Blog Archives

Items added on the 11th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

12/5/2016

Focus on
Perranwell

The late Frank Sperritt was a well known and popular signalling engineer who lived in Cornwall. Luckily for us, and posterity, Frank took a number of photographs the negatives of which he passed on to Julian Hanwell. Mrs Sperritt has very kindly, via Julian, given us permission to share Frank's pictures.

How the signalman saw it - a grand view of Perranwell station in 1965. Frank Sperritt. Copyright Pat Sperritt. N.B. A similar style waiting shelter survives at Menheniot up platform.

Franks view of the box from the track. A siding passed under the box. 1965 Copyright Pat Sperritt.

The block shelf in 1965, note the token 'hoop' hanging behind the shelf. Frank Sperritt Copyright Pat Sperritt

Perranwell Signalbox lever frame in 1965. The late Frank Sperritt Copyright Pat Sperritt

Caught in the act! Frank catches the signalman with is camera, what's he looking at, possibly Franks photo album. Its 1965, any idea who the signalman might be? Copyright Pat Sperritt.

Perranwell station, down side in 1965. The signalbox on the right hand side of this picture. Frank Sperritt, Copyright Pat Sperritt.

An interesting 'point' from Julian Hanwell. Perranwell had the last operating 'point disc' in Cornwall. A 'point disc' is where the shunt signal is operated by the moving points and not by a separate lever. They were used mostly on goods lines after 1900s and are very old. I did notice Roy's comment on the demolition of the lofty signal box there. I can add that although the box closed about 1968, it was still standing in 1971 (early summer) as I saw it then. However after Penwithers Jct closed later that year it was gone (Demolished).

Items added on the 10th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

11/5/2016

Alfred & Judy
& John Cornelius

What a delightful pair these two four wheel saddle tanks ex Par Docks locos make.They were built by W.G Bagnall for use atPar harbour in Cornwall. The unusually low design was required to cope with extremely tight curves and a very low bridge under the main line. The locomotives are both preserved in operational condition The locos inspired the Rev W. Awdry to include them in his very popular Thomas the Tank Engine books.
Many thanks to John Cornelius for these pictures of these very popular locos.

Items added on the 9th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

10/5/2016

Hallenbeagle HST
Keith Barrow

Hi Keith, Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions yesterday afternoon I couldn't resist venturing out for 43002's first visit to Cornwall since its restoration to original livery. The train is 1C81, the 12.00 Paddington - Penzance GWR service. Kind Regards Keith Barrow
Many thanks

Nicely framed - a reminder of the old days. 8th May 2016 Copyright Keith Barrow.

Just a ticket!
Keith Jenkin

Way back in 1966 I was not really an enthusiast but a TV Broadcast about the forthcoming demise of the Somerset and Dorset Railway caused me to make the effort to make that first and last journey on the S & D. I boarded the 08.15 at Bath Green Park, the train comprised of three green coaches hauled by 8F 48760 which wasn't fitted for steam heating in March! On time, off we went at a leisurely pace up the bank, through the tunnels then passing through some lovely countryside to Evercreech. Here the original main line from Highbridge joined us.
Soon after leaving Evercreech, and just after crossing the W.R. main line we came to a stand at Cole at 09.38. Cole was a small station served by double track, the main station building comprising of a waiting room and booking office, was on the Bournemouth bound side. A few hung out of the windows on the crisp and bright morning. The guard walked up and down the platform announcing that the last Somerset and Dorset tickets were on sale here - anybody for souvenirs? At this, it seemed that the whole train emptied and formed a queue at the booking office which did a fair (fare) trade for several minutes - we were at least five minutes late getting away! Probably the best trade the station had done for some years! KJ

Here is the ticket - the ticket bears the inscription 'Somerset and Dorset Joint Committee'. The S&D Joint Committee was abolished in 1949 so quite how old the ticket was I don't know.

A fine photograph by Mike Roach which includes the station building at Cole - I recall that the booking office was the nearest door.This picture dated April 1965. Copyright Mike Roach

If you want to see more of our coverage of the S & D take a look at the relevant sections of this website.

The Twins at Bodmin
John Cornelius

The pair will run together for the last time at the China Clay and Steam Gala weekend at Bodmin on September 9th to 11th finally again on September 17th which will be just hours before the boiler certificate on 098 (30587) runs out.

Yeovil Railway Centre
Mike Bojko

Mike Bojko visited the Yeovil Railway Centre on Saturday 7th May and sent us this photograph of a coach used on this short but nevertheless interesting railway. For further information on open days, and events etc please click here. https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q=yeovil+railway+centre

Looking immaculate at Yeovil Railway Centre here is the coach referred to above - it bears the number 59515 7th May 2016 Copyright Mike Bojko

Items added on the 8th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

9/5/2016

New Liveries on HSTs in the Westcountry
Roger Salter

160507q GWR HST Power car at Plymouth on the 10.00 Penzance Paddington service. Copyright Roger Salter

160507r 43002 Sir Kenneth Grange heads the 12.06 Paddington Penzance through the marshes at Marazion. Copyright Roger Salter

160507s Journeys end at Penzance with 43002 displaying the original set number 253001. Copyright Roger Salter

160507t Looking very smart in its new livery Sir Kenneth Grange. Copyright Roger Salter

Lostwithiel
Jim Lewis

A fine study by Jim Lewis of Lostwithiel station up platform with the goods shed in the background. 1978 Copyright Jim Lewis

Jim returned in 1980 to get a couple of views of the goods yard. Copyright Jim Lewis

South Western Limited
John Cornelius

On the 2nd September 1962 a railtour was run to commemorate the passing of the Lord Nelson class, it ran Waterloo - Salisbury - Sidmouth Junction Tipton St Johns, Exmouth, Exeter Central, Eastleigh, Winchester City, Waterloo. Luckily for us John Cornelius was there to record the event - many thanks John.

Items added on the 7th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

7/5/2016

Western Challenger
Report

It is very sad to report that today's attempted non stop run Paddington to Plymouth failed at the very last hurdle being brought to a stand at Millbay tunnel by a signal.

Here are the pictures, as they come so to speak, in railtour order.

Paddington to Plymouth

D1015 alias D1010 Exeter St Thomas 7th May 2016 - taken off video. Copyright David Tozer

160507a D1010 Western Campaigner approaches Kennaway Tunnel Dawlish. Copyright Andrew Triggs

D1015 has almost completed the run along the sea wall as it reaches the Teignmouth end at 09.09 on 7th May 2015. Copyright Ron Westwater

160507b D1015 Western Champion carrying name and numberplates D1010 & D1058 Western Campaigner & Western Nobleman speeds through Newton Abbot running 16 mins early. Copyright Roger Salter

160507c The exhaust of the Western as she opens up through Newton Abbot Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

D1015 swings through the site of the old Ivybridge station which closed to passengers 2nd March 1959 . This picture 7th May 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

160507d On entering Plymouth aboard the 07.30 Paddington-Penzance we view the Western standing in Platform 5 prior to its departure for Okehampton. Copyright Roger Winnen

Plymouth to Exeter

D1015 at Plymouth ready for the return leg to Exeter. 7th May 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

D1015 Plymouth on the 7th May 2016 Copyright Nick Gaskell

160507g D1058 Western Nobleman this side at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Salter

160507e D1010 Western Campaigner at Plymouth commemorating the run 50 years ago. Copyright Roger Salter

160507f The design of the Western Class diesels over a half century ago still looks modern today. D1010 Western Campaigner at Plymouth prior to departure. Copyright Roger Winnen

On reporting number1A17 D1015 passes its old home at Laira. It's a shame that the Cherry tree flowers on last for a few days but glad they were there for 1015. 7th May 2015 Copyright Craig Munday

160507h Passing a down Voyager on the climb to Hemerdon Summit at 12.46 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Exeter to Okehampton

D1015 approaches Neopady Bridge. Between Crediton and Yeoford Outward - coming from Crediton 7th May 2016 Copyright David Tozer

160507p With the sun slightly dipping the railtour passes Yeoford Station on route to Okehampton. Copyright Roger Winnen

160507j Looking around the train is seen going away towards the former Coleford Jct on route to Okehampton with Coleford Church in the background. Copyright Roger Winnen

D1015 at Butsford bridge near Colebrooke on the Meldon branch 7th May 2015 Copyright Ron Westwater

160507k D1010 is seen arriving Okehampton Station at 14.40 Copyright Andrew Triggs

160507l D1010 is seen departing Okehampton passing the former military sidings to Meldon Quarry. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Okehampton to Exeter

160507m The return working snakes over the crossover at Crediton slowing to allow the handing over of the token, Copyright Roger Winnen

160507n With the photographers reflection in the engines windscreen the train departs for Exeter on the former Southern Main Line. Copyright Roger Winnen

160507o The Western roars out of Crediton. Copyright Roger Winnen

Exeter to Waterloo

D1015 with exhibiting D1058 number and name on the side you see. The train stopped short of Pinhoe platform until it got the green signal and the it accelerated away. It could only enter the simgle line section when the preceding 159’s on the Waterloo service had cleared Feniton. 17.49 on the 7th May 2016 Copyright David Tozer

Remember St Phillips Marsh
Open day a Video - Unusual.

Good morning all.
The link below is to a short video taken at St Philip's Marsh depot during preparations for the recent depot open day (Monday 2nd May) . This highly recommenced video shows the activity going on "behind the scenes" at the depot. It was shot by a GWR staff member but is on YouTube so can be shared. As you will see, there are now many other (longer) videos of the open day on YouTube but this one is a bit different. Derek Buttivant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRwmsZBMvmY

Fifty years ago
Today

The first and only ever NON STOP PADDINGTON TO PENZANCE train journey took place. Details courtesy Six Bells Junction
Paddington to Penzance Non-Stop and Penzance to Waterloo
Locos Used were D1010 'Western Campaigner and D823 'Hermes'
Route :
D1010 London Paddington - Slough - Reading - Southcote Jn - (via Berks & Hants) - Cogload Jn - Taunton - Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot - Plymouth - Par - Penzance.
D1010 Penzance - Par - Plymouth.
D823 Plymouth - St Budeaux - Bere Ferrers - Bere Alston - Tavistock North - Lydford - Okehampton - Crediton - Exeter St Davids - Exeter Central - Honiton - Salisbury - Basingstoke - Fleet - Woking - Weybridge - Surbiton - Wimbledon - Clapham Junction - Vauxhall - London Waterloo.
1) The outward journey was non stop albeit a very slow crawl was required approaching the Royal Albert Bridge due to a late running up train. The non-stop run Paddington to Penzance was achieved in 5 hours 13½ minutes. The return journey achieved a non-stop journey from Plymouth to Waterloo albeit with a short signal stop at Keyham. The time between Plymouth and Waterloo was recorded as 3 hours 53½ minutes which beat the Ocean Liner Express of 1904 (see below) by just under 10 minutes!
(2) During the time at Penzance a special helicopter charter was available which provided about 90 minutes on St Mary's in the Scilly Isles.

And surprisingly our Roger Winnen was there to witness it albeit with a box camera and, as he puts it 'shaky hands' to witness the event. Here is his picture of half a century ago so move lean back and 'screw up' your eyes and enjoy it. Roger Winnen - 7th May 1966.

Just under forty years ago D1010 was in charge of an excursion from Plymouth Dept. 07.45 Plymouth - Newton Abbot to Birmingham New Street then to Oxford [break] returning via Didcot, Reading West Jn, Basingstoke, Salisbury, Yeovil Junction, Exeter Central (Down Through Line), Exeter St Davids returning to Plymouth.

D1010 Western Campaigner at Newton Abbot on the outward journey on the 27th Nov 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

D1010, and passengers taking a break at Oxford. Health and Safety would forbid any such trespass on the running lines today! 27th November 1976

Thanks to Mike Roach for reminding us of this Anniversary.

Items added on the 6th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

6/5/2016

Western Challenger
Timings

Good Morning,
A couple of links below for information regarding D1015 Western Champion's visit to the West Country tomorrow. Sadly no Cornish leg of the tour but running from Paddington via the LSWR route to Okehampton via Plymouth, recreating part of a previous tour.
Full info on the tour here:
http://www.pathfindertours.co.uk/index.php/tour-calendar-reader/events/the-western-challenger.html
Real time trains timings here:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10522/2016/05/07/advanced

See you lineside! Regards Ross Griffiths Many Thanks Ross

Surprise Surprise
A Class 68 works the Flask Train
Roger Winnen

After planning Thursdays trip using a Freedom of the South West Railrover together with purchasing an advanced single to Ivybridge to meet the 09.00 hrs start I learnt from a friend on route that the first Class 68 to come to the Westcountry was to work the Flask train from Bridgewater to Crewe. At Bristol everyone was waiting in anticipation as no departure timings were shown on sites, however a member of the platform staff came along advising that the train was passing Parson Street so within 5 minutes the train arrived in the centre through line.

160505a The first appearance of a Class 68 in the Westcountry as 68011 tailed with 57003 works a flask train from Bridgwater to Crewe Coal Sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

160505b Emerging into daylight the flask train departs Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Roger Winnen

160505c 57003 tailes the train to Crewe. Copyright Roger Winnen

160505d 43002 Sir Kenneth Grange named at the Bristol St Philips Marsh oprn day departs Swindon on the 15.00 Bristol to London Paddington service. Copyright Roger Winnen

160505e 59203 is seen arriving at Westbury with stone empties. Copyright Roger Winnen

160505e A Class 158 Unit dedicated to the Springboard Trust leaves Westbury on the Weymouth service. All proceeds from the Bristol Open Day were donated to this trust. Copyright Roger Winnen

160505f 66957 Stephenson Locomotive Society arrives at Westbury with a Network Rail Train. Copyright Roger Winnen

Beatties at Boscarne
John Cornelius

It could have been a scene from many years ago except for the immaculate condition of the locos, the passenger stock, and the platform. Many thanks to John

Items added on the 5th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

5/5/2016

The Red One Again
Ron Westwater

6C01 the 1229 Treviscoe to St Blazey pauses at Lanjeth Crossing 5th May 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

No doubt Ron would approve of 'looking shipshape' as the 'red one passes through St Austell en route to St Blazey. 5th May 2016

The final shot of the trio as 6C53 the ThO 1506 St.Blazey-Exeter Riverside.Comes off Bolitho viaduct on the 5th May 2016. Fortunately the down service already given 'clear passage' by the first semaphore signal out of London was a few minutes away. Copyright Ron Westwater

Okehampton delivery (2)
Alex Gaskell

Hi everyone. I have a picture of 31452 and 47828 just outside Bow about an hour ago (18:05), the class 31 was pulling the 47 to Okehampton for the summer timetable. Yours sincerely, Alex Gaskell
Quick work, well done. On the web in an Hour and a half. Many thanks.

31452 at Bow hauling 47828 5th May 2016 Copyright Alex Gaskell

47828 at Bow 5th May 2016 (Sent at 18.16) Copyright Alex Gaskell

Okehampton delivery (1)
David Tozer

Evening Keith, I managed to make it to Crediton for the light engine moves to Okehampton.
31452 hauled former DRS Class 47 47828 working as the OZ47 1628 Barton Hill W.R.D. - Okehampton.
As can be seen from the second photograph the Class 47 appears to have been laid up after RHTT duties. It has also been stripped of DRS decals, hence the odd looking livery. A rather grubby looking locomotive.
Regards Dave Many thanks David (Actually Alex Gaskells pictures reached me first but they are in order of proceeding along the line towards Okehampton)

47 828 arriving at Crediton. 5th May 2016 Copyright David Tozer

31452 & 47828 Arrive at Crediton en route to Bow and Okehampton. 5th May 2016 Copyright David Tozer

Pretty Pictures
Ron Westwater

From the train you just can't appreciate how beautiful the Looe Valley is, but here are two scenes taken along the line, it's a smashing day out to take the train part way and walk part. You might even find the Wishing Well at St Keyne!

Looe branch Plashford Farm 16th April 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

Tregarland, North of Sandplace 16th April 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

Gwinear Gems
Pat Sperritt

Hi Keith. I have seen Frank Sperritt's Widow 'Pat' (Who I have known for several years) about posting some of Frank's signal box photos onto the Cornish railway society web pages. She has very kindly given me permission to post any of Franks photos I have onto the site for others to see. Needless to say, please copyright them to Franks Widow 'Mrs Pat Sperritt'.
Kind Regards, Julian Hanwell.
We are extremely grateful to Pat Speritt for permitting us to show the world her late husbands collections - more to come.

The interior of Gwinear West Signalbox. In high winds operation of the large gate operating wheel was just too much for the signalman who had to call for assistance from the station staff to move the gates. Picture taken by the late Frank Sperritt. Copyright and permission from Pat Sperritt.

Received within minutes of placing the picture of the box interior on the website. Dear Keith,
I remember this scene well as I was present when it was taken, in September 1965. The mass of white levers in the foreground date from August 65 when all the points and associated discs and signals were disconnected. The box was just operating the main line running signals and the level crossing, pending the installation of the auto barriers in October 1965. At that time, both Frank and I were schoolboys: Frank at Truro School and me at Redruth Grammar!
Roy Hart (Rangoon)

Gwinear Road Railway Station 1963 By the late Frank Sperritt. Copyright Pat Sperritt

Looking cross the lines from the east end of the up platform, the road leads to Gwinear, nearly a mile distant. The long gates are clearly in evidence here. Picture by the late Frank Sprerritt. Copyright Pat Sperritt.

Coombe Junction
Jim Lewis

Signals and signalbox at Coombe Junction in 1971. Copyright Jim Lewis

WSR Reopening
John Cornelius

Morning Keith, As this year is the 40th anniversary of the WSRLY,
I forward a pic I took at Blue Anchor on the opening day in March 1976, when the line was only open from Minehead to Blue Anchor, the rest was yet to come in future years.
CHEERS JOHN C. Many thanks John

Items added on the 4th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

4/5/2016

Exeter in the days of the Mechanical Signalling
Michael Forward

Michael Forward visits Exeter St David's on 3rd September, 1982 during the days of the mechanical signalling now just a memory.

820903a 45141 Starts a mixed freight from Exeter St David's,the presflo wagons may be from Chacewater Cement storage facilities. Copyright Michael Forward

820903b 50047 Swaftsure about to depart from Platform 3 on the 09.38 to London Waterloo. Copyright Michael Forward

820903c 45038 passes the magnificent Exeter West Box and the spendid gantry, with the 09.55 Paignton-Sheffield. Copyright Michael Forward

820903d Finally we see 50029 'Renown' departing with the 16.18 to London Waterloo. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Early Morning Visitor
Paul Rundle

Hi Keith, Here are pics of colas operated train 6C20 at Newquay in the early hours of this morning, after just completing its ballast drop on the branch. Locos 66093 (hired in) and 66849 (first visit to Cornwall ) Regards Paul
Many thanks Paul - this is a little earlier than the first passenger train this morning - due in at 10.09!!

Almost at the buffers at Newquay is 66093 with the 6C20. Seen at 02.13 on the 4th July 2016 Copyright Paul Rundle

Five minutes later Paul is at the now front end of the train ready to leave Newquay at 02.18 behind 66849 4th July 2016 Copyright Paul Rundle

One wonders what the residents at the former crossing keepers cottages along the line thought about this extra early service in the middle of the night ???

Track Recording Unit 950001 at Truro

Track Recording Unit 950001 basking in the sun at Truro having arrived from Laira T. & R.S.M.D. (departing 03.16 right time) at 09.45 (107 minutes early).
Photos by Mick House

Ponts Mill - all quiet
Jim Lewis

Ponts Mill in November 1969 Copyright Jim Lewis

Road - rail history
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith, Your pictures of the Bristol Harbour Railway, reminded me of the attached picture of this Renault rail converted vehicle, which was being demonstrated there, at the end of 1996.
I am not sure if Railtrack still own this lorry, but I gather it was re-invented a number of times during its existence. Andrew Jones.
Many thanks

De-railment at Exeter
John Cornelius

In every walk of life incidents, accidents, occur and although on the railways these are rare and very rarely reach the public eye such an incident occurred at Exeter on the 17th May 1977 and John Cornelius was there and able to take pictures from the safety of platform 6. Many thanks to you John, for sharing your marvelous collection with us.

17th May 1977 Copyright John Cornelius

Note the coach has lost a buffer. Copyright John Cornelius

Gently does it as back on the right rails she goes. 17th May 1977. Copyright John Cornelius

Within minutes of placing the above Jim Cornelius pictures I received the following from David Tozer - many thanks David.

Morning Keith, Interesting photographs of the breakdown crane in action at Exeter (St David's) in 1977.
Not sure if you are interested, but this crane was resident along with support coaches at Exmouth Junction. When Exmouth Junction closed on 7th March 1967 it was moved to Plymouth (Laira).
The crane was saved and is now in preservation on the Mid Hants Railway.
Fifty years since Exmouth Junction closed next year. I wonder if they ever rue selling off the the land as it would have had plenty of room for the much talked about new DMU depot at Exeter.
Regards Dave

Items added on the 3rd May 2016 Those added most recently come first

4/5/2016

A Celebration of 40 years
In the life of the HSTs
Roger Winnen & Martin Duff
A very special open day was held at Bristol St Philips Marsh to celebrate this event with the naming of a Power Car in honour of its designer Sir Kenneth Grange who also designed the first Kodak Instamatic Camera. With a large fleet of other diesel engines in attendance together with the Royal Scot this event proved a sell out on the day with over 3500 people passing through the gate on the first hour. Taking photographs presented a problem at time with the large influx of people, however the masses soon let their feelings known to individuals who got in the way. Proceeds were donated to the Springboard Charity.
Power Cars in attendance were 41001 The Prototype and trailer
43172 Harry Patch 43423 Great Central Livery 43Uid Yellow National Rail Livery 43300 VTEC Livery 43048 EMT Livery 43187 GWR Green.
Diesel Locomotives 47749 City of Truro 50007 Hercules 50035 Ark Royal 50050 Fearless D182 D213 Andania D5580 D7017 37884 56098 57603 66757 08663 08822
46100 Royal Scot
Many Thanks to Martin Duff for supplying this information.

160502x The line up of the various liveries of the HST power cars at the St Philips Marsh Open Day. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Prototype HST 41991 stands alongside Power Car 43002 Sir Kenneth Grange named at the open day. Copyright Martin Duff

Over 3500 had passed through the gate in the first hour, 253001, 43002 was named Sir Keith Grange in honour as the designer of the HST, a brilliant engineering designer for all things British and Worldwide! Copyright Martin Duff

160502za A broadside view of the named power car during the event. Copyright Roger Winnen

160502zb 47749 Originally D1660 City of Truro was named at Truro Station by the Mayor of Truro in 1965. Copyright Roger Winnen

More photographs from this event will be found in the Feature Pages.

A splash of red
Ron Westwater

A charming rural scene as 153 325 crosses Calstock viaduct. 2nd May 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater. It is interesting to note that on its 'Alpine' route the branch, having crossed the Tamar and passed through Calstock station completes a 180 degree turn and is only just over 500 yards from Calstock!!

St Dennis Junction
Jim Lewis

Mist clings over the Goss Moors as a three car heritage set bound for Newquay arrives at the junction in June 1979. The 'off white' livery although a relief to the monotonous BR blue didn't survive for very long. Copyright Jim Lewis

Cornish name, Cornish train
John Cornelius

You can't get much more Cornish than this when in Somerset! Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 2nd May 2016 Those added most recently come first

2/5/2016

Remember Frys Chocolate?
Chris Osment

All the details of the loco, a real survivor. Picture Courtesy Chris Osment

Done up almost like a box of Chocolates! The Sentinel from the Fry’s (Cadburys) factory at Somerdale (Keynsham) under restoration at Bitton on 15th July 2015 Copyright Chris Osment

For about 70 maps and photos on the Bristol - Bitton - Bath Green Park line please click here,

Once home of the Sentinal we see the Fry/Cadbury factory at nearby Keynsham. 20th October 1996. Copyright Roger Winnen

Moorswater 1969
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith, Looking up the valley towards Moorswater in late May 1969. A solitary Western, typical of the day, on an up working. I have no idea which one. You can see the stone pillars of Brunels original wooden superstructure. The replacement, stone viaduct, in my opinion, is possibly the most graceful on the Cornish main line.
Best wishes Andrew Many thanks Andrew

Moorswater viaduct in 1969. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Clay Exports from Bodmin
Jim Lewis

Jim Lewis brings us two pictures to remind us that the branch from Bodmin Road to Bodmin General and onwards to Boscarne for Wenford and also to Wadebridge carried healthy traffic in addition to passengers.
Many thanks Jim

Its June 1979 and there's not an inch of siding space left within the confines of Bodmin General. Clay hoods either from or too Wenford and vans likely for Wadebridge. However sadly the signalbox, loco shed and good shed have gone. Copyright Jim Lewis

Try counting this lot! A mass of clay hoods being shunted at Bodmin General. June 1979 Copyright Jim Lewis

Taunton Revisited 6
John Cornelius

This is the last of the current series of memorable photographs by John of the days of steam at Taunton. Many thanks for the memories John. Copyright John Cornelius

4037 in Cashmores scrapyard in October 1962 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

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Track Recording Unit 950001 at Truro