Blog Archives

8th February 2022

8/2/2022

The Chairmans View.
Lostwithiel
Dennis Flood

Roger/Keith, Good afternoon to you. Herewith are three photographs of track being lifted from the down sidings at Lostwithiel. ‘There is nothing so temporary as the permanent way.!’ Taken from within the 1100 Cardiff Central to Penzance service today. They may be of use for the CRS website…. Another little bit of Cornwall railway history gone.! Regards, Dennis.

Lostwithiel 8th February 2022 Copyright Dennis Flood.

Taken by Dennis on his way to tonights committee meeting.
Many thanks Sir.

Westbury Weekend
Driver Alan Peters

Alan gets the pictures we can only dream about.

Westbury Up side in the early hours of the morning of 3rd February 2022 sees GBRf 66776 'Joanne' stabled at the entrance to the recycling MHD Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Colas Rail 70803 was on the fuel point on the morning of the 4th February 2022, the fuel point having been moved from its original location for the additional 3 sidings that are yet to be commissioned Copyright Driver Alan Peters

In a brief spell of sunshine Colas Rail 70816 is pictured outside the 'Elephant House' at Westbury Down side before working 6C20 to Plymouth on 5th February 2022 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan, super pictures in super conditions.

Instanter Couplings
Mark Howells

Having seen the request for information about instanter couplings (By Mike Roach) I can confirm that they are still in daily use on Network Rail infrastructure services.
See attached images from a recent site visit near Swindon.
Not the best images, but I wasn’t really focussed on taking pictures of the couplings!
Hope the above helps.
Mark Dennis Howells BEng (Hons) MPWI MIAM
Senior Asset Engineer (Drainage & Lineside)

From a recent site visit near Swindon which shows the rear of an engineering train comprised of Coalfish wagons (used for pea shingle) in which you can see the instanter coupling in which you can see the instanter coupling and the rear tail lamp. Copyright Mark Howells

The second image shows the instanter coupling in a stowed position and a tight screw coupling in use between a Coalfish wagon and MLA wagon (used for spoil). Copyright Mark Howells

Many thanks Mark - now we all know. A simple idea but an ingenious solution to having tight or loose couplings between wagons.

Swindon area
Ashbury Crossing
Ken Mumford

Ken has been out of contact due to internet problems but brings us three pictures he took whilst out of touch. Ken was also in the Swindon area but out to the east at Ashbury Crossing.

Ashbury Crossing Lomdn bound IET - the sun is behind me about to set in the west. 13th January 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford

Ashbury Crossing 0230 & 0240 Track maintenhance vehicle on the north side of the track. 13th January 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford

Ashbury Crossing. A westbound IET. 13th January 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford

A 'Bootiful picture' of essential footwear - also at Asbury Crossing but on the 7th February 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

From a different location at
Creech St Michael
Bill Elston

The ecs sleeper stock, 5C99, ran today from Reading to PNZ, hauled by 57603, and is seen passing Creech St Michael
running a few minutes early.

The bridge in the background is my usual vantage point, but recent cutting back has opened this view from the main road bridge.

Best wishes, Bill

57603, 7th February 2022 Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill.

Livermead Tunnel
Colin Burges

Dear Keith,
Torbay Road Bridge on the Kingswear Branch is being replaced, giving me a purpose to visit the bay in winter. I have written a bit about the former tunnel which carried the road before the bridge was built. It may interest your readers.

https://www.teignrail.co.uk/scouting/1450-2/

Best wishes, Colin

Friends - I urge you to click on the link Colin has provided concerning his many 'Scouting Expeditions' there is masses of detailed and very interesting information there - and it's all indexed.
- I, KJ, feel not a little embarrassed the the credits given to me - the only bit that is maybe true is that I might be the oldest railway webmaster in the west.
Now a little about Colin - he is, as you will see, very capable with his pen and writes masses of extremely interesting and valuable information about his travels around the west on his bicycle. Colin is also a very practical person as you will discover if you visit his base - the Exeter and Teign Valley Railway at Christow. You will find there an amazing collection railwayana and you might even get a ride too. However you do need to make a prior arrangement before a visit.

Thank you so very much Colin.

Try this link for contact details :-
Exeter and Teign Valley Railway - Christow Station https://www.teignrail.co.uk

Quintrell Downs
Paul Barlow

50008 Thunderer seen at Quintrell Downs Unknown service heading for Newquay about to pass through the station non-stop, 30th August 1986 Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul well caught !

7th February 2022

7/2/2022

Everbody likes Westerns
Walker Lines
Julian Stephens

08444 propelling D1048 Western Lady. The train was en route from Bodmin Parkway past Walker Lines and heading towards Bodmin General. 7th August 1988, Copyright Julian Stephens.

Many thanks Julian - a smashing photograph.

Dainton Bank
and the Cash Cow
Clive Smith

West Country class 34067 'Tangmere' approaches the top of Dainton bank summit with Kingfisher Railtours' 'The Cornishman' 1Z55 05.40 Birmingham New Street - Penzance. The Southern loco worked the train from Exeter. The train was earlier worked from Birmingham by 47854. Remarkably this is the only photo I have ever taken at this location at Dainton. I was somewhat taken aback by the appearance of an entrepreneurial farmer with a bucket at the adjacent field here who came around charging photographers a pound, presumably something he did every time a railtour was due as the assembled masses were readily reaching for coins and coughing up without question. No sheep or cattle in the field just a cash cow.

Regards, Clive Smith

The battle is nearly over for 34067 Tangmere as it reaches the top Dainton Bank with the 1Z55 The Cornishman 05.40 Brum to Pz. Copyright Clive Smith

Thanks in deed for that Clive, I expect that many of our number will recollect the farmer ' milking' the enthusiasts!!

Bristol Bath Road
Steve Widdowson
- David Padgett Collection

45108 Bristol Bath Rd + watertank Copyright the Late Dave Pagett now the Steve Widdowson Collection collection.

Can you date this Steve asks?

Newquay Signalbox
Paul Barlow

Newquay signal box on the 30th August 1986 including a nice view out over the viaduct. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul - if only the levers were crashing in there now !

Query on Brake Van Tour
Micheal Manning

Further request for information.
Keith,
Could you ask members if they can confirm something for my research.
There was a Brake Van Tour organised by the GWS on the 29th June 1970 around Bodmin hauled by 08 D3526. This tour it is understood ran to Bodmin General, Boscarne and Wenford Bridge.
Is there any further information available regarding the number of BV’s, extent of the tour etc. I have tried GWS but they haven’t returned my e-mail yet.
Regards
Mike
No.1609

6th February 2022

6/2/2022

Programme Change -
Due to unforseen events David Letcher will be unable to give his evening on Saturday 12th February however Roger Winnen has kindly agreed to step in with his talk planned for April 9th -
Next Saturday - The Cornwall Railway Society visit to Scotland ten years ago plus earlier pictures from 1975.
This will be the pasty evening.

This will of course be at the Memorial Hall Redruth Methodist Church starting at 18.30. Directions to the Hall on our Indoor events programme.

Here at the Forth Bridge the party were joined by CRS member John Ball, seen here on the left. Also left to right we have Mike Hitchens, Tony Wright, Sue Wright and Tony Brokenshire. 28th June 2012 Copyright Roger Winnen.

Thank you Roger for stepping in at such short notice.

Lostwithiel
Andrew Vines

Dear Keith,
With Lostwithiel in the news at present, here are a couple of reminders of the old station which I took on 4th September 1973. No. 1664 'George Jackson Churchward' makes a brisk arrival with a clay train, and after reversal in the 'up' loop, sets off for Carne Point. Note the signalman climbing up the steps into his box after handing the token to the crew.
Best wishes
Andrew

Lostwithiel 1664 George Jackson Churchward runs into the station towards the up loop to reverse. 4th September 1973. Copyright Andrew Vines,

Lostwithiel 1664 George Jackson Churchward having run round makes for Fowey. 4th September 1973. Copyright Andrew Vines

Sadly, last week the sidings visible on the right hand side of this photograph were lifted in preparation for a new access to the down platform and footbridge - the footbridge will cross the main lines just beyond where the loco is.

Many thanks Andrew. What a charming station Lostwithiel was - captured in all its glory.

Par
Paul Barlow

50026 Indominable arrives at Par on the 11.23 Paddington to Newquay service. 30th August 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

Some Gems from the
Dave Pagett Collection
Steve Widdowson

Hi Keith,
Some years ago, a good friend & local signalman Dave Pagett at Worcester passed away.
He left me in his will his railway photo collection, which is a lot of images. The other day in the box of his images I found disc which had over 1000 scanned images on.
I have attached some of the West Country images which I am sure you will find interesting. Unfortunately there are no dates, so any extra info will be most welcome if anyone knows more.
There will be more.
Regards Steve Widdowson

45011 at Torquay ~ Copyright Late Dave Pagett # S Widdowson collection. Just on a point the picture of 45011, was taken when it was numbered 12 having dropped its D from D12, this will narrow down the date if anyone has any notes..... lets hope.. Sorry caption was a bit misleading.

A nice way to remember a good old friend - thank you Steve - we look forward to more.

Junction Jaunt to Coombe
Peter and Lyn Murnaghan

Junction Jaunt to Coombe
The Looe branch line has seen passenger numbers grow in recent years, until ridership fell because of Covid-19. The trend can be seen in the annual figures published by the Office of Road and Rail, see summary. But there is one station on the branch that stubbornly remains poorly used. Coombe Junction Halt sees two trains per weekday in each direction, and regularly features within the lowest ten stations nationally. With depressed passenger figures across the country because of Covid last year, perversely Coombe's position in the league table improved. But back in 2015, it was the second least used station in the country with only 26 passengers all year.

Before 1901, there was no link between the Looe branch, splendidly isolated in the valley, and the Great Western Railway main line, which passed over the Moorswater viaduct, 150 feet above. In that year, the sinuous link line was opened to connect the two lines, which benefitted trade in the town of Looe and gradually opened it up to tourism. May 2016 marked the 115th anniversary of this link line.

Local enthusiast, Peter Murnaghan, who lived in Liskeard, hit upon the idea of commemorating the anniversary and, at the same time, doing something to boost the fortunes of little Coombe Junction. With his friend, Brian Oldham of Liskeard Museum, a walk was organised from Liskeard station down to Coombe to catch one of the two trains back up the incline. The walk down is a mere 0.8 mile, but the train journey back to the starting point measures 2 miles.

The Junction Jaunt was advertised locally in Liskeard and the press and local TV were captivated by the story of this sad little station. On the day, Saturday 14th May 2016, the train crew on the single class 153 unit were forewarned that there might be a few extra passengers to accommodate on the 1052 trip. In the event, no fewer than 108 people gathered for the walk !

And sure enough, the crowd filled the platform at Coombe, when the 75 seater arrived with a good load already on board from Looe. The guard's ticket machine was unable to cope with the three figure transaction, so the merry band had to purchase their tickets retrospectively from the ticket office at Liskeard on arrival. But only after Peter had been assured that the ticket sales would be credited to Coombe Junction, rather than the main line station.

Despite the 'London rush hour' travelling conditions for the short ride, everybody had fun and were pleased to have quadrupled Coombe's annual trade in just one day. This one event propelled Coombe Junction Halt up to 18th position from the bottom of the league table for 2016/17!

The crowd of enthusiasts tired after their 0.8 mile walk makes its way onto the platform. 14th May 2016. Copyright Peter and Lyn Murnaghan.

The 10.52 to Liskeard approaches the station. 14th May 2016. Copyright Peter and Lyn Murnaghan.

Many still with an eye towards the TV cameraman being to board the train. 14th May 2016. Copyright Lyn and Peter Murnaghan.

Room for more inside - 14th May 2016. Copyright Lyn and Peter Murnaghan.

Lets try the other end! 14th May 2016, Copyright Peter and Lyn Murnaghan.

No spare seats - but a good profit. £153 for a 2 mile journey. 14th May 2016. Copyright Peter Murnnaghan

Tired after their long journey the passengers make their way home!! 14th May 2016. Copyright Peter and Lyn Murnaghan.

A wad of tickets - Copyright Peter and Lyn Murnaghan.

Junction Jaunt - Chuckle Brothers Brian Oldham on the left and Peter Murnghan. 14th May 2016. Copyright Lyn Murngahan

Many thanks Peter - an interesting and amusing story. The CRS once held the record with perhaps 20 passengers who visited Moorswater Dries before journeying on towards Looe.

5th February 2022

5/2/2022

Instanter Coupling
Query by
Michael L. Roach

INSTANTER COUPLING
In 1905 the GWR started running fast goods trains fitted or partially fitted with the vacuum brake. On vacuum-fitted wagons the company normally used either the screw coupling or the “instanter” coupling as shown in the attached drawing. The middle link of the instanter coupling can be shortened by turning it over. I believe that there are still some types of wagon using the instanter coupling. Does anyone know which types of wagon please ?
SCAN: 5393 Drawing of the instanter coupling

Many thanks for the question Mike. Can anybody help please.

Walker Lines
On the B & W
Andrew and Diane Jones

My expertise mainly centres around the Bodmin to Wadebridge line, but a recent set of photographs with reference the Walker Lines siding in Bodmin prompted me to delve into my archive.
During the spring of 1983, with written permission from BR, I photographed the entire GWR connection from Bodmin Road to Bodmin General. At the time there was no certainty of preservation.
I have attached a walk through from the Walker Lines points to Bodmin General Station, which had been much rationalised and housed a Bri-a-brac store under the cover of the original station canopy. The double road bridge of Victorian construction is evident and as I write this is being replaced.
Although the siding was connected during BR ownership I can find little information about when it was installed but it was there in 1983 and I would consider it was possibly constructed during the 70’s. ( any Society member with information on dates would be greatly appreciated )
The Walker Lines site was originally built for the army and named after Harold Bridgewood Walker, built as an extension to the Devon and Cornwall Light Infantry Barracks at Bodmin and eventually became the JSSL (Joint Services School for Linguists) before closure in the early 60’s.
Considering the site played an important role during World War 2 it never had a rail connection during this period.
Peter Fitzgerald, a director of Fitzgerald Lighting, a company once famous for the production of fluorescent light fittings’ who exported to all over the world, eventually was instrumental in the sidings construction and helped to provide a preservation base for the embryo organisation that exists today.
The provision of points on any railway are not something lightly undertaken, least of all because of the safety issues, but by the time of construction the daily traffic was sporadic and generally low speed. (derailments are a greater risk over connecting points and can be very expensive!)
Eventually under preservation a freight flow was inaugurated using the Walker line connection on the 2nd December 1989 and continued until 11th December 1992 and latterly between 2000 and 2001 using B&W class 20 or class 33 locomotives and VGA wagons. BR only collected the wagons at Bodmin Road exchange sidings, for forward transit.
Today the Walker Lines siding is used for storage of preservation stock and a proposed undercover facility for passenger coaches, thus the need for the new increased radius installation illustrated in the recent contribution by Roger.
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane Jones

Walker Lines siding looking towards Bodmin General clipped out of use 1983. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

With official permission from B.R. Andrew waked the line from Walker lines to Bodmin General. This is the rail over road bridge over the Lostwithiel road. Taken in 1983 Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Bodmin General station in 1983 - already quite a bit of demolition has taken place. and the layout has been reduced. Thank heavens the site wasn't further rationalised and the station building removed. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Stock stored at Walker Lines

Walker Lines Class 20 11th September 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen

Walker Lines on the 20th May 1995 with some of the stored stock. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The Fitzgerald Freight at Bodmin Parkway on the 30th June 1997. KJ

There are many more illustrations with Andrews article please click here to get to Features Jan to June 22 and look for item 22 08.

Par
Paul Barlow

50011 Centurian waits at Par as 47603 County of Somerset arrives on the 15.40 Penzance to Milton Keynes 47603 later to become 47745 Royal London society for the blind 30th August 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

4th February 2022

4/2/2022

Par
Paul Barlow

50011 'Centurian' arrives at Par on a down service. 30th August 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Double Header
Nr. Camborne
Roger Winnen

D1001 Westrn Pathfinder and D1006 Westerm Stalwart approach Pendarves Road bridge on the climb towards Camborne station. 16th March 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger.

3rd February 2022

3/2/2022

Lostwithiel Goods Yard today
Roger Winnen

Owing to todays clay trains for Fowey being made up to over 35 wagons the run around loops at Lostwithiel have been used for the 66's to run around trains. Back in the days of the clay hoods these trains were much shorter and were stabled in the goods yard. Over the years these sidings have fallen into disuse. A visit today shows the scene with the sidings being removed. A new access path to the station and forthcoming footbridge together with a new car park will be formed across the sidings location.The CRS railtour 'The China Clay Rambler' was the last passenger train to use this platform.

063A The last passenger train eer to use the Fowey Bay platform at Lostwithiel. 28th April 1990. Copyright Roger Winnen

220203a Lostwithiel Yard taken from the Signal Box end. Copyright Roger Winnen

220203c Not much remains of the yard today. Copyright Roger Winnen

220203d The Cornwall Railway Societies 'Cornish Rambler Railtour of 28th April 1990 was berthed in the branch line for our lunch break it is possible that it was the last train to use the Branch Line platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

220203e Moving the rails and sleepers. Copyright Roger Winnen

220203f The end of Lostwithiel Freight Yard today. Copyright Roger Winnen

Arrival from Newquay
Par
Paul Barlow

One on the infamous 'Skippers' has just arrived with the 15.00 from Newquay\ Iseen at Par. 30th August 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks ago - at least the Skippers had large windows.

Visit to Looe
Chris Bellett

HI Keith/Roger,
Had a very cold and windy trip to Looe on Tuesday 01 February 2022 and took the following photographs that might be of interest for the CRS website.

Kind Regards, Chris Bellett, Retired S&T Engineer, CRS Member

Looe branch sign -1st February 2022. Copyright Chris Bellett.

15.50 Liskeard to Looe arrives about right time at 16.23. 1st February 2022. Copyright Chris Bellett.

The driver shows the current Coombe Jct to Looe token. 1st February 2022. Copyright Chris Bellett.

For comparison the original wooden token Coombe Jct to Looe token as it was in 2004. Copyright Chris Bellett.

Many thanks Chris. An interesting comparison and where has the small key gone - why change the token?

Bridges 13 and 13A Rebuild
Bodmin branch
Chris Bellett

Hi Keith/Roger,
Progress photographs of the Bodmin General bridges 13 and 13A rebuilds taken today (02 February 2022).
Take care, Chris Bellett, Retired S&T Engineer, CRS Member

Bridge 13A with the new concrte deck in place. 2nd February 2022, Copyright Chris Bellett

Many thanks for the update Chris.

Onslow
Roger Geach

Hi Keith
Nice to see the picture of Onslow sidings signal box by Bernard Mills .
I took a few pictures here years ago .
50013 on 4M05 1250 Penzance to Crewe service is passing what was once Onslow sidings . 21 8 1975
At the time i think they bagged peat here for sale and the Clay buildings were still owned by ECLP
Cheers , Roger Geach

50013 4m05 12.50 Penzance to Crewe van seen at Onslow sidings 21st August 1975. Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger, nice to hear from you. Note to the left the old clay dries which are referred to in the text above.

25 minutes at
Wearde
Ross Griffiths

57604 Pendennis Castle on the 5A50 the 12.30 Penzance to Exeeter St Davids. 14.21 2nd February 2022. Copyright Ross Griffiths.

43170 and 43027 2U24 12.50 Pz to Cardiff. 14.32 2nd February 2022. Copyright Ross Griffiths.

DR77327 running as the 785Z 10.35 Castle Cary Up siding to Liskeard Ground Frame. 14.46 2nd February 2022. Copyright Ross Griffiths.

Many thanks Ross - a very productive twenty five minutes. I think that many would agree with you the FGW could do with a more attractive livery rather than drab green.

2nd February 2022

2/2/2022

5A50 12.30 E.C.S
PenzanceT&R.S.M.D to Exeter
Roger Winnen

220202a The ECS Move of the sleeper stock behind 57604 Pendennis Castle approaches St Erth on route to Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

220202b A glimer of sunlight came out for the event as Network Rail staff took a breather after checking the crossover between the up and down lines. Copyright Roger Winnen

Near Oxford

The Bin-Liner
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are well, I enjoyed the pictures on the Newquay line. Here is another picture of the Calvert to Bath binliner ,taken just after noon on a bleak 15 December 1988 and it shows 47663 nearing Oxford station at Port Meadow. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Exmouth branch
Near Topsham
Paul Barlow

Theres a toch of frost as DMU P469 works the 1028 Exeter to Exmouth leaves Topsham. 4th January 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow

A going away shot of DMU P469 working the 10.28 Exeter to Exmouth has just left Topsham. 4th February 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul - a chilly morning.

A letter from
John Roberts

Keith, a bit more on some of your recent posts.
I was interested in the plan of Shepherds. It looks as if there were a level crossing over the original Treamble line, but the original road was cut off by the new station, so presumably the road was diverted over the new bridge in 1905.
The website says that the Treamble traffic ceased in August 1949, but is still shown in the 1949-50 Working Timetable. I had assumed that the Treamble branch would have been shunted by the morning Truro to Newquay goods, but that train is allowed only 15 minutes at Shepherds. A separate train runs to Treamble and back, but there's no indication how it gets to Shepherds. I surmise that the Truro goods is double-headed to Shepherds and the second loco then runs to Treamble and back, and returns to Truro double-headed with the afternoon Newquay to Truro goods. This seems very inefficient!
The Truro - Newquay goods is actually timetabled to continue to and from St Columb Road. Do we know what traffic necessitated this and why it wasn't conveyed by the Par - Newquay goods?
On the Lymington Branch, 2311 is described as a CIG whereas it's a CEP. The end detail is very different from CIG 1499 in the background. The CEPs and BEPs were built for the Kent Coast electrification in 1959 and 1961, whereas the CIGs and BIGs were build in two tranches, the Brighton Line in 1965 and the Portsmouth Line in 1970. The latter had less attractive interiors and less comfortable seats, a trend which seems to continue to this day! The era was completed with the REPs and TCs for the Bournemouth electrification in 1967 and the outer-suburban VEPs. The REPs were replaced by WESs, and when the Networkers were built for Kent, some of the CEPs moved to Brighton and Bournemouth whence they were later displaced by Eurostars and Desiros respectively. No 2311 was originally a BEP, but its buffet car was replaced by a TSO; it was one of the last three CEPs in service and is fortunately preserved on the Eden Valley Railway.
Last September you warned of the sale of the Redruth Station GWR bus garage. I contacted my bus fraternity and am pleased to say that the GW Trust hopes to relocate the building to Didcot later this year. Miller Commercial have removed the sale documents from their website; do we know who has bought the site?
Best wishes, John.

The 14.37 departs for Penzance on the 5th September 2021 passing the garage which seems to have been saved. KJ

Another view of the building due to depart for Didcot. 5th September 2021. CR KJ.

Many thanks John for your update and questions posed.

In answer to John Roberts letter
Roy Hart

Dear Keith,

Here is my attempt at John Roberts' questions:

Treamble was, for most of its life a Q operation ('to run as required'). After the line was reopened in 1925, that meant not very often. The Perranporth branch goods engine did the honours. The line was lifted in 1917 (because no traffic) and the rails sent to France. The GWR had promises of renewed traffic, so reopened the line in 1925. It was a dud. The last train ran in 1949, but the entire line remained intact until 1956. Part of the reason for this was that the PW headquarters of the Perranporth branch was sitated about 25 yards down the Treamble line at Shepherds. Here were the stores, the motor trolley and its shed etc.,
There are pictures on the CRS website of the pw trolley being sigalled on to the Treamble branch in the 1950s.

St Columb Road was, from the 1930s, served by the Perrranporth branch freight. Luxulyan, Bugle and Roche each had a pair of sidings on the up side for general freight, but traffic was almost nothing -road competition had killed it off, so there was no daily freight from Par. St Columb Road, however, had healthy agricultural traffic right into the 1960s and it therefore made sense to serve it via the Perranporth branch, which had a daily service.
The only 'double header' seen at Shepherds was at breakfast time on summer Saturdays, when a pair of 55xx from Truro ran down to Newquay to collect the stock of the Perranporth to Paddington through train.

All the best, Roy.

Many many thanks to you Roy - another very valuable input to the history of the area - much appreciated. Added to the Chacewater - Newquay section.

_________________________________________________________________________

Certainly not the Bodmin arae which Mike Manning is looking for but an example of the joys of brake van tours. We'd travelled all the way up from Exeter St Davids at no mean speed then followed the twisty Hemyock branch to its it's terminus. Pure joy, what a memory.

The Hemyock branch railtour pauses to examine Culmstock. 26th October 1974. Copyright KJ

1st February 2022

1/2/2022

ECS Sleeper stock movement
Stoke Canon and Exminster
Keith Turley & David Tozer

On 31st January 2022 GWR class 57/6 No.57604 'Pendennis Castle' passes Stoke Canon, working the 5C99 11:00 Reading Traincare Depot to Penzance T&RSMD night sleeper stock transfer move. Copyright Keith Turley.

57604 handles the ECS Sleeper move - seen at Exminster on the 31st 31st January 2022 Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks to Keith and David - David reports that it was bitterly cold! That's what you call devotion to duty!

The View From
The River Exe
Clive Smith

The last day of January saw me on a birdwatching cruise on the Exe. Sadly the light wasn't generally good but as well as seeing lots of wading avocets and a rare spotted redshank I also managed a few train photos of course . How could I not. Unfortunately I was way up river at Topsham when the 57 was due on the sleeper ECS.
Regards

Clive Smith

(1) Cross Country's 12.27 Plymouth - Edinburgh passes Powderham formed of Voyager 221132 rather than the usual HST. With one or two dates excepted this has been the norm now since late November 2021 although this may change on Fridays and more dates in February. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) 150263 forms the 13.20 Paignton - Exmouth as it skirts the River Exe approaching Starcross. The dull weather and GWR's drab green livery do not make for exciting photos but a little sun came out for this and the differing hues of green on the fields behind gave a lift to the picture. 31st January 2022, Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) 150263 is now on the other bank of the Exe as it heads north from Lympstone with the 14.57 Exmouth - Paignton. 31st January 2022, Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive - two hobbies for the price of one!

Parsons Tunnel
Paul Barlow

D1015 Western Champion on the 09.30 Gloucester to Par 1Z52 on the 27th February 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks indeed Paul

Swindon Parade
Colin Pidgeon - via Ken Mumford

Note for Ken - I am getting material which you send me but my reply to you bounces back - I am okay with all others.

57604 'Pendennis Castle' 31st January 2022 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

66561, 540 and 547 on OV68 Convoy from Hoo Jct to Stoke Gifford 31st January 2022 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Many thanks to Ken and of course Colin.

Additional info
Onslow Box
Roy Hart.

No sooner had Barnard's picture appeared in yesterdays News than Roy Hart kindly wrote in with the following additional information concerning this almost forgotten location.
Onslow box opened òn 31st January 1931 to serve the Bowaters clay worķs there. The layout consisted of a long loop siding and a second, gated loop for the works. The box was normally switched out throughout its life, only opening for siding traffic on one or two days a week for a couple of hours.
Two historical features of the place: Onslow was the first complete installation of tubular steel signals on the GWR (they had wooden arms though) and secondly, Onslow lay at the foot of the long descent from Doublebois, so the down distant signal had to be a long way out. At 1920 yards it was the longest 'pull' in Cornwall.

The bos was of what the SRS calls 'type 28B'. It arrived 'flatpack' style and was erected in a day. The box closed on 10th November 1968.

Roy

Many thanks Roy for the extra info

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On the B & W
Andrew and Diane Jones