Blog Archives

Items added on the 21st May 2016 Those added most recently come first

21/5/2016

Possibly the First Visit this year of the
Hybred Class 150/9 working to Exmouth & Barnstaple
David Tozer

160521a The Hybred unit 150925 leaves Exeter Central with the 12.13 Paignton to Exmouth service. It then worked to Barnstaple on the 13.53 service from Exmouth. Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David

Another Hybred unit150926 is seen in West Cornwall on Sunday 22nd May
Roger Winnen & Roger Salter

160522e The Hybred 150 unit coupled to a Class 153 is seen crossing Hayle Viaduct on the 07.26 Bristol Temple Meads-Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

160522f She is not going to Gloucester! the driver is winding the destination blind to find Exeter. Copyright Roger Salter

160522g Now we have it right! Its off to Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Salter

The Sprinters and DMUs operating in 1992 and 2000
Michael Forward

920710a 158815 Stops at Hayle on 10th July,1992 with the 11.45 Penzance to Milford Haven with an arrival time of 20.05 My notes record that this was the longest 158 journey. Copyright Michael Forward.

920710b Also on the same day we see two Single Car DMUs arriving at Lelant. This picture was talen from Carnsew Pool wall. Copyright Michael Forward

920710c Now at St Austell on 10th July, 1992 we see 153370 and 153362 in Regional Railways livery with the 10.25 Penzance to Plymouth at Snozzel. Copyright Michael Forward.

920710d Now at Par on the 28th April, 2000 where we see 158746 calling with the 15.00 to Penzance. I record that this unit, very smart in the Alphaline Wales & West Livery, had recently transferred from Scotland. Copyright Michael Forward.

Two from
John Cornelius

The Saltash ferry. Copyright John Cornelius.

Johns picture above give me, KJ, a chance, to tell a true tale. It happened in about 1958. I was in the RAF at the time and on my way home to Redruth on a 48 hour pass. I used to get to Plymouth at around about ten at night and have to wait until the first train in the morning - at about five, to continue my journey on to Redruth. However, somebody told me that if I caught the last bus to the ferry I could take this across the river and from the Cornish side get a lift on a milk lorry.
Having got across on the last ferry I went to the milk depot and was told that the first lorry out wouldn't be until six - so nothing gained there.
Ah well, back to Plymouth!
I waited on the platform at Saltash only to be told by the signalman to buzz off - as the last train in from Plymouth went back empty stock to Millbay. The last train duly came in and I had a word with the guard, a kindly chap, who, having listened to my begging allowed me on board the 'steam auto'. The lights were put out and we travelled back though the 'sleeping city'. At Cornwall Loop Junction, before it went off to Millbay, the train stopped long enough for me to get off and I wandered back to the welcoming lights of North Road along the track! For several reasons that wouldn't happen today!

Another story which I believe to be true. Undertakers driving a hearse were given preferential treatment in the ferry queue providing they carried a coffin. Because of this crafty undertakers used to carry a spare 'collapsed coffin' on board and having deposited the deceased on the Plymouth side put the spare coffin together and drove to the front of the queue for the return journey - with an empty coffin - crafty!!

An unusual view of the Royal Albert Bridge and the road bridge whilst the latter was under construction. Copyright John Cornelius

Wheal Busy Box
True or False?

First of all, two gentlemen have kindly replied to the signalbox lever query pictured below and posted by Alan Harris. Many thanks to Chris Osment (Bath) and Roy Hart (Rangoon).

Keith

SRS records, both diagram and lever lead tables, show Wheal Busy Siding No 4 to have been the DOWN Main Starting. At face value therefore the attribution would appear to be incorrect. Although layouts did alter over time, it is likely that any revised description in later years would have been by a ‘traffolite’ plate, nor would that account for the apparent change in direction.

To be frank, there were many signal-boxes where No 4 would have been the Advanced Starting signal (either Up or Down – eg Drump Lane No 4 was the Down Advanced Starting). Without additional information on the plate more specific to the location, it can be impossible to identify the origin for certain.

Chris

Dear Keith,
Definitely not from Wheal Busy.. No 4 lever there was the down starter (the box being on the up side).
Wheal Busy up starter was no 28 in the frame.

Roy

Items added on the 20th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

21/5/2016

Wheal Busy Siding Box?
Alan Harris

Hello Keith, While I was away I purchased from a well known internet auction site the small brass? signal lever sign which you can see in the attached photos. It measures about four and a half inches by one and a half inches and as you can see from the second photo a previous owner has painted on the rear "Wheal Busy Siding S/Box". The seller was quite honest in his description and had done some research but could not confirm that it actually came from Wheal Busy. I wonder if your experts on signalling are able to determine it's authenticity or otherwise? Kind Regards Alan.
I, KJ, have my doubts, can anybody help? Look at our website for Wheal Busy Box lever allocations.

The mystery lever label. Copyright Alan Harris

The reverse of the above lever label. Copyright Alan Harris

Exeter, Bristol and Taunton
Craig on Tour

Many thanks Craig, glad you took your camera to Bristol - you went for a meal - a feast for you, and later a feast for us.

37219 in the fetching Colas livery is seen at Exeter SD fuelling point with a test trasin which ventured as far as Par on 18th Copyright Craig Munday

The DRS flask train from Bridgwater passes Bristol Temple Meads with Class 37s 37606 610 18th May 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

37602,610 on a Tyseley to Bristol TM High Level siding working on 18th May 2016. The train is seen with the Lawrence Hill skyline - no overhead electric wires yet!! 18th May 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Bristol TM working a Bristol High Level to Plymouth Mount Gould and return19th May 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

At 40 steps Taunton working a Bristol High Level to Plymouth Mount Gould and return 19th May 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Items added on the 19th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

19/5/2016

70807 arrives at Penzance with the CWR Train from Westbury
Roger Winnen & Roger Salter

160518a Class 70807 arrives at Penzance with a CWR train from Westbury to St Austell via Penzance.. Copyright Roger Winnen

160518b Looking towards the stop blocks of Platform 1 at the terminus. Copyright Roger Winnen

160518e 70807 with its train prior to running around at the slopers siding. Copyright Roger Salter

160518d The rail offloading facilities shown in detail on the CWR Train. Copyright Roger Salter

160518c The Class 70 runs around its train at Slopers Siding then propels its train back into the platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

160518d 70807 is waiting to depart from Penzance at 22.54. The 17.06 Paddington-Penzance which was headed by 43002 Sir Kenneth Grange is seen departing ECS to the depot at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Winnen

It happened during the night
Paul Rendle

Hi Keith Here is a pic of 70807 on 6C97 awaiting for the possession to be taken then will drop rails at ornamental bridge (Carlyon bay golf course) Regards Paul

Welcome Signal
John Cornelius

A signal which was at Pen Mill for donkeys years, and was sited at the west end of the up platform has been resited at the Yeovil Railway Centre where it makes a most attractive feature.
History This signal with its indicator boards signalled down trains out on to the 'down main' [To Weymouth]. 'down branch', or 'to shed'.
I think the 'up branch' was used when a Weymouth train was signalled to leave at the same time as a Taunton train, and 'to shed' the loco ran down the up line to Pen Mill shed. 'Down branch' was used only when a train for Taunton was leaving as it crossed to the down main and then onto the branch. The signal was replaced at least five years ago or more. There still are semaphore signals at Pen Mill.
Many thanks for the info John.

The former Yeovil Pen Mill signal now at the Yeovil Railway Centre at Yeovil Junction Copyright John Cornelius

There is something very attractive and very appropriate to including a semaphore signal in a railway picture, and here is a fine example taken by John Cornelius. Smoke, steam and semaphore - you can't beat it??!! Copyright

Items added on the 18th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

18/5/2016

A colourful quartet
Roger Geach

Roger was down west for the weekend of the attempted non-stop run from Paddington to Plymouth on Saturday 7th May. This was followed by a run back to Exeter and then along the old Southern line to Okehampton. After 'seeing off' the 'Western' Roger took his camera to take a couple of shots on the Barnstaple line. These will be added to our coverage of the branch in due course.

D1015 attempting to replicate the non stop run of D1010 Paddington to Penzance powers towards Plymouth on the last leg of its attempted non-stop run to Plymouth only to have its run spoilt by a signal check at Mutley. 7th May 2016. Copyright Roger Geach

D1015 has changed ends for the last time to run from Okehampton to Waterloo. Seen here near Crediton. 7th May 2016 Copyright Roger Geach

150221 on the 1343 Barnstaple to Exmouth on Saturday 7th May 16 1343 seen here after departing Copplestone. Copyright Roger Geach

Yeoford station 153380 and 150265 form the 1543 Barnstaple to Exmouth on Saturday 7th May 2016 N.B. It is good to see a few passengers in evidence. Copyright Roger Geach

Working tonight
Paul Rendle

Hi Keith Here are a Couple of shots of 37219 with 5Z03 visiting Par earlier today. Also tonight 66847 & 66848 are on the Falmouth branch and 70807 is heading to Penzance with a rail train. Regards Paul
Many thanks Paul for this up to date news and even an advance warning!

37 219 at Par today with the Network Rail Test Train. Copyright Paul Rundle

37 219 stands at the head of 5Z03 at Par today. 18th May 2016 Copyright Paul Rendle

The record breaking engine of 50 Years Ago
Photographed 40 Years ago at Penzance

760502a On the 7th May, 1966 this engine D1010 Western Campaigner achieved the non stop run from Paddington to Penzance on a tour organised by Ian Allen. 40 years ago it is seen at Penzance on the 10.05 Penzance to Paddington and today it can be seen of the West Somerset Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen

And October, 2015 at Williton Shed

151003a D1010 Western Campaigner at Williton on the West Somerset Railway photographed on the 3rd October 2015. Copyright Roger Winnen

Items added on the 17th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

17/5/2016

40 Years ago West Cornwall in May 1976.
Photographs by Roger Winnen

760508 D1071 Western Renown arrives at Redruth on Helston Flora Day 8th May, 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

760516a Wrong line working through Marazion with D1048 Western Lady on Sunday 16th May, 1976

760516b The Pullman Carriages alongside at Marazion. Copyright Roger Winnen

760516d D1036 Western Emperior protrude into sunlight at Long Rock Depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

37142 on B & W
Paul Rundle

Paul was out and about last Saturday and saw 37142 in action.
Thank you Paul

37142 at Bodmin General 14th May 2016 Copyright Paul Rundle

37142 at Bodmin Road (Parkway) 14th May 2016 Copyright Paul Rundle

Gartell Signalling
David Hibberd

Hi Keith,
Visited the Gartell Light Railway last Saturday for a Railwayana auction. Being a signalling fan the gantries at the railway are really superb.
Photo of box taken from outside through window. Hope of interest,
best regards, Dave Hibberd
Many thanks David.

Gartell Railway 14th May 2016 Copyright David Hibberd

Gartell Railway (View through the signalbox window) 14th May 2016 Copyright David Hibberd

George Jackson Churchward
Info from Alan Harris

Hello Keith,Following the query about George Jackson Churchward's burial place, I looked at Christ Church, Swindon burial database on line and came up with the following:-
Additional details: Record number: 4770
Name: GEORGE JACKSON CHURCHWARD
Date of death / (age):/ ()
Date of burial: 22/12/1933
Grave reference number: S /0067D-
Book number: 02/17/00168 4770
I think this might settle the matter, so it appears that at Stoke Gabriel that the headstone is a memorial only. Kind Regards Alan
That settles it Alan, many thanks for your time and trouble

Items added on the 16th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

16/5/2016

Have the History Books got it wrong!
True or False
Roger Winnen
Following the Cornwall Railway Society quiz last Saturday evening, one question was put to the audience, where was George Jackson Churchward buried. The answer came back Swindon.
George Jackson Churchward died on 19th December,1933 after being struck by 4085 Berkeley Castle hauling a Paddington to Fishguard Harbour Express, at that time he was reported to be examing the tracks at Swindon. He was born on 31st January, 1857 at Stoke Gabriel and buried at Christ Church in Old Town, Swindon.
However his gravestone was photographed in May 1978 in the churchyard of Stoke Gabriel Parish Church, South Devon.
Perhaps the funeral was held at Swindon where reports suggested the town was brought to a standstill and internment followed in South Devon
Any Comments would be appreciated

780528a Stoke Gabriel Parish Church 28th May 1978 with members of the Cornwall Railway Society paying their respects to the great engineer George Jackson Churchward. Copyright Roger Winnen

780528b The headstone of the grave of George Jackson Churchward in Stoke Gabriel Churchyard. Copyright Roger Winnen

Summer arrives at Goonbarrow
Gareth Thornton

Hooray, summer has finally arrived, a beautiful day for the first HST of the year to pass Goonbarrow on its way to Newquay. Gareth Thornton
(Apologies for this being a little late arriving on the web - it got here in good time)

Goonbarrow 15th May 2016 Copyright Gareth Thornton

Truro Edwardian Festival
Andrew Jones

The following four pictures courtesy of Andrew Jones remind us that it is now 24 years since 'City of Truro' was in the heart of Truro parked right outside the Cathedral. Many thanks to Andrew for these pictures

City of Truro at Truro 15th May 1992 Copyright Andrew Jones

3440 was kept in 'light steam' for the duration of the event. 15th May 1992 Copyright Andrew Jones

The public had access to the footplate during this time. 15th May 1992 Copyright Andrew Jones

Transporting the 'City of Truro' to Truro must have created some headaches, manouvering such a weighty machine amongst street furniture. 15th May 1992 Copyright Andrew Jones

For more history courtesy Wikipedia please click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GWR_3700_Class_3440_City_of_Truro

Fancy a Wenford Trip?
Vic Smith

Vic Smith has kindly drawn our attention to some excellent coverage of a railtour on the Wenford Branch 'The Camel Valleyman', which took place on the 27th April 1963 - click here to see it.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/96859208@N07/14113076235/

Items added on the 15th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

15/5/2016

Craig abandons the garden
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
Between gardening duties I was hoping to pop out to see 43002 & the first Cross Country HST from Newquay at Lostwithiel. Both services just 25 mins apart.
I was scuppered for 1S59 from Newquay due to a brake fault on the way down to Newquay near Tregoss, which saw the passengers evacuated and the set returned empty to Laira. On a happier note, 43002 did bring up the rear of 1A87 as advertised near 13.00. The overhead sun catching the blue & yellow rather nicely, and bringing back memories of the HSTs in blue & grey. The castle in sunlight eluded me sadly, there were few clouds about - but you can rely on one to blot out the landscape. The town was busy celebrating Lostfest.
All the best. Craig
Many thanks, a very nice angle for your shot.

A pity the sunfailed to illuminate Restormel Castle, but a smashing shot anyway. 15th May 2016 Copyright Craig Munday.

Rail Operations Stock
David Tozer

Afternoon Keith,
DRS Class 47 66425 with the Rail Operations stock move, 0955 5V47 Derby - Plymouth (Laira). The Class 66 had replaced 47830 which failed en-route yesterday. Dave
Many thanks David

66425 with Rail Operations stck move. 15th May 2016 Copyright David Tozer

Sir Kenneth Grange stays overnight at Long Rock Depot
Andrew Triggs
After working down the 17.06 Paddington-Penzance on Saturday evening this celebrated unit returned to Paddington as the 11.40 on Sunday Morning to Paddington

160515a 43002 Sir Kenneth Grange on Long Rock depot as 07.15hrs Sunday 15th May, 2016. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160515b Sir Kenneth Grange departs on the 11.40 service to Paddington. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Photo Competition Results
These are published in our Features section

Featuring Cranmore
Roger Aston

Many thanks for Roger Aston for sending us pictures of yesterdays activity on the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore. One hopes that before too long we will see that short section of the former Witham to Yatton line extended to a new station at Shepton Mallet.

Its the start of the day and 5637 runs around the shed to get coaled for the day 14th May 2016 Copyright Roger Aston

Easy does it! 5637 is coaled 14th May 2016 Copyright Roger Aston

5637 departs with the first train of the day at 11.00AM 14th May 2016 Copyright Roger Aston

5637 makes an impressive sight, and sound as it climbsback towards Cranmore. 14th May 2016 Copyright Roger Aston

Items added on the 14th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

15/5/2016

Weston Station
Chris Osment

On our coverage of the Bristol Temple Meads to Bath Green Park line which is our 'special feature' this month we have not up until now been able to bring you a picture of Weston station, however this deficit has now been rectified by Chris who has very kindly sent in these pictures of the station and Station Masters House - a fine residence.
Many thanks to you Chris

Weston station At the RH (Bristol) end can be seen part of a modern extension.12th May 2016. This station closed to passengers on the 21st September 1953 and to goods on the 29th November 1965 Copyright Chris Osment

Weston Station Masters house The level-crossing was on the right where the bushes are now. 12th May 2016 Copyright Chris Osment

Items added on the 13th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

13/5/2016

Leslie Curnow
Visits the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway

160506a 7827 Lydham Manor stands at the buffer stops of Paignton Queen Park Station. Copyright Leslie Curnow

160506b Locos inside the shed at Paignton including its Class 25, 5239 and most probably 4588. Copyright Leslie Curnow

160506c 4277 running around its train at Paignton with 7827 in the background. Copyright Leslie Curnow

160506d 4277 being coaled at Paignton. Copyright Leslie Curnow.

A railway family history
Lewis Slee

Many thanks to Lewis Slee who has written with some details of his family history which for us, railway enthusiasts, makes very interesting reading.

:- My parental grandfather lived at Illogan and started his career at Carn Brea as a cleaner. He later moved to Plymouth and became a top link driver. He was due to retire just before WW2 but was asked to stay on. His main claims to fame were driving the Royal Train conveying the King and Queen after they had visited Plymouth back to London and then blotting his copybook by overshooting the red carpet by quite a few feet! He also drove the train which took Mr Churchill back to London after he had landed in Plymouth Sound in a Sunderland Flying Boat following a meeting with American President Roosevelt.
My father, Ivor Slee, was also on the GWR and became a top link driver also working from Laira, he appears in the first picture below looking up into the cab just in front of number 4 road at Laira shed. He drove main line steam until steam ended and then decided he didn’t want to drive diesels. He spent his remaining years working in the North Road and Millbay areas primarily making up trains and shunting. I used to skive off school and join him in the cab. My father was twice machine gunned by the Luftwaffe during the war, once crossing the Royal Albert bridge and the second time when travelling the sea wall at Dawlish on route to London.
Lewis broke the family tradition by joining the army and later joining the motorway police. He now lives overlooking the Severn Valley Railway at Kidderminster. Lucky chap.

Very many thanks to you Lewis for your contribution.

Laira 4 road shed. Driver Ivor Slee (Who was twice machine gunned durring WW2) stands talking to the engine crew . Copyright the late Michael Slee

The famous one at Laira- KGV. No doubt Ivor drove this one many times. Copyright the late Michael Slee

A King Class on Speedway curve. Copyright the late Michael Slee

3310 Waterford, was fitted with a domeless parallel boiler, a steel Belpaire firebox, and an enlarged cab. Penultimate of class cira 1899 Copyright Michael Slee

70018 Flying Dutchman Copyright the late Michael Slee

Box Tunnel secrets
Roger Winnen

Roger travelling the West Country courtesy of a 'Freedom of the South West Railrover' (Wonderful value) looked out of the window on a train between Swindon and Bath and took the following pictures.

About 3/4 mile before entering the east end of box tunnel can be seen the remains of Corsham station closed 4th January 1965. This picture dated 5th May 2016. Copyright Roger Winnen

The train enters the east end of box Tunnel. The smaller tunnel entrance to the right leads, or rather led to labyrinth of tunnels which have an extremely interesting history. Note the steep flight of steps leading down from the strictly engineering staff only access. The gate on the tunnel carries a 'Ministry of Defence' notice. There was once a railway goods station in the tunnel beyond the gate. 5th May 2016. Copyright Roger Winnen

Beneath the steps lies a small defence position. 5th May 2016

For more details concerning the fascinating history that lies beneath Corsham please click on the following links

www.burlingtonbunker.co.uk/

www.ufos-aliens.co.uk/cosmicrudloe.html

Items added on the 12th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

12/5/2016

Falmouth branch - a true tale
From Perranwell

Finally another S & T story which I can confirm is true as I heard it from several people including Frank and Terry Cox himself. The Staff instrument was being replaced at Perranwell - Penryn in 1962. I have attached original copy of this instruction sent to Mr Coates at St Blazey S & T depot. Terry Cox had not long tansfered to S & T St Blazey from Plymouth and one of his first jobs was to 'hump' the old Staff Instrument down those long stairs ! Mr Coates gave him and another lad the instructions to, 'get on with it lads'. Terry and this other lad started to argue on who was going first 'underneath' the Instrument when getting the heavy Instrument down the stairs. Mr Coates heard then arguing and went over to see what all the fuss was all about. Mr Coates was a very big strong bloke and listened to their mumblings on 'who was going first'. Terry told me that Mr Coates said that 'in his day you had to do it on your own'. Terry did not believe his story as those Staff Instruments were made of Cast Iron and weighed quite a bit ! He then (Joke-in-ly) told Mr Coates to, 'show us then how it's done. That's near impossible to do on your own'. Before anything else was said and there in front of everyone on the job, Mr Coates grabbed the Instrument, bent his back then balanced the instrument in the middle holding it with one hand to stop it slipping off, then took it down those stairs on his own! Terry was shocked as was the rest of the gang and was relieved when Mr Coates got to the bottom and let it 'slip' off his back on the ground ! 'There, he said. That's how it's done'........ Julian H

The instruction for work at Perranwell.. From the julian Hanwell Collection.

Yeovil Railway Centre
More about the coach

Morning Keith, I was interested in Mike Bojko's pic of the coach at Yeovil Junction. May 8th
I have been a member at Yeovil Railway Centre for over 20 years. It was the middle coach of a dmu set, No 59515, at the WSR.
It was purchased by one of our members in 2013.The first pic is of it shortly after arrival at Yeovil.
It was modified for our use by our members, the carriage connctions at each end were removed and blanked off and with windows fitted at each end. The toilets in the centre of the coach were removed to make way
for wheel chair access and a wider door fitted. A cab has been fitted at the leading end and a vacuum brake fitted for the trailer driver[brakeman] to control stopping the train at the end of the out ward runs.
Its first public appearance was on the 2013 Santa specials then in undercoat grey livery. Since then it has been painted in a light green livery of our choosing and not representing any particular railway livery. It is normally used on the busier days, on other occasions the 'GWR' brakevan only is used. I thought this may be of interest. cheers JOHN C
Many thanks John

Yeovil Railway Centre
More info. John Cornelius

In response to my various questions John Cornelius has very kindly supplied the following information.
History The South West Main Steam Co was formed in 1993 to preserve the turntable at the junction for future steam railtour locos that required turning. Of course things have moved on a lot since then, from erecting a 15000 gall water tank, recovered from Morlands at Glastonbury in 1994 and building a two road locomotive shed in 1997-1998,plus a myriad of other things over the years. Our greatest coup to date was the signing of a new lease which included the south chord and two small fields. The former Transfer shed is our visitor centre and refreshment area. We have five locos on site, two steam, 'Lord Fisher' and 'Pectin'[which is having its ten year overhaul], and three diesels, Ruston 4wd 'River Yeo', two 0-4-0 Fowlers 'Cockney Rebel' and 'Sam',plus several goods vehicles. A temperory platform was constructed of scaffolding at the east end for special events. Trains normally run on 1st & 3rd Sundays March to October,any other as required plus our
Santa Specials at Christmas.
The future There is talk of south west trains reusing platform 3 again and reinstating the footbridge and possibly the south chord so Weymouth trains could use the junction station. But this is only hearsay at present.
So Keith,this is a quick preamble of the 'Yeovil Railway Centre' as we are better known.
I hope this is of interest cheers JOHN C.
Many thanks John

Just by Chance
David Tozer

Hi Keith,
By pure chance I was on the 1425 to Minehead from Bishops Lydeard today, courtesy of a coach trip with friends. Managed to take these off my video footage. Hampshire unit 1118 left Williton behind 66552 'Maltby Raider'.
Bit surprised that the Booking Office at Bishops Lydeard would not accept cash for tickets, payment by credit card only. Is cash being phased out!. I had to purchase my ticket on the train.
Best I could do, Dave
Your best is just the ticket for us, many thanks to you David

66552 Mailtby Raider 11th May 2016 Copyright David Tozer

1118 leaving Williton 11th May 2016 Copyright David Tozer

Tiverton Parkway - 30 today
Mike Roach

Tiverton Parkway looking towards Taunton. 1st November 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen

Tiverton Parkway, looking towards Exeter. 1st November 2014. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Happy Birthday
It was 30 years ago that Tiverton Parkway Station opened on 12 May 1986. The previous station for the area, Tiverton Junction, closed the previous day on 11 May 1986. The distance between the two locations is 1 mile 62 chains. The platforms of Tiverton Junction can still be seen alongside the goods loops. Passenger numbers for Parkway have climbed every year recently and were 447,000 for 2014/15 the latest year for which figures are available. The car park is often completely full, and the station can surely be declared a major success story.
Many thanks for this reminder Mike.

Closed 30 years ago yesterday was Tiverton Junction

Seen from an up, non stop train is Tiverton Junction down side yard looking quite busy with engineering trains on the 9th November 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

Tiverton Junction in the July 1961 as 6813 Eastbury Grange rushes through on a down train. Copyright Mike Roach Note the Hemyock branch coning in on the right has access to either side of the down island platform.

Sampford Peverall Halt which closed 52 years ago was located on the site of Tiverton Parkway.

Sampford Peverell Halt seen here in June 1965. The Halt had closed along with many of the small stations on the main line and the Hemyock branch on 5th October 1964. No time had been wasted as can be seen, access to the down loop had been removed - the point being substitued by plain track. This picture is taken from the pedestrian access off the road bridge. Nowadays Tiverton Parkway station down platform commences in the foreground, however one would be faced with a walk of nigh on half a mile to get from this location to the platform. Looking across at the up side yard one can see that the current car park occupies almost the footprint of the old yard. Copyright Mike Roach

Another of Mikes wonderful black and white pictures taken from the down platform in June 1965. The current down platform of Tiverton Parkway occupies the trackbed of the down loop. In retrospect what a shame that the four track arrangement wasn't kept here for use twenty one years hence? Copyright Mike Roach.

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