Blog Archives

31st March 2022

31/3/2022

Antwept running on the Bodmin & Wenford
Roger Winnen

220331a Austerity Saddle Tank 75178 approaches Charlies Gate on the 10.30 Bodmin General to Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

With regard to the article by Roger Winnen on the austerity tank at the Bodmin and Wenford can I point out that it's name is not "Antwept". In fact it doesn't and never did have a name in NCB service at Treorchy, being referred to as "NCB" due to the lettering on the tank. ( All of the other locos at this site had names). It is Bagnall works No 2766 which was numbered 75178 in War Dept Service. The lettering on the cab is "Antwerp". These identifications were applied to the WD locos before they were shipped abroad. In fact it went to Calais. The "Antwerp" label was only applied because the loco was being painted in a WD livery at the BWR and we happened to have a set of transfers left over from a similar job on another austerity, Swiftsure , that had gone to Antwerp in its WD days. Philip Hawke
Many thanks indeed Philip for putting me on the right track for Bagnell 75178
Roger Winnen

220331b Departure from Bodmin Parkway at 11.00 sees 75178 approaching Charlies Gate. Copyright Roger Winnen

220331c Working hard climbing the bank out of Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

220331d The new road bridge at Bodmin which opened only a few days ago. Copyright Roger Winnen

220331e 75178 running around at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger.

The coal conveyor at
Avonmouth
Guy Vincent

It is worth putting on record that a long stretch of the elevated coal conveyor situated adjacent to the Severn Beach line between Avonmouth and St Andrews Road is in the process of being dismantled for scrap. A trip along the line last weekend found a large section had already gone and workmen were engaged on cutting up the remains close by St Andrews Junction Signal Box. The conveyor was built in the early 1990s to enable coal brought by ship into Portbury docks (on the opposite side of the Avon) to be loaded into coal trains for movement to power stations. Didcot Power Station was a major user of this coal and many millions of pounds were spent building a brand new siding complex at St Andrews Road, including full signalling provision and improvements made to the line towards Bristol Parkway. Further east long running loops were installed between Swindon and Didcot. As we know coal is no longer used for power station fuel in the UK and the conveyor has been disused for some time. I believe Storm Eunice caused a certain amount of damage to the conveyor and this could be why demolition is under way.

Regards for now, Guy Vincent

Firstly some earlier pictures

Avonmouth coal plant 1 Avonmouth St Andrews Junction Signal Box 23rd September 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

Avonmouth coal plant 2 Avonmouth Coal Conveyor Feb 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Avonmouth coal plant 3 St Andrews Road Coal Discharge Plant Feb 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent.

And now some taken in March 2022

Avonmouth coal plant 4 Avonmouth Conveyer Removal March 2022 (1) Copyright Guy Vincent

Avonmouth coal plant 5 Avonmouth Conveyer Removal March 2022 (2) Copyright Guy Vincent

Avonmouth coal plant 6 Avonmouth Coal Conveyer Removal March 2022 (3) Copyright Guy Vincent

Avonmouth coal plant 7 Avonmouth Coal Conveyor Loading Tower St Andrews Road March 2022 Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy.

Courtesy Wikipedia - At the Royal Edward, a Gottwald HSK 260 Harbour Crane can unload up to 10,000 tonnes of coal per day; whilst two 2,500 tonne rapid bulk-handling conveyors at Royal Portbury discharge into a conveyor system which runs under the River Avon in a tunnel. Freight trains are moved automatically under the bunkers at 0.8 kilometres per hour (0.50 mph), allowing a 1,750 tonnes (1,930 tons) train to be fully and automatically loaded in under 36 minutes.

On Level Crossings
Chris Osment

Yesterday the operation of the gates at Combe Junction was mentioned and as they say, 'one thing leads to another' and Chris Osment kindly sent in the piece below.

On a ‘typical’ level-crossing of a small road across a single-track railway, then one gate each side was usually sufficient. If traffic was light then working them by hand was not too arduous and it avoided the need for a ‘winding’ mechanism that did not cause the gates to clash in the middle!

There were examples of four gates worked by wheel on a single-line crossing, especially where the road was much wider than the railway (such as Barnstaple Town), and then the gates overlapped when across the rails and moved essentially in two sets, one after the other. Conversely, there were many examples of crossings over double-track lines which had four gates, yet were still worked by hand (eg Eggesford, Edington Junction etc). Some – like Tipton St Johns – were hand-operated originally, but converted to wheel operation later.

Just to confuse the issue, it was not unknown for level-crossings on signal-box diagrams to be drawn with a ‘standard symbol’ of four gates, regardless of whatever actually existed on the ground. A good example here was at Wadebridge East – when I visited the station years after the railway had closed I spent a lot of time trying to find the non-existent road that would have gone over that crossing, only to realise eventually that actually it must have been little more than a footpath/track with a large wicket-type gate on each side of the line!
Regards Chris Osment

Wadebridge Level Crossing from footbridge looking towards Padstow 1968. Copyright Douglas Nicholls.. Note the overlapping gates.

Wadebridge from the same footbridge looking south towards the station. September 1968 Copyright Douglas Nicholls

Many thanks Chris and Douglas Nicholls.

Roy Hart comments - Douglas's photograph of Wadebridge looking south is of particular interest: note the two buildings in the right foreground. These are the former carriage shed (nearest) and engine shed (behind) of the old Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway. They dated from 1834-40 . Long gone now, of course.

Roy

Continuing Paul's Day Out
Truro
Paul Barlow

43122 (43160 heading) leaving Truro on 0749 Bristol to Penzance 22 March 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

30th March 2022

30/3/2022

All change
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
It's been a busy March with a nice variety of MOM and box shifts lately. From Clay Country to St Erth, it's been great to travel the Duchy, even if 12 hour shifts are now the norm in most cases.
I also dipped into Devon as the 50s made a fine sight up at Okehampton on 26th.
Some sheep on the line saw me visit Moorswater on Mothering Sunday, and a fine hedgerow of buttercups and primroses made a super foreground for a GWR service (800312 1C77) on the beautiful viaduct.
Mon 28th I was at St Erth noting 57603 on the down sleepers and also my first visit since the new branch platform extension had been completed. A five car unit will certainly be nearer the signal when these operate.
From the mainline to the branch next shift, and a decidedly colder start than those of late saw day break with 66165 looking rather desolate in the sidings at Goonbarrow behind the box as the sun made the thinnest of appearances.

Best wishes, Craig.

50007 at Okehampton 26th March 2022 Copyright Craig Munday

Moorswater 800312 1C77 27th March 2022 Copyright Craig Munday

St Erth on the 28th March 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

St Erth, note lengthened platform. 28th March 2022. Copyright Craig Munday.

Goonbarrow 66165 at rest. 29th March 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks for your round up Craig - very interesting material.

Departing
Plymouth
Nick Trudgian

The sun makes for a striking view as 50011 'Centurion' leaves Plymouth North Road with a 9-coach train inc a parcels Mk1 BG. Copyright Nick Trudgian.

Many thanks Nick.

Combe Jct. Pt 2
Andrew and Diane Jones

The Looe Valley Line has always ranked high up in my listings, for retention of those GWR characteristics which were abundant in the 1960’s but have largely disappeared from the modern network.

Photograph 1, depicts the current advertising, so reminiscent of Stanhope Forbes famous original art works, complimenting the chocolate and brown woodwork frame and sums up those pre war lazy days of ‘Castle and Kings’ , Cornish crabbers and ice cream. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Photograph 2, illustrates the solitary nature of Combe platform, stripped of much of the daytime service, its no wonder that its claim to fame is one of the UK least used stations, but local supporters have tried to up its profile and it remains defiant to faceless railway accountants! Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

hotograph 3, The shape of things to come, (possibly???) my fully electric Vauxhall Mokka parked next to Victorian infrastructure, which will probably out last the governments half hearted approach to the green revolution. Vauxhall claim my car will do 200 miles on one charge but don’t tell you that if you turn the heating on, drive above 50 mph and the winds in the wrong direction you will be lucky to cover 100 miles, Brunel would turn in his grave! Opps! I digress, Combe Junction platform has two entrances this one is at Lamellion. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Photograph 4, Here is the other entrance, adjacent the site of the original signal box. I wonder why warning signs still carry illustrations of long gone steam locomotives, surely confusing for younger generations! The gates now form an occupation crossing and rely on manual opening and closure. Up until 1956 these gates were wheel operated from inside the signalbox. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Coombe Jct looking north with the signamans motor bike parked under-the steps. Note the Crossing Gate wheel can be seen inside the box. 1948 Copyright the late John Vines

Many thanks Andrew - we look forward to parts 3 & 4.

Bodriggy Bridge
Paul Roach

Bodriggy Bridge. 22nd March 2022. Copyright Paul Roach.

Bodriggy Bridge. Not much in the way of a low bridge warning. 22nd March 2022. Copyright Paul Roach.

The vandalised bridge location sign. Bodriggy Bridge. 22nd March 2022. Copyright Paul Roach.

The much clearer new sign. Bodriggy Bridge. 22nd March 2022. Copyright Paul Roach.

Bodriggy Bridge is actually two independent bridges located side by side.. 22nd March 2022. Copyright Paul Roach.

And finally a view of Bodriggy bridge from and up Cross Country train. Bodriggy Bridge. 22nd March 2022. Copyright Paul Roach.

Many thanks Paul - thanks for your coverage.Hope you had a good visit to Birmingham.

29th March 2022

29/3/2022

A short interlude at
Lostwithiel
Paul Barlow

43092 leads 43093 arriving at Lostwithiel on 15.55 Plymouth to Penzance 22 March 2022 Copyright Paul Barlow

43093 Lostwithiel on 1555 Plymouth to Penzance 22 March 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow

Detail from the picture above. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43194 43172 arriving at Lostwithiel on 1550 Penzance to Gloucester 22nd March 2022 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul - a nice day for exploring.

Laira
Steve Widdowson

D1068 Western Reliance seen Laira Junctio n ~ Dave Pagett # S Widdowson collection

Many thanks Steve.

28th March 2022

28/3/2022

The Devon Quarryman
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you enjoyed your trip to Paignton, the class 50s looked great and I bet they sounded good. On the subject of railtours here is a picture taken on Saturday 24 November 1984 of ‘The Devon Quarryman’ at Meldon Quarry sidings .The picture shows 40086 and 40118.The Hertfordshire Railtours special started at Euston behind electric 81009,went to Birmingham where the 5os took over to head West.What long days we endured when we were younger! Thanks, all the best ,Michael Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Best of the rest of Devon
Andrew Triggs

166201 at Langstone Rock, Dawlish Warren, working 2T12 09.25 Exmouth-Paignton 26.3.2022 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Resident Tractor D6975 working 12.35 Paignton-Kingswear P&DR service, passing Goodrington sidings 26.3.2022 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Later at Three Arch overbridge, nearing Exminster, 802002 with 800007, working 1C82 13.04 London Paddington-Penzance 26.3.2022 Copyright Andrew Triggs

43156/098 working 2C77 13.00 Cardiff Central-Penzance nearing Three Arch overbridge, Exminster 26.3.2022 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many Thanks Andrew

Congratulations to the
Bodmin & Wenford
Discount Offer

Heritage Railways Association 2022 Awards
We are delighted to announce that we have won the 2022 Heritage Railway Association award for large groups. This award is a testament to all the hard work of the staff and volunteers over the past 12 months. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees and thank you to the HRA and sponsors for a fantastic evening.

To celebrate the award, from Tuesday 29th March until Sunday 3rd April, we are offering 50% off all our *All Line Tickets! When booking simply use the code AWARDS2022 to receive your discount.

Coombe St Stephens
Nick Trudgian

47597 on a down passenger service crossing Coombe St Stephen Viaduct Copyright Nick Trudgian. N.B. The stone viaduct, a replacement for the original timber structure, came into use on the 11th July 1886.

You've just caught the sun right Nick - the glint off the windscreen and the illumination of the stone arches beneath - many thanks.

Lostwithiel
Paul Barlow

43092 43093 arriving at Lostwithiel on the 15.55 Plymouth to Penzance 22nd March 2022 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

27th March 2022

27/3/2022

B & W Reopening
Chris Bellett

Bodmin and Wenford. Mothering Sunday Special Copyright Chris Bellett.

Many thanks Chris, on the ball, well done, nice day too.

Class 50 Railtour Yesterday
Pictures etc

Many thanks for all your pictures. Please note that we have established a special section 'Steam and Diesel Railtours 2022. This can be visited by clicking on the tab so labelled in the left hand margin of the Home Page or by clicking here.

50007 and 50049 seen at Silverton on the Class 50 Railtour 26th .2022. Copyright David Tozer.

Picture from yesteryear
St Dennis Junction
Nick Trudgian

37299 seen at St Dennis taking away the very last train from the Meledor branch St-Dennis-Junction. 25th August 2001. Copyright Nicholas Trudgian.

Many thanks Nick - glorious sun on a very sad day.

Special Saloon 9004
Michael L Roach

Dear Keith
I was pleased to read the news item by Chris Bellett today (26th March 2022) about Special Saloon 9044. In 2019 I wrote the attached book review for the Welsh Railways Research Circle which was published in the WRRC Newsletter. Its about a delightful little book which I enjoyed reading at "Kresen Kernow" the Cornwall Record Office at Redruth.
Have a good day, Mike.

The booklet cover - Michael L Roach

Something Special John Burden

The intriguing story of the country's oldest GWR luxury carriage

Paperback: 125 pages £7.50
Publisher: Wessex Books, Salisbury
ISBN: 978 1 903035 44 3

This is the story of just one GWR carriage which somehow has survived against all the odds to be the the oldest luxury carriage built by the Great Western Railway and the oldest bogie coach in Great Britain. It was the Midland Railway who first had the bright idea of putting a 4-wheel bogie under each end of a railway coach. The GWR soon followed and brought together all the latest and best in carriage design to build a Special Saloon in 1881, numbered 248. The idea behind the saloon was that it would be hired out to royalty and celebrities and be attached to service trains in the main. The coach continued in this role with a new number 9044 until 1936 when it became an Inspection Coach, with new number 80973, for the Civil Engineer's Office allocated to the Wolverhampton District, but based at Shrewsbury, and kept under cover when not in use. Indeed this may be part of the reason for its longevity that it was kept under cover when not actually in use. In 1961 the coach was condemned at Swindon and available for disposal. It was purchased for £225 and taken to the Dowty Preservation Centre at Ashchurch, however it would be many years before restoration was completed. In 2007 the coach arrived at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway and it was here that the majority of the restoration was done culminating in a ceremony on 11 October 2013. Restoration had taken 51 years.

Special Saloon 248/9044 made many trips to South Wales in the period between 1878 and 1919 and very often to the most unlikeliest spot on the railway network, a bleak and lonely industrial location high up in the Brecon Beacons. But first we must go back to 1843 and Madrid where a child was born to a couple of Italian opera singers on tour. That child was named Adelina Patti and she would grow up to become one of the most famous opera singers of all time, commanding huge fees for singing at live concerts all over the world. For a person who could have lived in luxury anywhere in the world she chose to make her home in the Tawe Valley of West Glamorgan. In 1878 she fell in love with and bought Craig-y-Nos Castle in the Brecon Beacons National Park. She paid £3,500 for the house and parkland. Seeing that she could command fees of £1,000 per performance the price would not have dented her fortune much. The area was served by a railway station called Penwyllt on the Neath & Brecon Railway some 22 miles from Swansea and 14½ miles from Neath. The station was about a mile from the Castle in a bleak area of quarrying activity. The station was improved with special facilities for Miss Patti and later renamed Craig-y-Nos (Penwyllt). Her journeys abroad all began or ended at Craig-y-Nos Station in Special Saloon 9044 and her guests were also treated to a journey in 9044 on their visits to Craig-y-Nos. Miss Patti gave her last concert in 1914 (at the Royal Albert Hall) and died peacefully at Craig-y-Nos Castle in 1919 at the age of 76.

John Burden has written a delightful little book about Special Saloon 9044 which should appeal to enthusiasts the Great Western Railway, Neath and Brecon Railway or Welsh Railways in general. There is extensive coverage of the coach at every phase of its long life up to the date that restoration was completed including much about Adelina Patti and Craig-y-Nos. The book was published in 2013 and is no longer available new, but is worth seeking out in the secondhand market. The original price was £7.50 for 125 pages profusely illustrated in colour. The publishers appear to have gone out of business since the book was published.

Scan: 3258 (book cover)

MLR / 23 October 2019

Many thanks Mike - looks like a dream coming true.

Signals & Crime
Roy Hart

Dear Keith and Roger,
I notice from the website that each time a picture of Par appears, yet another signal has lost its ball-and-spike finial. What a sad sign of decline it is that such repeated thieving can go on in such a public place!
Roy Hart.

Perhaps there is some dictate that the finials are removed when the signal receives routine maintenance. Thanks Roy.

26th March 2022

26/3/2022

Last Tuesday at
Par
Paul Barlow

43088 43040 arrives at Par on 1515 Penzance to Plymouth passes FGW blue liveried 150238 22nd March 2022 Copyright Paul Barlow

This picture dramatically demonstrates the falling gradient from St Austell compared to the Chapel Siding. Many thanks Paul.

B&WR
GWR Victorian Bogie Saloon Coach
Chris Bellett

Hi Keith, Some news from the B&WR for you:

"The South Devon Railway and Bodmin and Wenford Railway are pleased to announce that GWR First Class Saloon 9044 has arrived at Buckfastleigh for recommissioning work and use on the railway during the summer.

The carriage was built in 1881 and is believed to be the oldest surviving GWR bogie coach in existence. Originally used as a family saloon for the high society, it has supposedly seen passengers such as King Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, and opera singer Madame Patti. In 1936 it was converted to a Civil Engineers Saloon and was travelled in by officers of the Great Western Railway and then British Railways until it was withdrawn in the 1960s. The carriage was restored to use in 2013 and has since operated on special days from it’s home at Bodmin station, Cornwall.

Whilst at the South Devon Railway, recommissioning work and maintenance will be carried out on 9044 before it is used for a period during the summer season. It’s debut on the SDR is expected to be during the lines 150th Anniversary event between the 30th April and 2nd May, where passengers will be able to experience what travel was like over 140 years ago.

David Nelson-Brown, Chairman of the Bodmin and Wenford Railway PLC said “ We are delighted to be able to enter into this partnership with our friends at the South Devon Railway. Covid created backlogs in our workshop has side-lined this historic vehicle for too long and this loan to South Devon will see the carriage back in traffic much quicker than at home. We are looking forward to seeing it in action this summer across the River Tamar and are already making plans for its use in Cornwall next year.

Kind Regards, Chris Bellett. Retired S&T Engineer, CRS Member

Many thanks Chris, and good luck with the restoration to all concerned.

A reply concerning
CMS 5 or GMS 5
Simon Hickman

A Tramway, possibly somewhere in Cornwall - any ideas. Mark Graham Query EM 15.05 24th March 2022 -

Hi there,

Long time admirer of your website.

I was interested in Mark Graham’s picture on your website of the construction site with a stone tower behind. The stone building looks more like a former windmill tower to me, than anything connected with mining. I’m not aware of any tramways in the vicinity of the well-known surviving Windmill towers on the Lizard (https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1004397?section=official-list-entry), or the one at Carlyon near Rock (https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1124733?section=official-list-entry)

But there’s a less well-known one at Fowey – see https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1290443?section=official-list-entry. The windmill is alongside the (former?) waterworks, could the picture be of reservoirs under construction?

All just guesses of course, and the photo might not be in Cornwall.

Kind regards,

Simon Hickman
Principal Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas
Historic England South West Office
Direct Dial 0117 975 0717
Mobile 07766 364540

https://historicengland.org.uk/southwest

1st Floor - Fermentation North | Finzels Reach | Hawkins Lane | Bristol | BS1 6JQ

Many thanks Simon for your rapid response together with detailed links on Windmill Towers to Mark Grahams query. I hope that viewers will take a look at your links and that your letter leads to further correspondence.

B & W Reopens
Sunday 27th March

We are due to reopen on 27th March 2022, Mothers Day!
To celebrate reopening on 27th March, mums will be able to travel free on that day. To claim this offer, add a family of 3 or a family of 4 ticket bundle to the basket and use the discount code MUMSFREE2022.

Bodmin Branch '73
The late John Vines

With the re-opening of the Bodmin and Wenford this coming Sunday it seems to be a very good time to include a few of the pictures marvellous taken by the late John Vines, Andrews Dad.

Hello Keith,
I trust all is well, and Cornwall is starting to feel a taste of Spring. Attached are some pictures taken by Dad in the 1970s, for which I've been able to scan the negs, and which may be of interest.
Best wishes
Andrew Vines

The Bodmin General 'down' distant signal, a fixed wooden arm (fixed for good reason!) on a wooden post, still surviving on 30th September 1975. In answer to Andrew and Diane Jones' recent query, R A Cooke's track diagram book notes the Walker Lines siding here as opening for Messrs Fulford Trumps on 29th April 1973. Copyright the late John Vines

Bodmin General, still virtually complete except for the signals in February 1973. What a shame that so many of the structures visible did not survive between the first preservation phase and the second. Copyright the late John Vines.

A threatening sky at Boscarne Junction with a healthy rake of loaded clay wagons awaiting collection. The adjacent railwaymen's cottage is smartly painted; February '73., Copyright the late John Vines. Note also the flame burning brightly in the gate lamp.

The concrete remains of Grogley Halt, including the name board in Feb '73, but what is the former apparatus visible at the end of the platform? Copyright the late John Vines.

Grogley again - Andrew queries what may have been the purpose of the 'lamp' perched on the post - there seems to be a bracket for the platform light adjacent to the nameboard.

The check-railed reverse curves at Polbrock. Note the very well kept ballast, even at this late date in February '73. Copyright the late John Vines.

Many thanks for your Dads pictures Andrew - thanks to him these memories will be kept and revived.

25th March 2022

25/3/2022

A significant event at
Bodmin General
Chris Bellett

The freshly refurbished signalbox looking very smart seen on the 23rd March 2022. Copyright and Engineer Chris Bellett.

Hi Keith,
A significant event took place at the B&WR yesterday (23 March 2022). At 13.30 hours we signed into commission a revised signalling arrangement that introduced some new signalling facilities and motor operated points, as previously notified. This was the first major change to the signalling at Bodmin General since the ‘new’ system was installed some 12 years ago. The work was what we refer to Stage 5 of the eventual scheme to connect in the new Platform No.2. Next winter will see a further step towards that final commissioning.

The photograph shows the Bodmin General lever frame slumbering in the early spring sunshine, freshly painted and awaiting its first passenger train service this coming Sunday, Mother’s Day Sunday, 27 March 2022.

Take Care.

Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer
CRS Member

Many thanks and congratulations Chris - Don't forget that this coming Sunday is Mothers Day. Free travel for all Mums.

Truro
Paul Barlow

158959 leaving Truro on 0752 Bristol to Penzance 22 March 2022 Copyright Paul Barlow. A young person watches the Penzance train depart while he sits and waits the Falmouth connection. We also get the benefit of no less than four semaphore section starter signals in one shot.

Very nicely framed and composed - many thanks Paul.

Pilning Bank
Phil Smith

47624 seen in the 1980s powering up Pilning bank in the mists of time. Copyright Phil Shattered Smith

Many thanks Phil, keep digging in your bank too.

A query
CMS 5 or GMS 5
Mark Graham

Hello there,
I wondered if you might be able to offer any assistance in identifying the location in the attached early postcard.
I would estimate that it is pre 1920 and shows a horse drawn tramway cart with the letters CMS 5 on the side (could possibly be GMS but looks more like a C). There is also a steam navvy and it looks like a railway or tramway is being constructed.
There a shortish squat stone tower in the background which looks like the sort of thing found around the Cornish mining industry to my inexpert eye.
There is no information on the back of the postcard but it has a standard British backing of the era.
Any suggestions most welcome.
Kind regards,
Mark Graham

A Tramway, possibly somewhere in Cornwall - any ideas please. Mark Graham

Many thanks for your query Mark - any ideas anybody?

An apology
KJ

An apology is due to both Steve Widdowson and to Neil Phillips. A few weeks ago Steve sent in some superb pictures from a collection of a late signalman friend Dave Padget and willed to him with a request to ask if anyone who could furnish more details to go with the pictures. At the same time they were sent to our knowledgeable contact Neil Phillips. These were placed in our Features section as item 2214, but at the time incomplete. Time and a half went by and I’m afraid due to other activities this item wasn’t properly advertised as it should have been. Meantime various pictures got out of order – my very good friend and colleague Roger Winnen has taken it on to at least order this wonderful collection as best he can. If you can help with any other information please do so referencing it to the picture number.
Below are three examples from this feature – please use this link to get to that features section and scroll as necessary. Apologies to all concerned and of course many thanks.

Peak Laira Jn ~ Dave Pagett ~ S Widdowson collection

W51078 + W59436 + W51106 P587 At Barnstaple. Dave Pagett # S Widdowson collection

D1031 Western Rifleman at Newton Abbot {Milktrain} ~ Dave Pagett ~~ SW collection

I hope you will peruse and enjoy - my apologies to Steve and Neil for the delay and thank to Roger for sorting it out.

24th March 2022

24/3/2022

Activity today in and around Bodmin-Lostwithiel-Liskeard
Roger Winnen

220324a 5552 boiler and firebox is loaded onto a low loader for its journey to Exeter this morning, where restoration work will be carried out on this engine. Copyright Roger Winnen

220324b The new Class 08 at Bodmin 08359 which arrived recently. Copyright Roger Winnen

220324c GWR Toplight Corridor Third number 2434 looking very smart at Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bodmin & Wenford Railway reopens next Sunday Mothering Sunday with mothers able to travel free see their Website

220324d 66165 arrives at Lostwithiel with clay for Fowey. Copyright Roger Winnen

220324h With the Class 66 running around its train at Lostwithiel it moves off down the branch.. Copyright Roger Winnen

220324f Passing IETs Liskeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

220324g 66168 on the 15.08 St Blazey to Exeter Riverside approaches Liskeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

220324h Looking down from the road overbridge at Liskeard as 66168 passes by. Copyright Roger Winnen

Hackney Yard
Driver Alan Peters

The DCR aggregate train to Hackney yard generated a lot of interest as the second freight trial from Newton Abbot, although it is still unknown if these trains will become a regular feature. I was called upon to conduct the DCR rescue engine 66046 "William Wilberforce" from Westbury to Newton Abbot and return, on arrival at Hackney there was still a couple of wagons to load. Once loaded the wagons were then shunted to make up the train in top and tail formation with 60055 'Thomas Barnardo' at the rear which had failed with a starter motor issue before departing a 6Z60 to Willesden on 21st March 2022
Driver Alan Peters

Hackney Yard 60046 21st march 2022. Driver Alan Peters

Hackney Yard 60046 21st March 2022. Driver Alan Peters

Hackney Yard, the loading operation. 21st March 2022. Driver Alan Peters

A second trip to Devon on 22nd March 2022 with Colas Rail Freight 70810 to collect Colas Rail Kirow crane DRK81612, the train is seen under sunny sky's at Goodrington Yard. The Network Rail crane remains at Goodrington for a further week in connection with bridge replacement between Paignton and Torquay
Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan.

Chetnole
Bill Elston

The Derby RTC to Bristol via Westbury and Weymouth ran today, and is seen here passing Chetnole ( between Yeovil and Dorchester)
This was top and tailed by Colas-branded HST power cars, 43274 and 43272 on the rear.

Best wishes, Bill Elston.

Surprise, surprise, Many thanks Bill Elston

Into the sun at
Bodmin Parkway
Chris Harvey

Here is another one from the archives for you, from 23 years ago.
The location is Bodmin Parkway and the date is 13th March 1999. A pair of HSTs are captured in this shot looking west into the setting sun. On the left is the 1628 Penzance - Paddington approaching on the up line, whilst on the right preparing to depart is the 1335 Paddington - Penzance.
This was taken with a fairly cheap compact camera, and since looking at the sun for any length of time is never advisable, it was a case of "close your eyes, press the shutter and hope". It came out well!
Best Regards, Chris Harvey, Bodmin.

Many thanks Chris, a lucky shot indeed.

23rd March 2022

23/3/2022

All Change on the approach to Camborne Station
Roger Winnen

As you can see on the photographs below the tree loppers have been felling trees in the vacinity of Camborne Station

220323a The 11.50 Penzance to Plymouth crosses under the Pendarvas Road Bridge at Camborne. Copyright Roger Winnen

220323b The 07.52 158 service from Bristol departs Camborne for Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

220323c The 06.37 IET Paddington to Penzance departs Camborne. Copyright Roger Winnen

220323d The view from the other side of the bridge with Blaythorne Social Club formally Holmans Social Club on the right. Copyright Roger Winnen

Two from Liskeard
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, Hope you are well ,very exciting to see the two DCR 60s down your way and well covered on the site. I attach a picture taken by Michael Adams at Liskeard on 8 August 1986 showing 47245 on a down mixed freight. Copyright Michael Adams

We now see the Down Riviera Express with 43035 leading the way,nicely framed by the signals. Thanks, all the best. Copyright Michael Adams

Many Thanks Michael

Combe Jct. Pt 1
Andrew and Diane Jones

Diane had an appointment in Liskeard today which just gave me time to witness the ex Looe 10.08, non stop service to Liskeard. Its stated that coombe junction is a 600 yard walk from Liskeard station, what they don’t tell you is that the hill leading down to Combe is very steep and certainly not feasible at my age, so luckily I had the car.
There are few places so enchanting as Combe Junction on the Liskeard to Looe branch line.
Although devoid of its picturesque signal box it wouldn’t take much imagination to travel back in time.
The ‘Titfield Thunderbolt’ could easily have been filmed here on this lazy outpost of the GWR, overlooked by mainline trains from the lofty viaduct at the head of the valley.
In part one of this article, I have illustrated the reversal procedure, having descended the almost perfect horseshoe and lost considerable height from Liskeard Station the modern day guard has to climb down from the DMU, notify by phone the signal box at Liskeard and proceed to unlock the ground frame with the branch token, although a fairly relaxed procedure, in the teeth of a gale I should think it isn’t much fun!
The lady guard reminds me of the time when class 37’s ruled the day on the clays at Moorswater, and being quite taken back by a female driver (something unusual at the time),who climbed down from the cab in a rather short skirt and managed somehow to maintain her modesty!

Regards - Andrew.

Photograph 1 DMU 150221 working the 10.08 non stop service to Liskeard at Combe Junction 21st March 2022 Copyright Andrew Jones.

Photograph 2 The guard about to phone Liskeard signalbox 10.08 service 21st March 2022 Copyright Andrew Jones.

Photograph 3 Unlocking the ground frame at Combe Junction with branch token clearly visible 21st March 2022 Copyright Andrew Jones.

Photograph 4 150221 pulls forward through the occupation crossing but short of Combe Junction platform 21st March 2022 Copyright Andrew Jones.

Photograph 5 The rather striking Dartmoor Line graphics on the side of 150221 waiting reversal at Combe Junction 21st March 2022 Copyright Andrew Jones.

Photograph 6 150221 having reversed now on the rear climbs up to Liskeard on the 10.08 service 21st March 2022. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Many thanks Andrew - making good use of spare time - hope Diane is okay.

Spring in the air
Craig Munday

I was around the Truro - St Austell corridor recently following some issues there on 17th and took some pictures of the castle sets in their glory amongst the backdrop just beginning to bud.
66176 our old "friend" from 2014 has also visited. This was our loco marooned by the Dawlish washout and remained on the CDA circuit for an exceptional time. Nice to see it back, still in the same livery as then!

A set passing Scorrier was also recorded.

The 18th saw me at Par with glorious light all day. Some westbound trains were photographed in the afternoon sunshine.

Out on nights, the Night Riviera was spotted at St Austell with DRS liveried 57306 on the job.

66176 Treviscoe 6C53 17th March 2022 Copyright Craig Munday.

43041 crossing Fal Viaduct 18th March 2022. Copyright Craig Munday.

57306 on the 1A50 at St Austell 20th March 2022 Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig for your colourful March collection.

Almost complete -
Bodmin General
Chris Bellett

Hi Keith,
Attached are the latest site photographs of the continuing rebuild of Bodmin General bridge Nos.13A and 13B. I understand that the work will be completed, and Beacon Road reopened, on Wednesday 23 March 2022, today.
Take care.
Chris Bellett, Retired S&T Engineer, CRS Member

Many thanks Chris - let services commence!

It's a lovely day so lets go to
St Ives
Mark Lynam

Good evening Keith/Roger,

Below are a few photos taken on the St Ives branch from last Friday 18th March in the afternoon spring sunshine.

Thanks,
Mark Lynam

All pictures copyright Mark Lynam.

150265 departing St Ives over the viaduct working 2A32 1534 St Ives to St Erth.

150265 at Carbis Bay working 2A21 1248 St Erth to St Ives.

150265 above Porthkidney Sands with St Ives in the distance. Working 2A28 1433 St Ives to St Erth.

150265 at Carbis Bay working 2A23 1319 St Erth to St Ives.

150265 above Porthkidney Sands with St Ives in the distance. Working 2A28 1433 St Ives to St Erth.

22nd March 2022

22/3/2022

My love of Railways
Anonymous

In February 2021 an article appeared in a national newspaper by a well-known BBC journalist (who shall remain nameless) under the title “My love of railways kept me on the straight and narrow.” Here are a few quotes from that article to see if you can identify with the author.
1          Model trains and the full-size ones pulling in and out of Bristol Temple Meads station provided a route out of a lonely childhood for this broadcaster.
2          My own interest in railways is not some jolly little hobby. It goes to the very essence of who I am.
3          In my strange lonely childhood trains were a source of escape.
4          Occasionally, as a treat, my mother would take me to see the real thing. We lived not far from Bristol Temple Meads station, which is a glorious railway cathedral.
5          I never collected numbers as they didn't interest me. I collected the thrill of the order of it all.
6          Why me ? Why not my son or daughter. None are interested in trains, in fact they dislike them.
7          The inner joy of being at one with trains is a lifelong comfort. They really do take the strain.

Many thanks to our contributor.

Within minutes - an answer from Andrew and Diane Jones
Good morning Keith.....Justin Webb is I believe the author, someone with a similar view to me.....
Best wishes Andrew and Diane

You don't see one for years then two come at once!
Oath
Bill Elston

The 6Z60 Newton Abbot to Willesden stone train travelled via the the Somerset Levels today, and is seen here passing Oath,
Top and tailed by 60046 ( leading) and 60055. running some 25 minutes early, having omitted a pause at Taunton.

Funny thing, you don't see a 60 for several years, then two turn up at once!

All the best, Bill.

60046 at Oath, 21st March 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

60055 brings up the rear at Oath, 21st March 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill - the long blue makes a smashing photo,

Teignmouth
Paul Barlow

47602 runs into Teignmouth passing under Shute Hill road bridge with the 1M36 Penzance to Liverpool 28th September 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow

Paul dashes up the very long down platform at Teignmouth to witness 47602 departing with the 1M36 Penzance to Liverpool. 28th September 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

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