Blog Archives

21st May 2023

21/5/2023

The Night Riviera tailed by 08945 St Piran
Roger Winnen

08945 St Piran and a barrier vehicle tailed the Night Riviera into Penzance Station this evening after its long run of 1.5 miles from Long Rock Depot.

230521a The Sunday Night Riviera tailed by 08945 St Piran and a barrier vehicle. Copyright Roger Winnen

230521b 08945 St Piran and a barrier vehicle. Copyright Roger Winnen

Thanks Tim

Little & Large
Steam Gala at
Bodmin
Jon Hird

Yesterday 20th May 2023 I started the day photographing 08359 on the Wenford Goods.. (if only!) near Boscarne Junction.

Then at mid-day I took a drive over to Charlie’s Gate to see Port of Par shunter Judy make a trip to Bodmin Parkway and back with the GWR autocoach.

Later in the evening I took a trip on both lines on an evening special behind Judy. She put in a good evenings work hauling us up both lines, a standing start from the signal on the Boscarne branch was a bit of a highlight. With the loco being so low down and the rear of the cab having shutters which were left open, we had a great view of the crew and the footplate from the front windows of the autocoach!

A really lovely day with perfect weather. Great job BWR!

All the best, Jon Hird

Please click on the pictures to obtain an enlargement. These superb pictures don't really need an explanation - they are all courtesy Jn Hird Copyright.

Many thanks indeed Jon - a great collection of what was obviously a great day, and, as you say well done B & W.

GW Withdrawals
Laira
Trevor Tremethick

I don’t know if this will be of any interest – the latest in the GWR power car saga, taken this afternoon. Quality not top-notch I’m afraid.

This one has been sitting in the same position for quite some while, but has not joined the group by Embankment Road. Perhaps it is under repair, or (more likely) being robbed for parts. It still has its nameplates on, but I was about half a mile away so could not identify it.

Such a pity that these have to go, but I guess that’s progress.

Kind regards to all, Trevor

Laira, May 20 2023. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Thanks Trevor - any answers?

Yesterdays
Main line steam

We have a number of pictures of yesterdays steam in our 'Diesel and Steam Railtours 2023/23. To see the collection please click here.

To entice you to look, below is the first entry we received - it was from Bill Elston.

45596 on the ACE approaches Pendomer 20th May 2023 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill.

20th May 2023

20/5/2023

Bristol area new station
Ashley Down
Guy Vincent

Work is now underway in Bristol on preparing the site of the former Ashley Hill station (closed 23rd November 1964) for re-opening as Ashley Down. This station will be located just to the north of Narroways Hill Junction (2m 3ch) on the up and down Filton relief lines at 2 miles 42 chains. The station, which is located next to Concorde Way, will be accessible to pedestrians and cyclists only as there is no car parking close by. Lifts will reportedly be provided linking the two platforms. The two photos attached were taken on 18th May showing initial groundworks taking place.

Guy Vincent

Ashley Down Station Site from Up Filton Main looking South. 18th May 2023 Copyright Guy Vincent

Ashley Hill Station Ashley Down Station Site from Down Filton Main looking North. 18th May 2023 Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy.

N.B. THere is an interesting report courtesy Wikipedia to be found on the following link - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashley_Hill_railway_station

The new station site is about 800 yards north of Narroways Junction and 1500 yards north of Stapleton Road station on the four track main line.

Long time ago
Laira Scrap line
Roger Winnen

Laira D7083 and D1003 Western Pioneer in the scrapline. 3rd April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Thanks Roger.

19th May 2023

19/5/2023

Class 33 at Salisbury
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you enjoyed your trip to see the clay trains. Here is a picture of 33057 ‘Seagull’ coming into Salisbury with the coaches to form the 14.09 service to Waterloo on 23 December 1992. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

RAB 'Bridge strike', now electricity off!!
Now this
David Tozer

Gents, On the same day GWR stated on their website that services were suspended between Newton Abbot and Paignton. This was due to to damage to the electric third rail.This was later amended. What bright spark put that out.!! Dave

Very interesting David - are there any problems with atmospheric system at Dawlish - do I smell a rat?

Tossing the dice and chasing the Clay
Jon Hird

I rolled the dice and took a bit of a gamble with the timings today, I’ve wanted to do this shot for a while now, but it’s a bit of a walk from the nearest car parking and I’m tied to work through the week when anything that isn’t a unit is roaming the branch line. I left work for my lunch hour today before the train was showing as having left Goonbarrow, some guess work was involved from watching departure times over the last few days as it generally runs slightly early.

Luck was on my side because it departed Goonbarrow exactly as I parked the car at Tywardreath, a brisk 5 minute walk and I arrived at the old tramway bridge/tunnel just as the loco appeared around the corner from Ponts Mill, a quick scramble up the bridge abutment to the fence line rewarded me with this view of 66104 descending the steep gradient with the wagons in tow.

Back to the car in time to nip into the petrol station to grab a sandwich and then back at work with 5 minutes to spare!!

Hope it’s of some interest to you, I am working on slowly ticking off every viewpoint on the branch between Par and Goonbarrow.

All the best, Jon Hird

66104 Ponts Mill 18th May 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

66104 18th May 2923 Copyright Jon Hird

The tramway tunnel at Ponts Mill. 18th May 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks Jon - quite a game.

Laira withdrawals
Trevor Tremethick

Good morning Keith and Roger
I’m sorry I was unable to send these yesterday and hope they will still be timely.
Barbara and I took a walk down Embankment Road yesterday and looked at these power cars which have been there for a while. The group comprises are GW 43094 St. Mawes Castle and 43189 Launceston Castle, with behind them Cross Country 43207 and GW 43172 Tiverton Castle. I had not heard of any XC withdrawals, so the presence of 43207 was a surprise. Are these power cars withdrawn or just awaiting further use – does anyone know?

Best wishes, Trevor

GW Power cars at Laira. 18th May 2023. Copyright Trevor Tremethick.

Thanks Trevor. Makes one think what decides which HST are withdrawn - is it simply engine hours or serious faults??

18th May 2023

18/5/2023

Today's Clay by Rail
Roger Winnen

230518a The 06 37 Paddington to Penzance arrives at St Austell, the adjacent siding which originally ran to the the goods depot has now been lifted. Copyright Roger Winnen

230518b The redundant trackbed is viewed in the photo. Copyright Roger Winnen

230518c The bracket signal will soon be replaced by coloured aspect signalling, the Newquay train departs just after noon. Copyright Roger Winnen

230518d 66182 arrives on the Parkandillack via Chapel Sidings to Exeter Riverside clay working. Copyright Roger Winnen

230518e 66104 arrives at Par on the early running 12.31 Goonbarror to Fowey. Copyright Roger Winnen

230518f The same train is seen arriving at Lostwithiel behind 66104, I arrived at Lostwithiel with only five minues to spare. Copyright Roger Winnen

230518g After the engine ran round the Clay heads for Fowey. Copyright Roger Winnen

230518h 66182 is seen arriving at Plymouths Platform 7 bound for Exeter Riverside. Copyright Roger Winnen

230518i The clay is seen on route to Exeter Riverside. Copyright Roger Winnen

RAB
Bridge Strike Yesterday

An unusual bridge strike occurred yesterday when the centre pier of the RAB was hit by a 300-ton tug boat about 08.00. Network Rail did not learn of the incident until after 13.00 and stopped all trains. Further news awaited.

We will bring an update when we can.
All lines reopenedGWR has confirmed all lines have reopened following the earlier collision.

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 20
Michael L. Roach

Day Trip to Lynton & Lynmouth
Once a year I took my parents out for a longer day trip in their car which was not the most reliable, so it really was a bit of an adventure. In 1962 the destination was Lynton in North Devon for a trip on the cliff railway – from top to bottom and return. We headed north from Plymouth up the A386 via Tavistock and Sourton to Barnstaple from where it was the A39 via Blackmoor Gate; a total distance of about 80 miles. These days Google Maps tells us that the best route from Plymouth to Lynton is via the M5 and Tiverton taking just over 2 hours for the 107 miles. In 1962 the journey would have taken us a minimum of 2¾ hours and probably at least 3½ hours by the time we stopped somewhere en-route to photograph at least one steam train somewhere. Luckily my parents were very tolerant of my hobby and stopping almost anywhere there was a railway line to be seen. In 1962 the infrastructure of the railways was much as it had always been for decades and worth photographing but the era of mass destruction of station buildings and signal boxes etc. was about to start.
The towns of Lynton and Lynmouth are only a short distance apart horizontally but a fair way apart vertically with steep roads joining the two which caused major problems before the advent of motorised road vehicles. A cliff railway was proposed and built primarily for freight transport originally, only later becoming a major passenger transport artery. There are only three 100 percent water-powered funicular railways in the world and the L & L is both the longest and the steepest in the world. There are two tracks and two cars connected by cables with four separate braking systems. On the signal to start water is released from the car at the bottom until both cars start to move; with the water being replaced by topping up the tank when the car reaches the top. The gauge of the track is 1,118 mm (44 inches); the rise is 152.4 metres; the track length is 262.7 metres; and the gradient is steeper than 1 in 2. Much of the infrastructure remains just as it was built for the opening in 1890 when it was a triumph of Victorian engineering. The cliff railway is now a major tourist attraction in its own right as well being the best way for pedestrians to travel up and down the hill between the two towns. The narrow-gauge Lynton & Barnstaple Railway was completed to Lynton in 1898 and opened up the area to tourism. Before 1898 the tourist would have to have taken the stagecoach or a horse bus from Minehead (17 miles) or Barnstaple (20 miles). Although the A39 trunk road passes close to both towns the area is still relatively isolated. The one petrol filling station in the area is one of the few in the whole of England to receive a Government subsidy of 5p a litre because of its isolation and the high costs bringing fuel to it.
It was my first visit to the area in 1962 and I found the cliff railway very impressive with one reason being the sheer length of it. As a pedestrian it was quite easy to avoid the cliff railway going down but I would not wish to walk up the hill to save a few bob. By the look of the attached photos there were plenty of other people who thought similarly. The Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway is well worth a visit. It would be interesting to learn whether the top car is pinned in position, chocked or attached in some way overnight to take the strain off the cables when not in use.
In the last part of this series the article finished with a mystery picture. The answer was Meeth Halt on the Halwill Junction to Torrington Line seen on the evening of 11 June 1962. There will be more on Meeth Halt in a later part of this series. There were two correct answers and they came from Roy Hart and Roger Winnen. The photo was taken on the way home from Lynton to Plymouth on the evening of 11 June 1962, and the train was the 6.30pm Halwill Junction to Torrington hauled by an unrecorded Ivatt 2-6-2 tank. This was the second, and last, passenger train of the day to travel the full length of the line.

MLR / 8 May 2023

7154 The queue waiting to go down the cliff railway approaching 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Copyyright Michael L. Roach

7152 I think that this car is descending; and a minute or two later:- Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7153 this car is approaching the top station. Note how the rails are held together with tie-bars and the twin cable haulage system by which the heavier descending car hauls the lighter car up the incline. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7155 The queue to join the car at the bottom of the incline. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7156 The lower car starts to ascend watched by the people queueing as they look into the sun. All views taken on the afternoon of 11 June 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks Michael - at least one can still take a ride on this very enviromentally friendy transport enjoying the views en route.

The clay - out and back.
Jon Hird

2 photos attached for you this evening of 66104 and the CDA’s working todays Goonbarrow - Fowey and return.

The outbound working at Par (note the groundwork’s under way in connection with the resignalling program)

And the return about to pass through Luxulyan, beside the River Par.

I’ve been making an effort to photograph the clay as much as I can lately during the nice weather and light evenings, there are a few more locations I’d like to get it at but I’m stretched for time for the earlier working!

There were 2 other photographers on Par bridge today, and a guy with a video camera on the platform which surprised me somewhat!

All the best, Jon Hird

66104 on the outbound working at Par. 17th May 2023 Copyright Jon Hird

66104 on the return working about to pass through Luxulyan. 17th May 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks Jon - keep up the good work (photographing and work work!)

17th May 2023

17/5/2023

Eight Golden Weeks
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
Well. Summer 2023 beckons - where has the year gone? March and April were soggy to say the least. It seems we missed Spring and all of a sudden the trees are glowing with their new coat of leaves, hedgerows bedecked with flowers and the luscious late evenings most welcome.

Been quiet on the railway scene of late, but the longest days always provide some novelty shots only available in those hours.

10th saw a day or two down west and a London bound Class 802 hurried past Roskear box, a looming black sky further west.

The following day, I'm back in the Ranger as 43158 departs the Duchy for the following time with a Cardiff bound train see at Wheal Bois crossing.

66104 is seen at St Blazey putting the CDAs to bed on Fri 12th, poinantly the only service running on that day.

Finally for now - with the sun dropping leaving superb light to illuminate the GWR dark green that haunts us photographers, 43009 and 170 work 2C79 into St Erth passing under the by-pass bridge at Hayle. The area recently expertly cleared by Ground Control

By the way - sections of the by-pass bridge which were brought down by train, hauled by a class 50 in the early 80s, anyone else remember this?

Best wishes for now, Craig

1A84 802014 at Roskear dark sky. 10th May 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

43158 Wheal Bois 2U24 11th May 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.(Treleigh bridge in the background)

66104 6P25 St Blazey. 12th May 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

43009 43170 2C79 St Erth 15th September 2023. Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks indeed Craig -
lets hope the 'Golden Months' continue.

Class 33s at Reading
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Last week we saw 33116 at Salisbury, this picture shows the loco.leading 33108 on a Westbound ballast train at Reading on Christmas Eve 1992. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Michael Forward's photo published today (17th) of the two class 33s heading empty ballast hoppers through Reading on 24.12.1992. This was almost certainly the 6V96 0932 Tonbridge - Meldon working which would have taken the Berks & Hants route west of the station as far as Exeter Riverside yard where the 33s would have run round before continuing to the quarry.
Many Thanks to Guy Vincent

Plymouth today
Dennis Clarke

Hi Keith, A few pictures from Plymouth today. (16th May 2023) 43153 and 43040 in the bay platform, working 5C98 08:44 St Philips Marsh to Laira. This was booked to stay in the station from 11:19 until 13:51. 220016 1S49 09:25 Penzance to Edinburgh, Regards, Dennis

Plymouth 16th May 2023. Copyright Dennis Clarke

Many thanks Dennis - nice to see the bay in use.

An unusual interlude at
Swindon
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon

I did go to Swindon station today to photograph 5Q66 - new coaches going to Long Marston for storage] but I missed it.

However, I thought that the attached are unusual at that station.

[1] An IET between containers [of a 6C03 - Northolt Sidings to Severnside Sita] train hauled by 66183. Due Swindon 1319, passed 12.56.

[2] A hand-written notice as one gets to the top of the stairs leading to platform 4 waiting area.

[3] A crow takes a walk along the track leadng to platform 4!

[4] Not quite a LOCKJAW but a split begining to open??

[5] Where railway enthsuiasts hang their camera-bags - manbags maybe??

[6] and [7] Foxy railway enthuiasts maybe?? [by Colin Pigeon]

OR. . . . .

[8] and [9] Are these railway staff in disguist [only joking!!] keeping an eye on railway camera enthusiasts?? (cropped and enlarged by Ken!!)

Kind regards. Ken

Pictures numbered left to right and then down.

Indeed unusual - we hope viewers will excuse occasional deviations off our usual subjects. Many thanks to Ken and Colin - photographs are copyright to these two gentlemen.

Many thanks to Guy Vincent who adds the following footnote to Ken and Collin's collection above.

Crows on the line - picture 3. Ken Mumford's crow walking on the line at Swindon (17th). On many occasions I have witnessed this phenomenom at Swindon (and taken photos) and occasionally elsewhere too. It is sometimes the case that several will be seen on or close to the rails at Swindon, usually on or about the 'up through' line. I was once told it was believed these are the reincarnated spirits of long-deceased permanent way workers who still like to carry on their work in another form!! Make of that what you will but it certainly is strange that they are seen so often in the same place.

Many thanks Guy.

16th May 2023

16/5/2023

Marazion Station
16th May 1976
Roger Winnen

760516a D1048 Western Lady running wrong line through Marazion on Sunday 16th May 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

760516b D1048 Western Lady running wrong line through Marazion. Copyright Roger Winnen

Roger's photo yesterday of D1048 heading coaches west through Marazion on Sunday 16th May 1976 can be identified as the 5B79 0945 Par - Penzance ECS. D1048 started the day from St Blazey shed then ran light to St Erth from Penzance (0A21) from where it later departed with the 6A21 1640 Acton milk tanks. No idea what the class 50 in the next shot was up to though.

Above info from 1976 - Track Record Press (westernlocomotiveresearchsociety.com/1976)
Many Thanks indeed Guy

760516c Cast Iron sign at Marazion Goods Yard. Copyright Roger Winnen

NOTICE
By 8 VIC.CAP.20.5.75. ANY PERSON NOT FASTENING THIS GATE AFTER HAVING PASSED THROUGH IS LIABLE TO A PENALTY OF FORTY SHILLINGS

760516d A Class 50 light engine passes Marazion on route to St Erth possibly to pick up the milk traffic. Copyright Roger Winnen

760516f View of Marazion Station from road overbridge. The six Pullman Cars are visible stabled on the long siding Copyright Roger Winnen

Todays clay
Jon Hird

First passing Treesmill on its way from Goonbarrow to Fowey at around 13:00, and then again later on crossing Rock Mill viaduct on the Newquay branch taking the empty wagons back to Goonbarrow at around 18:45.

Please feel free to use them as you see fit.

Kind regards, Jon Hird

66104 Treesmill. 15th May 2023 Copyright Jon Hird.

66104 Rock Mill Viaduct. 15th May 2023 Copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks Jon - its a long time since we had a view at Rock Mill viaduct - unusual and very colourful.

15th May 2023

15/5/2023

Guard Rails at Lelant and St Ives
Dennis Clarke

I travelled on the St Ives branch line today. I have taken a few photos of the guard rails, that run within the running rails. I believe that these are there, in the unfortunate case of a derailment, to prevent a train toppling over into the water or off of the bridge. I have seen these many times but not taken that much notice of them. They are at Lelant station and on the approach to St Ives station, as the line crosses a bridge. A couple of other shots also included

230515a Guard Rails at Lelant Station today. Copyright Dennis Clarke

230515b One passenger awaits the 150 Class Sprinter to St Erth. Copyright Dennis Clarke

230515cArrival at St Ives with check rails coming off the Porthminster Viaduct. Copyright Dennis Clarke

230515d The 2 x 2 Class 150 sprinter arrives at St Ives. Copyright Dennis Clarke

230515e The train stands at the platform for a few minutes prior to departing back to St Erth. Copyright Dennis Clarke

Lelant Platform with tactile paving and ornamental fences. Copyright Dennis Clarke

Many Thanks Dennis

The Swanage Gala (2)
Andrew Triggs

Evening Keith/Roger
Spent yesterday (12th May 2023) photographing classic traction at the ever excellent Swanage Railway Diesel Gala, 6 shots of visiting Locomotives on the day for CRS from the day, also GBRf 73107 and the preserved 4 TC Maroon set were in action on the day
All the Best
Andrew

1. 47830 'Beeching's Legacy' leading 2C01 09.39 Corfe Castle-Swanage (with 33111 at the rear) on Corfe Common
2. D8568 with 73107 working 1N01 09.48 Norden-Swanage on Corfe Common, clagging nicely
3. 50026 'Indomintable' passing Wurzel Crossing working 1R03 10.32 River Frome Viaduct-Swanage
4. D345 leading 1R09 13.32 River Frome Viaduct-Swanage approaching Norden Road Overbridge
5. 45108 leading 1R11 14.32 River Frome Viaduct-Swanage approaching Furzebrook Road Overbridge (with D6512 trailing)
6. Returnee 50021 'Rodney' on it's 1st run in Preservation after 23 years, double heading with 50026 'Indomintable' working 1R08 12.39 Swanage-River Frome Viaduct passing Castle View crossing

Photographs left to right then down - all copyright Andrew Triggs.
Please click on pictures to obtain an enlargement.

Many thanks Andrew.

Bodmin & Wenford
Quiet weekend
Jon Hird

Hi Keith and Roger,
I’ve attached a couple of photos of 08359 and 47306 at work on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway today (13th May 2023).

08359 and the clay hoods were sent to collect potential passengers from Bodmin Parkway, sadly due to the strikes today, there were no takers. It still made for a good photo though, like the days of the Wenford clay traffic.

It was a lovely to spend a few hours out with the camera on a brilliantly sunny day.
Kind regards, Jon Hird

Click on the small pictures to obtain an enlargement.
Many thanks Jon - looked a lovely day.

The pictures follow in logical sequence - Left to right then down.

Many thanks Jon - looks like you had a good visit.

14th May 2023

14/5/2023

Cornwall Railway Society Meeting report

Last night meeting at the Memorial Hall it was a shame - we were treated to video colection by David Tozer of both steam and diesel. Unfortunately due to the rail strike David couldn't be present but Roger Wunnen provided an excellent commentary.
Many thanks to David and Roger.

Our President Peter Bragg provided the commentary to a collection of slides from our Millenium Collection. Peters stories and tales provided a most interesting accompaniement to the show. Many thanks to Peter for this.

Don't forget - if you missed it yesterday now is your chance today to visit the Hayle Model Railway exhibition.

Bugle box
Roger Winnen

The remains of Bugle Signal Box seen on 4th April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger.

13th May 2023

13/5/2023

Kingswear Castle at Dawlish
Roger Salter

43158 Kingswear Castle at Dawlish 9-5-23 2C69 0900 Cardiff Central-Penzance 2 Days before being taken out of traffic 43154 Compton Castle at the rear Copyright Roger Salter

Nameplate of Kingswear Castle. Copyright Roger Salter

The answer to Michaels quiz.
Mystery location
Michael Roach

Two suggested locations have been received. Both Roy Hart and Roger W suggest Meeth Halt. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Are they right - the answer will be in Michaels next article - number 20.

HST to the
Severn Valley
Sharpo

I was on the footbridge to film it arriving and was talking to another person waiting to film it. He mentioned the Cornwall Railway Society & I noticed there was a photo of it with a link to the Society, don't know what his name was though.

If anybody is interested I have uploaded my video of the HST at:-

https://youtu.be/Ua8KiLa3L9w

Having a chat with him helped pass the time, we were disappointed that it didn't run back to the SVR station at Kidderminster, instead it headed away towards Bewdley.

Cheers, Sharpo.

Many thanks 'Sharpo' - well worth watching - outside our reporting region really but I am sure that all will enjoy it.

Cowley Bridge Jct
Paul Barlow

Class 47's D1935 D1924 pass Cowley Bridge junction on the 1456 Goodrington...y 2023. 11th May 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43158 43154 work the 1250 Penzance to Cardiff Cowley Bridge Junction. 11th May 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow

Another sad occasion - a last day. Many thanks Paul for sending in your pictures - an unusual angle at Cowley Bridge.

Passing through
Swindon
Ken Mumford

Swindon 66509 on 6C58 Oxford Banbury Road to East Usk Yard which ran through at the time 6B11 should have run. [1] 11th May 2023. Copyright Ken Mumford

Swindon the same train heading for East Usk Yard. 11th May 2023. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Thanks Ken.

Swanage Gala 1
Paul Barlow

45108 at Swanage 12 May 2023.jpg
45108 on rear of a Swanage bound train with 50026 on the front 12 May 2023.jpg
47830 backs onto the 1239 to Swanage at Corfe Castle 12 May 2023.jpg
Class 40 D345 at Swanage 12 May 2023.jpg
Clayton D8568 50026 and 45108 at Swanage 12 May 2023.jpg
Clayton D8568 at Swanage 12 May 2023.jpg
D345 arrives at Corfe castle on 1332 Fiver Frome to Swanage service 12 May 2023.jpg
D8568 at Corfe Castle 12 May 2023.jpg
D8568 and 50026 at Swanage 12 May 2023.jpg
33111 arrives at Corfe Castle 12 May 2023.jpg

Images go left to right then down. Details in the text above - all photographs are the copyright of Paul Barlow. Please click on the images to enlarge.

Many thanks to you Paul, looks like you had a very good day. I hope you like the gallery format.

!2th May 2023

12/5/2023

Two things to do this weekend

On Saturday and Sunday

And on Saturday Evening
The CRS Meeting
Why not fit them both in?

Part 1 David Tozer DVD Trains around the South West
Part 2 The CRS Millenium Project covering Branch Lines in Cornwall etc
Peter Bragg

Our meeting starts at 6.30 PM - for details of the venue please click here.

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 19
Michael L. Roach
Two from May '62
Plus a Mystery Photograph

On 5 May 1962 I took a half-day trip from Plymouth to Newton Abbot and return for the princely sum of 6 shillings (30p – current price £8.50). The outward journey was on the 2.30pm which was The Royal Duchy, the 11.30am Penzance to Paddington; 7 coaches hauled by a D800 series Warship. The train was allowed nine minutes at Newton to attach a rake of coaches from Paignton. The object of the trip was to return on the 4.56pm off Newton a regular steam turn at the time. The train was the once-daily Liverpool to Plymouth which travelled via the Welsh Marches line, but the only stops on that route were Shrewsbury, Hereford and Pontypool Road Stations with the train avoiding Newport by means of the east curve at Maindee. Table 164 reveals that the train also had through coaches from Manchester to Kingswear. The two sections departed Liverpool (Lime Street) at 9.10am and Manchester (Picadilly) at 9.30am. The two sections joined at Crewe and left there at 10.20am. The train was allowed 64 minutes for the 32 miles from Newton to Plymouth with stops at Totnes and Brent. The loco had no difficulty keeping to time with on-time departure from Newton and on-time arrival at Plymouth. However that statement conceals a laboured climb from Totnes to Tigley when speed dropped to 14mph before Tigley Box recovering to 30mph at Rattery Box. The engine was single chimney Castle number 5055 Earl of Eldon of Newton Abbot Shed and the load was 7 coaches, which was well within the limit for a Castle-class engine over the South Devon Banks of 315 tons. The loco would be stored 4 months later but resurrected to work again from other sheds.

MLR / 7 May 2023

7064 5055 stands at platform 2 at Newton Abbot on 5 May 1962 with the Liverpool to Plymouth portion of 7 coaches two minutes before departure. The Kingswear portion was due to depart four minutes after the Plymouth train at 5.00pm. Copyright Michael L. Roach

7066 5055 stands at platform 3 at Plymouth in the rain two minutes after arriving on time. The station tower in the background was then brand-new. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7157 A short train stands at the mystery station somewhere in Cornwall, Devon or Somerset in June 1962. The mystery station will be revealed in Part 20. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks Michael - we look forward to part 20 and wonder what offers there may be to the mystery stations location. If you, our viewing public, have any answers or more pictures please send them in.

St Austell
& Lostwithiel
Dennis Clarke

Hi Keith, Here are a few pictures taken on my phone today. 43016 43162 at St Austell with 2U20 10:50 Penzance to Cardiff. A few additions in the sidings at Lostwithiel, for the new signalling equipment. 66104 running around 6G09, 13:02 Goonbarrow Junction to Fowey Docks. 43158 at Lostwithiel with 2U24, 12:50 Penzance to Cardiff. Somebody posted that this was 43158’s last day in service. If it is, the power car and signal will be missed. Regards, Dennis

43016 and 43152 at St Austell with the 2U20 the 10.50 Penzance to Cardiff. 11th May 2023. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Lostwithiel - a few addtions in the former siding formation for the new signalling equipment. 11th May 2023. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

66104 running round the 6G09 - the 13.09 Lostwithiel to Fowey docks. 11th May 2023. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

43158 at Lostwithiel on the 2U24 with the 12.50 Penzance to Cardiffl. It is understood that this was this power cars last day in service. 11th )23. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Many thanks for your pictures together with details - most interesting.
My apologies for the late inclusion of your pictures, I had a rather busy day today. KJ.

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