Blog Archives

April 30th 2024

30/4/2024

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 84
Portishead Junction Box Pet
Michael L. Roach

It’s not often I get to Bristol in these articles so it is nice to go there with a short story from 1909, especially as it is finally looking more certain that the town of Portishead will get its rail link to Bristol. A planning application for the proposed passenger station at Portishead was made in March 2024, and the details can be found on the Portishead Rail Group's own website.

The station cat is still alive and well in 2024 with some becoming famous on the internet; but how about the signal box cat, does it still exist? However, this short piece is not about a cat, but a common rat which became the pet of a signalman (until the said signalman decided that the rat's life should be ended by him rather than someone else).

The attached scan comes from the Great Western Railway Magazine for December 1909. When the new box mentioned in the accompanying article was finished it was given a new name as well, becoming Parson Street Junction Box. The box was about 10 chains (one eighth of a mile) west of the centre of Parson Street Station.

Scan from the December 1909 GWR Magazine. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks Michael - an unsual choice of companion!

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

More memories of SW Freight Trains
Roger Geach

Class 45, 45063, heads a Severn Tunnel Junction to St. Blazey speedlink service with a good mix of wagons.

From memory, class 45's would stop working into Cornwall from the October 1985 timetable change, I may be wrong - quite a while ago now.

1985 was the year of GWR 150, and Severn Tunnel Junction yard was on borrowed time too.

Speedlink was shut down in July 1991.

Roger Geach

Class 45 'Peak' 45063 heads West at Dobwalls on 12.09.1985 with a Speedlink service from Severn Tunnel Junction to St. Blazey. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger - another wonderful image.

Class 59s at Westbury and Reading
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are well . Nice pictures from the steam rally in Camborne,hope you have dried out. Seeing Alan Peter’s picture of 59003 has prompted me to send this one of 59003 at Westbury with an Acton to Merehead train on 9 December 1986,looking quite smart after just over a year in service. Copyright Michael Forward

Roger, Now we see fellow class 59002 at Reading on 3 May 1990 with another Acton to Merehead quarry train of empties. Copyright Michael Forward Michael

Many Thanks Michael

Tinsley's 'Pet' on tour
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

47145, one of Tinsley depots 'pet' locomotives, is away from home as it works a short freight through Exeter St. Davids in 1991. Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks indeed, Phil

A Westbury query, from one of our readers
Can you help?

I’m not sure if this is allowed, but I shall be staying in Minehead at the end of May and would like to catch the bus to Taunton and then the train to Westbury. Having not been there before, are any locos stabled there on Sunday easily seen? If not, can anyone give me the best way to see what is there?

Westbury is not an area which I am personally too familiar with. Can any of our readers with some local knowledge help? If you have any pointers, please email in to - [email protected]

29/4/2024

Trevithick Day at Camborne Saturday 27th April 2024
Roger Winnen

Richard Trevithick 13th April 1771 - 22nd April 1833 was a British Inventor & Mining Engineer, born at Tregajorran in the Parish of Illogan between Camborne & Redruth. Today Camborne celebrates Richard Trevithick's achievements with the steam engine etc.

240427a The Puffin Devil in Camborne at the start of Camborne Trevithick Day. Copyright Roger Winnen

240427b A line up of Steam Traction engines in Basset Street Camborne on Saturday morning. Copyright Roger Winnen

240427c J & J Sawle of St Agnes with his Steam road train Copyright Roger Winnen

240427d The Foden Steam Wagon Pride of the West. Copyright Roger Winnen

240427e Earl Haig a Showman engine looking spick and spam at Camborne. Copyright Roger Winnen

240427f Much interest in todays trade stalls giving a wide selection of books. Copyright Roger Winnen

240427g Looking down on Richard Trevithick Statue from the former Camborne Library. Copyright Roger Winnen

240427h The weather has gone down hill for the start of the steam engine parade. Copyright Roger Winnen

240427i The umbrells are up. Copyright Roger Winnen

240427j Paying Homage to Richard Trevithick Statue Copyright Roger Winnen

240427k Lady Gwen passes the statue at Camorrne. Copyright Roger Winnen

240427m The Jungle Seedway. Copyright Roger Winnen

240427n Bringing up the rear of the Steam Parade of 2024. Copyright Roger Winnen

240427p Crossing the railway at Camborne Station as the engines head for King Edwards Mine. Copyright Roger Winnen

240427q Crossing the railway at Camborne Station as the engines head for King Edwards Mine. Copyright Roger Winnen

240427r Crossing the railway at Camborne Station as the engines head for King Edwards Mine. Copyright Roger Winnen

240427t Crossing the railway at Camborne Station as the engines head for King Edwards Mine. Copyright Roger Winnen

240427u Don't crash into the barriers at Camborne Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Lea Valley Railway Club Special
30.04.1977
Roger Geach

Good Morning

Please find attached a picture taken at Wadebridge on 30 4 1977, the then Lea Valley Railway club ran this .

1977, best recalled as when the westerns went, so this tour gave us a reason to go out again.

a long time ago now, but I think I'm right in saying these were Bristol based DMU's brought down for the tour.

There is also a shot passing Respryn Bridge, very head on.

There are other pictures of this tour on your web pages. A long time ago now

Roger Geach

The LVRC special after arriving at Wadebridge on 30.04.1977. Copyright Roger Geach.

The special train running back East past Respryn Bridge on 30.04.1977. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger, wonderful memories.

47306 running day at The Bodmin Railway
Jon Hird

Due to regular steam loco 5552 requiring a boiler wash out, Brush Type 4 no. 47306 was pressed into action on 28.04.24 to cover the 4 departures.

47306 awaits departure from Bodmin General. 28.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

A sunny view of Bodmin Parkway from the eastern end as 47306 arrives with its 3 coaches. 28.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

Running round at Bodmin Parkway. The concrete structure to the left of the image is the remains of a water tower. 28.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

Having crested the summit of the hill from Bodmin Parkway, 47306 slows for the speed restriction around quarry curve. 28.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

Ex-Felixstowe Dock Class 10 D3489 'Colonel Tomline' on hire to The Bodmin Railway from The Helston Railway parked with the engineers train at Bodmin General. 28.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

The Railways next diesel running day is May 11th, for times and fares please visit the Bodmin Railway website - click here.

Steam Golden Jubilee Anniversary Trip for Clan Line
Guy Vincent

Two steam tours yesterday, Saturday April 27th, one with special personal significance.

Train 1. LMS 'Black Five' 44871 heading north through the Avon Valley near Monkton Combe with the Railway Touring Company's 1Z27 0701 London Paddington - Gloucester day excursion trip "The Bath and Gloucester Steam Express". Note the firebox number and shedplates both now finished in a vivid shade of sky blue! The coaching stock, supplied by West Coast Railway Co, was a recently formed set of maroon mark 2s with central door locking. Hopefully more will follow soon to enable continued operation of heritage mainline tours through this provider.

Full train formation: 44871 35508 9493 6115 6724 3395 3431 3326 1961 3352 3392 and diesel 47746 at the rear.

Train 2. SR Merchant Navy 35028 Clan Line passing non-stop through platform 3 (formerly P4 or the 'Up Weymouth') with UK Railtours / Belmond's "The Clan Line 50th Anniversary Pullman", 1Z21 0914 London Victoria - Bath Spa. This came off the Up Salisbury line at 1232pm, crossed to line 3 and headed off towards Trowbridge.

Full train formation: 35028, Car No 9502, Zena, Gwen, Ione, Minerva, Perseus, Ibis, Audrey, Cygnus, Baggage Car No 11, Car No 6313, Mercator.

On Saturday April 27th 1974, exactly 50 years ago to the day (and just about the minute too), 35028 had steamed into Westbury's then platform 3 (now P2) at the head of a ten coach special from Basingstoke. This was the first time since cJuly 1967 that steam had operated on the Southern Region. At Westbury passengers went bybus or coach to the East Somerset Railway where David Shepherd's newly created stud of steam locos was on display outside the newly built steam shed there.

During the afternoon Clan Line was serviced and turned ready for the return trip to Basingstoke. The turning move was made via Hawkeridge and Heywood Road Junctions as Westbury's turntable had been dismantled. Hundreds of spectators crowded onto the station and adjacent road bridge, also in fields and on roads close by watching the activities take place. Our Grandfather took me and my brother to Westbury and, after parking his blue Austin 1300 in Slag Lane, not far from the bridge, we watched 35028 as it chuffed up and down. My outstanding memory of this day is being held up to see over the iron bridge and being surrounded by so many people doing the same. By contrast today (27.04.2024) I was the only person on that now very rusty bridge to see Clan Line pass by and on the station there were no more than half a dozen rail enthusiasts on the platforms.

Best regards to all CRS production team

Guy V

LMS 44871 at Limpley Stoke with 1Z27 27.04.2024, copyright Guy Vincent.

A marvellous sight at Westbury as SR 35028 passes with 1Z21 on 27.04.2024, copyright Guy Vincent.

The rear of 35028's train comprised of luxurious Pullman carriages. 27.04.24, Copyright Guy Vincent.

The road bridge at Westbury, sadly deserted, a stark contrast to Guys memories of visiting with his grandfather 50 years ago to see a steam special pass by. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Thank you very much, Guy, both for sending us your excellent photographs and also for sharing your story.

Re: Grounded Coaches
Mike Wisker

Hi. I have been an avid follower of your website for many years now and with now living in France, it allows me to keep up with events in Cornwall.

I noticed a few photos of grounded coaches being used as houses lately and remembered seeing one near Bugle when I lived there nigh on twenty years ago. A quick scan using google maps and street view brought the below attached picture in a small hamlet called Bowling Green on the road just south of the overbridge at the end of Goonbarrow loop. I unfortunately have no other information about it.

Hope it is of use for you and keep up the good work on an excellent site.

Regards
Mike Wisker

A grounded coach in use as accomodation at Bowling Green, near Bugle. Copyright Mike Wisker.

Many thanks for remembering this one, Mike. Glad to hear you enjoy the website, too.

On researching this coach, I found an article from a local news outlet from a few years ago, with some internal views. Click here to read/view.

April 28th 2024

28/4/2024

Dawn at Westbury
Alan Peters

Dawn at Westbury with Class 59 now on long term hire to Colas Rail, 59003 "Yeoman Highlander" is now in pseudo Colas livery and is seen in the Up yard ready to work 6M50 to Bescot LDC on 25/04/24, note the stored EWS HTA coal hoppers awaiting their fate. The class 59 is based at Westbury for both traction knowledge and maintenance purposes. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Thank you, Alan. The class 59's have certainly served their owners well over the decades.

South West Freight
Roger Geach

Seeing Craigs pictures and notes about the lack of freight, I would agree that the freight in the West Country is pathetic with road haulage now moving just about everything.

Here is 47145 at Tresulgan nr Menheniot with the up Cliffe Vale train which ran 5 days a week and also conveyed other freight to places like Bescot.

Roger Geach

Better days for railfreight: 47145 heads for Cliffe Vale on 06.09.1985, seen at Tresulgan. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger. One wonders (and quietly hopes) whether the desire to remove diesel vehicles from the roads, combined with the current unsuitability of battery power to long distance HGV travel, may lead to a resurgence of rail freight.

Cornish Grounded Railway Carriages
Part 2
Andrew and Diane Jones

Following on from ‘Swindon Villas’, (click here) I have found this example just about holding on at Redtye near Lanivet.

Originally costing £17, it was placed on a field adjacent the A30 trunk road in 1939 by John Merryfield.

The ex GWR 3rd class coach was subject to a long drawn out confrontation with Cornwall Council planning and Mr Merryfield was initially told to demolish it as they considered it an eyesore, but he ignored the request!

Mr Merryfield did not consider that he had broken any planning law and continued to develop the site building a seperate roof over the carriage and a Veranda.

St Austell Rural Council eventually decided the development constituted a bungalow and duly assessed the property for rates set at £16/year.

However this was not the end of the story and in 1965 Mr Merryfield was again the subject of a planning enquiry due to his efforts to tidy up the site and build a conventional Bungalow.

Obviously the authority eventually came to the conclusion that the development was lawful due to the length of its existence.

Long may it survive!

very best wishes Andrew and Diane

A grounded coach at Redtye near Lanivet/Bodmin. Copyright Andrew & Diane Cornelius.

Many thanks to you both, Andrew & Diane; nice to read a little background on a local landmark!

Saturday Empties
Jon Hird

The highlight of the weekends photographic opportunities is on a Saturday morning when a DB Cargo locomotive trips the empty JIA wagons back into the duchy after they have been emptied at Cliffe Vale. 66130 does the honours on 27.04.24, seen 'from high' with the rear of the train still on Milltown viaduct. Copyright Jon Hird.

A quick peek in at St. Blazey where the train for the 'internal' clay work is being made up for the week ahead. A JIA is collected from ourside the wagon repair shops and is added to the rake of wagons, whilst others are removed and shunted into the workshops for attention. The JGA wagons are visible too. 27.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

April 27th 2024

27/4/2024

Bodmin Railway carriages at York NRM
Dennis Clarke

Hi Keith, Roger, Jon,

I spent a bit of time in the National Railway Museum in York today and came across some very old carriages attributed to the Bodmin Railway.
They are allegedly the oldest set of carriages in the world, demonstrating the different classes of travel.

Please feel free to use the pictures on the website,

Kind Regards,
Dennis

A second class carriage from the Bodmin & Wadebridge Railway. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

A third class carriage from the Bodmin & Wadebridge Railway. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Details on the carriages. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Many thanks Dennis, what remarkable survivors these are. No Central Door Locking to worry about on these!

St Blazey area freight
Craig Munday

Hi team

I've been longingly looking at pictures of yesteryear of Speedlink freights headed for St Blazey recently. Seeing 20+ wagon plus trains snaking along the Dawlish seawall bound for clay country in the 1990s carrying different merchandise for the area reminds me how road is now king for much of the freight output from the Duchy.

Today's freight scene is very different with just JIA clay wagons being the only revenue earning freight between Cornwall and Exeter Riverside, despite various trials in recent years. One hopes that a chink of light may soon emerge bring the rumble of new freight back to the seawall more regularly.

23rd Apl: This week the Carne Point empties were caught passing the new signalling at Par. Viewers will note the new arrangement for Liner siding in the foreground. A new ground signal CL7630 has been provided to exit the siding. The clearance of it is dependent however, on the main aspect ahead CL5830 showing a proceed aspect.

24th Apl: A day later the same train is seen arriving back at St Blazey in fine sunshine. The end of the week for domestic clay these days as the wagons then form the consist for Thursday's Par Harbour trip and thence onward to Stoke on Trent. By chance 66101 was tied down in the adjacent siding having arrived earlier with the Treviscoe portion. The trees nearby give a Springlike feel, it was rather chilly however!

Kind regards

Craig

23.04.2024 - the evening light gives a warm tint to the scene as 66130 passes through Par with 6G05, heading for Goonbarrow. Copyright Craig Munday.

24.04.2024 - 66130 has just arrived from Fowey and is pictured reversing into the yard at St. Blazey with 6G05. 66101 is alongside with loaded wagons from Treviscoe. More wagons would be added to its train from Par harbour on the next day, then the wagons would be taken to Cliffe Vale. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig, it's nice to see the longer evenings rolling in once again.

26/4/2024

West Somerset Railway Autumn Gala October 2013
Roger Winnen

131005a 4160 Arrives at Aberdovey (Watchet Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005b S & D 53808 at Washford on 5th October 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005c 7822 on the Talyllyn Special arrives at Blue Anchor. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005d 7827 Lydham Manor at Minehead. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005e Sir Haydn on a low loader truck at Minehead. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005f 3850 and 7827 Lydham Manor stand side by side at Minehead. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005g Minehead renamed Pwllheli for the Gala. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005h 7828 on the Festiniog Special at Dunster Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005i Dunster renamed Criccieth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005j Passing trains at Williton. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005k Williton renamed Owestry. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005kk Williton yard with a Western Diesel possibly D1010. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005o 5029 Nunney Castle at Stogumber Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005oo 7827 awaits departure from Stogumber. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005p Crowcombe Station renamed Talerddig. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005r Bishops Lydreard renamed Shrewsbury. Copyright Roger Winnen

131005s The Cambrian Coast Express reached his destination at Shrewsbury (Bishop's Lydeard) Copyright Roger Winnen

Swindon - 24.04.24
Ken Mumford

1Z22 [Derby to Bristol (Kingsland Road) via the world!! SEE Real Train Times for full details. Announced as FAST TRAIN APPROACHING!! It drew to a halt halfway down plaform 4 for crew purposes, then set off westwards 1 EARLY 1 at 1343. Copyright Ken Mumford.

A GWR service - 1C18 - a telephoto shot with a class 66 in Swindon East Loop. Copyright Ken Mumford.

6B12 Merehead to Wootton Bassett headed by 66549 [power] and 66553 [dead?]. Came out of Swindon East Loop 7 LATE and passed Swindon at 1407 via platform 4. Copyright Ken Mumford.

59102 [Appleford to Whatley Quarry - 6C48] - came out fo Swindon East Loop at 1443 [1 EARLY.] Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken

25/4/2024

The changing face of
St Austell and St Germans Stations
10 Years Ago
Roger Winnen

140715a Large supports erected at St Austell for the new footbridge etc. Copyright Rpger Winnen

140715b It rather seams that these buildings on the up side are being restored and not demolished. Copyright Roger Winnen

140715c Quite a structure at St Austell, will it be in keeping with the station! Copyright Roger Winnen

140715d The changing face of St Austell Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

St Germans Station

140715i Taken from the temp footbridge, the Atlantic Coast Express departs St Germans for Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

140715j With the completion of the new footbridge, the temp bridge is due to be dismantled on Saturday night 19th July, 2014. Copyright Roger Winnen

140715l Looking very nice the new footbridge blending in with the station. Copyright Roger Winnen

140715m Side on view of the bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

Cardiff in the past
Ken Mumford

45660 running tender-first at Cardiff. Copyright Ken Mumford.

The Blue Pullman at Cardiff, copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken

Goonbarrow Departure
Jon Hird

66130 and 11 JIA's await departure from Goonbarrow on 24.04.24. Class 08 08752 is also visible. This siding once continued through Bugle and Stenalees, crossing above and below the roads five times on its way, and went all the way down to Carthew. Copyright Jon Hird.

Now on the Newquay branch, the train heads away for Fowey with another shipment of 'white gold'! 24.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

Lostwithiel Yard
Tim Hughes

Recovered track panels and semaphores share the former Lostwithiel down goods yard with some road/rail vehicles. 24.04.24, copyright Tim Hughes.

A close up of some of the 'railwayana' residing in the former yard. Copyright Tim Hughes.

Many thanks Tim - it'll be interesting to see what comes next for the former yard.

GW Signalling
Gavin Johns

Fully recognising its off area but the item yesterday by Michael Roach (click here) prompted a thought ... there is one Dutton signal box still in use on the national network. Caersws - owned by NR - is now redundant but pretty intact and others exist on heritage lines, but at Pwllheli a Dutton box remains in use as a ground frame.

The box has an interesting history - provided new to signal the junction of the Elan Valley branch near Rhyader in Mid Wales, it was relocated in 1909 to Pwllheli on opening the extension to the new station.

Down-graded to a ground frame in the 1970's, it now interfaces with the ERTMS system controlling the Cambrian lines.

I attach a couple of photos that might be of interest: note the characteristic level catch handles used by Duttons. Photos are my copyright.

Regards,

Gavin

Pwllheli West Frame exterior (North Side). Copyright Gavin Johns.

Pwllheli West Frame. Copyright Gavin Johns.

Many thanks Gavin - a nice follow-up to Michaels article, and very interesting.

April 24th 2024

24/4/2024

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 83
Dutton & Co Signal Boxes on the Cambrian
Michael L. Roach

In Part 80 the series visited Pantydwr on the Mid-Wales Line to see a Dutton & Co. signal box dating back to 1891. It originally measured just 10 feet by 8 feet, but when the extensions were added in 1921 it became 16 ft 6 ins long. The extensions were necessary to house the single-line block instruments (previously kept in the station building) and moved to the box as result of the horrific head-on crash at Abermule earlier that year. Pantydwr had a crossing loop but, to the best of my knowledge, in the last few years it was only used to cross trains once a day before closure at the end of 1962 a few months after my visit. It would have been very different during the two world wars when some coal trains from South Wales to the North of England and Scotland were diverted this way to avoid congestion on other routes. Some of those heavy trains would have been banked for about ten miles from Doldowlod, through Rhayader, to the summit of the line half a mile north of Pantydwr. The Mid-Wales was single line throughout and the loop at Pantydwr would have been essential as the only crossing loop in the 14 miles from Llanidloes to Rhayader.

The next station to the south was St. Harmons, which was fully signalled because of the level crossing beside the station, but the station had only one platform, no crossing loop and was not a block post. The simple crossing box was also by Dutton & Co. and dated from 1892 with nine levers. There was one short siding. The box was reduced to a ground frame in 1927 staffed by a crossing keeper. The floor level of this box was just above platform level and the box had not been extended. The third box to be shown in scan 1264 is the similar box at Boughrood & Llyswen Station which had 15 levers and was adjacent to a level crossing, with this box extended at one end only. Boughrood & Llyswen Station was some 24 miles south of Rhayader and just 2¾ miles from the wonderfully named Three Cocks Junction where the former Midland route from Hereford joined the Mid-Wales en-route to Brecon. Boughrood & Llyswen Station had a crossing loop and two platforms.

For many decades I thought that those three signal boxes had been provided by McKenzie & Holland because there was signalling equipment there so marked. For many years up to 1890 McK&H were indeed the signalling contractors to the Cambrian which worked the Mid-Wales Railway from 1 January 1888. The works manager of McK&H was one Samuel Telford Dutton but in 1888 he left the company and set up his own signalling company taking some of his patented designs, and some of McK&H's customers with him. Dutton & Co. got into financial difficulties in 1899 with the assets sold to the Pease family who had been instrumental in forming the Stockton & Darlington Railway. However the Pease family withdrew from signalling in 1901 and sold the assets to McK&H. The wheel had come full circle, but the buyers were a logical choice because Dutton and McK&H operated from adjacent factories in Worcester. Many other Welsh railways used McK&H and Dutton signalling equipment. The fourth and last Dutton box to be shown here was at Llwyngwril on the Cambrian Coast line between Towyn and Barmouth Junction. It is believed to have been one of the very last of the small Dutton boxes in use, closing on 5 November 1972. A Dutton box, complete with lever frame, survives at Caersws on the main line between Shrewsbury and Aberystwuth, although no longer in use.

At the Grouping in 1923 when the Cambrian Railways fell into the Great Western camp the railway operated 300 route miles of three different gauges; but in 2024 just 46 percent of the route mileage remains in passenger use. 288 route miles of the Cambrian was single line; and of the 100 stations and halts no less than 73 had a crossing loop where trains could pass each other, needing a lot of signalling equipment and signalmen. In 1921 the Cambrian had 2,300 employees with 2,000,000 passengers starting their journey at a Cambrian station. The company was profitable at the time of the Grouping.

The up (northbound) platform at Pantydwr. Before 1921 the block instruments were housed in the main station buildings on the down platform. It was this strange arrangement, and slack operating procedures, that led to the Abermule disaster of 26 January 1921 when 17 persons died in a head-on collision. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

St. Harmons single platform looking east. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

St. Harmons Crossing Box looking south. The signal box nameboard was original and consisted of cast iron letters on a wooden board. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

A wonderful array of street furniture guarding the approach to the level crossing at St. Harmons including a Cambrian Railways Notice. The B-road across the level crossing bent through 90 degrees and followed the hedge above the fence. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The Dutton Box at Boughrood and Llyswen Station looking south. This box had a Great Western cast iron nameboard. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Boughrood & Llyswen looking north. The Cambrian signal had a wheel at the bottom of the post marked Dutton, but much of the signalling equipment in the station was marked McKenzie & Holland. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Llwyngwril Station looking north towards Barmouth Junction on 25 July 1976 with the 13-lever closed Dutton box on the left, and all trains using the opposite platform which was nearest to the village, a quarter mile away. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks Michael, another interesting article.

To read more of Michaels articles, please click here.

Cardiff Central - 20.04.24
Ken Mumford

Friends,

As I had a speaking engagement in Cardiff, I decided to travel using the FLYING CUCUMBER type of travel, I also had time to take some photos of the station where I once stood doing the same some 50+ years ago!!! There was some noticeable changes especially to where the BUS STATION once stood!!

Coded 0012 Margam to Westbury Down TC - a double-headed with 66 205 leading. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Was this 2P43 (Bargoed to Penarth) - things were getting out of sync because of some lateness!! - also was it 2C23 Radyr to Coryton disappearing out fo sight up to Cardiff (Queen Street) with an IET [1B11 Paddington to Carmarthen??] stuck on the incline awaiting a path into the station??? Copyright Ken Mumford.

1M99 waits to leave for Nottingham in platform 3. Copyright Ken Mumford.

1M99 awaits departure from platform 2. Copyright Ken Mumford.

I couldn't find details of this train on RTT BUT I did notce that it came in from the west when I was at the west end of platform 3 some time earlier and seemed to stay in platform 1 for a long time. It departed around 1300 being propelled by what seemed to be 67 015 - but what the working was I just don't know despite my researching!! Copyright Ken Mumford.

I waited quite some time for a train to cross this bridge BUT my back trouble told me to move after a while!! Copyright Ken Mumford.

The front of Cardiff Central station. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

Ken has also kindly provided some photographs of Cardiff from over 50 years ago, which we will post tomorrow.

April 23rd 2024

23/4/2024

Some Spring Sunshine
Craig Munday

Hi there

Some recent images, including a SWT service a little off area too!

The returning 8 loaded JIAs and loco just squeezed into the shutter at Merthen Farm near Carlyon Bay on 18th Apl. 66101 provides the power. Thanks to Shona for allowing me into the meadow here.

20th we were in Andover for a family wedding. I had an hour whilst hair and makeup was attended to, and avoided the hairspray by walking up to the station. Triple set SWT 159's have plodded along this line since the end of the class 50s and 47s. 30 years with very little enthusiasm from train fans. The former middle road being very overgrown these days. There is a tidy little yard behind the station which looks, sadly, little used. The MOD branch to Ludgershall diverges here.

On 22nd I returned to Merthen Farm overbridge to see 2P08 43198 & 093 heading to Par.

Cheers

Craig

18.04.2024 - Merthen Farm sees 66101 working 6M53, Treviscoe to Cliffe Vale China Clay. Taken from private property. Copyright Craig Munday.

20.04.2024 - Andover, 1L32 with 159003, 159016 and 159103. Copyright Craig Munday.

22.04.2024 - 43198 and 43093 working 2P08, about to pass beneath Merthen Farm bridge. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig, a fine set of images as always.

Red machines at Golant
Jon Hird

A 1969 2.0L Triumph Vitesse in an attractive shade of red hogs the limelight at Golant, whilst DB Cargo 66130 trundles slowly by en-route to Fowey with 6G09. 22.04.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

A trip to sunny West Cornwall
Paul Barlow

Hello Keith

A few from Saturdays's trip to Penzance, with stop offs at Camborne,
Redruth and St Erth. an excellent day out with superb sunshine all day!

With kind regards,

Paul

43097 43187 1015 from Plymouth at Penzance 20 April 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43097 43187 leaves Redruth on the 1315 Penzance to Plymouth 20 April 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43093 43042 works the 1243 Plymouth to Penzance Redruth 20 April 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43093 on the blocks at Penzance 20 April 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43093 43198 works the 1515 Penzance to Plymouth leaves St Erth 20 April 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43186 43188 works the 1343 Plymouth to Penzance passed St Erth signal box 20 April 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43186 43188 works the 1343 Plymouth to Penzance at St Erth 20 April 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43186 43188 works the 1548 Penzance to Plymouth arrives at St Erth 20 April 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43188 43186 works the 1113 Penzance to Plymouth 20 April 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43188 43186 works the 1113 Penzance to Plymouth arrives at Camborne 20 April 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

St Erth footbridge - not long left for this one. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks indeed for sending in your collection of photos, Paul. Sunshine, semaphores and HST's, not a bad day out by all accounts!

22/4/2024

Glorious conditions at St Germans during our 3 day stay at Railholiday
Andrew Triggs

DBC 66101 working 6V74 09.48 Exeter Riverside N.Y-St Blazey SS load 13 JIAs crossing St Germans Viaduct 20.2.2024 Copyright Andrew Triggs

43186 (with 43188) on St Germans Viaduct working 2P11 10.15 Plymouth-Penzance 20.4.2024 Copyright Andrew Triggs

43097 (with 43187) passing Polbathic Road overbridge working 2C29 15.47 Plymouth-Penzance, shortly after departing St Germans 19.4.2024 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Our Carriage for the weekend 'Mevy' at the end of the day 19.4.2024 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many Thanks Andrew

Colonel Tomline on the Bodmin Engineering Train
Roger Winnen

240418za The Bodmin Engineering and Brakedown train at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

240418zb D3489 arrives at Bodmin Parkway to couple to the engineering train. Copyright Roger Winnen

240418zc D3489 Colonel Tomline connects to its train, this engine is ex-Felixstowe Dock Company purchased by the Helston Railway and currently on hire to the Bodmin Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen

West Country Seaside Engineering
Miles Chadwick

Hello all at the CRS,

Keeping up to date with West Country permanent way activities here in Cambodia. Thanks for all the wonderful contributions from all contributors large and small.

No photos unfortunately, I think Royal Railways Cambodia might be slightly be out of the jurisdiction of CRS, but I have found an up to date YouTube series which might interest all of us on the engineering works on the cliffs, tunnels and embankments around Dawlish and the surrounding area.

Produced by ‘Coast Cams’ I found myself screen mirroring the documentaries to my TV! Very informative, excellent engineering and thoroughly a good watch.

Here’s the link to the playlist on their YouTube channel. I would recommend browsing through all of their videos outside of this playlist as well, especially the sea wall construction from a few years ago.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg04VpyV9r3mebqKLORHoVUS5dDfupGG6&si=lQgI27ZtY8FdHMj_

Best regards to all.

Miles

Many thanks for sending this over Miles, there are some fantastic videos in that playlist. Much appreciated.

April 21st 2024

21/4/2024

Nocturnal Westcountry Ballast Drops
Alan Peters

Night time ballast drops in the West Country, 66791 the ex-Swedish euro class 66 is on long term hire to Colas Rail and worked 6C41 19:31 Westbury to Westbury via Exeter Riverside Yard where the train ran round its train off auto ballasters hidden from view by the the long stored EWS coal hoppers on 16/04/24. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

The following evening 66791 worked 6C42 Westbury to Westbury via Exeter Riverside and Bristol Temple Meads dropping ballast between Cogload Junction and Parson Street, the train is pictured at Taunton awaiting Network Staff on 17/04/24. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

The next night 66791 was again on ballast duty with 6C43 Westbury to Westbury via Plymouth and is seen awaiting to to depart Westbury Down yard on 18/04/24. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks for sharing these with us, Alan.

61306 Mayflower in the Westcountry
John Simons

61306 Mayflower at Norton Fitzwarren Taunton , heading to the West Somerset Railway where it will be appearing at the forthcoming gala 3-6 May. Copyright John Simons.

Thank you very much John.

Details of the upcoming WSR Gala can be found by clicking here.

<<Previous

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 84Portishead Junction Box PetMichael L. Roach

More memories of SW Freight TrainsRoger Geach

Tinsley's 'Pet' on tourPhil 'Shattered' Smith

A Westbury query, from one of our readersCan you help?

The Lea Valley Railway Club Special30.04.1977Roger Geach

47306 running day at The Bodmin RailwayJon Hird

Steam Golden Jubilee Anniversary Trip for Clan LineGuy Vincent

Re: Grounded CoachesMike Wisker

Dawn at WestburyAlan Peters

South West FreightRoger Geach

Cornish Grounded Railway CarriagesPart 2Andrew and Diane Jones

Saturday EmptiesJon Hird

Bodmin Railway carriages at York NRMDennis Clarke

St Blazey area freightCraig Munday

Swindon - 24.04.24Ken Mumford

Cardiff in the pastKen Mumford

Goonbarrow DepartureJon Hird

Lostwithiel YardTim Hughes

GW SignallingGavin Johns

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 83Dutton & Co Signal Boxes on the CambrianMichael L. Roach

Cardiff Central - 20.04.24Ken Mumford

Some Spring SunshineCraig Munday

Red machines at GolantJon Hird

A trip to sunny West CornwallPaul Barlow

West Country Seaside EngineeringMiles Chadwick

Nocturnal Westcountry Ballast DropsAlan Peters

61306 Mayflower in the WestcountryJohn Simons

Archives