Blog Archives

10th April 2022

10/4/2022

Post Box 2 Re Woodborough
Guy Vincent

Woodborough. Literally located 'in the middle of nowhere' it seems odd that it was ever thought necessary to provide a passenger station hereabouts but today the goods loops and engineers sidings are very well used with a number of freight trains held back to allow faster passenger services to pass. One example is the 6B33 1335 Theale-Robeston empty bogie tanks usually powered by a class 60 which is booked into the down goods loop for around 10 minutes until the 1C84 1404 Paddington-Penzance has overtaken.

Woodborough Station c1905 Postcard views of the station looking east with the road bridge visible at the Newbury end of the platforms . Guy Vincent Collection

Woodborough Station looking west from the same bridge. Guy Vincent Collection

B & H Woodborough Goods Loops, western end, 79m30ch from rear of down Turbo 26.06.2013. Copyright Guy Vincent .

Rail Ticket Trowbridge-Woodborough Rtn. Fare was 6 Shillings in the old money and 30p in todays coinage Guy Vincent Collection

The service in the winter timetable for 63/64 gave departures at 06.58 and 08.27 arriving Woodborough at 7.37 and 09.06 respectively. Having got there there were two trains back at 08.41 and 17.39 arriving Trowbridge at 09.13 and 18.45 respectively. The rail journey according to the timetable was 18.25 miles whereas the journey by road much the same. The return ticket at six shillings works out at 1.97 pence per mile.

Many Thanks Guy

Three days of lovely sunshine so it's
Out & About
with Craig Munday

Hi Keith

A varied week with a trip on our very own test train!

Earlier in the week 70801 visited Truro with the Fugro test equipment fitted. The loco was seen at Crugwallins and Coombe on return.

The 8th saw a (work) opportunity to travel through the county on the Friday NR test train. Not the NMT this time, but the PLPR service. This is an electric mixture of mark 2 and mark 1 coaches, including the Mentor test car. The ensemble was headed by former EMR power cars making a rather non-uniformed look to the train. A stop at R31 signal allowed a quick photo near Chacewater.

To finish the week prior to a week on stage with St Austell AOS with our performance of SHREK the musical, I had a shift at Goonbarrow. Some beautiful light once more and some pictures obtained in the area.

Best wishes for now, Craig

70801 Dowgas 7th April 2022. Copyright Craig Munday.

70801 Crugwallins 7th April 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Crugwallins 7th April 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Plymouth 1Q18 43172 8th April 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

1Q18 43272 stops at R31 for a signal check near Chacewater. 8th April 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Par 1Q18 43272 8th April 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Goonbarrow 9th April 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Looks like a heavy April shower is pending!! Goonbarrow 9th April 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

66165 plus buffer stops and black cloud make for a dramatic picture. 9th April 2022. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig for a delightful collection, I suppose we'll have to accept you advert for SHREK the musical. Hope all goes well.

Langford Bridge
Paul Barlow

47791 heads the 14.25 Okehampton to Victoria seen from Langford Bridge. 27th April 2003. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Langford Bridge is about one and quarter miles northwest of Cowley Bridge Junction on the line to Barnstaple / Okehampton.

Many thanks Paul.

Par
Nick Trudgian

Three locos for the price of one - an interesting picture at Par. It's the 16th May 1981. The locos a 50009 Conqueror, 45016 and in the siding 37142. Copyright Nick Trudgian

Postbox 1
Mark Howells & Neil Phillips

I hope that Mark and Neil won't mind me publishing their letters - however they are connected - by a very long footbridge at Patney & Chirton.

Firstly from Mark - I'd noticed a lot of blue coloured drain covers on the National System and wondered why.

Evening Keith,

Indeed, it’s an absolute honour to cover the entire Western Route. Especially considering how many great railway engineers have gone before me.

I’ve been doing this job for 10 years now and in the railway for 13 years. Starting in Reading in various P.Way roles all for Network Rail.

Very happy to explain the rationale for the blue grated covers, as follows:

Reduces the time needed for inspections, the previous covers were solid reinforced concrete.
Reduces manual handling for inspections. Obviously for maintenance work(s) it makes little difference as you still have to remove the cover.
Covers are much less heavy, each old concrete cover weighed on average 25kg (3no per catchpit generally). The new grated blue covers are circa 12kg for the entire cover.
Blue is normally associated with water, for example water mains are all blue. Blue is generally more visible, even after UV degradation.
The covers are made from recycled glass and plastic which is combined with resin to produce a glass reinforced plastic (GRP) making the cover both light (relatively) and strong.
As you've noted, making the covers blue also makes them visible to staff and drivers etc.

Another few weeks in the West Country coming up from next Monday. Numerous locations including Exeter, Plymouth, Devonport, Laira, Torquay, Teignmouth plus more... pictures for CRS will of course be forthcoming.

I realise I'm very privileged, albeit there are often very long and anti-social hours. Let's just say I have a very tolerant and understanding wife!

I have an absolute passion for drainage and all things railway. Still can't believe the company pays me to travel so widely in both a works vehicle and of course by train.

Enjoy your weekend.

Mark Dennis Howells BEng (Hons) MPWI MIAM
Senior Asset Engineer (Drainage & Lineside)
Western Route
Network Rail

- and from Neil Phillips recently retired to Par.

Hello Keith,

I was out for a walk on Thursday and while crossing the road bridge at the east end of Par station I noticed a Class 70 with Fugro equipment attached standing on the down loop, the first time I have seen anything on those rails since I moved back to the area over two years ago. It was parked too far away to get the number (and I feel photos from that side of the bridge are not safe as it’s on a blind corner with little to stand on) but I knew somebody would report its visit to the CRS and Mick House duly obliged. However the article reported its arrival back in Plymouth at 14.30 and my sighting was at 16.30, so it made another trip back into Cornwall? I made my way to the footpath alongside the line west of Par hoping to get a nice low-angle close-up of the loco and Fugro gear as it passed by but it resolutely refused to budge and at 17.15 I gave up and went home!

Mark Howells’ impressive photo of a Class 59 at Patney and Chirton is the kind of view I’d hoped to obtain – however for me the steel footbridge visible in the background has a special significance, because at 22.15 on the bitterly cold but clear evening of Saturday 26th February 1977 I watched the passage of D1023 Western Fusilier and D1013 Western Ranger from this perch as they headed the final leg of the final ‘Western Tribute’ tour back to Paddington, marking the end of the diesel-hydraulic era. It was very dark and perhaps not surprisingly I was the only one there......!

Best regards, Neil Phillips.

Many thanks Mark for drainage covers information and your job details - it all makes for interesting reading, it's good to be settled in an enjoyable job. Also thanks to Neil for more details and a mention of the long footbridge at Patney. Another common factor is that in April 1966 my wife and I spent some time there witnessing the last train from Devizes,

Postbox 2
Chris Bellett and Colin Burges

Chris Bellett and Colin Burges Teign Valley Railway have been conversing via our postbox which makes for interesting reading.

Firstly from Chris Bellett concerning the operations at Bodmin General Signalbox.
The two Annetts Key release instruments at Bodmin General are currently utilised as Train Staff release instruments, one for the Bodmin Parkway Line (Train Staff Annetts Key Configuration ‘A’) and one for the Boscarne Junction Line (Train Staff Annetts Key Configuration ‘E’). The plan is that next Winter 2022/2023 that they will be replaced by Key Token working with proper token instruments which are currently being refurbished (Key Configuration ‘B’ for the Bodmin Parkway Line and Key Configuration ‘C’ for the Boscarne Junction Line). These will work on the ‘No Signalman key Token’ (NSKT) principle as we don’t have any signal boxes at Bodmin Parkway or Boscarne Junction!

And secondly from Colin a link to a very interesting piece on Signalling - this is amongst a vast quantity of information and articles obtainable from Colins Website. Please click below for the link:-

A question from Colin to Chris which is, I believe answered in the paragraph from Chris Bellett above. Are the key boxes along the line still used, I wonder? Or are the keys simply used for ganger's occupations and returned to the signal box?
If you have a moment or two, I'd be grateful if you'd cast your expert eye over what I have written to see if you think it accurate.
https://www.teignrail.co.uk/production.php#KeyBox
Thanks, Colin Burges, Christow Station.

Many thanks to both of you. don't forget to click on the link from Colin - you will be well rewarded.

9th April 2022

9/4/2022

Patney & Woodborough
Mark Howells

Yesterday I was out and about, looking at a culvert replacement job at the site of the former Patney & Chirton station on the BHL at 81m0053y amongst other drainage jobs.

Whilst undertaking my inspections with our contractor I was in the perfect position (in the Up cess) to capture a Class 59 hauling an Up direction aggregate working – drain and train together in harmony!

I also called in at Woodborough Yard to inspect a chamber and couldn’t resist a shot of another Class 59 and train which had had been regulated into the Up loop to permit an high speed service to pass. My work vehicle just happened to be in the perfect position for the picture!

Kind Regards,

Mark Dennis Howells BEng (Hons) MPWI MIAM

Senior Asset Engineer (Drainage & Lineside)

Patney and Chirton. Copyright Mark Howells.

Woodborough with 59206 in the up loop. Woodborough sidings can be seen to the right in this picture. Copyright Mark Howells

---------------------------------------------------------------

Another view at Woodborough by Guy Vincent looking-west on the 29th July 2012 Copyright Guy Vincent. Woodborough station closed on the 18th April 1966.

Many thanks to Mark and to Guy.

Westbury
Martin Scane

Martin reports to us on on of his regular jaunts to Bristol - A couple of shots during my brief train changes at Westbury & Newton Abbot. Interesting numbering on the 66. Cheers Martin

667 37 Lesia at Westbury. 8th April 2022. Copyright Martin Scane

Westbury - activity in the sidings. 8th April 2022. Copyright Martin Scane,

Newton Abbot 8th April 2022. Copyright Martin Scane

Many thanks Martin.

Newquay branch improvements
Treloggan Crossing
Richard Curtis

Hi Keith,
Here are pictures I’ve taken this evening of the finished work at the treloggan crossing. I just so happened by chance to time it that the 19.22 ex Newquay was going by with unit 150243. The new system is very efficient and a welcome addition by many locals. Network rail have changed the path on the approach from the treloggan side of the crossing approaching the town. This I believe has been done to slow people down to give them longer to see the approach due to the poor visibility on the curve of the track. The siren is effective but not to loud that it will hugely disturb nearby residents.

Regards, Richard Curtis

Treloggan Crossing 1 - 8th April 2022. Copyright Richard Curtis

Treloggan Crossing 2 - 8th April 2022. Copyright Richard Curtis

Treloggan Crossing 3 - 8th April 2022. Copyright Richard Curtis

150 243 approaches Treloggan Crossing 4 - 8th April 2022. Copyright Richard Curtis

Nearby

And perhaps while you are at Treloggan you'd like to visit the nearby Little Western Railway at Newquay Zoo. Copyright Richard Curtis.

Many thanks Richard hope you have a good season at the LWR.

8th April 2022

8/4/2022

Network Rail Sidings at Ponsandane

As has been seen from our reports about clearance activity in the Ponsandane area sent in by Roger Salter and Roger Winnen a significant development is taking place.
Please use the link below for details -
https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/gbp-6-5m-railway-investment-set-to-begin-in-penzance

All very encouraging concerning the future of rail travel in general. Thanks for the link to Roy.

Fugro at
Truro
Mick House

Yesterday (7th April 2022) 70 801 came to Truro with the Fugro Raildata collection unit mounted on the front. It formed the 07.11 departure Westbury to Truro 13.11 arrival and then the 13.17 departure Truro to Plymouth 14.30 arrival. Arriving and departing from platform 2 at Truro via the crossover in front of Truro signal box on the way to Plymouth.

Regards Mick

1) 70 801 arriving at Truro. 13.12 7th April 2022. Copyright Mick House

2) 70 801 with Fugro mounted on the front. 7th April 2022. Copyright Mick House

3) Fugro Laser. Note the laser beam on th rail and platform base. 7th April 2022. Copyright Mick House

4) Fugro power supply and laptop cables. 7th April 2022. Copyright Mick House

5) 70 801 ready to depart Truro. 7th April 2022. Copyright Mick House

6) 70 801 departs Truro 13.17 7th April 2022. Copyright Mick House

Many thanks Mick, a good job you were there.

Hot off the press
HST repaint
Martin Duff/Tony Wright

HOT OFF THE PRESS: XC power cars 43321/43384 are being repainted into Inter City livery at Laira presently (to mark 40 years of inter-regional HST’s 1982)

Sent in by Martin Duff via Tony Wright

Many thanks to Martin and Tony

Crane train at
Cullompton
Keith Turley

On the 7th April 2022 GBRF utilised class 66/7 No.66737 'Lesia' to move a Network Rail crane and associated vehicles from Goodrington to Westbury.
Running as the 6X73 14:12 Goodrington CHS to Westbury Down TC the train is seen passing Cullompton
running 89 minutes early.
Regards Keith Turley.

66737 at Cullompton on the crane move. 7th April 2022 Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks to you Keith.

Bill at Oath
Bill Elston

Seen passing Oath today (7th April 22) was 'masked' 800321 on 1A87 Paignton - Paddington, followed by GBRf 66737 on 6X73 crane from Goodrington - Westbury

Please see attached photos
Best wishes, Bill.

800321 on a Paddinton service, 7th April 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

66737 at Oath, 7th April 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

The 'tail end' of the crane train. 66737 at Oath, 7th April 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill, a pleasant but cool day.

Delightful Dawlish
Nick Trudgian

50031 Hood is almost out of sight heading a down passenger train whilst the view of an up HST is bisected by Phillot Tunnel Copyright Nick Trudgian.

A quite amazing view taken by Nick - many thanks.

Scrapping operations
Jack Summerfield

Hello,
Having recently seen the article about the ex- Arriva and then TfW MK3s going for scrap at SIMS Metals, Newport and the request for photographs of the process by Guy Vincent, I have to say that photographs seem to be banned - on a recent visit to the access road I was told very quickly by the firms security to put my camera away due to "security concerns".

However I can report that the stock undergoing scrapping at the time (LNER MK4s) were all on their sides bar the last vehicle and DVT, with the bogies stripped and being disassembled by a man and gas axe, whilst the vehicle bodies themselves were being ripped apart by a large metal grabber (seats and all!). These large chunks were then fed to the shredder, including all the interior trimming, unlike other yards where it is all removed beforehand.

An email to the company for permission to visit was also seemingly ignored, 2 weeks after asking.

I hope this information is of interest to the page!
Many thanks,
Jack Summerfield

We are most grateful to you Jack for your 'on the spot' report. Obviously Sims of Newport is not a place to visit and we will not entertain photographs obtained without permission. A very good idea of the scrapping area can be obtained from Google Earth.

7th April 2022

7/4/2022

Inspection work
Portishead Branch
Mark Howells

Afternoon Keith,

Last week my team and I completed a full inspection of drainage assets between Ashton Gate level crossing and Portbury Jn.
Two pictures attached including Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge and Clifton No.1 tunnel (built for double track) and Portbury Jn which is just beyond Pill station.
Hopefully at some point in the relatively near future we will see passenger services to Portishead.
We had fantastic weather and great scenery.
Kind Regards,

Mark Dennis Howells BEng (Hons) MPWI MIAM
Senior Asset Engineer (Drainage & Lineside)

An amazing view of both the Brunel Bridge and the tunnel. Clifton Suspension Bridge and Clifton No.1 tunnel (built for double track) taken at 13.06 on the 28th March 2022. Copyright Mark Howells, Network Rail.

Portbury Junction, just beyond Pill station. This picture taken at 11.37 29th March 2022. Copyright Mark Howells, Network Rail. Another most interesting view of the branch. This is the location where the branch to Portbury dock left the one time main route to Portishead straight ahead. Much of the track remains in position towards Poertishead station on the route straight ahead. In fact the rails and sleepers for the point lie on the site.

Many thanks to Mark for finding the time to keep us up to date with work on the branch. As Mark says, we hope in the not too distant future to have passenger trains running this way once more.

Tracing the track. If you have the time a most interesting occupation is following the route onwards from Portbury Junction towards Portshead using Google Earth and street view from the various bridges. You will find much of the track is still in position albeit heavily overgrown.

A memory of the past. Portishead was on the itinerary for the Cheddar Valley Railtour on the 18th November 1968. However this is about as close as we got to Portishead station. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

Also to take a look at our Portishead branch collection - please click this link.

Taunton
Paul Barlow

B800 leavesTaunton with a train to Bristol. 3rd May 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul - a good old heritage set.

St Austell Signalbox
David Anthony

A trip via St Austell today (6th April 2022) reveals the old signal box is not fairing well with apparently no maintenance being carry out unlike the recently refurbished footbridge.
I wonder how long it's got...

Cheers
Dave Anthony

St Austell Signalbox in decline 1 6th April 2022. Copyright David Anthony

St Austell Signalbox in decline 2 6th April 2022. Copyright David Anthony

St Austell Signalbox in decline 3 6th April 2022. Copyright David Anthony

A sad sight - thought there had been an interest in it for a model railway. Many thanks David anyway.

Now own up - are they yours? Treasure Trove
Ross Griffiths

4319 at Dawlish Warren 18th August 1984 Copyright ?

Very interesting 50002 Superb enters Exeter St Davids with an MOD Freight 20th May 1984. Copyright ?

33057 and 33011 at Exeter Saint Davids 4th August 1984. Copyright ?

45005 Newton Abbot 18th August 1984. Copyright?

Thanks Ross - are these yours?

Request for speakers on
Meldon Quarry
Charlie Stone

Hi there
I’m a producer for a UK production company. We are currently developing a format that would see two well known TV personalities restoring a train.
As part of our research, I would be incredibly grateful if I could chat to somebody in your society over the phone about the abandoned Meldon Quarry, and wondered if there was somebody suitable who would have ten minutes at some point today or tomorrow?
My contact number is below, any help you could provide would be really appreciated!

Best
Charlie Stone Producer

Email [email protected]
Mobile +44 7717 665384‬

Meldon Quarry Dust hangs over the workings. There were two class 33s there at the time. 5th May 1990 Copyright Ron Kosys

Meldon Quarry sidings 1) Meldon Quarry Sidings, 22 May 2007 overall view Copyright Brian Pibworth

This seems to be an urgent request - can anybody help Charlie? Please get in contact direct.

6th April 2022

6/4/2022

Mayflower at
Pewsey
Ken Mumford

Friends,
STEAM DREAMS organised a London to Bath Spa and return via Pewsey.
I stayed at Pewsey from near the outward trip until the return trip – although it was fine, it was WINDY! Difficult to find somewhere to avoid the wind especially after the ‘stationmaster’ [who was extremely helpful to everyone - passengers and enthusiasts] locked the station up around 1-30 p.m
Kind regards,
Ken

1. 61306 on the outward journey. 5th April 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

2. The return special attracts a lot of attention as it passes through going very well after a prolonged stop for water at Woodborough loop. Assiatnace was provided by the provision of a class 47 on the rear. 5th April 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken - I trust you have warmed up by now.

Mayflower at
Oldfield Park
Paul Negus

Hi Keith

Please find enclosed pictures of Mayflower looking resplendent at Oldfield Park in her British Railways livery.

The excursion from London Victoria was one minute early arrival at Bath Spa. It was a few minutes later that Mayflower appeared and we were all surprised to see her diverted into the old Westmoreland Road Goods Yard loop. (Oldfield Park Station never had goods facilities as it was hemmed in by houses on both sides). There was a service train due for Bristol Temple Meads so the assumption was that she was being held to allow it to pass. Not so!!

As you can see from the photo, the points were switched for Mayflower before she had come to a halt, short whistle blast and she proceeded slowly but majestically through the station. Once all of the coaches were back on the main line, the driver opened her up - lovely sound track for those video recording.

Network Rail have posted notices locally about forthcoming lineside vegetation clearance - the final shot shows why. This can be a good photo point but the greenery grows back at a ferocious pace. The overbridge on the right is in fact two side by side, the nearest is Bellots Road with the new light coloured parapet of the old S&D bridge just visible over the top. This bridge was raised over the GWR tracks for the forthcoming electrification .......

1. Mayflower leaves the down loop at Oldfield Park - 5th April 2022. Copyright Paul Negus.

2. Mayflower passing through Oldfield Park. Copyright Paul Negus.

3. Mayflower at Oldfield Park 5th April 2022 Copyright Paul Negus

This is the same train as was witnessed by Ken Mumford at Pewsey. Having unloaded its passengers at Bath the loco and stock were presumably turned at Bristol.

Many thanks Paul

New order at
Cardiff
Guy Vincent

Some photos of the new order on Transport for Wales' Cardiff-Holyhead loco hauled services.
TFW now own 37 Mark 4 coaches and 8 DVTs although many have yet to return to service. See 225group.org.uk

Guy Vincent

Cardiff Central 67025 1V91 17th June 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Cardiff Central 82226 1V91 17th June 2021... Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy.
My apologies to Guy for getting things a bit wrong this morning. KJ

Cogload
Paul Barlow

An up HST Paddington bound - seen just east of the flyover at Cogload junction. 26th March 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

5th April 2022

5/4/2022

Exeter 47s & 31
Michael Adams

Here are a couple by Michael Adams taken at Exeter St.Davids,firstly of 47050 on 14 July 1986.This class 47 was the first to receive the new railfreight livery. Copyright Michael Adams

The second picture shows 31286 with the 16.55 service to Barnstaple on 1 August 1981. Copyright Michael Adams

Thanks very much Michael

Development at Ponsandane
Roger Salter & Roger Winnen

A visit today at Ponsandane revealed that the former Mounts Bay Coaches Garage together with the former Bousefield Store alongside was to be demolished. The original layout at Ponsandane dates from 1940 when additional sidings and loading banks were built. From the A30 road they were Sandy Road-Sandy Bank-Kings Bank-New Bank and Old Bank. These have fallen into disuse over the years and been infilled. However we learnt sometime ago that space was at a premium at the Long Rock Depot and additional space was needed for stabling stock. At present they are removing the infilling of Kings Bank and New Bank sidings, the rails were still in situ.
An article by Jack Matthews appears in the Great Western Railway Journal No 53 of Winter 2005 giving much detail of the Ponsandane Yard

220405a Looking across the A30 at Ponsandane showing the various buildings awaiting the bulldozer. Copyright Roger Winnen

220405b Bousfield Store at Ponsandane. Copyright Roger Salter

220405b Mount Bay Coaches have also been relocated to another site close by after spending 50yrs or so at this location. Copyright Roger Salter

220405c Rear of the buildings awaiting demolitian. Copyright Roger Salter

220405b All hands at work removing the infill between Kings Bank and New Bank sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

220405c A large undertaking removing the soil before new track is laid. Copyright Roger Winnen

220405d Digging out the infill of Kings Bank and New Bank sidings at Ponsandane. The former rails are still in situ. Copyright Roger Salter

220405d The area of land being upgraded into sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

Memories - 'Tornado' strikes the B & W
Charlies Gate
Andrew and Diane Jones

Please find photographs of GWR 4612 piloting A1 60163 Tornado down the bank towards ‘Charlies Gate’ on the Bodmin Line, a combined tractive effort of 57,275 lbf, waiting to be unleashed!
An unusual combination even on the 4th June 2017.
The power was so spectacular on the return that I just stood and watched forgetting, to lift the camera!

Best wishes Andrew and Diane

4612 piloting Tornado 4th June 2017 an Charlies Gate. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Tornado passes by quietly at Charlies Gate. 4th June 2017 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

A very memorable memory, many thanks to
Andrew and Diane Jones.

Cogload
Paul Barlow

A down HST from the Bristol direction approaches Cogload junction Signal Box on the 26th March 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow. The flyover is just visible above the train.

Many thanks Paul.

4th April 2022

4/4/2022

142023 at St Erth
10th July 1987
Roger Winnen

870710a 142023 at St Erth on a Penzance working 35 years ago. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Plym Valley Railway 142023
Roger Winnen

Yesterday I visited the Plym Valley Railway which held its first running day of the season. I was made most welcome by the Station Staff and Ben Warren the Driver of the Cornish Skipper who filled me in with some local news. It was a most enjoyable day, however passengers were lacking in numbers.
Congratulations to the Plym Valley Railway for all your efforts in rebuilding the railway from nothing.
Roger Winnen

220403a Our driver of the day Ben Warren on route to Beverley correction Plym Bridge Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

220403b Our Cornish Skipper unit stands at Plym Bridge Platform awaiting its passengers. Copyright Roger Winnen

220403c The Great Western Pagoda at Plym Bridge Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

220403d The destination blind for this train shows Blackpool South a station that I remember well when staying in Blackpool before the end of steam However this former Cornish Skipper only carried the destination blinds when working for Northern Rail. Copyright Roger Winnen

220403e There is no chance of running away towards the buffer stops at Plym Bridge Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

220403f Photographed from the cycle way which follows the line to Clearbrook and beyond. Copyright Roger Winnen

220403g Back at Marsh Mills towards the end of the day. Copyright Roger Winnen

Nr Probus & Ladock
Mick Trudgian

47479 on an up-passenger near site of Probus-and-Ladock Halt. Copyright Nick Trudgian

Many thanks Nick.

Cogload Flyover
Paul Barlow

Seen from the Grand Western Canal bank Cross country HST headed by 43131 is seen on the 26th March 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

This weeks contributions
Guy Vincent

Good afternoon Keith / Roger
Another good selection of news and features on the CRS site this week.

Regarding Andrew Jenkins' photos taken at Shrivenham on March 29th. It was disappointing to see Arriva Trains Wales Mk 3 stock (including DVT's) making their final journey to the breaker. I used to see these regularly in South Wales on the weekday evenings 1W96 1716 Cardiff Central - Holyhead, either being pushed or hauled by a DB class 67. This train was notable as it conveyed first class accommodation and a kitchen / dining car with travelling chef. Quality meals were available at a very reasonable price. The set returned the following morning on the 1V91 0534 Holyhead - Cardiff. Fortunately Transport for Wales continue to offer 'proper' trains on the Cardiff - Holyhead route as class 67 locos now work with Mark 4 sliding-door stock and DVTs formerly used on the East Coast Main Line.

For the record the Shrivenham consist was reported as (not sure of exact order): 37884 12177 12178 12179 12181 12183 12184 12185 82307 82308 with 82107 (in Anglia white livery) at the back. The working was 5Q76 0902 Bicester MOD - Newport Docks (Sims Group).

Photo 1) 82307 leading 67013 Cardiff Central station on 19th March 2013. This was possibly a driver training trip with the DVT prior to entering service with ATW.

Photo 2) 82307 again leading coaches 10259 12181 12179 and 12176 with 67013 (also again!) at Cardiff Central with the 1W96 1716 Holyhead departure on 24th August 2016.

The stock was deposited at Sims Metals, Newport Docks and reports indicate the turnover rate there is extremely fast with vehicles often processed the same day or at the latest within a week of arrival. In recent months deliveries seem to be happening on average at least twice a week from storage locations at Bicester, Doncaster, Ely, Ilford, Long Marston and Worksop, Large grabber-type vehicles quickly dismantle the metal into manageable sections; this is fed into an enormous shredder that separates and disperses the material into containers which then go for export.
It would be interesting to see photos of the disposal site and stock undergoing processing.

Regards, Guy Vincent.

Looking very smart indeed at Cardiff Central, 82307 & 67001 seen on the 19th March 2013 Copyight Guy Vincent

Cardiff Central, B 82307 (& 67013) waiting departure with the 1W96 the 17.16 Cardiff to Holyhead. Its 17.07 on the 24th August 2016. Copyright Guy Vincent

DVT 82307 & DVT 82308 29th March 2022 Copyright Andrew Jenkins

Many thanks Guy, I agree with and second Guy's appeal for some information and pictures taken at the Sims disposal site. Can anybody help please - with the permission of Sims Metals of course.

3rd April 2022

3/4/2022

60th Anniversary for
4566
David Cook

I thought that the CRS membership might be interested to know that tomorrow, 3rd April is the 60th Anniversary of 4566 being withdrawn from service at Plymouth Laira (3.4.62) following her transfer from Penzance (September 1961). I make no apology for including the only photograph I have after her withdrawal, one that I think may be buried deep within the CRS website!

It was taken by the late Sid Sponheimer who very kindly allowed me to make a copy for my collection. Looking at an enlarged scan on my computer I noticed that there appears to be another 45xx in front of 4566. Does anyone know which one this might be as I assume that it is likely that a CRS member may well have visited Laira at the time and recorded the numbers of withdrawn engines stored pending sale for scrapping.

I have in my possession a copy of Traffic Notice No. 319 (Cont’d) which is headed “Sale of Condemned Locomotives for Demolition” (what an interesting description!). It reads as follows:

Please note that the following condemned locomotives will be forwarded to Barry Docks via Gloucester on the 3.25am Tavistock Jn. to Swindon as under:

5572 ex Laira   -   Friday 20th July
5539 ex St. Blazey   -   Monday 23rd July
4566 ex Laira   -   Tuesday 24th July (this train was hauled by 3854)
5521 ex Laira   -   Wednesday 25th July

I am told that the movements of 5539, 4566 & 5521 were witnessed by a friend of the person who sent me this information. At the time I doubt that anyone could have imagined that all of the above engines would survive their stay at Barry and into preservation.

Keep up the good work

Regards

David Cook
(4566 Group)

Plates removed and looking very dejected 4566 at Laira on the withdrawn lines - 3rd April 1962. withdrawn. Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer

4566 enters Nancegollan with an up train on Helston Flora Day 8th May 1957 Copyright the late Jon. Wood Collection

Nancegollan 4566 - Maurice Dart collection

Many thanks for this reminder Cooky - a relief all round.

Feeling Blue?
Driver Alan Peters

DCR blue liveried 60 028 hurries past Hinksley Yard with the 6Z52 empties Oxford Banbury Yard to Willesden. 30th March 2022. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Pictured at Hinksley Yard on a grey 30th March 2022. Blue liveried 66148 'Maritime Intermodal Seven'. Copyright Drive Alan Peters.

April Fools Day provided DRS blue liveried 57 306 Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate 175 on the Penzance to Paddington night sleeper, the train then works to Reading Traincare for servicing where the loco is seen on the rear of the train.

Alan Peters hopes we are not feeling so blue after seeing this trio. Many thanks for cheering us up Alan.

Cogload
Paul Barlow

A down HST relaxes after having topped the climb over Cogload flyover. A nice view from the canal bank. 26th March 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul - looks like a chilly day.

Redruth
Martin Scane

The 10.43 to Paddington and 10.44 to Penzance both on time at Redruth this morning. (2nd April 2022) I badly wanted the HST to wait another 10 seconds before departing.

Many thanks Martin - you can't get it 'zactly' as you want it everytime, still a very nice picture with the footbridge outlined by a blue sky.

Thanks Martin - a good trip I guess?

At Combe Jct.
Andrew and Diane Jones

Photograph 1 Combe ground frame 2 protecting the Moorswater connection. March 2022. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Photograph 2 Combe No 2 Notice on the hut. March 2022. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Photograph 3 Combe Ground frame No 2 Hut March 2022 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Photograph 4 Remains of Combe Platform Loop now providing protection to Moorswater and safe guarding the Looe branch March 2022 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

A rather sad ending to my recent visit to Combe Junction. Surviving (just) all the rationalisation over the years it does seem that time has caught up for this last bastion of ECLP in East Cornwall.
Road access from the A38 makes this an ideal road/rail loading point but who would use it?
So in this so called enlightened world we live in I wonder if Moorswaters green credentials will be recognised and someone will take it on, only time will tell.

Photograph 5 Looking south from Lamellion over bridge, general layout of Combe platform March 2022 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Photograph 6 Looking north from Lamellion bridge towards Moorswater but for how much longer March 2022 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

At Moorswater
Andrew and Diane Jones

Photograph 1 We have reached Moorswater where nature has started to take over just months after the last cement

Photograph 2 At Moorswater road crossing rusty rails will it ever see use again boundary sign between rails bottom left of photograph

Photograph 3 A close up of the Boundary sign between rails at Moorswater. March 2022

Photograph 4. Looking north towards loading point and terminus March 2022 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Photograph 5. A relic of the past hidden in the trees at Moorswater. March 2022. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Many thanks to you Andrew and Diane for the above items. As you say, will there ever be another train to Moorswater - time will tell.

2nd April 2022

2/4/2022

The Milk at St Erth
Hugh Austen

On the 28th June 1976 I spent an hour or so at St Erth photographing the milk.

760628a D1053 Western Patriarch arrived light engine at St Erth and starts to reverse for the creamery sidings. Copyright Hugh Austen

760628b D1028 Western Hussar arrives at St Erth with a Paddington-Penzance working while D1053 Western Patriarch having gathered its milk wagons prepares to leave. Copyright Hugh Austen

760628c D1053 Is seen departing St Erth on its journey to London, probably Kensington. Copyright Hugh Austen

Many Thanks for everything Hugh, I trust you had a nice week in Cornwall before returning home today! Roger

Additional comment from Guy Vincent
Great to see some more of Hugh Austen's wonderful slides dated Monday 28th June 1976 depicting 'Western' activity in the West Country during 1976. In Hugh's first picture featuring D1053 the remains of an experimental straight-line windscreen wiper system fitted to the centre bar between the windscreens can be seen. This modification was applied to both ends in November 1967 at Swindon Works but later deemed unsuccessful. Four sister locos, D1020, 1023, 1058 and 1072 received the same work but not all retained the bracket after the wiper was removed.

The second shot shows D1028 arriving at St Erth with a down passenger service. According to the 1976-7 passenger timetable afternoon 'down' services calling were 1342 (1B03 0730 PAD-PNZ); 1508 (1B25 0930 PAD-PNZ); 1621 (0700 Bradford Exchange / 0740 Leeds) and 1700 (1B45 1130 PAD-PNZ 'Cornish Riviera Express'). According to info I have seen the latter train was worked by a class 47 on this day and D1028 was reportedly utilised on 7B33 1217 Exeter Riverside-St Austell followed by 0F79 St Austell-Penzance light diesel. There is no doubt that Hugh photographed D1028 so I suggest that it may have replaced another loco at St Austell, possibly on 1B25, and the info I have seen is probably incorrect?

The milk train worked by D1053 was the 6A21 1640 St Erth to Acton. This was certainly slow to say the least as according to the WTT of the time it did not pass through Westbury until 2328, before continuing via Newbury towards London.

D1053 was withdrawn on 13th November 1976 and broken up at Swindon by June 23 1977. D1028 was withdrawn on 5th October 1976 but lingered in the scrapyard at Swindon until June 1979. It was recognisable from passing trains as someone painted 'THE END' in large white letters along the bodyside facing the main line.

I'm taking the rest of the day off from trains now (!) so with good wishes

Guy

Freight Par Station
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, here is a picture taken by Michael Adams,showing 50149 coming into Par with a mixed freight for St.Blazey yard on 29 April 1988. Thanks, best wishes. Copyright Michael Adams

Here we see 47250 with a lovely short freight about to leave Par for up country, on 13 August 1981. Copyright Michael Adams

Many Thanks Michael

Off to Truro
Paul Barlow

Paul is still on his day rover to Cornwall as we depart Falmouth for Truro.

150265 at Falmouth docks station waits on the 14445 to Truro. Copyright Paul Barlow. 22nd March 2022.

Penmere platform gardens 22nd March 2022

After the sight of the disgraceful graffiti on 150 265 shame on the deranged idiot, the beautiful garden at Penmere is a real treat - many thanks to the 'Friends of Penmere Platform' for their efforts. Many thanks Paul.

East of Buckshead Tunnel
Nick Trudgian

A lush 'green scene' as 50050 'Fearless' powers an up passenger train east of Buckshead Tunnel, Truro. Copyright Nick Trudgian.

Many thanks Nick.

Shrivenham
Andrew Jenkins

You may find this of interest? Please see attached photos showing today's Bicester MOD - Newport Docks (Sims) scrap train passing the former site of Shrivenham, Ashbury Crossing 71m 05c [MLN1]. This train appeared to consist of 7 x Mk 3 coaches, plus 3 x DVTs, all except for the rear DVT in Arriva Trains Wales livery.
Regards, Andrew Jenkins

37884 with Mk 3s 29th March 2022 Copyright Andrew Jenkins

Many thanks to photographer Andrew Jenkins and to Ken Mumford for passing them on.

1st April 2022

1/4/2022

Engineering works Ponsandane
Roger Winnen

During a visit to Long Rock Depot during its construction the Cornwall Railway Society learnt that the disused land at Ponsandane was going to be developed into additional sidings to increase capacity at the depot.
Work has commenced during the last couple of days removing the infill between the former loading banks. It is believed that Mounts Bay Coaches will also be moving from their site. What the full plans are. time will tell!

220401a An IET bound for Penzance passes the site of the ponsandane loading banks. Copyright Roger Winnen

220401b The infilling between the loading banks being removed. Copyright Roger Winnen

220401c Rails exposed still in situ, most probably laid in concrete. Copyright Roger Winnen

220401d Mounts Bay Bus Garage originally a fruit and vegetable store on railway owed land. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger.

Just for this morning!
David Tozer.

It appears that Realtime Trains are showing all unit numbers in Roman Numerals.

Will it change after midday!! ??

Dave

For example :- Realtime Trains is showing CLCCXXlll as allocated to today's 1525 3Z50 Exeter to Castle Cary via Honiton today. Dave

Thanks ??? Dave.

Truro
Paul Barlow

A couple more from Pauls recent visit to Cornwall.

The recently restored historic station clock at Truro with it's keeper. Copyright Paul Barlow.

A journey through time!! Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

A Puzzle from Paul
Paul Roach

Clue - its near the picture below :-

30th March 2022 Copyright Paul Roach

Where is it and what loco is it? Thanks Paul.

The answer from Roy Hart 5,642 miles away is USA 2 8 0 OMAHA at Wallingford, I'd say.

Well done and thanks Roy.

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