Blog Archives

10th February 2024

10/2/2024

The Cornwall Railway Society
Indoor Meeting tonight at the Memorial Hall Redruth commencing at 18.30 hrs

After a career spanning 47 years on the railway, Jim Collins gives us an illustrated talk about his time spent on the Western Region
Not to be missed

'The Flying Banana'
Jon Hird, Mark Lynam & Roger Winnen

Yesterday (09.02.24) saw the 4 weekly visit to the South West of the Network Rail New Management Train (NMT). For the past few years, due to the 'regular' yellow power cars being under maintainence, the train has usually been sandwiched between powercars carrying the livery of their previous owners, passenger train operating companies. However, this weeks visit saw the return of a pair of yellow power cars, 43013 and 43062, a welcome return.

43062 leads the NMT beneath Restormel bridge. Copyright Jon Hird.

43062 leads the NMT through a heavy rain shower at Carn Brea, working 1Q18 0543 Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton via Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Further West, poor Roger was also caught in a rain shower as he waited to see the train crossing Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen.

43013 trailing on the rear crossing Hayle viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The return working heads for Reading (via Paignton) seen passing Carlyon Golf Course in a very lucky patch of sun - seconds before it was raining. Copyright Jon Hird.

St. Columb Road
Roger Winnen

76/09/18 DMU at St Columb Road. Copyright Roger Winnen

76/09/18 DMU at St Columb Road. Copyright Roger Winnen.

76/09/18 An unidentified (50043?) Class 50 at St Columb Road. Copyright Roger Winnen.

9th February 2024

9/2/2024

'The Flying Banana'
The 4-weekly visit of the NMT to our region - today!

Readers may be interested to follow the progress of the train in the link below. This is the 4-weekly visit of the Network Rail 'New Measurement Train' which is formed of class 43 HST power cars sandwiching a selection of coaches containing high-tech measuring and monitoring equipment.

Subject to the usual caveats, this week we should see a pair of yellow power cars at either end of the train - the first time for several years that we have been visited by a fully yellow HST.

Please click here for the Real Time Trains link.

Don't forget to send in your photos to [email protected] if you should manage to catch it on its travels!

Another '47' at Pilning
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

47140 hauls its train up the bank at Pilning in 1985. Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks to you, Phil

Sleeper training run
Jon Hird

GWR Class 57/6 57603 passes a wet and miserable Coombe (St. Stephens) yesterday (08.02.2024) with the return of a crew training run from Penzance to Exeter working. Copyright Jon Hird.

8/2/2024

Daylight sleeper stock move
Today

Our readers may wish to follow the progress of the following trains today, comprising of the GWR Class 57/6 and sleeper stock. It is believed to be a staff training run.

5Z70 07:02 Penzance T&RSMD to Exeter St. Davids
Click here for Real Time Trains live tracking

5Z71 12:55 Exeter St. Davids to Penzance T&RSMD
Click here for Real Time Trains live tracking

If you manage to get a photo, please send it in!

57603 Photo taken at St Erth this afternoon. Copyright Roger Winnen

57603 Tin tagel Castle powering up after being held at the signal adjacent to St Erth Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

'47's at Pilning
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

47283 at Pilning from the now-gone bridge. Once a great place to watch the trains go by. 1988. Copyright Phil Smith.

47099 is being worked hard by its driver climbing Pilning bank. An image you can hear. 1988. Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks Phil, wonderful images.

The Valentine Storm at Penzance
14th February 2014
Roger Winnen

140214j The sea creeps to the buffer stops of Platfrom 2 & 3. Copyright Roger Winnen

A Seagulls View of Saltash
Jon Hird

Take a flight above Saltash and the Royal Albert Bridge, video below.

7th February 2024

7/2/2024

Superb at Salisbury
Michael Adams

Roger, A picture of 50002 ‘Superb’ at Salisbury on 5 November 1990 with a terminating service from Waterloo. Thank you, all the best, Michael Copyright Michael Adams

Many Thanks Michael

Long Rock Crossing
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, here is my picture of a ?Swindon DMU at Long Rock level crossing on 10 June 1978. I did not record the time but this was a through train from Penzance to St. Ives.Sad that the signal box and the gates have gone. Thanks, best wishes, Copyright Michael Forward.

Many Thanks Michael

The railway in South Devon July 1977
Roger Winnen

770716b The closed Signal Box ay Ivybridge, note the broken windows. Copyright Roger Winnen

770716c A Peak heading westwards from Dainton Tunnel. Copyright Roger Winnen

770716f A Class 47 with an express at Brent. Copyright Roger Winnen

770716g 50021 with a Plymouth bound train at Brent. Copyright Roger Winnen

Teignmouth this Morning
Martin Scane

I haven’t submitted anything for a while but here is a Cross Country Voyager rounding the final curve towards Teignmouth station this morning (06.02.24) at 10-01 with a Derby to Plymouth service. Copyright Martin Scane

Many Thanks Martin

Bulk Ballast
Alan Peters

The empty bulk ballast from Westbury to Stud Farm seen in the VQ (virtual quarry) at Westbury before departure as 6M40 on 1st February 2024, unusually class 66 hauled with Colas Rail 66846 as this train is normally rostered a class 70 locomotive.

Driver Alan Peters

Colas Rail 66846 stands at the virtual quarry at Westbury. Copyright Alan Peters.

Many thanks Alan!

St. Columb Road
Roger Winnen

June 1973 and a Swindon-Built cross country unit calls at St. Columb Road. Copyright Roger Winnen.

On this day - 20 years ago
Jon Hird

07.02.2004 - 37308 and 37047 have been 'borrowed' for the local China Clay trip from Fowey Carne Point. Here we see them coming off the branch and arriving at Lostwithiel. Copyright Jon Hird.

6/2/2024

Tiverton Junction and the
Great Western Canal in 1977
Roger Winnen

770709b Tiverton Junction Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

770709c Class 50 at Tiverton Junction heading for Taunton Copyright Roger Winnen

770709d The down platform at Tiverton Junction To the right was the Hemyock platform.. Copyright Roger Winnen

770709e An express heading east at Tiverton Junction. On the far right was the Tiverton platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

770709f A down express with 47 at Tiverton Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

770709g Tiverton Junction Footbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

770709h Great Western Canal at Tiverton. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Treffry Aqueduct
Jon Hird

DB Cargo 66143 leads a train of 16 JIA wagons under the Treffry Aqueduct on its way to Fowey. 05.02.24, copyright Jon Hird.

The Treffry Viaduct/Aqueduct was constructed under the order of Joseph Treffry between 1835 and 1844. It is 198m long and 30m high. The 'deck' of the structure is granite and once carried the rails of an early industrial tramway. However, the real stroke of engineering genius was the inclusion of a watercourse within the structure which fed a series of leats, ultimately powering a great waterwheel which, amongst other purposes, hauled the tramway wagons up a steep incline.

You can view more historical images of the Aqueduct in our Newquay branch section. Please click here.

5th February 2024

5/2/2024

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 68
The Life of Small Prairie 5568
Michael L. Roach

In Part 67 we looked at the life of 5572 for the third and last time. Sister engine 5568 was completed just one month earlier in January 1929 and was sent to Stratford-on-Avon, a sub-shed of Tyseley, Birmingham as its first shed. After moving to Kidderminster the same year it moved to Whitland in June 1932 where it spent more than 21 years working trains to Cardigan and Pembroke Dock, Like 5572, 5568 was fitted with auto gear in 1953 and sent to South Wales where it was based at Cathays, Barry and Aberbeeg. When no longer needed for operating auto trains there it was dispatched to Laira five years after arriving in South Wales. The formal date was 5 November 1960. After the closure of the Tavistock and Launceston Branch the engine was withdrawn on 14 January 1963, sold to Cashmore's nine months later and scrapped at their yard in Newport (Mon). 5568 regularly worked passenger trains to Launceston but was also called upon to work auto trains to Tavistock South, just like 5572, but not quite so often. There were two other 5500s that were auto-fitted and moved from South Wales to Laira. 5511 was at Laira from 1.11.1958 until withdrawn 5.12.1961; and 5560 from 8.10.1960 to 7.10.1961. During the time that I was riding on and photographing trains regularly on the Launceston Branch (April 1961 to December 1962) I only saw 5511 working once and 5560 working twice; and of those three sightings only one was on an auto train. It was only 5572 and 5568 that were normally called upon to work auto-trains when the regular 6400-class pannier was unavailable. Of course both engines worked non-auto trains as well; and 5568 was a regular throughout the 20 months I was photographing; with gaps when it was presumably being overhauled or under repair at Laira.

The ECS train from Tavistock to Plymouth is seen leaving the cutting just north of Ham Green Viaduct between Bickleigh and Shaugh Bridge; one auto coach propelled by 5568 on 3 March 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

5568 heads north hauling the 2.10pm Plymouth to Tavistock on 31 March 1962 past the hamlet of Goodameavy with Dartmoor on the horizon. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

5568 returns the same day (31 March 1962) propelling the 4.30pm Tavistock to Plymouth at Yelverton. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Laira's 5568 is standing on the south side of the coaling stage showing the later extension allowing engines to be coaled on both sides. Photo taken on the morning of Saturday 12 May 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks as always, Michael.
Our readers may wish to click here to read the rest of Michaels memoirs.

Brush Type 4 in '74
Roger Winnen

It's the 30/03/1974 and 47136 is approaching St. Blazey with the 16.35 Newquay to Wellington Salop. Copyright Roger Winnen

St. Blazey T&RSD at St. Blazey T&RSD
Jon Hird

37670 'St. Blazey T&RS Depot' at St. Blazey T&RS Depot in 2004. Copyright Jon Hird.

09016, 08993 and 37670 at St. Blazey in 2004. 08993 had a cut-down body to fit beneath a low bridge on the Burry Port & Gwendraeth Valley line in South Wales. 09016 is missing part of its coupling rod and brake linkage. Copyright Jon Hird.

4th February 2024

4/2/2024

A trio from Phil
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

37401 'Mary Queen of Scots' at Bristol Temple Meads in 1998. Copyright Phil Smith.

St. Blazey workhorses 37672 and 37669 head west at Exeter St. Davids in 1992. Copyright Phil Smith.

A smashing photo of 37670 and 37417 pounding through Dawlish with a consignment of 'white gold' (China clay) in 1991.

Many thanks as always Phil, some great photos of classic traction, I'm sure they will be well enjoyed by our readers.

Largin from above
Jon Hird

I spent a pleasant 30 minutes earlier today (03.02.24) out in the woods above Largin Viaduct. The sun didn't make an appearance, but this did allow me to take a shot from the opposite side of the bridge, something that wouldn't be possible on a bright day due to the shadows.

The main attraction was the empty JIA's returning to St. Blazey, but I did also take the opportunity to take some photos of the site of the long-since demolished signal box whilst the drone was up in the air.

Running around 90 minutes early, 66021 brings 17 empty JIA's down the valley heading for St. Blazey running as 6V74. The rear of the train hasn't long cleared St. Pinnock viaduct. Copyright Jon Hird.

GWR IET units 800006 and 800022 head for Paddington working 1A82 the 09:11 service from Penzance. The drone is hovering just above the highest of the evergreen trees on the hillside to capture this angle. Copyright Jon Hird.

Details around the west end of the viaduct. Copyright Jon Hird.

Largin signal box once stood beyond the 50mph sign and before the first electrical/relay cabinet. Whilst taking the photos I wrongly assumed that the blockworks at the base of the speed limit sign were the remains of the box, but from looking at photos on this website that would appear to have been a small shelter/cabin/hut of some kind. Copyright Jon Hird.

This small building has survived and looks in good condition. Perhaps it would make a good 'Air BnB' for those who'd like a stay in a remote location! Copyright Jon Hird.

To view our collection of historical images and to read some interesting memories about Largin and Largin signal box, please click here

3/2/2024

Cornwall Signal Upgrades
Tuesday 27th February to Sunday 10th March 2024

Truro East Signal Box                   Memories from the late Cyril Hitchens

Truro East was built in 1899 and IS of typical GWR appearance. It is one of the few signalboxes in my area that is still in use. It had (has?) all the usual interior fittings and, in my day, the kettle was always boiling to cater for visiting shunters, enginemen, guards and station staff as we were all part of a team who looked after one another. Unusually the frame was at the back. Changes took place in 1971 following the closure of West box and further track rationalisation and remodelling. A new 51 lever frame was installed and a level crossing leading to the remaining sidings and car park was opened.
       In my description of West box I said that it was always busier than East. West had the loco shed, the Falmouth and Newquay branches and the intensive westbound goods traffic plus the main lines while East dealt with the up and down main lines, the quieter eastbound goods and the small down goods yard. The main traffic in the down sidings was biscuits and Lyons cakes. Latterly, loads were delivered for Farm Industries who took over the site near the end of my railway career in the mid 1970s. When up goods were sorted and formed up the shunter would phone East to say they were "ready for the off" and when a path became available the train was let out.
       One afternoon I pulled the points and remember watching the up VENLO (empties) for Tavistock Junction pass the box and waving to the guard in his van as it crossed the viaduct. Later that week the same guard came into the box for a chat. He told me that when his train from a few days previously reached Plymouth North Road it was already dark. Signals meant they passed through the station at walking pace using one of the platform roads. When they reached Tavy Junction to berth the wagons the guard found a drunk, fast asleep, "draped" over one of the couplings between two vans in the middle of the train. He was woken up and sent on his way. Whether he enjoyed his journey or not no one knows-but he was a very lucky man!
       The down sidings fell out of use in the 1980s and there has been further track removal. However, Truro station and the Falmouth line have become increasingly busy and East box is still very much in use and the kettle is probably still boiling!
        I never did get to Truro Cattle Pens Box or later ground frame which was used on an "as required" basis until the removal of the track there.

        Further alterations were carried out in recent years with the installation of the Penryn Loop.
                                                                                                                                  C. H.

240201j Truro Signal Box formally Truro East Box intil 1971 will be replaced in the Cornwall Signal Upgrades work from the end of February 2024 through to 10 March 2024

240201jj Whilst on a journey to Falmouth an invite was exteded to me to visit Truro Signal Box. In this photograph Craig Munday a Network Rail Mom left and Martin Duff based in Exeter on the right. Copyright Roger Winnen

240201k Truro Box track diagram Copyright Roger Winnen

240201l Truro Box track diagram. Copyright Roger Winnen

240201m Truro Box track diagram. Copyright Roger Winnen

240201p The lever frame of Truro Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

240201s The lever frame of Truro Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

240201t The lever frame of Truro Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

240201tt A Castle Class HST passing the Box on the approach to Truro Station

240201u Track work in Truro Yard for the installation of a new crossover on Truro Viaduct. Copuright Roger Winnen

240201v Track work in Truro Yard for the installation of a new crossover on Truro Viaduct. Copuright Roger Winnen

240201ze The Great Western Blue 150 arriving at Truro on a Penzance - Plymouth working. Copyright Roger Winnen

My appreciation to Craig Munday and the Network Rail Staff for allowing me to visit Truro Signal Box.

"Torbay & Dartmouth Pullman"
Alan Peters

"Torbay & Dartmouth Pullman" unusually a charter FROM Penzance to Kingswear aboard the Midland Pullman. Copyright Alan Peters.

The inside of the pamphlet. Copyright Alan Peters.

Thanks for sharing this with us Alan, I'm sure it will be a great trip for those on board.

If you'd like to treat yourself and book a ticket, you can do so via the Midland Pullman website - click here.

A dull day in Mid Cornwall
Jon Hird

A short pause in the drizzle allowed this photo of blue survivor 150219 crossing the Goss Moor. The hill in the background is the site of Castle An Dinas hillfort, considered to be one of the most important sites of its type in the South West. It has an impressive and very interesting past - well worth researching if you have an interest in local history. Copyright Jon Hird.

February 2nd 2024

2/2/2024

Sunset on the CDAs...
Neil Phillips

Hello Roger and Keith,

I saw Matt Weston's report (31st January) that scrapping of the remaining ten CDA wagons had commenced at the far end of St Blazey Yard. I was unable to check this yesterday but went down this afternoon for a look. Progress has been rapid ('practice makes perfect', as the old saying goes) and all that remained at 4pm were two underframes cut in half, with no hopper bodies present. Photography from St Blazey Road is hampered by vegetation, both alongside the road and in the yard itself, but I hope these views, including a last look over the access gate at the far end of the yard, will suffice to mark this sad finale.

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

A last look over the gate at the now near-deserted scrapping area, where 68 CDA wagons have been despatched over the past several months. 1st February 2024. Copyright Neil Phillips.

The final remnants - two severed underframes await collection in St Blazey yard. 1st February 2024. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Thank you for taking the time to send these in, Neil. A sad sight indeed.

Middleway Crossing and Par Station
Neil Phillips

Hello Roger and Keith,

While out checking on the CDA situation (above) I thought it worthwhile to take advantage of the unbroken winter sunshine - after all it has been a rarity lately!

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

150248 traverses Middleway Crossing with 2N09 15.10 Newquay - Par. The nicely-framed view is largely dictated by rampant growth elsewhere along this side of the line at this location. 1st February 2024. Copyright Neil Phillips.

The rampant growth isn't restricted to the lineside - this stretch of the Newquay branch always looks like this nowadays, regardless of the season or alleged visits by weed-killing trains. The sight of IETs trundling along here during the summer months is almost comical! 1st February 2024. Copyright Neil Phillips.

It is not only the CDAs that the sun is setting on - now that we are in February the end of the semaphores and operational signal boxes at Lostwithiel, Par and Truro draws ever closer. As 150248 awaits return to Newquay, 800313 departs westward on 1C80 12.03 Paddington - Penzance. 1st February 2024. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Thank you very much Neil, well done for making the most of a rare sunny day!

Exeter Memories
Michael Forward/Michael Adams

Exeter St. Davids on a gloomy 8 November 1980. A HST is waiting with a Paddington to Penzance service. Once it's departed, the DMU will then depart for Exmouth. Copyright Michael Forward.

50003 ‘Temeraire’ at E xeter with the 09.47 Paddington to Newquay on 25 June 1983. Copyright Michael Adams.

Thank you very much indeed to 'The two Michaels' for providing these excellent images of bygone times.

The Goss Moor
Roger Winnen & Jon Hird

A few then and now views around the infamous 'iron bridge' - sworn enemy of many a high road vehicle over the decades!

GWR Class 150 150248 crosses the iron bridge over the old A30 with a Newquay - Par service. 01.02.24. Copyright Jon Hird.

We now go back in time 48 years to 1976 when Roger caught a Gloucester 3 car unit just a little further along the line. Copyright Roger Winnen.

A 2024 view of the bridge carrying the B3274 road to Winards Perch, which Roger was stood on 48 years previously. Copyright Jon Hird.

10/07/1976 And an unidentified Class 50 on a Midday service from Newquay to Paddington crosses Goss Moor. Copyright Roger Winnen

1/2/2024

Residents invited for a bird’s eye view of how Mid Cornwall Metro will transform transport links in Cornwall

From Cornwall Council:

'Get a bird's eye view of Cornwall's transportation future with the Mid Cornwall Metro!

Join us at Hotel Victoria in Newquay for a virtual reality balloon ride and experience the Mid Cornwall Metro's vision first-hand. This visionary project, backed by Cornwall Council and £50m of government Levelling Up Funding, promises an exciting glimpse into our future transport landscape.'

The event is running on February 9th and 10th - please click here for more information.

Nailsea & Backwell Happenings
Richard Giles

Hello again Keith
Having just got up to date with the January items on the web-site, Mark Lynam’s 'Tamar Turbos' dated 25th January caught my eye. As mentioned by him, the services started at North Somerset's, Nailsea & Backwell Station an unusual location, with two GWR trains operating from 22nd - 26th January (the Bristol West Junction blockade taking place from 20th - 28th January being also stated as the reason). A 2M05 0637 Taunton - Nailsea & Backwell (0802) and 2C64 0804 return to Plymouth (1033) and 2M90 1455 Weston-super-Mare - Nailsea & Backwell (1529) and 2C90 1545 return to Exeter St. Davids ran each day, the inward northbound trains running close to 9 miles 'wrong-line' and calling at the down platforms at both Worle and Yatton, having used Worle Junction as an 'up' cross-over point normally used by down services gaining access to the Weston loop. This section of mainline remains the last stronghold of the Bristol Panel box (located at Temple Meads) which when opened in 1970 controlled close to 120 area route miles although approximately only 35 miles now remain from just north of Nailsea to Fordgate (near Bridgwater) including the 3mile Weston loop.

Image; On 24th January, no. 165102 approaches the former GW type 7D crossing box (of 1916) at Puxton & Worle (near Weston-super-Mare being decommissioned as a full signal box in January 1972), under hand signaling on the down line with 1455 Weston - Nailsea service. Recent changes at this location, which also controls a second road crossing with CCTV at nearby Hewish has seen ground work and the installation of a new lighting tower (which is in use). Suggestions are that the 'control' function will end here this year with operations via full CCTV transferred to Bristol Panel?

Hope of interest and thanks for the ongoing site presentation and also to the contributers

Many thanks for providing the additional information Richard, it's very much appreciated.

Steam & Diesel Railtours of 1985
Roger Winnen