Blog Archives

9th February 2020

9/2/2020

Steam in Trouble at Exeter
Roger Winnen

During the Weekend event of the Exeter Rail Fair 94

940501a The return working from Barnstaple approaches Crediton. Copyright Roger Winnen

940501b 80080 Awaits at Exeter St Davids prior to hauling the special to Exmouth.. Copyright Roger Winnen

940501c Stalling on the 1 in 37 bank approaching Exeter Central on route to Exmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

940501d The train in difficulties at a stand between a set of catch points. Copyright Roger Winnen

Branch Line Society Fixture

The Branch line Society has arranged a private all line railtour visit to the new North Cornwall Miniature Railway, on Sunday 22 March 2020 at 10.00, it is a charity event raising funds for the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

As I'm sure you know, this is a substantial new 10¼ " gauge line, three quarters of a mile long which is under construction with an interesting spiral to gain height in one corner, a branch and a triangle.

The outer loop is complete and it is expected that the inner loop will also be by the time of our visit (subject to the weather).

We would be delighted if any members or contacts of the North Cornwall Railway would like to join us as there is a generous party limit, and we are waiving our usual non-members fixtures supplement on this occasion.

Please do support this fixture and pass the details on to anyone who might be interested.

Details will be sent out to participants who have booked nearer the day.

North Cornwall Miniature (10¼" gauge) Railway, Sunday 22 Mar 10.00: An 'all available lines' visit to this new PRIVATE railway which only opened on 18 Aug 2019 near St Teath, between Wadebridge and Camelford. The 10¼"gauge line is about ¾ mile long, an outer elliptical circuit with a spiral at one corner, a tunnel and a triangular junction to a branch. An inner circuit is under construction and, subject to the weather, should be completed for our visit. It is hoped that hot drinks will be available (donations would be appreciated). Adult £11 each; U18s, must all be adult accompanied, £5.50 with proceeds to Cornwall Air Ambulance. Here is a view of it:

North Cornwall Miniature Railway. Image from Paul Steward February 2020.

Participants should allow time to visit the adjacent largest toy museum in the west. Bookings via our website https://www.branchline.uk/home.php go along the top banner to 'Fixtures' and down to Sunday 22nd March - booking is simple with payment accepted by most Debit or Credit cards. An immediate confirmation of booking will be made by email with full details going aout about six days beforehand. IMPORTANT: Please book in advance (there is no pay on the day) so we know how many are coming.
Any publicity would be gratefully received, and any queries please do ask,
Thank you and very best wishes to all.
Paul Stewart, Great Malvern (Branch Line Society Newsletter Editor.)

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS WORTHY CAUSE IF YOU CAN.

Class 158 at Exmouth Jct
David Tozer

With the forecast looking grim for tomorrow I went for a walk - just to get out the house. I call it my round the block stroll which takes in the old former brickworks site now a park opposite Exmouth Junction. Most of the lineside is utterly useless for photography, however I found a useful gap in the shrubs. I was fortunate in as 158798 was signalled out of Exmouth Junction Sidings by Morrison's working the 1308 5B78 to St James' Park. From here it will work the next Barnstaple service. 158798 is GWR's only true three car Class 158. Dave

158798 is GWR's only true three car Class 158. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Seaton Junction
Ron Kosys

33102+33002 are seen passing through Seaton Junction on the 24th May 1992 with the 1O38 the 14.28 Sundays only Exeter to Waterloo. Taken from the very long public right of way footbridge which still spans the station site. The station site with only a single line passing through is very much a shadow of its former very busy self although the up platform buildings still stand the rails are far away. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron - especially for all the details.

Aller Junction
Paul Barlow

50041 Bulwark approaching Aller Junction 1125 Manchester-Newquay the 1V84. It's the 28th August 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow..

ADA Our transport for the da 28th August 1982. Seen here at speed on the M5 !!! Copyright Paul Barlow.

You may have noticed that over the last seventeen days all the pictures were taken on the same day - the 28th August 1982. Above is a picture of Paul's transport for the day - probably affectionately known ad ADA or perhaps 'Aida'. Many thanks to you Paul and to 'Aida' for bringing us such a variety. You will be pleased to know that there are more pictures from Paul's collection continuing tomorrow.

Bristol TM
Martin Scane

BTM the 13.56 ex Cardiff to Penzance has just arrived. The crane is associated with a nearby building site. 8th February 2020 Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin.

Sunrise at
St Blazey and Par Docks
Craig Munday

The arrival and shunting of 66154 at St Blazey occurred under a wonderful morning sky illumination - pre-sunrise. I grabbed some shots of the shunting and trip down to Par Harbour. The shots have been put through Lightroom, but I wanted to capture the colours in the sky as well as the train. The Par Harbour trip is notoriously difficult to photograph with the train times and light at that time of the morning, so this was a bit different.

Best wishes
Craig

P.S. I hope you are recovering well Rog after your operation, and Keith best wishes to you, I hope Val is comfortable in hospital and will soon be coming back home well?
Many thanks for your best wishes Craig, both Roger and I are operating under rather difficult conditions.

66154 at Par Docks. 5th February 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Looking back towards St Blazey - en the sky to the north has assumed a dramatic redness. 5th February 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Back now waiting for the gates to be opened. 5th February 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

66154 back at St Blazey. 5th February 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

A final St Blazey shot - the colour has almost gone. 5th February 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks indeed Craig for your early morning forage down to the docks at Par - some very unique shots there.

8th February 2020

8/2/2020

Classic steam at
Salisbury
Ron Kosys

53809 Ex S & D 53809 sits in the West Bay – Platform 5 – at Salisbury 22nd September 1987, Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

Aller Junction
Paul Barlow

46046 just south of Aller Junction on the branch 0924 Nottingham-Paignton 28th August 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow. Note the semaphores - completing the scene.

Many thanks Paul.

Redruth
Martin Scane

A picture not yet 24 hours old as Martin snaps a down service before boarding his train heading east. Redruth 43004 on the 13.12 to Penzance. 7th February 2020 Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin.

7th February 2020

7/2/2020

Delabole Station
Andrew Triggs

Following a trip to Port Isaac on Wednesday, We passed Delabole and found the former station there, from the enclosed photos for CRS, the station building remains but the rest of the site is redeveloped as 'The Sidings' 5 shots enclosed, the station closing 3.10.1966 with the North Cornwall Railway
All the Best
Andrew

The Station Building at Delabole. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The former road overbridge, with surviving parapet, looking towards Wadebridge, the cutting beyond infilled with Housing built on it Copyright Andrew Triggs

The Sidings Estate with infilled cutting and road built over the former trackbed, the station building being behind the white van in the distance Copyright Andrew Triggs

Delabole Slate Quarry, once a major part of freight on the line
Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Swindon
Colin Pidgeon

Here are some photos of 60046 on 5Z20 Bristol Barton Hill to Wembley LMD with Chiltern Railways liveried DVT 82309 in tow.

You have my permission to forward any photos. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

60466 with DVT 82039 in tow passing through Swindon. .1st February 2020. Copyright Coli Pidgeon.

60046 nameplate. 1st February 2020. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

60466 with DVT 82039 in tow passing through Swindon. .1st February 2020. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Many thanks Colin.

Passing through and standing at Redruth.
By Mick House & Alan Peters.

Colas Rail 70807 passes through Redruth on the down line heading for Penzance with Driver Alan Peters at the controls.

Colas Rail 70807 passes through Redruth on the down line. Copyright Mick House.

The train standing at Platform 2 is not for public use
Not every day a freight train pulls into Redruth station, however this was the case on the evening of 4th February 2020 when Colas Rail 70807 was working 6C41 to perform a ballast drop between Redruth and Lostwithiel, the train had stopped to pick up Network Rail staff, which was an ideal chance to take a quick picture. Copyright Alan Peters.

Colas Rail 70807 standing on the up line at Redruth. Copyright Alan Peters.

Many thanks Alan.

Cowley Bridge
Ron Kosys

33113+33103 join yhe main line at Cowley Bridge with the 04.05.90 7O70 1630 Meldon-Eastleigh stone train. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

Aller Junction
Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

1982_08_28 46026 1000 Bradford-Paignton approaches Aller Junction. It's the 28th August 1982.. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Looking back - delights at
Bodmin Parkway
Roger Geach

Lovely light as Bodmin Parkway 45110 departs on Sunday 25th October 1998 Copyright Roger Geach

The partner on this railtour was 48773 seen at Bodmin Parkway on Sunday 25the October 1998. Copyright Roger Geach

South Devon Railway
Engineering Train
Alan Griffin

Alan Griffin writes -
1.a & b London Transport liveried L92 ex GWR 5786 loads ballast at Staverton yard Wednesday 05/02/20. It will then re-join the filled wagon standing on the main and propel up to the work site near Grreat Marsh bridge.
2. L92 leaves Staverton yard passing MFP No4 .
Sorry not very good light this morning. No problem - will brighten them up.
Regards Alan Griffin.

1a Engineering train on the SDR 5th February 2020 Copyright Alan Griffin.

1b 'Zooming in;. Engineering train on the SDR 5th February 2020 Copyright Alan Griffin.

2 Engineering train on the SDR. L92 leaves Staverton yard passing MFP No4 .5th February 2020 Copyright Alan Griffin.

Many thanks Alan.

6th February 2020

6/2/2020

950001 Exminster
David Tozer

950001 Works the 04.47 from Derby RTC to Plymouth seen at Exminster. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Penzance Plymouth and a Laira Jolly

All photographs taken on the 4th February 2020 by Andrew Triggs

57604 propelling 5C00 The Night Riviera from Penzance to Slopers before continuing to Longrock T&RSMD in the morning sunshine. Copyright Andrew Triggs

XC 43378 (with 43207) working 1V44 06.11 Leeds-Plymouth passing Laira Road bridge at 11.45 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Viewed from the Park above Laira Depot, track work progresses on the line by Embankment Road. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Back to Back Power Cars GWR 43187 with FGW 43162 in the afternoon sun outside the Main sheds at Laira Copyright Andrew Triggs

Colas 70807 arrives at Penzance on a working from Westbury. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Shawford Junction
Ron Kosys

Not strictly our patch but we can forgive Ron.

33114 at Shawford Junction 18.08.91 5V11 0855 Su Eastleigh-Waterloo 18th August 1991. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

Aller Junction
Paul Barlow

47230 approaches Aller Junction with the 11.48 Penzance-Paddington relief. 28th August 1982. Paul Barlow

5th February 2020

5/2/2020

DON'T MISS THIS

Next Saturday February 8th at 6.30PM in the Memorial Hall at Redruth Methodist Church.

The Peter Gray Archive
Amyas Crump brings to us the second collection of superbly photographed and nostalgic scenes from the many thousands in the late Peter Gray's collection.

For details of the location of the Memorial Hall please click here.

Dainton
Paul Barlow

45 148 hauls the 06.56 Leeds- Newquay 1V69 out of Dainton tunnel and it starts to drop down the bank towards Totnes. It's 28th August 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Merehead Shunter
Ron Kosys

Two superb views of an immaculate shunter taken at the quarry.

Western Yeoman at the entrance to the depot at Merehead Quarry on the 5th June 1984. Copyright Ron Kosys

Another view of the same locomotive also taken on the 5th June 1982. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

Taunton
Bills Elston

Taunton 43158 ‘Kingswear Castle’ working the 2U20 Penzance to Cardiff 4th February 2020 Coyright Bill Elston.

The nameplate carried by 43158 ‘Kingswear Castle’ working the 2U20 Penzance to Cardiff Copyright on the 4th February 2020. Copyright Bill Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill

Moorswater
Alan Peters

Colas Rail 70802 has now reached Moorswater with the cement train and is pictured alongside the remains of one of the piers of Brunel's original Moorswater 1859 viaduct, the train will now be split and shunted into the cement works for discharge, pictured on 6th March 2019 - Alan Peters

Moorswater a classic picture of 70802 standing by the piers of the old viaduct. 6th September 2019. Copyright Alan Peters

4th February 2020

4/2/2020

Staffords Bridge
Paul Barlow

A delightful scene witnessed by Paul. None of the cattle appear to be railway enthusiasts and only one bears the photographer a glance. 45125 passes by hauling the 07.55 Paignton to Glasgow 1S39 at Staffords Bridge Exeter on the 28th August 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Merehead
Ron Kosys

56052 leaves Merehead Quarry with a loaded stone train on the 11th August 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

This time is 59003 departing the Merehead Quarry complex. 11th August 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

3rd February 2020

3/2/2020

47146
Severn Tunnel Junction
Phil Smith

47146 in 1987 on shed at Severn Tunnel Junction. Copyright Phil Smith

Thanks Phil

37254 Cardiff Canton at Penzance
Roger Salter

2020-01-22 13.45.46 37254 Cardiff Canton at Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

2020-01-22 Ex Caledonian Sleeper Brake Coach 9803 being part of the Network Rail Measurement Train. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Going beyond Truthall
Emma Shard

The clearance of vegetation of the track bed beyond Truthall. The road bridge can just be seen in the background. Copyright Emma Shard

The view of Truthall Halt through the Bridge. Copyright Emma Shard

Thanks Emma

Llanwern
Ron Kosys

56037 + 56065 seen at LLanwern on the 12th June 1984 Copyright Ron Kosys.

Location as above, LLanwern, 59201 on the 16B40 the 1200 Llawern to Port Talbot. 12th June 1984. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

Aller Junction
Paul Barlow

Aller Junction 47230 11.48 Penzance to Paddington relief. 28th August 1982.. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Cogload to Coleford.
Cornwall Railway Society visit to Coleford Railway Museum.

On the 6th July 1997 the CRS paid a visit by coach - driven by Dave Letcher, to the Forest of Dean Railway and also included as a bonus a visit to the excellent railway museum at Coleford where amongst other things we inspected the re-sited Cogload Signalbox.

Coleford Railway Museum and the re-sited Cogload Box. 6th July 1997. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Inside Cogload box at Coleford Railway Museum. 6th July 1997. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The CRS party at Coleford - a grand day out/ 6th July 1997. Can you name them? Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks to our drivers and of course Roger Winnen.

2nd February 2020

2/2/2020

Moorswater Cement
Unique Pictures
Driver Al Peters

We are especially grateful to our very good friend and driver Alan Peters who finds the time and takes the opportunity to take the following unique photographs.

On a grey overcast day Colas Rail 70802 has run round its train of PCA cement tanks at Lostwithiel on the Down Main and waiting to push back over the level crossing, as the signalling does not allow for run round movements in the Down direction. This unusual picture was taken after the shunter had coupled up the train to the locomotive and was walking back to the rear of the train. Note the A390 road bridge above the train and the remains of the ground frame for the milk siding opposite the loco 06-03-2019 Copyright Alan Peters

Peekaboo, the same train at Liskeard which has just joined the single 'Horseshoe' branch, Colas Rail 70802 is pictured by the fixed distant for Liskeard Branch Platform, whilst I was waiting for the shunter to bring the single line token to enable the train to proceed to Coombe Junction, giving the opportunity to grab a unique picture of the cement train on 6th March 2019. Alan Peters Copyright Alan Peters.

With the token now on board the class 70 locomotive the cement train can proceed to Coombe Junction, Whilst the train descends the 'Horseshoe' the shunter drives from Liskeard to Coombe to meet the train at Coombe No 1 Ground Frame. Alan Peters Copyright Alan Peters

Many thanks to Driver Alan Peters for sending us this very unique record of a working of the cement train.

Port Isaac Road
Andrew and Diane Jones

Dear Keith, I have now uncovered a few photographs taken of Port Isaac Road Station taken in the mid 80’s. Post closure, W T Tucker and sons continued to operate at the station and to some extent preserved the buildings without any major alterations for almost 20 years.
The goods connection was clipped out of use in September 1964, but the business continued.
Diane and I visited the station when it came up for sale and we were permitted to take a few photographs which I have attached.
     Although the rails had been lifted in 1969, the station was almost entirely complete apart from the signal box and waiting room on the adjacent down platform.
   When we inspected the goods shed, an office similar in design to the signal box was still being used, (please see photograph.)
   I had hoped initially that the signal box had been re erected in the building after closure, but unfortunately checking photographs of the signal box confirmed this not to be the case.
   Port Isaac Road Station, given its isolated location was a busy station handling the rabbit and fish trade, which was shipped on the daily ‘Perisher’ from Padstow to Exeter.
   I haven’t visited the station since 1986, but noticed from a distance that the buildings are still in existence, I wonder if your members have any updates.

Best wishes Andrew and Diane

Port Isaac Road Station inside the goods shed the Goods Office 1985 Copyright Andrew Jones

Thank you both very much indeed for your letter and the attached precious views.

On the four track near
Aller Junction
Paul Barlow

1982_08_28 50041 approaching Aller Junction 11.25 Manchester-Newquay1V84 It is the 28th August 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul. This and several other unique views in this series are the result of one days bash in 1982.

Tytherington Branch
Ron Kosys

See note below by Roy Hart on the branches history.

Thornbury branch:

The line closed to passengers in June 1944 - an early closure. Some passenger traffic continued, though, connected with the US military base at Leyhill (today this is a prison).
Freight continued over the whole line until 1966, when Thornbury to Tytherington was closed and lifted. The line remained open to Tytherington for quarry traffic. Beyond the quarry today, the track continues for a quarter mile or so as a headshunt, but this is on a new alignment - the original trackbed here is now lost.
The line was 'mothballed' from 2013-17.
As with Portishead and some other lines in the area, there is a movement to reopen Thornbury to passenger traffic. However, the Thornbury station site is now built over and the section at Tytherington also lost.

Many thanks to Roy Hart for this information.

56055 seen on route to Tytherington Quarry with a Stoke Gifford-Tytherington empties.. 16th July 1987. Copyright Ron Kosys.

47310 seen at Tytherington Quarry 47310 Tytherington 16th July 1987 Copyright Ron Kosys.

56046 seen in a very similar position at Tytherington Quarry on the same day. 16th July 1987 Copyright Ron Kosys.

1st February 2020

1/2/2020

Yate
Ron Kosys

56046 hauls a loaded train coming off the branch, joining the main line at Yate. It’s passing the Yate Middle Ground Frame which controlled access to/from the branch, clearly operated by the train crew. Copyright Ron Kosys

Workings to Tytherington Quarry are along the route of the former Thornbury branch which closed to passenger from Yate to Tytherington and Thornbury closed in 1944 (on the day before D-day).
but was later re-opened for quarry traffic. More pictures tomorrow.

Many thanks Ron.

Just south of
Aller Junction
Paul Barlow

46046 just south of Aller Junction on the branch we see the 09.24 Nottingham-Paignton; The date is 28th August 1982. Copyright Pau Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

Cockwood
Bill Elston

A colourful and interesting combination as Res liveried 47780 together with 47704 heads a Plymouth to Newcastle mail train. 5th August 1994. Copyright Bill Elston. A much favoured spot made all the more interesting by a full tide.

Two weeks later, again with a full tide 47817 heads a Manchester to Plymouth working on the 19th August 1994, Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill.

Forward>>

Latest News & Features

Many thanks Martin.

Passing through and standing at Redruth.By Mick House & Alan Peters.

Colas Rail 70807 passes through Redruth on the down line heading for Penzance with Driver Alan Peters at the controls.

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Passing through and standing at Redruth.
By Mick House & Alan Peters.