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Items added on June 20th 2017 Those added most recently come first

20/6/2017

Two 5 car IEPs to Penzance

A first for Cornwall
It is reported that 2 Five Car IEP units will be arriving at Penzance on Thursday morning at 11.01hrs and departing again at 12.47
Full information is now shown on realtime trains

Eastleigh Freight
David Tozer

These metals to Southampton see much heavy freight 24 hours a day. Here 66501 'Japan 2001' with the 0733 Lawley Street - Southampton M.C.T. 17th June 2017. Copyright David Tozer

Four from
Roger Geach

70817 with the 1138 Moorswater to Aberthaw empties leave Coombe Jnct on Thursday 15th June 2017 Copyright Roger Geach N.B. A journey of 100 miles as the 'crow flies' but considerably more by rail.

From Three arch bridge, Totnes. 17th June 2017 Copyright Roger Geach

Three Arch Bridge is about a mile west of Totnes on the steep bank.

Zoomed right in - you can see Totnes in the distance we see 70810 on 6c97 the 1640 Westbery to Liskeard engineers train at 3 arch bridge Totnes on Saturday 17th June 1917 Copyright Roger Geach

And finally a very fine picture of 57602 1025 St Erth to Plymouth crossing Forder viaduct on the 17th June 2017 Copyright Roger Geach Trematon Castle lies in the background.

Minehead
John Cornelius

Items added on June 19th 2017 Those added most recently come first

19/6/2017

St Erth Station
On a quiet Sunday Evening
Roger Winnen

170618a St Erth Station on a quiet Sunday evening showing the temp booking office and toilet facilities whilst refurbishment of the main station buildings is ongoing. Copyright Roger Winnen

170618c With the ongoing work of re livering the 150 units these Great Western locations suggested by the locals will soon be history. Copyright Roger Winnen

170618d 153s and 150s on the 16.05 Exeter St David's- Penzance working arrive at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

170618e An unusual photograph of St Erth Signal Box viewed from the A30. Copyright Roger Winnen

Memories of the
Somerset & Dorset
Michael Forward

920724c The remains of Shillingstone Station prior to the restoration which has taken place in recent years together with the laying of track. Copyright Michael Forward

920724d Here we see the remains of the S & D bridge over the River Stour, near Sturminster Newton. What an idyllic spot this must have been when the line was opened. Copyright Michael Forward

Eastleigh
& Southampton
David Tozer

A smashing picture taken south of Eastleigh station. Eastleigh works lies to the right as do the lines to Fareham and Portsmouth. Here is 450003 leaving Eastleigh with the 11.29 Basingstoke to Poole 17th June 2017 Copyright David Tozer

377149 at Southampton with the 10.13 to London Victoria 17th June 2017 Copyright David Tozer

If anybody has 'older' pictures of the Salisbury - Southampton route and would like to share them then that is the section we'll next be covering.

Penzance 75
Roger Winnen

D1072 Western Glory arrives Penzance on the 24th May 1975 . Copyright Roger Winnen

Cranmore
John Cornelius

Items added on June 18th 2017 Those added most recently come first

18/6/2017

Chris Harvey
Near Liskeard

HST is the 0718 Penzance - Paddington, with 43130 at the sharp end, rounding the curve at Tremabe, near Dobwalls. Copyright Chris Harvey

Saturday's 2P70, hauled by 57602, captured from the footbridge west of Moorswater viaduct.. 17th June 2017 Copyright Chris Harvey

Tornado + 66
Roger Aston

Bad news travels fast, so we already knew a "66" was heading Tornado because of fire risk. So no surprise when they came into view approaching Taunton for scheduled water stop. 17th June 2017 Roger Aston

Close up as the pair pause for a drink, well for Tornado! 17th June 2017. Copyright Roger Aston.

The 'Oasis' as far as Tornado was concerned. A not often photographed but essential piece of kit. 17th June 2017 Copyright Roger Aston

A nice photograph taken at a classic location but, in my opinion not a very pleasing sight!! KJ. Picture copyright Roger Aston.

Ron Westwater
Out and about.

57602 passes Trerulefoot with the down sleeper. 17th June 2017 Copyright Ron Westwater

150246 and 153329 head the 2E74 0527 Penzance to Exeter St Davids off the Royal Albert bridge into Devon. Copyright Ron Westwater

57602 has just departed Bodmin Parkway and continues up the Glynn valley with 2P70 1028 St Erth to Plymouth. 17th June 2017 Copyright Ron Westwater

70810 heads the 6C97 16:40 Westbury to Liskeard via Lostwithiel over Moorswater Viaduct. Copyright Ron Westwater

Steam late,
HST Fire.
Ken Mumford

43004 had a fire which caused the Fire Brigade to attend. Which meant the up & down had to be shut to allow them to run their hose across the lines from west car park!
Many thanks to Ken Mumford and Colin Pidgeon for this report and pictures.

43004 on fire at Swindon 17th June 2017 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

46233 Duchess of Sutherland which arrived late at Swindon due to a fire on board 43004. 17th June 2017 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Yesterday at Bugle
What a contrast!
Roger Winnen

170617a The afternoon Cross Country service to Newquay passes through Bugle Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

170617b Taken from Molinnis Crossing the 11.30 Newquay to Paddington service passes through Bugle Station in the background. Copyright Roger Winnen

170617c Three differant liveries are seen on the 13.23 Newquay to Plymouth service. Copyright Roger Winnen

170617d The 11.35 Atlantic Coast Express is seen approaching Molinnis Crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen

170617e The rear power car of the Atlantic Coast Express clears the crossing as the train heads for Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

Summer Saturday at Bugle
19th June 1976
Roger Winnen

760619a D1023 Western Fusilier on the 09.15 Par to Newquay leaving Bugle. Copyright Roger Winnen

760619b 50040 Heads the 10.30 Newquay Paddington Train at Bugle. Copyright Roger Winnen

760619c D1023 Western Fusilier heads a return express from Newquay approaching Molinnis Crossing, Bugle. Copyright Roger Winnen

760619d A Gloucester Cross Country DMU arrives at Bugle on the 11.20 stopping service from Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

Busy Saturday
Craig Munday

A most unusual view at Hayle as 57602 framed by the trees approaches over the viaduct with the Saturday up working, 17th June 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Time for a second picture at Hayle as 57 602 paused to pick up passengers. 17th June 2017. Copyright Craig Munday

Down Cross Country at Respryn. 17th June 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

57602 at Respryn on the return working. 17th June 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Looe failure
Craig Munday

153318 failed at Looe this week, and arrangements made to assist with 150104 from main line duties. I was tasked with bringing the staff from the failed train back to Coombe no. 1 ground frame to allow the assisting unit on to the single line. One of the few occasions when the staff does NOT remain with the failed train. The three detonators certainly made a racket across the river at Looe as the assisting unit approached. Cheers Craig.
Many thanks Craig - it's great to have a report such as this from you.

A smashing shot from a privilaged position as Craig Munday views the scene at Looe on the 15th June 2017. Copyright Craig Munday

Plymouth
John Cornelius

An everyday scene in those days becomes a classic as John Cornelius captures a class 22 with van in tow just about to pass Plymouth station. In the background can be seen the arches of Cornwall Junction Viaduct. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on June 17th 2017 Those added most recently come first

17/6/2017

Today on the WSR
Roger Aston

D 1661 NORTH STAR awaiting departure from Bishops Lydeard with 11.05 service to Minehead. Prior to preservation this loco also carried at various times the numbers 47077, 47613 and 47841. 17th June 2017 Copyright Roger Aston

Bristol bus type that I used to travel on from Penryn to Falmouth many many years ago. But of course they were green Western National. 17th June 2017 Copyright Roger Aston

46233 DUCHESS OF SUTHERLAND arriving in Bishops Lydeard with 1Z24 from Solihull about an hour late having rerouted via Oxford and Swindon due to Gauging problem in Cheltenham and then being delayed by a fire in the Swindon area. 17th June 2017 Copyright Roger Aston

Wadebridge Event
A report by
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith, please find attached photographs of an event held in Wadebridge Town Hall, today, the 17th June 2017, titled 'Sir Williams Bright Idea' by Nicola Wills.
A drama was enacted, to a packed audience, in 4 scenes depicting the inception of the Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway from 1810 to 1834.
There were a number of stands including a very realistic N gauge layout of Wadebridge station.
A good time was had by all !
Best wishes Andrew
Many thanks, Andrew, for this very interesting report.

The actors - Wadebridge 17th June 2017. Copyright Andrew Jones.

'The Audience' at Wadebridge. 17th June 2017. Copyright Andrew Jones

What better depiction of Wadebridge station could you want other than this very realistic model? Picture copyright Andrew Jones

One of the stands depicting the demolition of the line, this photograph is copyright of Andrew Jones. The copyright of individual pictures is not known, however well worth looking at. 17th June 2017.

Redruth Footbridge
Roy Hart

Dear Keith, I know little about St Erth footbridge beyond what you say. However... dld you know the story of Redruth footbridge? In the mid-1960s, the newly-renamed 'British Rail' established its new blue and grey corporate image and Redruth station was (I think) the first in the county to get the treatment. The footbridge carried the legend '1888' together with some decorative metal scrollwork. This was all stripped off and scrapped because it did not match with the image of a modern, go-ahead railway, leaving ugly scars and holes on the bridge. So it remained until 28th September 1987, when the bridge was listed (together with the down side waiting room , also 1888). English Heritage listing 66866. Rapid replacement of metal and scrollwork with replicas. Well, would you believe it! Roy

Redruth Footbridge on the 13th February 1993 Copyright Mike Roach

A very old picture of Redruth showing the same footbridge. Note the short down platform, the siding behind the platform and the still existent down platform building. From the Paddy Bradley Collection Copyright

The 'scrolls' referred to in the article above.are seen here, taken this morning - the sushine although very pleasant for Redruth's Murdoch Day made pictures a little difficult. This is the view on the'tunnel side' on the up platform. 11.00 17th June 2017 KJ

Swindon '64
John Cornelius

Items added on June 16th 2017 Those added most recently come first

16/6/2017

Todays WSR Pictures
Roger Aston

53808 with the 12.35 off Minehead runs into Stogumber Copyright Roger Aston 16th June 2017

7808 Dinmore Manor leaves Williton with the 14.30 ex Minehead. Copyright Roger Aston 16th June 2017

53808 with the return working drops down into Williton Copyright Roger Aston 16th June 2017

Many thanks Roger

SOME NOTES ON THE CORNWALL RESIGNALLING, PHASE 1.
Many thanks to Roy Hart for these very interesting notes.

In 1948, at the time of nationalisation, there were no less than eight signal boxes between Camborne and Drump Lane, Redruth (nine if North Crofty is counted). Between Drump Lane and Truro were four more. Thus, it was possible to have many trains in transit between Camborne and Truro; some of the block sections were very short, but line capacity was enough to sustain the variety of passenger, perishable, mail and freight traffic which characterised the Cornish main line.
By 1970, when Camborne box closed, there were still four block sections between Roskear and Truro, plus the IBS at Baldhu: theoretically, five trains could be held in transit between Camborne and Truro.
Today, Roskear Junction Up Home signal, at the end of Camborne up platform, is the last ‘stop’ signal before Truro Up Home, near Penwithers: one train capacity! In the down direction, Baldhu IBS (Intermediate Block Signals –in effect an extra block section) remains, controlled by Truro, which permits two trains between Truro and Roskear, with a third train at Camborne station.
The new plan, for which the contract has been let, is for the installation of an OCS (One Control Switch) panel at Roskear Junction, which will control a series of (mostly) 2-aspect colour light signals between Baldhu and Hayle. At present, the Roskear Junction signals are controlled by individual switches on the shelf –a leftover from when the old (1895) lever frame was condemned, having failed a test of the interlocking some years back. The OCS panel combines signal switches with visual display whereby the signaller will have a display of all movements between Truro (exclusive) and St Erth (exclusive). Truro and St Erth will retain their present signalling for now.
The original master plan was for the entire Cornish main line, along with Bristol, Westbury, Exeter and Plymouth panel boxes in their entirety, to be absorbed by the new Thames Valley Signalling Centre at Didcot; it now seems more likely that a modified Exeter panel will eventually take over the work of the existing Exeter panel, plus Plymouth panel and the remaining seven boxes in Cornwall.

Roy Hart

Many thanks indeed Roy for your reminders of the past and a glimpse of the future.

GWR IEP
Hitachi Azuma
John Simmons

Good afternoon,
I have not contributed before but thought some pictures I have taken today 15 June of the new Hitachi Azuma 800 trains may be of interest.
Today (15th June 2017) at Taunton, 2 test trains from London/Swindon to Taunton in full GWR livery arrived almost together.
Set 800003 named Queen Elizabeth 11 one end & Queen Victoria the other end
Set 800004 named Isambard Kingdom Brunel one end & Sir Daniel Gooch the other end
I managed to take some interior shots through the windows, it looks mostly various shades of grey.

Regards John Simons
PS I enjoy what I see on your website.

Many thanks John, and welcome to the website.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel IEC at Taunton 15th June 2017 Copyright John Simmons

Sir Daniel Gooch IEC at Taunton 15th June 2017 Copyright John Simmons

Through the window, the IEC at Taunton 15th June 2017 Copyright John Simmons

Queen Victoria IEC at Taunton 15th June 2017 Copyright John Simmons

Queen Elizabeth 2 IEC at Taunton 15th June 2017 Copyright John Simmons

Weymouth Shed
John Cornelius

Items added on June 15th 2017 Those added most recently come first

15/6/2017

The Somerset & Dorset Railway in 1992
Michael Forward

920724a The trackbed of the Somerset & Dorset Railway looking towards Wincanton on 24th July, 1992. Copyright Michael Forward

920724b The pretty station of Wellow and its approaches taken the same day. Copyright Michael Forward

Taunton
John Cornelius

Items added on June 14th 2017 Those added most recently come first

14/6/2017

A Rare Event as D6757 hauls a test train to St Ives in daylight hours
Photographs by Andrew Triggs and Roger Winnen

This train was the 3Q52 22.29 Exeter Riverside to Penzance via Gunnislake to Penzance then St Ives before returning to Penzance. (The section between Bere Alston to Gunnislake was omitted)

170614d At 05.45 the train is seen going away through Lelant Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

170614zi D6757 Heads through the quiet station of Lelant. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170614i D6757 Arrives at St Ives, its 06.08. Copyright Roger Winnen

170614zh Departure from St Ives as the train crosses Porthminster Viaduct. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170614q The train is seen stabled at Penzance during the long hours of daylight. Copyright Roger Winnen

More photographs will be found in the features pages of this train

The Railway at Bude
What little remains today!
Roger Winnen

Having not been to Bude for many years I decided to plan a trip using public transport via Liskeard, Launceston to Bude and returning via Plymouth. Travel via Liskeard is only available Mondays to Fridays. Group Travel Route 236 Opposite Liskeard Station adjacent to the Stag Inn 11.27 Launceston Westgate Street 12.15 then Stagecoach Route 6a from Westgate Street at 12.30 arriving Bude Strand 13.12. Return from Bude Strand at 15.20 on Plymouth City Bus 12b route arriving at Plymouth Railway Station at 17.52 On Saturdays the only route available is via Plymouth.

170612a Narrow gauge rails at Bude where sand was conveyed in trucks and transported into barges. Copyright Roger Winnen

170612b The lockgates to the Bude Canal, at the lower level to the left was the narrow gauge tramway to move the sand. Copyright Roger Winnen

170612c This bridge once carried the railway to the wharves at Bude leaving the main line on entry to the railway Station, it is now the cycleway.. Copyright Roger Winnen

170612d About the Bude nature reserve and the Railways of Bude, showing the Railway Station top right which closed in 1966 Copyright Roger Winnen

170612e Bullied Way built on the site of the old Bude Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

170612f A plaque in Bullied Way to Celebrate 100 years since the line was opened in 1898. Copyright Roger Winnen

170612g Another Plaque which reads Station Clock commemorating 25 years since the building of Bullied Way Estate on the site of the Railway Station in 2010

New Signalling on Cornish Main Line
Roy Hart and Nigel Tregoning

Dear Keith, I note from Network Rail's site and elsewhere, that the contract for phase 1 of the Cornwall resignalling has been let to Atkins Engineering. The contract is worth 9 million and is for the St Erth - Truro section. It is designed to facilitate 2 trains per hour west of Plymouth from December 2018 and includes the provision of '12 new signals and the upgrading of 7 level crossings'. I believe that this will take the form of extra signals controlled from Roskear Junction by a miniature panel there. http://www.railstaff.uk/2017/06/12atki...cornwall/ Once on this website click into UK Rail News and scroll down All the best, Roy
Many thanks to you Roy and also to Nigel Tregoning who also advised us of this interesting development.

Semaphores
Andrew Jones

Andrew sends us a couple of reminders of Exeter St Davids in the 1980 and very recent pictures of semaphores which are fortunately still in use on a preserved railway. This railway is really out of our area of coverage. Nevertheless Andrew, many thanks.

Exeter in 1980 - the middle box still in use. Red Cow Level Crossing remains in use to this day - still protected by a railway official. 1980. Copyright Andre Jones

2857 passes the starter at Bewdley. 7th June 2017. Copyright Andrew Jones

A profusion of lovely semaphores at Bewdley - 7th June 2017. Copyright Andrew Jones

West Somerset
Gala June 2017
John Ball & John Cornelius

Put aside for a day or two during the diesel gala. Copyright John Cornelius.

For more pictures of this busy weekend see Features - click here

Taunton
John Cornelius

Items added on June 13th 2017 Those added most recently come first

13/6/2017

Blackpool Dries at Burngullow
Looking rather rundown since its closure!
Roger Winnen

There is no drying or loading of China Clay at Burngullow these days. The only trains to pass by the complex are racks of CDAs etc and Cargo Vans from Parkandillack and Kernick Dries at Treviscoe. Since the withdrawal of the Silver Bullets to Scotland, Blackpool Dries has ceased to operate. Those large silos at the end of the complex have never been used, and word has it that £1,000,000 would be needed to demolish them.

170612a Burngullow with its massive silos which have never been used. Copyright Roger Winnen

170612b Vegetation is taking over at the site. Copyright Roger Winnen

Tornado
Secret Movement
Guy Vincent

60163 Tornado at Westbury 10th June 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Brand New at
Bristol
Guy Vincent

Hello Keith, I happened to be at Temple Meads at just the right time yesterday (9th) to catch sight of one of the new Class 800 Hitachi super express trains currently being built and delivered for GWR. This one (800003) was on a Bristol-Taunton-Bristol-Swindon demonstration and training run and, fortunately for me, it was running late enabling a couple of photos to be grabbed before it departed eastwards. Obviously it was working on diesel power but was surprisingly quiet. You can see that the general theme of the older Voyagers and Pendolinos has been continued in the design of the exterior, and especially that of the 1990s Eurostar and later class 395 'Javelin' sets. Before too long these will be in everyday service and the HSTs will start disappearing fast. Time to get out and start recording them before they go! Guy V
Many thanks indeed Guy.

Bristol Temple Meads The new order poses in the form of 800003 on the 9th June 2017 A super picture by Copyright Guy Vincent

800003 departs east from Bristol Temple Meads on the 9th June 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury loses 08
Guy Vincent

Keith, Worth bringing to your notice is that the last remaining class 08 shunter at Westbury, 08799, departed by road on the morning of Wednesday 7th for further storage at the East Kent Railway. Now owned by the Harry Needle Railway Co. it was stored by previous owners DB Cargo in December 2015. This was because it was due for a D exam however this was not authorised as the freight company decided to dispense with their shunter fleet and use mainline locos for such duties instead. To the best of my knowledge this means Westbury is without a class 08 shunter for the first time in about 60 years.
Two pics attached, one taken in March 2017 when 08799 was stored at the end of a siding in Westbury's 'new sidings' on the down side, and the second grabbed from the window of a passing train on the morning of June 7th, just a couple of hours before it was loaded for removal to Kent.
Guy V Many thanks Guy.

08799 at sidings end at Westbury on the 5th March 2017 Copyright Guy Vibcent

A shot grabbed from a moving train as 08799 stands in Westbury Up Yard a couple of hours before departure on the 7th June 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Dunball Wharf
Brian Pibworth

Good Afternoon Keith,
My eye was caught by a recent item, from Colin Burges, regarding Dunball Wharf.
In 2008 we were travelling North on the M5 when we saw what appeared to be a ship's bridge and accommodation standing behind a hedge, We thought this might be a left-over carnival cart (dinosaurs and camels are not unknown in this area!) but a bit of map work pointed strongly to Dunball Wharf and an unloading dredger.
We returned the next week and took this shot from the West bank of the Parrett, of "Arco Dart" unloading between tides. We've never seen another ship from the motorway and are not even sure how often the wharf is used for this traffic.
With kind regards, Brian
Thank you Brian, We're not really into 'ships' - however it is very interesting to know the wharf is still in use and we like your comments re dinosaurs.

Williton
John Cornelius

Items added on June 12th 2017 Those added most recently come first

12/6/2017

The Crazy world of our Privatised Railway
David Tozer

Nothing unusual about a 158 at Pinhoe, except this was the 08.52 Salisbury TRSMD to Loughborough (Brush) with 158885 via Exeter!!!!!! It will be of interest as to the livery it is given whilst at Brush!

170612a 158885 at Pinhoe. Copyright David Tozer

Night Riviera at Saveock.
By Mick House.

This mornings Night Riviera was photographed passing Saveock crossing and under Saveock bridge at 08.14 and was top and tailed by 57 602 Restormel Castle and
57 603 Tintagel Castle.
Words by Mick House.

57 602 is about to traverse Saveock crossing. Copyright Mick House.

57 602 is about to pass under Saveock bridge. Copyright Mick House.

57 603 bringing up the rear and is about to pass under Saveock bridge. Copyright Mick House.

Earl Mountbatten of Burma
John Cornelius

Items added on June 11th, 2017. Those added most recently comes first

11/6/2017

Class 46 Passing Athelney
John Cornelius

Quite a Unique Train
The 10.28 St Erth to Plymouth
Andrew Triggs Roger Winnen

This train is formed from the day coaches from the Night Riviera to Penzance on the Saturday morning. After backing its train to Long Rock depot the train is split with the engine running around to attach to the three day coaches. In previous years this train has run as empty stock to Par where it commenced a service to Plymouth. However this year the train runs as empty stock from Long Rock Depot to St Erth and makes the 10.28 departure to Plymouth then it forms the 13.35 to Exeter St David's before returning as the 17.50 Exeter St David's to Penzance.
A very nice train to travel on with Buffet Facilities, well recommended by the railway enthusiasts.

170610h 57605 Totnes Castle arrives at St Erth with the 10.28 St Erth-Plymouth service. Copyright Roger Winnen

170610e 57605 Totnes Castle with the veg express rumbling over Hayle Viaduct viewed from the steps of the up Platform. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170610f After a mad dash to the overbridge at the east end of Hayle Station 57605 is seen departing. Copyright Andrew Triggs

170619g Up the bank she goes in the 'Cornish Mizzle' Copyright Andrew Triggs

170611i 57605 Totnes Castle stands as the centre piece in Plymouth Station after arriving from St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen -

170610j 57605 departs Plymouth Station on the second leg of its journey at 13.35 to Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

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Night Riviera at Saveock.
By Mick House.