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Items added on the 30th March 2016 Those added most recently come first

30/3/2016

Popping up to Parkandillack
Paul Rundle

Being based a little further up the county Railway Employee Paul got in a very rare shot of the Track Recording Train at Parkandillack.
Many Thanks Paul

Track testing train at Parkandillack. 30th March 2016 Copyright Paul Rundle

Track Recording Train 950001 came back to Cornwall today sporting a refurbished livery.
Photos by Mick House and Roger Salter

950001 having just passed Wheal Bois en-route to Penzance. 30th March 2016 Copyright Mick House

160330a The Network Rail 150 unit is seen passing Rosevidney on route to Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

950001 having arrived at Penzance showing off her new refurbished livery. 30th March 2016 Copyright Mick House

Coach 999600 with new decals with the wording, Improving Your Railway. 30th March 2016 Copyright Mick House

Coach 999600 with new decals with the wording, Track Recording Unit, a section of track and a magnifying glass.

Coach 999601 with a section of track, a magnifying glass and new decals with the wording, Track Recording Unit

Coach 999601 with new decals with the wording, Digital Railway and Orange and Blue squares descending in size under the wording.

950001 in the sidings at Penzance.

Times gone by, the 1980s by
Michael Forward

860613e 50038 'Formidable' is seen arriving at Liskeard on 9th September, 1982 with the 12.50 Plymouth-Penzance service. Not to many passengers about. Copyright Michael Forward

860613f At Plymouth we see 50044 'Exeter' arrive at 14.02 with the 12 noon from Penzance on 13th June, 1986. Copyright Michael Forward

860613g At Plymouth on 13th June,1986 we see 50008 'Thunderer' reversing down to attach extra coaches to the Penzance-Liverpool service. Those were the days! Copyright Michael Forward

860613h Back at Marazion we see 47609 'Fire Fly' with the 12.00 Penzance to Plymouth on 18th June, 1986.

Liskeard double header
John Cornelius

Another 'golden oldie' from John as 47500 and 50002 'SUPERB' slow to call at Liskeard. 47 500 was named 'GREAT WESTERN' at Old Oak Common without ceremony on February 27th 1979. 'SUPERB' was built in December 1967, rebuilt 21st March 1978 and withdrawn 9th September 1991. It was almost ten years later on the 17th May 1986 that 'Superb' was to haul the Cornwall Railway Society charter 'Severn Explorer' Railtour. It is indeed 'Superb' that 50 002 has made it into preservation. Copyright John Cornelius

50002 Superb awaits departure from Kidderminster with the return Cornish Railway Society 'Severn Explorer' railtour. 17th May 1986 Copyright Roger Winnen

160325l Nearly thirty years since the previous photograph 50002 'Superb' is seen undergoing restoration work at Buckfastleigh on Good Friday 25th March, 2016. Copyright Roger Winnen

Items added on the 29th March 2016 Those added most recently come first

29/3/2016

The good old days
At Eastleigh

Hi Keith,
Also whilst not quite in keeping with your area I thought this one might be of interest,showing loads of youngsters enjoying themselves clambering
all over 34085 at Eastleigh works open day on 3rd August 1960.
Something denied to enthusiasts today because 'health & safety'
would not allow it. I'm glad I was a younger enthusiast back in those days
and think how lucky we were to be able to do things like that.
I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Grand days indeed. Cheers John Cornelius

This is just within our area and a great picture of the good old days. Many thanks to John Cornelius - copyright

First day at Worle
Kevin Redwood

A warm welcome to Kevin Redwood who writes:-

I have browsed the Cornwall Railway Society site from time to time, particularly the photo galleries and I note that in the Taunton to Bristol section you have, as yet, no photo of Worle Station,
I was working late turn for BR in Bristol TOPS at that time, and living in Weston-super-Mare I chose to drive to Worle to catch a train to work from the new station on the first day in September 1990.
I took a few photos, which I enclose for you if you would like to add to your gallery.

Many thanks Kevin, yes, a first for us of Worle.

On the opening day at Worle a 2 car class 108 B961 forms a lunchtime service to Bristol Temple Meads. Kevin started work at 1400 so this was a handy service. 24th September 1990 Copyright Kevin Redwood

Worle 2 is taken from the ramp of the up platform looking towards Bristol on the day of opening 24th Sepember 1990 Copyright Kevin Redwood

Worle station from the upside car park. It looks as if an enthuiast is busy packing sorting his equipment on this the opening day ! 24th September 1990 Copyright Kevin Redwood

A large car park is a major expense in every new station provision and here is the car park on opening day. 24th September 1990. Copyright Kevin Redwood.

From Wilkipedia. The modern Worle railway station is the fourth station to serve Worle. The first station was 47 chains (0.95 km) east of the modern station, was opened in 1841 as Banwell and was known as Worle from 1869 to 1884, then as Puxton and Worle from 1922 until closure in 1964.

Items added on the 28th March 2016 Those added most recently come first

28/3/2016

A Good Friday visit to the South Devon Railway for their Easter Gala
Part Two by Roger Winnen

160325ff The entrance to Staverton Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

160325g The Platelayers hut at Hood bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

160325h 5526 an ex Truro engine in the workshops at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

160325i Buckfastleigh South Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

160325j Buckfastleigh Station with the new toilet facilities on the right of the photograph. Copyright Roger Winnen

160325k The South Devon Railway 'Tiny' inside the museum at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

Items added on the 27th March 2016 Those added most recently come first

28/3/2016

The Border on a bright day
Ron Waterworth

Lots to see in this shot. Calstock village clings to the slopes on the Cornish side of the Tamar. This picture is taken from the Devon side near Bere Alston. Beyond the viaduct lies Cotehele Estate, and the triangular Propect Tower. Kit Hill momument stands atop the 1095' high hill - the highest in the Tamar area. 153 318 can be seen crossing Calstock Viaduct forming the 10.54 Plymouth to Gunnnislake. 25th March 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

A close up as 153318 threads its way through the village. Copyright Ron Webster 25th March 2016

Crossing the border back into Cornwall with Dartmoor as a backdrop 153318 passes Wheal Edward ( between Gunnislake and Calstock) with the 1345 Gunnislake to Plymouth 25th March 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

A quick dash down the hill to Calstock Quay catches 153318 again after its Calstock stop with the 1545 Gunnislake to Plymouth crosses Calstock Viaduct. The viaduct is 120' high with twelve 60' arches 25th March 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

N.B Once FGW goes fully green none of these shots will be as interesting - you won't see the train!

Ottery St Mary Restored
& meet John Cornelius

Ottery St Mary station which closed on the 6th March 1967 was on the branch from Sidmouth Junction between the former station and Tipton St Johns. This sign lay inverted and forgotten alongside the trackway at Yeovil Junction until being discovered and subsequently restored by John Cornelius. It is remarkable that this fragile concrete sign hadn't been damaged other than a small corner broken off.
Many thanks to John for sending in the following pictures of a remarkable restoration.

This is master craftsman John Cornelius at work at Yeovil.

Items added on the 26th March 2016 Those added most recently come first

26/3/2016

Major Rail Improvement Works on the GWR
These notices are appearing on GWR HSTs throughout the Network.
You are advised to study this information when planning journey times out of the County during 2016.
Roger Winnen

Cornwall H.S.T. Substitutions
Andrew Triggs

160326a The green HST set is currently running with 43156 'Dartington International Summer School' in place of 43188. Seen working the 07.59 to Paddington. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160326c 1C99 HST Substitution 43172 'Harry Patch' running in place of the failed Night Riviera which was terminated at Reading is seen arriving at St Erth. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160326d Harry Patch shortly before departure to Penzance at 08.33. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Easter 1937
Mike Roach

Mike, an 'avid' researcher, who has been digging around in old newspapers looking for details of the incident when Ingra Tor Halt was set on fire came across this advert for Easter 1937 - 79 years ago.
Many thanks Mike

GWR NEWSPAPER ADVERT

From the Western Morning News and
Daily Gazette (now just WMN)
Saturday, March 27, 1937 page 5 of 14

CHEAP TRIPS FROM PLYMOUTH
WITH MANY BOOKINGS FROM
SURROUNDING STATIONS
----------------------------
EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 28
TO TAUNTON 5/- BRIDGWATER
5/6, WESTON-SUPER-MARE 6/-
BRISTOL 7/- BATH 7/6. Leave
MILLBAY 9.30 a.m., NORTH ROAD
9.35 a.m.
------------------------------
EASTER MONDAY
(BANK HOLIDAY) MARCH 29
To Looe 3/6 plus others

To Marsh Mills 5d., Clearbrook
Halt 1/3, Yelverton 1/6, Burrator
Platform 1/9, Ingra Tor Halt, 2/3
Princetown 2/9, Tavistock 2/-
Lydford 3/- Launceston 4/6 by
various trains from Millbay and
North Road.

32 Years ago today
Roger Geach

It seems like yesterday to some of us.

Respryn as 50048 Dauntless heads the Liverpool to Penzance Respryn on Monday 26th March 1984 Copyright Roger Geach

40 Years ago
John Cornelius

The 'Black bridge' at Truro, a grandstand for many years spans the main line and spanned the yards and shed approach roads as well. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 25th March 2016 Those added most recently come first

25/3/2016

A Good Friday visit to the South Devon Railway for their Easter Gala
Part 1 by Roger Winnen
Looking at the local weather forecast Good Friday was forecast to be the best day of the Easter Weekend, it certainly lived up to that with unbroken sunshine as we followed the River Dart to Buckfastleigh.

160325a Seen from the 07.41 Penzance to Paddington service a Class 70 is seen at Tavistock Junction awaiting repairs following an incident during engineering works in South Devon a few weeks ago. Copyright Roger Winnen

160325b The installation of a platform starter signal at Totnes Littlehempston with Ashburton Junction Box in the background. Copyright Roger Winnen

160325c Further signalling alterations being carried out on the approach to Totnes Littlehempston. Copyright Roger Winnen

160325d The very nice converted DMU centre car into a Buffet at Staverton. Copyright Roger Winnen

160325e Staverton Station from the roadside. This station has won many awards in the past. Copyright Roger Winnen

160325f The award plaque is justly displayed on the station buildings at Staverton. Copyright Roger Winnen

Boundary post at Forder
Ross Griffiths

Good afternoon, A couple shots attached that could possibly be of interest for the 'Wearde Deviation' section of the site?
Taken this morning, in the drizzle - first shot is a close up of the boundary marker under the new viaduct that was opened in 1908. Inscription clearly shows 'Great Western Railway co. Boundary 1907', still readable despite over 100 years of being submerged twice a day by the tide!
Second shot shows the boundary marker position relative to the viaduct, complete with broad gauge fence post just behind it.
Best regards, Ross. Many thanks Ross

The boundary marker discovered by Ross Griffiths. It is submerged by the tide twice a day. 25th March 2016 Copyright Ross Griffiths

The GWR boundary marker of 1907 vintage below Forder viaduct. 24th March 2016 Copyright Ross Griffiths

Bodmin North Walk
Roger Winnen

In days gone, long gone, one used to associate Bodmin with a lunatic asylum and as such being sent to Bodmin was not a fate one would not wish. However nowadays Bodmin is a pleasant place with lots of history, the railway is still very much there though alas not to Bodmin North. On March 9th Roger took a stroll around the old station site and also down the line now a cycleway towards Dunmere Junction. Many thanks Roger

However, to set the scene as it was, here is a delightful shot of Bodmin North taken on January 4th 1964 by Mike Roach. The station closed on the 30th January 1967. Copyright. Many thanks to Mike Roach for this picture.

A view from very near the buffer stops at Bodmin North. You will note the end elevations of the terraced cottages which also appear in the picture by Mike Roach above. 9th March 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

A view from what must have been the platform end looking towards Dumere. 9th March 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

No doubt where this is, or rather was - the old station yard. Bodmin Jail seen in the distance was the scene of many public executions some of which demanded the running of special 'cheap day excurions' to witness the entertainment. This picture taken in happier times on the 9th March 2016. Copyright Roger Winnen

The grand entrance to Bodmin Jail. 9th March 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

Alongside the grim jail walls lie some concrete fencing panels - no doubt cast at Exmouth Junction shed. 9th March 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

The cycle ride from Bodmin North down towards Dunmere Junction is a pleasant experince being all down hill. The bridge carries the road known as Berrycombe Hill which joins with Scarlett's Walk Road just to the right off the picture. This picture taken 9th March 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

Truro Turntable
John Cornelius

Many years ago - up to the end of steam passengers travelling west of Truro one got a close up view of the turntable which lay at a slightly lower level close by the main line which was climbing towards the tunnel.
It was a particular delight therefore to receive the picture shown below. Many thanks John

Estevarney Grange was one of a class introduced in 1936 of which 80 locos were built. This example survived until August 1965 - it was withdrawn from Worcester shed and cut up in October of that year. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 24th March 2016 Those added most recently come first

24/3/2016

The Remains of the Railway at Portreath
Roger Winnen
A visit to Portreath on 21st March, 2016 together with an earlier visit in 2014 revealed items of railway interest around the harbour. On the information boards around the village it is mentioned that the former railway incline will be turned into a pedestrian walkway at sometime in the future. However Portreath is a nice little Cornish seaside village on a sunny afternoon, well worth a visit.

160321a Information on the Portreath Harbour showing its history over the years. Roger Winnen

160321b Possibly these sheds were storage facilities connected with the railway near the base of the incline. Copyright Roger Winnen

160321c Located a few feet away from these buildings lay old rail no doubt recovered from the harbour area. Copyright Roger Winnen

160321d During a visit to Portreath on 23rd June, 2014 these stone sleeper blocks were evident on the quayside, however on the 21st March, 2016 there were no trace of them, most probably covered over after repair work on the quay following the winter storms of 2014. Copyright Roger Winnen

160321e Rails on the quay in 2014, possibly for a dockside crane. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Ingra Tor Halt
burnt down
Shirley Gray

Shirley Gray who lived in Plymouth during WW2 has a mischievous brother named Harold, five years her senior. Shirley, who now lives in Tuscon, Arizona, is preparing a book entitled 'Living with Harold and Hitler'. I (KJ) have been privileged to see a copy of chapter 12 which details one of Harold's trips up on the Moor in the 1940's, when, lighting a fire to keep warm on a bitter day at Ingra Tor he accidentally set fire the halt building! It makes hilarious reading. I very much look forward to reading the rest of this superbly written record of Plymouth during WW2. Now the question is - WERE YOU THERE WITH HAROLD? Don't be afraid to come forward - the police books have been closed on this incident. ALSO please, do you know of the incident or have any record of it? Please help if you can.

A shot looking towards King Tor with the base, all that remains, of Ingra Tor Halt in the middle of this picture. This view taken in June 1976 on a 'railway walk' at least 30 years after Harold and friends damaged the first timber building. Copyright Keith Jenkin. N.B. There are more pictures of the Princetown branch on this website.

A trip to St Ives
Ron Westwater

It is always said that it is the amazing light conditions which attract artists to the St Ives area - the same can be said for the photographers,

With Carbis bay in the background 150129 heads towards St Erth with the 1033 St Ives to St Earth. 21st March 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

With Godrevy lighthouse and the golden sands of Gwithian in the background 150129 heads past Porth Kidney sands. 21st March 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

150129 continues to climb on the 1148 St Erth to St Ives heading towards Hawkes Point between Carbis and Lelant

Two beauties at Par
John Cornelius

The pair together with the support coach prior to turning attract attention. This, the best shot, coming from the footbridge. Copyright John Cornelius

Penzance Castles Pathfinder Tours

Starting from London Euston 50031 Hood hauled the railtour via Ealing Broadway, Slough, Reading, Didcot, & Westbury toTaunton. From heree
5029 & 5051 took over hauling the railtour in grand style to Penzance. 50031 Hood then returned the train to Euston. A second 'Penzance Castles'was booked to run on Monday 6th May. However very unfortunately Nunney Casle failed on the return run to Penzance from St Blazey due to a bearing problem after turning. The return working was deemed too heavy for 5051 Earl Bathurst and the railtour returned up country with assistance by 50031. Nunney Castle returned by road transport. Info courtesy Six Bells Junction

Items added on the 23rd March 2016 Those added most recently come first

23/3/2016

Leviathan at Par
John Cornelius

With 'bags at the ready' and 'bikes at the ready' potential travellers witness the arrival of 50040 Leviathan. This loco was built in October 1968 and finally scrapped w.e.f. 3rd August 1990. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 22nd March 2016 Those added most recently come first

22/3/2016

Marvelous Monday
The 'Westwaters'

There are certainly advantages to having a husband and wife team getting out and about together as can be seen from the following pictures taken on a bright and crisp Monday morning. Ron writes - Monday is a good day to go for the sleeper as it runs almost an hour later than its "usual " path
and it stops in Liskeard for nearly 20 mins

Definitely frost in the valley as 57604 crosses Bolitho viaduct with 1C99 2350 London Paddington to Penzance. 21st March 2016..Jenny Westwater

There is also a heavy frost in the next valley as 57604 crosses Liskeard viaduct with the 1C99 2350 London Paddington to Penzance 21st March 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

Rushing down to the warmer west of the county sees 57604 again this time crossing Angarrack viaduct with the down sleeper...1C99 2350 London Paddington to Penzance 21st March 2016 Copyright Jenny Westwater

The daffodils are still in full bloom as, catching 'the glint'. 57604 has just crossed Angarrack viaduct with the 1C99 2350 London Paddington to Penzance 21st March 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

On The Dawlish Sea Wall
By Andrew Triggs

160318c The stoneblower DR 80206 rounding the curve at Langstone Rock, Dawlish Warren on route from Bristol Kingsland Road to Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160318d The GWR 1C79 11.06 London Paddington to Plymouth is seen on the sea wall at Dawlish. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160318e The 12.25 Cross Country HST on the Plymouth-Edinburgh service is seen clearing Dawlish Station. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160318f From Kennaway Tunnel footbridge, 1C82 Paddington-Penzance, having passed through Dawlish Station. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Goonbarrow - All Change
Gareth Thornton

Changes at Goonbarrow The points that were removed were No.18 and controlled access to the siding on the up side of the loop, (long disused.) 17 & 19 were the ground signals associated with this siding. I have included a photo of our new track diagram and if you compare this with the excellent photo in the branches (Newquay ) section you can see the changes made. The Carbis siding is still there and is indeed all that remains of the Carbis branch

The previous diagram showing the siding off the up main. Copyright Charles Fennamore

The track looks in fine fettle as we look north across the down main and up main. In the distance can be seen the site of siding which was removed. March 2016 Copyright Gareth Thornton

Par in 1985
John Cornelius

This loco was built May 1968, withdrawn 3rd August 1990. Scrapped at Rotherham June 1992. Not many passengers in evidence! Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 21st March 2016 Those added most recently come first

21/3/2016

Taunton Goods Loop
Robert Lindley

Hi Keith Thought you may like these shots of the Taunton Goods Loop bridge being prepared for removal. This originally carried three tracks and a large water pipe from the pumping station by the canal to the engine sheds. Before this, a canal used to bridge the road at this point, part of the Grand Western Canal that went to Tiverton. Originally this canal was planned as a ship canal running from Bridgwater to Exeter but the coming of the railways put paid to these grand plans. A new wider bridge will be put in its place but built to carry the new Taunton inner relief road, rather than the railway. Sorry about the quality of a couple of the shots, but the sun was so bright! Cheers Rob Many thanks Rob.

The doomed bridge seen from Station Road. N.B. the actual station approach is the road the bus is taking, 10.42 21st March 2016 Copyright Robert Lindley

Another view - it can be seen why this a single decker bus route. 21st March 2016 Copyright Robert Lindley N.B Until 1921 a tramway ran under this bridge, the route extending to a depot at East Reach.

The first Cornwall Railway Society charter - 'The Avon Explorer' was booked to return from Swindon over this goods loop. However, due to a misunderstanding by the signalman we sailed through Taunton on the passenger lines only taking to the goods lines on towards Silk Mills.

Photographs of times gone by
Michael Forward

860618a 30585 Far from home at the Buckingham Railway Centre in June 2015, one of the two survivors that once worked the Wenford Bridge Branch. Copyright Michael Forward

860618b 47456 with the 12.10 Vans from Penzance is seen at Liskeard on 13th June, 1984. Copyright Michael Forward

860618c 50044 Exeter is seen in NSE livery powering over Hayle Viaduct after its call at Hayle with the 05.45 Barnstaple-Penance on 13th September, 1987

860618d 50009 Passes the site of Marazion Stationon a bright and breezy 18th June, 1986 with the 12.10 vans from Penzance. Copyright Michael Forward

860618e And finally we see '50012' Benbow calling at Liskeard at 15.24 on the 15.00 Plymouth-Penzance service. Copyright Michael Forward

Western Lady departs
John Cornelius

The caption tells us where and when. Western Lady was built at Crewe emerging from the works on the 15th December 1962. It survived in service until the final withdrawal of the westerns on the 26th February 1977. It is preserved at Butterley.

A lovely shot by John Cornelius. Note the clay hoods standing on the down sidings - these are long gone. The sidings were once the location of a loco shed. From the signals we can see that a down train is due. Copyright John Cornelius

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Track Recording Train 950001 came back to Cornwall today sporting a refurbished livery.Photos by Mick House and Roger Salter

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Track Recording Train 950001 came back to Cornwall today sporting a refurbished livery.
Photos by Mick House and Roger Salter