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Items added on 11th March 2017 Those added most recently come first

11/3/2017

New station for Plymouth
Derek Buttivant

New station for Plymouth

Plans have been published for a major redevelopment of Plymouth station. £43.5m of funding has been secured and the plans, drawn up by GWR, Network Rail and Plymouth City Council, can now move forward..

The government apparently regards Plymouth station as a “key gateway for the city centre”. The Plymouth Herald published details of the plans and these can be found at
http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/plymouth-gets-cash-to-build-new-40m-railway-station/story-30158079-detail/story.html
Users or Plymouth station will know that the walking route between the station concourse and the city centre (via Armada Way) involves a climb to reach the main road and then a descent into the existing pedestrian underpass near the Copthorne Hotel. The new proposals could result in an easier route, perhaps with escalators, from the foot of the InterCity House office tower (which may or may not remain), leading to an improved precinct running towards Armada way. (Artists impressions of the scheme are on the Herald web site). The existing multi-storey car park is likely to be demolished in the redevelopment and be replaced by a new one elsewhere on the site.
A good read. Many thanks for advising us of this report Derek.

Chippenham
Martin Scane

A low sun produces long shadows as 6999 Capel Dewi Hall, probably on a local via Melksham, Trowbridge to Westbury runs into Chippenham Dated 1964 Copyright Martin Scane Note - amongst the shadows is that of ten year old Martin as he stands on the end of the up platform. A fascinating shot caught on a box camera. Congratulations.

Westbury in 1964
Martin Scane

Secondly, a moment of fame for 6999. Deputising for 4079 at Westbury on Saturday 9th May 1964 on a special from Paddington to Plymouth. 4079 failed on the approach to Westbury in an attempt at 100mph running (apparently the firebars melted !). With no substitute Castles being available, 6999 worked the train on to Taunton from where 7025 Sudeley Castle, worked the train forward to Plymouth.. A fascinating story and picture. Copyright Martin Scane

Hymek & Warship
John Cornelius

Items added on 10th March 2017 Those added most recently come first

10/3/2017

Don't forget - tomorrow at 18.30 in the Memorial Hall, Redruth. For location details click here.
'MEMBERS EVENING'
A most interesting evening of members presentations.

This will be preceded by a short Annual General Meeting.

Roger Aston returns
to Hallenbeagle

Tow 153's one advertising Devon pass Hallenbeagle. 10th March 2017. Copyright Roger Aston

To my west it met a 150 with 2P92 heading for Plymouth 10th March 2017 Roger Aston

Stoneblower was underway from S.Wales to Penzance. Copyright Roger Aston

The Network Rail Measurement Train
at Hallenbeagle this morning
Roger Aston

170310a The HST Measurement Train heading for Penzance is seen passing the engine house at Hallenbeagle this morning. Copyright Roger Aston

170310b Going away towards Scorrier the train will soon be lost in the Cornish Mizzle. Copyright Roger Aston

70803 back in Traffic
Nick Dyke

70803 looking a tad better and almost ready for traffic moving from Laira shed to Lipson Sidings,. This was taken from a place of safety by an authorised person. 70 803 was damaged by a derailment at Ivybridge on the 28th February 2016. 10th March 2017 Copyright Nick Dyke

Many thanks to you Nick.

More Variety at Salisbury on 15th August, 1989.
Michael Forward

890815a 50049 'Defiance' on the 11.18 to London Waterloo. Copyright Michael Forward

890815b 47327 arrives at 11.20 with a 39 wagon freight working not identified but possibly M.O.D. Traffic. Copyright Michael Forward

890815c To add to the variety 33114 arrives with a Permanent Way Train. Copyright Michael Forward.

890815d Now we see 50028 'Tiger' with a train from Yeovil Jct, which formed the 13.18 to London Waterloo. Copyright Michael Forward

Coypool Memories
Brian Willis

Morning Keith, couldn’t let Rogers’s pictures of the crossing on the Coypool siding go by without useless comment. As kids we used to wander through the Lee Moor tramway at least as far as the incline at Plym Bridge. There were signals, one each side of the crossing which were an attraction to us as we were able to climb the ladder and raise and lower the signal. Further up the line by the Plym bridge and near the little cottage, there was a trailing siding where there were invariably a few empty wagons and a point which had to be played with. I don’t recall our railway adventures caused much mayhem and we were smart enough not to play on the ‘real’ railway.
At this time, the signal box guarding the crossing further up the branch was intact and in good shape; an era before the current vandalised ruins one sees today on railway property.

Brian. Many thanks for your memories Brian.

Fully booked -
a special from Okehampton to London.
A report from Derek Buttivant

Royal Oke
Those promoting the reopening to regular passenger services of the Okehampton-Exeter line are running a special HST excursion on 18 March, leaving Okehampton at 07.45 calling at Crediton and Exeter St David's (reverse) and Paddington only. the return train leaves London at 18.05. The train is already fully booked (505 seats), 390 of the places being snapped up in the first six days following the announcement on 16 February. It seems likely that an Okehampton service could become daily reality in a couple of years when, subject to cascading of rolling stock, additional dmus become available. Shortage of units has been holding back growth in west of England rail services for some time. Details of the Okehampton special and plans for the line may be found at the Okehampton Times web site: http://www.okehampton-today.co.uk/article.cfm?id=419792
Many thanks for your report Derek and best wishes to the future of the line.

Hymek 7004
John Cornelius

Until 1967 there was a branch to the docks the metals of this joined into the extreme left. This branch closed in 1967, however the remnants of the branch are used within the yard area as a siding where Nuclear Fuel containers are transhipped road to rail and vice versa. . Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 9th March 2017 Those added most recently come first

9/3/2017

An unusual working
Devonport Dockyard to Exeter Riverside via Penzance
Roger Salter Andrew Triggs & Roger Winnen

Two DRS Class 66s together with escort coaches conveyed a nuclear flask to the Royal Navel Dockyard yesterday afternoon. Just after 10.00hrs this morning the Two Class 66s departed Keyham together with its two coaches for Exeter Riverside via Penzance on a crew training run.

170309f 66301 and 66424 is seen passing through Redruth Station running 22 mins early. Copyright Roger Winnen

170309b 10.04 Devonport Dockyard to Penzance passes Rosevidney near St Erth behind 66424 and 66301 with escort coaches 9419 and 9428. Copyright Roger Salter

170309k DRS 66424/301 arriving Penzance 23 mins early at 11.39. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170309d The pair awaiting departure from Platform 2 at Penzance forming the 5191 13.14 departure for Exeter Riverside. Copyright Roger Salter

170309p Passing Marazion Station in the Cornish 'Mizzle' on the return run to Exeter Riverside. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170309i Awaiting the lowering of the barriers at Camborne. Copyright Roger Winnen

More photographs in the Features Pages

St Erth Station
From the Upper Deck of the T1 Bus Service
Roger Winnen

New views of St Erth Station can be seen from the top deck of the T1 service when passing the station. In last weeks local paper it was announced that funding has been secured for the new Transport Hub to be situated at St Erth Station with extra car parks and the enlargement to bring the bus services into the station area together with the enlargement of the station facilities. During the last few weeks a number of tress have been felled in the facility, is this the start to the scheme! Only time will tell.

170309a St Erth Station viewed from the Upper Deck of the T1 service to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Today's timings
David Tozer

Morning Keith, 66434 leading 66301 to Penzance and return.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K97589/2017/03/09/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K97590/2017/03/09/advanced

Dave
Many thanks David. Sorry these are late - out on CRS business.

19th Hole at Dawlish!
Work at Dawlish Warren
From our Exeter Correspondent - David Tozer

Keith, Beware when waiting for a train at Dawlish Warren on the down side. Network Rail are replacing the defences against wayward golf balls.
Dave Many thanks David

The defences are down. Dawlish Warren down platform 8th March 2017. Copyright David Tozer

Lee Moor Tramway
Coypool Crossing
Roger Winnen

The crossing of the closed 4' 6" gauge Lee Moor Tramway by the standard gauge siding to Coypool off the Marsh Mills to Tavisitock and Launceston branch. Picture dated 31st December 1972. Copyright Roger Winnen

Hymek
John Cornelius

Its was not, however, the last of the class to be withdrawn. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 8th March 2017 Those added most recently come first

8/3/2017

Brand New at Powderham today
David Tozer

Keith,
On a very dull overcast day brand new Colas Class 70 70812 at Powderham. It was only off loaded from the ship bringing it from the USA last week.
Dave Many thanks David

Very nicely framed. Very nearly brand new. 70812 at Powderham on the 8th March 2017 Copyright David Tozer

Unusual traction at Keyham today
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, A snap taken on the I phone of DRS class 66s 66424 & 303 arriving at Keyham the destination from Crewe.
Cheers, Craig. Many thanks Craig

Keyham as 66424 and 66303 arrive from Crewe. 8th March 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Unusual livery at Newquay
Nick Dyke

Hiya Keith, 153305 has been for a C5 exam and returned in a neutral colour ready for shipping off to another TOC, it spent yesterday trundling up and down the Looe branch and today it's visiting the Newquay branch. We see it looking a tad dirty already after arriving at Newquay with 1140 (2N04) service from Par on 8th March.

Regards Nick Dyke Nice to hear from you Nick. thank you.

153 305 without its familiar FGW livery. Caught by Nick Dyke at Newquay on the 8th March 2017. Copyright Nick Dyke.

Tractors from the Past at Bodmin
Andrew Triggs

020921a 37670 St Blazey T & RS Depot at Bodmin Parkway on 21st September, 2002. Copyright Andrew Triggs

950923a 37671 Tre Pol & Pen in the yard at Bodmin General on 23rd September, 1995. Copyright Andrew Triggs

960922a 37416 at Bodmin Parkway on 22nd September,1996. Copyright Andrew Triggs

000329a 'Glagtastic' performance from resident 37142 firing up in the yard at Bodmin General on 29th March, 2009. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Peak at Par
Roger Winnen

A Peak at Par heading a train of rock for the sea defences at Penzance. 3rd June 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

Hymek D7000
John Cornelius

There were 101 of this class produced - they were very rare in Cornwall. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 7th March 2017 Those added most recently come first

7/3/2017

Next Saturday at 18.30 in the Memorial Hall, Redruth. For location details click here.
'MEMBERS EVENING'
A most interesting evening of members presentations.

This will be preceded by a short Annual General Meeting.

Lostwithiel
Roger Winnen

Lostwithiel Station. The 'old order' of cement trains. A Class 47 with presflow cement wagons, probably ex Chacewater, passes through Lostwithiel. 18th April 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

Seaton Junction
John Cornelius

'Lion' had Cornish connections in that it was the first of the 50's seen in Cornwall, it was sent from 'up north' to the South West for driver experience. This was sometime before it gained the name. Note the sad state of the station, there is already a boat parked nearby, the cable ducting in a credit to those who laid it - 'straight as a die' '50027 still 'roars' being based in preservation on the Mid Hants Railway. Copyright John Cornelius.

Items added on 6th March 2017 Those added most recently come first

6/3/2017

Bournemouth Scenes
Trevor Snell

Bournemouth 76026 ready to depart in 1966. The shed is in the background. Copyright Trevor Snell

34056 'Croydon' Built 1947 Modified December 1960 Withdrawn May 67 Copyright Trevor Snell

Bournemouth 1966 Copyright Trevor Snell

Many thanks for your collection Trevor.

More closures
David Tozer

Well here are a couple for the 6th March 1967 - yes fifty years ago today

In addition to the closure of the Sidmouth branch - the last trains ran on the 4th March

On this day Exmouth Junction MPD closed with the final diesels leaving for service. The Western Region used the MPD as a base for the diesel hydraulics working the Waterloo line and DMU's on the local branch lines. For a time the depot lingered on used by the C & W department before the track, shed and coal hopper were demolished. The site lay idle for many years until Leo's Supermarket was built.

Exmouth Junction Engine Shed 8th November 1959 - Copyright Mike Roach

Exmouth Jct Shed Pendennis Castle 2nd October 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

34015 Exmouth was the chosen motive power for the 'Last Steam Train to Exeter Central' tour which was hauled by 34015 from Salisbury to Exeter and return. 8th January 1966. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Exmouth shed with 34015 Exmouth standing by the coaling facility. 8th January 1966 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

The end comes for the Exmouth Junction Shed Coaler on the 15th March 1970 when explosive charges brought about its downfall. Copyright David Tozer

Exmouth JCT SHED C & W, A Class 50 sits on shed. October 1984 - Copyright David Tozer

Exmouth Jct PW 26th August 2013 Copyright David Tozer

More notes from David - at 08.00 on 6th March 2017.

Pendennis Castle went to Exmouth Junction to be serviced as 83C had ceased to look after steam engines.

Found this link on Six Bells Junction

http://www.sixbellsjunction.co.uk/60s/651002ia.html

Following the WR take over we used to get the odd interesting visitors. I recall a Midland 4F heading back to Templecombe at 07.00 one morning after attention. It was not unusual to see WR engines at EJ in the evening. We had a 21.25 Exmouth Junction - Avonmouth Docks empty van train Mondays to Fridays(?) and this would produce WR Halls and Midland 8F's. Happy days.

Exeter
John Cornelius

Items added on 5th March 2017 Those added most recently come first

5/3/2017

Forty years + One week
A few more pictures of the Western Tribute Railtour
Pictures by Roger Aston, John Cornelius and Roger Winnen

The 'Western Tribute' on route to Swansea. Seen here at Reading. 26th February 1977. Copyright Roger Aston.

The return working prior to dep at Plymouth Station with D1023 Western Fusilier leading. Copyright Roger Winnen

More pictures in our features section - click here and scroll down

Progress at Longrock
Craig Munday

I was kindly permitted to take and share these images of the ongoing construction work at Long Rock depot. The feat of running a busy maintenance depot whilst this work goes on is incredible. GWR & the main contractor Spencers working in collaboration to deliver a new 2 road, 5 car shed by December and a complete refit of the cladding around the depot is very impressive. The depot is working with considerably less running lines as a result, and it's pretty much business as usual with no reduction in the number of trains serviced in a 24 hour period.

The added hazard of asbestos in the shed cladding is strictly controlled with air locks and contamination processes in place, working off a movable platform which is slowly moving along the depot, with trains below!

With thanks to depot Manager Patrick Grobbelaar and Nigel Gilbert for allowing these pic

Kind regards, Craig Many thanks for the article and pictures

1. The East end sidings with class 08 08410 visible. Copyright Craig Munday

2. Behind the HST shed showing the continuous stream of cement lorries. These are creating the base of the new depot which will be attached to the current HST shed. A 2 road 5 car shed will house the GWR Class 57 when they are transferred to Long Rock from Old Oak Common when that depot shuts in Dec 2017. The first main line diesel fleet to be based in Cornwall that I can remember. Other traction will also be worked in this new shed. Copyright Craig Munday

3. 57605 rests in the current shed with the overnight Riviera stock. Copyright Craig Munday

4. Picture showing the inside of the current shed with the wall removed. The depot will be open plan inside with all three lines visible across. An exciting prospect.

5. The Gulval side of the HST shed, The former trackbed in the foreground. The steelwork for the new shed is due to be erected in the coming weeks. Copyright Craig Munday

6. Ponsandane end of the HST shed,

Leaving Crewkerne
John Cornelius

'Undaunted' 50048 pulls away from Crewkerne. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 4th March 2017 Those added most recently come first

4/3/2017

FINAL JOURNEY
BY TRAIN

At his wish, former railway staff member at Truro Mr. G. Salmon was taken by train, being carried in the rear power car of the 14.25 'The Cornish Riviera', from Truro to Camborne. At Camborne his coffin, draped with a Great Western flag, was loaded into a hearse for the final section of his journey to the crematorium at Treswithian yesterday.
We offer every sympathy to his widow Mrs. Salmon.

A lovely mention about Geoff's poignant final journey. By complete chance Geoff's power car was 43179 Pride of laira.
A Tribute
Geoff had been poorly for a few years, and defied the Doctors by battling on in courageous style. His career started in the mid 70s. He was on the P Way - then moved on to station work, some of it on the relief (where I first met him). He ended his career on the Environmental Cleaning Gang. He & colleague Phil Mankee took care of the stations in Cornwall. He will probably be best remembered for his time at Newquay station in the Summer months. What should have been a single season resulted in 13 Summers at Newquay. It was a pleasure and privilege to work and know Geoff. Always a kind word, a laugh, a bit of gossip and a railwayman through and through. Devoted to dear Tessa, and a true friend to all who knew him.

Power car 43179 Pride of Laira which carried Geof from Truro to Camborne seen a couple of days earlier in the Glynn Valley. 2nd March 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Royalty at Trowbridge
Martin Scane

Just east of Trowbridge station - this picture is thought to have been taken in 1964. Conforming this date to be close, we know that the goods loop was taken out in 1968. Very appropriately 1041 Western Prince on the royal train with Royal Headcode. Copyright Martin Scane

Last branch trains
from Sidmouth Junction
50 years ago

How it all started and grew
Sidmouth station opened on 6 July 1874. It was at the end of an eight mile 78 chain branch from Sidmouth Junction. It was built and operated by the Sidmouth Railway Company to satisfy the needs of visitors to the resort. The railway station was located about three quarters of a mile up hill from the sea front and town centre.
There were two platforms: one could hold five coaches, and the other seven. Occasionally longer trains would arrive, and be split between the platforms.
The goods yard was located directly next to the passenger station; goods traffic was always light and consisted mainly of agricultural goods and coal for the nearby gasworks.
Expansion
The branch from Sidmouth Junction was initially just to Sidmouth, however in 1897 a new line was opened from a junction at Tipton St John’s to a terminus at Budleigh Salterton. From Budleigh Salterton the line was further extended to Exmouth in 1903.
How it closed
Initially there were seven trains per day, and this was increased to 24 in the 1930s. Passenger numbers remained viable well into the 1950s, however in the 1960s services were significantly reduced. The consequent reduction in passenger numbers led inevitably to closure of the branch line and with effect from the 6th March 1967 nineteen miles and forty six chains of track in east Devon were closed to passengers and, as there was no passenger service on the Sunday of the proceeding weekend the last day of passenger service to or from the following stations was fifty years ago today - Saturday 4th March 1967. Closed were Sidmouth Junction, Ottery St Mary, Tipton St Johns and the branch to Sidmouth. Also closed were Newton Poppleford, East Budleigh, Budleigh Salterton and Littleham. Strangely Ottery St Mary and Sidmouth remained open to goods for two more months until the 8th May 1967. Sidmouth Junction closed for goods on the 6th September 1965. All other stations lost their goods traffic w.e.f 27th January 1964.
Freight services continued up to the line closure on 8th May 1967. The railway track was lifted shortly after this.
Through trains between Exeter Central and Sidmouth
The first was the 06.00 from Central which on reaching Sidmouth Junction would pull forward to the east crossover near the signal box. Here it would reverse into the down platform and thence off to Sidmouth.
Likewise the 07.34 from Central also ran through to Sidmouth.
Sidmouth also had two through trains to Exeter the 10.20 and oddly the 22.20. The latter was to get stock back to Exeter for the first up service in the morning.
Sidmouth/Exmouth also had through coaches to Waterloo. The single coach from Exmouth would join up with a Sidmouth service at Tipton St Johns and thence to Sidmouth Junction.
Many thanks to David Tozer for the reminder of this anniversary and his assistance.

There are more pictures of the Sidmouth branch and station and also a few pictures of the Tipton St Johns to Exmouth line in our limited branch collection click here

A branch train waits in the bay at Sidmouth Junction. The time is 16.30 on the 18th May 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

Tipton St Johns on the 18th May 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

Sidmouth Station is still very much there, seen here on the 1st November 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen

Excellent pictures of Sidmouth station in operation can be found - courtesy of
http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/s/sidmouth/index2A.shtml

Taunton in '69
John Cornelius

Note the signal gantry. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 3rd March 2017 Those added most recently come first

3/3/2017

On Shed at
Bournemouth 1966
Trevor Snell

Bournemouth shed 80146 1966 Copyright Trevor Snell

Bournemouth shed 1966 Copyright Trevor Snell

Return to Kingswear
Ron Kosys

Following earlier forays on the Kingswear branch in BR days Ron returns for a little steam.Many thanks Ron

4588 Churston 1st June 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys.

4588 Kingswear 1st June 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

Respryn and the Glyn Valley
Craig Munday

Hello Keith I couldn't be sure that the fine start to the day would continue as I left for the Bodmin area. The weather closed in as I got to Respryn with Max our collie, but the sun did return for 6C36 heading to Lostwithiel with 70810 working it.
I ventured up the Glynn Valley for the return working, and got 1A83 to London in fine light, but the gloom again appeared for the cement, so gave it a miss. Cheers Craig Many thanks to you Craig

1A83 to London speeds up the Glyn Valley in fine light. Copyright Craig Munday

Trowbridge
Martin Scane

Trowbridge June 1963 4-6-0 5948 Siddington Hall entering Trowbridge station with a Cardiff to Potrsmouth train. as my two school mates (Tony & Peter) pose. 5948 was a Pontypool Road locomotive Copyright Martin Scane

Crewkerne
John Cornelius

Items added on 2nd March 2017 Those added most recently come first

2/3/2017

Day and Night
Craig Munday

Hello Keith, Colas class 70 70801 resided in the loop at Par on the 28th during the day and ventured out after 7pm to work up to Totnes. The train of Autoballasters was due to run around at Truro, but this was amended to Par instead.
A 4 second exposure was required to light the scene effectively. This showed the stars bright in the sky too.
Cheers for now, Craig Many Thanks Craig.

28th February 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Par station 70801 about ro go to Totnes 28th February 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Hail to Hayle
Roger Winnen

A nice shot as 1006 Western Stalwart arrives at Hayle. on the 18th May 1974. Copyright Roger Winnen

Portishead Branch
Colin Burges

Colin Burges explores a yet to be re-opened section of the Portishead Barnch using his bicyle on a public footpath. Copyright.

The Portishead Railway Group has long campaigned for the Portishead to Bristol railway line to be re-opened. Portishead, as a rapidly growing town badly needs a rail connection, and all recent studies have shown that this is commercially sound and financially affordable.Re-opening is now going ahead as a key part of the MetroWest project which will link and upgrade the railway system in the Bristol area.The line is now planned to open by early 2020 and Portishead Railway Group is closely monitoring progress.

The railway opened on 18th April 1867 as a broad gauge branch and was operated by the GWR. The line was closed to passenger traffic in September 1964, and freight in 1981, then lay disused except for occasional steam specials, but in 2002 most of it was reopened for freight use only. For up to date news go to
http://www.portisheadrailwaygroup.org/

John Cornelius
Signalman, Driver
and Excellent Photographer

This is John about to take up his new role as driver on a visit to the Isle Abbots Miniature Railway by the Yeovil Railway Circle in 2015. To see more of this little line near Langport click here then select Light Railways and Tramways and scroll down. Our sincere appreciation to John for the many many photographs from his large collection which he has shared with us.

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