Blog Archives

18th February 2022

18/2/2022

How things have changed at Lostwithiel
Hugh Austen

With all the recent interest around Lostwithiel on the CRS Website I hope the following will be of interest. Next to Penzance, Lostwithiel has always been my 2nd favourite station in Cornwall and many photographs have been taken over the last 50 years or so.

740626a Lostwithiel Station taken 26th June 1974. I remember a member of the station staff telling me at this time that the building would fall down soon as it was full of woodworm. Copyright Hugh Austen

750623a Almost a year later 23rd June 1975 and the building still intact D1071 Western Renown drifts down throuth the station with the Penzance to Paddington, nice to see plenty of wagons in the sidings. Copyright Hugh Austen

760801a Another year forward 1st August 1976 and D1065 Western Consort departs the sidings with an engineers working to St Blazey. note the hoods alongside the platform edge. Copyright Hugh Austen

790905a 37267 is seen on 5th September 1979 in the sidings at Lostwithiel. It appears they are sorting out the milk tankers ready to be collected later in the afternoon. Copyright Hugh Austen

800620a 47497 20th June 1980 approaching Lostwithiel with a Penzance to Paddington train passing the junction for Carne Point on the left. Copyright Hugh Austen

Many Thanks for your interesting selection on Lostwithiel Hugh

Okehampton Renovation
Andrew Hickson

On a visit today (17th February 2022) to Okehampton I see the station renovation continues. Both the station and the signal box now has scaffolding erected with the station in the process of having its roof renewed.
Andrew Hickson

Okehampton Renovtions 17th February 2022 Copyright Andrew Hickson

Many thanks Andrew - very interesting pictures.

Dawlish Warren
Paul Barlow

A low level shot as 50047 Swiftsure approaches Dawlish Warren on an unknown down service. 20th September 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Seaton Junction Milk
Dave Critchlow.

Hi Keith, Roger.
I don’t have the solution but as nobody has come forward I’m working on it. I don’t have the plans for Seaton Junction after the 1967 singling. Perhaps Brian could assist? One thought is that as the singling placed the through line on the Down and the Up lines were retained including the loop siding – or is that far too simple? It would also be interesting to see the 2nd realignment of the sidings in 1972 – was that partly a reason for ending the milk traffic?
Regards
Dave Critchlow

Thanks for your investigations Dave, does anybody else have any advice to offer please.

Bodmin Brake Van Tour
Query by Micheal Manning

Hi Keith,
I have just spoken to Amyas about this tour of 1971.
He advised me to get in touch with either Bryan Murrish or Dave Letcher about this.
Could you pass this note to either for me please
The GWS Bodmin members met at Bodmin Road on the 29th June 1971.
Waiting was 08 D3526 a box van 23 (maybe 24) empty clay wagons and two Brake Vans
for a trip to General, Boscarne Junction and Wenford Bridge.
Did they exchange the empties for full ones or did they return with just the Brake Vans?
This tour didn’t appear on 6 Bells but neither did the two BV tours of 1966.
Regards,
Mike

Will pass via RW.

17th February 2022

17/2/2022

Loco movements 8 years ago
Westbury & Bradford on Avon
Guy Vincent

20189 20142 47375 31459 47769 Fairwood nr Westbury, Wilts on 0Z20 07.45 Okehampton-Derby Gas Tank Sidings 25th February 2014 Copyright Guy Vincent

Eight years ago on 25th February 2014 two class 20 locos, 20142 and 20189 were employed to move a small group of locomotives from Meldon Quarry to Derby. The pair of 'choppers' came light from Barrow Hill to Meldon the previous day and then returned north via Taunton, Westbury, Bath and Bristol Parkway with the collection comprising 47375 31459 and 47769. The schedule was more than generous with plenty of stops made en-route so I was able to see the locos at Penleigh approaching Westbury and again at B-on-A. As of today 47375 (named FALCON) is operated by Continental Railway Solutions in Hungary, 31459 (Cerberus) is at the Wensleydale Railway and 47769 stored at Barrow Hill Roundhouse Museum, Chesterfield.

20189 20142 47375 31459 47769 Bradford-on-Avon on 0Z20 0745 Okehampton-Derby Gas Tank Sidings 25th February 2014 Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy.

Newton Abbot
Paul Barlow

50036 Victorious arrives at Newton abbot on the 1745 Paignton to Paddington. 20th September 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Driver Ben Warren
Plym Valley Railway

Dear Cornwall Railway Society
I always enjoy reading your website and the vast amount of pictures you have on there which has always help with modeling China Clay trains. I notice in your Devon Galley you don't have any pictures on there of the Plym Valley Railway.
I am a volunteer at the PVR and also known down there for photographing when I'm not Driving or firing and was wondering if you'd be interested in some pictures for that page?

I'll attach a few and if you'd like to use then please feel free.

The pictures are of Port of Par Judy which was on hire to use back in 2017 for our North Pole Express trains and was a brilliant loco to fire.
Next is Merlin which was again hired in for a short while for our North Pole trains in 2016 and easter 2017
Moving on to our resident loco now, Andrew Barclay 705 which is a sweet engine to drive and fire and passing my drivers exam on it, I have a soft spot for the engine.
Lastly we have hired in diesel River annan.

Kind regards, Ben Warren.

Ben Warren Collection 1 Merlin climbing into the cutting during Easter 2017 (C) Ben Warren

Ben Warren Collection 2 Port of Par Judy climbing away from Lee Moor Crossing 2017 (C) Ben Warren

Ben Warren Collection 3 River Annan during a running day 2021 (C) Ben Warren

Ben Warren Collection 4 Andrew Barclay 705 descending K2 into Marsh Mills (C) Ben Warren

Many thanks - Ben, Very nice pictures.

Bridging the gaps - bridge progress at Bodmin Genral
Bodmin General
Chris Bellett

Hi Keith/Roger, Here are the are the latest photographs showing the rebuild of Bodmin General Bridges 13 and 13A.
Take Care,
Chris Bellett, Retired S&T Engineer, CRS Member

Bridge 13 16th February 2022 Copyright Chris Bellett

Bridge 13A. 16th February 2022 Copyright Chris Bellett

Many thanks Chris.

16th February 2022

16/2/2022

D818 Glory at Swindon
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, Here is the first of some pictures taken by my good friend Michael Adams.(Now living in Herts) He is happy for you to put his pictures on the site,which he looks at avidly each day. It shows D818 at Swindon works on 6 June 1981. The loco. was broken up in 1985 ; Thanks and best wishes, Copyright Michael Adams

Many thanks Michael

47836 Near Oxford
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Another shot from the bridge at Port Meadow Oxford taken 8th September 1989, this time showing a very smart 47836 with the 07.50 from Glasgow to Poole,14,30 at Oxford. Best wishes, Michael. Copyright Michael Forward

Many thanks Michael

An interval at
Bradford on Avon
Guy Vincent

Guy spends a while at delightful Bradford on Avon.

Today (15th February 2022) a STP oddity was posted out on various Gen groups although with little detail as to what it would be. 50008 on empty stock was mentioned but as it transpired this loco did not appear. Instead the working, 5Z20 1211 Eastleigh T&RSMD - Crewe L&NWR was hauled by no less than a pair of veteran class 20 locos, 20007 and 20142, the former being the oldest main line certified diesel on the network. Delivered new to Devons Road, Bow on 19th September 1957 D8007 was one of British Railways pilot scheme locos so has had a remarkable career firstly with BR, then from 1993 in preservation and now the private sector. 20142 carries a non authentic London Transport commemorative livery and the name 'Sir John Betjamin'. Coaching stock was an unbranded Grand Central liveried short set comprising Mk 4s 12222 12461 12323 10330 11321 and DVT 82227. Quite what it will be used for will no doubt become evident in the coming months. Grand Central operate open access services between London Kings Cross and Sunderland / Bradford Interchange using a fleet of class 180 'Adelante' units formerly operated by Great Western Trains.

Guy Vincent

Bradford on Avon 20007 and 20142 5Z20 15th February 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent

Bradford on Avon the stock of the 5Z20 15th February 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent

Wouldn't this stock be very well suited to our Cardiff-Portsmouth and Cardiff-West of England services?

Bradford on Avon 82227 5Z20 15th February 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Following the passage of the special ECS working that utilised class 20s 20007 and 20142 I hung around to see a couple of regular daily freight services pass through Bradford-on-Avon. First was 66957 on the 4O57 1329 Wentloog-Southampton Maritime semi-loaded container train followed around 30 minutes later by 66103 with the empty 6B33 1335 Theale-Robeston bogie fuel tanks. This latter service normally produces a DB class 60 but sadly today was an exception.

Bradford-on-Avon 66957 4O57 Wentloog to Southampton Maritime on the 15th February 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent

Bradford-on-Avon 66103 6B33 Theale-Robeston 15th February 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy, smashing photos, I notice the water on the platform so obvious in the early pictures has dried off.

Station Access
John Murray Roberts

Keith, re the query on 12th February, as you say the operators manage the customer interface and list their processes for helping passengers on NRES. They divide stations into five categories, and I've listed our area of interest as follows:
A - Step-free access - Plymouth, St Austell, Penzance;
B1 - Limited access - Up platform only, Down platform has steep ramp - Lostwithiel;
B1 - Limited access - between some platforms via street - Truro, Camborne;
B2 - Limited access - steep ramps - St Budeaux Ferry Road, Saltash, Redruth, Hayle;
B2 - Limited access - Up platforms only, Down platform has steep ramp - Liskeard;
B3 - Partial access - Down platform only - Devonport, St Germans, Menheniot, Bodmin Parkway, Par;
B3 - Partial access - Up platforms only - St Erth;
C - No access - Dockyard, Keyham.
Although some stations appear to be step-free, there is a specified limit to ramp gradient and those stations with steep ramps have to be put into a lower category. I recall that Hayle footbridge was removed in the 70s (?) and the barrow crossing provided with miniature red/green lights, but latterly there's a move to remove as many crossings as possible. Some may be used with staff supervision, but as staffing has been cut back this is increasingly rare. If you can reach the platform, some stations and trains have a portable ramp for those who cannot step up, but this is not permitted at Saltash, and the TOC may provide a bus or taxi to an accessible station.
Branch stations are generally more accessible as they have only one platform:
A - Bere Ferrers, Bere Alston, Sandplace, Looe, St Columb Road, Newquay, Perranwell, Penryn, Falmouth Docks, Lelant, St Ives;
B1 - Gunnislake, Coombe Junction, St Keyne, Luxulyan, Bugle, Penmere;
B2 - St Budeaux Victoria Road, Calstock, Causeland, Roche, Quintrell Downs, Falmouth Town, Lelant Saltings, Carbis Bay;
C - nil.
A good summary of current GB stations is here: National Rail Accessibility Map.
As to future projects, yes I'm afraid it is down to money. DfT has an Access for All programme which has addressed 1,500 stations, but to complete the remaining 1,000 stations would cost a further £4bn. DfT budgets about £50m per annum and invites bids from interested parties. The stations are then prioritised according to passenger flows and usage v likely benefits. It may be relatively easy to provide ramps or lifts but sometimes there's no space or it's not structurally possible. Projects should also consider wider benefits, so I would expect that St Austell was prioritised as a busy station, but also to ease the Par to London flow, however inconvenient it is to travel from Par via St Austell.
It's not possible to make every station accessible quickly. Sometimes the engineering is the easy part but delayed by wider issues. As an example, from privatisation to opening of the multimodal hub St Erth footfall has increased fivefold. It was designed in 2010, but as a listed building it's had to go through extensive planning and a ramped bridge and lift bridge were refused in 2013 and 2014. The government announced funding for it in 2019, for completion by 2024, and a lift bridge has recently been accepted, albeit reluctantly by the heritage bodies. If you want to know why it's so difficult, the planning application alone runs to over 400 pages, but contains a lot of interesting information which would be worth keeping in the CRS archive:
https://planning.cornwall.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=Q5W2DDFGL2M00&activeTab=summary
I understand the existing footbridge is going to Cranmore.
I hope this answers Mr Martyr's question. Best wishes, John Roberts.

Many thanks John - all the details for Eli.

35 years ago. demolition of
Teignmouth Signalbox
Paul Barlow

We are just two days late to 'celebrate' the demise of Teignmouth box 35 years ago - how thing change.

HST passes Teignmouth box which was demolished that night. The box was closed on Friday 14th November 1986 14th February 1987 Copyright Paul Barlow

Inside Teignmouth box which was demolished that night. 14th Feb 1987 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Indeed Paul - one gets a very good idea of the signalmans visibility from your second view. History now.

Same loco past and present
47077 & D1661 ' North Star'
Clive Smith

Two pictures of the same loco in different guises. Firstly 47077 'North Star' heads along the sea wall at Dawlish to Kennaway Tunnel with the 1Z19 07.35 Birmingham New Street - Paignton ADEX on the 25th May 1981. 47077 is owned by the Diesel Electric Group at the West Somerset Railway moving there in 2007. It is seen in two-tone green livery as D1661 'North Star' on the 9th June 2017 awaiting departure with the first train to Minehead of the day's West Somerset Railway Diesel Gala. The loco was soon to be repainted to BR blue livery and back to TOPS number 47077. The loco has just been loaned out to the North York Moors Railway for a two year period arriving there mid January 2022.
Regards, Clive Smith.

Firstly 47077 'North Star' heads along the sea wall at Dawlish to Kennaway Tunnel with the 1Z19 07.35 Birmingham New Street - Paignton ADEX on the 25th May 1981. Copyright Clive Smith

It is seen in two-tone green livery as D1661 'North Star' on the 9th June 2017 awaiting departure with the first train to Minehead of the day's West Somerset Railway Diesel Gala. Copyright Clive Smith

Also please try this link
Class 47 D1661 47077 47613 47840 “NORTH STAR” | The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group

Many thanks to you Clive for putting together pictures of a 'survivor'. Well done.

15th February 2022

15/2/2022

A walk along the new cycle way at Ponsandane
Roger Salter

Seeing activity at the old goods yard i photographed the site where the old shunters cabin stood to find a clear entrance being made to the yard possibly in March during the possession of the line.

All pictures are the Copyright of Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Yet more at
Silverton
David Tozer

Yes, back to Silverton again but this time on the opposite side to photograph down services.

Voyager 221126 with the 0606 1V50 Edinburgh to Plymouth.
GWR Class 57 57604 'Pendennis Castle' with the 1100 ECS 5C99 Reading Traincare Depot to Penzance (T & R.M.S.D).

Dave Tozer

221226 Silverton 14th February 2022 Copyright David Tozer

57604 14th February .2022 Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David.

Teign Estuary
Paul Barlow

The red Devon earth is very obvious in this view of 47438 on a service from Newcastle at Wood farm Teign estuary. 20th September 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

HST's around Devon
Clive Smith

Various outings over the last few weeks have resulted in opportunities to capture a few different views and locations of the 255 Castle Class 2+4 HSTs at work.

Regards
Clive Smith

(1) I didn't realise Exeter St Davids had a platform 4A and 4B until today. The 13.00 Cardiff Central - Penzance arrives with 43040 leading and 43004 on the rear on the 21st January 2022. A Friday afternoon and the train was quite busy. I decided to go for a 'train and people' shot. Always difficult as you never know what you'll get but this seems okay. Copyright Clive Smith

(2) Taken from the birdwatching boat trip I was on up the River Exe. The grey day did no favours for the drab GWR livery against the landscape. Maybe my next avocet watching trip will bring out the sun. This is the 10.50 Penzance - Cardiff passing Powderham.with 43172 and 43186. It's a good job Real Time Trains now displays what sets are working GWR trains as I wouldn't have a clue of the numbers from this distance.

(3) 43122 heads the 10.50 Penzance - Cardiff Central into Totnes station with 43158 on the rear on the 29th January 2022. This was the last Saturday for a while with trains operating as the Exeter - Plymouth line is closed for engineering works at weekends. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) A very quick zoom in and re-focus just about managed a decent shot at Devonport as 43170 leaves with 43027 on the front of the 07.49 Bristol TM - Penzance. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) I was hoping to pull this photo off at Exeter St Davids on the 4th February 2022 as the XC 06.06 Leeds - Plymouth was due in at 10.44 and the GWR 07.40 Penzance - Cardiff Central due out at 10.44. The XC train had just pulled to a stop that second as the shorter GW train was already pulling out of platform 5. Just squeezed it in. The power cars in view are 43304 and 43093. The diagrams for Cross Country HSTs are sparse at the moment with this Friday working being the first weekday this train has worked with an HST since last Friday. The 06.06 Edinburgh - Plymouth was also similarly diagrammed. Nice bit of sunshine on what had been a very grey week. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks indeed Clive for your through coverage of HST's in Devon.

A Cautionary Tale - ever been 'Hacked'?

I [ K.J. ] got these three messages yesterday supposedly from a regular contributor – I responded saying that I couldn’t get to a shop. However I offered to send to his nephew, as he seemed so desperate, a birthday card and enclose £5 or £10 note as a token present which I would send, at my risk, by ordinary mail – 1st Class to his nephews if I could have his postal address.
With this response to the 3rd request – he gave no further requests – smell a scam? I was subsequently warned by another much respected contributor to ignore pleas.

Hello are you active via email? there is something i need you to take care of requiring swift action. Kindly reply back thanks
Every Blessings

I am sorry for bothering you with this mail it's because I am unavailable on phone, I need to get Google play gift cards for my nephew, his mum passed away to covid last month and It's his birthday but i can't do this now because I'm currently out of town and I've tried purchasing online but unfortunately no luck with the email-delivery. Can you get it from any store around you and email it to me? I'll pay back as soon as I'm back. Kindly let me know if you can handle this.
Await your soonest response.

You can get it from any nearby shops like; ASDA,Clinton Cards,GamesMartin McColls (MRG),Morissons,Tesco, Wilkinson’s or through online at
https://gb.boostgaming.com
Let me know if you can handle that I promise to pay back.

I then wrote the genuine person by 1st class post and said that I wanted no further contact for a while.

You have been warned.

14th February 2022

14/2/2022

Sad News - Steve Green
Stephen Widdowson

I think there is a good chance that some of your members may well know Steve Green
His funeral will be at Gloucester crematorium Thursday 17th February at 10.00
The Wake will be held at Red Hart in Blaisdon.

Thanks for advising us Stephen.

Please see this attachment
Flickr site :-
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149822823@N04/

Milk Train Query
Chard and Seaton
Brian Pibworth

While rummaging through my slides of Chard Junction, taken during the 1981 milk traffic resurgence, I came across a few which I had omitted from our CRS Archive pages. It is just about possible to work out how PO and BR locos managed to shunt the full and empty tanks to assemble a train to run from the CJ creamery to Stowmarket - even sometimes when the Creamery loco wouldn't start and the mainline locos did the job alone.
However, a bit further West and 20 or so years earlier we had the busy Express Dairy Milk and Egg Depot at Seaton Junction and try as i might I can't understand how they managed to shunt their tanks and vans, apparently without benefit of a private owner loco. There is plenty of evidence, including pictures, of the Seaton Branch loco, sometimes still attached to the Pull/Push set (!), shunting the Milk Depot sidings. But according to track plans there was no run around off the main line and a move to haul filled tanks from the Depot into the long Up Sidings would surely leave the loco trapped. Similarly how did did empty tanks reach the depot if they were dropped off from a down train? Was there a horse? Gravity? Pinch-bar?
Any help from members in solving this Shunting Puzzle would be much appreciated.
With kind regards to you both,
Brian

Chard Milk 1) 47346 arrives at Chard Junction with empty milk tankers 22 Aug 1981 Copyright Brian Pibworth

Chard Milk 2) MMB shunter propels empty milk tanks into the MMB siding 22nd Augusg 1981 Copyright Brian Pibworth

Chard Milk 3) 47346 assists MMB shunter back to milk factory 22 Aug 1981 Copyright Brian Pibworth

Chard Milk 4) 31123 sets back onto a rake of full milk tanks 23 Aug 1981 Copyright Brian Pibworth

Many thanks Brian for your article and for the shunting query with it. Does anybody, please, have any pictures of the shunting operation at Seaton Junction?

DRS 'Warships'
Passing Westbury
Guy Vincent

Good evening Keith
Direct Rail Services (DRS) were contracted by Network Rail to move a quantity of HOBC and Track Renewal Train vehicles from High Marnham, Notts, to Taunton Fairwater on Friday 11th. The train consisted of 38 'wagons' with a total length of 2162 feet and combined weight of 1742 tonnes. Passage of 6X37 through our area was after dark but on Saturday 12th the two locos used, 68008 'Avenger' and 68018 'Vigilant' ran light from Taunton to Willesden Brent as 0Z68 via the Berks & Hants line. Both names were formerly used on 'Warships' nos D804 and D861. The locos were captured at speed heading east along the Westbury Avoiding line at Penleigh Park foot crossing where the field beyond has recently become a housing estate. See previous photos on the site taken here in 1976 and 2017 and compare. All in the name of progress...

Regards, Guy Vincent.

Penleigh Crossing, Westbury Avoider. 68008 68018 0Z68 Taunton-Willesden 12th February 2022 Copyright Guy Vincent

68008 & 68018 on the Westbury Avoiding Line 0Z38 Taunton-Willesden12.th February 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy for the news and the pictures with, as usual, all the details.

Colourful 37 at
Swindon
Colin Pidgeon

3 photos of 37510 on 0M57 St Phillips Marsh HSTD to Derby RTC in the bay platform the station..
NOTE FROM Ken Mumford:- Colin has given me permssion to pass these photos on - thank you, Colin.

37 510 At Swindon on the OM57 St Phllips Marsh to Derby RTC. Morning of 13th February 2022 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

37 510 At Swindon Morning of 13th February 2022 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Looking very smart - with excellent artwork 37 510 At Swindon Morning of 13th February 2022 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Many thanks to Colin and Ken.

Latest H & S Gimmick at
Westbury
Guy Vincent

On a recent wander around the perimeter of Westbury yard I noticed the latest development in high-tech safety equipment. On site 24 hours, no wages to pay and no holidays or sick leave to worry about. At least they can't issue a parking ticket if you fail to follow instructions!

These figures remind me of the cardboard cut-out Police Officers that can be seen at certain locations on our region.

Guy Vincent

Nanny State. Copyright Guy Vincent.

- and please stop and apply handbrake before you hit the fence!!

Please walk slowly to the reception following the dotted line !

Many thanks Guy, I enjoy your disdain, however one cannot say that these signs are not visible and effective.

13th February 2022

13/2/2022

A special thanks to Roger Winnen who provided us with an excellent evenings entertainment last night on the Railways of Scotland. Following a 'low' during the Covid restrictions our numbers were encouragingly up.

The 46th Anniversary of the 50p Return to Plymouth
Roger Winnen

On this day 46 years ago 13th February 1976 I walked from Trewoon, St Austell to Probus photographing the railway scene on route including the 2x3 Car Cross Country DMU working the 50p Cheap to Plymouth

760213g Going away towards Burngullow. This was one of those 50 pence returns from Penzance and stations to Plymouth on Saturdays for shoppers etc. Copyright Roger Winnen

760213h The 10.25 Cornishman from Penzance at St Stephens Coombe. (Note all the telegraph poles and wires which are not seen these days) Copyright Roger Winnen

760213j The 11.00 Penzance to Paddington hauled by a Class 50 then nameless crosses the St Stephens Coombe Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

760213n Grampound Road Station with the 12.35 ex Penzance passing by. Copyright Roger Winnen

Misty picture
Dawlish
Paul Barlow

Worth a wave - a young lady greets 31462 and 31412 as they come into the sun heading an afternoon Paignton to Liverpool service arriving at Dawlish.. 20th September 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Headless IET at
Ashbury Crossing
Ken Mumford

Some thing is missing from this IET seen at Ashbury Crossing 10th February 2022 Copyright Ken Mumford

Looking the other ways at Ashbury Crossing 10th February 2022 Copyright Ken Mumford

Thanks Ken.

Torbay and Dartmouth Rly.
Andrew and Diane Jones

A simple railway ticket jogged my memory!
Possibly one of the best commercially viable preserved branch lines is today known by its terminus at Dartmouth, ‘The Dartmouth Steam Railway.’
Back in 1987, Diane and I with our youngest daughter Sienna visited the line which was promoted then as ‘Torbay & Dartmouth Railway,’ please see attached tickets.
We purchased a supplement to travel in the ‘Devon Belle’ observation car no 13, one of an original pair numbered 13 and 14.
We were in luck because out train was hauled by ex Neath locomotive Collett 2-8-0T 5239 ‘Goliath,’ which when close coupled to the observation car put up a sterling effort and completely mesmerised our 4 year old daughter! Especially through the tunnel!
Although number 13 spent some of its working life after conversion in 1947, attached to the ‘Devon Belle’ luxury train ex Waterloo to Ilfracombe and Plymouth its remaining years were spent in the London Midland region renumbered M280M on the ‘Welsh Chieftain’ land cruise and latterly from 1961 travelling to the Scottish region for use on the Kyle of Lochalsh and Oban lines.
Preservation came after purchase by the South Devon Railway on ‘The Dart Valley’ line initially and eventual transfer to, in my opinion, the more scenic Dartmouth branch
Its sister no 14 was almost lost to the scrap man, having accompanied ‘Flying Scotsman, on its fateful USA tour, but eventually it was repatriated in 2007 at a substantial cost of £60,000 and now resides on the Swanage line.
Happy memories, Andrew and Diane Jones.

Torbay and Dartmouth Railway tickets 1987 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Many thanks for the memory Andrew - keep them coming.

12th February 2022

12/2/2022

Entertainment at Silverton Yesterday
David Tozer

43208/239 with the 1227 1S51 Plymouth to Edinburgh. Copyright David Tozer

43170/027 with the 1050 Penzance to Cardiff (Central). Copyright David Tozer

66729 ‘Derby County’ running light engine. 1235 OV67 Plymouth to Eastleigh East Yard. Copyright David Tozer

57603 ‘Tintagel Castle’ 1044 Penzance (T.& R.S.M.D) to Reading (Traincare Depot). Copyright David Tozer

DR 80301 ‘Stephen Cornish) a Stoneblower -1152 Reading (Triangle Sidings) to Par. Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

Loco Hauled
Mark Lynam

66009 St Blazey 11th February 2022. Copyright Mark Lynam

66148 Trewoon, St Austell (4) 11th February 2022. Copyright Mark Lynam

57603 Brea 11th February 2022. Copyright Mark Lynam

66009 Golant 11th February 2022. Copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks Mark

Lostwithiel
Andrew Triggs

1. 43170 (with 43027) arriving at Lostwithiel working 2U20 10.50 Penzance-Cardiff Central at 11.59. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

2. 57603 'Tintagel Castle' working 3A50 10.44 Longrock T&RSMD-Reading Traincare Depot, running 4 early at 12.10. Copyright Andrew Triggs

3. Earlier at Restormel overbridge, 43093 'Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2017' (with 43171) working 1C71 07.49 Bristol T.M-Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

4. Following removal of the Fowey bay and Down yard track, the EWS Engine Idling sign remains, now serving no purpose. 11th February 2022. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew

Stripped Bare !
Then off for scrap

43313 underframe component recovery commences.
The plan is for the stripped body to be craned on a lorry for the scrap yard on 23rd Feb.

43313 being stripped for component recovery. 11th February 2022. Anonymous contributor

43313 being stripped for component recovery. 11th February 2022. Aonymous contributor

Many thanks for these rare pictures to our contributor - he/she wishes to remain anonymous.

Bathpool
Bill Elston

Observations at Bathpool (Near Taunton) today [11th February 2022]

1, 43366/303 on 1M49 Ply - Birmingham.
2, On-track plant Reading - Par,
3, 66729 Ply - Eastleigh, following route refresher trips between Ply and Exeter St Davids.
4, 57603, 5A50, ecs sleeper stock, Pnz - Reading.

This is another location which has benefited from extensive trackside pruning.

Best wishes, Bill

43366, at Bathpool 11th February 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

On track plant at Bathpool. 11th February 2022

66729, 11th February 2022 Copyright Bill Elston

57603, 11th February 2022 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill - a good spot.

Letter for comment
Eli Martyr

Hi there.
I would like to ask the following about the Lostwithiel-Fowey line. How often do freight trains use this? Weekly/monthly/daily? Was Fowey station back then used to be where Fowey Docks station is now? If not, was it located before or after Fowey Docks? Also, if before Fowey Docks, would there ever be a passenger train along here again and open a new station at Fowey? Just my opinion, but it would be amazing if that was to happen (it would work the same way as the Truro-Falmouth line). I can see it being popular for locals as well as tourists especially during spring and summer months. Nothing much to do at Lostwithiel station as 3rd platform is still there unused and so it could still terminate there. Sorry to say but there is no rail connection to serve the Fowey platform at Lostwithiel though out of use for some time the track was lifted a short while ago. Although a lovely run down the branch it terminates at Carne Point itself being the port sidings is not really suitable for a new station. Carne Point is itself about half a mile from the old Fowey Station site the trackbed has been very much concreted over and built upon. Even in the old days- which i remember Fowey Station was a tidy walk from the centre of town. You can ascertain what trains might be running by consulting 'Real Time Trains' available via Google.
On a more different and more serious note, I was at Par station a few weeks ago and felt something was missing. The only exit and entrance is on Platform 1, which takes trains to St Austell-Penzance. If a wheelchair user, parent with a pushchair, or someone with disabilities wants to go on trains to London/Scotland/Wales etc on Platform 2, or on a train to Newquay on Platform 3, they like everyone else would have to use the only way to get to platforms via a footbridge, as there is no access to other platforms by car or by foot (where you can at St Austell as good example). But unlike Par, St Austell has got a lift on their footbridge, so why not Par station? How can a wheelchair user be expected to use the steps? Could it be breaking the disability law? I appreciate lifts could be unsightly but everybody should be entitled to access. Should not have to go St Austell to go further northwards, or to then just to get off at Par on the appropriate platform for Newquay train. Reason for no lift cannot be down to money as St Austell has got a lift. Have I missed something? I am not a wheelchair user, just something I thought about whilst waiting at Par station a few weeks ago. Is it just Par with this problem? Or are there other stations in Cornwall just like this? (Off the top of my head I'm thinking but not certain of the following: Bodmin Parkway/Redruth/Truro/Liskeard/Saltash/St Erth/Camborne)
At all stations other than Menheniot and Par it is possible to get from one platform to another without steps though it may mean a flat walk under or over the line by means of road bridges or the level crossing as at Truro. Quite what the operators would reply in the case of Menheniot or Par - the important one we will wait and see.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards
Mr Eli Martyr

N.B. The Cornwall Railway Society is an enthusiasts organisation and has no more 'clout' than you with regard to asking questions.

11th February 2022

11/2/2022

The end at
Wellington Signalbox
Paul Barlow

Wellington signal box partially demolished. A very sorry sight. 13th July 1986 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul. A sorry sight - glad you were able to catch it before it was all swept away.

Two more at
Wellington
Mike Roach & Roger Winnen

Many thanks to Mike and Roger

Two more Class 47s at Oxford
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Here is a shot of 47660 just North of Oxford with the 0900 form Poole to Glasgow on a cold and bleak 15 December 1988. Thanks, best wishes, Copyright Michael Forward

On the same date we move back to Oxford station to see 47520 heading the 06.57 from Newcastle(13.06 at Oxford) to Poole. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Rhapsody in Blue
Andrew Keast

I was fortunate enough to catch 66148 at Carlyon Bay on 6C53 11:51 Parkandillack (actually Treviscoe) - Exeter. The train recesses at Chapel Siding, Par where I photographed the train as 43016/192 leave the station on 2C69, the 09:56 Bristol Temple Meads - Penzance Cheers Andrew Keast

66148 at Carlyon Bay on 6C53 1151 Parkandillack (actually Treviscoe) - Exeter 10h February 2022. Copyright Andrew Keast

The train recesses at Chapel Siding, Par where I photographed the train as 43016/192 leave the station on 2C69, the 09.56 Bristol10h February 2022. Copyright Andrew Keast

Many thanks Andrew and to Mick for forwarding. Brilliant skies.

I
Maritime Blue
At Ivybridge
Clive Smith

DB Maritime Blue liveried 66148 in very late evening sun approaches Langham Levels west of Ivybridge station with the 6C53 11.51 Parkandillack - Exeter Riverside JIAs.
Regards, Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive - superb lighting.

Brunel Nameplate
Phil Smith

The following picture of the famous mans nameplate was also accompanied by a query on train services on a particular day. The best thing is to google 'Real Time Trains' - its all there, usually!!

43003 Nameplate Copyright Phil Smith recd 8th February 2022

Many thanks Phil - for your train info please try Real Time Trains.

10th February 2022

10/2/2022

A Route refresher and a
Day on the Clay
Roger Winnen

Many thanks today must go to David Tozer, and the signalman at Lostwithiel today for keeping me posted of the movements
Many Thanks to you both

220210a 66729 Derby County running a route trainer at Plymouth from Exeter St David's for weekend working. Many thanks for the 66 Driver who took this photograph as the area on Platform 2 is out of bounds to the general public. Copyright Roger Winnen

220210b The nameplate affixed to 66729. Copyright Roger Winnen

220210bb A line up at Plymouth Station, motive power of today. Copyright Roger Winnen

220210c 66009 on the 13.02 Goonbarrow Junction to Fowey china clay working.. Copyright Roger Winnen

220210d The engine has run around its train and it is seen heading now for Fowey. Copyright Roger Winnen

220210e 66148 in Maritime blue livery heads the 11.51 Parkandillack to Exeter Riverside via Chapel Siding at Par, Seen departing Par Station at 15.28. Copyright Roger Winnen

220210f The lengthy Imery's Clay Train heads up the County. Copyright Roger Winnen

The GWR's Last Resort
Alex Kendall

Over the years there has been much speculation and myth about a new branch line to serve Looe giving a direct route off the main line avoiding the complicated junction and manoeuvres at Liskeard and Coombe.
However the CRS has been given copyright to an exclusive work by Alec Kendall, all 21 pages of it.
To see this extensive document complete with maps, diagrams and pictures of the intended route click here and follow the instruction to 'Download'.

With very many thanks indeed to Alec for giving us the right to publish the results of his very hard work. It is an honour.

B & W early days
Jon Hird

Jon writes :- I have very much enjoyed the photos you have posted recently showing the Walker Lines sidings. The photo of D1048 you posted made me dig out some photos that my father took around 1991, Western Lady makes a cameo appearance in one of them! Sorry they're not the best quality, I must get around to scanning them properly soon. Feel free to do with them as you see fit.

Best wishes, Jon Hird

Passengers wait for an up service, while, with doors open, the B & W train waits to convey passengers on to Bodmin General or Boscarne. nice to see the milepost on the platform. Copyright John Hird

1048 Western Lady waits in the sidings - in these days it would have been within the protection of the stock shed. Copyright John Hird.

The 08 awaits further duties at Bodmin General. Copyright Jon Hird.

Early days at Bodmin General with the new shed. Copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks Jon - valuable memories.

China Clay for Export
Fascinating Network Rail Film

Hello Keith and Valerie,
I hope you are both well and managing to get around as normal.
Here is an interesting link to a Facebook page from Network Rail showing the clay route from the dry to Fowey docks including the weekend work being done on the branch, Is it time to think about reopening it to passengers?

(1) Facebook

All The Best
Alan and Sue

Highly recommended viewing
Many thanks to Alan and Network Rail

Luxulyan Valley
Paul Barlow

Climbs luxulyan with the 2356 Paddington to Newquay friday night overnight. 30th August 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

9th February 2022

9/2/2022

Pinhoe Developments
David Tozer

1) 159005 arrives with the 1105 1Z85 Salisbury to Exeter (St David's)

2) 159103 was on the rear of the 1105 from Salisbury. Such is the disgraceful Covid timetable the train is booked to stop here from 1304 to 1315. Earlier the same service was booked to stop at Yeovil Junction from 1155 to 1209. How to drive passengers away.

3) 159012 heads away with the 1256 Exeter (St David's) to Salisbury. Quite a few passengers got off here.

4) Pinhoe Coal Yard. With the coal sidings long gone the area was scheduled for work to start here on 4th January. Todate nothing has happened. It is to become a car park with room for a bus parking area and bus services will operate from here to Exeter (Airport). Quite why all this work is needed when you have a bus layby at Cranbrook (this is near Exeter Airport) which is only used when rail replacement services are in operation is bewildering.

Dave

Pinhoe Developmentss 4 Old Pinhoe Sidings 8th February 2022 Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David.

Newquay
Paul Barlow

50039 on 11.23 Newquay to Paddington 47623 unknown working at Newquay station30th August 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

Junction Jaunt
Peter Murnaghan

A very important point which was missed out in our presentation of Peter's work on the Junction Jaunt was the promotion in the 'national lowest use station stakes' of Coombe Junction up to the 18th lowest in the country. The table below shows the current statistics for the Looe branch.
The whole story is carried in item 2209 in Features January to June 22. (You will need to Scroll down to find it) Peter and Brian did a grand job there congratulations.

Many thanks to Peter and Lyn for a most interesting item.

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Many thanks - Ben, Very nice pictures.​​

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Many thanks - Ben, Very nice pictures.