Blog Archives

11th March 2021

11/3/2021

LNER Livery Power Car 43299
on the NMT today
David Tozer

The monthly visit of the Network Rail NMT with a different power car. Leading today was ex LNER 43299 now with Network Rail. I got a photo at Exhibition Way. Copyright David Tozer

43299 through the bushes at Exmouth Junction 11.3.2021. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Around the
Exe Estuary (2)
Paul Barlow

47806 heads Vrigin trains 13.03 Preston to Penzance running two hours late. Seen from Powderham. The loco formerly D1931 then became 47254 then 47651 and now rebfurbshed is 57309. Seen on the 23rd June 2002. Cross Country loco hauled trains ceased with effect from the 19th August 2002. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks as usual Paul,also for the 'mine of information' you supply - true enthusiast.

St Austell Casualty
Julian Stephens

The attached may show the last service train to use that section when 57603 failed with the Down Sleepers on 16th December 2003
Best wishes
Julian

57603 parked on rare track at St Austell. 16th December 2003. Copyright Julian Stephens.

As the loco was on hire 'Brush' were called in to effect repairs on failed 57603. 16th December 2003. Copyright Julian Stephens

57603 broken down hides under the bridge at St Austell station. 16th December 2003. Copyright Julian Stephens

Many thanks Julian, a rare moment in history captured.

St Austell
Julian Stephens

Over the period of the 'shut down' for the replacement of Trewoon Bridge other things were happening. Unfortunately another quarter mile of Cornish track was lifted when the remains of the line, laid in 1931, which served the St Austell Goods Yard was lifted. Julian captures the action.

Much activity at St Austell station, 1st March 2021. Copyright Julian Stephens.

The up main line has been cut and the point removed, Copyright Julian Stephens.

A view down the grade from over the road bridge. The area of the point has been converted to plain line. Copyright Julian Stephens

A view looking up the gradient towards the station taken from a footpath bridge. Copyright Julian Stephens.

A further look towards the station - the goods line sees its last traffic. Copyright Julan Stephens.

Looking towards the site of the goods yard. Copyright Julian Stephens.

Track machines occupy both the upand down main lines. The yard line is burred beneath new ballast. Copyright Julian Stephens.

Fresh ballast has been spread over the metals to the yard, more in the in the distance on the down main. copyright Julian Stephens.

Another view looking towards Par. Copyright Julian Stephens.

Many thanks for your comprehensive coverage Julian.

10th March 2021

10/3/2021

Newton Abbot
Roger Winnen

A classic view of Newton Abbot as a smart looking Peak departs westbound on 27th March 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen

It's all there, the signal box, the semaphores, the David and Charles coaches, even the depot in the distance. Many thanks Roger.

Sir Daniel Gooch at Reading
Michael Forward

47626 Sir Daniel Gooch at Reading on 21 December 1987 with an up mail and parcels special. Thanks for dealing with this, best wishes, Michael

Many Thanks Michael

Around the
Exe Estuary (1)
Paul Barlow

Paul kindly provides us with a series of distant pictures taken from various viewpoints near the estuary.

47806 on the 1303 Preston to Penzance 21st June 1999 Copyright Paul Barlow. The bright red comes out very nicely.

Many thanks Paul.

Southampton
Ron Kosys

33101 exits Southampton tunnel and heads for Eastleigh. Sunday 23rd June 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

An old friend, driver and CRS Member the late:Len Baker told us how they had to watch out here as within yards 33101 is going to pass by some elderly houses which almost overhang the line - a hazard here was that the inhabitants occasionally emptied the contents of their tea pots over the wall onto the line.

9th March 2021

9/3/2021

DON'T FORGET Paul Negus advises us to make sure you watch this tonight on the 'Yesterday Channel' at 8PM. Bristol Temple Meads.

Wootton Bassett
Neil Phillips

Neil was based at nearby RAF Lyneham during the period in which these pictures were taken.

Picture (1) D1051 'Western Ambassador' in the Wootton Bassett stone terminal sidings on 19th March 1976. The loco was withdrawn on 2nd September that year after an underside ballast strike at Cogload Junction while heading the previous day’s 1B15 08.30 Paddington – Plymouth wrecked wiring and AWS equipment – unfortunate as D1051 had not long emerged from an ‘F’ Exam and had been expected to last until the end.
Picture (2) D1022 'Western Sentinel' approaches Wootton Bassett Junction on 16th January 1977 with 1B33 14.30 Paddington – Penzance (evidently via Bristol). By this time she was one of the last seven Westerns in service but upon its return to London (on the 17th/18th overnight 6A21 St Erth – Acton milk service) D1022 ran over some debris at Old Oak Common dropped by 31420 which had just suffered a collision incident and this damaged the Western’s brake gear, resulting in its withdrawal. Therefore my photo captures D1022’s last-ever outward run from the capital.
Picture (3) Deltic 55003 'Meld' presents an extraordinary sight at Wootton Bassett Junction at the head of the Paddington - Cardiff ‘Deltic Debut’ special on 12th October 1975. The Class 55 had been borrowed from the ER for high-speed dipped rail joint tests ahead of the HST introduction the following year and the ever-inventive WR railtour office decided to take it for a spin to South Wales and back!
Picture (4) Deltic 55003 'Meld' approaches Wootton Bassett Junction on the returning ‘Deltic Debut’ tour of 12th October 1975. Since the WR was still using operational headcodes at the time this was surely the first time a ‘Domino’ panel was seen on the Region.

Picture (1) D1051 Western Ambassador Wootton Bassett stone terminal. 19th March 1976. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Picture (2) D1022 Western Sentinel Wootton Bassett Jc (2) 16th January 1976. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Picture (3) 55003 Meld (Down) Wootton Bassett Jct. 12th October 1975, Copyright Neil Phillips.

Picture (4) 55003 'Meld' (Up) Nr Wootton Bassett Jc (2) 12th October 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Many thanks indeed Neil for your pictures and details.

47626 Arrives at Hayle
Michael Forward

47626 on 13 September 1981 slowing down for it’s stop at Hayle with the Sunday 14.30 Penzance to Paddington. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Bevois near
Southampton
Ron Kosys

33116 passing Mount Pleasant level crossing with a train of rails from the now closed Redbridge depot on the evening
of 7th September 1988

33116 Bevois 7th September 1988 Redbridge. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

South Marston
Swindon
Ken Mumford

South Marston 66590 heads west for Swindon. Copyright Ken Mumford.

5Q76 SOUTH MARSTON 5Q76 headed by 57312 with DVT 82202 immediately behind the loco followed by 11302, 11299. 10302, 12302. 12448, 12450 and 12232. 8th March 2021 Copyright Tim Hall

Congratulations to Ron and Tim Hall for your records.

From the footplate (1)
Alan Peters

Alan Peters a driver with Colas is currently unwell and is home based near St Blazey. However, thankfully he is able to delve in his archives and bring us real life scenes from the foot plate - we are both envious and very grateful. Get well soon Alan.

Picture (1) My first cab ride in a HST was on 13th August 1986 aboard 43015 from Cardiff Central to Bristol Parkway, departing from platform 4 where a single yellow is displayed. This is a scene that has changed with electrification, note the class 37 waiting on the Up Main, the flower beds and T lighting, also of note the P Way with a trolley wearing just short H/V vests before the days of full orange and hard hat. The Driver is Ken Mitchel at the time a Saltley Driver originally starting at Edge Hill and later moving to St Blazey, unfortunately I have no notes on the workings although being a Saltley turn this was possibly a Cross Country service via the tunnel in the days before the Cardiff to Nottingham service.

Picture (2) Taken at speed entering the Severn Tunnel on 13/08/86, thankfully 43015 is still working with ScotRail and it is still possible to travel to Cardiff Central on a HST. It would be easier to take a picture nowadays with a mobile phone rather than a SLR camera which I always felt awkward with on duty. Maybe at the time passengers would be listening to 'Chris de Burgh - The Lady in Red' recorded on cassette tape on their Sony Walkman, the number one in music chart at the time!

Picture (3) Bristol Parkway on 13th August 1986, on not so much of a summers day where 50047 'Swiftsure' is seen arriving, although Bristol Parkway is an unattractive modern station an extra two platforms have since been added and the scene changed with overhead wires. The class 50 was an early casualty being withdrawn just a few years later and scrapped at Vic Berry's in 1989

Alan Peters

Picture (1) Cardiff Central 13th August 1986 aboard 43015 from Cardiff Central to Bristol Parkway

Picture (2) Approaching Severn tunnel. 43015 is still working with ScotRail. 13th August 1986. Copyright Alan Peters.

Picture (3) Bristol Parkway on 13th August 1986, on not so much of a summers day where 50047 'Swiftsure' is seen arriving. Copyright Alan Peters.

On board pictures and experiences - can't beat it. Thank you.

A query was made concerning operation of scrap trains on the stub of the Highworth branch.
We are not sure how this branch is operated these days. Andrew Crawley advises us that Hi
The disused sidings beyond the scrap yard are for BMW and are where the Longbridge train used to load up. The train could go right in, run round and then pull the train through a wagon at a time past EMR for loading but I'm not sure of track condition at the far end so don't know if it is used for that anymore as I've never seen it going in, but I wouldn't be surprised if it probably propels it in and then just draws forward a wagon at a time, staying with the train all day.

Someone else may know more.
Cheers Andrew Crawley

8th March 2021

8/3/2021

Paul Negus advises us to make sure you watch this...
Bristol Temple Meads
Tim Dunn is seen talking to Simon Gyde

Bristol Temple Meads features on the Yesterday channel on Tuesday evening at 8pm in The Architecture The Railways Built. Tim Dunn is seen talking to Simon Gyde, a good friend of mine, who boned up on the history of Temple Meads in preparation for the programme. Simon tells me that he was amazed by Tim's knowledge of the station - far better than anything he had read! Incidentally, Simon was responsible for the "refurbishment" of Dawlish station footbridge a few years back where a wholly fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) look-alike was installed as refurbishing the original and making it durable was not cost effective. It became the first wholly FRP bridge structure to be Grade II listed.

I would also like to say that I have been to a few meetings in the GWR Board Room (which you will see in this episode) and I always feel the presence of those pioneers including IKB. It will be a very nostalgic programme for me ...

Here are a couple of shots to remind us of the impressive train shed and the additional platforms tacked on the outside, so to speak. The first is Harry Patch on 18th November 2019 on a Taunton to Cardiff service and the other is Flying Scotsman ready to meet her public on 8th October 2018 on The Cathedrals Express.

Enjoy watching! Paul Negus

Bristol Temple Meads Harry Patch on a Taunton to Cardif service. 18th November 2019. Copyright Paul Negus

Bristol Temple Meads Flying Scotsman ready to meet her public on the Cathedrals Express, 8th October 2018. Copyright Paul Negus.

Many thanks to Paul Negus for this strong reminder - now don't forget!

Fully protected at
Saltash
Clive Smith

43158 leads the 08.00 Cardiff Central - Par into Saltash station with 43004 on the rear. The train terminated at Par due to lengthy engineering line closures in west Cornwall. There are five people on the station. All of them wearing masks. Well done.

The refurbishment of Saltash station is nearing completion and with covid restrictions being gradually lifted it will start to become the new communal space that it has been intended for. A preview of the interior was shown on the excellent TV series 'The Architecture The Railways Built' shown on the Yesterday Channel back in late January fronted by the enthusiastic Tim Dunn. Regards, Clive Smith.

Saltash 43158 leads the 08.00 Cardiff Central - Par into Saltash station with 430045th March 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive.

Highworth branch
Ken Mumford

The junction for the Highworth branch is situated about a mile east of Swindon station, however there is little left of the branch just a stub. Beyond the scrap terminal a number of sidings still exist apparently disused.

HIghworth branch 66051 on the scrap train 2 5th March 2021. Ken Mumford

The scrap being unloaded. 5th March 2021, Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

A query was made concerning operation of scrap trains on the stub of the Highworth branch.
We are not sure how this branch is operated these days. Andrew Crawley advises us that the disused sidings beyond the scrap yard were for BMW and are where the Longbridge train used to load up. The train could go right in, run round and then pull the train through a wagon at a time past EMR for loading but I'm not sure of track condition at the far end so don't know if it is used for that anymore as I've never seen it going in, but I wouldn't be surprised if it probably propels it in and then just draws forward a wagon at a time, staying with the train all day.

Thought for the day!
Penzance & Didcot Coaling stages
Trevor Tremethick

Hi Keith and Roger

Just to keep you on your toes!

Looking at Great Western coaling stages (for example, Penzance or Didcot) they tend to follow a fairly standard pattern as would be typical of the GWR. The coal wagons were propelled up the ramp and the coal transferred to wheeled tubs which were run out and tipped into the loco bunkers or tenders (not from a great height, as the Welsh coal was soft and would tend to break up with a long drop).

All well and good, but what tends to be ignored in captions to pictures of coal stages (and, indeed, descriptions generally) is the 'ground floor'. There generally seems to be, on the lower level, a door and at least one window (reference the pictures of PZ coal stage on the CRS site). So, what was on the ground floor? Was it just a 'bothy' for the coal men or was it an office where they kept tallies for coal supplies, ordering paperwork, that sort of thing? The internet appears to be largely silent on this.

I'd like to know, both for modelling purposes and general interest. Well, the devil makes work for idle hands in a pandemic, as you know!

Any help gratefully received!

Regards to all

Trevor T

7th March 2021

7/3/2021

Trewoon Complete
Nathan Hadley

Trewoon complete. 6th March 2021. Copyright Nathan Hadley.

A fine picture of a fine job well done - thank you Nathan.

A few items of interest from
Exeter.
David Tozer

1) St James' Park is now nearly complete. Looking like only new lighting and patching of the approach paths needing atttention. 158956 with 1011 St James' Park to Barnstaple
2) A general view of St James' Park.
3) Class 165 165134 became the first of this class to venture to and from Exmouth working the 1017 from St David's to Exmouth. Prior to this the unit had been engaged on driver training runs from Exeter to Goodrington on Mondays to Fridays. Class 166 have a regular Monday to Friday diagram.
4} Finally after many years of wrangling work has finally started on Marsh Barton Halt or is it station. The approach road is now closed off to motor vehicles and various markers/markings have appeared. In my photograph you can make out some stakes in the grass.
Regards, Dave Tozer

St James Park 158956 10.11 to Barnstaple 6th March 2021 Copyright David Tozer

General view of the almost completed St James Park' 6th March 2021 Copyright David Tozer

St James Park 165134 6th March 2021. Copyright David Tozer

Work starts at Marsh Barton.

Marsh Barton 6th March .2021 Copyrught David Tozer

Many thanks David

Nanstallon crossing signal
Andrew Jones

Whilst researching this short article a number of surprising facts came to light.
Please find a ‘then and now, July 1972 and March 2nd 2021’ view of the Nanstallon level crossing protection signal situated approx 4,000 feet from Nanstallon signal box looking towards Wadebridge. In common with a number of signals on this shared LSWR and GWR section it was of lattice work design and construction which gave the appearance of considerable height.
Remarkably this signal survived for many years after passenger closure, but was disconnected when Nanstallon signal box was decommissioned.
A signal wire repeater can be seen in photograph 2, which due to the considerable distance, used a balance weight pivoted to lessen the load on the signal box lever. These were not unusual but it would still have been an effort for the signalman, due in part, to the reverse curves on the approach to the long straight and signal position opposite Denby, (now the site of the Camel Valley Vineyard).
The 1972 photograph illustrates just how well managed the lineside undergrowth was controlled 50 years ago. Within a year or so this view changed considerably, when the National Grid expanded the 400kv supergrid network and installed pylons across the Camel Valley causing much outrage at the time. The cost of burying the cables was looked into but proved to be extremely expensive due the the Camel River and the idea was dropped.
During construction a BR lookout was employed to protect the railway even though only one train a day used the section at 06.00 am.
Incidentally on completion of the supergrid, Hayle Power Station which had already been rationalised was decommissioned in 1973, and there is a very interesting article and some archive railway photographs at www.octelamlwch.co.uk/hayle
or look up the Hayle section. who used the spent hot water from the power station and were the eventual cause of its demise.
Hayle power station was subsequently completely levelled due to a construction agreement that stated that the surrounding area should be reinstated to its natural state on closure.

Very best wishes Andrew and Diane

Photograph 1 lattice work signal post approx 4000 feet from Nanstalon signal box towards Wadebri 1972 Copyright Andrew Jones. Note how well the track was kept.

Photograph 2. The same location agsin in 1972. Copyright Andrew Jones.

The site of the lattice work signal post seen on the 2nd March 2021. Copyright Andrew Jones. Near the site of the Camel Valley Vineyard - time for a stop!!

Unfortunately due to the lower resolution of the Weebly Website the above photographs may not be as crystal clear as the originals.

Many thanks for your time and trouble preparing this article Andrew. N.B. You will also find the material on Hayle Power station available on Andrews link very interesting.

A further and much appreciated note received within minutes of our posting on the website from Chris Osment - Rail West.
Keith
With regard to the item about the Nanstallon “crossing signal”, based on the location then that would have been the Down Distant (lever No 10) for Nanstallon. It is interesting to see, from the remnant of the spectacle plate, that this was yet another ex-L&SWR signal that was still a lower-quadrant at the time of its abolition, which had been sited on the right-hand side of the line presumably to improve its sighting by approaching trains.

I can not find any official record for the distance of that signal from the crossing box, but based on Andrew’s assessment then at over 1300 yards it was certainly a long ‘pull’. When the crossing keeper put back lever 10 after a train had passed then there would have been a considerable length of slack signal wire which had to be ‘pulled in’. The purpose of the additional weight lever seen on the short post in the second photograph would have been to help to pull in that slack, to ensure that the signal arm and its own weight lever could return fully to the ‘on’ position’.

It is possible also that elsewhere along the wire run there had been a ‘gain stroke’ lever to enable the relatively short stroke of lever 10, when pulled over to clear the signal, to be able to take up all the slack that would exist in such a long length of wire.

Regards, Chris (One learns everyday - thank you Chris)

6th March 2021

6/3/2021

The enhancement of the Long Rock Beach Cycle and Walkway
Roger Salter

Running alongside the mainline at Longrock is the cycle path and walkway which is now under transformation with trees being planted amongst the brambles. Once these trees grow views of the railway could be obscured over much of the length of this path. In the distance rock amour is being installed to protect the railway from the sea. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Silverton & Newbridge
Ron Kosys

33103 passes Silverton with a short formed 7V80, 0408 Woking to Meldon Quarry ballast empties.
It can be presumed the return working was expected to be heavier as 33113 was acquired to assist during runround at Exeter Riverside. 7V80 is seen for a second time at Newbridge Cross heading for Newton St Cyres and Crediton. 4th May 1990

33103 Silverton 4th May 1990 Copyright Ron Kosys

33103+33113 Newbridge Cross 4th May 1990 Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

St Germans
Roger Winnen

A well lit St Germans Viaduct with a Class 50. 26th November 1977. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger.

Wootton Bassett
(2014 and 2018)
Guy Vincent

Here are some modern images for Martin Baker to compare against his father, Terry's, stunning shot of D1036 assisting an ailing Brush 4 in what I guess was probably the early summer of 1976. D1036 was withdrawn on 29th October of that year with final disposal at Swindon Works recorded as 24th February 1977. The first of four more recent views dates from August 2014 and looks towards Swindon with the up goods loop to the left and the modernised signal (SN145) and milepost 83 visible. The area formerly occupied by the station building is used as a dumping ground by Network Rail, on the opposite side of the line is the Hill's Aggregates terminal which receives stone from Merehead quarry 3-4 times a week. Of course electrification has radically altered even this view with three later pictures from February and April 2018 showing the masts in place and awaiting full wiring-up, also the electricity supply sub-station and a line of new houses beyond the loop close to the station site (I hope they like fast electric trains 24/7!) Finally a view looking west (or down) towards the actual junction. For almost 40 years there have been numerous calls and campaigns to reopen the station here (as at Corsham) but, as can be seen, no progress has been made so one can only conclude there is no real will on the part of the authorities to actually do anything..

Guy Vincent March 2021.

Wootton Bassett 2 Up Goods Loop & Signal SN145. Taken in August 2014. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Wootton Bassett It's February 2018 and the dreaded electrification overheads have arrived. Copyright Guy Vincent

Woott0n Bassett again in February 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Wootton Bassett (Down) April 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Wootton Bassett 1 D1036 Western Emperor was called to assist as a Class 47 rolled to a halt at Wootton Bassett Copyright Terry Bradley. (This is the picture mentioned at the top of Guys article)

Wootton Bassett Junction and station. This map courtesy of the National Museum of Scotland (Non commercial use) is from the 25" OS map . Wootton Bassett is to the north. The metals to the lower left serve Bath and Bristol. To the upper left serve Bristol Parkway and Wales to the lies Swindon. Wootton Basset station closed 4th January 1965.

Many thanks Guy.

Paignton
Paul Barlow

Inter city swallow liveried 47826 Springburn waits at Paignton with the1303 to Manchester 1M31 3 June 2002. Copyright Paul Barlow .

Many thanks Paul.

5th March 2021

5/3/2021

Fireworks at
Trewoon
Andrew Keast

A new and very welcome contributor Andrew Keast was at the bridge site for the cutting out and lifting of the old bridge. We are most grateful for all his and contributions received please click here to go straight to 'Features January to June 2021' and scroll to see the pictures.

A large flame cutter severs the ties holding the bridge in position. Trewoon bridge. 1st march 2021. Copyright Andrew Keast.

Work continues. 1st March 2021. Copyright Andrew Keast.

In this view the very large crane and cradle can be clearly seen. 1st march 2021. Copyright Andrew Keast.

Andrew stayed at the worksite for several hours. Many thanks to you Andrew for these pictures and also to our many other contributors.

St Austell area
Engineering works
Craig Munday

Report dated 4th March 2021
The week-long St Austell blockade has reached the half-way point. Up to ten engineering trains currently reside between St Austell and Truro, concentrated on the worksites of St Austell, Burngullow and Tregarne viaduct at Probus.

The project has also seen the replacement of the 50 year old metal rail over A3058 road bridge at Trewoon just west of Burngullow. The Ground Frame at St Austell has been rationalised with the up siding being removed. Turnback moves will still be able to be accommodated via the remaining crossover.

Images from the 28th Feb into 1st March see an armada of engineering trains arrive in the Duchy and take their respective places prior to the possession being taken. In recent years, good use has been made of the "wrap around" or TPAT (Taking possession around train) to give it its proper name!

Historically, all movements into an engineers possession (T3) entered at either end once the possession had been granted. Nowadays, trains can be signalled normally, and placed at fixed signals within the affected area and the T3 get taken around them. Up to four trains employed this method in Par that night, three on the down and one on the up line. This speeds up the worksites commencing considerably.
It was a remarkable sight to see three Colas class 70 hauled engineering trains pass through St Austell station within 35 minutes late evening on the 28th.

Two further DB Cargo trains entered the possession conventionally, and are seen at Par platform awaiting instructions after midnight. (6W41 with 66009 and 6W42 with 66158).

Some other daylight pictures on subsequent days were obtained when duty allowed, including the worksite at Burngullow, and trains in the cutting at Trevannion Road bridge near Gover viaduct.

On 3rd March 2021, the first train from the blockade heads back east running as 6W44 14.12 Par to Westbury and dodges the heavy showers as it passes Budge's Shop near Trerulefoot. The locos are DB Cargo 66001 leading 66077 working top and tail.

Also pictured is the gap at Trewoon where the bridge once stood.

Sorry for the long post!!

Best wishes

Craig

Engineers St Austell 28th February 2021 Copyright Craig Munday.

6W41 66009 Par 1st March 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

66158 6W42 Par 1st March 2021 Copyright Craig Munday.

Trewoon bridge. 2nd March 2021 Copyright Craig Munday.

Engineering trains Burngullow 2nd March 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks Craig. There is a 'growing' collection of pictures in our Features Jan 21 to June 21 - please click here.

Paignton
Paul Barlow

43063 leads with 43198 on the tail forming the 20.44 Paignton to Exeter on the 4th May 2019. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Changes at
Falmouth (Docks)
Andrew Vines

I was interested to see Roger Winnen's pictures of the rather woebegone remains of Falmouth station recently, taken at the end of March 1975. We visited less than four months later after reopening and the site had been transformed with new paint and a new entranceway at the far end. (My photo and copyright.)
Best wishes, Andrew Vines.

Falmouth Docks - the re-opened station taken in April 1975. Copyright Andrew Vines.

Falmouth Dock station in a state of dereliction. 31st March 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks Andrew - and Roger.

A model article
Bere Alston
Trevor Tremethick

Trevor kindly wrote in providing a link to a most interesting article and series of pictures. Track layouts - it's all there in fine detail - highly recommended.
Sent to me by a fellow photographer today.
I'm told it is an open site, so can be linked.

saltash.org/south-east-cornwal…

Best wishes, Trevor.

Many thanks for the link Trevor and congratulations to the modeller.

4th March 2021

4/3/2021

Wootton Bassett
Terry Baker

A photograph by my Father Terry Baker of one of my first recollections of a train.
An unidentified 47 coasted to a halt at Wootton Bassett having completely lost power, the driver called for assistance and D1036 Western Emperor arrived wrong line from Swindon and reversed onto the train.
Apart from the houses on the right I doubt anything in the picture remains at this location today.
Kind Regards, Martin Baker.

A very rare shot at this location taken by Terry Baker. Copyright Martin Baker

Many thanks Martin.

Some more information kindly researched by Guy Vincent :-
7E36 0250 Severn Tunnel Junction - Temple Mills. 7V45 1022 Temple Mills - Severn Tunnel Junction as far as Swindon. 1C61 1300 Paddington - Swansea from Swindon to Cardiff piloting failed class 47. 0V45 Light Diesel Cardiff to Swindon where it returned to 7V45, working this to Severn Tunnel Junction. See: westernlocomotiveresearchsociety.com for just about anything you may wish to know about 'Westerns'.

This date coincides with the Whitsun school half-term holiday and so accounts for the family group watching proceedings at the lineside!

Regards. Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy

Wide load - caution bridge on the move.
Trewoon
Nathan Hadley

Trewoon Bridge The "first section of the bridge on the move tonight as it went down the A3058 Westbridge Road from the Burngullow/Blackpool Dries site to the bridge site in Trewoon." 3rd March 2021, Copyright Nathan Hadley.

Many thanks Nathan.

Torre
Paul Barlow

We overlook the station area as RES class 47 47746 'The Bobby' nears the end of its journey with the 09.17 Manchester to Paignton passes through Torre station. It's the 22nd September 2001. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Class 802 020 says
Thank you
Mick House.

Class 802 020 Saying Thank You. By Mick House.
Class 802 020 Saying Thank You to Our Key Workers, formed the 14.52 off of Truro arriving 15.31 Penzance. I photographed it at Wheal Busy crossing at 14.59. And yes, we owe them a lot.

Photo 1) Leading coach 831020 passes Hallenbeagle engine house. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 2) Trailing Coach 835020 with the engine house behind. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 3) Side on shot of trailing coach 835020 giving you a bit more detail of the decals. Copyright Mick House.

Thank you Mick and also MANY THANKS TO THE NHS.

3rd March 2021

3/3/2021

Paignton
Paul Barlow

47822 12.10 Paignton to Liverpool at Paignton.26th August 2000. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Salisbury
Ron Kosys

33102 approaches Salisbury on the 3rd May 1989 with the 08.10 Waterloo-Salisbury Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron

Carne Point Clays
John Hird

John follows the workings of a particular locomotive, 37025, on clay workings.

37025 arrives at Lostwithiel. 23rd May 2005. Copyright John Hird.

37025 takes the full CDA's down to Carne Point passing Golant at very nearly full tide. 23rd May 2005. Copyright John Hird.

Quite soo afterwards 37 025 returns with a string of empties. The tide must have reached full tide and be turning. 23rd May 2005.

37 025 is now seen back at St Blazey depot preparing another train. 24th May 2005. Copyright John Hird.

37025 is seen running into Lostwithiel on its next journey up country. 24th May 2005. Copyright John Hird.

Many thanks John.

Carn Brea area.
Mark Lynam

A couple of photos I got this morning of 802020 in it's Thank you key workers livery, which is stuck in the far West this week due to engineering works between Truro and Par.
Thanks, Mark Lynam

802020 at site of North Crofty Junction, Brea. working the 2T36 1058 Penzance to Truro. 2nd March 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam

802020 on the return journey at Carn Brea working 2P53 11.55 Truro to Penzance on the 2nd March 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks Mark.

2nd March 2021

2/3/2021

This mornings pictures
Trewoon Bridge
Nathan Hadley

Dear Keith,
Please find attached 3 photos of the scene at Trewoon taken this rather grey morning by my son Nathan on his morning walk. Two are taken from the road on the north side and the third taken looking along the track eastwards from the bridge over Hembal Lane. The old bridge has been completely removed. Feel free to use them on your website if you so wish.
Yours sincerely, Phil Hadley

Trewoon Bridge work 2nd March 2021 Copyright Nathan Hadley . View from North side.

Trewoon Bridge work 2nd March 2021 Copyright Nathan Hadley . View from North side. (2)

Trewoon Bridge work A view along the track eastwards from the bridge over Hembal Lane 2nd March 2021 Copyright Nathan Hadley

Many thanks to Nathan and Phil.

Variety in the West
Roger Winnen

750316l D1001 Western Pathfinder & D1006 Western Stalwart approaches Camborne 16th March 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

750329a D1006 Western Stalwart arrives Penzance on the 10.52 Plymouth Penzance service on 29th March 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

750322a Class 25s on shed at Long Rock its 22nd March 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

750323a Long Rock Sheds on 23rd March 1975. . Copyright Roger Winnen

750318a Prototype High Speed Train at Penzance on its first visit 18th March 1975 Visit the bookstall see Page 3 of the Sun Newspaper which is on sale, it must be a naughty photograph. Copyright Roger Winnen

750318b Prototype High Speed Train at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Start made on the demolition of Dawlish Boathouse
Dawlish
Clive Smith

Monday 5th February saw the start of the demolition of the building which was owned by Network Rail and in a state of disrepair. The sea wall will be rebuilt much higher here. Network Rail has said "A footprint will be left to show where the building stood and we plan to reuse the stone in constructing new public benches within the project. We’ll also need to adjust the bottom section of the existing footbridge steps at this location".

I took extensive photos on 5th September 2020 and the first picture shows a down Cross Country HST passing the boat house. The second picture shows Laira allocated 47478 approaching with the 1V71 07.20 Leeds - Penzance 'The Cornishman' on the 27th August 1980.

Regards, Clive Smith

47478 approaches with the 07.20 Leeds to Penznce the Cornishman on the 27th August 1980 .Copyright Clive Smith,

Many thanks Clive.

D400 and Sir Edward Elgar at Reading
Michael Forward

I send a picture which I hope will be of interest to members,namely 50007 and D400 at Reading on 15 June 1982. I had seen them earlier outside Old Oak Common depot and they took the Line to the West so maybe headed for Laira,perhaps someone knows.No Realtime Trains then so a lucky shot! Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Cornish Peaks
Clive Smith

A trip down memory lane here with some oldies showing these versatile locos across the Duchy.
Regards, Clive Smith.

(1) 45110 stands at Camborne with the 13.45 Penzance - Bristol TM on the 2nd April 1983 with a load 12 of seven passenger vehicles and five parcel vans. Copyright Clive Smith.

45046 stands at St Austell with the 10.20 Plymouth - Penzance on the 2nd May 1983 which was a bank holiday. No parcel vans on the train so the train was a much shorter load five. Note the steam from the loco's boiler gushing out at the rear. 45/0s were very infrequent on this train as it was a solid electric train heated (ETH) 45/1 turn.The loco off this train was booked to go back on the 13.45 Penzance - Bristol TM but for some reason 50011 was the returning loco this day which was wet and cool and I suspect the steam heating boiler was too much trouble for the secondman. Copyright Clive Smith.

45129 waits at Truro with the 13.45 Penzance - Bristol TM on the 5th February 1983. Copyright Clive Smith.

A battered looking 45124 awaits departure from Penzance with the 13.45 to Bristol TM on the 23rd April 1983. Rather sad to report that there was some vandalism to three peaks allegedly by rail enthusiasts involving objects and some red paint. 45124 was one of the victims. Copyright Clive Smith.

45068 waits at platform 2 at Newquay on the front of the 18.00 to Plymouth on the 3rd August 1985. Platform 1 appears to be in disuse. 45068 was a bit of a rare beast on passenger trains being a 'no heat' peak (its steam heat boiler had been isolated) .45068 had arrived on the 1V73 08.38 from Manchester Piccadilly and I'd been on it since Bristol Temple Meads clocking up 183 miles. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive, Memories of the Peak of your spotting.

Paignton South
Paul Barlow

45001 approaches Paignton South with ECS for 0840 to Newcastle 1E36 21st August 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Snow at Par
But thankfully not this week!
Scott Peters

60024 in the snowy yard at St Blazey. 3rd February 2009 Copyright Scott Peters.

Many thanks Scott.

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