Blog Archives

20th April 2020

20/4/2020

Views from Marazion Marsh Foot crossing Part 2
Roger Salter

140918a 1c99 2345 London Paddington-Penzance Night Riviera Sleeper crosses Marazion Marsh hauled by 57310 Pride Of Cumbria on 18th September 2014. Copyright Roger Salter

170624a 107f 05.40 Worcester Shrub Hill to Penzance 66525 with 37059 behind passes Marazion Marsh Crossing on a Mazey Day Special running 145 mins late.. Copyright Roger Winnen

180623a 1V48 with the 07.45 York Penzance passing Marazion Marsh Crossing on 23rd June 2018. Copyright Roger Salter

Par
Roger Geach

1031 Western Rifleman with ecs from Penzance to Newquay at Par station Note gash on body side 21st September 1974 . Copyright Roger Geach.

The above picture enlarged to show body damage. Copyright Roger Geach.

Probus and Ladock
Roger Winnen

Probus & Ladock Remittance Book
Whilst searching for a book written by C R Clinker last evening I came across at Remittance Book for Probus & Ladock Platform covering the Period from 1st May 1957 through to the end of June 1957.
This platform had closed by the end of the year, looking at the takings it could never have run at a profit.
Money collected on 1st May 1957 was sent by train to B.R. Western Region Regional Treasurers Office at Plymouth the following day and a receipt sent back to Probus.

The breakdown of money on the remittance advise was as follows:-
Bank of England notes £5 £1 10/-
Irish Notes, Scottish Notes, Silver, Copper, Nickel (3d pieces), Postal Orders, Money Orders, Cheques

The breakdown for the month of May 1957 being

                                    £          s.         d.
May 1st                                                6
May 2nd                                   6         4
May 3rd                                   12        2
May 4th                                   2 0
May 6th                                               6
May 7th                                   4         11
May 8th                                   2          1
May 9th                                               6
May 10th                     1          0          0
May 11th 1 6
May 13th                                 3          9
May 14th                                 6          4
May 15th                                 14        7
May 16th                                             6
May 17th                                             6
May 18th                                             6
May 20th                                             6
May 21st                                              6
May 22nd                                             6
May 23rd                     Nil
May 24th                     Nil
May 25th                                 1 1
May 27th Nil
May 28th                     1          12        11
May 29th                     Nil
May 30th 6
May 31st Nil
..........................
            Total                £5        12s      8d

From the Roger Winnen Collection

Probus & Ladock - From the Peter Butt Collection

Many thanks Roger

Re Probus and Ladock
Roy Hart

A footnote from Roy Hart :- Dear Keith,
Roger certainly shows us why Probus closed so early. I remember the last Probus signalman telling me that the biggest traffic there for years was rabbits.
The myxomatosis outbreak in the early 1950s put paid to that.
Roy

Many thanks Roy.

Exeter
Clive Smith

46049 arrives at platform 1 with the 1V62 08.15 Birmingham New Street - Plymouth on the 14th May 1982. This was the Friday of the last weekend before HSTs started to take over the inter-regional table 51 services and regular overnight passenger carriages on mail services finished. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive.

Going like Clockwork!
Karl Hewlett

Dear Keith.
As we are still observing lockdown for another three weeks I stumbled across this Dave Allen sketch whilst looking for something entirely different, but it should give some CRS members a chuckle anyway. This is the only footage I could find of it anywhere despite several searches, the DMU L411 is at Maidenhead station (so just in boundaries), the L set numbers seem to be applied from c1972 on class 117 sets so its either: 51352 59504 51354 from 72 to 76, or post 1976: 51346 59498 51388. I don't think it can be much later as the set does not have headlights underneath the driving cab windows which most had fitted by 1981:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1075062229886820353

Enjoy! Regards
Karl (The Friends Of Penmere Station).

Many thanks Karl.

19th April 2020

19/4/2020

Atlas at Bristol
Michael Forward

As well as the current pictures on the site, I have been looking at the archive section,one month per day and today’s gem,for me ,was from June 2016 of 1008 County of Cardigan at Gwinear Road.
I attach a picture of 47082 ‘Atlas’ powering away from Bristol Temple Meads with the 11.10 to Paddington on 31 January 1981.(The coaches were the loco. hauled HST set with a generator van at the back and the front coach ‘not for public use’)

Many Thanks Michael

Cotswold Rail
Alan Peters

During my short time at Cotswold Rail I worked the Heartlands Rail tour 'The Penzance Flyer' as 1Z59 Gloucester to Penzance on 25th August 2007 possibly the hottest day of the year, I worked the train from Exeter to Penzance and return. Heartland Rail was the charter arm of Cotswold Rail and the tour was originally planned to be hauled by 45112 on 21st July 2007 which caused a lot of interest of a Peak to Penzance, unfortunately the class 45 was deemed unfit for service and the tour was rescheduled for the 25th August with top and tailed class 47's, there are also unconfirmed reports that the rear class 47 provided assistance over the Devon banks but I can strongly deny this as I was the Driver both ways, both Cotswold Rail and Heartland Rail tours ceased trading in 2010.
Report By Alan Peters.

Shortly after arrival at Penzance, Cotswold Rail's 47813 "John Peel" is seen at the blocks of platform one with 'The Penzance Flyer' from Gloucester with the Blue Pullman coaches and top and tailed with 47810 "Captain Sensible" on 25th August 2007. Copyright Alan Peters.

Cotswold Rail 47813 "John Peel" shares the overall roof at Penzance with Wessex 150238 on 25th August 2007. Copyright Alan Peters.

'All aboard' - the old TV style station departure monitors advertise 1Z60 Penzance to Gloucester as ZZ service 25/08/07. Copyright Alan Peters.

St Michaels Mount from the cab of 47810 at Penzance on 25/08/07. Copyright Alan Peters.

Cotswold Rail 47810 'Captain Sensible' makes a fine sight at Penzance with the Blue Pullman coaches top and tailed with 47813 'John Peel' working the "Penzance Flyer" from Gloucester and return on 25th August 2007, I always thought the Blue Pullman livery suited the coaches quite well and found it a disappointment when the set was dismantled and sold off after the demise of Cotswold Rail. Copyright Alan Peters.

Many Thanks Alan

Coldrennick Viaduct
Chris Harvey

Please find attached a shot of taken in spring 2005, back when there was no talk of lock-downs! A Wessex Trains three-car 158 crosses Coldrennick viaduct during the sunny afternoon of 9th April 2005. This is the 0900 Cardiff Central - Penzance, ex-Carmarthen.
Regards Chris Harvey.

158 crosses Coldrennick viaduct. Copyright Chris Harvey.

Many Thanks Chris

Dawlish Memories
Guy Vincent & David Bartlett

Some summer memories of 'proper' trains passing through the popular holiday destination station at Dawlish Warren.
Photos taken by David Bartlett who with his family enjoyed many holidays (and the railway) here for over 50 years.

Regards, Guy Vincent.

'Cromptons' D6523 (33015) and D6544 (33026) heading through Dawlish Warren at 1242pm on Saturday 25th September 1971 with the 'Dart Valley Flyer' railtour that ran from London Victoria via Basingstoke, Honiton & Exeter to Buckfastleigh. The train returned to London via Taunton, Castle Cary and Newbury. Copyright the late David Bartlett

'Western' class 52 no. D1028 'Western Hussar' on a down express passing through towards the end of the hot summer of 1976, probably around the time of the August bank holiday. Of interest is the wooden platform surface, the fire bucket and ancient lamp column that has been adapted to take a modern electric light complete with 1950s-era green enamelled shade. D1028 was withdrawn on October 5th 1976 and recorded as scrapped at Swindon on 13th June 1979. This loco was instantly recognisable in the scrapyard as someone painted 'THE END' in large white letters on its bodyside. Copyright the late David Bartlett of Bradford on Avon.

Another 'Western', D1058 'Western Nobleman' with just two coaches heading up on the through line towards Exeter. This was the penultimate 'Western' to receive a classified overhaul at Swindon Works, emerging in late July 1973. The loco was withdrawn on 21st January 1977 and finally recorded as scrapped at Swindon by 28th June 1979. Copyright the late David Bartlett of Bradford on Avon.

LNER 4472 Flying Scotsman passing through Dawlish Warren on Saturday September 14th 2002 with a special working chartered by the Newmarket Group, 1Z82 0643 London Victoria - Plymouth. Behind the steam loco is diesel 66076 which appears to have been added at Exeter St Davids to assist with the heavy load of 13 carriages over the steep Devon banks. Copyright the late David Bartlett of Bradford on Avon.

Many thanks Guy for sending in the above compilation of photographs from the late David Bartlett, also many thanks for the detailed captions.

Then and now
Falmouth Docks
Phil Boak

Ship based Lt. Phil Boak writes;- As I’m not as badly affected by the lockdown, I have been taking the chance to walk around the dockyard (with the necessary constraints on safety and security). I am trying to get a few ‘before and after’ photos, recreating the dockyard Railway scenes some 40years later. The ‘before’ photos were from your website under the Falmouth docks section. Below is one such pair, but I will try and get some more. With the appropriate permissions and information, I could put together a short piece on the dockyard railway, in particular focusing on what can be seen today?

A lovely picture - gleaming steam. A smashing photograph by Trevor Tremethick.

An image taken on the 18th April 2020. Copyright Phil Boak.

With many thanks to you Phil - we look forward to more 'Then and Now' pictures.

Views of the Docks from Castle Drive
Falmouth Docks
Roger Salter

We are greatly indebted to Roger Salter for sending in the following crystal clear photographs from his own collection. These will no doubt assist when in positioning the views we get from Phil Boak.

Falmouth Docks. Cap Lizard 21st May 1978 Copyright Roger Salter

Busirius & Northumberland (Federal,P&O) Copyright Roger Salter

Scillonian 11 having new bottom plates. 31st November 2012 Copyright Roger Salter.

Many thanks indeed Roger

Further Facts concerning
Falmouth Docks
Courtesy Nigel Tregoning

From Roger Winnen who contacted Nigel the local expert :-
Speaking to Nigel Tregoning steam carried on after August 1986 when the final train ran for enthusiasts. Some shunting of internal traffic was carried out by a 0-4-0 Sentinal Diesel which was later sold to Henry Orchard dealers at St Austell in 1995. Nigel tells me that steam carried on to possibly 1989, however all rail traffic had ceased in the docks by April 1995

Thanks very much Nigel and Roger.

18th April 2010

18/4/2020

Shaldon Bridge
Roger Geach

A nearly full tide and a fine head of steam as 76079 is seen from Sheldon bridga on a Paignton to Exeter working. It is the 21st August 1991. Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger.

St Erth
Andrew Thompson

50 002 Superb entering St Erth. Copyright Andrew Thompson

Many thanks Andrew.

17th April 2020

17/4/2020

Long Rock Shed Demolition 1977
Roger Winnen

1 Built in 1914 we see the demolition of Long Rock Shed in 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

2 Demolition at Long Rock showing the remains of the steam boiler house. . E Thomas & Sons Ponsanooth were the contractors building the new HST shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

3 The way in to the depot at Long Rock from the old A30 road. Copyright Roger Winnen

4 The Demolition viewed from the Eastern Green Beach. Copyright Roger Winnen

Thanks Roger - sad days.

Laira
Alan Peters

Another Cotswold Rail stock move 47813 'John Peel' is seen at Laira in the evening sunlight after dragging a complete HST set to the depot on 22/08/07, unfortunately I can not remember why the HST was being dragged although there is a nice video clip of me climbing Rattery bank on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDNMqVjhjMQ - Alan Peters Well worth watching.

47813 'John Peel' is seen at Laira in the evening sunlight 22nd August 2007 . Copyright Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan - lovely light.

Falmouth Docks
Philip Boak

I am currently assigned to HMS Scott, alongside in Falmouth, and I have taken an interest in the former Falmouth Docks Railway. I saw some very interesting photos on your website, but was wondering if there is any further information available, including when the railway finally fell out of use. I spotted the old oil waste collector alongside our ship, and am guessing it is a relic from the time of rail, but wonder if it is still being used in some capacity. Many thanks for your time, Phil P R Boak Lt RN

Falmouth Docks - oil waste collector 1 15th April 2020 Copyright Philip Boak

Falmouth Docks - oil waste collector 2 15th April 2020 Copyright Philip Boak

Falmouth Docks - oil waste collector 3 15th April 2020 Copyright Philip Boak

Falmouth Docks is a restricted area and as such is inaccessible to us 'land lubbers' - does anybody have any ideas about this rail mounted vehicle? In Philips last picture it looks as if it has recently moved - by what motive power one wonders? Can anybody help please. It would seem that there is still some activity on the rail system at Falmouth Docks! Many thanks for your question and the photographs, Plil.

Hayle
Andrew Thompson

Hayle - looks like 47 515 entering with an up service. Note the crossing warning lights. The pedestrian crossing here was protected by the miniature 'traffic lights' seen lower left was removed and a new and much safer access to the up platform provided via an existing under bridge which the locomotive is just crossing. Copyright Andrew Thompson

Boxing Day 2005
Bodmin and Wenford
Martin Scane

Bodmin Parkway or Road as we call it. Boxing Day Copyright Martin Scane.

Off we go. A lovely clear and cold day and lots of steam. 26th December 2005. Copyright Martin Scane.

The scene at Bodmin General with 4612 and 50042 adding colour to the scene. Copyright Martin Scane.

16th April 2020

16/4/2020

Views from Marazion Marsh Foot crossing Part 1
Roger Salter

As we are confined to “Barracks” with no rail photography allowed except by chance on your daily walk most members seem to have resorted to looking back at their past records.
This is a selection taken over the years from Marazion Marsh foot crossing

153369 Approaching Marazion Marsh Crossing 28th April 2012. Copyright Roger Salter

43160 with 43091 on the rear with the 15.52 Penzance to Paddington 28th June 2014. Copyright Roger Salter

Nunney Castle at Marazion Crossing on 6th September 2014. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Tisbury Loop
Roger Geach

35028 Clan Line waits on the Tisbury loop to enter the single track section westwards to pass through Tisbury Station. The venue is obviously very attractive and the sight deserves the many spectators enjoying the spectacle. The train crew are in evidence on the track, presumably a visit to the phone on the signal has been made to check how long the wait might be. The date in the 11th October 1986. Copyright Roger Geach.

Network SouthEast
The Blackmore Vale Express
Locos Used33017, 33048 & steam: 35028 'Clan Line'Route :
Loco(s)Route
33007  London Waterloo - Basingstoke - Salisbury
35028 Salisbury - Yeovil Junction
35028   Yeovil Junction - Salisbury
35028   Salisbury - Yeovil Junction
35028   Yeovil Junction - Salisbury
33007 + 33048  Salisbury - Basingstoke - London WaterlooSource : Dave Lodwick

You certainly picked a good spot there Roger = many thanks.

GWR Plaque
Bill Elston

A few days ago, I mentioned that I found my GWR plaque whilst clearing my shed; I,d lost track of it following a few house-moves.
I bought it as a raw aluminium casting from Procast when visiting a Warley Model Railway exhibition at the NEC Birmingham in the mid 1990s.
They told me it was cast using the same pattern equipment that was used for those that adorned the GWR 150 celebrity class 47 repaints
of 1985, and more recently the one on HST pc 43185. The crest is about 284mm diameter. I screwed it a 6mm thick aluminium plate of the same diameter and blended the periphery to give some thickness. In due course, I set about painting it using photos of the above originals as my pattern, starting with a primer coat and finishing with suitable
Humbrol modelling paints. The square back board is 8mm thick plywood, painted in many coats of GWR Brunswick green and polished.
The whole was finished off with brass beading, polished and lacquered. Escutcheon plates on the back for wall mounting.
At that time I had a well-equipped mechanical engineering workshop at my disposal;

All the best, Bill Elston.

A photograph of his very fine GWR plaque. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill, - a very neat job you've made of painting the crest. Too good for the garage I think!

Penzance
Martin Scane

Hi A couple more for your consideration, Penzance 6th June 2006 67029 arrives at the end of the line with a railtour from, I think, Salisbury via Bath/Bristol looking rather fetching in silver livery. They don't need much consideration! Very nice..

Platform 1 at Penzance, 67029 with a railtour. 6th June 2006. Copyright Martin Scane.

Penzance Looking nice and clean 31233 on a Test Train. Note the Union Jack on the railtour coach. 6th June 2006. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin.

15th April 2020

15/4/2020

The Paignton & Dartmouth Diesel & Steam Gala 20th June 1993
Roger Winnen

930620a 37092 37158 & 37197 at Paignton with the 08.40 Paddington to Paignton service. Copyright Roger Winnen

930620s The two Class 73s 73109 and 73101 on the return working to Paignton seen from the top of the cliffs. Copyright Roger Winnen

930620zd Gordon Highlander departs Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

To find more photographs of this event Click Here for the Features Section January - June 2020 Item 2008

Carbis Bay
Andrew Thompson

A skipper seen at Carbis Bay on a service to St Erth. Copyright Andrew Thompson. The station building was at the top of the slope leading up from the platform. The name of the station used to be smartly picked out in white painted stones on cutting face opposite the platform. At one time there was a superb view from train at this location, alas all one sees nowadays is the back of some rather mundane flats.

Carbis Bay Station with the booking hall top left most probably in the early part of the twentieth century. Roger Winnen Collection

The
Devon Venturer
Paul Barlow

34027 Taw Valley Approaching Crewkerne 1400 Exeter-London Victoria 1 August 1998 Copyright Paul Barlow

34027 Taw Valley storming through Sherborne on the 1400 Exeter-London Victoria 1 August 1998. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks to you Paul - memories of a great day.

1st August 1998
Past Time Rail
The Devon Venturer
Loco(s) Usedat least steam: 34027 Taw Valley (1)
Stock UsedBooked for set BN91 (mark 1's)
Route :
Loco(s)Route
(1)London Victoria - Longhedge Jn - Clapham Junction - Barnes - Twickenham - Feltham Jn - Staines - Virginia Water - Ascot - Earley - Reading - Southcote Jn - Newbury Racecourse - Bedwyn - Heywood Road Jn - (via Westbury avoiding line) - Fairwood Jn - Clink Road Jn - Frome - Blatchbridge Jn - Castle Cary - Cogload Jn - Cowley Bridge Jn - Exeter St Davids

(1)Exeter St Davids - Exeter Central

(1)Exeter Central - Honiton - Yeovil Junction - Gillingham - Salisbury - Andover - Worting - Basingstoke - Addlestone Jn - Virginia Water - (reverse of outward route) - London Victoria
Courtesy Six Bells Junction Railtour files.

Bodmin and Wenford
Charlies Gate
Chris Harvey

Captured on Easter Sunday 2009, which also fell on 12th April as it does this year, here is 4247 storming through Charlie's Gate (and clagging nicely!) with the 1045 from Bodmin Parkway.

Best Regards. Chris Harvey. Bodmin

The vertical format suits this picture very well, a smashing powerful image. Copyright Chris Harvey.

Many thanks Chris.

ECS Night Riviera Moves 2015-2019
Andrew Triggs

Hello Roger/Keith,
Unable to capture todays ECS Night Riviera moves due to current regulations, I've gone through the last 5 years and enclose 5 shots of previous ECS Sleeper workings for CRS. Hope everyone's safe and well
All the Best
Andrew

57602 working 5P40 at Marazion 2.4.2015. Copyright Andrew Triggs

DRS 57303 working 5Z40 12.9.2015. Copyright Andrew Triggs

57604 with 57602 working 5Z70 17.12.2017. Copyright Andrew Triggs

57602 approaching Marazion working 5Z79 21.11.2019. Copyright
Andrew Triggs

43160/141 hauling dead in tow 57605 nearing Longrock Depot 25.5.2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

14th April 2020

14/4/2020

Castle Cary
Roger Geach

Our photographer of the month, Roger Geach moves up to Castle Cary to bring us a shot taken before the additional platform face was provided.

35028 passes behind Castle Cary station on Saturday 13th May 1995. Copyright Roger Geach.

13th May 1995
The Royal Wessex
Locos Used 35028 'Clan Line' , 37778.Route :
Loco(s)Route
47778 - Didcot Parkway
35028 Didcot Parkway - Swindon - Chippenham - Melksham - Westbury - Castle Cary - Yeovil Pen Mill
47778? Yeovil Pen Mill - Dorchester South - Weymouth?
47778 Weymouth - Yeovil Pen Mill?
35028 Yeovil Pen Mill - Didcot Parkway?
?47778 Didcot Parkway
The above courtesy of Six Bells Junction.

Many thanks Roger.

Note - we are hoping that Roger will have his Broadband services restored today - his service from BT over the last few weeks has been appalling. Roger reports that at 09.30 today a BT van went past - but didn't stop - hopes fell!!
BT Regrets delay 'Normal Service Resumed' today at 16.00hrs

St Erth
Andrew Thompson

Remember the days of the class 142's - the Skippers. A picture full of interest and nostalgia as a Skipper leaves St Erth to squeal its way to St Ives. A class 47 powered freight takes refuge off the main line - it's driver makes his way across to the signal box perhaps to ask how long he'll be kept there. Copyright Andrew Thompson.

Many thanks Andrew - more to come.

A question arose as to when the sidings on the right hand side of the above picture was lifted - the answer comes, of course, from Roger Winnen.

Track rationalisation at St Erth Station. 10th November 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen

The scene at St Erth, the crossover removed and the two sidings alongside the main line lifted. Copyright Roger Winnen.

153 372 provides the branch service while work continues. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The junction at St Erth for the St Ives Branch. 10th November 2014. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks for the additional info. Roger.

A view from on high
Bittaford
Clive Smith

A glorious evening and I set forth from my home in Bittaford for my daily permitted exercise on the 13th April which consisted of a superb two hour hike over the hills of Dartmoor overlooking Bittaford and Ivybridge. Are the instructions for social distancing two metres or two miles ?. In the space of two hours I saw four people. I have been wanting to do this for ages in good light and was not disappointed. With GWR's drab green livery not standing out in the landscape my subject matter had to be a Cross Country voyager with its flashes of red. The train is the 18.27 Plymouth - Birmingham New Street crossing Bittaford Viaduct in the distance with the beautiful South Hams landscape beyond all the way to Salcombe.This is the view from Western Beacon which is the hill that overlooks Ivybridge as you arrive from the west.

Regards, Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive.
N.B. Bittaford Platform closed 2nd March 1959 was in a shallow cutting beyond the end of the viaduct which the Voyager is crossing to the extreme left of this picture.

First HST to Plymouth
Andrew Rigler

Hi Keith,
I was sorting our some bits and pieces and came across an image taken by my father and paper cutting, from the Western Evening Herald, going back almost exactly 43 years ago. The occasion was the first official run of a, then new, HST set into Plymouth and my dad took my brother and I in, to see it arrive. I would have been twelve at the time, as can be evidenced by my handwriting! The first time I heard a HST rev up it was like hearing a jet versus a old prop plane, i.e. it was the sound of the future. I do not think any of us realised, that the units would still be around all this time later, albeit modified with new engines etc. Look at how much interest it generated!

I recall it was a wet and cold day, somewhat different to the Easter we are currently experiencing. Hope you are all keeping safe.

Please use if you see fit.

Best wishes Andy, Andrew Rigler
Manager UK & IRL

1st HST to Plymouth 1 10th April 1977 Copyright Andrew Rigler

Press Cutting from the Western Evening Herald - from the archives of Andrew Rigler.

Many thanks indeed Andrew - a good job you saved it.

13th April 2020

13/4/2020

Albert Pier
Penzance
Roger Winnen

D7574 0n 31st December 1973 stands on the track which once lead to the Albert Pier. Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Rails on the Albert Pier Penzance on 31 12 1973 The rail connection to Penzance station was removed in September 1967 no doubt in connection with the building of the bus station which was moved from the Station Yard the site now being the drop off point for passengers arriving by car and taxi. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Awaiting the arrival of the Boat Train to The Isles of Scilly. True or False.?The last train most probably on the Albert Pier was to take away scrap from HMS Warspite being broken up alongside St Michaels Mount in the late 1950's. This picture taken on the 8th April 2020 by Roger on a legitimate exercise walk from home. Obviously the answer is false - the Scillonian is moored at the Albert Pier for maintenance work. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The Scillonian tied up on the Albert Pier was built at Appledore in 1977. 43 years old which is along time for a ship . 8th April 2020. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks to Roger who ventured out to bring us these pictures.

Driving the Auto
South Devon Railway
Paul Barlow

Driiving the Autocoach on the South Devon railway. 15th November 2015. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul to see more of this series in features. Click here

The trains are still Running
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
After a few weeks in lock down due to this dreadful virus, working on the railway has a very surreal feel to it. I'm used to solitude of night shifts, but Easter 2020 has felt like night shift in daylight if that makes sense? I'm pleased to report that most places are deserted, the roads and railway stations quiet. I have seen no evidence of "holiday makers" clogging the Duchy.
The clay trains and limited GWR services have made up the majority of services, but a ballast train top and tailed with 66004/084 did break up the monotony on Sat 12th working on the Parkandillack freight branch at Treviscoe. In a cruel twist of fate, the bright sunshine coincided with the arrival of 66047 in the super blue Maritime livery working the local clay circuit. I hope it remains so once life begins to return to normal for everyone.

I would stress that all these images were taken on duty. The local BTP at Truro will be watching for people loitering whilst taking train pictures, and GWR have issued a statement about railway photography.

Best wishes for now, stay safe everyone. Craig Munday

Later that night, recently arrived 66047 glows on St Blazey shed. 66194 the loco being replaced is also in the picture. It is also seen working the clay empties at Treesmill. 66047 St Blazey night. 8th April 2020 Copyright Craig Munday

Long Rock 8th April 2020. Copyright Craig Munday. N.B. 8th taken over night at Long Rock, not a Hitachi train in sight as 57603 and a quartet of short HST sets occupy the sidings

66194 Clay St Blazey. Token exchanged is seen at St Blazey with Signalman Mark Tait delivering the token to Driver Ian "Rocket" Stephenson. Shunter Danny Lawyer also present. The last occasion 66194 worked the CDAs - repairs to a water leak believed to be the reason for the swap. 8th April 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

66047 seen at St Blazey. 9th April 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

66047 has now moved on to Lostwithiel. 9th April 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

66047 is spotted for the third time in the day - this time at Treesmill on the main line. 9th April 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Covid 66084 6W01 Finally on the 11th, a rare working on an fine evening at Little Treviscoe crossing deep in clay country as the ballast train heads back to Burngullow. 11th April 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Another very welcome 'bumper bundle' from Craig Munday. How fortunate he is to be able legitimately able to tour around in the course of his duties and how fortunate, we are, through his camera to enjoy such exclusive pictures. Wonderful stuff Craig Many thanks indeed.

Cardiff
Adrian King

Three shots taken on a rather poor day during school summer holdays 1962.

1. The first shot shows 5962 Wantage Hall in very poor condition passing through with a mixed freight on one of the centre roads heading west. While a DMU stands at Platform 3 having just arrived from Bristol TM. Copyright Adrian King.

2. The second photograph shows an unidentified County just arriving at Platform 3 with a Portsmouth /Cardiff train. It would be interesting to learn just where the County took control of the train Salisbury perhaps? Copyright Adrian King. Looks like it's raining - a little!

3. Hymek D7038 stands ready to leave for Swansea with the relief driver just coming on to the scene. At this time there was a bay platform between Platforms 3/4 at the west end of the station which can be seen in the foreground. Copyright Adrian King.

Many thanks Adrian - memories of a rather damp day!!

12th April 2020

12/4/2020

The answer.
Tozers Teaser

142025 Exmouth Junction 24th March 1986. Copyright David Tozer

Congratulations to:- Tony Hill who was first in - he wrote = Taken at the back of the former Exmouth Jn C&W works, which at the time of the pic. was being used by the Civil Engineers Dept. for the maintenance of on Track Machines (Tampers etc), plant and other equipment.The Skipper was being tested with a mobile carriage carriage washing machine, which subsequently was located at the Exeter St D Depot. All the best, Tony.
Graham Mann wrote - Hi. I think the answer to the skippers location is Exmouth Junction Depot. Keep up the good work;
Colin Burges wrote - Dear Keith,That's the stores road at Exmouth Junction wagon shops, if I'm not mistaken. Cheers, Colin;
Bill Elston wrote - I have a feeling the location was Exmouth Jct C & W. where a temporary carriage washing facility was set up. Stay safe, Bill.
Roger Aston wrote - he was very honest, he somehow discovered the caption when he enlarged the picture - well done anyway.
Mark Fishlock wrote - I reckon the photo of the 142 is at Exmouth Junction. Kind Regards, Mark Fishlock

Congratulations and thanks for writing in to all of you - If anyone out there has a similar 'Teazer' to offer please send it in.

Bradford Junction
Guy Vincent
and the late David Barlett of Bradford on Avon

Following on from Clive's reminiscences of the above train here are a couple of views of it approaching and passing through Bradford North Junction at 1320hrs on Saturday January 21st 1984. These were taken by my good friend David Bartlett who often spent time here when his signalman friend the late Mervyn Halbrook was working the 'box. Of interest is the array of railway infrastructure that can be seen in the foreground. The 'loop' line trailing in on the left comes from Bradford West Junction and just beyond the tall semaphore starting signals the three lines merge into one. After the 'Peak' (45121) had passed David, Mervyn would have taken the single line token from the driver and restored it to the Tyer Instrument in Bradford Junction Signal Box. I've also included a couple of shots taken inside the signal box around the same time and two more of a diverted Bristol-Paddington HST using the now-lifted West to North Junctions 'loop line on a Sunday morning in 1986. Note the strange looking chimney in the background at the nearby Nestle Staverton food processing factory. The chimney was replaced in 1989; the loop went in March 1990 when the signal box closed and Westbury Panel assumed control of the area. At the same time the up main line was removed between Bradford South and North Junctions and both West and North Junctions ceased to exist with the South Junction becoming simply 'Bradford Junction'. All photos by David Bartlett.

Guy Vincent.

Bradford North Junction. The 'Mendip Artificer' approaches from the Swindon direction. The metals bearing off to the left are those towards the west junction and Bradford on Avon. Copyright the late David Bartlett of Bradford on Avon

Bradford North Jct the'Mendip Artificer' slows to give up the token. Copyright the late David Bartlett of Bradford on Avon

Bradford North Junction Signal Box Interior the box looking towargs the south junction. Before 1984; Copyright the late David Bartlett of Bradford on Avon.

Bradford North Junction, Token Instrument Copyright the late David Bartlett of Bradford on Avon.

Bradford Junction. A view through the back of the box of an HST heading for the north junction on the chord line. Copyright the late David Bartlett. of Bradford on Avon.

Bradford North Jctn the HST heads away from the north junction towards Melksham, Thingley Junction, Chippenham and Swindon. Copyright the late David Bartlett.

A VERY BIG thank you to Guy Vincent for sharing these wonderful pictures with us. Visits like David Bartlett's to signal boxes may have been unofficial and frowned upon - but thank heavens they did and we can share these memories.

Bradford Junction
Roger Winnen

Bradford Junction Signal Box from the window of a HST which was from London then via Chippenham, Westbury and Salisbury to Penzance. 24th April 1983 Copyright Roger Winnen - N.B The box closed 17th March 1990 six days after the singling of Bradford South Junction.

Many thanks Roger, I recall another visit to the area when on a CRS minibus trip we parked up and followed the path the signalmen would have taken to view the box from just outside the fence.

Staverton
Paul Barlow