Blog Archives

30th April 2021

30/4/2021

Cowley Bridge
Andrew Triggs

While many were rightly following the adventures of 800025 'Captain Tom Moore' today, I ventured to Exeter to capture GBRf 66726 top and tailing with 66753 working 6G70 11.13 Westbury Down T.C-Crediton Autoballasters (load 15) for the Okehampton branch relaying, in the event, the formation was terminated at Exeter Riverside N.Y, with the GBRf 66's then departing light for Westbury at as 0G07 41 early at 13.43. As you will see the conditions were nothing like in Cornwall, heavy rain making photography somewhat tricky
All the Best
Andrew

1. GBRf 66726 'Sheffield Wednesday' leading 6G70 from Westbury Down T.C in the rain at Cowley Bridge Junction. 30th April 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

2. Viewed from Cowley Bridge, 66753 'EMD Roberts Road' tailing 6G70 following arrival at Exeter Riverside N.Y. 30th April 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew.

A Tribute to
Capt Sir Tom Moore
Roger Winnen & Mark Lynam

800025 800033 approaches Marazion 30th April 2021 Copyright Mark Lynam

210430a A Tribute to Capt Sir Tom Moore who would have been 101 today. photographed at Penzance Station tailing the 12.15 to London Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

Captain Sir Tom Moore - Penzance. 30th April 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks Mark and Roger.

Western Champion (5)
Paul Barlow

D1015 Western Champion climbs towards St James Park halt on 11.30 Exeter to Victoria 26th June 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow.

And that concludes Paul's 'Champion Collection' - many thanks indeed Paul - hope you have had a good holiday.

Little Somerford
Ken Mumford

Little remains at Little Somerford station site other than this reminder. The station which closed on the 3rd April 1961 was at one time junction for the Malmesbury branch.

Little Somerford Station House Picture taken with the owners permission by Ken Mumford 28th April 2021. Note the BR Totem above door reads 'Station House'.

Many thanks Ken.

Brown Queen Tunnel
Respryn
Alan Peters

GWR Castle set 43088 powers out of Brown Queen Tunnel working the 13:50 2P17 Penzance to Plymouth with 43172 at the rear on 28th April 2021, this view is now possible following vegetation clearance from the Kathleen Bridge in Respryn Woods which crosses the river Fowey, the footbridge which was rebuilt in 1992 when the previous bridge was washed away by floods. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Smashing view taken on an enjoyable walk - many thanks Alan.

Another beautiful day at
Cowley Bridge Jct.
Keith Turley

Two views of train 6F46 the 07:03 Westbury Down TC to Crediton engineers,
firstly passing Cowley Bridge Junc and then accessing the Barnstaple branch
also at Cowley Bridge. class 66/8 No.66848 T/T with classmate No.66847 is leading at Cowley and on the rear accessing the branch, 66847 is out of sight in both views.
Stay safe and well.
Regards Keith Turley .

Cowley bridge Jct 1 66844 6F46 the 0703 Westbury Down TC to Crediton engineers 29th April 2021 Copyright Keith Turley

Cowley bridge Jct 2 66848 on route to Crediton for Engineering works on Okehampton line. .29th April 2021 Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks Keith - lovely sunshine,lovely location.

29th April 2021

29/4/2021

Engineering trains for the Okehampton Line
David Tozer

An early visit to Crediton on 29th April 2021 mainly to see the three engineering trains. However only two ran and one was cancelled, the 0540 from Westbury to Crediton 70811 0616 Westbury to Crediton. Copyright David Tozer

66847 'Terry Baker' top and tail the 0703 Westbury to Crediton. Copyright David Tozer

One of the ballast hoppers appears they are up grading the tube! Copyright David Tozer

70811 heads away with the lengthy train of fifteen hoppers. Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

Western Champion (4)
Paul Barlow

D1015 Western Champion at Exeter St Davids backs onto stock to form the 11.30 Exeter to Victoria 26th June 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

Bristol TM
Guy Vincent

37254 stabled with test train in High Level Siding 27th April 2021

43285 at rear of 1S51 1227 Plymouth-Edinburgh in platform 5. 27th April 2021. Note white 'cabins' surrounding scaffolding on platforms. Maybe these could be reused for Christmas Markets on the station??
Regards. Guy Vincent.

37254 on Bristol High Level Siding. 27th April 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

37254 Bristol High Level Siding. 27th April 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Bristol Temple Meads 43285 on the rear of the 12.25 Plymouth to Edinburgh on the 27th April 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy.

Search Engine
David Ward

National Railway Museum
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Search Engine Reopening 20 May 2021We are delighted to announce that Search Engine, our library and archive service, will be reopening from Thursday 20 May.
Opening hours will be Thursday to Saturday, 10.00-4.30.
We have made some changes to how we operate so we can keep everyone safe.
The biggest change is that you will need to book your visit in advance and let us know what you would like to see. We will then send you a booking link to enable you to book your table on the day you would like.
Please see our website for more detail on what's changed and advice on what to bring with you on your visit.
We all look forward to seeing you again soon!

Book your table in Search Engine

Many thanks David for advising us of this.

28th April 2021

28/4/2021

Western Champion (3)
Paul Barlow

D1015 Western Champion at Dawlish on the17.15 Kingswear to Paddington 28th May 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Popular Peaks
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Glad to see you have been getting about in the sun and keeping us up to date with great pictures. I attach a shot of 45123 ‘The Lancashire Fusilier ‘leaving Penzance,with fan club,on 15 June 1985 on the 16.42 to Glasgow.(Wonder how far they travelled?) Copyright Michael Forward

Further up -country we see 45118 ‘The Royal Artilleryman’ leaving Newton Abbot on 10 August 1985 with the 09.55 Penzance to Leeds.. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael we shall never see arms out of the windows and doors these days.
Copyright Michael Forward

Cowley Bridge
Ron Kosys

33211 pulls away off the loop at Cowley Bridge on the 3rd August 1989 with the 6O74 the 11.20 Ballast from Meldon to Tonbridge. Copyright Ron Kosys,

Thank you Ron - the good old days.

Vintage footage
Westerns in Cornwall
Andrew Todman

I hope all is well. Firstly, a huge "thank you" to all involved for keeping our spirits up over the last year with the updates and photos on the site.
Some viewers might find the following youtube channel of interest. A gentleman by the name of Bob Bishop seems to be in the process of uploading footage taken across the Western Region in the 1970s and there is much to enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3WpxWa9tRuhlsP8gvtCxtA

The D10xx archive taster series will bring back some happy memories to all Western enthusiasts. Vol. 1. features Penzance & Redruth, and Vol 6 Bodmin Road, Liskeard, Saltash & Plymouth, for example.

Kind regards,
Andrew Todman

This youtube footage is mostly in the Bristol area and complete with sound brings back the great days of hanging out of the windows. Note the signalling of that era. The western footage is followed up with quite a long professional film featuring carriage cleaning in the '60's which I found most interesting. The commentary on this film is by a lady who is definitely not 'West Country'. Thank you Andrew for this link.

27th April 2021

27/4/2021

Western Champion (2)
Paul Barlow

D1015 Western Champion approaches Stoke Canon on the 14.58 Euston to Exeter 24th June 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

Glorious Salisbury
Martin Baker

Class 50s on the 2 hourly Waterloo Exeter route used to cross within 20 mins of each other at Salisbury, the 13:15 service from Waterloo often pulled up alongside an ECS working from Eastleigh that would go on to form the 15:15 departure to the capital.

On the 18th July 1991 50033 Glorious sits at platform 3 with the ECS while 50046 Ajax awaits its departure to Exeter on platform 4. Copyright Martin Baker.

Many thanks Martin.

Weymouth Tramway.
John Smerdon

KJ had just written John to ask for any news concerning the Weymouth Tramway - John says - What a coincidence!! I read your email earlier this evening having just returned from a visit to Weymouth with my wife today. Plenty of nice sunshine, but very windy. I Walked along the quay to the site of the terminus station and took a couple of photos. The platform still survives along with some track in the car park, but the station building has been completely demolished. I think if it was intended to remove the track it would have been gone by now?

The platform and tracks remain at the quay station. 25th April 2021. Copyright John Smerdon

The station building has been demolished.25th April 2021. Copyright John Smerdon.

Please go to features 2023 to see a complete record of the tramway lifting operation which had commenced on the 12th October 2020.

Many thanks John - keep well, keep safe.

N.B. The tramway will not be forgotten as quite soon we'll be taking a fresh look in the hands of Ron Kosys who has some shots of a special along the tramway taken from unusual angles.

26th April 2021

26/4/2021

A nice day out.
Chris Harvey

I've no idea how long this gorgeous weather is going to last, but I'm trying to make the most of it! On Sat 24th April 2021, 150 263 trundles through Tregarlandbridge in fabulous light with the 1540 Liskeard - Looe.
Best Regards, Chris Harvey

150263 at Tregarland Bridge - Looe branch. Copyright Chris Harvey - Bodmin.

Many thanks Chris.

A little humour does you good
David Tozer
Out and about

220 011 at Exminster with the 0606 Edinburgh to Plymouth. Copyright David Tozer.

M.P.V DR98957 & DR98907 26th April 2021 The 09.40 Didcot to Exeter. Copyright David Tozer

Click & Collect 26th April 2021 Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks for your pictures today David.

The Plym Valley Railway
Andrew Triggs

Hi Roger/Keith,
Finally attended the Plym Valley Railway yesterday for the first time, a great little railway indeed, 4 shots from the day (which also included walking the track bed (now managed by Sustrans) from Plym Bridge Platform to Shaugh Tunnel and back (9 miler round trip)
All the Best
Andrew

The End of the Line. Following arrival at Plym Bridge Platform on the 11.00 am service from Marsh Mills, No.705 awaits return south. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Arriving back at Marsh Mills, Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST no.705 with the 16.30 service from Plym Bridge Platform. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Recent arrival 142023 on a shunt move from Marsh Mills to Marsh Mills Yard, following the arrival of the last train of the day. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Newly preserved 31190 in Marsh Mills Yard Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many Thanks Andrew

Western Champion (1)
Paul Barlow

A few shots of D1015 Western Champion in Golden ochre livery around the Exeter area in early summer 2005. Hopefully one day we will see this fine locomotive on the main line again!
Kind regards, Paul

D1015 on the 08.46 Paddington-Kingswear 28th May 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Blue sky green grass and a western - what more could you ask? Many thanks to you Paul.

Wick
Bill Elston

I was over at Wick, near Langport, this glorious morning for another rail delivery train returning from Crediton to Westbury,
6G97 top and tailed by maroon liveried 66743 and 66719.
Best wishe. Bill

Wick Near Langport 66743, 25th April 20.21 Copyright Bill Elston

Wick Near Langport 66719, 25th April 2021 Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill

Flying Scotsman down west.
Cullompton
Keith Thurley

Yet another rare visitor to the South West on Sunday 25th April 2021 sees GBRF Royal Scotsman liveried class 66/7 No.66743 with classmate No.66719 'METRO-LAND' on the rear passing Cullompton, working the 6G97 09:00 Crediton to Westbury Down TC engineers.
Regards Keith Turley.

Flying Scotsman at Cullompton 25th April 2021. Copyright Keith Thurley

Many thanks Keith, a nice green scene.

St Denys
Ron Kosys

33208 passes St Denys 15th May 1988 with the Brighton to Cardiff. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

Whitewash at
Swindon
Roger Winnen

The Whitewash Coach outside of Swindon Works. 31st March 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger - the yellow test trains do this job nowadays.

A bit of History
Avonmouth Dock Station
Chris Bellett

Avonmouth Dock Station (From WR Weekly Engineering Notices K2/3/69 and K2/39/73)

Signalbox closed and new 6-Lever Ground Frame provided to control Home and Distant signals and Gate Locks with control of existing 4-Half Gates by wheel in GF retained.

Signalbox/GF abolished as a Block Post.

All commissioned 19/01/1969.

4-Half Gates replaced with 4-Half Lifting Barriers commissioned and controlled from St.Andrews Junction using CCTV.

Avonmouth Dock GF abolished.

All commissioned 30/09/1973.

Kind Regards,
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer

Many thanks Chris.

A single car unit departs Avonmouth for Severn Beach. 11th November 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

An Appeal for a book on the proposed
GWR line Trerulefoot--Looe
Caroline Petherick

Good morning, Cornwall Railway Society
I'm hoping you can help me trace a small book, published prior to 1990, about this never-realised proposal; I've lost my copy. The reason I'm so keen to replace it is that I live on a bit of land that the line was due to run under.
Best regards ,
Caroline Petherick
www.the-wordsmith.co.uk
www.windsworth.org.uk
https://www.facebook.com/windsworth.org.uk
+44 (0)1503-262671

If you can help Caroline please get in contact.

25th April 2021

25/4/2021

Not so straight as an arrow!
Bow Derailment
Graham Mann

Keith

Looking at your great website and I noticed the today’s (24th April 2021) relaying pictures at Bow, these are a great interest for me as the Meldon line (DAC) was a part of the area of my first Section Managers post in BR days.
Six weeks after commencing my new post I was confronted with this derailment which is in the same location.

Such a stark contrast 36 years later!

The derailment near Bow in 1985 seen by the camera of Graham Mann. Copyright Graham Mann.

Many thanks Graham for this extremely rare and unique picture of an accident - the rails look rather 'bowed'!

Mister blue skies
Craig Munday

Can anyone remember rain falling? An exceptional period of clear weather across the Duchy. Cobalt blue skies with no aircraft trace to be seen. Is the world recovering during Lockdown?

I'm sure the long term June / July forecast will come to fruition with the jet stream looming over us through the longest days!

The freight has been dominated by bright red class 66s lately, and they make a superb picture in the sunshine. Some days off have allowed some freights to be followed, what shame the variety of the Colas class 70 cant be enjoyed anymore on the cement from Moorswater.

Best wishes

Craig

66150 runs down the bank at Treesmill East of Par with the evening empties. This area now being cut back by the Ground Control team. 20th April 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

66104 at Little Treviscoe 6C53 22nd April 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

22nd: 66104 was in charge of the Treviscoe JIA loading, and is seen at Little Treviscoe crossing and arriving back at Burngullow.22nd April 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

The Thursday CDAs were tipped but the empty wagons left until Friday to return to St Blazey. They fortuitously ran in the old 13.50 from Carne Point which was always a favourite to photograph. The occupation bridge at Little Treverran is the location for 66150 sweeping around the lovely curve in beautiful light, following hot on the heels of the down London to Penzance. 23rd April 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig for your detailed report, unending blue skies and Red locos.

Bath
Ron Kosys

On a misty day 33204 calls at Bath on the 20th February 1988 with the 14. 00 Cardiff-Portsmouth.

33204 calls at Bath on the 20th February 1988 with the 14. 00 Cardiff-Portsmouth. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

Four from Ken at Ashbury Crossing
Near. Swindon
Ken Mumford

5Q76 Clacton to Newport Docks with loco 57312 hauling Great Anglia coaches [321359 and 321355] for scrapping. 23rd April 2021, Copyright Ken Mumford.

0F75 Westbury to Hinksey Yard - locos 70808/2/9 23rd April 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

66601 with the Banbury Reservoir Tarmac Sidings to Bristol Freightliner Terminal - stone empties. 23rd April 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Kens friend - Andrew, the young enthusiast at Ashbury Crossing. 23rd April 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken for a colourful collection.

24th April 2021

24/4/2021

Straight as an arrow.
New line at Bow
Graham Bowden

Hi Keith - Couple of pictures of the relaying of the Okehampton Line taken nr Bow 20th April 2021. Regards. Graham.

Okehampton line relaid - near Bow 1 20th April 2021. Copyrigh Graham Bowden

Okehampton line relaid - near Bow 2 20th April 2021. Copyright Graham Bowden

Many thanks Graham

Torbay & South Devon
Roger Winnen

210420a 75014 Braveheart passing through Churston on the 14.10 Paignton to Kingswear service on 20th April 2021. Copyright Roger Winnen

210420b American S160 Omaha stabled at Paignton on 20th April 2021 Copyright Roger Winnen

210420bb 75014 running around its train at Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

210420c The 165 Route learner from Exeter arrives at Torquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

210420d Work proceeds at Dawlish constructing the new sea defences as a IET passes through the station. Copyright Roger Winnen

210420e Soon the walkway underneath the down platform will be no more. Copyright Roger Winnen

210420g Remember Lostwithiel many years ago wooden supports to hold up the canopy. This is Dawlish Station up platform with stout props under the canopy. Copyright Roger Winnen

210420hLostwithiel up platform building-as a safety measure stout props had been inserted under the canopy. 26th April 1980 41 Years ago. Copyright Roger Winnen

Broomhay Crossing
Bathpool
Bill Elston

Over at Broomhay crossing, Bathpool, today, for the 0900 Crediton - Westbury rail delivery train,
T & T by GBRf locos 66789 and 66719. Fantastic weather for this colourful pair of locos.
Best regards. Bill

66789, 23rd April 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

66719, 23rd April 2021. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill

Hawkeridge Loop
Guy Vincent

Hawkeridge Loop Track & Signalling

A photo of the 'other' end of the Hawkeridge loop line at Westbury with DB Cargo 66113 waiting at the signal protecting Westbury East Loop Junction on 6M15 0707 Tytherington-Calvert. This was taken from the window of a class 800 approaching Westbury this morning (23rd) and shows the newly laid track on both lines that will now see increased use as demand for aggregates in the south Midlands and South East continues to grow. Also an older shot of the junction from April 2013 looking towards Westbury.

Regarding Chris Bellett's photos of Hawkeridge taken in 1970. The 'missing' distant signal on the right-hand post for trains running towards Westbury was later reinstated, possibly around 1978 when the south end of the station was resignalled with MAS. I remember it having a large white 'out of use' cross placed upon it for some time prior to being brought into service. (Photo by Bob Taylor dated 29.04.1984, train signalled for the loop line). The crossover seen here was removed along with the semaphores just two weeks later when the area was transferred to Westbury Panel box. In later years the telegraph poles (right) ran from Hawkeridge 'box as far as Trowbridge station from where cables took over as far as Bradford Junction signal box. These were replaced by the white concrete MAS ducting (left) and removed later in 1984.

Guy Vincent

Westbury East Loop Junction (Up) 66113 6M15 07.07 Tytherington-Calvert 23rd April 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury East Loop Junction 7th April 2013 looking 'down'. Copyright Guy Vincent

Hawkeridge Junction Signals 29th April 1984. The late Bob Taylor collection - Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy.

23rd April 2021

23/4/2021

Variety
Staffords Bridge Exeter
David Tozer

A Cross Country Class 220 220009 passes with the late running 0727 Plymouth to Newcastle. Copyright David Tozer

43155,43009 with the 0640 2U12 Penzance to Cardiff Central Copyright David Tozer

66789 named British Railways 1948 - 1997 with the 0900 6G97 Crediton to Westbury. Unseen 66719 METRO LAND was on the rear. Copyright David Tozer

66789 British Railways 1948 - 1997 with the 0900 6G97 Crediton to Westbury. Unseen 66719 METRO LAND was on the rear. Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

Top and tail at
Stoke Canon
David Tozer

Todays (22nd April 2021) visitors to the Okehampton Branch.
Colas Class 70’s 70811 and 70803 top and tail the 0837 Westbury to Crediton running some 165 minutes late. The train had fifteen loaded auto ballasters.
Dave

70811 Stoke Canon. 22nd April 2021 Copyright David Tozer

70803 Stoke Canon 22nd April 2021 Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David.

The story of 'Ixion'
Paul Barlow

A set of pictures of D172 Ixion's visit to Penzance on 23 September 1995
This loco was owned by Waterman Railways and was the first preserved diesel to work on the mainline. It received a full restoration at Crewe in 1994. It made it's inaugral main-line run from Derby to St Pancras on 1 October 1994. In BR days this loco was 46035 and spent most of it's life allocated to (GD) Gateshead, Newcastle. Upon withdrawal from BR service it was used by Derby research centre for various tests as a adhesion research vehicle, this where it received the 'Ixion' name and numbered 97403.
It was repainted in BR blue in 2002 and renumbered 46035
Sadly the loco fell out of use in 2004 and was eventually sold. It is now in store awaiting restoration at Peak rail Rowsley, Derbyshire
Hope all is well
Kind regards, Paul Barlow.

Limited edition Ixion Bachmann 00 gauge model. Copyright Paul Barlow

1. D172 Ixion arrives at Bristol with the 0530 Coventry to Penzance 23rd September 1995 Copyright Paul Barlow

2. D172 Ixion at Plymouth with the 0530 Coventry to Penzance 23rd September 1995 Copyright Paul Barlow

3. D172 Ixion crosses the Tamar into Saltash 0530 Coventry to Penzance 23rd September 1995. Copyright Paul Barlow

4. D172 Ixion at Penzance with the 0530 from Coventry 23rd September 1995. Copyright Paul Barlow

5. D172 Ixion over the RA bridge with the 1658 Penzance to Coventry 23rd September 1995. Copyright Paul Barlow

6. D172 Ixion at Exeter with the 1658 Penzance to Coventry 23rd September 1995, Copyright Paul Barlow

7. Commemorative limited edition plate. Copyright Paul Barlow

8. 46035 0539 Crewe to Okehampton at Bristol D1015 took the train forward 15th March 2003. Copyright Paul Barlow

Very many thanks indeed Paul for a super article and record of what was an excellent days photography on the 23rd September 1995.

22nd April 2021

22/4/2021

Cornwall Mineral Lines Railtour
Michael L. Roach

Sixty years ago today

RAILTOUR 22nd April1961
The Plymouth Railway Circle Cornwall Mineral Lines Tour
The special train consisted of 8 brake vans hauled by light pannier tank 1626 a long-term resident of St. Blazey Shed, since construction in 1950, but not for much longer. Unusually the special train started at Fowey rather than a main line station. The train left Fowey at 2.57pm 7 late and travelled by the direct freight-only route to St Blazey via Pinnock Tunnel, the longest in Cornwall. The train made frequent short stops passing St. Blazey Shed and the long closed St. Blazey Station before setting out along the Newquay Branch. At Goonbarrow Junction the train diverged on to the Goonbarrow Branch with its steep gradients. The train spent 20 minutes at Gunheath where 2 brakevans were dropped off and the loco changed ends ready to descend the 1 in 35 gradient to Carbean for an 8 minute stop. This was the far end of the tour and it had taken more than two hours to travel less than 13 miles. The return journey started at 5.14pm with the loco now at the rear of the train propelling its 6 brake vans up the steep gradient. On arrival at Gunheath the loco was now at the right end and the 2 brake vans were picked up. Departure was at 5.26 and nominally non-stop, except for 2 minutes at St Blazey, to Par where arrival was at 6.18pm. Our train home to Plymouth at 6.36pm from Par consisted of 7 coaches hauled by a pair of North British Type 2 diesels numbered D6318/9. The special cheap day return from Plymouth to Fowey had cost 6/3 while the railtour fare was 13/6 (67½p) for a total of 22 miles of steam haulage.
MLR/20 April 2021

The empty train comes into Fowey 22nd April 1961 Copyright Mike Roach

The train is ready to start from Fowey, due off 14.50, actual 14.57 22nd April 1961. Copyright Mike Roach

Luxulyan water stop 13.59. Copyright Mike Roach

Caudledown 22nd April 1961 Copyright Mike Roach

Gunheath first time 22nd April 1961 Copyright Mike Roach

Gunheath 22nd April 1961 Copyright Mike Roach

Train is propelled from Carbean to Gunheath 17.14 22nd Apri 19l61 Copyright Mike Roach

Another shot as the train is propelled from Carbean to Gunheath 17.14 22nd April 1961 Copyright Mike Roach

Time to get aboard. The train at Gunheath again (17.26) ready to leave for Par where it arrived at 18.18 22nd April 1961 Copyright Mike Roach

If only we could take that trip again today, many many thanks to Michael L Roach for his account of a wonderful day out and allowing us to use his invaluable pictures.

Okehampton
David Ellis

Class 56 302 arrived at Okehampton station sunday evening and is locked in on the relaying of the Dartmoor line. A pic of the loco swapping round sleeper rakes taken yesterday morning. Copyright David Ellis

Many Thanks David

Stone to Westbury
Guy Vincent

A rarity at Westbury this afternoon (21st April 2021) when a STP 6Z37 1136 Parkeston SS GBRF - Westbury Down Yard (1709) arrived 3 minutes early in the capable hands of veteran type 3's 37402 and 37407. This was almost a 'Coals to Newcastle' working as it consisted of 15 wagons loaded with new ballast. Westbury is synonymous with stone traffic although most if not all ballast is now brought in from Cliffe Hill Stud Farm in Leicestershire. Demand for ballast originating from Westbury's virtual quarry is high at the moment with several big renewal jobs in progress, Okehampton being one. Parkeston (Harwich, Essex) is a similar operation to the one at Taunton Fairwater handling the HOBC trains that work throughout the Anglia region.

Both 37s are owned by Direct Rail Services and were once very common at Westbury when they saw regular use on the Weymouth-Bristol-Cardiff loco-hauled passenger trains between 1989 and 1998. Following withdrawal by EWS in 2000 37407 managed to survive a spell at the infamous Wigan Springs Branch Component Recovery and Distribution Centre before joining 37424 at the Churnet Valley Railway in 2008. Here little restoration work was undertaken and the two locos were eventually sold to DRS, moving to Loram, Derby in 2015 where major rebuilds were undertaken. 37407 finally re-entered service in early 2018, regaining it's 'Blackpool Tower' nameplates in May 2019. Once the locos had uncoupled from the train they quickly crossed over and departed light for Willesden at 1750.

Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy for your pictures and detailed commentary.

G7 and all that!
The surprise appearance of rake of Pullman coaches at Penzance a couple of days ago and an overnight 'test run' of the rake over the St Ives branch was a complete surprise. During the G7 week whether the rake will be present on the St Ives branch during the weeks closure to ferry the press around is not known. Also whether the stations at St Ives and Carbis Bay (Boris Halt) will be subject to titivation is not known. Quite how close photographers will be allowed to get to the happenings is unknown, However it has been decided to put all your pictures into a feature 'G7 and all that'. This, number 2110, can be found in our features January to June 2021.

Some thoughts
from Laurence Hansford

Just some idle thoughts… As soon as I read that the St Ives line was being closed for a week, I thought it was very odd. Surely they would want to use it as a perfect way of getting people in and out without using the congested roads, probably full of tourists? And then I thought further – maybe they are closing it just because they want to use it without the inconvenience of having to worry about regular trains.

Maybe that is why they replaced the rickety old bride at Griggs Forge and most of the track? I would imagine the line is now fit to take most trains and either a Voyager, an 802 or a “Castle” Class could just fit the existing platform at St Ives. And here is another thought: being electric, I don’t believe there is anything to prevent an 802 being driven direct into Heathrow to pick up VIPs and deliver them direct to Carbis Bay/St Ives. To me that seems like a very attractive proposition.

And, maybe, the VSOE visited the branch last night just to test the viability of using that for VIPs – after all what posher stock is there in the UK?

Cheers, Laurence.

Thanks for your thought Laurence - we'll wait and see what happens.

Berkley Marsh Frome
Bill Elston

I took myself off to Frome today as the weather was bright, and have attached a selection of photos of what I saw;
a) 66622 plus 59102 Acton - Merehead
b) 59002 Merehead - Acton
c) 67023 and 027 Tyseley - Bristol H L Sidings (via Weymouth) test train
d) 59101 Fareham - Whatley
e) 59204 Acton - Merehead
f) 165130 Grt Malvern - Weymouth.

Hope these are of interest, Best regards. Bill

Many thanks Bill - a good time.

21st August 2021

21/4/2021

Todays Mystery at Penzance
Roger Winnen

This train of VSOE pullman cars was not advertised on realtime trains, it ran empty to Penzance overnight and its believed that the train ran also on the St Ives Branch during the night. However a return move is shown on realtime trains as returning to Stewarts Lane Depot London later today at 18.00 hrs.

It was very difficult to photograph the VSOE in the station yard with cars blocking the view. Copyright Roger Winnen

67012 Tails the train. Copyright Roger Winnen

The VSOE Pullman stabled in Platform 4 early this morning.

Its time for tea as 67016 In platform 4 tails the return working to Stewarts Lane. Copyright Roger Winnen Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

67012 at 16.37hrs taken from the Station Wall. Copyright Roger Winnen

The 18.00 departure from Penzance is seen crossing Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

50s at Midgham
Michael Forward

Here is a picture of 50010 ‘Monarch’ rounding the bend from Midgham station with the 14.15 Paddington to Paignton service. Copyright Michael Forward

Looking West from the previous picture we see 50019 ‘Ramillies’ approaching Midgham,in the rain, on 27 July 1985 with the 11.05 from Penzance to Paddington. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Eastleigh
Ron Kosys

33119 at Eastleigh on the 31st August 1988 with the Hamworthy to Eastleigh. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

Classic Par
Al Peters

The classic shot of Par station from the road Bridge on the 20th April 2021 with 158750 departing with the 19:16 to Exeter St Davids working 2E26 from Penzance, Par still retains the country Junction charm with station building (which is a train crew depot for GWR) signal box and semaphore signals, note the Colas Rail tamper stabled in Liner Sidings - Alan Peters

It's a lovely evening at Par on the 20th April 2021 as 158750 leaves on the 19.16 to Exeter St Davis - 2F26 from Penzance. Copyright Al Peters.

Penzance Peak
Clive Smith

45144 at Penzance in 1983 Copyright Clive Smith .

Well done to Paul Barlow for his excellent recent series of photos and for consistently recording the railway scene from the early 80s to the present day. This picture is of his 'machine' so I'm sure he will be most pleased.

45144 sporting a split domino headcode rests at the stabling point at Penzance which was adjacent to the goods and parcels bays at the side of the station. I've got an 'F' next to this in my notebook from the day meaning it had failed. It certainly didn't move between 12.30 and 18.00 on my two visits to Penzance that day. This side of the station looks so very different today.

Regards,Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive.

Rospeath
Chris Harvey

Please find attached a shot from 6th April 2012 which you might be able to use. With some lovely spring foliage on the side of the cutting, 150 238 rolls downhill towards the road bridge at Rospeath near Crowlas, a few minutes from its destination with the 0642 Bristol Temple Meads - Penzance.

Best Regards, Chris Harvey. Bodmin

Spring at Rospeath - best time of the year, Many thanks Chris.

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