Blog Archives

Items added on 20th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

20/4/2017

Royal Scot
at Frome today
Guy Vincent

Royal Scot at Frome
46100 Royal Scot taking water at Frome on today's 'Cathedrals Express' day excursion, 1Z60 0843 London Victoria-Minehead. Tucked on the back is diesel 47746, and an image was taken as the train departed. Yet more distractions tearing me away from the paintbrush this week!
Guy V

Sorry about the painting, but then it was worth it, many thanks.

46100 pauses at Frome with the 1Z60 on the 20th April 2017. Copyright Guy Vincent

47746 bring up the rear of todays 'Cathedrals Express' (1Z60). Seen here at Frome . 20th April 2017 Guy Vincent

Taking a rest
David Tozer

Hi Keith,
The numbers of Class 150/2's in the blue livery are now shrinking with with refurbishment programme in full swing. So here is one of 150221 at Exmouth Junction laying over whilst working a St James' Park - Exmouth Junction - St James' Park empty stock working.
Regards, Dave Tozer Many thanks David

150221 at Exmouth Junction on the 20th April 2017 . Note Exmouth Junction signalbox in the background. Copyright David Tozer

Coleford Junction
Ron Kosys

A long way from any viewing points and a smashing shot by a young Ron from a down train window,

A pereftly positioned shot, look it's all there the box, the lampmans hut, and the home signal protecting the junction. Ron even took the 'bubble car number 55016. 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys N.B. The signalbox didn't have long to go - it was abolished on the 17th October 1971 when the double track lines between Crediton and Copplestone and also to Okehampton were singled. The former up main becoming the only line from Crediton and Copplestone and the former down main becoming the only line from Crediton and Okehampton. Between Crediton and the site of Coleford Junction the two lines operate independently.

Roaming the Rails
Andrew Triggs

170419f 57604 Pendennis Castle propelling the Night Riviera to Long Rock,passing the previously arrived 3Q50 37175 stabled on the long siding. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170419g 153325 arrives at Liskeard with the 2L80 from Looe, at 12.15. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170419h Colas 70802 approaching Liskeard with 6C35 running 105 late at this point. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170419i The 13.03 Penzance to Paddington service approaches Liskeard Station at 14.34. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170419j Arriving back into Penzance on the 12.05 from London Paddington we see 37175 in the adjacent long siding. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Boxing Day 75 at
Long Rock
Sid Sponheimer

50 004 St Vincent & 50 033 Glorious rest on the 2nd day of the Christmas holiday at Long Rock Shed. 1975 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Hymek Freight
John Cornelius

Nice to see all these vans! Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 19th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

19/4/2017

Colas Class 37175
Stabled at Penzance
Roger Winnen & Roger Salter

It is very rare that these trains run to the timings advertised. On the journey to Penzance this service arrived at 02.50 hours, running 73 mins early. The return journey scheduled to depart Penzance at 20.42 was delayed by technical problems resulting in the train leaving Penzance at 22.21 following the Cross Country 22.08 service to Plymouth. However by that time the last Newquay train had run and the train continued on to transverse the Looe Branch arriving 109 mins early. Arrival back at Exeter Riverside was at 03.00 hours 110 minutes early.

170419aa Colas 37175 stabled in the long siding at Penzance on a test train from Exeter St David's which arrived at 02.50 hours, running 73 mins early. Copyright Roger Winnen P.S. Many thanks to a fellow railway enthusiasts who held my camera high to photograph over the fence.

170419b The bodyside of 37175 just above the fence of the cycleway. Copyright Roger Winnen

170419c A difficult photograph to deal with showing 37175 on the test train. Copyright Roger Winnen

170419d 37175 Viewed from the station wall prior to its scheduled departure for Exeter Riverside at 20.42. Copyright Roger Salter

170419e A close up of 37175 in the long siding at Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

Bridge strike, where?
Does anybody know please.

Pictures of an HST parked in Truro yard have been associated with trains being cancelled.due to a bridge strike. Does anybody else know which bridge was struck - thank you.

Barnstaple
Ron Kosys

Barnstaple Junction. The 1630 to Exeter. stands at the platform currently in use. Rationalisation in progress the Ilfracombe branch already closed. the far platform metals lifted. .18th July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Long Rock
Sid Sponheimer

A 47, two 52's and a Park Royal DMU being a Viaduct Inspection unit operated by Liftec a firm which utilised the former repair shop at Long Rock depot as their workshop - undated. From Sid Sponheimer. Copyright

Bath Road Shed
John Cornelius

A mixed bundle at Bath Road. Many thnaks to John Cornelius

Items added on 18th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

18/4/2017

STABLED AT TRURO
Mike Paterson

I along with others were slightly disrupted by the bridge strike yesterday
But to see a 125 set stabled in Truro which later became the train before mine 1430 hrs to Paddington this was a good spot.
Regards Mike Paterson Many thanks indeed Mike - you don't have to be a member to send pictures in - much appreciated

An HST stabled at Truro at 13.42 on the 17th April 2017 Copyright Mike Paterson

HST stabled at Truro 13.42 17th April 2017 Copyright Mike Paterson

The South Devon Railway
The Gala on Easter Monday
Roger Winnen

170417a 1369 Heading the 11.02 from Totnes Riverside to Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

170417b D3721 Shunts the goods at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

170417c Watching the train arrive at Staverton. 6975 with the 13.47 from Totnes Riverside to Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

170417d 5542 awaiting the road with the Fruit D to attach to the 14.30 to Totnes Riverside. Copyright Roger Winnen

170417e Reflections of the Signal Box at Ashburton Junction as 5542 arrives at Totnes Riverside with the 15.50 from Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

Test Train again
Karl Hewlett

Dear Keith.
Another test train is booked to do a run this week in the South West area, it should be a class 37 with stock and a DBSO. Dates and timings are:
Departing Exeter New Yard on Tuesday 18th and arrives at Penzance on Wednesday 19th April

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H20474/2017/04/18/advanced

Departing Penzance on Wednesday evening and arrives at Exeter New Yard on Thursday 20th April

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H20482/2017/04/19/advanced

The down run is direct to Penzance and the return covers the Newquay and Looe branches with the latter going to Coombe, but only as far as No 1 Ground Frame not the station for anyone planning to see it on this branchline. Runs as STP, so it could change!

Regards, Karl (Friends of Penmere Station). Many thanks Karl.
If anybody is out to see it on the Newquay or Looe branches to see this working, staff, or otherwise I'd be delighted to receive pictures.

Wheal Busy
Sid Sponheimer

Through the gate at Wheal Busy siding, a Class 47 heads a down working past the unmistakable Hallenbeagle Engine House. Copyright Sid Sponhimer

Wrafton
Ron Kosys

Wrafton 29th July 1970 from the 18.10 Ilfracombe to Exeter Copyright Ron Kosys

Creech Troughs
John Cornelius

Items added on 17th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

17/4/2017

Newcourt - Digby
David Tozer

Keith, Now allocated to St Philips Marsh 150002, the second built of the three car 150/0 units put in an appearance on the Exmouth Branch today. I caught up with it working the 1353 2B78 Exmouth - Barnstaple. The photograph was taken between Newcourt and Digby & Sowton stations. Digby & Sowton is in the distance.
Dave Many thanks David for today's picture.

150002 Between Newcourt and Digby in distance 13.53 2B78 Exmouth - Barnstaple 17th April 2017 Copyright David Tozer

Tresillian
Sid Sponheimer

1070 Western Gauntlet crossing Tregagle viaduct near Tresillian 10th April 1973 Copyright Sid Sponheimer .

Ilfracombe
Ron Kosys

Hi Keith. Back into railway mode for a day or so...
We’ll start with a quick look at Ilfracombe. Extremely quick in fact....You’ll see why...

My VERY first colour slide of a loco happened to be this Warship at Ilfracombe. 803 on 25th July 1970 with the 1140 to Exeter.
Please forgive the quality.... I thought I was the bees-knees with my first camera. Halina Paulette. A plastic camera with a plastic lens.
Still I was only just 15, clearly still at school and little or no money.

Still, better than nowt. Ron
Very much better than nowt I'd say - thank heavens that for us you took your pictures. Many thanks KJ

ilfracombe Warsgip D803 stands at the head of the 1140 to Exeter on the 25th July 1970 Copyright Ron Kosys There's a stiff climb ahead to Mortehoe. Note the barren appearance of the station, all the sidings gone. There are one or two passengers about - the red telephone box still there to phone for a taxi.

The ominous notice - not often photographed. many thanks to Ron Kosys Copyright

Trying to be at your service!! Copyright Ron Kosys

The trainshed on the 29th July 1970. Copyright Ron Kosys

For a map showing Ilfracombe station in 1902 please click below.
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=51.2002&lon=-4.1297&layers=168&b=1
This is courtesy of the National Library of Scotland.

East of Creech
John Cornelius

Yet another from John's fantastic collection. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 16th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

16/4/2017

Looking good at Redruth
Martin Scane

Down HST arrives at 17.52 at Redruth today. Copyright Martin Scane.

Boscarne Junction
Roger Aston

Many thanks Roger

4247 entering Boscarne Jct. 15th April 2017 14.15 Copyright Roger Aston

4247 runs round at Boscarne Jct. 15th April 2017. Copyright Roger Aston

4247 departs Boscarne 14.28 15th April 2017 Copyright Roger Aston

Blackwater West Jct.
Sid Sponheimer

Sid has kindly sent in a batch of 24 or so 'golden oldies' which we will savour in the coming weeks. Many thanks Sid.

50048 Dauntless powers up the bank towards the summit leaving behind the earth works of the embankment which once carried an access from the west to the Chacewater - Newquay branch . This junction at Blackwater West was part of a triangular junction with the main line at this location. The West curve closed w.e.f May 1919 The Perranporth line was extended into Chacewater in 1924, not 1919. The west curve was certainly disused after 1919, though. All three boxes at the junction closed in 1924. The date of this pictures is 26th September 1976 Copyright Sid Sponheimer. In the distance can be seen Mithian Church tower, whilst breasting the hill can be seen the 'old A30'. Recently the A30 has been upgraded to be a dual carriagway which runs tight up to the track at this point, the left hand side of the cutting having been completely removed. The new road passes through the formation of the old west curve.

Click below for a 1902 25" mile map of this location courtesy of the National Library of Scotland. Please note also if you go to the bottom left hand side of the map you can change the transparency of the overlay map such that you can see modern features such as the A30 cutting through the formation.

http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=50.2659&lon=-5.1880&layers=168&b=1

Moseley Museum Tumblydown Farm
Tolgus Mount Redruth
Roger Winnen

This museum houses a collection of industrial mining engines, with the running line following the contours of the edges around the farms fields. Its is well worth a visit if you are in the area, plenty of interest for young and old alike, A fantastic collection of model railways in all gauges together with meccano creations both large and small are on view.
Open both Easter Sunday and Monday

170415a Aboard the replica Smelter for a run around Tumblydown Farm. Copyright Roger Winnen

170415b Plenty of interest for all to see at this venue. Copyright Roger Winnen

170415c The former mine locomotives moves the rolling stock. Copyright Roger Winnen

170415d Plenty of industrial locomotives on view. Copyright Roger Winnen

170415e Passengers joining the next train for a run around the fields at Tumblydown Farm, Tolgus Mount, Redruth. Copyright Roger Winnen

Hemyock Memories
Colin Burges

Willand is the name of 'township' at an area we, enthusiasts would call Tiverton Junction. Many thanks to Guy for taking us trackside once again.

Parapets of an overbridge at Willand Nr Tiverton Parkway Copyright Colin Burges

Colin's faithful chariot parked at the fence we see the former trackbed below. Colin remembers polished rails at this location!

For a 25" Map of the area courtesy of the National Library of Scotland please click below. Also try change of transparency button bottom left to see modern developments.

http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=50.8946&lon=-3.3765&layers=168&b=1

Inverness bound
Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy, nice to have a picture of a railtour still in progress.

37609 37259 Westbury 1Z37 Eastleigh-Inverness Pathfinder Tours 14th April 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Cornish Garden
Martin Scane

Hi Keith A couple of photos from our walk to Porthminster Beach today (15th April 2017) alongside the St Ives branchline. I've included the picture of the crossing at Carrack Gladden as it shows the rustic nature of the line (forgetmenots included). Regards. Martin Many thanks Martin

Carrack Gladden is the crossing just before Hawkes Point on the outward journey to St Ives. Copyright Martin Scance

Blue and green sets seen at Carrack Gladden. 15th April 2017. Copyright Martin Scane

Where counties meet
John Cornelius

Items added on 15th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

15/4/2017

Beanacre
Guy Vincent

Whenever Guy puts pen to paper one can always be sure of a supply of extremely interesting, detailed and accurate information. Guy is a very valued contributor. Many thanks Guy :-
The Beanacre sidings complex was constructed from late 1938 onwards and existed to serve both Ridge and Eastlays underground ammunition depots. These were located in deep former stone quarries approximately 2 miles to the north of the railway near the village of Gastard. Some buildings were constructed at the Beanacre site in late 1941 as part of an RAF component store but this was never completed (Melksham was also an RAF base from July 1940 until closure in 1965 although the camp was located on the southern side of the town at Bowerhill close to the former Devizes branch which formed the site's southern boundary). Eastlays is now used as a wine storage facility while Ridge has been abandoned.

Returning to Beanacre several sidings and an access road were laid with a footbridge provided across the lines. Four pillboxes were located around the perimiter of the site and three still exist with rubble from the fourth easily seen to the east of the single line just to the south of Westlands Lane road overbridge. This is the pillbox visible to the left of the approaching Hymek in Keith's 1968 picture. Beanacre sidings were abandoned in 1948 and lifted but the access road is still in place and leads to the National Grid sub station site. Beanacre Halt was located just to the east of Westlands Lane bridge. This was constructed from old wooden sleepers and accessed via cinder tracks from the road. Opened in October 1905 with the introduction of steam rail-motor services the halt was never very well used and closed in February 1955.

Just under two miles east of Beanacre was Lacock Air Ministry sidings and yard. Opened in 1943, this was larger than Beanacre and closed in 1964. A loop line ran from here to Thingley where a south-west chord was put in to enable through running to/from the Corsham direction. See RCTS 'Mystery Photographs' on the RCTS website (accessible by all, member or not) for many interesting pictures of this area taken in 1966 just before mass closures took place and rationalisation set in.

Close to Beanacre is a large National Grid 400 kv sub station. This was first established in the early 1950s and pylon lines radiate away from it in many directions and for many miles. Following the closure of the GEC factory at Melksham in 1988 excess capacity existed here and Beanacre was chosen to supply power to the western section of the Great Western Main Line from Thingley Junction where a 25kv switching station has been provided at the east end of the former up sidings. In 2014-15 the Beanacre site was upgraded with new equipment, a large trench was dug across open farmland to Thingley Junction, a distance of approximately 4 miles, and into this several high voltage cables were laid following which the trench was refilled. The Beanacre-Thingley project appears to be complete now with much work still to be done erecting the OHL equipment and wiring before the electric trains can start to run!

Guy Vincent

Beanacre 1 43162 & 43190 1C07 09.00 Padd'n-Weston-super-Mare 22nd March 2015 (CEGB Trench to left, GWML Project). Copyright Guy Vincent

Beanacre 2 CEGB Main Sub Station for GWML Electrification taken from Melksham Single Line 21st December 2015 Copyright Guy Vincent

Beanacre (3) We move on to Thingley Junction GWML Electrification Supply Point (from train) July 2016. Copyright Guy Vincent

Beanacre 4 The 25000kv supply cables in cross-country trench Beanacre-Thingley 22nd March 2015 Copyright Guy Vincent

Crewkerne tunnel
John Cornelius

Preserved class 50 'Hood' back in BR days. John was a B.R, signalman which enabled him to get to these 'privileged' positions. Many thanks John, Copyright

Items added on 14th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

14/4/2017

Somerset Coal Steam
Martin Scane

Hi Keith
As promised please find attached three photos (dated 1971) of an 0-4-0ST working around the Writhlington Complex at Kilmersdon.
I cannot confirm this but I always thought this to be the last steam working around the colliery (although this may be untrue as I believe coal was extracted until 1973 and transported via BR to Portishead Power station. I think the loco is Peckett 0-4-0ST (now owned by the S&D Railway Trust).
If the information is wrong then I'm sure that someone will enlighten me.
I am pictured aged 16 or 17 standing on the loco's steps in one photo.
Regards Martin Scane Many thanks Martin, any comments anybody?

My apologies to Martin - I've had these pictures since 20th March. We haven't, as yet covered the Frome - Radstock - Bristol line. Any more pictures of this line would be much appreciated.

And here he is, Martin Scane stands on the footplate while the driver 'oils up'. 1971 Copyright Martin Scane

A little shunting in progress at Kilmaston. 1971. Copyright Martin Scaane.

Posing for posterity at Kilmarston. 1971. Copyright Martin Scane

Sunrise with Craig
Carlyon Bay

Hello Keith, On my patrols around the parish today saw a super sunrise. A slice of clear sky between the cloud & coastline presented this opportunity of 57603 powering up the bank along Carlyon Bay with the down sleepers. Cheers, Craig.
Craig is around 24/7, so watch out - well done and thanks.

The Cornwall Railway Society
Visit to the Launceston Steam Railway
Photographs by Sid Sponheimer and Roger Winnen

A beautiful day with sunshine most of the time was had on our visit to the Launceston Steam Railway on Saturday 13th April 2017. Nineteen members and friends joined us on route by train from Penzance to Liskeard where the Group Travel Service 236 to Launceston was joined we traveled in a modern luxury coach for an interesting journey via the east of Caradon Hill, Upton Cross, Rilla Mill, Coads Green, Cogden's Shop and South Petherwin to Launceston. After four hours at Launceston we returned via Stoke Climsland, Callington, Saltash and into Plymouth for our train journey home. We thank Nigel Bowman and his helpers for a very interesting afternoon visit.

170413a The Launceston Steam Railway viewed from the A388 as our party arrives at Launceston. Copyright Roger Winnen

170413b The 14.00 train for Newmills prepares to depart from Launceston. Copyright Roger Winnen

170413c Keith and Valerie Jenkin aboard the departing train for Newmills. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

170413d Lilian at Newmills on the 15.20 working to Launceston. Copyright Roger Winnen

170413f Lilian passes under the aqueduct on its approach to Launceston. Copyright Roger Winnen

More photographs will appear in the Features Pages

Three from Craig
Craig Munday

Many thanks as usual to you Craig.

66175 runs along the creek at Lantyan with St Winnow church in the background. 10th 6P2410th 6P24 10th April 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

I took a high rise view of Mounts Bay from the fields near Marazion showing 2P86 passing the former station. The new depot structure can be seen on the right, as well as Penwith College with its windmills above and the train shed at Penzance. 13th April 2017 Copyright Craig Munday (What a smashing view)

43053 sweeps past Bodriggy on the 11th April 2017. An extensive housing estate my block this view of Hayle soon. Copyright Craig Munday

Laira & Lostwithiel.
Nick Dyke

Keith, 43185 is now back in traffic after having its E exam at Laira, it's first workings were 5C40 0630 Laira T&RSMD to Plymouth followed by 1C40 0702 Plymouth to Penzance which then forms 1A83 1000 Penzance to Paddington. A couple of shots whilst waiting in number 7 shed Road at Laira followed by it leading through Lostwithiel on its way to the capital. 13th April 2017. Regards Nick Dyke
Many thanks Nick, especially for the 'inside' pictures.

43185 'on shed' at Laira Deport - 12th April 2017. Copyright Nick Dyke

Back on the road, 43185 looks fine running through Lostwithiel, a down train is expected. 13th April 2017 Copyright Nick Dyke

Silkmills Crossing
John Cornelius

Brilliant winter sunshine produces a brilliant picture. Both 50 028 and the crossing are now memories - the crossing having been replaced by an overbridge, Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 13th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

13/4/2017

Super Elevation
Colin Burges

Six inches of super-elevation on the reverse curves between Hele and Cullompton. Who remembers the rare occasion when a train would come to a stand on heavily canted track and a Mark I would settle on its springs, making it seem like climbing a hill going from one vestibule window to the other? Copyright Colin Burges

Chacewater was another place where 'super elevation' was very noticeable with a 'slump' to the north as the train stopped. This photograph was taken on the 5th September 1964, the day of closure of the station. Copyright unknown.

Chacewater 50024 Vanguard leans through Chacewater station 2nd February 1975 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

A chance snapshot through the car windscreen whilst waiting for a down train as, one time CRS member, the late Reg Loze views a departing up service. Copyright

Major works at
Bath
Guy Vincent

Network Rail have made good progress so far on rebuilding the first of the two platforms at Bath Spa station. Platform 1 (Bristol bound) is being widened and the height increased in preparation for the arrival of the new class 800-801 super express trains later this year. Frankly, this work should have been completed decades ago as the height difference between the platforms and door steps on HSTs in particular was particularly wide and made alighting difficult for many passengers.

Full use is being made of the bi-directional signalling between Bathampton Junction and Bath Goods (distance approx 2.5 miles) with P2 handling all trains booked to call. Next week should see the rebuilt P1 in use with P2 then getting similar treatment.

Guy Vincent Many thanks for your article and pictures

Photo 1. Works take place on Monday 10th April 2017 at the point where the signalling roding and wires used to pass under the platform up to Bath Spa Signal Box which was situated above the canopy. Copyright Guy Vincent

Photo 2. The west end of P1. Note the increase in height here.10th April 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Photo 3. New precast platform slab section being moved into position for fitting. 10th April 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Photo 4. While works progress it's business as usual on P2 with trains arriving and departing very efficiently every 10-15 minutes. 11th April 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Silkmills Crossing
Semaphores
John Cornelius

Silhouetted against an ideal sky eight semaphores guard the entrance to the Taunton area. Memories of the past. Many thanks to John, another one from his marvelous collection. Copyright

Items added on 12th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

12/4/2017

Luxulyan Valley
Roger Winnen

A very unusual location for a picture as a Class 45 leaves the 50 yard Luxulyan Tunnel and heads down the valley on the 10.05 service from Newquay to Newcastle. The date is the 14th June 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

Site of new Tavistock Station
Colin Burges

The Callington Road underbridge is proposed as the extent of the rebuilt line from Bere Alston. The cycle path which may one day serve the new Tavistock Station has been started. Copyright Colin Burges

Map location of Callington Road bridge – proposed site of new Tavistock.station. This view courtesy National Library of Scotland can be zoomed to see the location of both former stations at Tavistock. Hint - try changing the transparency of the overlay (bottom left on screen) to see the modern development of housing towards this station site.
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=17&lat=50.5430&lon=-4.1602&layers=168&b=1

Prestleigh Viaduct
John Cornelius

One can almost imagine 'The Pines Express' sweeping over this fine structure. Copyright John Cornelius

For a map of the location of Prestleigh viaduct courtesy National Library of Scotland click below
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=17&lat=51.1648&lon=-2.5243&layers=168&b=1

For a video of the demolition of Prestleigh viaduct click below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VRuPDVz964

Items added on 11th April 2017 Those added most recently come first

11/4/2017

Crossing the Fowey River
Andrew Jones

37674 St Blaise Church Lostwithiel 1996 Copyright Andrew Jones

Adding to the earlier photograph of 37674 ‘St Blaise Church 1445-1995, here is the same loco, entering Lostwithiel with a rake of CDA empties from Fowey in 1996.
This location once had three bridges, the third with direct access to the Fowey Branch, was on the left hand side.
The locomotive is entering on the down main line and will shortly enter the sidings adjacent the station.
Currently all shunting is carried out on the Plymouth side of the level crossing opposite the old milk factory.
The class 66’s, although environmentally superior, in this more enlightened period, really do not compare with the 37’s for character and presence.
Best wishes Andrew Jones Many thanks Andrew

For a map courtesy National Library of Scotland click here :-
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=50.4065&lon=-4.6683&layers=168&b=1

Broadening Bath
Guy Vincent

I passed through Bath Spa today and noted the down platform devoid of track with the new, wider and taller platform sections being installed. I'll send a few to you over the next couple of days-very interesting indeed.
Cheers for now. Guy Vincent
P.S. Also more on the MOD sidings at Beanacre.
Many thanks Guy, we look forward in anticipation.

Silverton
A relic remarkably intact
Colin Burges

At Silverton a private siding serving the Reed & Smith paper mill, which had been opened on 26 July 1894, was closed on 31 August 1967. A Map of the siding, almost a branch, can be found by clicking here :-
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=50.8034&lon=-3.4562&layers=168&b=1 Courtesy National Library of Scotland.