Line.
The new bridge section finally arrived as the driver couldn’t travel on Cornish roads at night but needed to wait for the 1000ton lift crane to have its jibs attached
This morning Network Rail were busy clearing the track & embankment for old bridge removal, weather permitting!!!!

200215a The new bridge for the St Ives Branch arrives on site in appalling weather conditions. Copyright Roger Salter

200215c The Crane Jib sections arrive to assemble the giant heavy lift crane. Copyright Roger Salter

200215d Assembling the jib to the heavy lift crane capable of 1000 tons. Copyright Roger Salter

200215e Putting the works together. Copyright Roger Salter

200215f The completed crane. Copyright Roger Salter

200215g As yet another named storm rolls in 'Dennis' work continues on releasing the old bridge on the St Ives Branch. Copyright Roger Salter

200215h The 1000 ton crane assembled and ready for action. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Southampton Parkway
Ron Kosys

33102 seen at Southampton Parkway with the 1L08 1026 Su Salisbury to Waterloo 18th August 1991 Copyright Ron Kosys

14th February 2020

14/2/2020

57312 1100 Laira-
Long Marston at Powderham
Paul Barlow

57312 1100 Laira-Long Marston 5D94 Hst Mk3 coaches for storage seen passing Powderham 12.02.2020. Copyright Paul Barlow

Thanks Paul

A Matter of interest!

I have heard today that the planned replacement of a bridge between St Erth and St Ives will now take place between Saturday 15 and Thursday 20 February with a replacement bus service on all those days. This is the bridge over the road at the Old Quay House leading onto Hayle Causeway. The work has been spread over extra days because of anticipated difficulty operating a large crane in strong winds.

Other work between St Erth and Penzance will also take place starting on 15 February and ending before start of service on Monday 24 February.
Kind regards,
Derek Buttivant

Thanks Derek

Forthcoming Engineering works over this next week
Roger Salter

200212a Wood Shuttering over the bridge by The Quayside Inn on the Hayle Causeway. Copyright Roger Salter

200212b The embankment cleared of trees at this location. Copyright Roger Salter

200212c Hayle Viaduct prior to the start of engineering works. Copyright Roger Salter

Bodmin Road
Roger Geach

Bodmin Parkway station on the 30th March 1984. Copyright Roger Geach. A very interesting picture taken before the rather cheap and nasty station building was replaced by the brick built structure which now occupies the down platform today. Note the signal mounted on the footbridge and also the gathering of 'brutes', parcel trolleys on the platform.

Many thanks Roger.

Sampford Courtenay
Ron Kosys

33102+33208 pass through the former station site at Sampford Courtenay on the 23rd June 1989 with the 7V80 to 0408 Woking to Meldon Quarry. This former station on the LSWR route from Coleford Junction to Okehampton and Plymouth closed to passengers on the 5th June 1972. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

Staffords Bridge
Bill Elston

Looking nice in Midland Main line livery we see 43043 and 43077 Newquay to Leeds. 30th May 1998 Copyright Bill Elston

47145 on a Paignton to Manchester, 30th May 1998. Copyright Bill Elston.

King 6024 heading north over Staffords Bridge, 30th May 1998 Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill.

This weekend and next week
Important Notice
Engineering Work

Dear all
This weekend see's an ambitious week long possession commence. It has an unprecedented eight engineers trains working in it. Two main sites at Hayle viaduct and Paradise crossing near Truro will see the trains split between them.
Friday night into Saturday sees the convoy arrive with all the following freight companies active: Colas, DBC, Freightliner & GBRf. The Hayle trains first, then the Paradise ones. The engineering trains will remain busy over the whole week with trains coming and going - many in daylight leaving and entering the possession at Truro.
Real time trains is the best way to follow their progress using this menu https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/
Just a word of caution, the engineers traffic may run out of these schedules depending on progress on the work sites, so down trains will be easier to follow.
Happy hunting!
Craig Many thanks Craig - the forecast is not good.

13th February 2020

13/2/2020

Saltash Station
Paul Burkhalter

Hi team,
Progress on the building restoration continues as shown in my photo from this morning (12 February 2020). Note the colour scheme is chocolate and cream!
Cheers,
Paul Burkhalter

Saltash Station refurbishment as seen on the. 12th February 2020. Copyright Paul Burkhalter.

Many thanks Paul - we now look forward to seeing the finished item inside. Note the excellent artwork on the protective hoarding.

Newton St Cyres
Ron Kosys

33107+33063 head the 09.38 Tonbridge to Meldon through Newton St Cyres on the 28th July 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

Horse Cove
Paul Barlow

A classic picture at a classic location as 48773 powers the07.18 Paddington to Plymouth - the 'Staine Hind' past Horse Cove on the 16th May 1998. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Some time ago on the
Bodmin and Wenford
Andrew Jones.

.Dear Keith and Valerie, Please find attached Arthur Peppercorn A1 60163 Tornado attacking the grade at ‘Charlies Gate’ during her visit to the Bodmin and Wenford in early June 2017.
It only seems like yesterday, doesn’t time fly!
This type of locomotive is not really suited for the Bodmin Line and the driver would have been very careful to prevent a slip, especially at this location.
Photography is always spectacular at ‘Charlies Gate’ and even at the relatively low speed for an A1, it still was immensely exciting.
The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust which was formed in 1990 has changed the face of preservation with one of the first new build steam locomotives to have been built this century.
The trust is now well on with another new build a Si Nigel Gresley class P2 2-8-2 Mikados, to be named ‘Prince of Wales.’
This will be the most powerful passenger locomotive to be built in Britain.Although only 6 were ever built, the last being scrapped in 1961, the new build will make improvements to the original design.
There are also a number of other locomotives being new built including a Hawksworth County, 1014 to be named ‘County of Glamorgan’ .
We are living through an exciting period and I hope to live long enough to see some of these new locomotives when they visit Cornwall or Devon.
Very best wishes to you both Andrew and Diane.

Many thanks to Andrew & Diane

12th February 2020

12/2/2020

Cowley Bridge Junction Exeter Rail Fair 1994
Roger Winnen

940429a A Convoy of engines passing Cowley Bridge Junction headed by 47085 Repta. Copyright Roger Winnen

940429b 50031 Hood followed by D212 Andania and 55001 St Paddy at Cowley Bridge Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

940429c 6024 King Edward 1st on route to Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

940501e Class 59004 working the Plym Exe Cursioner Railtour. Copyright Roger Winnen

Sleeper and showers
Ponsandane
Andrew Triggs

This morning in between the Winter showers I caught the Night Riviera at Ponsandane double headed with 57603 leading 57602, 5 minutes previously it had been raining heavily but luckily clearing as the Sleeper was running 60 late at this point arriving at Penzance at 08.50, it made for a very atmospheric shot
All the Best, Andrew.

Ponsandane late running sleeper. 57803 and 57602. 11th February 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew.

Crediton
Ron Kosys

33114 heads through Crediton with the 6O74 11.20 Meldon-Tonbridge on the 5th September 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

Exeter Riverside
Paul Barlow

A bit of blue looking very smart as 35005 ''Canadian Pacific' with a Kingswear to Birmingham Railtour pulls past Exeter Riverside 9th September 2002. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

South Devon
Miscellany & Round Up
Clive Smith

Nice to see the cements working the other day and the Castle HSTs continue to provide interest. The big question is how long the class 143 pacers will continue before the inevitable trip to the scrap line or escape to a preserved railway for the lucky ones. The pacers are now permanently coupled with 150s at the 'London end' and early morning on the sea wall is the best time for photos if the sun is shining. The pacers no longer work to Barnstaple since the mid-December enhanced service to Paignton. With the delays in release of turbos caused by the delays in the flex 769s for the Gatwick - Readings, the anticipated cascade of the turbos has not happened although they have worked the odd Exeter - Bristol train. 16th January saw the first turbo passenger working west of Exeter and it was to Plymouth ! The turbo went ECS Bristol - Exeter and then worked the 07.25 Exeter - Plymouth before returning ECS back to Bristol.

Regards, Clive Smith

(1) 143617 brings up the rear of the 09.24 Exmouth - Paignton on the 22nd January attached to the class 150 with disability toilet provision. This was taken from what is called 'Aller No. 3 Bridge' on the Paignton branch on the outskirts of Kingskerswell. There were a number of very useful rail bridges around Aller where some great photographs could be taken. Sadly with re-signalling, track rationalisation and finally the building of the new A380 Kingskerswell by-pass these bridges have been demolished. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) Class 143 pacer 143619 is the rear 2-car with a 150 being the front set of the 09.55 Exmouth - Paignton at Teignmouth on the 2nd February. Copyright Clive Smith

(3) 43093 'Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976 - 2018' heads the 11.44 Exeter St David - Plymouth through Dawlish Warren on the 2nd February. On a grey day the sun managed to just break through for this train . Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) On an overcast 6th February Colas 70812 rounds the corner from Teignmouth station on to the sea wall with the 06.25 Moorswater - Aberthaw cements. The running of this train seems to be getting more erratic with it being 100 minutes late and the sun had moved to a worsening position. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) It's 4.15 on the 6th with the sun low in the sky providing a shaft of light into Teignmouth station where pacer 143617 is paired with a 150 on the 15.53 Paignton - Exmouth. Copyright Clive Smith.

Another very interesting picture display with comprehensive notes from Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive.

11th February 2020

11/2/2020

Nr. Totnes
Clive Smith

Rail Operations Group 57312 approaches Totnes station with 5D94 11.00 Laira - Long Marston stock move with a barrier coach and redundant HST coaches. This was the day after Storm Ciara but the weather was still tempestuous interspersed with some bouts of sunshine, thankfully while this was passing.

Regards
Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive

Swaythling
Ron Kosys

It isn't often that we feature Swathling station in our columns, but is available on the Freedom of South West Rover ticket and thus within our bounds. Many thanks Ron.

Viewed from the footbridge. 33113 passes Swaythling station with the 3B01 the 15.59 Waterloo-Bournemouth. 25th June 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys

A King viewed from
Langstone Rock
Alison Barlow

6024 passes Langstone rock Dawlish hauling the 12.02 Paignton to Paddington on the 5th September 1999. Photo Alison Barlow /Paul Barlow. Copyright.

Very nice to have a lady contributor,
many thanks to Paul and Alison.

Seeing RED at
Par
Martin Scane

Filling the screen - Martin see 66167 at Par on the 10th February 2020. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin.

10th February 2020

10/2/2020

The majesty of steam at
St Austell
Paul Barlow

Castles 4936 and 5029 stand at St Austell with the 04.50 Birmingham to Penzance on the 7th April 2001 Copyright Paul Barlow.

4936 5029 with the 04.50 Birmingham-Penzance at St Austell 7th April 2001. Copyright Paul Barlow.. The footbridge looks good - better than the modern monstrosity'

7th April 2001
Pathfinder Tours
The Double Duchy
Locos Used67010 & steam: 4936 'Kinlet Hall' & 5029 'Nunney Castle'
Stock Used12 mark 1's (plus support coach when steam locos were on the train)Route :
1Z36 : Birmingham International to Penzance
1Z37 : Penzance to Birmingham International
Loco(s)Route
67010Birmingham International – Stechford - Proof House Jn - Birmingham New Street – Soho South Jn - Galton Jn - Stourbridge Junction - Kidderminster – Droitwich Spa - Worcester Shrub Hill – Abbotswood Jn - Cheltenham Spa – Standish Jn - Yate - Westerleigh Jn - Bristol Parkway - Filton Jn - Stapleton Road - Bristol Temple Meads – Worle Jn - Uphill Jn - Bridgwater - Taunton
4936 + 5029Taunton - Exeter St Davids - Dawlish Warren - Newton Abbot - Totnes - Plymouth - Saltash - Liskeard - Par - Truro - St Erth - Penzance
67010Penzance - (reverse of outward route) - Birmingham International

Courtesy Six Bells Junction Railtour Files.

Many thanks Paul for bringing us steam in such a splendid urban setting.

Fairwood Junction
Ron Kosys

33106 hauls sets 8014 & 8015 towards Westbury seen here at Fairwood Junction with the 10.30 from Weymouth 23rd September 1089. Copyright Ron Kosys

2020 Railtour list
Courtesy Karl Hewlett

My usual list for 2020 of railtours and heritage movements for the South West as it stands in February. There are some very good tours and traction this year, but I must stress to all that the below can change, so keep a watchful eye out on any particular tour/s you are interested in. Some of the steam trips are also subject to whether St Blazey's turntable is operational with some tour operators suggesting ending in Plymouth if not:

Sunday 8th March 'The Devon Crompton' 33012 and WCRC loco either 33025, 33029 or 207 T&T with WCRC 37/47/ or 57

London Victoria, Salisbury Plt 3, Yeovil Jcn Plt 3 (photo stop), Yeovil Pen Mill, Yeovil Jcn Plt 2, Honiton Plt 1 (photo stop), Exeter St Davids, Coleford Jcn, Exeter St Davids Plt 3, Exeter Riverside Yard, Taunton, Bristol Temple Meads Plt 5, Bath Spa, Westbury, Salisbury Plt 2, Basingstoke, Woking and London Waterloo.

Thursday 23rd April 'The Great Briton' 6233 'Duchess Of Sutherland'

Cardiff Central, Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth and Penzance.

Saturday 25th April 'The Great Briton' 6233 'Duchess Of Sutherland'

Penzance, Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Taunton, Westbury, Reading, Ascot and London Waterloo.

Thursday 7th May 'Moors & Mountains Explorer Day 1' Steam TBA

London Victoria, Salisbury, Yeovil Jcn, Exeter St Davids and Kingswear.

Friday 8th May 'Cornish Riviera Statesman' WCRC 47/57

York, Sheffield, Derby, Hinckley, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Par and Penzance.

Saturday 9th May 'Torbay Riviera Statesman' WCRC 47/57

Penzance, Par, Plymouth, Newton Abbot (Rev), Paignton, Newton Abbot (Rev), Plymouth, Par and Penzance.

Saturday 9th May 'Moors & Mountains Explorer Day 3' Steam TBA

Kingswear, Exeter St Davids, Taunton, Bristol Temple Meads, Gloucester, Chepstow, Cardiff and Carmarthen.

Sunday 10th May 'Cornish Riviera Statesman' WCRC 47/57

Penzance, Par, Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Bristol Temple Meads, Gloucester, Birmingham New Street, ???? and York.

Saturday 30th May 'Minehead And The West Somerset Railway' 7029 'Clun Castle'

Dorridge, Birmingham Moor Street, Birmingham Snow Hill, Worcester Shrub Hill, Bishops Lydeard (WSR steam loco on), Minehead, Bishops Lydeard, (7029 on), Worcester Shrub Hill, Birmingham Snow Hill, Birmingham Moor Street, Tyseley, Solihull and Dorridge.

Saturday 6th June 'The South Devon Explorer' 6233 'Duchess Of Sutherland' And WCRC Class 47/57 Diesel

Guildford, Reading, Westbury, Bristol Temple Meads (6233 on), Taunton, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Totnes, Exeter St Davids, Taunton, Bristol Temple Meads (6233 off), Westbury, Newbury, Reading, Guildford and Woking.

Friday 26th June 'Visit Torquay Saltburn Railtours' WCRC Diesel TBA

Saltburn to Torquay

Monday 29th June 'Visit Torquay Saltburn Railtours' WCRC Diesel TBA

Torquay to Saltburn.

Saturday 27th June 'Mazey Day Cornishman' 2X Class 50 and GBRF Class 66

(GBRF class 66), Birmingham New Street, Worcester Parkway, Gloucester (class 50's on), Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Penzance, Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Bristol Temple Meads, Gloucester (class 50's off), Worcester Parkway and Birmingham New Street.

Saturday 18th July 'English Riviera Statesman' WCRC 47/57

Peterborough, St Noets, Hitchin, Potters Bar, ????, Exeter St Davids, Newton Abbot, Paignton, Newton Abbot, Exeter St Davids, ???? and Peterborough.

Sunday 19th July and 30th August 'The Royal Duchy' 6233 'Duchess Of Sutherland'

Bristol Temple Meads, Yatton, Taunton, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Par, Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Taunton, Yatton and Bristol Temple Meads.

Saturday 25th July and 15th August 'The West Somerset Steam Express' 6233 'Duchess Of Sutherland'

London Paddington, Reading, Newbury, Westbury, Bishops Lydeard (WSR steam loco on), Minehead, Bishops Lydeard (6233 on), Westbury, Newbury, Reading and London Paddington.

Sunday 26th July and 9th August 'English Riviera Express' either 46100 'Royal Scot', 34046 'Braunton', 70000 'Britiannia' or 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley'

Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, Bradford On Avon, Westbury, Exeter St Davids, Kingswear, Exeter St Davids, Westbury, Bradford On Avon, Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads.

Sunday 2nd August 'English Riviera Express' either 46100 'Royal Scot', 34046 'Braunton', 70000 'Britiannia' or 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley'

Bristol Temple Meads, Weston Super Mare, Exeter St Davids, Kingswear, Exeter St Davids, Weston Super Mare and Bristol Temple Meads.

Wednesday 12th August 'Devonian Express' 2X Steam eeither 46100 'Royal Scot', 34046 'Braunton', 70000 'Britiannia' or 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley'

Cardiff, Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa, Bradford On Avon, Westbury, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Westbury, Bradford On Avon, Bath Spa, Bristol Temple Meads and Cardiff.

Saturday 15th August 'West Country Explorer' Steam TBA

London Paddington, Westbury, Taunton and Exeter St Davids.

Saturday 22nd August 'The South Western Adventurer' 2X DRS Class 68 T&T

Norwich, Ipswich, Chelmsford, Stratford, Taunton, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Taunton, Stratford, Chelmsford, Ipswich and Norwich.

Friday 28th August 'Dartmouth Regatta Statesman' WCRC 47/57

Rugby, Birmingham New Street, Cheltenham Spa, Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter St Davids, Kingswear, Exeter St Davids, Bristol Temple Meads, Cheltenham Spa, Birmingham New Street and Rugby.

Monday 14th September 'Mayflower 400 To Plymouth And Cornwall: Day 1' 61306 'Mayflower' And 61264

London Paddington, Reading, Plymouth and Penzance.

Tuesday 15th September 'Mayflower 400 To Plymouth And Cornwall Day 2' 61306 And 61264 T&T

Plymouth to Par and return (Three round trips).

Thursday 17th September 'Mayflower 400 To Plymouth And Cornwall Day 3' 61306 And 61264

Penzance, Plymouth, Reading and London Paddington.

Regards, Karl (Friends Of Penmere Station).

Many thanks to you Karl for your time and trouble - readers may care to print off the above list for your own personal use.

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