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Items added on the 20th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

20/4/2016

Colas Rail Tamper 73931
By Mick House

This morning Colas Rail Tamper 73931 ran from Tavistock Junction 09.35am arriving at Truro 34 minuets early at 10.53am on its way to Penzance arriving 36 minuets early at 11.35am.
I captured it at Apex Bridge.

73931 about to go under Apex Bridge. By Mick House

Cornwall moves to Dorset

In yesterdays news we covered a visit by D821 Greyhound to the Bodmin and Wenford Railway following a commitment at Falmouth Docks on March 24th 2001 for a twining ceremony. Here we see pictures taken by John Cornelius, then the signalman at Chard Junction, of D821 and class 50 D449 heading for an unknown destination a few days later.
Many thanks to John.

The pair stand on the loop at Chard Junction, in the background lies the Kilk Factory, now, in April 2016 in the process of demolition.Copyright John Cornelius;

A smashing view of D821 at Chard Junction in 2001. Copyright John Cornelius.

The nameplate carried by 'Greyhound' for a while. Copyright John Cornelius.

Class 50 D449, later 50 049 Defiance also subject to a conversion for use with the rail freight pool as 50 149. Copyright John Cornelius

John Cornelius fills a space

Up until now our coverage of the Somerset and Dorset Railway has lacked a picture of Templecombe Lower, however, coming up trumps, John Cornelius has provided that missing picture for which many thanks.

The Lower station at Templecombe was a single platform, originally a terminus but later little used, most trains using the spur up to the Southern main station on the Waterloo-Exeter route, where many passengers changed trains for onward transit. The original Lower station was opened on 18th January 1862 and closed on 17th January 1887, the Lower Platform opening on the same day at a site between the LSWR main line and Combe Throop Lane road bridge. The platform which was linked to the LSWR station by means of a footpath could only accommodate two coaches. The Lower Platform closed on 3rd January 1966, the original closure date planned for the S&D.

Minehead re-union twenty years ago.

The late Donald Beale was a legend on the Somerset and Dorset, a very skilled driver and a gentleman for whom Peter Smith, often his fireman, had a great respect. The pair are seen here at Minehead station during a re-union in 1986 - twenty years after the S & D closure. Copyright John Cornelius.

Items added on the 19th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

19/4/2016

Belmond British Pullman
The Cornish Weekend
These are the times from the Realtime Trains website covering its movements. It could be a very interesting weekend.

Friday 22nd April. London Victoria 09.48 Exeter St David's 15.01/15.06 Plymouth 16.31/16.42 Par 17.32/17.40 Truro 18.03/18.36 Truro Yard 18.48 Loco goes to St Blazey at 19.15 arriving St Blazey 20.03

Saturday 23rd April. St Blazey 07.15 Truro Yard 08.05/09.00 Penzance 09.40/10.20 Truro 10.55/11.00 St Austell 11.20/11.25 Plymouth 12.20/12.31 Liskeard 12.56 Par 13.17 Truro 13.37 Camborne 13.53 Penzance 14.10/14.25 Truro 14.59/15.04 St Austell 15.26/15.35 Par 15.41/15.43 Liskeard 16.04 Plymouth 16.35/17.00 Tavistock Jct 17.16/18.04 Plymouth 18.18/18.40 Exeter 19.53 Taunton 20.26/20.55 Plymouth 23.04 to Tavistock Jct

Sunday 24th April. Tavistock Jct 08.36 Plymouth 08.50/09.05 Liskeard 09.28 Par 09.48 Truro 10.09 Penzance 10.39 to slopers. Penzance dep 11.33 Truro 12.05. Depart Truro 12.20 St Austell 12.40/12.45 Plymouth 13.39/13.48 Exeter 14.52 London Victoria 20.45

THE PLYMOUTH ACCIDENT - AN INTERIM REPORT RELEASED

Subject: RAIL ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BRANCH MEDIA RELEASE - MONDAY 18 APRIL 2016

Collision at Plymouth station
From:
Rail Accident Investigation Branch
First published:
18 April 2016
Investigation into a collision between a moving and a stationary train, Plymouth, 3 April 2016

Image showing trains after the accident: 2E68 on the left (courtesy BTP)
At 15:34 hrs on Sunday 3 April 2016, a train entering platform 6 at Plymouth station, collided with a stationary train. Around 35 people, including the driver of one of the trains were injured, some seriously.
The stationary train, 1A91, had arrived in platform 6 around 34 minutes before the collision. This train would normally have used platform 7. On this occasion it could not, because the platform lifts were closed for planned maintenance and the train required its catering supplies to be restocked before its onward journey to London Paddington at 15:41 hrs. At the time of the collision, train 1A91 had one member of staff on board.
Train 2E68 was the 13:39 hrs service from Penzance to Exeter. It was formed of two class 150 diesel multiple units coupled together; a total of four vehicles. There were approximately 60 passengers on the train as it approached Plymouth. This train was booked into platform 8 at Plymouth but the signaller decided to signal the train into platform 6 behind train 1A91 so that passengers intending to catch train 1A91 could do so easily as the lifts were not working on both platforms 7 and 8. Allowing trains to share a platform is known as permissive working, and is allowed for passenger trains using platform 6. The signaller could see the rear of train 1A91 from the signal box window and estimated that there was enough room for train 2E68 to fit on the platform behind train 1A91, however, there was insufficient room.
Approaching Plymouth station from the west, the data recorder fitted to train 2E68 showed the train slowed to about 14 mph (22 km/h) approaching signal P15 on the approach to Plymouth station. This signal cleared from red (meaning stop) to an indication meaning that the train may proceed into platform 6, but that the driver must be prepared to stop short of any train, vehicle or obstruction. Signal P15 is located around 333 metres from where the rear of train 1A91 stood.
The train then accelerated to a speed of around 21 mph (34 km/h) and as train 2E68 approached Plymouth station through a relatively tight, left-hand curve, the driver saw train 1A91 in platform 6 ahead. The driver was surprised to see the rear of train 1A91 so close to the west end of the platform. He looked at the tracks to confirm which route the train was taking and, realising a collision was imminent, applied the emergency brake. This was around three seconds before the collision, which occurred at about 15 mph (24 km/h). Many passengers were standing in preparation to leave the train and were thrown into the train’s fixtures and onto the floor.
Our investigation will include examination of:

the actions of staff involved
the signalling and platform working arrangements at Plymouth station
the performance of the train during the collision
any underlying management factors.

Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry, the British Transport Police or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.
We will publish our findings, including any safety recommendations at the conclusion of our investigation; these will be available on our website.

Many thanks to Derek Buttivant for advising us of this press release, a final report will be issued in due course.

Items added on the 19th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

19/4/2016

Cornwall at Bodmin
Roger Winnen

On the 24th March 2001 D821 Greyhound appeared at Falmouth Docks temporarily renamed Cornwall. Following on from this event it moved to the Bodmin and Wenford Railway to 'take a little un-escorted exercise' before moving on up country which will be reported tomorrow.

D821 making smoke passing Quarry curve on route to Bodmin General. 25th March 2001 Copyright Roger Winnen

D821 in the company of Class 50 D449 at Bodmin General 25th March 2001 Copyright Roger Winnen

Looking smart D821 Cornwall at Boscarne Junction. 25th March 2001 Copyright Roger Winnen

D821 Cornwall together with the DMU departs Bodmin Parkway. 25th March 2001 Copyright Roger Winnen

D821 Cornwall together with 50042 Triumph arrives at Bodmin Parkway. 25th March 2001 Copyright Roger Winnen

D821 Cornwall with the Lanhydroc Local at Bodmin General. 25th March 2001 Copyright Roger Winnen

D821 Stands outside the shed at Bodmin. 25th March 2001 Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks to Roger for capturing this almost forgotten event.

Items added on the 18th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

18/4/2016

Greyhound becomes Cornwall
David Hibberd

From the end of March 2001, D821 became Cornwall. The locomotive was twinned with the Royal Navy ship at Falmouth Docks which saw the return of a Warship to Cornwall. The loco was hauled to Falmouth by preserved Class 50, D449, as D821 is not main line certified (yet!) and later attended the Bodmin & Wenford Railway diesel gala. For further information on D821 click here http://www.westernchampion.co.uk/loco-d821-history-pres.php Many thanks to David Hibberd who was working for Marconi Marine at the docks at the time.

Cornwall alais Greyhound stands a few yards inside the dockyard gates close by the foot of the incline down from Falmouth station. 24th March 2001 Copyright David Hibberd

Looking immuculate 'Cornwall' stands with probably the only coaching stock ever to have entered the docks. Above the locomotive can be seen Castle Drive a viewing point of the docks but from which a glimpse of the railway warship could be gained. 24th March 2001 Copyright David Hibberd

Roger Winnen was not amongst the privileged few to have a close up of the locomotive in the docks but here is a glimpse from Castle Drive. 24th March 2001 Copyright Roger Winnen.

A view from a passenger train leaving Falmouth Docks station of D449 standing on the docks branch. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Two days earlier, on the 22nd March 2001 D821 was 'caught' at Truro by Roger Winnen just prior to departure for Falmouth at 22.25. 22nd March 2001. Copyright

Following this chapter in D821's history it ran, as 'Cornwall' on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway.

Items added on the 17th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

17/4/2016

Sunday Selection
David Tozer

Today David Tozer visits Eggesford and later Crediton on the Barnstaple branch. Many thanks David

Eggesford at 12.18 on Sunday 17th April 2016 Copyright David Tozer

By 12.34 he has moved to the south end of Eggesford looking towards Barnstaple. That wonderful building on the up platform is now a private residence. The young gentleman on the up platform seems to be pointing at David! 17th April 2016 Copyright David Tozer

143 612 enters Eggesford at 12.56 on the 17th April 17th April 2016 Copyright David Tozer

143612 & 617 standing at the down platform 12.57 17th April 2016 Copyright David Tozer

The Tarka Tourer H.S.T. Paddington to Barnstaple on Sunday 17th April, 2016
Photographs by David Tozer

On Sunday 17th April UK Railtours ran an H.S.T. service to Barnstaple. Departing Paddington 08.37 with an arrival at Barnstaple 12.24. Owing to the lack of stabling facilities at Barnstaple the train returned to Exeter St David's as an empty stock move departing 12.31 arriving at St David's Platform 6 13.36. At 15.11 the train once again departed Exeter St David's for Barnstaple as an empty stock move arriving at 16.23 where the railtour passengers joined the train for the 16.30 departure for London Paddington. Arrival at Paddington was 20.43.

Its Sunday 17th April, 2016. 43165 at Eggesford at 13.06 empty stock move to Exeter St David's from Barnstaple. Copyright David Tozer

The 1631 Barnstaple - London (Paddington) is seen at Crediton at 17.24 Copyright David Tozer.

Riding the Round Robin
With members and friends of the Cornwall Railway Society
by Roger Winnen and John Cornelius

Members and friends travelled from all over Cornwall and Somerset to enjoy the delights of a Round Robin Ticket available on the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway, the River Dart Boat Company and the connecting Bus Service from Paignton to Totnes. We were delighted to welcome John Cornelious a regular contributor to our website who came down from Somerset for the day. It was a good mix of transport covering this our first outing of 2016 on Saturday 16th April.

160416a On leaving Totnes Station we traced the route of the former Branch Line to Totnes Quay and the Plains. On route we came across this information of the line.

160416b Advertising the Round Robin, as the bus stands at Steamers Quay. Totnes. All of these buses used for the 100 service are named after notable Railway Engineers, this one being Sir Nigel Gresley. Copyright Roger Winnen

160416c John Cornelious photographs the arrival of the 10.00 from Dartmouth, this being the return 11.45 boat service to Dartmouth. Copyright John Cornelius

160416d Members and friends of the CRS awaits the boats departure from Totnes. John Cornelius a regular contributor to our Website is seated far right next to John Ball. Christine Simmonds and Eric Dowson. Copyright Roger Winnen

160416e 4277 Overtakes the Upper Dartmouth Ferry after departing Kingswear at 13.00 hrs for Paignton Queens Park. Copyright John Cornelius

More Photographs will appear in the Features Pages

The last splash!
Creech Troughs

In the last of Johns very much appreciated series on Creech Troughs we see Bucklebury Grange having its tender filled.
Many thanks for all of these John.

Items added on the 16th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

17/4/2016

Friday Relief
Kevin Redwood

50012 Benbow is working a Friday relief service to the Down Cornish Riviera and is seen running into Bodmin Road 15th April 1983

Creech Troughs 4
John Cornelius

This is the forth of a series of five grand views of the troughs at Creech.
Many thanks to John.

Items added on the 15th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

15/4/2016

Colourful visitor at Temple Meads
Martin Duff

Bristol Temple Meads I recorded BR blue 47580 County of Essex arriving on a special at 13.26 in platform 12 13th April 2016 Copyright Martin Duff KJ remembers this colouful and patriotic livery at Liverpool Street in the 70's - is it the same loco?

A close up of the attractive display on the side of 47 580 at Bristol on the 13th April 2016. The county's coat of arms comprises three Saxon seax knives (although looking rather more like scimitars) arranged on a red background. Copyright Martin Duff

37 takes refreshment
Martin Duff

37219 arr from Riverside Yd for fuel between overnight recording runs. This became the first Colas livery 37 to visit Cwll that week 30th March 2016 Copyright Martin Duff

Memories of September 1982
Michael Forward

820903a Its the 3rd September,1982. Class 47407 leaves Paignton in the days of Semaphore Signalling on the 11.23 service to Liverpool Lime Street. Copyright Michael Forward

820903b On the same day 47137 is seen passing Exeter Middle Box on the FO 13.27 Paddington Penzance. Copyright Michael Forward

820909a 43024 Approaches Liskeard on the Cornish Riviera Express to Penzance on the 9th September, 1982. Copyright Michael Forward

820909b Once again on the 9th September,1982, 47510 'Fair Rosamund' is slowing down for a change crew on the 12.20 vans Penzance to Bristol service. Copyright Michael Forward.

Williton in BR days
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith, here is a photograph, that proves just how deceptive railway subjects can be! Taken, in the dying days of the Taunton to Minehead line, late December 1970.
This is actually Williton Station. The Dulverton, luggage trolley, surviving only to find itself, again facing closure. Luckily this station, has a happier ending, although I wonder where the trolley ended up!
Best wishes Andrew Many thanks Andrew

Williton in late 1970 complete with the Dulverton luggage trolley. Copyright Andrew Jones

Forgotten freight
Kevin Redwood

Peak 45016 passes Bodmin Road working the 6B39 05.40 Severn Tunnel Junction to St Blazey Speedlink service 15th April 1983 Copyright Kevin Redwood

Railmotor on Barncoose embankment
Alan Harris/Phil Trevena

A moment in time caught as against that unforgettable silhouette of Carn Brea a railmotor and trailer head for Penzance. The location is on Barncoose embankment about half a mile west of Redruth station. This view would be impossible today as the site is occupied with a housing development. Many thanks to Alan Harris and Phil Trevena for drawing our attention to this picture.

Creech Troughs 3
John Cornelious

7014 Caerhays Castle on Creech Troughs 5th August 1961. An extremely well timed picture in that it features the pumping station which provided the water for the troughs as well as a locally, to us in Cornwall, a Cornish named engine. 7014 was built in July 1948 and scrapped in February 1965. It looks as if the camera and photographer are in for an early bath!! Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 14th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

15/4/2016

The Railway Scene 40 Years Ago
April, 1976 Part 1
Roger Winnen

760409a Long Rock Coal Stage is being demolished on the 9th April, 1976, this iconic structure could be seen on the shoreline of Mounts Bay. It was built in 1914. Copyright Roger Winnen

760410a On the 10th April D1023 Western Fusilier is pulling out a rack of coaches from Ponsandane Sidings. In the background is the Goods Depot built in 1937/1938. Copyright Roger Winnen.

760410b Ponsandane Goods depot with a freightliner container possibly from the short lived Par Freightliner depot. This is now the site of Morrisons Store. Copyright Roger Winnen

760410c D1065 Western Consort heads the 09.30 Paddington Penzance through Chacewater. The signals are still operational for the Chacewater cement traffic. 10th April, 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

760410d Later in the day the Cornishman is seen passing the Wheal Busy on route to Penzance hauled by a Class 45 or 46. Copyright Roger Winnen

No steam to Cornwall

It now looks like the Royal Scot together with 34067 Tangmere hauling the Great Britain 1X which was expected to either come to or go from Penzance on 26th/27th April will terminate at Plymouth Diesel haulage to and from Plymouth to Penzance, is according to UKsteam,info. What a shame.

Creech Troughs 2
John Cornelius

Items added on the 13th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

13/4/2016

Craig, Cornwall & China Clay Wednesday Picture

Todays picture. Another fine morning in Cornwall. 66027 arrives at Carne Point with 6G06, only loaded to 23 wagons today. The mist had only just cleared from the river valley, I've been caught out by that before. Cheers Craig Many thanks Craig

A fine morning and a very fine picture as 66027 arrives at Carne Point with the 6G06 on the 13th April 2016. (Nice reflection) Copyright Craig Munday

Creech Troughs
John Cornelius

Do you remember the water troughs at Creech? In a series of five pictures John brings us memories of a fascinating aspect of keeping the boilers topped up.

What a grand sight. Copyright John Cornelius

Bodmin Road 1983
Kevin Redwood

Once a regular scene. The Wenford Bridge tripper 08113 had already finished work for the day and headed back to St Blazey with its brake van. 37181 arriving with empty clayhoods for Wenford Bridge will therefore run round the train at Bodmin Road and take the empties to Boscarne Junction where they will be left to be picked up on he next working day. 15th April 1983 Copyright Kevin Redwood

Items added on the 12th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

13/4/2016

Monday and Tuesday pictures
from Craig Munday

The intermittent April weather can make picture taking in a chancy affair this month, however Craig got it just right with the down sleeper.

57603 and 1C99 catching the 'glint'. The down sleeper near Trenolwin. 11th April 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

66027 very near the end of the headshunt at Treviscoe on the 12th April 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

BR at Bodmin General
Alan Harris

Bodmin General in July 1964 as a bubble car arrives from Padstow. What a shame it is that before the Bodmin and Wenford took over much of the infrastructure you see here was ripped out. Copyright Alan Harris

A ticket from the Alan Harris collection - one wonders where it was from - the fare was only 1 shilling and four pence. Could that be Nanstallon?

A visit to Kingswear
Adrian King

The picture below of Lydham Manor taken at Kingswear gives us a chance to remind you of a CRS Outdoor Event next Saturday 16th April. A trip down the Dart from Totnes to Dartmouth. Then train from Kingswear to Paignton then finally bus back to Totnes. Details on this website. Lets hope for good weather. Many thanks to Adrian King for this golden oldie.

Kingswear station as 7827 Lydham Manor rolls in. The date was 1985. Copyright Adrian King

Lots of miles
Graham Harris

The picture below prompted Graham Harris who is interested in stock movements to forward the likely previous duties of the stock on the train below. I believe the train to be the 12.05 Penzance - Paddington relief (1Z15) which had been noted with 1033 on August 6th and 1056 on August 20th. It would appear to use the stock of the 21.15 ThO Swansea - Paddington, running as the 5Z97 03.15 FO Empty Coaching Stock from Old Oak Common to Penzance, back to Paddington, to then work the 20.38 FO Paddington to Fishguard and finally the 08.00 Cardiff to Portsmouth and return on the Saturday. To me it is a most intriguing use of spare rolling stock - lots of miles! Thank you Graham

1048 Western Lady departs Liskeard on the 13th August 1976 John Cornelius Copyright

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Colas Rail Tamper 73931
By Mick House