Blog Archives

31st May 2020

31/5/2020

The 2007 Great Britain Railtour heads through Camborne
Leslie Curnow

070407a 6024 King Edward 1 together with 5051 Earl Bathurst hauls the Great Britain 2007 Railtour through Camborne on route to Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Leslie Curnow

070407b Plenty of interest at Camborne as the Great Britain heads away. Copyright Leslie Curnow.

Thanks Leslie

Then and Now
The CRS China Clay Rambler
Roger Winnen

Its now over 30 years ago that the Cornwall Railway Society ran its China Rambler on Saturday 28th April 1990. A lunch break was made at Lostwithiel where our 5 car DMU entered the former branch line platform famous for 1419 running the service from Lostwithiel to Fowey.
To the best of our knowledge the CRS China Clay Rambler was the last train to use the branch platform.
The sidings at Lostwithiel Station has seen little use over the last twenty years as the china clay trains now with over 30 wagons use the loops at the eastern end of the station.

Lunch break at Lostwithiel Station with the CRS China Clay Ramler on Saturday 28th April 1990. Copyright Roger Winnen

The same scene taken yesterday 30th May 2020 with the rails completely overgrown. Copyright Roger Winnen

Can you see yourself as the draw for the raffle which was organised by Peter Butt who can be seen addressing the multituted in hopeful anticipation. Copyright Roger Winnen

Viewed from the road crossing our train is seen stabled in the branch platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

The scene from the same view point yesterday. How things have changed. Copyright Roger Winnen

Two on the
Portishead Branch
Alan Peters

Alan writes :-

Picture (1) With the light fading, GBRf 66719 'Metroland' is on hire to Fastline Freight at Portbury Dock being loaded with imported coal for Ratcliffe Power Station on 26th January 2009, the rail coal loading facility is well hidden from view by a large bank which prevents coal dust landing on the new stored cars!

Picture (2) Fastline Freight 66303 with a coal train from Portbury Docks to Ratcliffe Power Station stands at the end of the single line staff section at the former Ashton Gate Halt on the 2nd April 2009, the graphitised token hut can be seen on the right. Both - Copyright Alan Peters

66719 stands at Portbury Dock loading imported coal for Ratcliffe Power station 16.52 26th January 2009. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

66303 stands at the former Ashton Gate Halt 18.07 2nd April 2009 Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Many thanks Alan - rare photographs of a rare working long ago.

Mount Gould
Clive Smith

These Laira 37s had just backed on to the rear of the 1Z21 05.15 Crewe - Fowey railtour. The tour's main loco was 40025 which had brought the train to the platforms of the carriage and washing plant between Laira and Friary. The 37s were just opening up for the climb around Lipson curve to bring the tour onto the main line.

Regards, Clive Smith

37299 and 37206 The Western Whistler at Mount Gould. 19th September 1982. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive - another 'rare cop'

West Somerset Railway News.

It is not a pleasure to draw your attention to the problems which the West Somerset Railway is currently facing, however, their rescue fund is growing and there is hope. We wish them all the very best with that very fine railway. To see the press release please click here;

30th May 2020

30/5/2020

King at
Camborne
David Ward

The scene at Camborne on the 21st October 2006 when on Trafalgar Day 6024 King Edward the First honoured the county with the first and only visit of a king right down to Penzance.. Copyright David Ward. A majestic and marvelous picture.

David also sent links to his video of D1015 returning through Camborne - unfortunately we couldn't get this link to play. However, if you would like to see D1015 climbing through Camborne with a heavy train then try the Youtube link which follows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NQFWIwgPJw

Many thanks to David Ward.

Exeter
City Basin Junction
Roger Winnen

While trawling through some slides Roger came across this chance shot of Exeter City Basin junction with its 'Plywood wonder' signalbox. Note the Bitumen tanks parked on the run round loop to Alphington Goods Depot. The chance came on the homeward run of our 'Oxford Explorer; on the 27th May 1985, a smashing 'glint' from the polished rails.

850527q Exeter City Basin. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger.

Making hay while the sun shines!
West Cornwall Pictures
Mark Lynam

Good Evening Keith,
I've been making the most of the good weather recently driving to locations in West Cornwall for some photos, here are a few from the last few days.
Thanks, Mark Lynam.

150247 on Sunday 24th at Porthminster Point, St Ives working 2A57 1918 St Erth to St Ives.Copyright Mark Lynam.

150266 at Falmouth Docks on Monday 25th May 2020 before working 2T89 1906 to Truro. Copyright Mark Lynam.

150266 crosses Carnon Viaduct on Wednesday evening working 2F91 1946 Truro to Falmouth Docks. Copyright Mark Lynam.

150266 at Lelant at high tide working 2A08 0911 St Ives to St Erth. 28th May 2020 . Copyright Mark Lynam

150266 climbs towards the sand dunes near Lelant working 2A05 0750 St Erth to St Ives on Thursday 28th May 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

A panoramic shot of 150266 on its return journey at the other end of the dunes working 2A06 0807 St Ives to St Erth. 28th May 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

158956 at Hayle working 2C07 0644 Bristol Temple Meads to Penzance.

Many thanks Mark for your sunny spread.

Andrew Triggs in
West Cornwall

Morning Roger/Keith,
5 shots from yesterday on another glorious day in West Cornwall, with the ongoing reduced timetable it's now dominated by our 2+4 GTi sets down our way, just like not so long ago, except shorter!
All the Best
Andrew
1. 43188/094 working 2C03 07.10 Plymouth-Penzance crossing Hayle Viaduct
2. Viewed from Hayle station 150266 passes Lelant on the way to St Erth working 2A03 from St Ives
3. Viewed from Sampson Farm Overbridge, 2P09 10.15 Penzance-Plymouth with 43040/005 crossing Angarrack Viaduct
4. Clearing Gwinear Road, viewed from Sandy Lane Overbridge, GWR 43155/098 working 2P12 11.15 Penzance-Plymouth
5. Departing St Erth 2C19 10.17 Plymouth-Penzance with 43198/093, viewed from Arch Lane Overbridge

Picture (1) 29th May 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture (2) 29th May 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture (3) 29th May 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture (4) 29th May 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture (5) 29th April 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many Thanks Andrew - a good days work.

29th May 2020

29/5/2020

Teignmouth
Paul Barlow

With 43304 leading and 43378 on the rear both in Ex works condition on the 09.00 Doncaster works to Laira working. 28th May 2020 .Copyright Paul Barlow. Nice to see a full length HST emerging off the famous sea wall on a lovely day. It looks like the tide is on the way out.

Many thanks Paul.

Marshalling Instructions
David Ward

I was looking through some documents the other day that I hold. When I was the programme organiser some years ago for the local railway society where I now live, I tried to widen the subjects for the programme as always said the subject of 'Railways' is endless.

Freight trains no longer do we have trains like we use to have, not like now corporate or one product loads,Oil,China Clay,Stone,Cement,Biomass,Scrap Steel, Steel Coil, Vehicles', Infrastructure or containers with the names of the major shipping companies on etc. Freight trains were a mixture of loads other than Coal, Iron Ore, Oil, or specials like Banana's or Broccoli etc. No chalk marks of the sides of wagons with far flung destinations in our nation. It might be of interest that I hold some official BR Western Region Marshalling Instructions for Through and Important Local Freight Trains. The two I hold are from 1948 and 1956. I have taken for interest sake the 2-50pm Penzance to Paddington 'C' Freight. See Images Very interesting to compare. The 1948 one is issued by the Superintendent of the Line, Gilbert Matthews. The 1956 is issued by Chief Operating Superintendent S.G.Hearn. Notice how the title of the person as slightly changed.

I thought a few members would be interested at looking at these.
Have A Good Day and Go Well? David.

Taken From Marshalling Instructions BR Western Region November 1948 David Ward Collection.

Taken From Marshalling Instructions BR Western Region July 1956 David Ward Collection

Interesting reading and viewing. Two very good article's in Railway Magazine this month, Dick Blenkinsop at Ninety. Great Photographer. I remember living in Plymouth in 1974 and buying his first book. 'Shadows of the Great Western'. I bought from a stall in George Street Market who sold railway books. The second article is about 1964 9th May to celebrate sixty years of Ocean Mails a wonderful day with the last of the Castles of which 'Clun Castle 7029 is still with us. I love watching and listening to the DVD of Tom Boddington and talking to Bill Rundle one of the firemen on Clun Castle that day.

Many thanks David.

28th May 2020

28/5/2020

Freight today
Silverton & Powderham
David Tozer

Keith,
I will wear the camera out at this rate. The second freight in the South West the same day.
Take care. Dave.

Silverton this morning 70803 with the 0617 6C36 Moorswater - Aberthaw. Copyright David Tozer.

66059 seen at Powderham on the 28th May 2020 with the 11.15 Parkandillack to Bescot. Copyright David Tozer

You take care as well - many thanks to you Dave.

Grampound Road
David Ward

Grampound Road 27th April 2014 of the Great Britain VII double header with 'Nunney Castle' 5029 and Bullied Light Pacific 34046 'Braunton' Copyright Dave Ward.

Not a location featured before on our site - many thanks David.

Hawksworth Six Wheeled Bogie Sleeping Car 9046 Copyright David Ward.

The attraction here is the destination board carried by the coach - seen here at a SVR Gala. Copyright David Ward.

Many thanks David.

Social Distancing on Public Transport during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Roger Winnen

Last Saturday 23rd May I was able to purchase a Day Return Ticket to Gunnislake a week after being refused stating that I needed to be a key worker to travel. This information was false as the general public were permitted to travel without any restrictions.
Travelling on the 08.50 from Penzance to Plymouth, this train carried only a few passengers none wearing face masks throughout the whole journey. Passengers were asked to occupy the window seats of the Castle Class HST for social distancing. Cleanliness was most apparent on all trains and stations which was a credit to all concerned. Most toilets in Cornwall were closed, however Plymouth remained open throughout the day.
All food outlets together with WH Smith were closed as well as the waiting rooms at Plymouth however Redruth appeared to be offering a take away service from the buffet, this being a private run establishment.
Many notices were posted up for social distancing of which I have displayed in the series of photographs below and in the features section January-June 2020.

1 26th May 2020 A Hitachi IET stabled in the east bay of Platform 3 alongside of the closed waiting room. Copyright Roger Winnen

7 26th May 2020 Social Distancing on a Class 150

14 26th May 2020 First T1 bus service Truro to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

For more photographs on this subject Click Here for Features January-June 2020 and scroll down to Item 2012

27th May 2020

27/5/2020

47515 at Penzance
Michael Forward

Penzance 47515 13th June 1986. Copyright Michael Forward

Craig Munday recently posted some pictures of 47515 at Penzance, saying it was his favourite 47. Well I hope Craig and everyone else will enjoy my picture attached of this engine at Penzance on 13th June 1986 waiting to leave with the 09.33 to Newcastle. Regards Michael Forward.

Thanks Michael

20th November 1929
Bath Junction Accident
Guy Vincent

Recently I was sorting through a box folder of old press cuttings I collected during the 1970s and 1980s, a time when local newspapers were worth reading and regularly featured items from their archives recalling incidents from the past. One such piece from the Bath & West Evening Chronicle from November 1979 looked at an accident that occurred at Bath Junction on the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway on 20th November 1929.

The Somerset & Dorset Railway 'Bath Extension' was a last attempt by the company to increase trade and encourage traffic to and from the Midlands to use the original line between Evercreech Junction and Bournemouth. This meant building a line 26 miles in length across the Mendips and then entering the city of Bath from the south through another substantial obstacle, the southernmost fringe of the Cotswold Hills. Two tunnels were cut through this ridge, Combe Down (1829yds) and Devonshire (440yds). Money was so short that only single bores were made, Combe Down was left mainly unlined but Devonshire required full lining with stone blocks, no doubt increasing costs. Ventilation shafts were not provided for either tunnel. Of necessity the line was steeply graded with a ruling average 1 in 100 climb from the end of double track at Midford viaduct to a point approximately 400 yards from the southern exit of Combe Down tunnel where, after a short level section it changed at the exit to a continuous 1 in 50 descent to Bath Junction where it met the Midland Railway's Mangotsfield - Bath line for the final half-mile into the terminus station, Bath Queen Square (later Green Park).

On the afternoon of Wednesday 20th November 1929 the 3.25pm Evercreech to Bath goods train consisted of loco number 89, (later 53809) running tender-first pulling 37 wagons mostly loaded with coal and a brake van. Number 89 was a Fowler-designed '7F' 2-8-0 loco with six-wheeled tender and was built by Robert Stephenson & Co at Darlington in 1925. The load of 493 tons was the maximum allowed over Masbury summit to the north of Shepton Mallet, another steep climb of up to 1 in 50. The driver, Henry Jennings, informed the guard, Christopher Wagner at Radstock that no 89 was not steaming well and as a result 13 minutes had been lost between Evercreech and Masbury summit. Wagner suggested sending a message to Wellow to hold the train there until it could be given a clear run through to Bath however in the event this did not happen and it was instead held at Midford to wait for two 'down' and one 'up' (Bath-bound) trains to pass through the single-line section from Bath. The fireman, Maurice Pearce, took advantage of the extended wait and cleared the firebox of clinker and rebuilt the fire so as to give the best chance of a good run through to Bath. The train left Midford at 613pm and by the time it reached Combe Down Tunnel, speed had dropped to around 4mph. Inside the tunnel the atmosphere was extremely unpleasant, hot and smoky and within minutes fireman Pearce was forced to wrap his coat around his head and sit down on the tender seat, coughing violently. He recalled seeing driver Jennings standing on the left side of the footplate at that point but must have soon lost consciousness as he recalled nothing more until after the incident. The guard, Wagner, realised something was wrong as speed increased on the descent towards Bath Junction and other than applying his handbrake as much as he was able there was little more he could do and as the train passed over Bath Junction at an estimated speed of about 50mph he jumped from his van.

The train derailed as it entered the goods yard with wagons soon piling up and becoming strewn across the complex. The yard inspector, John Norman, had seen the train coming in at speed and, realising a collision was inevitable had shouted a warning to other employees to get themselves clear and had then gone into the yard office. The loco derailed but ran on and struck the west end of the office resulting in the death of Inspector Norman. Also killed was a 23 year old LMS goods clerk, Sidney Jack Loder of 4 Canterbury Road, Oldfield Park. Loder had recently arrived at Green Park station by train from Gloucester where he worked and had been taking a short-cut across the yard on his way home. He was hit by a falling lamp standard that was brought down by the derailed wagons. One strange fact that later came to light was that a pencil from the office was found to have been driven for around half its length into one of the wooden sleepers.

Driver Jennings and Fireman Pearce were both removed from the wreckage alive but sadly Driver Jennings died on his way to hospital in Bath. Fireman Pearce and the guard, Wagner, were both seriously injured but fortunately survived and gave evidence to the inquiry.
On 25th November 1929 Driver Henry John Jennings (57) of 3 Lymore Avenue, Oldfield Park and the Midland Railway Goods Clerk, Sidney Jack Loder (23), were both buried in Twerton Cemetery next to the GWML west of Oldfield Park station. At the same location the S&D crosses the GWML on the brick three-arch viaduct that was rebuilt in 2016 for the now-postponed electrification project. Loder's grave is almost adjacent to the GWR spear boundary fence between the cemetery and railway line while Henry John Jennings rests behind the cemetery lodge close to the main entrance off Bellotts Road.

No 89 (53809) was soon repaired and spent the remainder of its life at work on the S&D until withdrawal from service in June 1964. With sister loco 53808 it was sold to Woodham Bros of Barry Dock, South Wales and arrived at their yard in August of that year. Preservation was to follow and it left Barry in December 1975 for its initial base, Kirk Smeaton near Doncaster. before moving in 1980 to the Midland Railway Centre, Butterley, Derbyshire.. On 16th September 1987 it came south to work special trains between Andover and Ludgershall ( Basingstoke Rail Event on 26th-27th Sept) and passed through Bath Spa, complete with support coach and bearing a Pines Express headboard. March 2006 saw it make a poignant return to Bath Green Park where it took centre-stage at an event commemorating the 40th anniversary of the closure of the S&D.

The cause of this accident was concluded as loss of control of the engine due to both crew being overcome by smoke and fumes in the exceptionally unpleasant conditions inside Combe Down tunnel. One possibility considered was that the engine running 'backwards' or tender-first, had allowed smoke already in the tunnel to collect in the enclosed cab area but this could not be proven. Consideration was given to reducing the loads of northbound goods trains, to providing banking engines or holding heavier trains back at Wellow if the single line north of Midford was already occupied and, finally, to introducing some form of ventilation in the tunnel.

The full MoT report of this accident contains much detailed information and I commend it to readers who will find it very informative and interesting. It can be downloaded as a .pdf from: railwaysarchive.co.uk MoT_Bath1929.pdf

Regards

Guy Vincent. Article dated 24th May 2020

1) 53809 at Andover on Sunday 27th September 1987, waiting to work the 2Z18 1435 Basingstoke-L'shall 'Ludgershall Limited' NSE special forward. This arrived at Andover behind D200 / 40122. Copyright Guy Vincent.

2) 53809 'at home' inside the train shed at Bath Green Park on March 6th 2006. Copyright Guy Vincent.

3) Twerton Cemetery, Bellotts Road Bath. Grave of Driver Henry John Jennings Copyright Guy Vincent.

4) Twerton Cemetery, Bellotts Road Bath. Grave of LMS Goods Clerk Sidney Jack Loder. Copyright Guy Vincent.

5) GWR Turbo 166213 passing Twerton Cemetery and about to pass under Bellotts Road & S&D Bridge No 3. 12.05.2020. Copyright Guy Vincent.

6) S&D Bridge Number 3 during reconstruction for since 'paused' GWML electrification scheme. 02.03.2016. Copyright Guy Vincent.

We are most grateful to Guy for yet another 'in depth' article as he reports a very serious accident on the Somerset and Dorset. Many thanks indeed Guy.

Sunset at
Taunton
Clive Smith

With the sun very low in the sky 47138 heads the Tiverton Junction - Fawley empty bitumen tanks. 47119 and the 11.43 Newcastle - Plymouth disappear into the sunset past the impressive semaphore gantry. Taunton West signal box overlooks the scene. Regards Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive

26th May 2020

26/5/2020

Thank You N.H.S.
Ken Mumford

The NHS Train headed by 47815 at Marston Bridge 25th May 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford.

A close up of 47815 - they deserve every bit of appreciation they get. 25th May 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

The Ely Papworth scrap train to Newport Sims was over an hour EARLY THIS MORNING but I managed to get the train at Marston Bridge late afternoon where it was about 3 minutes early passing me.
I used a different location on that footbridge to my usual one because of the position of the sun. I was on the South Marston village side at the bottom of the footbridge poking my camera lens between the uprights of the metal fence..
Kind regards
Ken

Many thanks Ken, and MANY THANKS NHS too.

Cycle Safety Integration -
Perranporth to Newquay
Kelly Costello

I wanted to ask the Society if they are happy for us to use images from your website in our reports, please? They are amazing snippets of history and I love looking on your website at them.
We can reference your website in our reports also to ensure you get a mention. I think the reports are only going to be provided to our arms-length company, Cornwall Council and of course, Cormac Solutions Ltd.
Also, do you or any members of the Society have any further images or information of the proposed route from Perranporth to Newquay that uses some of the old Chacewater to Newquay line, that may not be on your website, please?
(Please see for more route info: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/39572748/10-intro-route.pdf )

Yes we are crossing over Lappa Valley and using the old line in places.
We are developing/utilising a lot of the old line which is great news - I’ve walked a lot of it and love the sense of how it would have been back in the day not to mention the structural engineering that would have gone into making the line possible. The use of your images could help a lot to envisage this.
We are also hoping to create information boards in certain places along the line and I would love to display some of your images on them and involve the Society (once my colleagues and the Project Director are at the stage of designing these).
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Take care and look forward to hearing from you.

Many thanks,
Kelly Costello | CAD Technician
CORMAC Solutions Ltd. | Structures Design

This is an exciting project and deserves every encouragement. A click on the link above will reveal a map of the intended leisure route over the Chacewater-Perranporth-Newquay line. One hopes that the Chacewater - to Perranporth section will also receive this treatment in due course opening up the Wheal Liberty viaduct. N.B. Pictures will only be copied with the owners permission.

Bank Holiday Walk about
Marazion & District
Andrew Triggs

Afternoon Roger/Keith
Taking advantage of the current glorious weather this morning, find 5 shots enclosed for CRS, times maybe challenging for all but the weather is currently bordering on the magical Summer of '76...long may it continue
All the Best
Andrew

1.802002 working 1A82 09.11 Penzance-London Paddington viewed from Marazion by pass Roadbridge
2. 2C03 07.10 Plymouth-Penzance with 43153/186 heading down Marazion Marsh
3. GWR 2P12 11.15 Penzance-Plymouth with 43192/092 passing Longrock
4. 158747/745 working 2P13 12.10 Penzance-Plymouth passing Marazion
5. 158745/747 clearing Marazion working 2P13 12.10 Penzance-Plymouth, as 43188/094 wait on the Marsh with 2C19 10.17 Plymouth Penzance GTi

Picture 1 25th May 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture 2 25th May 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture 3 25th May 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture 4 25th May 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture 5 Two for the price of one! 25th May 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew - enjoy the sun while you can.

North Cornwall Lines appeal for information
Demolition
Michael Manning

Has anyone has any idea of the name of the Contractors who lifted the rails of the Wadebridge to Bodmin North and beyond? Also information on the Padstow to Wadebridge line beginning early 1968?
I have pictorial evidence that they started from Padstow and first must have knocked out the steel spring keys from the chairs to release the rails. I have no evidence how the rails were lifted and taken away., but they must have needed a crawler crane.
Next thing was a tractor with a large compressor attached to the rear was used with a huge impact wrench to unbolt all the chairs which were all collected. Last thing was the sleepers were lifted by a JCB type tractor and loaded into a road lorry. Looking at Andrew Jones’ pictures (not dated) they were surely not the same contractors as their work was completely haphazard and unprofessional.
Hope you can add something to my research into the final demolition of the closed lines in Devon and Cornwall.
Regards, Mike Manning.

Can you help please

25th May 2020

25/5/2020

Last loco hauled Cornishman
St Austell
Clive Smith

The picture below was the result of a bit of a mad dash for me as I was on board the train. The driver with his BR hat at a jaunty angle is looking at the photographer off the end of the platform. 45105 awaits departure from St Austell on Saturday 15th May 1982 with the final loco hauled Cornishman 1V71 the 06.51 from Bradford Exchange consisting of ten carriages. The following day would see the gradual introduction of HSTs on the NE/SW route.
Regards, Clive Smith.

St Austell 45105 powers the last Loco hauled 1V71 Cornishman. The date is the 15th May 1982 Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive - well worth the dash!

It's 1998 - an interval at
St Erth
Paul Barlow

150233 waits with the 0917 to St Ives while a Great Western trains HST arrives with a down service. 1998 Copyright Paul Barlow

47741 slowing passes St Erth with the 0821 Penzance to St Blazey empty stock 5F77 1998 Copyright Paul Barlow

47807 arrives at St Erth with the 0848 Penzance to Manchester service 1M56. 1998. Copyright Paul Barlow.

47807 waits to depart from St Erth. Copyright Paul Barlow.

150233 leaves on 0917 to St Ives leaving a party waiting for the next up service. 1998. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul, how this side of the station has changed.

24th May 2020

24/5/2020

Dawlish Warren & Dawlish
Clive Smith

Below a link kindly sent in by Clive for the Network Rail release on the development at Dawlish. This is extremely interesting and very well worth a look - please click below.

Plans unveiled for remaining section of £80m Dawlish sea wall that will protect the railway and the vital link it provides for the south west

(1) Pacer 143620 is at the rear of the 11.56 Exmouth - Paignton at Dawlish Warren on the down platform on the left while 143621 is the front set with another 150 arriving on the up platform at 12.54 with the 12.20 Paignton - Exmouth. The down train has a scheduled arrival of 12.53 to 12.59 so I thought there was a good chance of a double pacer shot if all were on time. Thankfully they were. 22nd May 2020 Copyright Clive Smith

Like it or hate it - this is the future at Dawlish - the new sea wall. (2) Progress is now continuing apace on the new sea wall defence structure between Dawlish station and Kennaway Tunnel. As seen on the 22nd May 2020. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive - don't forget to try the link above.

Scrapman at
Thingley Junction
Ken Mumford

,There were sidings alongside the up main at Thingley Junction where redundant stock was stored. Here, as can be seen, the scrap is being reduced to manageable pieces. Sadly beyond lie several coaches which had been set on fire by mindless vandals.

Thingely Junction - scrapman at work. Copyright Ken Mumford. This is the scene on the 21st July 2008.

Many thanks for a load of rubbish Ken!!

Exeter
Dave Ward

Good Morning Keith,
As promised the image taken when I was 13 in 1953 Exeter St David's 'Torbay Express' Castle Class 5079 'Lysander'. Two young Exeter Cleaners on the tender moving coal forwards for the non-stop run to London Paddington.
With best wishes and keep the good work up.
David Ward

Exeter Castle class 5079 'Lysander' on the up 'Torbay Express'. August 1953 David Ward

Many thanks David - a schoolboy shot.

23rd May 2020

23/5/2020

Railway Distancing
Leslie Curnow

Good Afternoon Roger
A short visit to Camborne station this morning saw two IET's in 10 car formation. The 1A84 10:10 Penzance to Paddington at 10:31 and the 2C43 09:17 Plymouth to Penzance at 10:52. They are certainly providing distance on those trains.
Also differences on the station with seating taped for distancing and the toilets all locked in the waiting room. It does appreciate normality as we are used to seeing these changes.
Copyright Leslie Curnow

Many Thanks Leslie

Flat Coach
by Mick House

The following article was first published in the CRS Magazine.
Travelling back from London on the 23.45pm First Great Western Night Riviera Sleeper, (15/10/2010) having had a good nights sleep I proceeded to coach C the first class buffet coach for my breakfast of a bacon roll and orange juice, as I stepped from sleeper coach D though the vestibule to the buffet coach I noticed a familiar sound coming from below, no I did not have wind it was the telltale sound of a flat tire on the B bogie of the buffet coach, (coach No:10219) at the same time the Guard was passing and I asked him if he realized that his train was defective and his reply was yes its been like that for a couple of weeks and went on his way, my first reaction was of disbelief as an ex examiner myself in my opinion the noise alone would have warranted further investigation of this type of fault, that’s without the vibration emulating from it, which can lead to other parts of the bogie and wheel set becoming faulty and in the extreme lead to derailment, I wonder if the same standard of examination that I had been taught applies today.
The following dates back to the 1980s and is taken from my copy of IDENTIFICATION OF WHEEL & TYRE TREAD DAMAGE REQUIRING REMEDIAL ACTION (BRITISH RAILWAYS BOARD CM & EE Department, booklet MT/162, does it still apply today?
Flats
· Passenger vehicles with a speed 90mph and above with a flat length of 30mm to 50mm to be taken out of service for remedial action no later then the end of the day.
· Passenger vehicles with a speed 90mph and above with a flat length of above 50mm and up to 100mm to be taken out of service immediately for remedial action, up to 70mm 60mph over 70mm 35mph.
Passenger vehicles with a speed 90mph and above with a flat length greater than 100mm must not be moved, (except where necessary to clear running lines) without the approval of the regional CM & EE.

An article by Mick House.

Wheel Flat. Copyright Mick House

American Independance Day trip
Holiday 1985
Paul Barlow

Some shots taken on Thursday 4th July on days roving from Newquay. Visiting Penzance, St Ives and Lostwithiel. Taken while I was on holiday in Newquay in 1985. Also a shot at St Dennis Junction on the return drive home to Exeter. The weather was hot and sunny all week!!

Kind regards. Paul

Paul's log book for the day was :-

P463 DMU 1025 Newquay-Par Newquay-Par

45128 0750 Bristol-Penzance Par-Penzance

50009 1356 Penzance-Bristol Penzance-St Erth

P480 DMU 1407 St Erth -St Ives St Erth -St Ives

P480 DMU 1520 St Ives-St Erth   St Ives-St Erth

45128 1527 Penzance-Plymouth   St Erth-Lostwithiel

50016 1635 Plymouth-Penzance   Lostwithiel-Par

P463 17?? Par-Newquay   Par-Newquay

45128 on the 15.27 Penzance to Plymouth seen at St Erth on the 4 th July 1985. Copyright Paul Barlow

45128 waits its next turn of duty at Penzance. 4th July 1985. Copyright Paul Barlow

45139 on the 09.17 Leeds to Penzance/ Seen leaving Lostwithiel and climbing the bank towards Treverrin tunnel. The date, the 4th July 1985. Copyright Paul Barlow. Note the metals of the Fowey branch to the right emphasising the climb faced by the Peak.

A familiar scene as 50016 Barham coasts towards Lostwithiel station with the 16.35 Plymouth to Penzance service. 4th July 1985. Copyright Paul Barlow.

A nice rake of clay hoods lies in the sidings as 50025 Invincible passes through with the 16.17 Penzance to Paddington service. 4th July 1985 Copyright Paul Barlow.

P480 on the 14.37 Lelant Saltings to St Ives train. 4th July 1985. Copyright Paul Barlow.

45110 heads the 10.05 Newquay to Newcastle.Seen approaching St Denis junction. Saturday 6th July 1985. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks indeed Paul- looks like a grand holiday.

22nd May 2020

22/5/2020

Laira in Lockdown
Trevor Tremethick

Hello Keith and Roger, Don't know if this will be of any interest - I took it this afternoon (May 21) over the rooftops of Dunclair Park looking down on Laira. Checking a new camera memory disk was the reason for this picture. I should have taken this when the lockdown first started, as the depot was chock-a-block, but it still shows Laira on a Thursday looking like a Sunday! Embankment Road looking quite busy now.
Hope you are all staying safe down there in God's Country.
Best wishes to all, Trevor.

Quite a remarkable view of Laira. Laira in Lockdown 21st May 2020. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Many thanks Trevor.

Okehampton station
Andrew & Diane Jones

Dear Keith and Valerie, I hope Valerie is progressing well and you are both enduring this terrible lock down.
Diane and I have considerable underlying issues so have rigorously kept to the government scientific advice since the beginning of March.
Today we decided to take our first trip for exercise purposes to Dartmoor. We decided this was our best chance of avoiding contact with the masses who unfortunately are risking a very real spike in the virus by descending on our beautiful Cornish Beaches. What ever happened to common sense!
Having parked in Okehampton Station we walked up to our favourite spot near Okehampton camp meeting only two delightful very brave ladies on the way keeping to the required 2 metre distance {in our case 4 yards, I have never been to adventurous!]} who had just been swimming.
On our return I took two photographs of Okehampton Station.
I always find it very sad when I visit, especially as this route should never have closed and there have been so many attempts to re open. The station looks as though it never shut and the rake of coaches parked looked as they had just arrived on the down Plymouth! {I wish}
I have included a photograph of the notice pinned to the goods entrance and hope that one day government will at last give the commitment to reconnect Okehampton and Tavistock to the national network.
Driving back along the old A30 route I turned left at the once famous Betty Cottles Inn and Petrol Station to take a quick look at Meldon Viaduct. This remarkable structure remains one of the most iconic viaducts in the UK and owes it existence to an extension of use after closure to gain lorry access during the building of Meldon Dam.
I include a photograph of its remarkable construction.

Very best wishes to all at the Cornwall Railway Society, please keep safe. Andrew and Diane