Blog Archives

30th April 2023

30/4/2023

Truro today
Jon Melvill

Dydh da,
Please find a photo from today. Poignant as three aspects (pardon the pun) will soon disappear. Not sure what will happen to the signal box. Anyone? Hopefully they can be preserved.
Oll an gwella,
Jon

Truro - 43 188 Newport Castle. pauses on 30th Apri l2023. Copyright Jon Melvi

Meur Ras Jon.

St Blazey Turntable
- a worthy tibute
Tim Hughes

St Blazey Turntable pictured on completition of a splendid ettort. Copyright Team Leader Tim Hughes

One and All

A huge amount of effort by Mpower Kernow and many, many others has gone into getting the turntable at St Blazey back into use over the last six months, and with there being nothing like a deadline, we might be ready to accommodate passing Scottish visitors tomorrow. If there is interest, a site visit by CRS can be arranged through me. (Not today).

Confident that others will manage to supply photos, but very proud of the team achievement.

Best regards

Tim Hughes

Thank you for your very fine picture Tim. Without your teams tremendous effort todays railtour with 4472 hopefully making an appearance and christening the turntables reintroduction into operational use steam tours to Cornwall have become far more practical. A special thank you to you and the team.

The first picture of the todays Flying Scotsman Railtour we received was at 12.02 and was sent in by David Tozer.

60103 at Stoke Canon. 30th April 2023 Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David - to see our already growing collection please click here.

A second helping of the
WSR Spring Gala
Bill Elston

No pictures of F./ Scotsman from me, instead I had a very entertaining afternoon at Bps. Lydeard for the WSR Steam Gala.
In the space of an hour I was able to photograph all four visiting locos, between 2-and 3 o'clock
Five phots attached, Hope they are of interest.

Best wishes, Bill Elston

7812+2999, WSR Spring Gala. 30th April 2023 Copyright Bill Elston

2999, WSR Spring Gala. 30th April 2023 Copyright Bill Elston

9466, WSR Spring Gala. 30th April 2023 Copyright Bill Elston

34027, WSR Spring Gala. 30th April 2023 Copyright Bill Elston

34027 WSR Spring Gala. 30th April 2023 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill - glad a few made it to the WSR Gala - keep up the good work.

29th April 2023

29/4/2023

The West Somerset Spring Gala
David Tozer & Trevor Tremethick

Gents,
A visit to the West Somerset Spring Gala today.
A few photos of the lesser stars.
Dave

230429a 9466 Arrives at Crowcombe. Copyright David Tozer

230429b 5199 Enters the loop at Crowcombe Heathfield Station. Copyright David Tozer

230429c 7812 Earlstoke Manor heads a Minehead bound train out of Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright David Tozer

230429d A stalwart of the West Somerset Railway 9351 approaches Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright David Tozer

9351, Minehead 29.04.2023. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

9351 at Minehead on the 12.55 to Bishops Lydeard, 29.04.2023. Copyright Tremethick

2999, Williton with 14.05 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead 29.04.2023. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Many Thanks David & Trevor

Going, Going, Gone!
Exeter Middle Signalbox
Paul Barlow

Hello Keith /Roger
A set of the decommissioning of Exeter Middle signal box next to the Red Cow crossing. Some 38 years ago this week.
Kind regards, Paul Barlow

0 50037 'Illustrious' passes Exeter Middle box on it's last day of operation. 29th March 1985. Copyright Paul Barlow.

1 Exeter middle box demolition. Windows removed on Saturday 9 May 1985 The timber top was lifted off and burnt in Riverside yard. Copyright Paul Barlow.

2 Exeter middle box 10 May 1986 Copyright Paul Barlow

3 Exeter middle box 10 May 1986 Copyright Paul Barlow

4 Exeter middle box May 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow

Signal lever from Exeter middle box - part of my collection. Copyright Paul Barlow.

The scene today , platform indicator board is the reference point. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks indeed Paul, an excellent record of a sad event.

Round and About
The South West
Andrew Triggs

Hi Keith/Roger
Been on our travels again so I haven't forgotten CRS, here's a selection of recent shots anyway taken round and about
All the Best
Andrew

1. 800307 passing Silk Mills Bridge, Taunton, working 1C76 10.04 London Paddington-Penzance 15.4.2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

2. The 'Great Britain XV' passing Silk Mills Bridge, Taunton with 'Black 5' no.44932 (with WCR 47802 at the rear) working 1Z10 07.11 London Paddington-Plymouth on Day 1 of the 2023 Tour 15.4.2023 Copyright Andrew Triggs.

3. Late running 1C50, 30 late at 08.22 with 57604 'Pendennis Castle' nearing journeys end with the 'Night Riviera' at Marazion 24.4.2023 Copyright Andrew Triggs.

4. FGW Blue liveried pairing 150238 with 150219 climbing Porthkidney Bank, working 2A27 14.18 St Erth-St Ives 28.4.2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

5. Later stopped at Lelant working 2A30 15.03 St Ives-St Erth, the lineside growth now obscuring any shot there 28.4.2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew - a very nice selection.

Scotsmans Timings
After being shrouded in secrecy until now the timings for the visit of 4472 to Cornwall tomorrow are now on 'Real Time Trains'.
No trespassing please.

28th April 2023

28/4/2023

Spring Steam on the
West Somerset Railway
Derek Buttivant

This weekend is the West Somerset Railway's spring steam gala with several visiting engines. Having lunch in the lovely garden at Stogumber station gave me the opportunity to observe the passing trains - of which I attach a few photos. The timetables for the four days provide plenty of interest and a good variety of locos and trains - and the weather looks reasonable so let's hope the event is well supported. I'll be busy on the train myself on Saturday.
Best wishes,
Derek

2999 Lady of Legend arrives at Stogumber Station on route to Minehead.. Copyright Derek Buttivant

34027 Taw Valley at Stogumber Station on route to Bishops Lydread. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Double Headed Manors 7828 Odney Manor leading on a service to Bishops Lydeard. Copyright Derek Buttivant

9466 At Stogumber working a service to Bishops Lydeard. Copyright Derek Buttivant

34027 Taw Valley on the Atlantic Coast Express. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Many Thanks Derek

Thanks, a tribute and identity solved.
Roy Hart

Dear Keith,
I have much enjoyed Mike Roach's series on 1962. The photo published yesterday of the Clay Lines special at St Columb Road features a 'well known enthusiast'. It is the late Larry Crosier, who in fact was the organiser of the tour. Larry was general secretary of the PRC at the time. He was a signalman at Laira Junction until 1968.
I attended Larry's funeral at Reading, some years back and enjoyed meeting up with Bernard Mills, Maurice Dart and many others from that time in Cornwall.
Roy Hart

Many thanks Roy, perhaps you have more pictures and more memories stored in Redruth?

Larry Crosier will be well remembered here at Redruth for his fascinating talks on his signalling days.

Time goes on, how things change.
Pendavey Bridge
Andrew & Diane Jones

April continues to bring unseasonably cold and wet weather, the garden is all over the show, our magnolia escaped the frost, but we have lost one tree fern and everything appears late!
So I thought a good day to write an article for CRS.
I have attached two photographs of Pendavey Bridge in the now widely used ‘then and now’ format.
The 1977 view looks towards Wadebridge, down the long straight with the North Cornwall Junction just out of sight.
Pendavey Bridge was originally constructed using two 27 feet wooden spans supported by a large centre stone pier.
During a severe flood in 1847 the bridge was washed away and over the years recontructed a number of times culminating in 1887 with replacement cast iron girders resting on the original centre pier, which are still in place today.
The latest photograph taken this week is about to change for ever, with the construction of a large housing estate on the skyline.
Both Wadebridge and Padstow are ranked as very desirable towns and would certainly benefit from reconnection to the rail network, but just as the reconstruction of the Helston Railway is handicapped by subsequent development so would any attempt to navigate Wadebridge.

Very best wishes Andrew and Diane

Pendavey Bridge in 1977. Notice what appears to be a bit of 'Wild Camping' on the bank to the right. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Pendavey Bridge taken this week at spring tide. The latest photograph taken this week is about to change for ever, with the construction of a large housing estate on the skyline. 27th April 2023. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

A most interesting comparison, many thanks to Andrew & Diane Jones.

A golden oldie -
View from the Fowey branch
Roger Winnen

A nice rural scene A Class 52 running towards Lostwithiel with a freight on 4th April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger - an interesting composition.

Marazion Marsh area
Sid Warren

Marazion Marsh 43029, Penzance bound. 6th April 2023. Copyright Sid Warren

43009 Near Marazion. 6th April 2023. Copyright Sid Warren.

Welcome to a new contributor - Sid Warren.

27th April 2023

27/4/2023

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 17
Michael L. Roach

St. Columb Road Station & St. Blazey Shed
Twelve months ago the website celebrated a railtour which had taken place 60 years earlier on 28 April 1962, not just with the usual words and photographs but also with original paperwork. The railtour was the Plymouth Railway Circle's Cornwall Mineral Lines Brake Van Tour starting at Truro Station and finishing at St. Blazey some ten hours later. All the dead end goods only lines traversed that day have since closed. St. Blazey Shed turned out two small prairies to haul the eleven brakevans; one from the earlier series and one from the second series with larger side tanks. The two locos were 4564 and 5531 and they were coupled bunker-to-bunker so that the leading loco was always facing forward after each of the nine reversals. St. Blazey shed closed to steam that weekend and this was the last revenue earning train rostered for steam by St. Blazey Shed. For reasons now forgotten I chose to leave home in Plymouth later and follow the railtour by car. I first caught up with the railtour a mile southeast of Perranporth Station. It was 12.22pm and the train was on time. I then cut across country to get ahead of the train and catch it at St. Columb Road Station which then still had a passing loop and a signal box. The two locos made a fine sight as the train entered the station to pass the dmu on the 12.42 Par to Newquay, and again as it left the station. The well-known photographer Peter Gray was stood alongside me and took an almost identical view of the train leaving St. Columb Road. My final visit of the day was to St. Blazey where on shed were: 3790, 3791, 4665, 5518, 5539, 8719 and 9665 i.e. two prairies and five pannier tanks. There may have been some diesels but if there were they were not recorded. Just one of the steam locos was actually in steam and that was 5518. So what happened to the three prairies in steam that day:
4564 was a Penzance based engine at the time of the railtour. One authority says it was stored for the next 16 months but both agree that it spent its last days at Gloucester Shed from September 1963 until withdrawal in September 1964.
5518 was a St. Blazey engine and was stored after the railtour and closure of the shed to steam. 5518 also went to Gloucester Shed in September 1963 and was withdrawn there in May 1964.
5531 was also a St. Blazey engine and was also stored. The loco was allocated to Laira from September to November 1963 but then moved (along with seven others of the class) to Southall Shed until withdrawal in December 1964. Here it would have been used, inter alia, on moving empty stock into and out of Paddington Station something which I believe the class had never done before in the previous fifty years.
NOTES:
None of the photos attached were shown 12 months ago.
To find the sixtieth anniversary item put “28th April 1962” in the search box above.

MLR / 22 April 2023

7028 St. Columb Road signal box which was located on the east-bound platform. The box was closed and the crossing loop taken out of use on and from Monday 4 January 1965. There were no trains on Sundays in winter. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7029 The railtour enters St Columb Road at 1.25pm 3L past a corrugated iron shed believed to be a lamp hut. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7031 The railtour leaves St. Columb Road at 1.30pm 5L and passes over the A39 trunk road. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7032 The railtour waits for the gates to be opened at the level crossing south of St. Dennis Junction where the B3279 crossed the line. The time is now 3.53pm and the train was on time. The chap walking towards the camera was a well-known local enthusiast but I do not know his name. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7036 Two of the seven steam locos on St. Blazey shed on the evening of 28 April 1962. Only 5518 was in steam. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many many thanks Michael, what a fantastic, yet very sad day - an excellent report.

Travels over the last week
Jon Hird

Click on the individual photos for a full screen picture

On the 20.04.2023 I took my lunch hour and headed to Burngullow to see the JIA wagons coming off the Parkandillack branch behind 66060 working 6C10 14:16 Burngullow E.C.C. to Exeter Riverside N.Y, I also captured 43189 passing on a GWR service. Pictures 1 to 3

On 21.04.2023 as it was sunny again, I took my lunch and headed to Treesmill to see 66131 working 6G09 1302 Goonbarrow Junction Dbc to Fowey Dock Carne Point. Pictures 4 and 5

On 22.04.2023 I headed over to the Bodmin & Wenford Railway to have a ride behind 47306 on their first diesel day of the year. I skipped the last train and instead took some photos of it working the 14:50 Bodmin General - Bodmin Parkway & Return. Pictures 6 to 10

Finally, yesterday (23.04.2023), I went for a walk in the woods around the Glynn Valley and ended up at St. Pinnock viaduct, where I photographed GWR 158767 on an 'up' train, along with 43162 and 43094 working 2C26 13:40 Plymouth - Penzance cruising over St. Pinnock viaduct. I had a bit of a marvel at the pillars beneath the viaduct (you'd have to be brave to walk along that suspended wooden walkway that hangs underneath the deck, wouldn't you!!) and then headed back home, stopping in at Colesloggett Halt to see GWR Prarie tank heading the last BWR service of the day up the hill from Bodmin Parkway Pictures 11 to 15

Many Thanks Jon

GWR HST to Newquay
after 150221 fails
Steve Widdowson & Jon Hird

Steve Widdowson rides on and Jon Hird follows a Castle Class to and from Newquay

The reason why - 150 221 lies as a failure in Chapel Siding at Par. 26th April 2023. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

43155 & 43170 Par { 2N05 1109 Newquay to Par } 26th April 2023 Copyright Steve Widdowson

HST to Newquay - Tregoss Moors, 25th April 2023 John Hird.

HST to Newquay - Criggan, 25th April 2023 Copyright John Hird.

HST from Newquay. 25th April 2023 Luxulyan Valley John Hird

43155 ~ 43170 at Newquay { 2N05 1109 Newquay to Par } 26th April 2023. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks to both Jon and Steve. Hope
your pictures are in the correct order.

26th April 2023

26/4/2023

Steam Recreations
West Somerset Railway
Paul Barlow

A few from today's Don Bishop's Steam recreations photo charter on the West Somerset Railway. A cold and wet day, not the best for photography but I was pleased with the results.

Kind regards, Paul Barlow

Saint class 2999 Lady of Legend Nethercott 24 April 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Saint class 2999 Lady of Legend passes Nethercott 24 April 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Saint class 2999 Lady of Legend passes Norvis bridge near Crowcombe 24 Apr...l 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Saint class 2999 Lady of Legend turns on Norton triangle 24 April 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Saint class 2999 Lady of Legend at Williton 24 April 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Saint class 2999 Lady of Legend leaves Williton 24 April 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Saint class 2999 Lady of Legend passes Allerford 24 April 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Saint class 2999 Lady of Legend leaves Stogumber 24 April 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Very well caught Paul - legendary photographs indeed.

Don't miss this
Hours of viewing
with Colin Burges

Dear Keith,
Last Thursday (20th April 2023), there was a little photo-opp at Okehampton when "double arrow" station signs were shown off by reopening campaigners.

My "scouting" pages and the Teign Valley Mughook pages have covered the story.

https://www.teignrail.co.uk/scouting/80-okehampton-and-meldon/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/373973826510518/permalink/1363398660901358/

You may also be interested in a little ride along the Southern in Exeter.

https://www.teignrail.co.uk/scouting/79-lions-holt-to-r-a-f-exeter/

With best wishes, Colin Burges.

With very many thanks indeed to our good friend Colin Burges who has sent in three excellent pieces - I urge you to click on the links and enjoy - the pictures will enlarge with a further click.

Kens Contribution
Ken Mumford

[1] and [2] A slightly differtent approach to railway photogpraphy the Ken way! First the THANK YOU KEY WORKERS is reflected in the station windows on platform 4 and where a 10 car meets another 10 car IET, the 'join' was photogpraphed like this- the Ken way!!

[3] A going away shot of the FIRST of the TWO trains that were due to meet on the UML - this is 66501 with 6Z86 West Drayton to East Usk [12 LATE through platform 4]

[4] An approaching shot of the SECOND of the TWO trains that were due to meet on the UML - 66539 [6C58 - Oxford Banbury Road to East Usk] running through platform 4 22 LATE.

[5] 6B33 speeds through platform 4 hauled by 60024 [Theale to Robeston] running 13 LATE

[6] Transport for Wales unit [3Q40 - Newport to Swindon] on a mileage accumulation run heads into platform 1

[7] Two IETs meet at the western end of platform 4.

Please feel free to crop,or enlarge to produce a photo to your liking. Remember, what to me is a good photo MIGHT NOT be good to you - and vice-versa. however, Please mention my name as the photographer - many thanks.

Kind regards,

Ken Mumford.

Click to enlarge. All pictures copyright Ken Mumford.

25th April 2023

25/4/2023

Ponsandane Yard
Mick House

I had another trip down to Penzance today (25/04-2023), this time I was given the opportunity to go into the worksite that will become the new Ponsandane sidings to see the Tamper DR 73907 in action. On my arrival 57 602 Restormel Castle was taking the Night Riviera sleeper into Long Rock depot from Penzance after its run down from Paddington.

On my arrival 57 602 Restormel Castle was taking the Night Riviera sleeper into Long Rock depot from Penzance after its run down from Paddington. Copyright Mick House

DR 73907 stands on one of the new sidings ready to start work Copyright Mick House

DR 73907 stands on one of the new sidings ready to start work. Copyright Mick House

DR 73907 stands on one of the new sidings ready to start work and class 158 957 passes heading in to Penzance. Copyright Mick House

DR 73907 at work tamping tines up and down. Castle set with 43 194 at the rear passes the site on its way into Penzance, with the tamper working hard to the left. Copyright Mick House

DR 73907 at work (Photos 5 & 6) tamping tines up and down. Castle set with 43 194 at the rear passes the site on its way into Penzance, with the tamper working hard to the left. Copyright Mick House

Castle set with 43 194 at the rear passes the site on its way into Penzance, with the tamper working hard to the left. Copyright Mick House

A closer view of the tamper in operation The tines are fully adjustable for working over strait track or points. Copyright Mick House

DR 73907, has just passed me and is near the end of the first siding. Copyright Mick House

I would like to give a big thank you to the NetworkRail team for giving me the opportunity of visiting the site and the Colas team for the tamping display, the majority of the time this would only happen at night.

Thanks very much Mick

Three Visits to Portreath in 1965, 1968, and 1996.
Michael Bussell

With the aid of nearly fifty photographs Michael Bussell brings to us views of Portreath, its harbour and the incline. These were taken durng three visits to the port in the sixties and nineties.

1965 - from Tregea Hill road looking north.The railway tracks have been lifted but many of the buildings remain. 1965. Copyright Michael Bussell.

1965 - a view again from the road at Tregea Hill this time looking a little further east. Copyright Michael Bussell.

1965. The earthworks and lofty embankment wall are seen in this view of the incline. Copyright Michael Bussell.

1965 in this view one over the upper section of the incline one can see the line passed through a deep cutting. The village at the foot can be seen in the distance. Copyright Michael Bussell.

1965 The bridge over road at Glenfeadon Terrace which still remains as a monument to the okld railway. Copyright Michael Bussell.

Click here for the Appendix which features all of Michaels collection of Portreath photographs and click here for our general coverage of the two lines to Portreath.

Many thanks to Michael allowing us to publish his collection and associated notes.

1962 Part 16
Michael L. Roach.

Penzance Viaduct
The railway line we see today between Penzance and Truro was built as a single track by the Hayle Railway and the West Conwall Railway and later doubled by the Great Western Railway. The Hayle and West Cornwall Railways were both slightly quirky with a rich history which can be read on Wikipedia. There are eight railway viaducts in the 26 miles of track between the two towns but there were once nine. Despite this number of viaducts there are two deep valleys crossed by huge embankments, and I wonder why ?
The two large embankments are located in the villages of Brea and Carn Brea between Camborne and Redruth and are both around 20 to 25 metres high. When they were built in the 1830s any compaction of the fill material forming the embankments would have been primitive at best – perhaps a granite roller pulled by two horses; at worst no compaction at all. I think the reason for building embankments rather than viaducts are the long cuttings on both sides in an endeavour to make a reasonably level route through this mining district. It would have been very convenient to use the excavated material from the cuttings in the valleys and to balance the cut and fill. The material is likely to have been end-tipped into the valley leading to settlement for a number of years under self weight and the weight of the trains. The track would have to be packed up regularly to avoid a dip in the vertical alignment. These two embankments could be among the highest railway ones in Britain.
At the other end of the spectrum from the huge embankments mentioned above was the ninth viaduct which was dispensed with long ago. It was located just outside Penzance Station and was 347 yards long, which was the the longest between Penzance and Truro. Penzance Viaduct was just a few yards above ground level which was the foreshore of the beach with the tide coming and going beneath the viaduct. The viaduct was originally a timber trestle carrying a single line. This construction of a timber trestle across a beach was not unique but was quite rare in Britain. It is thought that all examples have been replaced. Maintenance costs were high due to regular damage by gales, so when the Cornish main line was being doubled it was quite natural to replace the viaduct with a stone-faced rubble embankment. The work was carried out between 1919 and 1921. In the last photograph of the attached article note what appears to be concrete fence posts which was most unusual for the time.
SCANS
7056-8 Scans of an article which appeared in the Great Western Railway Magazine for June 1922
MLR / 21 April 2023

Many thanks Michael for collecting and forwarding the above extremely interesting material.

24th April 2023

24/4/2023

GWR to SWR Trains
David Tozer

GWR have one scheduled working from Barnstaple to Axminster on Mondays to Fridays. It is scheduled to then run from Axminster to Castle Cary and back (except Thursdays when it returns via Taunton). Sometimes it returns earlier to Exeter omitting the trip to Castle Cary.

Over the last few days SWR services have been cut by 50% between Exeter and Salisbury due to units fuel having been contaminated. Tonight the GWR unit was utilised to form special 1900 1Z75 Axminster to Exeter. The service used Class 158 158957 and is seen at Pinhoe.

Many Thanks David

Exeter St David's & Westbury
Michael Adams.

50007 at Exeter St. David’s with a Paignton to Manchester service on 25 June 1983. Copyright Michael Adams

A smart looking but unidentified class 47 at Westbury on 28 May 1981 with a nice mixture of wagons.Maybe the member who commented on the class 37 at Westbury with tanker wagons can identify these? Copyright Michael Adams

Tamper and St Erth Shuttle
Mick House

A trip to Penzance yesterday (23/04/2023) to photograph DR73907 Plasser & Theurer 08-4x4-4S-RT Switch & Crossing Tamper (Photos 1 & 2) that had just arrived with the 6J89 Taunton to Penzance. I think that this machine will be tamping the newly laid Ponsandane sidings.
On my return home I stopped off at St Erth just to see if I could any plant & machinery around no such luck this time, but standing at the station bus stop I did see the St Erth Shuttle bus WK68 BSZ, No: 53865 (photos 3, 4 & 5). Regards Mick House.

1 - Penzance 23rd April 2023. Copyright Mick House

2 - Penzance. 23rd April 2023. Copyright Mick House

3 - St Erth. 23rd April 2023. Copyright Mick House

4 - St Erth. 23rd April 2023. Copyright Mick House

5 - St Erth. 23rd April 2023. Copyright Mick House

Many thanks Mick for your roving report.

A splash of colour at
Saltash
Chris Harvey

On a beautiful 23rd April 2016, 66027 is captured on the rear of the 1231 Plymouth - Penzance Belmond British Pullman, easing off the bridge and entering Cornwall. Copyright Chris Harvey, Bodmin

A most interesting and attractive picture - many thanks to you Chris.

Middleway
Alan Peters

The closest railway location for myself is the classic shot of Middleway Crossing with DB 66131 about to cross St Andrews Road with the slightly early 6G09 13:02 Goonbarrow Junction to Fowey Docks on 21/04/23
Alan Peters

66131 at Middleway with the slightly early 6G09 1302 Goonbarrow Junction to Fowey Docks on 21st April 2023. Copyright Alan Peters.

The bright red DB colours amid the dark green foliage certainly makes for a classic photograph especially with the semaphore added in. Many thanks to you Alan.

23rd April 2023

23/4/2023

Barnstaple
Roger Winnen

From the archives Roger reminds us of days gone by at Victoria Road and the Town stations.

Barnstaple Victoria Road Station. 1st April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Barnstaple Victoria Road Station. 1st April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen . The yellow National Carriers Ltd artic adds colour to the scean and the ckuster of vans show the site still to be 'rail active'.

Barnstaple Town - 1st April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks to you Roger.

'Please Stand Clear'

Marsh Barton Station
David Tozer

I visited Marsh Barton today.
The new footbridge which give access to both platforms. However entry to the platform is fenced off.
Whilst their I overheard the station announcement 'Please stand clear of the platform edge,this train does not stop'.
Yes 800004 with the late running 1050 Penzance to Cardiff.

800004 Marsh Barton 22.4.2023 edit Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

Spring in East Cornwall
Mark Lynam

Good evening Keith/Roger,
On Thursday I spent the day photographing trains between Lostwithiel & Liskeard in the sunshine.
I have included one shot from each location.

. 43154 at Lostwithiel working 2U14 0740 Penzance to Cardiff Central. Copyright Mark Lynam

43004+43093 at Largin Viaduct working 2U20 1050 Penzance to Cardiff Central. The leaves starting to bring colour to the trees now. Copyright Mark Lynam

43088 + 43198 working 2C69 0900 Cardiff Central to Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam

43192 + 43189 at Dobwalls working 2C26 1343 Plymouth to Penzance.Copyright Mark Lynam

802020 on a delayed 2P17 1350 Penzance to Plymouth and 43170 on 2C73 1100 Cardiff Central to Penzance meant they passed at Moorswater footbridge. Copyright Mark Lynam

43040 + 43153 at Restormel working 2C77 1300 Cardiff Central to Penzance.at Restormal. Copyright Mark Lynam

Many Thanks Mark

22nd April 2023

22/4/2023

BIG DAY TODAY at
St Blazey
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
A historic event today at St Blazey depot. The work to restore the turntable to working use by MP Kernow has reached a successful milestone with the testing of two wagons, and then a 126 ton class 66. All went well and it is hoped for interesting visitors in the near future!
All the best, Craig.

Two wagons used to test the turntable at St Blazey. 22nd April 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

66131 goes for a spin on St Blazey turntable.(1) 22nd April 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

66131 goes for a spin on St Blazey turntable.(2) 22nd April 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

An exciting event - bodes well for the future - many thanks Craig.

Resignalling at Exeter in 1985
Paul Barlow

Some pictures from 1985 when Exeter St Davids was shut for remodeling and installation of MAS signals.
Exeter Central became the principle station for a few days and Exmouth junction a stabling point and refueling point.
Hope they are of interest
Paul Barlow

1985_04_28.43189 43138 1253 Exeter Central to Newcastle. Copyright Pauk Barlow

1985_05_05.43189 43138 1253 Exeter Central to Newcastle and 50038 on an ECS. Copyright Paul Barlow

1985_05_05 Exmouth junction temporary stabling point 31273 43003 and 43043 50034 runs up from Exeter Central

The full series of these pictures by Paul Barlow can be found by clicking here and scrolling to item 2308

Nailsea & Backwell Station in 1967
Michael Bussell

Nailsea & Backwell Station is on the Bristol Temple Meads – Weston-super-Mare line, built by the Bristol & Exeter Railway that was later absorbed into the Great Western Railway. The station, located on an embankment, opened on 14 June 1841 as plain ‘Nailsea’. ‘& Backwell’ was added to its name on 1 May 1905, dropped on 6 May 1974, and restored on 2 May 1977. I visited on 30 April 1967, and was able to photograph the buildings as they then stood. These I believe dated from the 1860s, replacing the original buildings that, like the platforms, had been of timber rather than masonry to minimise the surcharging effect of their weight on what is quite a high man-made embankment. Sadly, the main station building on the north side of the line, of two storeys entered at ground level and giving access to the up platform, was demolished in the 1970s, in its turn to be replaced by a mean ‘bus shelter’ on the platform – a wanton destruction of a fine stone building, and giving the lie to the phrase ‘customer care’. (It also reminds me of the Biblical saying which can be paraphrased as “every judgement judges the judges”.)
Visible in several of the photos is the former engine house of the Amberlands colliery, on the south side of the line. The colliery had closed as long ago as the middle of the 19th century, but survived as a fine ruin, a landscape feature more reminiscent of Cornwall than of Somerset, before it too was pulled down, in 1974.

Photos taken 30 April 1967.

1 A distant view of the station from the north. From left to right can be seen the footbridge; the Amberlands engine house; the main station building, a small goods shed, and a signal box – all on the up platform. (A small waiting shelter on the down platform is not seen in this view, as it is beyond the main building.) Copyright Michael Bussell.

2 The main station building from the west, built of stone like the base of the platform-level goods shed just visible nearer the camera. Copyright Michael Bussell.

3 The main station building from the east, with the platform level timber goods shed (on its stone base) and the signal box just visible beyond. Copyright Michael Bussell.

4 Looking east from a few yards beyond the previous viewpoint is seen the footbridge linking the two platforms. The girders in the foreground support the up platform over Station Road beneath, the railway tracks themselves being carried by a stone arch bridge. Copyright Michael Bussell.

5. A view east along the up platform towards the footbridge, with the platform frontage of the main building in the foreground. Copyright Michael Bussell.

6 The timber waiting shelter on the down platform. Copyright Michael Bussell.

7 A view across the tracks from the west end of the up platform shows the long-abandoned Amberlands colliery engine house, which was to be demolished a few years after my visit. Michael Bussell.

8 Looking westwards from the footbridge (with apologies for the camera shake). Copyright Michael Bussell.

9 The maker’s nameplate on the footbridge establishes its date: E FINCH & Co LIMTD ENGINEERS 1907 IRONFOUNDERS &c CHEPSTOW. Copyrigh Michael Bussell.

10 The main station building, the Station Road arch bridge and down platform girders, and the footbridge, seen from the south. . Copyright Michael Bussell.

Many thanks indeed to Michael Bussell for sending us the results of his research and photographs from 1967.

21st April 2023

21/4/2023

Nr. Stroud
Peter Griffiths

Dear CRS
Adding a splash of colour instead of the normal GWR green, a Civil Engineer movement 6J02 Gloucester Horton Road to Reading Triangle Sidings on 19th April 2023.
Location is between Bowbridge and Thrupp, to the south-east of Stroud on the Golden Valley line.
Also of interest is the partially restored Thames & Severn Canal, its towpath being an interesting walk from Stroud town centre and railway station. The photo was taken close to the Stroud Brewery & Taproom and I can recommend its viewing area over both railway and canal.

Hopefully of interest. Best wishes, Peter Griffiths.

Near Stroud between Bowbridge and Thrupp on the Golden Valley line, Civil enginering movement twix Gloucester and Reading. Copyright Peter Griffiths

Many thanks Peter for your photograph plus the extra information.

Additional information - Mick House.

Mick House kindly adds the following detail -
Adding a splash of colour instead of the normal GWR green, a Civil Engineer movement 6J02 was: DR 73936 Plasser & Theurer 08-4x4/4S-RT Switch & Crossing Tamper

Thanks Mick.

Awesome skies
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
A few images from the week gone by. Super April sunshine and "Constable" skies have produced some lovely backgrounds to the GWR fleet in the Duchy. 66060 is also seen at St Germans working 6C99. The new leaves on the trees are a particular favourite of mine, a promise of Summer on the way.

17th Dark skies over East Cornwall made a superb canvas for westbound GWR services at Restormel and Treesmill as the light held strong over St Austell Bay.
18th 2P12 drifts down the bank into St Germans the gorse providing a nice foreground detail.

The following day after the Par harbour trip, 5 empty JIA wagons were trailed at Fowey, Carne Point. They certainly dont make as good a picture as the photogenic CDAs winding their way along the causeway.

Cheers for now, Craig.

17th April 2023. 2C73 802009 Copyright Craig Munday.

17th April 2023. 2C27 43098 & 43186. Copyright Craig Munday.

18th April 2023. 66060 crossing St Germans viaduct with the 6C99. Copyright Craig Munday.

18th April 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

19th April 2023. Golant. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig, Awesome skies creating awesome pictures.

Radstock
Keith Gale

I saw today the pictures of the closed Radstock Wagon Repair Works and notes regarding its closure in 1988. It was always one of my 'bucket list items' to get a photograph of a train on the branch and I cannot recall why I was in the area - but I guess it was just pure chance that I happened to be around the Frome area when I saw a 'mixed freight' heading up the branch line. That was of course unusual because normally all of the freight trains in the area are consistently formed of stone wagons - even today. Of course there was no internet or Real Time Trains to tell me what was going on - so I just took the chance and drove to Radstock. Attached are the results - two photographs of 47125 negotiating the undulating track and dropping off some wagons at Radstock for repair before heading back light engine to Merehead, no doubt for more onerous stone train duties. The date was 20 March 1986.

Please feel free to use and put these on the Cornwall Society website if you think useful.

Kind regards Keith

47125 arrives at Radstock on the 20th March 1986. Copyright Keith Gale.

47125 stands on a 'double slkip point' at Radstock 20th March 1986. Copyright Keith Gale.

Good to hear from you Keith, thanks very much for your lucky chance shots.

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