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31st March 2021

31/3/2021

 
Craig in Cornwall
Craig Munday

Picture
On March 3rd we see a dramatic picture of 6W45 headed by 66001 at Budges shop. Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
Remember Trewoon Bridge replacement. Here we are on the 8th March with 2C26 heading west. Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
Lostwithiel on the 23rd March - single line working. Copyright Craig Munday.
Many thanks Craig for all your tips and reports and of course photographs.
​

More March HST's
Clive Smith
Picture
​(1a) This was Monday 29th at Dawlish at 13.13 and I was getting a bit concerned that my intended shot of the XC HST may get eclipsed by a DMU scheduled on the down line at the same time but thankfully I was spared. The 12.23 Exmouth - Paignton stands at the station with two 2-car class 150s, the rear set still being a First Great Western blue liveried example. The Cross Country HST which is the 12.27 Plymouth to Edinburgh is formed of 43303 leading and 43306 on the rear. Copyright Clive Smith.
Picture
(1b) A quck zoom into Dawlish station area reveals work is till in progress in modifying the sea wall and providing a raised walkway along here. Copyright Clive Smith
Picture
(2) Tuesday 30th and another sunny day and another HST photo in quality light. With the sun positively blazing for late March and the lineside vegetation more brown than green through lack of recent rain, the drab green GWR livery stands out a bit more than usual. 43170 leads the 08.50 Penzance - Exeter St Davids through the site of Brent station with the rear power car being 43040. The red brick building with grey roof to the left and rear of the car park is the former Brent Goods Shed and home to my dentist where just ten minutes earlier I was having a rather large filling completed after a late start to my appointment. Perfect timing.. Copyright Clive Smith.
Picture
(3) 43156 leads the 08.00 Cardiff - Penzance off the Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash. The rear power car is 43093. I did take a shot of this train a little bit further back coming off the arched section of the bridge but a very large articulated truck was passing behind on the road bridge but was positioned just above the power car making the image somewhat less aesthetically pleasing than I had hoped . Copyright Clive Smith,
Picture
(4) Here is 43093 at the rear of the 08.00 Cardiff - Penzance with the already photographed 43156 on the front. Copyright Clive Smith,
Many thanks Clive for your second helping. Keep up the good work.
Almost 10 years ago on the WSR
Autumn Gala 2011 (6)
Paul Barlow
Picture
A charming picture - a reminder that warmer days are ahead. Seen at Minehead 5542 and auto coach on 1340 to Dunster 29 Sept 2011. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Thanks Paul.
​

Suprise at Oath
Bill Elston

Hi Keith,
A rare visitor to Taunton today; class 73 no. 73964 worked  13.00 Westbury to Westbury via Taunton.
On hire to Colas, it had travelled to Westbury from Tonbridge yesterday 29th March.
In perfect light, IET 802014 is seen at Oath on its way to Paddington, closely followed by the 73.
Enjoy the sun
Take care,
Bill

 
Picture
IET 802014 on its way to Paddington. 30th March 2021 Copyright Bill Elston
Picture
73964, 30th March 2021a Copyright Bill Elston
Picture
73964, 30th March 2021b Copyright Bill Elston
Many thanks Bill - as you say a lovely day.

30th March 2021

30/3/2021

 
Going walkies
Exton - Lympstone
David Tozer
Hi Keith,  With the easing of lockdown and in keeping with the spirit of government advice I drove to Exton today - 5 miles I guess. Then walked from Exton to Lympstone and back for a little excercise.
This was timed to coincide with the 1218 Paignton to Exmouth passing, worked by former Thames Turbo 16221 still GWR blue livery.
Take care, Dave 
Picture
Exton, near Turbo 166221 29th March 2021. Copyright David Tozer
Many thanks David - Keep fit.
​

The 'Ark' at
Oxford
Alan Peters
Picture
Oxford 1989. 50035 Ark Royal Copyright Alan Peters. Looking very nice with matching livery.
Another picture of 50035 'Ark Royal' in Network South livery working a Paddington to Oxford service in this undated 1989 picture, seen arriving at Oxford where construction of the current station building can be seen.

Alan Peters 
Many thanks Alan.
​

Almost 10 years ago on the WSR
Autumn Gala 2011 (5)
Paul Barlow
Picture
4160 on the 14.00 Minehead -to Bishops Lydeard approaching Williton . It's the 29th September 2011. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul.
​
Two for the price of one.
​
Salisbury
Ron Kosys

Picture
33110 departs Salisbury for Meldon as 59003 passes through with the Merehead to Eastleigh Yeoman hoppers. Copyright Ron Kosy.
Many thanks Ron.
​

An appeal for pictures of
4566
David Cook

​Good afternoon Keith,
I trust that you are keeping well and Covid-19 free!
As ever relating to all things regarding 4566 I wonder if you might be able to help me yet again? As you know I have been actively seeking photographs of 4566 during her working life, GWR/BR(W), (November 1924 - April 1962).
I keep chipping away at this and recently was fortunate to track down about 16 photographs taken in December 1961 and January 1962 of 4566 working two Ashburton Branch goods trains. This was an area where I was certain that someone had photographs but tracking them down was extremely difficult.
Today I have been browsing the CRS website and came across mention of two collections which sparked an interest.
The first was a request from a S.W.Martin (I think he lives in New Zealand) about a shed at St.Erth which I believe he wanted to include in a model he was making I assume of the station. The picture shown which included the shed was of 4566 in the loop shunting(?) a container wagon. The photograph was shown copyright of the Dave Dunn collection.
The second was mention of a visit in 2015 to I believe, a branch meeting by Alan Harris and again mention was made regarding the Alan Harris collection.

Would you have any details of these? If not, would you be able to forward my contact details to whoever holds these collections please?
I have no problem with my details being forwarded but do appreciate that you will be unable to give me the details directly. This is how I was able to get in touch with the copyright holder of the Ashburton Branch photographs.
My contact details are: 191 Stourbridge Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 2UY
Telephone: 01562 66497 (old number hence 5 digits!)
Mobile: 07532 302036
email: [email protected]
Hoping that you will be able to help. Take care
Best wishes,
David Cook (4566 Group)


29th March 2021

29/3/2021

 
A gem from the past
D1021 Western Cavalier
Roger Winnen
Picture
731231 D1021 Western Cavalier on 31st December 1973 passes Long Rock Signal Box on the then double line from Penzance to Marazion. In front of the train Mexico Crossing can just be seen located by the signal post, this foot crossing was closed many years later after a public enquiry was held following the death of a lady being hit by a train using this crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen
Titan at Oxford
Michael Forward
Picture
Here is a picture taken at the North end of Oxford station on 24 June 1989 and shows 47612 ‘Titan’ with the 11.36 dep. for Glasgow,the 08.55 from Eastbourne.Some journey that! Copyright Michael Forward
Thanks Michael
Gems from the past
Barnstaple
Chris Bellett
Hi Keith, 
Thought you might like the three attached photographs for the website taken at Barnstaple Junction in 1970 when the line to Ilfracombe was still open.
 Kind Regards,  Chris Bellett         Retired S&T Engineer
Picture
Barnstaple Junction 1970 01 Copyright Chris Bellett. Quite important looking boxes on the platform - it looks like a member of staff watching a train departing for Ilfracombe.
Picture
Barnstaple Junction 1970 02 Copyright Chris Bellett. The signal is pulled off for the train to head for Exeter - the line to Taunton had already closed three years earlier on the 3rd October 1966.
Picture
Barnstaple Junction 1970 03 Copyright Chris Bellett. Looking towards Exeter, the metals to the left led to the Engine Shed
Many thanks Chris - more to come one hopes.
​

Almost 10 years ago on the WSR
Autumn Gala 2011 (4)
Paul Barlow
Picture
GNR N2 side tank 1744 on freight from Minehead approaches Crowcombe 29 Sept 2011. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul
​

March HST's
Clive Smith

​Work travels coinciding with some good sunshine and a walk with a friend in south east Cornwall allowed me to get a few lineside photos of HSTs as they continue to go about their work. I believe the remaining examples on the Midland Main Line have six weeks left leaving just the shortened GWR and Scotrail 2+4s and Cross Country's 2+7s . There appear to be only three current XC diagrams and only two go beyond Bristol as far as Plymouth.
Regards,  Clive Smith

Picture
(1) 43010 is at the front of the 13.18 Exeter St Davids - Plymouth with 43029 on the rear as it passes Langford Bridge near Aller on its way to Dainton summit. Copyright Clive Smith.
Picture
(2) 43093 leads the 08.07 Liskeard - Cardiff Central with 43156 on the rear on the 16th March. This was taken from the Bow Overbridge on the A381 on the climb from Totnes to Dainton Summit. The location was far superior when not overgrown but the way Network Rail are blitzing the linesides of Devon and Cornwall of late I am hoping these trees will get chopped fairly soon.. Copyright Clive Smith.
Picture
(3) 43171 leads the 08.00 Cardiff Central - Plymouth out of Totnes station on the 16th March. 43094 is on the rear. Copyright Clive Smith
Picture
(4) 43366 leads the 12.27 Plymouth - Edinburgh at Three Arches Bridge west of Totnes on the 16th March. 43207 is on the rear. Copyright Clive Smith.
Picture
(5) It's 16.25 on the 26th March and with the sun low and shadows lengthening 43160 leads the 15.55 Plymouth - Liskeard past Polbathic Road Bridge after departing from St Germans station. The rear power car is 43187. Just under two years ago HSTs were still working the top link Penzance - Paddington line expresses like the Golden Hind and Cornish Riviera. This service calls at all stations. That's Devonport, Dockyard, Keyham, St Budeaux Ferry Road, Saltash, St Germans and Menheniot on a 42 minute journey. That is some comedown from crack trains at 125 mph. At least some are still with us on GWR in shortened form. Always preferable to a DMU. Copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks Clive - nice March light.
​

28th March 2021

28/3/2021

 
Craigs Report - never a dull moment!
A week at work
​Craig Munday
Hi Keith
As we slowly emerge from the dreadful lockdown, the lineside and railways seem to be coming to life once again. 
First news of a Locomotive Services Limited (LSL) private charter operating over the Easter period. The Chairman's own train will be running in Cornwall on 2nd / 3rd April as part of a Route wide tour. The 7 coach train will be worked a pair by LSL class 37s (from the pool of 37521 / 667 / 668). The train will travel down to Penzance on Easter Sunday, then operate between Truro and Penzance on Mon 3rd. The train heads back east on Wed, and will make a colourful addition to the mainline over the period. Timings are on Real Time Trains. 
The last fortnight has seen us operating Single Line Working between Par & Lostwithiel over the Down main line whilst the Fowey upside river bridge was replaced. For operational purposes, as Pilotman we worked between Par & Bodmin Parkway. I covered the early and night watchman shifts. It was super to witness the class 57s on the Night Riviera in action. The Sleepers called at Lostwithiel, with the train using the down platform, of course which was a rare opportunity to grab some pictures. Some trains were retimed and the clay had an 11.11 departure from Goonbarrow and is seen at Middleway on 24th with 66150.
Finally, a work related trip took to the Midlands last week. This allowed a chance to see the EMR celebrity power car 43102 in action at Leicester. The nearby depot is a haven for vintage locomotives, a hark back to the 1990s with class 37s, 47s, 56s, and 58s in abundance. 
Cheers for now,  Craig 
Picture
150238 calls at Bodmin Parkway forming the 2C44 on the 23rd March 2021 Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
Single line working 57604 powers the 1A50 at Lostwithiel 23rd March 2021 Copyright Craig Mumday
Picture
Single line working 57604 is seen on the 1A50 at Bodmin Parkway on the 23rd March 2021 Copyright Craig Mumday
Picture
24th 66150 Middleway 6G09 24th March 2021 Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
Definitely out of our area but being Craig we'll allow it! Leicester depot on the 26th March 2021 Copyright Craig Munday
We're sure that nobody would want Craigs Job - but many thanks anyway!!!
​

Almost 10 years ago on the WSR
Autumn Gala 2011 (3)
Paul Barlow
Picture
34070 Manston on shed and 5542 1340 to Dunster 29th September 2011 Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul
​

Manston in
Barry Scrapyard
Phil Smith

Picture
Manston at Barry Copyright Phil Smith
Many thanks Phil.
​

News on Manston
Following collision damge it is hope to get Manston back in service for 2021 - please click on this link for details
Rewe
Ron Kosys

Picture
33110 seen at Rewe on the 3rd May 1989 with the 7O70 the 16.30 Meldon to Tonbridge. Copyright Ron Kosys
Many thanks Ron
​

Inny Valley Railway
Andrew and Diane Jones

Dear Keith and Valerie, Please find attached two photographs of the Inny Valley Railway, situated at Trebullet near Launceston. Diane was milk recording at the time and I went along for the ride, which often took us to some amazing places in the early hours.
Both photographs were taken in 1981 and I had forgotten all about them until checking through some paperwork and notes last week.
The railway was established by James Evans who built the private railway in 1968 to the gauge of 1 feet 10 ¾ in 1968.
Two steam locomotives were based at Trebullet, Velinheli built by Hunslet in 1886 and Sybil built by W.G.Bagnall in 1906, originally from Dinorwic Quarry.
On closure in 1987 both locomotives and a carriage were transferred to the Launceston Steam Railway.
Information about the railway is scarce, research online shows a visit by Plymouth Railway Circle in 1978 who travelled in a wagon fitted with old church pews!
Although only  400 metres in length, I remember there were some sidings which you can see in the photographs with a ground signal and a 10 mph speed limit, unfortunately the vegetation had taken over somewhat.
Does anyone have any memories or more photographs please ?
Best wishes Andrew and Diane
Picture
Inny Valley Railway entrance gate 1 1981 Copyright Andrew Jones.
Picture
The sign on the gate. Copyright Andrew Jones,
Picture
Inny Valley Railway. 1981. Overgrown sidings - note buffer stop. Copyright Andrew Jones.
Try this link for more pictures particularly the 'Pew seat wagon'
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Inny_Valley_Railway
Many thanks Andrew and Diane - no milk today!!!
​Any more memories or pictures please.
​
N.B. If you are registered for Flickr here is a link to a picture of the pew carriage.   https://flic.kr/p/fCkZyv        Many thanks Andrew.
David Ward draws our attention to this sad news.
HELSTON RAILWAY VANDALISED


 A charity that has been struggling to survive during the Covid-19 pandemic has become the latest target for vandalism in Cornwall.
The Helston Railway, run by the Helston Railway Preservation Society, was hit by the anti-social behaviour when a small group of young people trespassed onto the railway and caused damage to a number of buildings and carriages.
The culprits, who were caught on the railway's CCTV cameras, smashed the windows of carriages, engines and the crew room as well as graffitied bridges and let off fire extinguishers after breaking in to get them.
Perhaps most upsetting though is the smashing of a slate memorial to a past driver of the branch back in its working days.
Police have been informed of the incidents and are in possession of various photographs and other evidence.
Unfortunately, this unacceptable behaviour has come at a time when the Helston Railway has been working to ensure its survival through the Covid-19 pandemic, having just received a a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The grant, which was described by general manager, Colin Savage, as a 'lifesaver' has given the charity the means to pay for utilities as well as some limited standing costs.
Not only that, but the money has also provided the means to carry out vital maintenance and repairs to locomotives, rolling stock, plant and equipment
It will also enable Helston Railway to refurbish items such as boiler tubes for the steam locomotive, William Murdoch, and obtain new panels, paint and window rubbers for a diesel rail car as well as engine work to diggers and dumpers.
While the charity did have some funds left after being forced to close due to coronavirus restrictions, the grant has helped towards other costs for training, professional services and transport for items of rolling stock.
This has now enabled the railway to not just survive but also to be in a good position to face the future and reopen as soon as possible.
With regards to incident, Colin said: "What we would like to see and would very much welcome is youngsters joining us and getting involved in all aspects of running a railway.
"There are great skills to learn and some of our younger group have gone on to university studying rail engineering and suchlike.
"The rail industry is continuing to grow and even the likes of Network Rail recognise our input."
"Looking to the near future we hope to reopen the railway to the public in late June as long as government rules permit.
"There is a new steam loco due to arrive before then which should allow us to have two coach trains and with a new extension to our line the popular buffet cars will be located adjacent to our car park and will be open for longer periods.
"Our own fund raising efforts have not stopped and everyone is working hard to keep income rolling in so that we can keep on growing."
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is a scheme set up to distribute a share of National Lottery funding towards helping a range
of heritage projects across the UK.

We would hope that the able bodied of our readers will come forward and offer some help - please do so.  Thank you.

27th March 2021

27/3/2021

 
Almost 10 years ago on the WSR
Autumn Gala 2011 (2)
Paul Barlow
Picture
34070 Manston has just passed Leigh Woods crossing on the 10.00 Bishops Lydeard - Minehead. It's the 29th September 2011. Copyright Paul Barlow
Many thanks Paul.
​

Salisbury
Ron Kosys
Picture
33101 at Salisbury on the 3rd May 1989 with the 08.39 Yeovil Junction to Waterloo. Copyright Ron Kosys.
Many thanks Ron
​

Views west and east
St Germans
Roger Winnen
Picture
St Germans Station looking wesr on 26th November 1977, Copyright Roger Winnen. This was after the original signalbox, a wooden affair beyond the east end of the down platform was closed on the 6th May 1973 and control transferred to a room in the station building
Picture
Looking from the down platform across to the former goods yard. The goods yard supported one up refuge siding plus a goods shed with two sidings - these were removed in 1965. The yard is now occupied by a residential property shielded by some high trees, Copyright Roger Winnen.
Picture
St Germans 30th June 1973 The late Peter Moore stands by the box. Copyright Keith Jenkin
Picture
A fine view of St Germans Signal Box already closed in 1973. Copyright Roger Winnen
Many thanks Roger
​

Todays picture from
Marston Footbridge
Ken Mumford

Picture
Marston Footbridge 60054 Powered by HV to reduce carbon footprint. 27th March 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford
Thanks Ken
​

26th March 2021

26/3/2021

 
Almost 10 years ago on the WSR
Autumn Gala 2011 (1)
Paul Barlow
A few shots from the West somerset railway autumn gala 2011 which was blessed with nice sunny weather and a good variety of power.

Hopefully we will be able to attend some similar events this year!

All the best, Paul 
Picture
34070 Manston and GWR tank 5553 Minehead shed 29 September 2011 Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul
​

Southcote Junction
Reading
Ron Kosys

A regular feature on the Berks & Hants on Saturdays around this time was a Reading to Westbury engineers working.
This included one of the Reading based Departmental shunters for working at the work site on the Sunday as required.
It returned to Reading in a similar working for attention should it be required.
 
33109 and 97654 did the honours on Saturday 28th April 1990. 
Picture
33109 and 97654 on the Reading to Westbury seen at Souhcote Junction on the 28th April 1990. Copyright Ron Kosys
Many thanks Ron.
​

The 'Ark' at
Plymouth
Alan Peters

 'The Ark at Plymouth' 50035 'Ark Royal' in Network South East livery stabled in Park Sidings at Plymouth captured in 1987,
Picture
59935 'Ark Royal' with a gleaming front end in Park sidings at Plymouth. Copyright Alan Peters. (Note the differing windscreen wipers)
Many thanks Alan
​

Views from Marston Footbridge.
Ken Mumford

Picture
Test trai at Marston Footbridge. 21st March 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.
Picture
A lucky shot of two IET's passing. 21st March 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.
Many thanks Ken.
​

Uffington & Ashbury Crossing.
Ken Mumford
Picture
An IET on an up service hammers through Uffington. 26th March 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.
Picture
Also stopping at Uffinton is Thamesdown Transport No. 174 (Daimler Fleetline with ECW bodywork). Ex-Thamesdwon Transport No. 174 (Daimler Fleetline with ECW bodywork). Ken understands that this bus can venture out ONLY ONCE A YEAR to the UFFINGTON SHOW DAY! It's kept on the site of Uffington Station yard.26th March 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.
Picture
ASHBURY CROSSING (1) The masked IET passes by. 26th March 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford
Picture
ASHBURY CROSSING [2] 66782 with a scrap train. 26th March 2021. Copyright Andrew Jenkins.
Many thanks Ken, out and about in the sun!
​

25th March 2021

25/3/2021

 

Wise words
Trash or Treasure
Guy Vincent

When recently browsing Ebay I noticed that a number of slides or 'colour transparencies' featuring 'Western' class 52 diesel hydraulics have been selling for eye-watering amounts.   The reason I mention this is to make members (and their families) aware that should the time come when it is decided to part with such material  it should not be simply regarded as 'rubbish' and thrown away.   There is an ever-growing demand for images taken in the 1970s and 80s by authors, publishers and those enthusiasts who were children at the time now wishing to rekindle their memories and many are in a position to pay good money for what they see online.   I have seen single individual slides listed with selling prices as high as £561! (D1039 at Plymouth in 1971, recorded as selling for that amount on 26 Dec 2020, 18 bids made).   Several similar slides made over £200 each and some more above £300.  Astonishing but true.   My point here is to advise anyone with such material tucked away in a loft, shed or cupboard to please make sure it doesn't get forgotten about and go through what you have, maybe get it scanned onto a CD or memory stick and then, if you have no further use or need, consider selling the originals.  It is useful to provide as many details as possible (date, loco, working etc) as this can enhance the value.  What better time than lockdown to rekindle your own memories of happy times by the lineside and enjoy your Kodachrome, Agfa and Ilford material before deterioration of the film sets in?  (Take a look on Ebay, search 'railway slides, both for sale and sold listings, and see for yourself).  Obviously many slides sell for just a few pounds, if that, but the results I've seen seem to speak for themselves.

Guy Vincent
Many thanks for your advice and reminder, Guy.
​

56094 - Trash or Treasure at
Westbury
Guy and Charlotte Vincent
Following Driver Alan Peters' report of the likely use of a class 56 loco on the Okehampton line later this spring loco 56094 has been at Westbury for a couple of weeks now, seeing use on a ballast train to South Wales last weekend and today (24th) a circular out-and-back route familiarisation run over the Hereford-Worcester line via Great Malvern.   The 'Grid' was off bright and early and was captured by Charlotte leaving Westbury at the ungodly hour of 0630am!    I've also added a photo of the same loco taken on 19th February 1984 stabled next to the former fuelling point at Westbury diesel depot.  During the 1984-85 period several almost new 56s came to Westbury to work stone trains due to the fall in the number of coal trains being run in Yorkshire and Humberside.  56094 was delivered new from Doncaster Works on 9th August 1981 and carried the name 'Eggborough Power Station' between April 1993 and April 2004.  It received a major overhaul at Toton between May and August 1998, gaining the red and gold EWS livery at this time.   Following a repaint into Fertis livery and a stint working in France (2005-06) the loco was stored and in late 2011 DB Schenker sold it for scrap to EMR at Kingsbury, Warkwickshire.   Fortunately 56094 was quickly resold to Colas and returned to service in 2012.   Hard to believe it will be 40 this summer! 

Guy Vincent (and Charlotte)
Picture
Early in the morning at Westbury. 56094 is caught in the dawn sunshine. 24th March 2021 Copyright Charlotte Vincent
Picture
56094 at Westbury 37 years ago on Sunday 19th February 1984. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks to both Guy and Charlotte Vincent (Father and daughter) for the very detailed article (A lot of research) and pictures.
​
Marston Footbridge
Ken Mumford
​I spent a few hours on the Marston Footbridge - about 200 yards east of South Marston Junction.  
Kind regards,
Ken.
Picture
Marston Footbridge 66721 Acton to Portbury 24th March 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford
Picture
Marston Footbridge 66721 on the Acton to Portbury (Showing the unusual Underground Livery) 24th March 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford
Picture
Marston Footbridge 66619 6B11 Hayes to East Usk Yard 24th March 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford
Many thanks Ken.
​

24th March 2021

24/3/2021

 
37s at Lostwithiel 1989
Michael Forward
Picture
Seeing the picture of the clay hoods on the site recently,prompted me to dig out some photos taken at Lostwithiel. The first shows 37673 light engine,a nice picture with the signal box and GWR seat. Copyright Michael Forward
Picture
Roger, now we see the 37 with a train of 35 CDAs headed for Fowey . Copyright Michael Forward
Many Thanks Michael
Route Learner at 
North Perrett
Bill Elston
Over at North Perrott today  for the GWR's route learner returning from Castle Cary to Exeter, running as 3Z20, with 150261 and 150243.

Whilst I was there, work was progressing on fitting replacement access steps down to the track.
Please see photos.

Hope these are of interest, Take care, Bill
Picture
It's 12.25 at North Perrott 150243 150261 Route learner Castle Cary to Exeter 23rd March 2021 Copyright Bill Elston
Picture
A going away shot of the same pair at North Perrott 150261 150243 Route learner 23rd March 2021 Copyright Bill Elston
Picture
North Perrott Access step work 23rd March 2021 Copyright Bill Elston
Picture
North Perrott Access step work 23rd March 2021 Copyright Bill Elston
North Perrett is some two miles east of Crewkerne.
Many thanks Bill
​

Route Learner at
Cranbrook
Keith Turley
Picture
It's 13.35 and we see tha same route learner on its way to Exeter. 23rd March 2021. Copyright Keith Turley.
Many thanks Keith
​

Fairwood Junction
​Ron Kosys
Picture
33106+8014+8015 seen at Fairwood Junction with the 10.30 from Weymouth on 23rd September 1989 1030 Weymouth
Many thanks Ron.
​

23rd March 2021

23/3/2021

 
Weekly Signalling Changes
Chris Bellett

​More changes in our area taken from the NR Weekly Operating Notices:

BETWEEN LAPFORD AND EGGESFORD FROM 0525 HOURS ON WEDNESDAY 24/03/2021

Please  note  that  from  the  above  time  and  date,  Chenson  No  2  User  Worked  Crossing  at  191m  62ch  has  been  upgraded  to  an Overlay  Miniature  Stop  Light  Crossing  (OMSL). The  associated  whistle  boards  has  also  been  recovered. At  the  same  time,  works  will  be  carried  out  to  the  crossing  gates  and  the  crossing  surface. Chenson is approximately two miles from Lapford in the Barnstaple direction.

LOSTWITHIEL FROM 0500  HOURS ON MONDAY 29/03/2021

Please  note  that  from  the  above  time  and  date,  the  following  infrastructure  has  been  recovered   the  sidings  known  as  and  Cattle  Pens  Sidings  and  Nestle  Sidings  and  associated  handpoints  (on  the  Upside,  Bodmin  Parkway side  of  the  crossing) 43A and B points, LL42 ground disc signal.


Picture
recovery of 42 Disc signal at Lostwithiel means that the last remaining YELLOW disc in Cornwall is being abolished. Copyrigh Chris Bellett. Another bit of railway history comes to an end!
Picture
Here is that signal again this time captured by Julian Stephen. 60006 Scunthorpe Ironmaster with Redland Aggregates self discharge train which had been in use in the Largin area. 31st January 1998 Copyright Julian Stephens
ST  AUSTELL UP SIDING (Work Completed 07/03/2021)

The  St  Austell  Up  Siding  and  its  connection  to  the  Up  Main  located  at  286m  17ch  has  been  abolished. Signal  SA1  will  now  apply  to  the  Up  Main  in  the  down  direction  and  is  right  hand  mounted.  A  5  car  rear  clear  marker  has  been provided  164  yards  (150  metres)  on  approach  to  SA1  facing  in  the  Up  Direction  and  a  10  car  rear  clear  marker  is  provided  306 yards  (280  metres)  on  approach  to  SA1  facing  in  the  Up  Direction.

Regards,
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer

​
Many thanks Chris
​

Paignton
Roger Winen

Picture
A Class 118 DMU departs Paignton Station. In the background is the Regent Cinema now demolished. 27th March 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen
Many thanks Roger
​
Penzance
The late John Cornelius

Picture
A classical black and white image of Penzance as we remember the late John Cornelius. Copyright.
Many thanks to John.
​

22nd March 2021

22/3/2021

 
Highbridge
Roger Winnen

Picture
Roger stands on the east north end of the up platform at Highbridge to witness Class 118 DMU B460 (Probably formed of 51302, 59461 and 51317) depart for Bristol Temple Meads. This location was very unusual in that until the closure of the Somerset and Dorset there was a flat railway crossing right here under this bridge. The S & D going to Burnham on Sea to the left and Bournemouth to the right. The S & D station was to the right. The hill just two miles distant is Brent Knoll it is 449' high. The date in the 29th March 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Picture
Highbridge again as a class 47 arrives with the 16.19 from Bristol. The date is again the 29th March 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Many thanks Roger.
Highbridge
The late Sid Sponheimer

We remember our late friend and website supporter Sid Sponheimer with this picture of his taken at Highbridge.
Picture
This time a D800 Warship on a service to Bristol Temple Meads runs through at speed. There were two crossovers on both the up and down main lines one pair, as seen, the other pair allowing S & D trains to head direct towards Burnham on Sea. The date 4th June 1965. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.
A further note from Roy Hart for which many thanks. The S and D crossing over the Great Western main line leading to Burnham was removed a month before Sid's photograph. The debris can be seen. The old crossing was replaced by a new one (as seen in the picture) leading from the S and D to Highbridge (GW) goods yard. All of this was removed just prior to the completion of the Bristol MAS scheme, in 1971.
Many thanks to Sid.
​

Hawkeridge Jct.
Ron Kosys
Picture
33103 is seen at Hawkeridge Jct. with a service from Brighton. It's the 22nd April 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys
Many thanks Ron.
​

Class 56 to be locked in for the Okehampton work
Alan Peters
Alan writes - The original plan was for Network Rail to overhaul the 08 to haul the NTC (New Track Construction) and sleeper wagons, indeed Network Rail had planned to take the 08 by road to Laira for overhaul by GWR but the weight of the sleeper train on the inclines would be too much for the little 08 so now the plan is for Network Rail to hire a Colas 56 for the job which will be 'locked in' for several weeks to relay the line. I am planning to return for this as a phased return to work being local, so fingers crossed and watch this space. Unfortunately with me being off one of the ballast stockpile trains had to be cancelled resulting in something like 30 lorries being used.
The Railway Heritage Trust will be keeping the station to it's 1950's look where possible as they have visited Crediton and Barnstaple to see other examples of Southern stations as new lighting, cctv, ticket machines, passenger information screens and bike racks will be needed to modern standards. The car park will be resurfaced and bus turning circle so buses will call at the station and of course at a later date Okehampton Parkway will be built by the industrial estate just off the A30.

Hope this helps, Alan Peters. 

Many thanks to Alan for keeping us up dated with the plans and progress,all  wish you well Allan, with a speedy return to work in the near future. Meantime take care.
​

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