Blog Archives

Items added on the 21st May 2017 Those added most recently come first.

21/5/2017

Westbury
to Salisbury
Terry Waldron

Warminster to Salisbury. This section of metals in paticular which had sparse coverage until now has been greatly enhanced by the additional information and illustrations very kindly supplied by Terry Waldron, an expert on the line. Terry has written a book on the subject of Wishford station and the history of the line which covers the stretch from Tingley Junction through to Salisbury. Some of the photographs within the book have been reproduced on the website but others subject to copyright restrictions are only within the covers of Terry’s book.
Terry asks please get in contact that should you have any additional information and maybe photographs which you would like to share.
So take a look and enjoy:- Click here for the full selection.

'Wishford station' is a fine reference book produced in A5 format. It has 64 pages of detailed text and 25 photographs plus numerous plans and diagrams. It has chapters on :-
(1) Wishford Railway Station, (2) Trackwork and Platforms, (3) The signalbox and timetables, (4) Trains, (5) The Stations Masters house and Staff, (6) Sidings and Freight, (7) Use of the land after closure.
A limited number of these books are available from Terry Waldron at £7.75 including p & p. @ 9, Hillside, Stapleford, Salisbury. SP3 4LG

Britannia 28th Sept 2011 as it powered up Upton Scudamore Bank. Note water from ejector - had to stop at Warminster for water. Copyright Terry Waldron

Flying Scotsman coasts along from Codford heading for Salisbury on the 28th May 2016. Taken from close by the site of Sherrington Signalbox looking towards Codford. Copyright Terry Waldron

Tornado approaching Salisbury from east and is passing the location of 1906 fatal accident. 27th June 2013 Copyright Terry Waldron

Heytesbury station - in private use, not open to the public. Copyright Terry Waldron

Wishford station elevations. Copyright Terry Waldron (Station depicted on front cover)

Appreciation to Terry Waldron for his contributions to this section and also to John Cornelius, Kevin Jenkin, Chris Osment and Roger Winnen who also provided illustrations for the Westbury - Salisbury section.

The Northern Belle
Runs from Swindon to Swindon via Plymouth
David Tozer & Roger Winnen

Luxury travel was the order of the day as passengers enjoyed a return journey from Swindon to Swindon via Plymouth. No doubt with the full silver service which is provided on these beautiful restored BR coaches in their spender of the Great Western Chocolate and Cream livery.
The train departed Swindon at 12.35 arriving Plymouth at 16.02 and remained until 16.16 going back to Swindon arriving at 19.47

170521c 68017 'Hornet' passes Exminster on route to Plymouth. Copyright David Tozer

170521d 68002 Working hard as she draws the Northern Belle out of Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

170521a Its 16.18 as 68002 Intrpid departs Plymouth on the round working back to Swindon. Copyright Roger Winnen

170521b 68017 Hornet tailes the train on leaving Plymouth today. Copyright Roger Winnen

Ready for Okehampton
David Tozer

Hi Keith, Yes, the first Okehampton service of the year has run today. GWR Class 150/1 150131 sits at Exmouth Junction prior to working ECS to St James' Park.. Dave Many thanks Dave

150 131 awaits duty at Exmouth Junction. 21st May 2017. Copyright David Tozer.

Oath
John Cornelius

Oath is about two and a half miles west of Langport. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 20th May 2017 Those added most recently come first.

20/5/2017

Advance Notice - Outdoor Event - Saturday 3rd June 2017
             A visit to the Teign Valley Railway at Christow.
You don’t have to be a member to come along – join us anywhere even at Christow.
Penzance 06.50 St Erth 07.00 Camborne 07.12 Redruth 07.19 Truro 07.32 St Austell 07.49 Par 07.56 Bodmin Parkway 08.10 Liskeard 08.23 Plymouth 08.52 Exeter St Davids arr 09.52.   Catch the Next train service to Exeter Central. dep 10.16 arr 10.19
We then board Country Bus service 360. This departs Exeter Bus Station at 11.15 picking up outside of Exeter Central Station at approx.11.20 alight at Teign House Inn at 11.56 for a Two Hour stay at the Exeter & Teign Valley Railway
For more details of the Teign Valley Railway click here:-
http://www.teignrail.co.uk/
There are many things to see courtesy Colin Burges our host. There is a platform ticket charge of £1.
Following our visit we depart Teign House Inn on the 14.18 bus service.
Our plan is to leave the bus at Exeter Central arr 14.58 and then catch the 15.20 service to Exmouth arr at 15.50. We will Spend an hour at Exmouth for a meal stop – possibly viewing the distant air display. Depart Exmouth on the 16.53 service arr. Exeter St Davids at 17.25. The attraction is the loco hauled service home. This departs Exeter St David's 17.50 calling at Newton Abbot 18.23   Plymouth 19.07 Liskeard 19.37 Bodmin Parkway 19.50 Par 20.03 St Austell 20.10 Truro 20.29 Redruth 20.44 Camborne 20.51 St Erth 21.01 Penzance 21.11
Tickets - Purchase an Off Peak Day Return to Plymouth and a Day Devon Ranger Ticket.
As an alternative you can leave the bus at Exeter St Thomas and take the frequent train service to Paignton to see the latter stages of the Air Display.
In order to catch the loco hauled train back home you will have to be at Newton Abbot by 18.23 The last trains from Paignton to connect with this service departs at 17.36 or 17.51, arr Newton Abbot at 18.06 or 18.13. These trains could be very busy.
For the Air display programme click here :- http://torbayairshow.com/event-programme-saturday/

A CWR Train arrives in West Cornwall during daylight hours
Emma Shard & Roger Salter & Roger Winnen

It is quite unusual to see a Continuous Welded Rail train arrive during daylight hours in West Cornwall. However this evening was the exception as 70801 headed the 13.29 from Westbury T.C to St Austell via Penzance.

170520a 70801 Passing through Redruth on the 13.29 Westbury Down TC to St Austell via Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

170520b 70801 passing through Redruth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

With Carn Brea in the background 70801 passes over Brea embankment with a Westbury to St Austell via Penzance rail train. 20.5.17. Copyright Emma Shard

170520g 70801 Approaching Marazion Station with the CWR Train. Copyright Roger Salter

170520e Crossing the marsh at Marazion with the 13.29 from Westbury to St Austell via Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

170520f 70801 arrives at the terminus. Copyright Roger Salter

170520c 70801 backs out to the slopers siding from Platform 1 to run around its train. Copyright Roger Winnen

Hayle Viaduct
Sid Sponheimer

1068 Western Reliance crosses Hayle viaduct 11th April 1973 Copyright Sid Sponheimer A scene much changed these days, the old dock builings have been swept away and replaced by a 'superstore, the old A30 is depicted on the sign, this is now the B330.

Calstock 1971
Ron Kosys

Calstock 23rd August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys. Remember those condemned vans which stood on the remnants of the loop taken out of use in May 1968. Note the lady on the platform.

Calstock 23rd August 1971 Gunnislake-Plymouth Copyright Ron Kosys. The young lady prepares to board the Plymouth bound train. The fate of vans is clearly marked!

Near Cogload
John Cornelius

Items added on the 19th May 2017 Those added most recently come first.

19/5/2017

Serious flooding at Broom
New Years Eve 2001/2
John Cornelius

Severe Flooding at Broom Crossing.Broom Crossing lies about two and three quarter miles west of Chard Junction. John Cornelius was on duty at Chard Junction Box that night. Here's what happened in his words:- Some pics of the result of severe flooding down the AXE valley during the night of December 31st 2000 & January 1st 2001. I was on late turn at Chard Junction that Sunday evening.
The water started rising around 2100 and by midnight the floods had more or less reached a peak of 6 feet deep in the milk factory yard and on the road both sides of the crossing. The water was also running down the the railway line through the old branch platforms like a river. The men in the factory weighbridge hut were marooned there for three or four hours until the water subsided. Likewise I couldn't get out to go home because of the floods in the road, so I advised Waterloo control of the situation and told them I would remain on duty through the night to monitor the situation. Gradually the water receded and by 03.30 was clear of the road and milk factory yard and the milk lorries got on the move.
I then took a handlamp and walked the station limits between both sets of points inspecting the line,thankfully the track was o.k. After this I reported to Waterloo control and told them, that while the track was ok at Chard junction, I suggested that p/way carry out a full examination of the line before any trains were allowed to run in the morning. This they did and found the washout at Broom.
What a night!! cheers JOHN C. Luckily for us John has sent us pictures from his 'Treasure Trove'of the washout at Broom Crossing. Many thanks to the man at the scene, John Cornelius - it's recorded history. By his actions in phoning Waterloo Control and closing the line there is no doubt that John prevented a serious accident.

You'll find the rest of pictures in features (Mid may to December 2017)
Please click here to view

Truro Shed memories
Neil Phillips

Sid Sponheimers Truro Shed picture generated a lot of memories - this picture was in the News section on the 17th May and is also in the main section on Truro where his comments, below, are repeated.

Sid Sponheimer’s photo taken over the roof of Truro steam shed was of much interest to myself, as I was a regular on the ‘Black Bridge’ back then and I can recall the rakes of stored coaches there in the late 1960s. I had no real interest in coaching stock at the time and all I can remember is that they were mostly maroon with one of two green ones mixed in. Looking back I decided that these must have been Hawksworths which had been in mainline use up to 1967. Sure enough, much of the stock visible in Sid’s photo has the characteristic Hawksworth curved roof ends and window layouts. Those which don’t may have been Bulleids, a few of which the Western Region received in the mid-1960s (brake vehicles only I believe) which would account for the green ones. I wasn’t there to witness it myself but I was told that D6322 was used to drag them away – I’m sure it was before 1970 - and the noise and clouds of rust dust from virtually seized brake shoes was very entertaining!
My earliest surviving spotting notes from 1967 include the sighting of Class 08 shunter D3525 at Truro – could that be it lurking below the bridge? Maybe not, but it was certainly in Cornwall 50 years ago – and it still is! D3525 became 08410 at TOPS renumbering and is Long Rock’s resident shunter. Half a century of service (although admittedly not all in Cornwall)!

Good to see the Swindon & Cricklade Railway featured, my daily commute takes me close to Blunsdon station. I admit that I don’t call in as often as I should…..

Best regards, Neil Phillips. Many thanks Neil for your memories.

Hayle
Sid Sponheimer

1057 Western Chieftain crosses Hayle viaduct on the 11th April 1973 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Bere Alston 2
Ron Kosys

Bere Alston on the 10th August 1972 Copyright Ron Kosys

Bere Alston, change for Callington! That section of the branch closed in 1966. A nice view across the valley and the Tamar towards Calstock. The train will of course be seen again from this location as it climbs left to right through Calstock, and again with a telescope as it reaches Sandyway Ceossing.10th August 1972 Copyright Ron Kosys

Colas in Cornwall
Ron & Jenny Westwater

Hi Keith
Three from us today. Best regards, Ron & Jenny Westwater.
Many thanks

The low early morning sun casts striking shadows across the furrows. 18th may 17 66850 heads on early running 6C22 04:56 Falmouth Docks to Westbury over Bolitho viaduct 66847 was on the rear. Copyright Ron Westwater

18th May 2017 70810 heads the 6C36 ThO 1115 Moorswater-Aberthaw cement works near Shillingham Copyright Jenny Westwater

57602 hurries past Trerulefoot with the 1C99 2345 London Paddington to Penzanc. Copyright Ron Westwater

Taunton
John Cornelius

Items added on the 18th May 2017 Those added most recently come first.

18/5/2017

St Blazey Station
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, A picture taken in the dead of night at St Blazey after 37099 had visited Newquay with the NR test train. 37099 heads 3Q50 pausing to return the token to the Signalman.
Kind regards, Craig Munday
Many thanks to you Craig. I cannot say how grateful we are to dedicated railwaymen such as yourself who take remarkable pictures in a location we just couldn't reach.

St Blazey station 3q50 returns from Newquay. 37099 17th May 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

The Highworth Branch
Roger Salter

Roger Salter explored the remains of the Swindon to Highworth Branch which opened on 9th May 1883 and closed to passengers on 2nd March, 1953. However goods traffic remained to 1962 and a short section still remains going to the former Vickers Armstrong Works now the site of the BMW Car Factory. From Highworth Junction east of Swindon Station there were stations at Stratton 1 Mile 24 chains Stanton 3 miles 18 chains Hannington (Cricklade Road) 4 Miles 32 chains and Highworth 5 Miles 48 chains.

170508a The approach road to Hannington Station used by the local farmer. Copyright Roger Salter

170508b All that remains of Hannington Station Platform. Copyright Roger Salter

170508c The platform edge is still in a good state of repair after all these years. Copyright Roger Salter

170508d The Highworth Branch from Hannington Station follows the line of the hedges. Copyright Roger Salter

170508e A remarkable find after all these years, the 11 milepost near Hannington Station. Seeing that the branch was only 5.75 miles why is this milepost of 11 miles in situ. Copyright Roger Salter

170508f Approaching the former Highworth Station. Copyright Roger Salter

170508g A survivings piece of bridge rail near Hannington Station. Copyright Roger Salter

Boscarne Jct.
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith, The photograph attached was taken at Boscarne Junction, in March 1980, looking in the direction of Wadebridge.
The ‘hoods’ were awaiting collection on the siding which was removed post closure and is now the site of the new platform.
The rather rudimentary parking brake mechanism is featured in the foreground and illustrates the simplicity of this type of rolling stock.
On arrival at Fowey, emptying the clay required only to turn the complete wagon upside down.
With the arrival of the CDA, things became much more complicated, so called modernisation spelling the end of the Wenford operation and a number of other clay sidings.

Best wishes Andrew Many thanks to you.

A view from an unusual angle taken at Boscarne Junction in March 1980. Note the nicely painted gates at the distant level crossing. Copyright Andrew Jones

Chacewater
Sid Sponheimer

Everything looks rather run down at Chacewater as 1052 Western Viceroy heads towards, the 'just visible' up platform and on over Blackwater viaduct. 13th April 1973 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Bere Alston 1
Ron Kosys

Ron spent two holidays in the west in 1971/72 with a railrover. Invariably the weather, he tells us was 'naff'. However with a good camera he has produced some very good images. Many thanks Ron.

The downside running in board at Bere Alston 23rd August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Bere Alston on the 23rd August 1971. Note the steps of the former footbridge still in situ. Copyright Ron Kosys

Standing on the island platform alongside the redundant steps of the footbridge. Bere Alston 23rd August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Bere Alston 23rd August 1971. The fact that the lines to Plymouth, left, and Gunnislake, right, fall away sharply is very clear here. Copyright Ron Kosys

Bere Alston 23rd August 1971 A member of the train crew walks purposefully complete with the staff to unlock and change the points. Copyright Ron Kosys

Newton Abbot
John Cornelius

Items added on the 17th May 2017 Those added most recently come first.

17/5/2017

37099 Merl Evans
On an Ultrasonic Test Train Penzance
Roger Winnen

This evening 37099 Merl Evans will depart Penzance at 20.42 hauling a test train to Exeter Riverside via Newquay & Looe (perhaps to spend a penny)

170517a 37099 on the test train at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

170517b This locomotive has been named in memory of Merl Evans in recognition of his outstanding contribution to British Model Railways during his working career at Pelitoy and Bachmann Europe PLC. Copyright Roger Winnen

170517c 37099 with its 89C Shedplate berthed at Penzance to head the 20.42 Penzance to Exeter Riverside via Newquay and Looe. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Tornado Timings
Karl Hewlett

Dear Keith.
Due to the unfortunate failure of D1015 'Western Champion', The Cornishman railtour on Monday 29th May will see A1 Pacific 60163 'Tornado' take over the raines from Paddington to Penzance, making this the first visit of an A1 to Cornwall! A much welcome change from the usual locomotives we always see down here, to cap it off, some compensation for diesel only fans has been awarded in that the return leg from Penzance is booked a class 59/2.

London Paddington to Penzance 60163

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55231/2017/05/29/advanced

Exeter Riverside New Yard to Penzance assume 59/2 L/E

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55234/2017/05/29/advanced

Penzance to London Paddington class 59/2

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55232/2017/05/29/advanced

Penzance to Bodmin Parkway Sidings 60163 L/E

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55235/2017/05/29/advanced

No return times are in the system yet.
Kind Regards, Karl (Friends of Penmere Station).
Many thanks indeed Karl

'All Change' at St Erth!
Roger Winnen

From the planning application wrapped around a post at St Erth Station
Listed building consent for the reinstatement of a former doorway which is currently a window opening. The replacement of an existing door to allow it to open outwards from a new accessible w.c. New automatic entrance doors, new external ticket vending machines and the indroduction of roof cowls to allow ventilation of the w.c. areas.
Extension to house a staff room facility and storage area. Internal refurbishment of the station buildings, relocate the ticket office and create a larger concourse area.

170514d Its all change at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

170514e Temporary Ticket Office and Toilet Facilities - Copyright Roger Winnen

170514f The old booking office has closed with a notice on the window redirecting passengers to the new office outside.. Copyright Roger Winnen

170514g However Platform 4 Buffet remains open to serve the customers needs. Copyright Roger Winnen

170514h I was informed that this corrugated Great Western Railway shed is to be removed to a Heritage Railway to allow further construction to go ahead at the station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Further Photographs will be found in the Features Pages Click Here

Ambassador at Truro
Sid Sponheimer

1051 Western Ambassador at Truro . 3rd April 1973 Copyright Sid Sponheimer. N.B. You don't see those sack trucks anymore, nor the Westerns for that matter.

No apologies for repeating this view of Truro Shed
Sid Sponheimer

Truro yard and sheds undated Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Always welcome is the additional information as supplied below by Roy Hart. Many thanks Roy. Dear Keith, This is an interesting picture, which I would date at about 1969-70. The West box (1899-1971) is still there. The repair shops are in the foreground and they appear to be disused. The sidings with all the open wagons were known as the Garden Sidings. The wagons are probably condemed and stored pending scrap; the coaches also. The hut at the left hand end of the black footbridge is the signal lineman's hut, but until 1899 it was Truro 'A' signal box, standing at the west end of the viaduct. The Garden Sidings were lifted when the rationalisation of the layout took place (including the closure of west box and the demolition of the engine shed/shops) in 1971. Best wishes from the monsoon, Roy
There are additional pictures which compliment this one in our section featuring Truro. Click Here.

Bere Ferrers 1972
Ron Kosys

Bere Ferrers 10th August 1972 Copyright Ron Kosys

Underneath the arch, a deightful view of Bere Ferrers on the 10th August 1972 Copyright Ron Kosys

Bristol
John Cornelius

Items added on the 16th May 2017 Those added most recently come first.

16/5/2017

Stop Press
Antiques Road Show at Minehead tomorrow (Wed)
Rob Lindley

Hi Keith Took this today at Minehead Station. Setting up of the Antiques Roadshow, which is being filmed tomorrow (Wednesday). Cheers Rob Many thanks for the advice Rob.

Setting up for the Antiques Road Show at Minehead. Picture taken on 16th May 2017 Roadshow on Wednesday 17th May 2017 Copyright Robert Lindley

The Swindon & Cricklade Railway
Roger Salter

170507ze The Swindon & Cricklade Railway at Blunsdon. Copyright Roger Salter -

170507zf No 3135 'Sparten' built 1953 at the Fabryka Lokomotvw of Chrzanow in Poland at Blunsden Station. Copyright Roger Salter - Copy

170507zg Sparten runs around at Taw Valley Halt. Copyright Roger Salter -

170507zh Taw Valley Halt at the Swindon end of the present line. Copyright Roger Salter

170507ziHayes Knoll Signal Box. Copyright Roger Salter

170507zj 6984 Owsden Hall under restoration at Hayes Knoll Shed. Copyright Roger Salter

Truro Yards & Shed
Sid Sponheimer

A shot taken by Sid when he lived in this area shows not only the shed roof but also a remarkable amount of stock in the sidings.

On this hazy day the black footbridge which spanned about a dozen lines can be seen - the station lies beyond. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Bere Ferrers 1971
Ron Kosys

In 1971 a young Ron on holiday in the west partook of a trip on the then Gunnislake branch, formerly Southern main line. He paused a while to sample the view from the road bridge north of the station. Luckily for us he had a good camera and a steady hand. Many thanks Ron.

Bere Ferrers on the 23rd August 1971. The 10.02 Gunnislake-Plymouth approaches. Note the truncated former up main has been slewed across to form the single track approach to the station and that at this time the former down main lies in situ. Copyright Ron Kosys

Turning about we look as the two car unit sets off towards Plymouth. 23rd August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

HST Afloat
John Cornelius

This remarkable picture taken by John shows just how close this flat area around Athelney can come to flooding.

Engineering trains Wednesday & Thursday
Karl Hewlett

Dear Keith.
These have reared their heads since I last checked the system. Again both Colas Rail operated and at 60mph, so more than likely class 70's but live in hope! The first is bound for Falmouth, the worksite is between Penmere Platform and Falmouth Town The Dell. This will be in top and tail formation as run round has gone at The Docks:

Wednesday 17th May Westbury Down TC to Falmouth Docks

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/B31716/2017/05/17/advanced

Thursday 18th May Falmouth Docks to Westbury Down TC

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/B31717/2017/05/18/advanced

The next is to St. Austell via Penzance, typically unlike Falmouth, there are a few opportunities for some daylight shots if it runs to, or earlier than schedule which has been known before. This should be a solo locomotive:

Saturday 20th May Westbury Down TC to St. Austell via Penzance Sloopers Sidings

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/B31763/2017/05/20/advanced

Sunday 21st May Par to Westbury Down TC

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/B31764/2017/05/21/advanced

Kind Regards, Karl (Friends of Penmere). Many thanks Karl.

Items added on the 15th May 2017 Those added most recently come first.

15/5/2017

Mind the Gap at Camborne
Roger Winnen

170514b Steps to nowhere at Camborne. Copyright Roger Winnen

170514c Cambornes next big event is on this coming Saturday. Part 2 of the bridging the gap! Copyright Roger Winnen

Truro meet.
Sid Sponheimer

Truro 1005 Western Venturer stands in the yard 50014 Warspite on an up service. 7th November 1975 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Members of the Cornwall Railway Society Visit the Long Rock Train Maintenance Depot
Roger Winnen

Members of the CRS were delighted after receiving an invitation to visit the Long Rock TMD on Saturday 13th May, 2017.
Patrick Grobbelaar the Depot Manager at Long Rock kindly gave us his time to show us in detail around the depot and the new complex being created by the Great Western Railway at a price of £20 Million pounds being funded by various bodies. This is to maintain the Class 57 locomotives being transferred from Old Oak Common depot London by December, 2017 and the maintenance of the Night Riviera rolling stock undergoing refurbishment at the present time. The new bullet trains being built in Japan for the Great Western Railway will also be maintained at the depot together with 2 + 4 Car HST's to run services to Cardiff which will replace some of the existing sprinters. The GWR has said that the new trains would mean an enhanced rail service for Cornwall.
Members of the CRS were extremely grateful to Patrick, and to the Great Western Railway for investing into Cornwall.
Photographs by Roger Salter and Roger Winnen

170518 The new building overshaddows the existing building. The upward extension of the side walls will meet the new overall roof which will then allow the existing roof to be removed under the extension. Copyright Roger Winnen

Members of the Cornwall Railway Society being briefed by Patrick Grobbelaar (Standing left) , the Long Rock Depot Manager, prior to visit. Roger Winnen extreme right. Copyright Roger Salter

170513ra The new extension under contruction as we depart to the old HST shed. Copyright Roger Winnen -

170513ta Walking through the existing HST depot with the Night Riviera berthed there during the day. - Copyright Roger Winnen

170513zda 57604 Pendennis Castle surrounded by the protecting material used for the removal of the asbestos installed in the building 40 years ago. Copyright Roger Winnen

More photographs of Long Rock in the Click Features Pages here

This weeks test trains
Karl Hewlett

Dear Keith ,Another batch of times are in the system for a visit of a Colas Rail class 37 and test train this week.Â Note a trip to Newquay (probably to compensate for the cancelled run the last time due to late running), also note on the down run the stabling location of Penzance T&RSMD as apposed to Sloopers Sidings or the station; times are:

Tuesday 16th May Exeter Riverside New Yard to Penzance T&RSMD

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U22640/2017/05/16/advanced

Wednesday 17th May Penzance T&RSMD to Exeter Riverside New Yard via Newquay and Looe

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U22641/2017/05/17/advanced

Be prepared for the early, late or revised running as you would expect with an STP diagram.

Kind Regards, Karl (Friends of Penmere Station).
Many thanks for the advice Karl.

Minehead
John Cornelius

Spring is in the air as 9351 runs towards the terminus just three years ago. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 14th May 2017 Those added most recently come first.

14/5/2017

Near North Road
Sid Sponheimer

1035 Western Yeoman makes a slow approach to Plymouth station . An unusual view seen from Alma Road on the 20th July 1964 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Evershot Tunnel
John Cornelius

A quite remarkable shot of the entrance to the 308 yard Evershot tunnel. Note the linesmans cabin, and the line of double fencing line at the tunnel entrance. Why was this necessary, perhaps to safeguard staff on vegetation clearance work should they slip? Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on the 13th May 2017 Those added most recently come first.

13/5/2017

Passing Laira
Sid Sponheimer

An unknown Western drifts by Laira on the 4th September 1976 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Schoolboys visit to Swindon
Adrian King

Hi Keith
Having just seen on the CRS website another John Cornelius classic (all his photographs are) taken at Swindon Works, I thought to send these couple of shots taken on a group tour around the works in the early 60's. Sorry to say I didn't record the date but steam was still very evident both inside the works and outside in the yards were Standard 76041 stood gleaming in the sun.
Cheers Adrian King Many thanks Adrian

Swindon Works 76041 Poss 4th February 1963 - Copyright Adrian King

Swindon Works 4th February 1963 Copyright Adrian King Memories are made of this.

St Ives branch
- a brief glimpse in modern times.

For a light hearted look at the St Ives banch and more click here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoA1OTQJoxQ&t=18s
Many thanks to Kevin Jenkin for making us aware.

Crofton
Loose connections
Roger Aston

Situated near the main line summit between Pewsey and Bedwyn lies Crofton Pumping station. This still pumps water to the summit of the Kennet and Avon canal which passes under the main line at the site of Savernake station.

Hi Keith,
On the day after Trevithick Day and one day further into our holiday, found us at Crofton Pumps on a steaming day.
(Crofton is slightly out of normal area)

Here one can wonder at a Harveys Engine from 1846 alongside an older Bolton and Watt engine: Both still doing what they were built for.

A connection to rail history is that the Lancashire Boiler was built by the Great Western at Swindon.

Best regards, Roger Aston Roger brings us five views with Cornish Connections.

Crofton Pumping engine 1 The Lancashire boilers built at Swindon. 30th April 2017 Copyright Roger Aston

Crofton Pumping engine 4 30th April 2017 Copyright Roger Aston The engine house and tall stack are right alongside the the GWR main line which is behind the photographer,

Many thanks to Roger who has taken us some 30 miles east of our normal boundary.

Swindon Stripping
John Cornelius

Pathfinder meets its fate at Swindon. Copyright John Cornelius. Pathfinder went to traffic on the 12th February 1962. It was withdrawn in October 1976.

Items added on the 12th May 2017 Those added most recently come first.

12/5/2017

Turnchapel
Dave Adams

I received the following from Dave Adams on the 9th May 2017:-
As part of an RMWeb discussion thread (http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/118820-turnchapel-branch/page-3), I have been trying to contribute detailed site survey information for anyone with an interest in the Turnchapel Station site and surrounds.

In connection with that, I was wondering whether Mike Roach and the Cornwall Railway Society would kindly allow me to post an annotated version of one of Mike’s Turnchapel photographs that appears on the CRS website.

What can we say but that we are delighted to assist and honoured to be able to offer the link above which will lead readers to a mine of detailed information. There are few stones left unturned with regard to Turnchapel once you have read the contents of the rmweb link.

Many thanks indeed to Dave Adams for his valuable contribution to our website.

Truro arrival
Sid Sponheimer

47086 appears out of the mist as it arrives at Truro on the 7th February 1975 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Sad, Swindon, Scrap.
John Cornelius

We remember D1028 Western Hussar, D1057, Western Chieftain, D1064 Western Regent, D1025 Western Guardsman, and D1012 Western Firebrand. Copyright John Cornelius

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