Blog Archives

Items added on 10th April 2018. Most recent items come first.

10/4/2018

Don't Forget this Saturday
April 14th at 6.30 PM
In the Memorial Hall Redruth Methodist Church
Peter Triggs presents
'Seven decades of steam'
For details of the venue please click here

Helston Railway 2006-2008 Featuring the delivery of the Park Royal DMU and visits to Trevarno
Andrew Triggs & Roger Winnen

060520a D7523 John F Kennedy hauls the Park Royal DMU from Williton to Bishops Lydeard prior to commencing its journey to Gwinear Road. Copyright Andrew Triggs

070903f Side by side at Gwinear Road. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503c The dumper truck stands alongside the unit at Trenarno. Copyright Roger Winnen

080503i A group photograph of the Cornwall Railway Society party taken at Prospidnick. Copyright Roger Winnen

For the complete coverage of these events
Click Here to go into features January onwards 2018 and scroll down to 1808

The 2 + 3 HST at Penzance
Mark Lynham

43187 arrives at Penzance. Penzance driver Lee Mcdonald gives me the thumbs up as the 09-24 arrives from Exeter St David's Copyright Mark Lynham

180409k 43016 awaits departure on the 2A85 12.57 to Newton Abbot. Copyright Mark Lynham

180409l Departing Penzance at 12.57 the train is seen passing Penzance Signal Box. Copyright Mark Lynham

Weymouth
Harbour Tramway
Geoffrey Matthews

D2082 on the harbour branch at Weymouth on 25th March 1965 Copyright Geoffery Matthews N.B A wonderful study by Geof, The guard riding holding both red and green flags, and who might the passenger be on the other side one wonders, a joy rider or staff?

Looe
Clive Smith

W55025 approaches Looe with a service from Liskeard on 16th February 1985. Copyright Clive Smith

Yeovil Junction
John Cornelius

Great Britain Railtour Timings
26th April 2018
Light engine 31806 Swanage to Yeovil junc dep Swanage 0800, Maiden Newton 1035/1040, Yeovil Pen Mill 1110/1115, Arr Yeovil Junction 1120.
MAIN TRAIN with 60009
Dep. Westbury10.46, Frome [Water stop], Castle Cary 11.40, Yeovil Pen Mill 1155/1157, Arr Yeovil Junction 1205

Dep Yeopvil Junction 1440,Yeovil Pen Mill 1450,Maiden Newton 1520/1532, Weymouth1607/1635, Wareham 1710 Arr SWANAGE 1800.
31806 will be attached at the rear of the train at Yeovil Junction
and will lead from Yeovil Pen Mill to Weymouth 60009 banking at the rear.
60009 Will lead from Weymouth to Wareham.
Many thanks to John Cornelius for these timings.
N.B. No visit to Cornwall this year.

Items added on 9th April 2018. Most recent items come first.

9/4/2018

Reduced in size today
The 4+2 HST becomes 3+2 Andrew Triggs

180409a The 09.24 Exeter to Penzance now down to three coaches cross Marazion Marsh. Copywright Andrew Triggs

180409b The 2 + 3 Departs Penzance at 12.57 for Newton Abbot. Copyright Andrew Triggs

New Pointwork being installed at Walker Lines siding Bodmin
Roger Winnen

180407a The turnout into Walker Lines siding from the main running line between Bodmin Parkway to Bodmin General is being relaid to ease the sharp curvature into these sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

180407b Looking back to the new pointwork which awaits its connection. Copyright Roger Winnen

St Ives & Ice Cream
Robert Woodhouse

I recently received a couple of photographs from Robert Woodhouse, one of railway interest, asking if I could confirm that they were St Ives area.

Thought to be from the footpath that runs down from the end of the Hain Walk towards Carbis Bay beach over the footbridge near where the Fixed Distant used to be. Courtesy Rarity Value Media Collection

Personally for me, and for many, others a trip to St Ives was not complete without a visit to Harts Ice Cream Parlour

Harts Ice Cream Parlour with its unique formula Ice Cream situated at the top of the old slipway is sadly a thing of the past and so is its delicious ice cream. Rarity Value Media Collection

Rob Woodhouse sent a more recent letter :- These pictures are part of a family's collection of several hundred slides & negatives which I purchased from a (house clearance) dealer. The family consisted of husband, wife & daughter. In the "Harts" picture, the husband is the gentleman standing in the doorway, and his daughter is perched on the wall next to him. Many of this collection appear to have been taken in Cornwall over a period of years. Either this family were residents, or they regularly visited relatives living there (maybe his brother. As a rule of thumb, if you own the original negative, or positive slide, you own the copyright, but I am trying to identify the family, as some of these images would be very personal to any surviving relatives and I would happily return these at cost. Robert Woodhouse. If anybody thinks they might know the Tratts who have disappeared without trace, if you know any Tratts, kindly put them in touch, I am not looking for profit. Robert Woodhouse. Many thanks Robert. More pictures are available if you can help.

Upton Scudamore
Ron Kosys

Back on 6th June 1984, 47284 slogs its way up the ‘hill’ from Westbury past Upton Scudamore with a Speedlink bound for Eastleigh. Copyright Ron Kosys. Upton Scudamore is four miles distant from Westbury and Warminster. Interestingly the parish contains a hamlet called Halfway!!

Dunster
John Cornelius

Items added on 8th April 2018. Most recent items come first.

8/4/2018

Not seen for a number of years
A Class 158 visits Cornwall
Jacob Hampson, Andrew Triggs & Roger Winnen

158956 leaves Par heading for Penzance. 8th April 2018 Copyright Jacob Hampson

180408a 158956 Arrives Penzance with the 07.26 from Bristol Temple Meads on Sunday 8th April, 2018.. Copyright Roger Winnen

180408b Stopping well clear of a Class 153s in Platform 4 this train will depart at 13.39 for Exeter St David's coupled to the next incoming service at 13.14 comprised of 150001. Copyright Roger Winnen

180408d 150001 Leads the return journey being 13.39 Penzance to Exeter St David's. Copyright Andrew Triiggs

180408e 158956is the rear unit on this train passing Ponsandane Bridge. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180408c The return working at 13.39 from Penzance crosses Hayle Viaduct with set 150001 leading and the 158 unit on the rear. Copyright Roger Winnen

150001 and 158956 with 2E68 1339 Penzance to Exeter St Davids passing Burngullow. 8th April 2018. Copyright Jacob Hampson

Kingsbridge
and District Light Railway
Clive Smith

Clive Smith writes :- Some more narrow gauge fun, this time in Kingsbridge today (7th April). The KDLR is now up and running for the season. Intermittently for now but a busy day was had in Thursday's fine weather taking over £100.
Regards Clive Many thanks Clive

For further info please try this link
http://www.kingsbridge-today.co.uk/article.cfm?id=594&headline=Light%20railway%20reveals%20a%20new%20summer%20timetable&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2015

Kingsbridge and District Light Railway 1 6th April 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

Kingsbridge and District Light Railway 2 6th April 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

Kingsbridge and District Light Railway 3 6th April 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

St Denys, Bevois
Ron Kosys

205033 passes Bevois yard with a Portsmouth to Romsey local service. Note the 33 awaiting a path towards Eastleigh on the left. 31st August 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

47381 passes with 6V62, the Fawley to Tavistock Junction tanks on 9th September 1988. This train took a circuitous route dropping off tanks as it made its way west, the loco returning the following day collecting whatever empties were available. Copyright Ron Kosys

Taunton
John Cornelius

A real 'Gem' of a picture crisp and clear. many thanks to John Cornelius, Copyright.

Items added on 7th April 2018. Most recent items come first.

7/4/2018

Brockenhurst
Mick House

A 4VEP departs Brockenhurst for Waterloo. Mick points out that it is bearing the incorrect headcode - it should be 97 rather than 87. Copyright Mick House.

TEST TRAIN
SWANAGE to YEOVIL JUNCTION via WEYMOUTH

Good Morning Keith. 31806 is now booked to run a test train to
Yeovil junc on Friday April 13th.

Dep Swanage 1220, Wareham 1300, Dorchester South 1326, Weymouth 1340/1350,
Dorchester West 1405/20, Maiden Newton 1443/1449, Yeovil PM 1517,
ARR Yeovil Junc 1525.

DEP Yeovil Junc 1700, Pen Mill 1710, Maiden Newton 1740/55 Dorchester West 1813, Weymouth 1825/1938, Dorchester South 1948, Wareham 2019, Swanage 2040.
A diesel will be attached on the rear throughout.
hope this is info is of interest.
Many thanks to John Cornelius for this info.

Exeter Central
London bound
David Tozer

159003 & 159015 London bound 6th April 2018 Copyright David Tozer

Cowley Bridge Jct.
Ron Kosys

Having been held at the signal a little further up the line, 47256 accelerates its way through Cowley Bridge Junction before crossing into Riverside yard with a down Speedlink working. 4th May 1990. Copyright Rpn Kosys At this time the hut on the right of the shot was inhabited by a vagrant who didn’t take too kindly to being photographed.

Charlton, Cogload
John Cornelius

Charlton is just to the west of Cogload Junction. The fact that this was formerly quadruple track is is clearly seen by the sleeper imprints in the ballast on either side of the running lines. Will there ever be a case for making this a four track arrangement again one wonders!! Copyright John Cornelius

The 'Livery' variety of the HSTs in their final days of frontline service
Andrew Triggs

180406a 43093 leading the 1C71 into St Erth with Semaphore SE66 prominent. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180406b The NMT working the 1Q18 running slowly through St Erth. - Copyright Andrew Triggs

180406c The return from Penzance nearing Rosevidney Road bridge heading for Paignton. - Copyright Andrew Triggs

180406d Moments later on the other side of the road bridge the 'GTI' HST working the 2C45 passes the NMT. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Items added on 6th April 2018. Most recent items come first.

6/4/2018

Network Rail HST is back.
Mick House.

Network Rail HST has returned today having left Reading Triangle Sidings, right time at 06.10 this morning and passing Apex Bridge 18 early at 11.23 with 43 014 leading.
On its return again heading towards Apex Bridge the Network Rail HST with 43 013 leading passes Hallenbeagle Engine House, Wheal Busy the site of the March blockade.
I know that this train is a regular visitor to Cornwall and we see plenty of photos of it, but it does make for a pleasant contrast.

Class 43 014 The Railway Observer about to pass under Apex Bridge. Copyright Mick House.

Class 43 013 leads Network Rail HST past Hallenbeagle Engine House. Copyright Mick House.

An interesting afternoon at Paignton & Churston
Roger Winnen

On Thursday 5th April 2018

180405za 75014 Braveheart arrives back into Paignton Queens Park on the 13.00hrs service from Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

180405ze Plenty of action from Paignton South with the Voyager then the 10.35 Torbay Express arr from Padd D3014 and L94. Copyright Roger Winnen

180405zg Arriving at Churston onboard the Stagecoach No 12 bus to Brixham we again see L94 with an engineers train shunting in the sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

For more photographs of this event Click Here for the Features Pages January 2018 onwards and scroll down to 1807

Plymouth - past
Clive Smith

Great to see HST 2+4 formations providing quality accommodation on the main line 'locals'. A big improvement on some of the DMUs over the past years. For most of the 1970s and 80s a DMU on a passenger service between Taunton and Penzance was virtually unheard of. During the last week of the westerns in February 1977 the 2B24 17.45 Plymouth to Penzance was famously worked by 1041 on the Monday and 1013 the next day. Loads of 4 and 3 were not unknown on 2B24 and on Plymouth Argyle match days formations of 14 were common. Saturday 30th May 1981 saw rarity 37142 turn up at platform 4 at Plymouth with two carriages. I had the pleasure of taking this Cornish stalwart all the way to Penzance. Acceleration from stations was impressive ! Not my best pictures I'm afraid as they were taken on my first camera a Kodak 110.

Regards Clive Smith Many thanks Clive

Plymouth 37142 waits to depart with the 17.45 Plymouth-Penzance 30th May 1981 Copyright Clive Smith

Deserted Dawlish
Roger Geach

Dawlish Warren from Langstone Rock as 47768 heads 5c99 the Bristol to Plymouth vans at Dawlish Warren on the 21st January 2000 Copyright Roger Geach Roger points out that there is hardly a person in sight.

SE66 St Erth
Ron Kosys

St Erth Warship D804 Avenger rolls in the with a Paddington - Penzance service on the 17th July 1971. The signal is SE26 Copyright Ron Kosys A fine picture of an everyday scene, note the very tall telegraph poles, the down refuge siding, the clutter of buildings. It's all changed!

With a clear signal ahead 1023 Western Fusilier awaits the 'right away' to depart St Erth on the 17th July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys N.B. Roy Hart advises - Note the old 'backing' signal, with two holes in the arm. These controlled 'wrong-way' movements on running lines. This one had a route indicator attached, so movements could be signalled from the down main to Up Main; refuge no 1; refuge no 2; up branch. The signal was mounted on a concrete post and dated from 1936. Many thanks for the note Roy

Taunton
John Cornelius

Items added on 5th April 2018. Most recent items come first.

5/4/2018

Bickington Steam Railway
Andrew Jones

Andrew writes :- Whilst searching through my photograph library, I came across this one of the Bickington Steam Railway on the 3rd July 2013, situated outside Newton Abbot. The railway was built at the present site within the grounds of Trago Mills in 1988.
Constructed to a gauge of ten and a quarter inches, it is extensive and worth a visit.
The railway has quite a history, having originally been built by Brian Nicholson, the headmaster of Waterhouses School in Staffordshire. His intension was to relay part of the Leek and Manifold Light Railway, but for varying reasons the railway eventually ended up In Newton Abbot, having been recovered from Suffolk Wildlife Park.
D5910 in the photograph was built in 1987 based on the class 23, Baby Deltics, really a smaller version of the famous class 55 Deltics.
Best regards Andrew Jones
Many thanks Andrew for your photograph and article.

Bickington Railway. 3rd July 2013. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Hemerdon
Roger Geach

47767 on the 1509 Plymouth to Low Fell vans just having topped Hemerdon 21st August 1997 Copyright Roger Geach

St Denys
Ron Kosys

St Denys 47349 works the 4O18 0517 Lawley St-Soton on the 28th June 2000 Copyright Ron Kosys N.B. Alas the footbridge was removed several years ago.

Plymouth
John Cornelius

Items added on 4th April 2018. Most recent items come first.

4/4/2018

Eric Machell passses Marazion
Roger Salter

180403a 608T 10.18 Penzance to Taunton DR 75406 'Eric Machell passes Marazion . Copyright Roger Salter

St Erth
Phillip Benham

Phillip Benham writes :- I was fascinated by your content looking at West Cornwall – in particular the photos of St Erth signal SE 26. The attached, though sadly not from real steam days, when I did not have a camera, may be of interest. The occasion was the ‘Two Castles to Penzance railtour with 5029 Nunney Castle and 5051 Dryswllyn Castle on 4th May 2002.
Regards
Philip Benham, NYMR Consultancy Services. Many thanks Phillip

A very fine picture taken at St Erth on the 4th May 2002 of 5029 Nunney Castle and 5051 Dryswllyn Castle on the 'Two castles to Penzance' railtour. Taunton to Penzance Copyright Phillip Benham

Eastleigh
Ron Kosys

A splash of colour at Eastleigh 205030 comes off the Chandlers Ford ECS Salisbury to Eastleigh depots. 2nd September 1990 Copyright Ron Kosys

Easter at Y.R.C.
John Cornelius

From the 'Warren' at Yeovil Railway Centre. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 3rd April 2018. Most recent items come first.

3/4/2018

"I do like to be beside the seaside"
A Springtime Holiday at Dawlish
Roger Salter

180305d 66106 on the 667q 09.30 St Blazey to Exeter Riverside at Dawlish. Copyright Roger Salter

180307 The 09.03 on the Teignmouth sea wall after emerging from Parsons Tunnel. Copyright Roger Salter

180305e The force of the sea is evident at Dawlish. Copyright Roger Salter

For more photographs of Roger Salters holiday at Dawlish Click Here to go into the Features Pages January 2018 onwards 1806 and scroll down

Crediton
Ron Kosys

47338 with the Riverside - Meldon slows for the token at Crediton 14th August 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Plymouth
John Cornelius

A 'model' picture from John Corneliua, copyright.

Items added on 2nd April 2018. Most recent items come first.

2/4/2018

Focus on
Exmouth Junction
David Tozer

Exmouth Junction 1. A fantastic view of Exmouth junction - it all there, the box. the metals off to the right to Exmouth and those to Salisbury and Waterloo straight ahead. The picture is well timed as the 1307 Exmouth Junction - Central ECS leaves the turnback siding at Exmouth Junction. The old marshalling yard is on the left of the trees. The site is now used for storing caravans for the winter by a local firm. 1st April 2018. Copyright David Tozer.

Exmouth Junction 2 1st April 2018 Copyright David Tozer A view from alongside the east end of black Boy tunnel.

Exmouth Junction 3 - 1st April 2018 Copyright David Tozer The old marshaling yard seen across the main line.Note the rails still remain this side of he boundary fence.

Exmouth Junction 4 - 1st April 2018 Copyright David Tozer Note:- The old ground signal is still lit although the lines have been overgrown for years. A similar situation occurs at Exeter Central as one can see the lit ground signal that controlled the exit from Central Goods, even though the track was severed years ago.

Steam Heat
Clive Smith

A few steamy pics of Peaks and mark 1 carriages with leaking pipes. Not a common sight but it certainly made for great photographs if rather cold trains. Regards Clive Smith Many thanks indeed Clive, a hot topic!

Paignton on the 28th December 1982. 46018 11.55 to York relief. Copyright Clive Smith

Paignton Leaking carriage pipes create an atmospheric scene as 46018 struggles to heat the train. Copyright Clive Smith

Exeter St Davids in the early 1980s. There can't be much warmth on this train as all steam from the loco's boiler goes straight through. Copyright Clive Smith

Bristol Temple Meads 2nd October 1982 45007 10.00 Bradford Exc - Paignton. Two young boys ponder the question 'Is this a steam engine' Copyright Clive Smith

Carn Brea
Improvements!

The many hundreds of you who wrote in concerning the despoliation of Carn Brea (See yesterdays News) will no doubt be pleased to know that the local giant 'Bolster', who stands with one foot on Carn Brea and the other on St Agnes Beacon, has stamped on the proposal which will now not take place. With many thanks to our reporter Niknejnp!

Newton Abbot
Ron Kosys

6330 with brake van Newton Abbot 26th august 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys Note sleeping car stabled on the right

Exeter St Thomas
John Cornelius

Items added on 1st April 2018. Most recent items come first.

1/4/2018

Carn Brea
Improvements!

A classic picture of the north face of Carn Brea hill taken by the Late Sid Sponheimer reveals that familiar outline which dominates the district. A class 52 Western heads the up mail across Barncoose embankment lit by the summer sun.Picture Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer.

Revealed today are plans for a funicular railway to the summit which will provide a big draw to the district and attract many visitors to the 'Local Alps'. Please click here for full details of this plan which may not prove popular to all!!

Easter Saturday
The South Devon Railway
Roger Winnen

180331d D6501 arrives at Staverton with the 11.30 from Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

180331e The pair of autos arrive at Staverton with 6412 sandwich between. Copyright Roger Winnen -

180331ee The interior of Auto No 163. Copyright Roger Winnen

For more photographs of the Easter Event at the South Devon Railway Click here to go to the Features Page 1805 and scroll down

Exeter St Davids
John Cornelius

Congratulations John on such a rare picture. Copyright John Cornelius.

Nursling
Ron Kosys

47284 seen here at Nursling heads the diverted 1O38 1428 Exeter to Waterloo on Sunday 9th September 1990 Copyright Ron Kosys N.B Nursling is west of Southampton on the line to Romsey.

A great day at Truro
Mike Hitchens

7029 'Clun Castle' at Truro 6th September 1985 - the occasion of the lifting of steam in Cornwall ban. It certainly created massive interest - see all the spectators on the bridge. From the Mike Hitchens Collection.

Forward>>

Latest News & Features

Network Rail HST is back. Mick House.

NurslingRon Kosys

Archives

Network Rail HST is back.
Mick House.

Nursling
Ron Kosys