Blog Archives

Items added on 21st March 2018. Most recent items come first.

21/3/2018

West Cornwall Blockade
Day 2 20th March 2018

20180320_5 Having arrived on a snowy Sunday night 70809 is seen in platform 1 in the early morning sun of Tuesday ready to depart with 6C30 top & tailed train of Falcon wagons for the replacement of 21B points. Copyright Alan Peters

180320z Reconstructing the point. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180320p Concrete beams have been lowered into position over the weak spot and concreted in ready for the new rail to be laid on both the up & down lines. Copyright Roger Salter

180320zc A Scandia Double Decker on Rail Replacement service to Truro. Take Control Copyright Roger Winnen

For the full story of the West Cornwall blockade and pictures click here and scroll down to item 1803

Devon
Jon Morley

Sun and snow greets the 07.30 Truro to Paddington on 20th March 2018. Copyright Jon Morley

The same train waits the 'right away' 20th March 2018 Copyright Jon Morley

Dawlish Picture of a 143 at Dawlish. You will see the damage caused by the recent storms to a section of sea wall. 20th March 2018 Copyright Jon Morley

New 'Castle set' HST at Dawlish 43093 leading 20th March 2018 Copyright Jon Morley

Tamper at Dawlish 20th March 2018 Copyright Jon Morley

New train, Liskeard
Peter Murnaghan

I went out to capture a few shots of the staff training run with the new 2+4 units today. I wasn't sure whether the 6 vehicles would fit on Liskeard Viaduct for my picture, but happily there was a little room to spare !
Best wishes, Peter Many thanks Peter

A closer view. HST 2+4 on Liskeard viaduct 20th March 2018 Copyright Peter Munaghan

Legends of the Great Western at the rear of HST2+4 Liskeard 20th March 2018 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Legends of the Great Western 20th March 2018 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

East Grimstead Quarry
Ron Kosys

A day photographing diversions with a couple of contacts at Eastleigh, who were both more interested in the 4TC’s than myself.
After waiting a short while for the key to be produced to give us access, this was the only shot that I took. To which one can add, what a pity, but many thanks for sending this rare and valuable picture Ron. N.B. This quarry is between Salisbury and Dean

East Grimstead Quarry Stored TC4 sets No 8034 25th June 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys

Taunton
John Cornelius

Items added on 20th March 2018. Most recent items come first.

20/3/2018

Penzance
- last loco hauled Cornishman
Clive Smith

45105 at the blocks on Saturday 15th May 1982 with the final loco hauled Cornishman 1V71 the 06.51 from Bradford Exchange consisting of ten carriages. The following day would see the gradual introduction of HSTs on the NE/SW route.
Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks Clive

A Golden Oldie at PENZANCE , 45105 brings the last loco hauled Cornishman into Penzance the 1V71 the, 06.51 Bradford Exch - Penzance 15th May 1982 Copyright Clive Smith

Burngullow
Ron Kosys

The scene at Burngullow as 47339 shunts the Polybulks on the 26th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Bristol
John Cornelius

Items added on 19th March 2018. Most recent items come first.

19/3/2018

International Mining Games
Colin Burges

The Camborne School of Mines International Mining Games will be held at King Edward Mine again at the end of the month. These include a load and tram heat using two-foot gauge underground tippers kept at Christow. These games are quite unlike any normal athletic event. Last time, a rather pumped member of the Belarus ladies team picked up her wagon and ran with it. Mind you, I expect there are some sturdy girls in Redruth that could do the same!
http://www.csmimg.com/csm-2018-mining-games
Cornishmen should be proud of the Camborne School of Mines. There is no hard rock mining any more but the county still produces the best mining engineers. It's said that there are two jobs for every graduate.

This is a bit late for the snowy collection? Colin

With the snow in the last twenty fours we had an excuse to put your picture on of Christow takne two weeks ago on site. Copyright Colin Burges Would make a nice Christmas card.

Craig gets Out and About
Craig Munday

And who could forget the second snowfall of March 2018 ? Incredible scenes of snowfall and light evenings meant I was out with the camera - local on the golf course. The added bonus of not having to run the gauntlet of flying balls either! The flag posts made a peculiar sight sticking up out of the fresh snow.
Next morning I popped down to Coulson park Lostwithiel for the clay train. I daren't venture deep down the branch line in case the car got stuck!
Finally after visiting friends in Tiverton, time for a lineside shot near Hele along the M5 of a pair of Voyagers heading North.
Best regards Craig. Many thanks Craig

Carlyon Bay snow 18th March 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

Carlyon Bay snow 18th March 2018 Copyright Craig Munday Wot, no golfers!!!!

Coulson Park - The river Fowey, nearly freezing! . 19th March 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

66187 Coulson Park 6G06 19th March 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

And finally, in Devon. A Cross Country set near Hele & Bradninch. 19th March 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

Westbury White World
Guy Vincent

Hello Keith,
Wiltshire & Somerset received another heavy fall of snow overnight on 18th/19th with disrupted train services on the Monday morning. Westbury station staff worked magnificently to clear and treat platforms and keep customers informed. In the main Paddington-West of England services ran fairly well with inevitable delays also the Portsmouth-Cardiff service managed to operate with few cancellations. Line closures included Westbury-Swindon via Melksham, the Westbury Avoiding Line, Frome station 'loop' and both Whatley and Merehead branches plus, until 1230pm, Castle Cary-Weymouth. This was due to Network Rail implementing a 'key routes only' policy due to the risk of widespread disruption should points at hard-to-reach locations fail to detect or return to normal status once reset. Points at Westbury South failed at around 815am with normal operation not possible until just before 10am. Passenger numbers were down as many seemingly chose to stay at home rather than risk travelling, however the train service provided by both GWR and SWR was good given the circumstances.

Guy Vincent Many thanks for your excellent report & pictures Guy

43172 Westbury 1C71 0633 PAD-TRURO 19th March 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

150131 150925 Westbury 0610 Portsmouth Harbour - Cardiff 19th March 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

166220 Westbury Sidings for 2D05 0817 BPW 19th March 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

66777 Westbury 19th March 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

43124 rear 1A77 0619 Truro-PAD Westbury 19th March 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury Snow Clearing 19th March 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury North Junction and Signal Box 19th March 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

- Deep and Crisp and even!! Westbury Station 19th March 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

The West Cornwall Blockade Day 1
No Trains between Penzance and Truro or St Erth to St Ives
Contributors Roger Salter Keith Jenkin Andrew Triggs Alan Peters & Roger Winnen

180319c 70809 together with 70808 at 07.03 stabled in Platform 1 Copyright Roger Winnen

180319m 70807 with 70815 on Old Bank Ponsandane. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180319zd The snow lies on the ballast wagons stabled at Marazion Station. Copyright Roger Salter

20180319_1 Colas rail Class 70 on an empty at Long Rock depot on the first day of the blockade, 70813 top & tailed by 70817 with a train of Falcon wagons. Copyright Alan Peters

Meantime at Scorrier - more pictures in features.

180319r Wheal Busy engine house. Copyright Keith Jenkin

180319w The new track awaits! Copyright Keith Jenkin

For more photographs of this event go to the Features Page January 2018 onwards

Roskear Junction
Geoff Ryall

From his family collection, Walford Beard is a distant relation, Geoff sends us these rare views of Roskear Junction Signalbox - many thanks Geoff.

Roskear Junction signalbox interior. Signalman Walford Beard. Geoff Ryall family collection

Roy Hart writes :- A delightful view of the interior of Roskear Junction box taken in about 1950 and little changed since the Victorian era. The box dates from the doubling of the main line in 1895. At this time, the box was lit by gas and warmed by a cast iron stove.
The signalman (Walford Beard) has his hands on the levers for the down running signals, which are 'off' for a train.
Note the gate wheel and the last two levers in the frame (28 and 29) which lock the gates either across the railway or the road.
The instrument shelf is simple and uncluttered -probably unchanged since 1895. From left to right: the tall and short wooden-cased instruments are the repeaters for the up main distant signals (mounted below Camborne home and starter) then comes the signalman's lamp and below it a 'collar' -used to prevent a lever being moved (during maintenance, for example). The block bell and instrument for Camborne are followed by the closing switch (an odd provision at Roskear, for being a level crossing box, it had to be switched in for all traffic). Then comes the block instrument and bell for Dolcoath: note that the two bells are different - to enable the signalman to distinguish between them. Finally come the repeaters for the arms of the down distant signals, mounted below Dolcoath home and starter.
The white stripe on the down inner home lever indicates that it cannot be pulled unless Camborne has given 'line clear' on the block instrument. This would have been quite a new feature in 1950.
The metal columns surmounted by wheels behind the running signals are wire adjustors, for use in summer, for example, when signal wires expand and become slack.
The lever frame at Roskear had an odd characteristic: the catch handles were mounted about two inches lower than on all other GW frames. The reason for this is obscure.
The lever frame had GW 'double twist' type interlocking, typical of its period. In about 1998 it failed a routine locking test and was taken out of use. The few remaining signals (all colour light) are now operated by switches on the shelf.
In the coming days and weeks Roskear will be fitted with a new IFS (individual function switch) panel which will control all existing signals plus the new ones running from Baldhu to Gwinear Road.

Many thanks indeed for these details Roy.

Roskear Junction signalbox viewed from across the lines. Signalman Walford Beard watches the photographer. Also a glimpse of the old footbridge at Roskear, which dated from the doubling of the main line in 1895 and was replaced in about 1950 by the steel structure which exists today. Geoff Ryall family collection

The back of Roskear Junction signalbox, note the wooden crossing gates in background. Signalman Walford Beard watches. Picture from the Geoff Ryall family collection

Southampton Diversions
Ron Kosys

From a road bridge just south of Southampton Central - a good spot for catching the action. Many thanks Ron.

47711 just south of Southampton with the 0922 Exeter to Waterloo. 18th August 1991 Copyright Ron Kosys

Southampton 47 715 powers the 1V11 1O40 Waterloo to Exeter on the 18th August 1991 Copyright Ron Kosys

Bodmin General
John Cornelius

A smashing picture by John Cornelius, many thanks. Copyright

Items added on 18th March 2018. Most recent items come first.

18/3/2018

70808 & 70809 Arrive at Penzance with ballast for the engineering work in West Cornwall
Roger Winnen

180318e 70808 Arrives at Penzance with the 16.49 from Westbury running 149 mins early as the Ponsandane stop was curtailed. Copyright Roger Winnen

180318f The snow covered ballast wagons behind the engine. Copyright Roger Winnen

180318g 70809 covered in snow brings up the rear of the train stabled alongside the 326.5 milepost at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

St Erth Nostalgia
Clive Smith

I hope you can find space in the coming days to show my bubble car pics. I appreciate the engineering will take up a lot of your time in the coming weeks ! Having looked through your archives on the St Ives branch and St Erth station, I was surprised to see no pics of these stalwarts at St Erth. I hope the inclusion of my pics addresses the omission and adds to your excellent pages.
W55025 was converted to departmental use in 1993 and is currently under restoration at Long Marston. It is hoped to be moved to the North Somerset Railway where services are planned to run between Radstock and Frome.Who knows ? We could yet see the return of W55025 to your pages !
Thank you for your kind comments on the pics I have so far sent. Hopefully further pics I get around to send will be of sufficient interest and variety for your readers.
Regards, Clive Many thanks Clive. Has anybody any news on the North Somerset Railway Project please?

ST ERTH W55025 awaiting departure with the 15.40 to St Ives 11th January 1986 Copyright Clive Smith

Focus on Patchway.
Dave Field

Good Morning Keith, We had a couple of inches of snow fall overnight up in Bristol, so thought I'd capture a few shots at my local station Patchway, which is on the South Wales main line from Bristol. I know this is a bit off your website's normal beaten track, but only by a few miles.
Patchway is in the midst of electrification at present, and the footbridge in the photos is planned to be replaced with a new accessible structure later this year. (A pity a new home for this bridge raised on stilts cannot be found at Pilning!)
I hope the photos are of interest to your members.
Regards Dave Field.
Many thanks David, smashing action pictures, actually Patchway is in our 'area' which is defined as that within the Freedom of the South West Rail Rover.

First train Eastbound - GWR's 43053 University of Worcester blasts the snow off the platform at Patchway on 1L32 Cardiff Central to Paddington. 18th March 2018 Copyright David Field

Freightliner's 66956 heading west with the slightly delayed 002E Stoke Gifford to Margam at Patchway 18th March 2018 Copyright David Field

GWR Green 43194 at Patchway with 1L38 Swansea to Paddington 18th March 2018 Copyright David Field

GWR's 158959 with 1Z06 Bristol TM to Cardiff Central at Patchway 18th March 2018 Copyright David Field

GWR's 158960 heads through Patchway with the delayed 1F07 Cardiff Central to Southampton Central. 18th March 2018 Copyright David Field

Nice to feature Patchway - not often seen. Note the fresh snow lying on the rails in most of these pictures.

Preparation for the blockade of West Cornwall
Monday 18th-Thurs 22nd March 2018
Roger Winnen

180318a Viewed from the Station Wall as the 09.47 to Paddington departs. (Not recommended on weekdays with the traffic flow) Copyright Roger Winnen

180318b The HST snakes across the pointwork passing to road rail cranes for tomorrows blockade. Copyright Roger Winnen

180318c The two road railer cranes with a section of track including pointwork most probably for the slopers siding lay in wait in the long siding for Mondays blockade. Copyright Roger Winnen

180318d A Matsa Tamping machine DR 75407 arrives from Plymouth at 10.40hrs. Copyright Roger Winnen

West Somerset Railway
Mixed Gala 11th June 2011 Andrew Triggs

Photographs of the Class 59s visiting the Gala event to celebrating
25 years since the introduction of this class on Britain's Railways in January 1986.

110611a 59001 'Yeoman Endeavor' in Hanson Aggregate livery departing Washford for Bishops Lydeard. Copyright Andrew Triggs

110611b 59002 'Alan J Day' on display on the Minehead Turntable. Copyright Andrew Triggs

110611c Hanson livery 59103 'Village of Mells' stabled in the yard at Minehead. Copyright Andrew Triggs

110611d DBS livery 59206 'John F Yeoman' in the yard at Williton. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Engineering Trains - this week
Karl Hewlett

The early years
Blue Anchor
Ron Kosys

Stock move - lucky chance.
Yeovil Junc. to
Yeovil Rly Centre.
John Cornelius

'By the year 2000 we had a accrued some freight vehicles that would not pass under the low bridge at Yeovil junction. Again the problem of how to get them from up to down side. The company could not afford the price that NR wanted to move the vehicles to our site,so we were stuck.
Luckily for us, D6515 was coming to Yeovil to collect class '20' D8188
from our site and take it to the Mid-Hants Rly. So it was arranged that
when D6515 arrived it would bring the goods vehicles across to our site
before taking D8188 away. So that solved the problem.
Once the vehicles were on site and the two diesels had departed, our Peckett 0-4-0 'PECTIN' was put to work for a couple of hours shunting the vehicles into the order we wanted them. So ended a very enjoyable morning.' Many thanks John, a relief to you at Yeovil Railway Centre and of great interest to us.

This is on the Railway Centre site. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 17th March 2018. Most recent items come first.

17/3/2018

Special test train
A glimpse of the future.
Craig Munday

A few updates for the coming days:

The 2 x 4 HST (class 255) has been assembled at Laira with power cars attached to the recent coach arrivals from Doncaster. They are due to visit Cornwall starting today Saturday 17th leaving Laira at 15.57.

5Z10 15.57 Laira to Penzance
Plymouth      16.25      / 16.44
Liskeard             17.30
Par                       17.49
Truro                  18.07
Cbn                     18.18
Penzance         18.59

Sun 18th March (Runs calling all stations)

5Z11 08.28 Long Rock to Exeter SD
Penzance           08.33    / 08.51
Cbn                       09.13   / 09.14
Truro                   09.30 / 09.31
Par                        09.53 / 09.54
Liskeard              10.18 /10.19
Plym                   11.09 / 11.11

The HST set then works between Exeter St Davids and Truro during the weekdays due to the possession mentioned below. It is due at Truro 14.10 arrival and 15.02 departure. Full details of schedules on RTT.

The week long engineering possession kicks off between Penwithers Jn & Penzance in the early hours of Monday morning. This means all the Sunday evening Penzance arrivals with be Empty stock away to Laira. 3 Colas engineers trains are due at Penzance for the commencement of the blockade. And will be positioned in platforms 1 & 2, and out another out at PZ1 at Marazion. This will be a stirring sight, although not at the best hour of the clock. NB, the station will probably be locked up.

Kind Regards, Craig Many thanks Craig

Out and about
Craig Munday

An afternoon of bright sunshine yesterday (16th) which was a change from the hazy light of late.

With the stream cut back of vegetation at St Blazey right around to Tywardreath - some nice views of years gone by have returned.
The 15.46 usual early run from Goonbarrow with 6G08 is perfect for the shot by Tywardreath Highway, right by the barriers. 66187 approaches the crossing at speed with 6G08 heading for Carne Point.

There was then time to multi-task! A visit to Respryn and a dog walk for Max to see 43002 working 1C80 running around 40 late. The sky were leaden over the Glynn Valley (sounds familiar), but beautifully clear to the West where sun was gently sinking. The new galvanised metal walkway has slightly spoiled the "gate" shot here, so a crop is necessary.

All the best - here's to some more snow pictures maybe?

Craig Many thanks Craig

66187 Tywardreath near Middleway with the 6G08 16th March 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

43002 Respryn 16th March 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

Weston super Mare
John Thorn

The tight curvature of the platforms at Weston. The up platform is on the right in this view. 10th June 1989 Copyright Roger Winnen

A recollection about Weston station that might be worth preserving...
The up platform has a very tight curvature - so the engine driver could never see the guard's green flag.
This was the procedure...
On the guard's whistle, 3 or 4 porters would position themselves spaced out along the train. Starting from the front, they would check the doors and, if OK, raise their arm facing back down the train. When the sequence of raised arms reached the guard he would wave the green flag. The porters - still with raised hands - would pirouette in turn to transmit the 'right away' to the engineman.
Best wishes, John Thorn
Many thanks for details of that operating procedure John.

The history and development of the railway at Weston super Mare with three stations makes very interesting reading, however it is far too detailed to be covered here. For reference please look at the Wikipedia extensive item on the history and also the National History Museum of Scotland's excellent zoom-able map of the area Please click on the links below.
HISTORY
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weston-super-Mare_railway_station
MAP
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=14&lat=51.3449&lon=-2.9722&layers=168&b=1

Early days at
Delightful Dunster
Ron Kosys

Early days of the WSR at Dunster as Bagnall 'Victor' departs on the 31st May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys Note the vacated goods shed, the loading gauge etc.

Early days of the WSR at Dunster as Bagnall 'Victor' pulls out of the station and runs past on the 31st May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys.

Boscarne
John Cornelius

You can just imagine the sound to go with this action shot by John Cornelius Copyright.

Items added on 16th March 2018. Most recent items come first.

16/3/2018

Stabilisation of the cliff face at St Ives
Roger Winnen

180313e 153373 at St Ives awaiting departure on the 10.33 service to St Erth. The cliff face behind the 153 units supports the housing and main road leading into the attractive resort. Copyright Roger Winnen

180313f Stabilisation of the cliff face at St Ives. This was the location of the old St Ives Station which was demolished in the early 1970s to create the large car park. Copyright Roger Winnen

Scorrier
Alan Harris

From the Alan Harris collection

SCORRIER This picture dates from the 1900s and shows the old signal box, which opened in 1902 and closed in 1930, when the line to Drump Lane Redruth was doubled. The signalman is holding the bulky electric train staff for the section to Redruth station (I suspect that this picture was taken before 1911 when Drump Lane box and yard opened).
Scorrier box controlled only the single line points and a crossover and siding in the background of the picture. The siding was a 'refuge' so that a slow down freight, for example, could be shunted for a down express to pass on to the single line.
The 1929 Loans and Guarantees Act provided government money for 'improvements' and Scorrier to Drump was doubled; this left Scorrier box with no real function, so nearby Wheal Busy box was upgraded and Scorrier box closed.
Roy Hart Many thanks to Alan for the picture and Roy for the info.

Scorrier area the line was single on towards Redruth on the bottom of the map. Wheal Busy Signalbox was just off the map at the top. The Poldice tramway passed across the station approach and under the main line on its way towards Portreath. The course of the tramway is now completely lost for nearly half a mile. In contrast the tramway heading towards Poldice ran along what is now a public road. On the bottom right on the map the tramway can be seen separate from the road - the course of which is now a cycleway. Courtesy of the 25 inch OS map, with permission of the National Library of Scotland.

Another enlarged view of the map above courtesy of the National Library of Scotland. The Portreath - Poldice Tramway passed under the main line where it says 'old shaft' on its way towards Portreath. Looking to the east, Poldice direction, a road now follows the course of the tramway. The buildings of the Fox and Hounds pub can be seen. Of these, the extreme left extension housed for many years the 'Directors Saloon' - an open truck fitted with bench seats now located in Truro Museum.

So different then, the early days :-
Minehead
Ron Kosys

Bagnall 'Victor' at Minehead on the 31st May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

Boscarne Junction
John Cornelius

Items added on the 15th March 2018 Items added most recently come first

15/3/2018

Three March pictures from -
Craig Munday
Many thanks Craig

I was quite surprised to see 57306 arrive at Truro with the up sleeper 1A40 . The DRS machine shines in the station light 11th March 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

St Blazey Colourful duo 153305 153325 catch the sun under that lovely section signal. 13th March 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

St Blazey A largely torrid day weather wise, but the sun broke through at Middleway St Blazey to light up the home signal and 66187 with the 15th March 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

The Hybrid 153399 unit
in 2012
Andrew Triggs

These photographs of the Hybrid unit were taken at Plymouth and Penzance in 2012. It was formed on a temporary basis from 52202 from set 150202 and 153369, the other member of the 150 class 57202 being away for collision repairs following a derailment.

120310a 153399 at Plymouth on 10th March 2012 Copyright Andrew Triggs

120317a The Hybrid unit photographed arriving at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

120317b Under the roof at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Bishops Lydeard
Ron Kosys

Ron writes :- 31st May 1976
With trains not running to Bishops Lydeard, the station area was awash with locos and stock awaiting restoration.
I cannot help but wonder if the wheelbarrow saw further service?
Many thanks Ron

Bishops Lydeard 31st May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

St Erth
John Cornelius

All Change at St Erth
Good Morning Keith, I see alterations are taking place at St Erth next
week. Here's some pictures I took back in 2006 of the St Ives branch train, when 153329 'ST IVES BAY BELLE' was actually working the branch services. A bit of good luck on my behalf. cheers JOHN C.
Many thanks John

Copyright John Cornelius Under the new arrangement the bay created between platforms 3 and 4 will be filled in to create a larger passenger circulating area.

And - looking most appropriate the 'St Ives Bay Belle' at St Ives. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 14th March 2018 Items added most recently come first

14/3/2018

Teignmouth Today
Clive Smith

Dirty weather at Teignmouth today. 14th March 2018. Copyright Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive.

St Denys Area 2
Ron Kosys

Looking towards St Denys Station from Mount Pleasant footbridge. 47351 passes with a Freightliner for one of the two Southampton Freightliner terminals, on 7th September 1988. Note the Rugby Cement silo and the cement tanks being shunted by an 08. Copyright Ron Kosys

205033 passes on 31st August 1988 with a Portsmouth to Romsey working. Note the Blue Circle cement terminal and the sheer number of bogie tanks – served by a daily train from Northfleet [images to follow at some point]. 31st August 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

The same view as above on 9th October 2001 as a Southern 4-CIG (?? - I’m not too hot on these!!) is over taken by a South West Trains 442 Wessex Unit. Note how much the view has changed. The cement terminal has gone. Southampton Football Club’s St Mary’s ground is an obvious feature on the skyline. The 4-CIG will follow immediately behind the Wessex unit; the lines continues straight on towards Southampton Terminus station and the Eastern Docks (although it reduces to a single line). However, the main lines reduce from four tracks to two and turn sharply to the right to pass through Southampton Tunnel and into what was known as Southampton Central station. Northam Traincare Depot now occupies the area of these sidings. Copyright Ron Kosys

Buckfastleigh
John Cornelius

Items added on the 13th March 2018 Items added most recently come first

13/3/2018

Its all change at
St Erth Station next week
Roger Winnen

From Monday 19th March through to Thursday 22nd March The line will be closed from Penzance to Truro and St Ives to enable Network Rail to carry out alterations at St Erth Station to slew the track for the St Ives Platform, recap a mineshaft at Scorrier and work on the signal upgrade in West Cornwall. Buses will replace trains between Penzance and Truro and also on the St Ives Branch.

We have been asked to point out by the GWR that alterations at St Erth will now take place at a later date and not during the West Cornwall blockade.
Please accept my apologies

180313a Its all change at St Erth next week. Here you see the 10.00 Penzance Paddington service passing the 05.24 Bristol Temple - Penzance service. Copyright Roger Winnen

180313b Next week should see the St Ives Platform widened and slewed to the alignment of Platform 4. Copyright Roger Winnen

180313c This area from the buffer stops will be infilled up to 15 mtrs to create a larger circulating area around the booking office. Copyright Roger Winnen

180313d Work is progressing on the bus interchange adjacent to the A30 road. Copyright Roger Winnen

1803013e 153373 sets off on the 11.18 to St Ives. Copyright Roger Winnen

Last Peak to Newquay
Clive Smith

Roger Winnen's recent superb pictures of peaks on the Newquay branch in 1975 brought back memories.
I was fortunate to travel on the last ever peak to visit Newquay on Saturday 28th September 1985, which, compared to the farewell railtours for Westerns and 50s, was a very low-key affair . Enthusiasts you could count on one hand and not even a home-made headboard to commemorate this little piece of history !

Withdrawal of class 46s was completed in 1984 and inroads had started on class 45/0s. BR decided that from the start of the 1985 winter timetable in the west of England only Bristol Bath Road drivers would continue with traction knowledge of peaks. Only Bristol drivers would then have route knowledge to Plymouth, so the death knell was sounded for peaks in Cornwall as any drivers from depots west of Bristol wouldn't be signed to drive peaks from early 1986. This was due to 'refreshers' being compulsory for drivers who had not driven a loco class for six months. With Newquay loco hauled services being summer only, the writing was on the wall for peaks to the North Cornwall coast.
28/09/85 was to be the last possible date and 1V73 09.11 Manchester to Newquay the best train likely to produce a peak as this was a through loco from Birmingham to Newquay. However the omens were not good as this train had produced a 47 throughout the month leaving Newquay bereft of peaks for a while. Fate deigned that the summer's last 1V73 would be hauled by 45145 and so it was that this workhorse class that roamed from Aberdeen to Penzance put in its final appearance at the resort. I hope my pictures of this day pay homage to an unsung class so long a feature down here.
As an interesting footnote, when the The Western Lizard Railtour was first advertised to bring D1015 Western Champion to Newquay in March 2005, the assisting loco was scheduled to be 46035/D172 "Ixion" . However this was soon re-advertised for a 66 due to the peak's non-availability. Who knows if we will ever see a peak at Newquay again ? Many thanks Clive

28th September 1985 at Par 45145 approaches the station with 1V73 09.11 Manchester Picc. - Newquay Copyright Clive Smith

With staff looking on, 45145 uncouples from the train following its arrival at Newquay with 1V73 the 09.11 from Manchester. 28th September 1985 Copyright Clive Smith

Laat Peak at Newquay with 45145 ready to leave with 2C86 18.00 to Plymouth, the last ever peak loco departure from the resort. 28th September 1985 Copyright Clive Smith

The driver kindly allows an extra minute at Bugle while 45145 is captured on camera for posterity 28th September 1985 Copyright Clive Smith

St Denys Area 1
Ron Kosys

Over the years I have spent quite some time in the Southampton area for one reason or another.
In the early 1980’s, it was a fantastic area for freight traffic, which was very varied in the extreme, as was the motive power. At the same time, the Bristol/Cardiff to Portsmouth/Brighton services were loco and stock, before Sprinterisation took away the interest later in the decade.
On a number of Sundays each year, the diversion of the Waterloo-Exeter and vv services via Southampton enticed me down again.
Then back in the early 2000’s, the taking up of employment with a Channel Islands airline for some three and a half years, flying from and to Southampton Airport, got me back again. Sessions photting trains before and/or after the flights became the norm. Unfortunately the days of ‘real’ interest had passed, but there was still more than enough to keep that deep-down interest alive.

The two easily accessible locations close to Bevois yard were particular favourites.
Immediately to the north of Bevois yard – and to the south of St Denys station – was a road bridge with superb two way views.
Immediately to the south of Bevois yard is the magical Mount Pleasant footbridge – also with superb two way views.
This section of railway can only be described as incredibly busy!! Then – and even more so now. The reduction overall in freight traffic (other than Freightliners) has been made up by the increased frequency of passenger services.
Many thanks Ron for the pictures and all the above 'Gen'.

St Denys looking north Fraggonset 47701 passes thro St Denys sta with 1O38, the 0910 Edinburgh to Bournemouth 12th May 2001 1038 Copyright Ron Kosys N.B. The foot bridge from which this picture was taken has since been removed.

St Denys looking south 47358 passes Bevois yard with 6Y50, the 0950 Totton to Holybourne tanks 9th September 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Blue Anchor
John Cornelius

Items added on the 12th March 2018 Items added most recently come first

12/3/2018

Torquay Station Roger Winnen

180311c Torquay Station with the 11.38 service departing to Paignton. In the background is the former signal box dating from 1873 which closed on 15th November 1984. This box has been listed.. Copyright Roger Winnen

180311d Outside of Torquay Station can be found this Leyland Coach used for sightseeing tours and private hire. Copyright Roger Winnen

180311e Torquay Station frontage on a wet Sunday evening. Copyright Roger Winnen

Lost Station found!!!
Chris Finan

Hi Keith,
Saw this on the local news feed just now.
You’d think British Transport Police might have been the last to post something like this . .

https://twitter.com/BTPDevon/status/972778777523744768

Chris. Many thanks for the link Chris.
If you have the time please try clicking on the above link and do some brousing, it makes some interesting reading - especially the comments. Change at Seaton Junction for Sidmouth!! The pictures are excellent.
N.B. I think the BTP ought to take a look at our website to see what Seaton Junction looked like when it was open. K.J.

Springtime and New Signals at Bodmin Parkway
Roger Winnen

180311a Springtime at Bodmin Bodmin Parkway with David Letchers photo of 5552 hauling a train on the Bodmin & Wenford. Copyright Roger Winnen

180311b One of the new signals now erected on leaving Bodmin Parkway in connection with the signalling upgrade of the Cornish Main Line. Copyright Roger Winnen

Exploring
The Wenford Branch
Andrew Jones

Andrew Jones continues his exploration following the Wenford Branch and deviating where necessary to pick up other points of interest. Many Thanks Andrew

Before leaving the Dunmere area, I thought it would be helpful to show the remains of the original track formation after crossing the main road.
Photograph 27 shows the alignment behind the recent build bungalow, following the dotted red line. (please refer to location map)
Photograph 28 shows the old Bodmin and Wadebridge alignment crossing the new LSWR deviation, Dunmere road crossing bridge is in the background and on closer examination it appears that the bridge could accommodate a double track layout, although never carried out I wonder if this was the intention, perhaps someone in the society knows the answer?
Photograph 29 shows the Bodmin Town leat, a major engineering feat in its own right. The new alignment is on a substantial embankment at this point. The old Bodmin and Wadebridge formation is still evident and originally avoided the leat, following an easier route to the south.

WENFORD BRIDGE COMPARISONS 026 location map dunmere 2 Andrew Jones. From the 25 inch OS Map 1895 to 1905 reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.

WENFORD BRIDGE COMPARISONS 027 photograph 27 13th February 2018 Copyright Andrew Jones

WENFORD BRIDGE COMPARISONS 028 photograph 28 13th February 2018 Copyright Andrew Jones Note Dunmere Halt just beyond the bridge.

WENFORD BRIDGE COMPARISONS 029 photograph 29 13th February 2018 Copyright Andrew Jones

Minehead
Ron Kosys
First visit

6412 at Minehead. Recently repainted 6412 has a bit of a polish. 31st May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

Ex Austin Morris at Longbridge large Bagnall ‘Vulcan’ in the process of being restored 31st May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

Minehead Park Royal 2 car DMU in 100% ex BR condition. 31st May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

Minehead
John Cornelius
Relatively recently

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