Blog Archives

20/4/2024

Ride the Cornish Branch Lines
27th August 2022
Part 2
Roger Winnen

220827l An east-bound GWR IET unit awaits departure from Liskeard. Copyright Roger Winnen.

220827m In the restored buildings on the Looe Branch Platform a very nice museum have been created looking at the Looe Branch in earlier days. Well worth a visit. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827n GWR Publicity. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827o Arrival at Looe Station for a 3 minute stop. Left to Right Peter Bragg Peter Murnaghan Tony Brokenshire and Roger Winnen

220827p The latest vessel at Looe where entertainment takes place aboard. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827q Causeland. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827r Returning to Liskeard we see a tamping machine in the yard at Liskeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827s We departed Liskeard at 13.46 for Plymouth where we see 43187 Cardiff Castle on the Welshman power car where some work has been carried out. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827t Departing at 14.24 we headed for Gunnislake, here is Bere Ferrers with Chris Groves Tamar Valley Heritage Centre, well worth a visit. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827u The restored Lord St Leven at Bere Ferrers. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827v Bere Alston Station where our train reversed for the trip to Gunnislake. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827x Our stop at Gunnislake was only 4 minutes. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827y Crossing the River Tamar at Calstock. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827z Running alongside the River Tamar as be approach both the road and rail bridges across to Saltash. Copyright Roger Winnen

Summertime HST's
Jon Hird

A de-branded Virgin Crosscountry HST set, on hire to Virgin Crosscountry on the Paignton branch. 21.08.2004, copyright Jon Hird.

A First Great Western HST hammers through Dawlish. 21.08.2004, copyright Jon Hird.

Another debranded HST east of Exeter. 21.08.2004, copyright Jon Hird.

And another Great Western set in mixed liveries. Shame about the pylon and wires. 21.08.2004, copyright Jon Hird.

April 19th 2024

19/4/2024

The Tamar Valley Branch in the sun
Andrew Triggs

A trip to my favourite branch line today, the Gunnislake branch (and a pleasant walk from Gunnislake back downhill to Calstock) making the most of the spring blue skies, the following shots for CRS with 150219 on branch duty
All the Best
Andrew

FGW Blue liveried 150219 waiting at Platform 3 at Plymouth prior to working 2G79 12.28 Plymouth-Gunnislake Copyright Andrew Triggs

Viewed from Steamer Quay, 150219 crossing the Calstock Viaduct working 2G81 14.28 Plymouth-Gunnislake .Copyright Andrew Triggs

Later at Bere Alston with 2G82 15.19 Gunnislake-Plymouth. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many Thanks Andrew

Treviscoe in the sun
Jon Hird

A roll-the-dice and hope for the best trip over to Treviscoe on my break today. It's difficult to photograph trains up the branch when on a tight schedule, as it's hard to predict when they will leave - in an ideal world, you'd get there early and just wait. Many a time I have arrived at the bridge only to realise I've missed the train by 5 minutes! Lady luck was on my side today, and 66101 had already finished having her 8 JIA wagons loaded and was ready to depart at around 11:30. 18.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

The view from the drone as the class 66 pushes her wagons back to get onto the branch. 18.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

One final view as the train departs, bound for Cliffe Vale after a stop at Exeter Riverside to collect the wagons tripped up from Par Harbour the day before. 18.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

Shortly afterwards, at Par...
Roger Winnen

66101 with the clay from Treviscoe approaches Par passing the former bracket signal. 18.04.2024, copyright Roger Winnen.

The clay draws closer with its 8 JIA's in tow. 18.04.2024, copyright Roger Winnen.

The clay has come to a stand in the up main platform at Par. 18.04.2024, copyright Roger Winnen.

An unusual sight at Par as a GWR IET which has followed the clay is diverted through the Newquay platform to 'overtake' the clay. 18.04.2024, copyright Roger Winnen.

Having passed the clay, the IET regains the up main and continues its journey east. 18.04.2024, copyright Roger Winnen.

Shortly afterwards, 66101 gets the green signal to pull forwards in order to reverse through the Newquay platform to Chapel Siding. 18.04.2024, copyright Roger Winnen.

The signal indicates that the route is set into the siding as 66101 propels the train through the branch platform. 18.04.2024, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Colas track machine is stabled in the station sidings whilst 66101 propels back into Chapel siding. 18.04.2024, copyright Roger Winnen.

A view of the train stabled in the siding along with the redundant signal box and bracket signal. The new colour light signals dominate the scene. 18.04.2024, copyright Roger Winnen.

A risk to historic railway buildings
John Roberts

You may have seen that the last historic buildings in Truro Goods Yard are to be demolished in favour of student flats, although there are mounting objections:

Plans to turn pub in Cornwall into student housing and store | Falmouth Packet

In 2003 this was to be Phase 2 of the residential development, but was turned down in 2007:

The proposed development would result in the loss of the GWR Staff Association premises to the detriment of the amenities of the local community contrary to paragraph 12.7.2 of the Carrick District Wide Local Plan 1998, emerging Policy C1 of the South West Regional Spatial Strategy and emerging policy CP2 part f) of the Local Development Framework.

However, it was allowed on Appeal and granted more time in 2012 but expired in 2015 without construction. I can't yet find a new proposal on the Cornwall Council website.

The former Staff Association Club at Truro now operating as a pub. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The former Staff Association Club at Truro now operating as a pub. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks for bringing this to our attention, John.

A sunny day in Cornwall
Roger Winnen

Some additional photos from Roger on 18.04.24

A powerful image as a GWR IET passes the former bracket signal working an east-bound service at Par. 18.04.24, copyright Roger Winnen.

The 10.15 Plymouth to Penzance approaches Par Station. 18.04.24, copyright Roger Winnen.

A HST from the garden fence at Par. 18.04.24, copyright Roger Winnen.

Outside and inside of
Bristol Temple Meads
Michael Forward and Michael Adams

Hello Roger,
You have been busy recently with the specials at Penzance. Nice pictures of the trains for the eclipse too.

I was at Hayle staying with my Mother but missed the specials, no realtimetrains then!

Here are a couple of pictures from Michael Adams at Temple Meads and my own shot on 24 September 1983 of the magnificent exterior.

I don’t know much about cars but there seem to be a few Fords and a nice Triumph Herald..

Of the trains, the first shot shows 45121 with the 14.30 to Paignton on 21 May 1982. Copyright Michael Adams

Then 50008 ‘Thunderer’ with the 14.07 to Manchester on 21 Feb.1983. Copyright Michael Adams

Thanks Michael

April 18th 2024

18/4/2024

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 82
Railtour of 28 June 1953
Michael L. Roach

Part 54 of this series was devoted to the T9 class of the LSWR. Chatting to my wife's nephew recently about the main line through Basingstoke which was planned by the London and Southampton Railway I learnt that the Company changed its name to the London and South Western Railway in June 1839 even before the line was opened to Southampton on 11 May 1840. The first picture in Part 54 showed T9 4-4-0 30711 of Exmouth Junction Shed at Okehampton on 4 July 1959; the class was introduced by the LSWR in 1899 and had a good reputation, but by the 1950s were getting a bit long-in-the-tooth. The Kent Coast electrification sealed the fate of the T9 class, with many Bulleid light pacifics becoming available to move to the rail lines at the other end of the Southern Region.

The Railway Correspondence and Travel Society was formed in 1928 to bring together those interested in all aspects of railways at a time when little information was available about engines, their allocations and regular duties. A monthly magazine – The Railway Observer – commenced in 1929. The Society started running railtours in the 1930s but the first one to be recorded in detail was that of 11 September 1938 and it became an immediate legend. The route was Kings Cross to Peterborough and return but it was the engine at the head of the seven coaches that caused crowds at the lineside for much of the way because it was the Stirling class A2 4-2-2 “Single” of 1870; the loco had been withdrawn more than 30 years earlier. In 1953 the RCTS chose to commemorate the Society's twentyfifth anniversary by running a railtour from Waterloo to Exeter and return. The route chosen was out via Salisbury, the former Southern Railway route, returning by the ex-GWR route through Taunton and Westbury which includes the long climb to Whiteball summit. The engines chosen were: a D15 4-4-0 to Salisbury; a T9 on to Exeter Central; and a GWR Star 4-6-0 from Exeter to Paddington. In fact the last leg was diverted via Bristol due to engineering work. The D15 was number 30464 and the Star was 4056 “Princess Margaret.”

In June 1953 Exmouth Junction Shed had seven of the T9 class on its books and Salisbury had 5 of the class but it was Exmouth Junction's 30711 that was chosen to haul the RCTS 25th Anniversary Special from Salisbury to Exeter Central a distance of 88 miles with a 160 minute layover at Axminster while the railtour participants travelled down the branch to Lyme Regis and return. The fact that 30711 was worked up to Salisbury to work the special suggests that it was a good one. A pws near Dinton marred the start but after that 30711 went like the wind passing Gillingham at 78½ mph and Sherborne at 86 mph with mile after mile at 75 mph; this for a loco then 54 years old – a truly magnificent achievement. The full log of the special from Salisbury to Exeter is attached. The return journey behind 4056 produced a good climb to Whiteball Summit but a top speed no higher than 75 mph on the descent to Taunton.

The log of the special from Salisbury to Exeter is reproduced by kind permission of the RCTS.

The log of T9 30711 between Salisbury and Exeter on 28 June 1953. Copyright Michael L. Roach/RCTS.

Many thanks as always Michael. For more of Michaels content, please click here.

Castle set safari!
West Cornwall, 15th April 2024
Craig Munday

Hi there

A few hours in blustery winds with stunning Spring light saw me follow the various Castle sets at work in West Cornwall. All three sets can be seen between 11.45 and 14.00 each weekday, and the timetable allows a hop between various locations. The sun also plays ball nicely as the slanted ends of the power cars catch the sun high in the sky, unlike a slab fronted diesel loco.

Cheers for now

Craig

2C11 with 43098 43004 calls at Hayle whilst 2P13 with 802001 approaches. Copyright Craig Munday.

2C11 with 43098 and 43004 departs Hayle, whilst 2P13 with 802001 arrives at the platform. Copyright Craig Munday.

2C65 in the hands of 43093 and 43042 passing Angarrack. Copyright Craig Munday.

2C68 with 43188 and 43186 heads west at Gwinear Road. Copyright Craig Munday.

2P15 with 43098 and 43004 crosses Angarrack. Copyright Craig Munday.

Finally 2P16 with 43042 and 43093 heads east at Gwinear Road. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig, good weather and HST's - we must make the most of both rarities whilst we can!

A new lease of life for St. Albans Signal Box
John Roberts

Last week I visited St Albans South. This closed in 1979 and lay derelict for 20 years before a Trust was formed to restore it. This required a lot of expensive structural timber work which would not be neccessary if the brick Cornish boxes are adopted in as-closed condition. Fortunately it had not been possible to remove the lever frame, and this was the first time I'd seen a Midland Tumbler Frame where the locking is behind the levers instead of being on the lower floor. The Trust has been able to source some original instruments - BR Block to Harpenden and MR Rotary Block to Napsbury - and install a computer to act as the adjacent boxes so that a train simulation can take upto half an hour. The second photo shows the signal garden operated by a number of ground frames.

I then continued to one of the UK's newest railways, Luton Airport automated people-mover opened March 2023. This runs on rubber tyres with horizontal guide-wheels, and owing to the gradient is cable-hauled using the Austrian Doppelmayr Cable Liner system. The airport is now on the National Rail network so you can buy through tickets, but at £4.90 single for just over a mile it must rival even the Pilatus Bahn as one of the most expensive trips in the World - although Freedom Pass holders can register for free travel.

Best wishes, John Roberts.

The interior of the restored signal box at St. Albans. Copyright John Roberts.

The semaphore garden at St. Albans. Copyright John Roberts.

The Luton Airport people-mover. Copyright John Roberts.

Many thanks John - a little out of area, but very interesting nonetheless. A great use for an unloved signal box.

17/4/2024

Ride the Cornish Branch Lines
27th August 2022
Part 1
Roger Winnen

220827a The commencement of our Ride the Cornish Branch lines at Penzance with 57604 with the Night Riviera in Platform 2 at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827b The 06.28 Bristol Parkway to Newquay arrives at Par Station Copyright Roger Winnen

220827c The signal is pulled of for the 09.50 service to Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827d Through the bushes at St Blazey CDA wagons in St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827e 66172 attached to cda wagons at St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827f Arrival of our train at Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827g The platform end at Newquay now fenced off. The Signal Box was located at the end of the platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827h At the other end of Newquay Station with its modern architecture. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827i Goonbarrow Junction Signal Box through the train window. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827j A sprint to the carriage door to capture the Bodmin Clay at Parkway Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827k The Guards Van of the clays train. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827l Arrival at Liskeard for the Looe Branch service. Copyright Roger Winnen

Memories of the condemned coaching stock – Truro 1967/6
Simon Howard

As a young ‘spotter in the late 60’s there long moments of boredom between infrequent trains and so as young teenagers we would have to amuse ourselves when nothing was happening.

Getting down unseen into the old Truro shed was never easy but we made a few trips down there. There was very little of interest in the old shed save for an office at the back which had books of large blueprints which had been left behind.

Of more interest was climbing into the rakes of condemned coaches. I especially remember there were Staniers, Hawksworths and Bullieds as well as early BR Mk1s. I related this to one of the Masters at school who was interested in railways and he said he would pay us for any memorabilia we could liberate.

So armed with a large screwdriver we revisited the rake looking for anything we remove. I can’t remember who my partner in crime was for this expedition, but our targets were mirrors from First Class compartments with SR or GWR logos and the card posters advertising sunny destinations.

To no avail we tried to sever a few of the large leather window straps from the doors but managed to collect a few mirrors and posters. This bounty was duly delivered to school, and we collected the princely sum of 50p for our efforts.

I seem to remember that some time in 1968 the rakes were moved from the sidings next to the shed. I think it was D6322 which performed the task and distinctly remember the red clouds of rust as they moved for the first time in years.

Was it vandalism or liberation? Who knows, but once they were at the scrapyard the preferred method to recover the metals was to torch the carriages first. So at least something still survives - somewhere.

Many thanks for sharing your wonderful memories with us, Simon. I wonder where the bits and pieces are now?

Par in 1975
Andrew Vines

Hello Keith,

I hope all is well. I've recently managed to rescue a few more of Dad's negs, including this one of Par, taken on 21st May 1975. In typical fashion Dad concentrated on the wider scene, rather than letting the train dominate, and the curve of the track echoes the 'flying arch' bridge as a rather scruffy 'Western Monitor' slows for the station stop with the 09.30 from Paddington. The more open nature of the surroundings make an interesting comparison with the website's recent views at this location.

Best wishes,
Andrew

D1065 'Western Monitor' slows for the stop at Par on 21.05.1975. Despite the many changes to the scene through the passage of time, the location is still immediately recognisable. Copyright Andrew Vines.

Many thanks Andrew, a wonderful photograph.

Truro Tamper
Joe Birchall

Dear The Cornwall Railway Society

Today we saw the Colas tamper running up from Truro at 9:57, 4 minutes early and receiving a friendly wave from the driver as it went past.

Kind regards
Joe Birchall

A Colas Rail track machine heads East from Truro on 16.04.24. Copyright Joe Birchall.

Many thanks Joe - a nice splash of colour on the railway in amongst all the GWR Green!

Holiday Snaps
Malcolm Ashworth

Hi,

Just wanted to say, your website is great, with some fantastic news, photos and information about Cornish railways on there.

Please find enclosed some photos I've taken whilst down in Cornwall on holiday, for possible publication on your site. All photos are my own work, and all taken in position's of safety and with permission of Truro station staff (in regards to Truro station pictures).

Truro, Lostwithiel and Par photos taken Friday 25th August 2023,
Newquay photo taken Thursday 24th August 2023,
St Austell photo taken Friday 19th August 2022

Thanks and Regards, Malcolm Ashworth

A GWR IET approaches Truro with a west-bound service, passing the up starter semaphore - now sadly removed. 25.08.23, copyright Malcolm Ashworth.

A GWR 'Castle' HST set heading East at Truro. 25.08.23, copyright Malcolm Ashworth.

A going-away shot of an IET departing Lostwithiel, heading east. 25.08.23, copyright Malcolm Ashworth.

A GWR 'Castle' arrives at Lostwithiel. 25.08.23, copyright Malcolm Ashworth.

A GWR Class 158 departs Lostwithiel over the level crossing. 25.08.23, copyright Malcolm Ashworth.

Another 'Castle' calls at Par on 25.08.23, copyright Malcolm Ashworth.

A GWR IET unit and a Crosscountry 'Voyager' unit at Par, from the road bridge. 25.08.23, copyright Malcolm Ashworth.

It must be summer as there's an IET at Newquay. 24.08.23, copyright Malcolm Ashworth.

A GWR 'Castle' heads west at St. Austell on 19.08.22. Copyright Malcolm Ashworth.

Many thanks for both your kind comments on the website and for your images, Malcolm - the site would be nothing were it not for people like yourself sending in your photos, so thank you very much.

April 16th 2024

16/4/2024

The Western Lizard
19.03.2005
Jon Hird

Inspired by Martins photos yesterday of D1015 back on the mainline, I dug out these images from 2005. D1015 worked a tour from Ealing Broadway to Cornwall taking in the Fowey and Newquay branches. An EWS class 66 was attached to the rear to bring the train back down each branch, meaning D1015 took the equivalent of load 17 (700 tons) up the bank through the Luxuylan Valley, a spectacle I will never forget!

The tide is out at Golant as D1015 heads for Fowey. 19.03.2005, copyright Jon Hird.

The train snakes off the mainline onto the Newquay branch at Par. 19.03.2005, copyright Jon Hird.

Working hard now with 700 tons of coaches and class 66 behind her, D1015 slogs up the bank passing the old blacksmiths shop at Luxuylan. The noise was incredible, look at all those heads out the windows taking it in. 19.03.2005, copyright Jon Hird.

Near the site of St. Dennis junction on the Goss Moor heading for Newquay. 19.03.2005, copyright Jon Hird.

Almost at journeys end, Newquay, as the train snakes through Trencreek. 19.03.2005, copyright Jon Hird.

Whilst researching these images, I stumbled across the above, excellent, video on YouTube. The train passes my position in the Luxuylan valley at roughly 7:15. Turn it up!

More Westerns in the West
Roger Winnen

June 1973 sees an unidentified 'Western' at Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen.

15.06.1974 - The 10.05 Ex Newquay approaches St Dennis Junction behind D1028 Western Hussar. Copyright Roger Winnen

15/4/2024

The Midland Pullman departs Cornwall for Berwick upon Tweed on Sunday 14th April 2024
Andrew Triggs, Trevor Tremethick
& Roger Winnen

Under the roof at Penzance prior to departure. Copyright Roger Salter

Awaiting departure at Platform 2 at Penzance 43055 (with 43047) with 1Z65 09.00 Penzance-Berwick Upon Tweed return Cornish Riviera Pullman, with 150216/150246 at platform 2 with 2A09 for St Ives Copyright Andrew Triggd

240414a The Midland Pullman scheduled to depart Penzanc at 09.00hrs on Sunday at 09.00 Copyright Roger Winnen

Passing Marazion in glorious light 43055 leading, at 09.04Copyright Andrew Triggs

240414i Arriving at St Erth stopping to p.u. Copyright Roger Winnen

240414k Arriving at St Erth stopping to p.u. Copyright Roger Winnen

240414l Luxuary on tour with th Blue Pullman. Copyright Roger Winnen

240414m Awaiting departure from St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

240414p Possibly the last time that this train goes under he footbridge as work is ongoing for a new bridge wiith lifts. Copyright Roger Winnen

1Z65 0900 PZ to Berwick-upon-Tweed, Brent 14.04.2024. Copyright Trevor Tremethick (8)

Colas Rail Matisa Tamper No. DR75407 Gerry Taylor at Brent 14.04.2024. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Colourful shots from Craig
Craig Munday & Mark Fabiano

Hello there

I must admit to me having a recess from photo taking in recent weeks. The poor weather coupled to the loss of the boxes has somewhat ruined my appetite for grabbing any pictures.

Fortunately the longest days are fast approaching, along with some Charters and other workings late Spring.

Here are some pictures from recent weeks, including the LSL Pullman HST at Tywardreath on 14th April.

I have added Mark Fabiano's wonderful sunrise picture at Westbury too, featuring Colas classes 66, 67 and 70.

Best regards

Craig

05.04.2024 - The Pattern Line Recognition Train running as 1Q18 in the hands of 43274 and 43257 at Chacewater, Copyright Craig Munday.

05.04.2024 - A GWR IET unit passes Drump Lane beneath a threatening sky. Copyright Craig Munday.

10.04.2024 - 67027 and other Colas stablemates at Westbury yard. Orange locos beneath an orange sky. Copyright Mark Fabiano

14.04.2024 -The Midland Pulllman running as 1Z65 adds a streak of colour to the scene at Tywardreath. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks to you Craig, and also to Mark, for allowing us to display your marvellous selection of photographs. I think we are all with you on hoping for better weather - we must surely be due some soon.

A Western back on the mainline!
Martin Duff

Hello admins,

A few from Paddington and Banbury this afternoon of The One Way Wizzo tour, the 13.52 Paddington - Birmingham.

Essentially a loaded test run for D1015 open to the public. Nice! Load 13 Mk2 coaches (other than 2 Mk1 buffet coaches - 1 in chocolate & cream) otherwise corporate BR blue all round.

The Paddington view is D1015 arriving light diesel to attach. The stock had been in platform 1 all night after a tour from Milford Haven yesterday.

Totally off piste I get it, suffice if it’s fit for the site please use it.

Cheers,

Martin D

What a sight! D1015 'Western Champion' immaculate in BR Blue with a rake of equally immaculate blue and grey MK2's at Banbury. 14.04.2024, copyright Martin Duff.

Another of D1015 at Banbury. 14.04.2024, copyright Martin Duff.

A Mk1 Buffet Car and a first class mk2 along with an impressive chimney stack at Banbury. 14.04.2024, copyright Martin Duff.

D1015 reverses onto the stock at London Paddington. 14.04.2024, copyright Martin Duff.

Many thanks indeed Martin - the location is a little out of region for us, but the subject matter most certainly isn't. I'm sure this set will stir happy memories of the Westerns for many of our readers.

Some more from Saturday
Jon Hird

A few more shots taken on Saturday, whilst chasing the blue HST around!

66101 leads 6V74, the empty JIA's from Exeter Riverside over Clinnick Viaduct. 13.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

47306 'The Sapper' opens up as it emerges from beneath the A38 road bridge on the Bodmin Railway. 13.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

5239 'Goliath' drifts down the gradient passing Waterside Holiday Park on the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway. 13.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

The sun has gone into hiding as 5239 arrives back at Kingswear running bunker-first from Paignton. 13.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

Running round at Kingswear with the blue HST in the background. 13.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

5239 heads along the Causeway at Kingswear with a service for Paignton. 13.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

April 14th 2024

14/4/2024

The Midland Pullman in Devon & Cornwall
Jon Hird Roger Salter
& Roger Winnen

The Midland Pullman in slopers siding Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

Awaiting departure at Penzance the Midland Pullman. Copyright Roger Salter

Passing the site of Marazion Station. Copyright Roger Salter

240413a The Midland Pullman at speed seen passing throuth Camborne. Copyright Roger Winnen

Heading for Roskear Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Running just ahead of the sun at Largin. Copyright Jon Hird.

The Midland Pullman and 5239 'Goliath' at Kingswear. Copyright Jon Hird.

With Dartmouth in the background and plenty of boats on their moorings, the Pullman departs Kingswear for Exeter. Copyright Jon Hird.

The view from the footpath as the driver puts on some throttle departing Kingswear. Copyright Jon Hird.

Darkness has fallen as Roger catches the Midland Pullman at rest at Penzance, its days work done. 13.04.2024, copyright Roger Winnen.

The 2+9 HST set in Platform 1 at Penzance, 13.04.24 copyright Roger Winnen.

The London end of the train ready for its 09:00 departure on 14.04.24 to Berwick-Upon-Tweed. Copyright Roger Winnen.

47306 at The Bodmin Railway
Martin Duff

A few from today’s diesel diagram at Bodmin.

47306 awaiting departure from Bodmin Parkway. 13.04.2024, copyright Martin Duff.

CDA's and semaphores, thank goodness both can still be seen in action here in Cornwall. 13.04.2024, copyright Martin Duff.

A peek through the cab door at Bodmin General. 13.04.2024, copyright Martin Duff.

Running around at Boscarne Junction, with the tail lamp on the platform waiting to be taken to the opposite end of the train. 13.04.2024, copyright Martin Duff.

One last glimpse of 47306 as she awaits departure from Bodmin Parkway. 13.04.2024, copyright Martin Duff.

Many thanks Martin!

47306 is next booked to run on 28.04.24, for more info visit the Bodmin Railway Website.

Steam at Swindon
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon

Hello friends,

The two steam locomotives [44871 and 45407 - nicknamed 'BLACK FIVES'] were designed by William Stanier who was once second in charge at Swindon Works before he moved to be the Chief Mechanical Engineer at Crewe Works. This train [THE GREAT BRITAIN XV1] was the 1Z31 Margate to Cheltenham Spa section of round Britain by steam trains..

NOTE that [in Scottish Region steam tradition] the smokebox numberplate and shedplate have a blue background.

The pair of 'Black Fives' approach the London end of platform 4 at Swindon. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

A WCRC Class 47/8 on the rear of the train to provide ETH. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

As this train entered platform 3, the signal at the west end of tht platform was showing red, so we expected it to stop BUT just before halfway along platform 3 the red signal changed to green and this photo was taken when the driver of the first loco acknowledged the change with the sounding of the loco's hooter. Copyright Ken Mumford.

The specal is now almost at the end of platform 3 and with the change of the signal from red to green the drivers of both locos really opened up and the sound of the exhausts was 'music' to any railway enthusiast ears as wa the acceleration as the train headed of to the right up the line to Gloucester and Cheltenham!! Copyright Ken Mumford.

A bonus shot of 66531 heading 6V51, the 14.35 Churchyard Sidings - Stoke Gifford service (passed Swindon at 17.45, 65min early). Copyright Ken Mumford.

Our thanks to Ken and Colin for providing coverage of this special working, it is much appreciated.

April 13th 2024

13/4/2024

The Cornwall Railway Society
Indoor meeting and AGM

Tonight, 13.04.2024, at the Memorial Hall Redruth commencing at 18.30 hrs.
Roger Winnen will also present a recap of the Cornwall Railway Society Visit to East Anglia in 2017

The Pullman arrives in the West
Jon Morley, Jon Hird, Andrew Triggs & Joe Birchall

Locomotive Services Limited's 'Midland Pullman' arrives at Plymouth on 12.04.2024. Copyright Jon Morley.

Sadly the sun we had enjoyed all day in Cornwall had disappeared under a blanket of cloud by the time the train arrived in our region. A drone shot of the service passing Restormel en route to Penzance. Copyright Jon Hird.

A going-away shot of the service approaching Restormel Farm Bridge, which so many of us have stood on over the years. Copyright Jon Hird.

The Midland Pullman, gracefully coming down the 1 in 78 approaching Truro. Copyright Joseph Birchall.

A going away shot with the foliage providing a nice contrast. Copyright Joseph Birchall.

A few shots of the Midland Pullman following arrival at Penzance last night having worked 1Z62 07.42 Berwick-upon-Tweed-Penzance. Today (13th) I'm treating my Wife Pauline to a day trip on it to Kingswear and return, Living the Dream some might say!
All the Best
Andrew

The previously arrived 1Z62 from the sea wall Copyright Andrew Triggs

43047 on the blocks Copyright Andrew Triggs

43055 at Platform 2 Copyright Andrew Triggs

As the light fades, 43055 with 5Z63, while 800312 awaits the road with 5C76 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Today and tomorrow, these are the services which the HST will form:

Saturday 13th April 2024 - 1Z60 0801 Penzance to Kingswear (For Dartmouth)

Saturday 13th April 2024 - 1Z62 1640 Kingswear (For Dartmouth) to Exeter St Davids

Saturday 13th April 2024 - 1 Z63 1827 Exeter St Davids to Penzance

Sunday 14th April 2024 - 1Z65 0900 Penzance to Berwick-upon-Tweed

If you choose to go out and photograph the workings, please don't forget to send your pictures in to us! [email protected].

Rush hour at Newquay
Roger Winnen

25/06/1978 - Pioneer 47001 and three trains at Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

Lunchtime at Coombe St. Stephens
Jon Hird

The sunny weather today was too nice to ignore, so I took a trip over to Coombe on my lunch break. 43097 heads a GWR service across the viaduct heading for Penzance. At least I got one HST in sun today! 12.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

Running close behind the HST above was this Colas track machine running as 6J83 0934 Bristol Kingsland Rd S&Te to Truro Yard. The addition of the Cornish Main Line (as far as Truro) to Open Train Times signalling website has made photographing trains much easier when working to time constraints. 12.04.24, copyright Jon Hird.

5 happy minutes on the bridge!
Joe Birchall

Dear The Cornwall Railway Society
Today we saw The Midland Pullman coming down into Truro at 19:07. (see article above). Also seeing a HST and Hitachi while we waited.
Kind Regards, Joe Birchall

800 307 on the 14:03 London Paddington to Penzance, approaching Truro. Copyright Joe Birchall.

43 093 / 43 042 on the 18:15 Penzance to Exeter with the Hitachi in the background. Copyright Joe Birchall.

Many thanks for sending in your photos, Joe. I hope you don't mind us breaking them up and including the 'Pullman' photos in the earlier article.

12/4/2024

The Eclipse in West Cornwall
Part 2
Roger Winnen

For part 1, please click here.

990811ze 13.36 ECS from St Blazey to form the 16.43 to Linlithgow. 66096 Copyright Roger Winnen

990811zh The Scottish train has now pushed back to the long siding at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

990811zi Viewed from the station wall. Copyright Roger Winnen

990811zj ECS Arrival at 14.03 from St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

990811zk The 14.00 to Paddington depats behind a Class 66. Copyright Roger Winnen

990811zl (2) Clearing the rubbish from the train with 66096. Copyright Roger Winnen

990811zl The 2 37s push back their train into Platform 4 for its departure at 16.43 to Linlithgow. Copyright Roger Winnen

990811zm When will we see a sight like this again. Copyright Roger Winnen

990811zp 66002 arriving with empty stock to form the 14.41 to Crewe. Copyright Roger Winnen

990811zq Prince Henry attaches to the front of the train for Crewe. Copyright Roger Winnen

990811zy All platforms are full at the terminus. Plat 1 15.39 Padd Plat 2 15.00 Preston Plat 3 15.20 St Ives Plat 4 16.43 to Linlithgow. Copyright Roger Winnen

990811zzb ECS from Lostwithiel arrives to work the 16.06 to Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

990811zzd The 15.00 to Preston departing 60 mins late. Copyright Roger Winnen

990811zzj The returning train to Scotland departs Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

990811zzp 66115 forming the 17.30 Penzance to Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

990811zzq ECS working for the 17.30 Penzance to Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

15 minutes in Bodmin
Jon Hird

Bodmin Railways small Prarie 5552 heads up the bank past Charlies Gate with the 15:20 Bodmin Parkway to Bodmin General. 11.04.2024, Copyright Jon Hird.

A pair of GWR Hitachi units depart Bodmin Parkway with 1A92 the 14:15 Penzance to Paddington Service. 11.04.2024, Copyright Jon Hird.

A minute or two after the IET's had departed, DB Cargo 66101 crept through with 6M53, the Parkandillack (actually starting from St. Blazey, as the wagons were loaded at Par harbour) to Cliffe Vale Jn. An attempt to replicate the 'classic' Bodmin Parkway shot from the field, sadly the trees and bushes are too high to do the shot from any lower these days. 11.04.2024, Copyright Jon Hird.

Sulzers at Swindon
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon

Seen at Swindon is 47828 in Intercity livery at the head of 'The Statesman' running as 1Z60, the 05:22 Stafford to Windsor & Eton Riverside. 11.04.2024, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Scotrail liveried 47712 at the other end of the train. 11.04.2024, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

A short distance away, Ken photographs the train at Stratton Green roadbridge with 47828 leading. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Also seen from Stratton Green is 66549 with 6A16 [Whatley Quarry to Oxford, Banbury Road]. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks to Ken and Colin for sending in these images.

April 11th 2024

11/4/2024

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 80
Signalling Contractors
Michael L. Roach

With the recent completion of the Mid-Cornwall resignalling scheme (click here), I thought it might be a good idea to look at some of Britain's signalling contractors both past and present. In Victorian times the railways of Britain were served by a number of signalling contractors, but the larger companies like the Great Western tended to start making much (but not all) of their signalling in-house. One of the oldest pieces of equipment that I have seen was a small ground frame at Lakeside Station on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway made by the firm of Evans O'Donnell who were the contractors to the Furness Railway. The firm built a factory beside the railway at Chippenham and later merged with other well-known signalling contractors called Saxby & Farmer, McKenzie & Holland and Dutton. Later the firm would become the very well-known Westinghouse Brake & Signal and the Chippenham factory expanded considerably eventually reaching 35 acres. From 1979 onwards the Company and factory passed through a number of hands until being taken over by Siemens in 2013. The history of Siemens in Britain started when Carl Wilhelm Siemens emigrated from his native Germany to Britain in 1843 and the rest, as they say, is history. The firm now manufacture a complete range of railway equipment but still own that factory beside the GWML at Chippenham for the moment. Siemens were the contractors for the Mid-Cornwall Resignalling but while the final stages of the scheme were being completed the firm announced on 4 March 2024 that the historic Chippenham signalling works was to be replaced by a new £100M facility on the outskirts of Chippenham. Siemens current workload includes the digitisation of signalling and control sustems on the ECML. The new facility at Chippenham will open in 2026 with a gradual transfer of 800 employees from the old to the new.

I said earlier that the GWR did a lot of its own signalling but it also engaged contractors for resignalling some of the largest stations and some of the schemes seem remarkably advanced for the time. I have attached a photograph of a Dutton & Co. signal box – the firm were signalling contractors to many small-to-medium railway companies like the Cambrian and their signals were so distinctive they were instantly recognisable. Although the Dutton signals and signal boxes dated back to the early years of mechanical signalling, on many lines, like the Mid-Wales, those early boxes and signals remained in use until the line closed. The remainder of the images are scans of news reports and adverts from the early years of the last century, courtesy of the GWR Magazine.

The Dutton & Co. signal box on the northbound platform at Pantydwr on the Mid-Wales Line. The box held a 13-lever frame, dated from 1891 and had been extended at both ends; seen on 5 September 1962. A short distance to the right was the summit of the whole line and the highest point on the Cambrian system. Travelling on took passengers to Llanidlboes and Moat Lane Junction. Copyright Michael L Roach.

The southbound starting signal at Rhayader some seven miles south of Pantydwr. A typical Cambrian Railway signal there were similar signals all over the former Cambrian system in 1962. In this direction the passenger trains ran to Builth Wells, Three Cocks Junction, Talyllyn Junction and Brecon. Copyright Michael L Roach.

Siemens advert from December 1906. Copyright Michael L Roach.

Siemens advert from August 1910. Copyright Michael L Roach.

McKenzie, Holland and Westinghouse advert from August 1910. Copyright Michael L Roach.

Siemens advert from July 1911. Copyright Michael L Roach.

Siemens advert from August 1913. Copyright Michael L Roach.

Many thanks Michael. To read this article 'in full' with a couple of additional pictures, please visit Michaels section of the website - click here.

By sheer co-incidence, the content in todays article from Michael leads us nicely into our next piece below..

Coulson Park / New Token Machine
Jon Hird

Due to the closure of Lostwithiel Signal Box, as part of the resignalling program, a new installation has been provided at Coulson Park, Lostwithiel to electronically release a token/staff for trains to proceed to Fowey along the branch.

The new platform and token/staff machine at Coulson Park, at the start of the Fowey branch, Lostwithiel. Copyright Jon Hird.

The cabinet in which the staff is housed. Copyright Jon Hird.

Looking back towards Lostwithiel, we have a new colour light signal and a sign to advise of the end of the staff worked section. Copyright Jon Hird.

66130 arrived just before 13:30 with 10 JIA's from Goonbarrow heading for Fowey. It has stopped at the new installation and the driver is working the machine to release the staff so that he can proceed along the branch. Copyright Jon Hird.

With the staff/token now on board, 66130 carries on its journey to Carne Point to unload the clay from its 10 JIA wagons. Copyright Jon Hird.

Classic traction at Bristol Temple Meads
Martin Scane

Rail Operations Group 37800 stabled at Bristol Temple Meads on 10.04.2024. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin - an eye-catching livery!

<<Previous

Forward>>

Summertime HST'sJon Hird

Treviscoe in the sunJon Hird

Shortly afterwards, at Par...Roger Winnen

A risk to historic railway buildingsJohn Roberts

A sunny day in CornwallRoger Winnen

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 82Railtour of 28 June 1953Michael L. Roach

Castle set safari!West Cornwall, 15th April 2024Craig Munday

A new lease of life for St. Albans Signal BoxJohn Roberts

Memories of the condemned coaching stock – Truro 1967/6Simon Howard

Par in 1975Andrew Vines

Truro Tamper​Joe Birchall

Holiday SnapsMalcolm Ashworth

The Western Lizard19.03.2005Jon Hird

More Westerns in the WestRoger Winnen

Colourful shots from CraigCraig Munday & Mark Fabiano

A Western back on the mainline!Martin Duff

Some more from SaturdayJon Hird

The Midland Pullman in Devon & CornwallJon Hird Roger Salter & Roger Winnen

47306 at The Bodmin RailwayMartin Duff

Steam at SwindonKen Mumford & Colin Pidgeon

The Cornwall Railway SocietyIndoor meeting and AGM

The Pullman arrives in the WestJon Morley, Jon Hird, Andrew Triggs & Joe Birchall

Rush hour at NewquayRoger Winnen

Lunchtime at Coombe St. StephensJon Hird

5 happy minutes on the bridge!Joe Birchall

15 minutes in BodminJon Hird

Sulzers at SwindonKen Mumford & Colin Pidgeon

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 80Signalling ContractorsMichael L. Roach

Coulson Park / New Token MachineJon Hird

Classic traction at Bristol Temple MeadsMartin Scane

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