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Items added on the 11th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

11/4/2016

Triple Haulage
Sid Sponheimer

Not to be outdone, and why not, here is another of the problematical Class 22 being used together to try and get the train to Plymouth. Seen here between Grampound Road and St Austell.

D6312 leading 6313 & 6341. on the 3rd July 1964 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Triple Haulage
Mike Roach

The picture below, which has been in our collection on this site for a long time and aroused great interest when first published. For this rare view of something, bearing in mind the class 22's poor reliability was not such a rare occurrence, we are indebted to Mike Roach.

This really is a fascinating view of a 'triple header' down train standing at Bodmin Road, In the distance in the area now a large car park can be seen the goods yard and goods shed. From the smoke all the locos seem to be working. August 1961 Copyright Mike Roach

Triple Haulage
John Cornelius

Three locos on one train is extremely rare but here are two examples from the very extensive John Cornelius Collection.

Not to be beaten - three Manors wait to leave Bishops Lydeard. Copyright John Cornelius. 7820 Dimore Manor, 7821 Ditcheat Manor, and 7828 Odney Manor

Items added on the 10th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

10/4/2016

Todays picture
Roger Geach

Out of our region but it is a Western, a favourite in the west and it is from Roger Geach very much a western fan who has provided our home page this month. That's our excuse, but doesn't Champion look Champion?
Many thanks Roger

1015 Western Champion Derby york test run Clat Cross Sunday 10th April 2016 Copyright Roger Geach

Signalling problems between Penzance and St Erth
The first four trains from Penzance this morning has been cancelled, these being the 08.30 to Paddington, the 09.30 to Edinburgh, the 09.48 to Edinburgh and the 10.19 to St Ives. The first train shown as running is the 11.00 Penzance to Paddington

Last nights picture
David Tozer

Morning Keith,
With threatening clouds 47830 passes Exminster (with Rail Operations Group headboard) hauling the 5V56 0600 Kilmarnock - Plymouth (Laira) with a refurbished set of HST coaches. This was running some three hours early!!! Trust that you are well. Dave
All the better for receiving your picture - thanks.

47830 'Beechings Legacy' on the down main at Exminster on the 9th April 2016 Copyright David Tozer

Overnight arrival
Roger Geach

Rogers policy is one of constant improvement and to prove this here is an improved scan of a picture already on the web site.

1010 Western Campaigner on the 1b83 2345 Paddington to Penzance Long Rock 10th August 1975. In the distance hiding behind a post is St Michael's Mount. It is also worthy of note that 1010 holds a record in being the only locomotive to haul a train non stop for Paddington to Penzance. It was down to walking pace at times to avoid passing a red! Copyright Roger Geach

A viaduct question
From Roger Geach

Morning All
This picture of mine on the CRS web page and I am having doubts which viaduct this is . I tend to think its Tregarne and not Tregagle .
It is the viaduct taken off a farm overbridge road access . The farm is called Tregurno, however I really am not certain what do you boys all think ?
I can't seam to find any shots of Tregagle but John Vaughan has this viaduct pictured in his book as Tregarne .
What do we think ?
This bit of line from Probus to Truro is not very well photographed its been overgrown for many years .
Craig can you confirm please .
Many Thanks, Rog Geach and thanks for the question and picture

47050 having just crossed ???????? viaduct with the Mondays only 1250 Truro Incenalton. Thaken near Probus on the 16th September 1991 Copyright Roger Geach.

Yeovil Junction
John Cornelius

Railway Touring Company
The Weymouth Seaside Express 14th August 2011
Locomotive used 5029 'Nunney Castle'
Stock Used35461+5487+99318+4994+1860+3148+3150+5239Route :
1Z92 : Bristol Temple Meads depart 08.51to Weymouth arrive 13.10
1Z93 : Weymouth depart 18.08 to Bristol Temple Meads arrive 21.19

Scrapline at Cashmores
Sid Sponheimer

53807 awaits its fate at Cashmores. April 1965 - Copyright Sid Sponheimer

7F 53807 was built in 1925 by the Robert Stephenson Company reaching Bath Green Park shed in 1948 from where it was to be the last of its class to be withdrawn with effect from 31st October 1964. It arrived at Cashmore's for cutting 31st March 1965.
Many thanks to Sid Sponheimer for this photograph.

Items added on the 9th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

9/4/2016

'Steam at its birthplace Swindon'
David Tozer

160406a 7821 Ditcheat Manor built under the British Railways era at Swindon in 1950 looks splendid carrying its shed allocation 89C Machynlleth. Copyright David Tozer.

160406b Wake up! 3717 City of Truro built in 1903 stands inside the Great Western Steam Museum at Swindon. Copyright David Tozer

160406c The magnificent 6000 King George V complete with its bell at Swindon, now nearly 90 years old. Copyright David Tozer

160406d Returning home to Exeter via Westbury, Class 70s 70804 and 70806 were in the yard. Copyright David Tozer

160406e Seen for the second time on Wednesday 159103 stands at Westbury Station heading the Bath-Waterloo service Copyright David Tozer

Remember Winter snows?
John Cornelius

Whilst we hope that we've seen the last chances of winter snow for this season it's fascinating to turn the clock back to a bad winter in 1978. John Cornelius writes:- Hello Keith,
Here are a few pics of Athelney that I took of the snow after the blizzards in February 1978. No trains ran on the Sunday only the snowplough clearing the line,which later got stuck between Castle Cary and Yeovil Pen Mill!. Sunday night after more blizzards it was just as bad again on Monday morning.
However a loco was sent from Westbury to try to get through to Taunton, which it did eventually.
On its return, Chief Signalling Inspector Mr JOHN FORRESTER from Bristol was on the loco and advised me that providing they got through to Westbury and if I could work my signals,they would start running trains.
So in the late afternoon the services resumed. As I couldn't get home I arranged to stay with friends in Taunton for a few days,travelling out and back by train each day, which meant getting a special stop order for the trains to drop me off at the crossing. It was the following Friday when the roads had been cleared that I finally got home. Quite an experience! Cheers John C Many thanks John

Athelney 1 It almost looks as if the snowplough is stuck. Lyng church tower can be seen in the distance on the left. 19th February 1978 Copyright John Cornelius

Athelney 2 The snow lay 'deep and crisp and even'. Some hardy soul is digging the snow outside the box. 20th February 1978 Copyright John Cornelius

Athelney 3 A good time for a chat and a very remarkable photograph indeed. Taken on the 20th February 1978 Copyright John Cornelius

Athelney 4 The loco returns from Taunton. 20th February 1978 Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 8th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

8/4/2016

What a difference after yesterdays springtime on the St Ives Branch
Roger Salter

160408a The 09.53 running minutes early crossing the West Cornwall Golf Club. In places new fencing is in place alongside this stretch making photography very difficult. Copyright Roger Salter

160408b 150239 Leading the formation of the 10.18 St Erth-St Ives climbing the Golf Course. Copyright Roger Salter

160408c GWR 150232 is tailing the 10.18 St Erth-St Ives climbing the Golf Course. Copyright Roger Salter

Late running Night Riviera

This morning the Night Riviera running seven late off of Truro and was top and tailed with 57603 leading and 57310 bringing up the rear arriving nine late at Penzance.
Photos by Mick House.

57603 near Chacewater

57310 near Chacewater

Springtime at St Ives with the GWR 150
Roger Winnen

160407a The 17.03 St Ives to St Erth crosses Porthminster Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

More at Falmouth Docks
David Hibberd

David Hibberd has sent in some very interesting pictures taken in the days of steam at Falmouth Docks. Especially interesting are those taken on the very last day - a sad occasion.

Many thanks to David for these - you'll find a lot more in our Falmouth Docks section - Davids are towards the end of this section.

A scene in the spring of 1986 as number 3 hauls two 'internal use only' trucks past the bottom of the cliff atop which runs Castle Drive. Note the rather large propeller sitting to one side. Copyright David Hibberd

Number three rests beside its fuel, there already seems to be plenty stored in the bunker forward of the cab. Spring 1986 Copyright David Herberd

A classic shot along the quay at Falmouth Docks on the last day. 23rd August 1986 Copyright David Hibberd

With Trefusis Point in the background Number 3 poses on the tour around the docks on that last day. 23rd August 1986 Copyright David Hibberd.

Millbay in 1913
Andy Miller

Looking from Millbay towards North Road dated 1913 Found by Andy Miller on the internet, there is no copyright Info.

The name of the restaurant 'Sheppards Arch' right by Union Street bridge is interesting, why was it so called?

Chetnole 3
John Cornelius

Hard at work and no doubt a good sound to go with it we see Nunney Castle making good smoke at Chetnole. Picture courtesy John Cornelius Copyright

Items added on the 7th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

7/4/2016

Network South East Colours
Roger Geach

Roger is looking forward to steam coming to Cornwall later this month, we wonder if he'll be photographing it from this footbridge? The problem with this spot is that being rather remote it is difficult to move on to the next location quickly.

47576 in NSE colours together with the alternately coloured vans makes for a very nice picture. It is on the morning Leeds to Penzance vans, just after leaving Moorswater viaduct, and taken from the footbridge on the 19th July 1991 Copyright Roger Geach

Ruthern Bridge Branch
Youtube

There is a highly commended and fascinating video featuring the long forgotten Ruthern Bridge Branch on youtube. Click on this to see it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBYe1_Rg9hs We hope you enjoy this excellent 50 minute video. Many rare pictures. Credited to Phil in Cornwall - well done Phil whoever you are.

Princetown branch
David Hibberd

A fine view on a fine day of the remaining bridge over the Princetown branch just north of the site of Ingra Tor Halt. Out in the wilds miles from anywhere except the halt, a fitting memorial to the branch. 19th April 2014 Copyright David Hibberd

Chetnole Halt 2
John Cornelius

A lovely shot of a double headed train being hauled by immaculate locomotives. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 6th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

6/4/2016

Chetnole
John Cornelius

A view of Tangmere at Chtenole looking very smart as it hauls a railtour past Chetnole Halt in 2011. The end of the platform at Chetnole is just visible in this colourful shot.
Many thanks to john for this picture.

92 Squadron at Exeter
Mike Roach

92 Squadron looking in good condition and full of power stands at Exeter on Saturday 28th July 1962. Note the enthusiasts making use of the platform trolley on the right. Mike adds that the duffle bag, a common 'carrier' used by enthusiasts lies on the platform is probably his. Copyright Mike Roach

The loco is currently on the Nene Valley Railway in the care of the Battle of Britain Societywww.92squadron.co.uk/. One wonders if it will ever make it to Exeter again?

Demolition at Chard
Roger Winnen

Flashing past Chard Junction on his way to see the Tornado Railtour on Saturday 2nd April 2016 Roger was able to catch a glimpse of the demolition work at the milk factory.

Demolition of Chard Milk Depot. 2nd April 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen. N.B. on the return journey the view was blocked by the railtour standing in the loop.

Items added on the 5th April 2016 Those added most recently come first

5/4/2016

Roaming the Railways of Devon
Roger Winnen

160405a Viewed from the 15.06 Paddington-Penzance service 43160 Sir Moir Lockhead OBE awaits repairs at Laira Depot following the collision on Sunday with a 150 sprinter arriving at Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

160405b A close up from the train of the damage sustained to the Power Cars front end, seen stabled at Laira Depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

160405c 59103 In its new livery departs Cranbrook on the 12.25 Exeter St David's to London Waterloo. Copyright Roger Winnen

160405d The Station approach to Cranbrook Station on the outskirts of Exeter. Copyright Roger Winnen

160405e Crossing the border under darkening skies with the 15.06 Paddington-Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Meldon Quarry
Kevin Redwood

My father Norman Redwood worked for the Western Region Civil Engineers and his job took him around the Region visiting railway yards and depots.
Sometimes during the school holidays he would take me along, and after I also started work on BR I continued to go with him a few times.
One of his duties was periodically to collect ballast samples from each of the WR ballast quarries and I twice went to Meldon Quarry with him. Here are five views of Meldon in July 1981 when new plant was being installed though at the time the old equipment was still in use. I hope the attached pictures are suitable for inclusion. Cheers Kevin Redwood

A most valuable record of times gone by - for which many thanks.

Meldon Quarry 1 Laira allocated 08668 which had recently taken up residence as the quarry pilot. The Southern main line is over to the left. 9th July 1981 Copyright Kevin Redwood

Meldon 2. The new quarry plant which had not yet been commisioned seen at the top of the picture . 9th July 1981 Copyright Kevin Redwood

Meldon 3 A general view of the loading hoppers with the new plant visible higher up. 9th July 1981 Kevin Redwood

Meldon 4 The concrete loco shed (Necessary for loco protection during blasting) and a miscellaneous selection of older engineering wagons awaiting loading 9th July 1981 Copyright Kevin Redwood

Meldon Quarry 5. A closer view of the older plant. 9th July 1981 Copyright Kevin Redwood

30 years ago today
Athelney Signalbox closed

Picture courtesy John Cornelius. Copyright.

John Cornelius writes of a sad day.

The replica nameplates that were fitted to Athelney box in 1985 were made by me using plywood. I had taken a rubbing of the original plate not long after I went there as signalman in 1976,
so I was able to make a full size replica. The other one commemorating the 150 anniversary,was purely my own handiwork. After getting permission from management, I exhibited them on the box from
April to the end of September 1985. I still have both the plates at home over 30 years on.
By the way, today the 5th April 2016, is the 30th anniversary of the closure of Athelney signal box.
I did the last shift,and after the last train, which passed at 2035, had cleared Cogload Junc, I closed the box for the last time,then watched as the s&t stripped out all the equipment. A very sad time.
I think someone in the Glastonbury area bought the original box nameplate. On a lighter note, happily the box was saved and now proudly signals trains at Staverton on the South Devon Railway. I have visited the box once, since it was restored to working order and when I walked in, it was just like going home, sheer magic! cheers JOHN C.

This picture preserves for posterity the signalman and technicians at Athelney in 1986. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 4 April 2016 Those added most recently come first

4/4/2016

An amazing bit of luck
What happened next? - John Ball

Hi, Keith
In 1967 I was cycling in the Bodmin area and stopped by Dunmere Crossing in the hope of seeing the Wenford goods. It duly appeared, and the crew kindly offered me a trip up the line (Lucky you). On returning to Dunmere Junction, the train performed a gravity shunt using the stub of the Bodmin North line, as per the attached photo. I've never seen any other photographic record of this manoeuvre. Was this unusual? Regards John

Can anybody answer this please? The line from Dunmere Junction to Boscarne Sidings was freight only by this time (Bodmin North had closed to passengers 30th January 1967). Maybe, having pushed the stock a short distance up the branch, the loco recessed onto the Wenford line while the stock was gravitated a short distance towards Boscarne and the loco connected for a controlled descent back to Boscarne. This would have seen it the right way round for the subsequent haul up to Bodmin General without the need for a 'run round' at Boscarne.

The subject of the question above. 1967 Copyright John Ball

A P.S. From Roy Hart. This maneouvre was only possible between January and December 1967. Passenger services on the Bodmin and Wadebridge ended, but full signalling (and the boxes at Bodmin General Boscarne and Wadebridge) remained until December 1967. While Bodmin North was open, this shunt would have needed the consent of the Bodmin North signalman and a tablet for the section withdrawn, to ensure safety for the shunt.
With Bodmin North gone, there was no problem.
It all ended in December 1967 when the whole line became a long siding, under the control of the shunter.

St Ives Branch goes green!!
Roger Winnen

This is most probably the first occasion that this unit in GWR Green Livery has run on the St Ives Branch.

160403aThe 16.03 St Ives to St Erth is seen passing through Carbis Bay non stop. Copyright Roger Winnen

160403b The 16.33 St Ives to St Erth is seen rounding the bend after leaving Carbis Bay approaching Hawks Point. Copyright Roger Winnen

160403c The 17.03 service awaits departure from St Ives. Copyright Roger Winnen

160403d 150232 Departing St Erth with the 17.55 service to St Ives. Copyright Roger Winnen

Cornish Compton Railtour
John Cornelius

Copyright John Cornelius Details 33211+33207 London Waterloo - Salisbury - Warminster - Westbury 33207+33211 Salisbury - Exeter St Davids - Penzance. Return via Honiton. The railtour was so popular that it was repeated the following Saturday.

Items added on the 3rd April 2016 Those added most recently come first

3/4/2016

Night time photography at Penzance
Andrew Triggs

160402a Building a Greater West 43144 is reflected in the puddles at platform 4 Penzance on the 19.37 arrival from Paddington. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160402b The second Building a Greater West 43146 rest on the blocks at Platform 1 Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160402c The Great Western 150 Green unit 150232 rest in Penzance Station prior to working the St Ives Branch on Sunday 3rd April, 2016. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Serious accident at Plymouth this afternoon-
15.30 3rd April 2016
Two trains have collided in platform 6 at Plymouth station, sadly there are injuries.. See national press for details.

Report on yesterdays railtour.
Growing Excitement at Crewkerne
'Tornado' hits Devon today!
with the 'Devon Belle'
Photographs by John Cornelius Roger Winnen, Roger Salter and David Tozer

The first steam down the Southern for sometime 60163 Tornado heads the London Waterloo to Exeter St David's is seen at Hewish Crossing, Crewkerne, Axminster, Honiton and in to Exeter St David's. It departed back via the Western Main line and it is seen at Cullumpton and near Langport, on the Berks and Hants to Reading, it terminated at London Victoria. Arriving 2 minutes late

160402c Tornado at Hewish Crossing 2nd April 2016 Copyright John Cornelius

160402d Growing excitement of the crowd at Crewkerne as Tornado approaches the station. Copyright Roger Winnen

160402e 'Tornado' a mighty machine thunders through Crewkerne Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

160402f An exhibition in the booking hall of Crewkerne Station showing the railway scene. Copyright Roger Winnen

160402f We overtook Tornado at Chard Junction and alighted at Axminster and Honiton for a further round of photographs. Copyright Roger Winnen

160402g The Devon Belle on its way to Honiton and Exeter is seen passing through Axeminster. Copyright Roger Winnen

160402h Cameras at the ready as 'Tornado' arrives at Honiton. Copyright Roger Salter

160402i A very smart van for South West Trains at Honiton. Copyright Roger Salter

160402j 60163 awaits departure from Honiton. Copyright Roger Salter.

160402k 60163 'Tornado' waits for the green on the last leg of the journey to Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Salter

160402l 60163 Tornado on the outskirts of Exeter. 2nd April 2016 Copyright David Tozer

160402n 60163 Tornado is seen approaching Gibraltor Bridge, Cullumpton. Copyright David Tozer

160402m Tornado passing Wick near Langport on its return run up the western main line. 2nd April 2016 Copyright John Cornelius

St Austell Signalbox visit
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith, Please find a set of photographs of St Austell signal box in Jan 1969.
I was a member of St Austell College photographic club, at the time and we managed to gain access, by a simple polite request!
Western Cavalier can be seen on its way to Truro, soon to pass one of the many telegraph poles, a long lost feature of the railway scene.
I apologise for the foggy internal shot, which was last on the roll, but included it, as it has, a certain period charm.
Best wishes Andrew Jones Many thanks to you Andrew.

An end of film shot so slightly hazy but well worth saving. The duty signalman looks on as a St Austell Photographic club member take prime position. January 1969 Copyright Andrew Jones

A second, clearer shot of the frame, the station buildings can be seen in the distance. January 1969 Copyright Andrew Jones

St Austell box January 1969 as D1021 Western Cavalier sets out on a down train. This loco built in July 1963 was withdrawn in August 1976 and scrapped in December 1978. Note how looking in a westerly direction the box peeped out from under the footbridge. The was at one time a vehicular level crossing here. Copyright Andrew Jones

A view looking eastwards towards the station in January 1969. The lamp on the tail of the up train standing in the platform indicates that it is complete. A couple of rail vehicles stand on the siding which was removed w.e.f. 7th March 1971 to permit an up platform extension. At one time there was a loop line around the back of the up platform necessitating a cross over over this siding. This loop was removed in 1931 (Tony Cooke Track Diagrams report). It must be said that the station looks complete with the old footbridge connecting the platforms. The old bridge is still there in 2016 but has been replaced by a modern structure complete with lifts, nice but not quite as nice!! The old bridge which is out of use is condemned but listed. Copyright Andrew Jones

Most thanks to Roy Hart who sends this info from Burma.
The shots of St Austell box were fascinating: I remember being allowed to work the box back in the sixties. The box had a 43 lever frame dating from 1907. The frame was of the old 'double twist' type, with the levers at 5 inch centres -it was relocked in modern tappet form in 1931 when the layout was extended with a new goods loop and the new goods yard at the Par end. St Austell had an early form of illuminated diagram - not like the modern ones with little red lights to show the position of trains, but with large white lights the size of an old half-crown. As trains moved on to each track circuit, there was a loud 'thump' as the mechanism worked and a new light was illuminated. Thus the signalman didn't have to look up to see where a train was, he could hear it! This splendid old diagram was saved, re-wired and now serves at Bewdley South on the Severn Valley Railway.

Longrock Railtour
John Cornelius

The days of shed visits to Long Rock. Picture courtesy of John Cornelius - the gentleman with the 'trilby' hat. More details of this tour would be appreciated.

Within minutes of the above picture appearing on the website Sid Sponheimer sent in this one taken just under four years later. Thank you Sid.

County of Somerset at it's final resting place - Cashmore's Newport in April 1965 alongside 5975 April 1965 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Note :- County of Somerset, 1004, was one of the last two Counties at Penzance shed (1001 County of Buckingham was the other). 1004 went straight to Swindon for withdrawal in August 1962: the first County to go. Penzance closed to steam a few days later.
Info from Roy Hart - many thanks.

Items added on the 2nd April 2016 Those added most recently come first

2/4/2016

An Interlude at Chard Junction
A review of pictures at Chard Junction collected by John Cornelius while he was signalman.

Chard Junction signal box on the last day Left to Right John Cornelius, Colin Comber, Bob Discoll, Eric Tyler, Tim Reynolds, Tracey Herrin, Tim Hoad, Helen Tisco, Mike Herrin, John Penny Signal Manager. Picture Copyright John Cornelius

A particularly notable photograph for this site as 'Salisbury' was, very much to the surprise of Cornish folk, the loco which hauled the last BR main line steam train to Penzance and the last steam to use the turntable there. on 3rd May 1964. Copyright John Cornelius

How appropriate. 'Chard' at Chard in April 1961. Copyright John Cornelius

Well off the normally beaten track we see A4 60024 Kingfisher at Chard Junction in September 1966. Copyright John Cornelius

D200 heading past Chard Junction with a down railtour on 31st August 1987. Copyright John Cornelius

4472 a stranger in these parts on a railtour close to Chard Junction. Copyright John Cornelius

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Late running Night Riviera

This morning the Night Riviera running seven late off of Truro and was top and tailed with 57603 leading and 57310 bringing up the rear arriving nine late at Penzance.​Photos by Mick House.

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This morning the Night Riviera running seven late off of Truro and was top and tailed with 57603 leading and 57310 bringing up the rear arriving nine late at Penzance.
Photos by Mick House.