Blog Archives

30th June 2023

30/6/2023

Around the Clay District
Roger Winnen

After arriving at Par yesterday morning I bumped into an old friend Tony Shore from the West Midlands who gave me a guided tour around the area photographing the interesting workings of the day
Many Thanks Tony! its most appreciated. Roger

230629a 66154 arrives at Par on the 11.47 Parkandillack to Exeter Riverside freight via St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

230629b 66154 runs around its train at Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

230629c 66154 Prepairs to push back to gain access to St Blazey Depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

230629d 802010 Working the 11.18 Newquay to London Paddington arrives at St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

230629e 66104 arrives at Middleway Crossing with the 13.02 Goonbarrow to Fowey Carne Point. Copyright Roger Winnen

230629f At Middleway. Copyright Roger Winnen

230629g The clay is seen climbing at Treesmill on route to Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen

230629h The clay has now arrived at Golant a pretty spot on the Fowey Estuary Copyright Roger Winnen

230629i DB 66104 at Golant. Copyright Roger Winnen

230629j The clay heads for Carne Point. Copyright Roger Winnen

230629k 66154 Departs St Blazey for Exeter Riverside with a load of 11 nacco wagons seen at Stoneybridge near Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks to Roger and Tony.

Totton
Mick House

47 727 Edinburgh Castle and 66 717 Good Old Boy passing Totton.
A report by Mick House.
On Tuesday 27th June I photographed 47 727 Edinburgh Castle running light loco, note the modifications to the front of the loco to accommodate the new 701 units also on the rear, forming the 0Z86, 08.34 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D passing me 08.54 as it traversed Totton level crossing (photo 1) and again forming the 5Q86, 12.35 (running 66 early at 11.29) Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs passing me at 13.13, with a brand new 701 042 ten car Arterio unit in South Western Railway livery (photo 2).
The same day I photographed 66 717 Good Old Boy with two cargo wagons forming the 6O45, 07.24 (running 9 late at 07.33) Kineton Mod Gbrf to Marchwood Mod Gbrf passing me as she came off the main line at Totton yard (running 26 early at 10.34) on to the Totton Fawley Loops and headed down the Fawley branch (photo 3) and again on its return passing Totton station with a mix of wagons forming the 3F03 12.18 (running 30 late at 12.48) Marchwood Mod Gbrf to Kineton Mod Gbrf passing me at 13.06 (photo 4).
Photo 5 Totton Station image for the achieve.

Photo 1 Totton crossing - 27th June 2023. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 2 Totton 27th June 2023 Copyright Mick House.

Photo 3 Totton 27th June 2023 Copyright Mick House.

Photo 4 Totton 27th June 2023 Copyright Mick House.

Photo 5 Totton station. 27th June 2023 Copyright Mick House.

Many thanks indeed for your report Mick - the links you have provided are indeed very valuable and well worth persuing.

Driver change at
Exeter St Davids
Phil Smith

The driver of 43009 leaves hi charge and heads for his next train or home be that as it may, 2002. Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks Phil.

29th June 2023

29/6/2023

Please note - this item and others published during the period April to September 2023 have and will be repeated in 'Extracts from the diary of a lifetime enthusiast. Michael L. Roach'. Please click here.

1962 Part 28
Yeovil - Dorchester
Michael L. Roach

Yeovil – Dorchester Line
In the last part I was leaving the railway bridge just east of Honiton Tunnel at about 2.15pm to continue on the journey eastwards towards the Somerset & Dorset. Next stop was at Chetnole on the Yeovil to Dorchester line. The line was built by the Great Western after taking over the Wilts, Somerset & Weymouth Railway which ran out of money, and opened to Weymouth in January 1857. Chetnole Halt opened in September 1933 and is still open 90 years later – a remarkable survivor when the next station to the south, Evershot, serving a much larger and important village closed in October 1966. In 1962 Chetnole had two platforms on a double track main line still carrying express passenger trains from Paddington to Weymouth and perishable trains of potatos, tomatoes and flowers from Weymouth Quay to the Midlands. When I returned to Chetnole in 2012 it retained a single platform on a single line carrying dmus only; and is a request stop used by 3,000 passengers pre-covid. I moved on northwards to Yetminster then a fully functioning staffed station with signal boxh, but now also a single platform unstaffed halt used by 7,700 passengers pre-covid. Next station was Thornford Bridge Halt now a single platform used by 3,500 pre-covid. The three villages are one, two and three miles off the A37 from Dorchester to Yeovil and it could be the difficulty and time involved in providing a bus service along the narrow roads that has led to the survival of the three unstaffed halts.
256 words

MLR / 22 June 2023

7175 The up platform at Chetnole Halt looking north from the road into the village on 29 June 1962.. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7176 The down platform at Chetnole. The halt was built by the GWR in 1933 but was painted in Southern green and cream in 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7177 Yetminster Station showing the down platform and station masters house. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7178 The up platform at Yetminster, also painted in green and cream. Copyright Michel L. Roach.

7179 Thornford Bridge Halt looking north towards Yeovil and showing the down side only. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7180 The up platform seen from the road bridge. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks Michael - now for Part 29.

Droning around, a new perpective
Stoke Canon and Staffords Bridge
Paul Barlow

43239 43378 passes Stoke Canon on 0611 Leeds to Plymouth 1V44 28th June 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow. Note the rear of the train is just passing Stoke Canon box.

GWR Castle HST43004 43154 pass over Staffords Bridge on 0900 Cardiff to Penzance 28 June 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many many thanks Paul.- your aerial views add a new dimension to our pictures at these locations.

A trip to St Ives
James Bown

Hi Keith An enjoyable journey by HST from Bodmin Parkway to St Erth today thence on to St Ives. I was reminded just how comfortable these trains are compared with their successors ! The ultimate in comfort however was to be enjoyed with a journey to Bodmin Parkway on the return leg. What happened to progress? Best wishes James Bown.

A nicely framed shot taken at Bodmkin Parkway. 28th June 2023. Copyright James Bown

I think we all agree with your sentiments James - comfort on the railways seems to be a thing of the past. Many thanks for your picture.

A recent short journey on the Helston Railway emphasised what comfort really is!

28th June 2023

28/6/2023

1962 Part 27
Honiton Bank
Michael L. Roach

On 29 June 1962 I set out by car for the Somerset & Dorset line. The route to Exeter was along the A38 which in 1962 was very different to today's Devon Expressway which is dual carriageway the whole way. The only places to have a bypass in 1962 were Buckfastleigh and Ashburton – both were single carriageway and very necessary and built pre 1939 ? In 1962 the A38 went through the middle of Plympton, Ivybridge, Bittaford, Wrangaton and Chudleigh. At Exeter I turned on to the A30 to Honiton and there on to the A35 which is unchanged to this day as it strikes uphill out of Honiton. After just 2 miles I turned off to the north on a minor road and went down to the Southern main line just to the east of Honiton Tunnel where a road bridge gave a good open view of the double-track in 1962 in contrast to today's tree-lined single-track. It was just over a quarter of a mile to the east end of Honiton Tunnel; and at the west end was the summit of the 7-mile climb of Honiton Bank mostly at a gradient of 1 in 80.
I was on this bridge to see another time-limited named train “The Atlantic Coast Express.” The steam-age ACE outlived the Pines Express by just two years with the last ACE running on 5 September 1964 with the end of the summer timetable. The name Atlantic Coast Express would be revived by First Great Western some 44 years later for a summer only Paddington to Newquay HST-operated train. I saw 3 passenger trains pass before moving on after an hour. The three engines were from three different classes and two different sheds. I returned to this bridge just once on 14 August 1966 to see a railtour come up the bank. Unfortunately the engine disgraced itself by stopping short of steam on the bank; but fortunately for me and the others gathered on the bridge it stopped just in front of us about 100 yards away. The engine was A2 number 60532 “Blue Peter” on a railtour from Waterloo to Exeter and return via Taunton. The train was already running an hour late before it stalled, and the load was just nine coaches.

MLR / 21 June 2023

7172 It is 1.30pm on Friday 29 June 1962 and Merchant Navy 35014 “Nederland Line” of Nine Elms Shed storms up the 1 in 80 gradient with 12C on the 11.00am from Waterloo; i.e The Atlantic Coast Express. Copuright Michael L. Roach.

7173 Battle of Britain light pacific 34076 “41 Squadron” of Exmouth Junction Shed comes down the gradient from Honiton Tunnel with three coaches and two vans.

7174 Ivatt 2MT 2-6-2 tank 41299 comes up the bank with three coaches on a local train at 2.06pm. The engine had spent its first ten years from new (1951-1961) at Bricklayers Arms before coming to Exmouth Junction 17 months before the picture was taken. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks Michael - we very much look forward to your part 28 as you journey on towards the Somerset and Dorset.

The Seaton Branch
Colin Burges

Just click on the link below and Colin will take on a very detailed, as usual, report on his visit to the Seaton branch - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

In my ramble along the Seaton Branch, I learnt of the ancient Colyton Feoffees.

https://www.teignrail.co.uk/scouting/82-seaton-branch/

The tramway is a great deal of fun, especially in glorious sunshine. I had a car to myself most of the way to Colyton. All the waiting motorists waved as we crossed the road at Colyford.

Mention of the tramway's project manager who kindly provided a day's entertainment for the Teign Valley some years ago, reminded me of his penchant for big diesel engines. He told me how far he had travelled in the engine room of a Class 50 on the Salisbury line.

Cheers, Colin Burges.

Many thanks Colin - as usual very good and very interesting.

27th June 2023

27/6/2023

Tallicks Cossing
Chris Harvey

The date is 17th June 2006 and the location is Tallicks Crossing, between Chacewater and Truro.

The 1356 Penzance - Paddington is captured with a long lens, moving away from the camera, and topping the steep climb up from Chacewater.

Best Regards, Chris Harvey, Bodmin

Tallicks Crossing. 17th June 2006. Copyright Chris Harvey

,I, KJ, must admit to never having heard of it despte being local. However using Goggle - what a wondeful source, I found the following.

Crossing Data

Name: Tallicks
Crossing Type: Public Footpath Crossing with Whistleboards
Location: Chacewater CP
Postcode: TR4 8PB
Route: Western
ELR: MLN3
Distance: 305 miles 33 chains

Individual risk rating: C ()
Collective risk rating: 7 (Moderate)
Last assessment: January 2020
Next assessment due: April 2022
Types of trains: Passenger & Freight
Line speed: 60
Trains per day: 67
Usage:
- 2 Pedestrians or Cyclists
Misuse history: Nil incidents in year prior to assessment date (Jul-2014), - Nil incidents since.
Near-miss history: Nil incidents in year prior to assessment date (Jul-2014), - Nil incidents since.
Accident history: Nil incidents in year prior to assessment date (Jul-2014), - Nil incidents since.
Key risk factors:
- Frequent Trains
Crossing protection arrangements:
- Signage
- Gates or stiles
- Whistle boards provided on the rail approaches - train horn audible warning given (06:00 to 23:59)

Location Data

Civil Parish/community: Chacewater
Unitary Authority Electoral Division (UTE): Chacewater, Kenwyn and Baldhu
Unitary Authority: Cornwall Council
European Region: South West
UK Parliament Constituency: Truro and Falmouth

Notes

Individual Risk Rating is the risk to invidual users of the crossing. It is presented as a single letter, with A being the highest risk and M being the lowest.
Collective Risk Rating is the overall risk of any incident involving any person or vehicle on the crossing, including train staff and passengers as well as users of the crossing. It is presented as a number, with 1 being the highest risk and 13 being the lowest. This is the most important rating when prioritising safety measures at level crossings.

Quite a considerable amount of information logged despite it only being used by two people per day. Many thanks to Chris for having drawn the crossing to my attention.

Dawlish
Martin Scane

Unusually Martin who often sends up pictures from Redruth, Plymouth, Westbury and Bristol stopped spending a few days off at Dawlish and was there on Saturday the 24th June and sent us the pictures below taken on a beauriful but 'baking hot' day.

Please click on a picture to obtain an enlargement - all the pictures are by Martin Scane Copyright,

Many thanks Martin - looks like you had a very good time.

Saturday Rush Hour
Neil Phillips

Hi Keith,

Thanks to the CRS website I made sure I went to see the two 47s and two 69s on Saturday. My photo aspirations didn’t work out as planned, never mind the delays apparently caused by a points failure at Laira (nice timing......not) – I got a couple of reasonable shots of the 47s from Par station footbridge but an up train to Paddington was scheduled around the time the 69s were due, so to avoid the possibility of being ‘view-blocked’ I moved to the palm tree on Platform 1, which was also the sunny side. The 69s got there first but instead of slowing for the scheduled stop they accelerated through the station, catching out my slow-witted phone camera. Time-saving measure, by all accounts. I had decided not to try the road bridge (where I’d have found myself standing next to Alan Peters!) because I have some safety concerns about the blind corner and lack of a pavement on that side.

I went home and came back again for the return performances. This time it was the 47s which caught me out by passing 8 minutes early – I was still on the path alongside the line! (I knew I shouldn’t have had that second cup of tea....!) Never mind, it was the 69s I wanted to record this time and it was mission accomplished from the platform, on the sunny side.......and Roger W caught me in the act from the bridge, that’s me in the blue shorts! (That’s the second time I’ve been snapped in two months!)

Roger discovered, as I have done in the past, that Par’s up starter signal is awkwardly placed for photography from the bridge – but I’ll still miss it when it’s gone. I’ll miss the down starter alongside the path even more, and I noticed that morning that a concrete pad with mounting bolts for its colour light replacement has just been installed in front of it.

It looks like you don’t need my photos, you have plenty, taken by those with better camera equipment! This was the first time I’d seen 69s and it appears that their reliability must now be judged good enough to send them this far – for the second time this month too! I wonder if we’ll ever see 68s down here (again? – I think they have in the past?)

I think that, when the A391 link road from here to the A30, and the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross roadworks have been completed, making getting from Par to Redruth much easier, I’ll look at becoming a proper member (although I haven’t forgotten that John Roberts has ‘scheduled a meeting’ at some point later this year......!)

Best regards,
Neil

Thanks for you letter Neil - as Roger knows chasing trains is a chancy businessl Maybe the Bernard Mills evening on the14th October might be a good time to catch up on 'olde times'!!

The returning Pathfinder special runs through Par. Copyright Roger Winnen. Neil Phillips is to the right of the photo in blue shorts.

Thanks Neil and Roger

26th June 2023

26/6/2023

Penzance Mazey Day
24th June 2024

The Pathfinder special at Dobwalls. Copyright Jon Hird

The Pathfinder Special crosses St Pinnock Viaduct on route to Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam

230624b Double Headed 47s at St Erth on the Statesman. Copyright Roger Winnen

For a full report on Penzance Mazey Day Click Here to go into Steam & Diesel Railtours Features

Dawlish Footbridge
Progress report
Chris Bellett

Another photograph for the CRS website if you wish. Taken on Saturday 24th June 2023 at approximately 1647 hours, showing the new concrete footbridge under construction at Dawlish station looking East with the 1615 Paignton to Exmouth in the platform formed by unit 150219.
Take Care, Chris Bellett, Retired S&T Engineer, CRS Member.

Dawlish Footbridge. 16.47 on Saturday 24th June 2023. The 16.15 Paignton to Exmouth formed of unit 150219. at the platform. Copyright Chris Bellett

Many thanks Chris.

A new world for us to see as Paul exercises his Drone at
Exeter
Paul Barlow

Exciting new views for us all

43156 43155 1820 Exeter to Penzance leaving Exeter St Davids 25th June 2023

Super picture - very many thanks indeed Paul we all look forward to seeing things from a new angle.

7029's progress through
Swindon
Ken Mumford and Colin Pidgeon

When 7029 returned through Swindon, it stopped on the UML for about ten minutes for two IETs to pass.

Colin Pidgeon and I decided that we would pool,our photos to send to others.

[1] and [2] The sun shines on 7029 - both these taken by Colin.

[3] Colin got a much better photo of the nameplate.
[4] Steam pressure builds up as 7029 waits for a clear road eastwards - Ken's photo.

[5] Anglicans would call this photo - ANCIENT and MODERN after a hymnbook they used in the 1950s! Ken's photo - a difficult one to take.

[6] Ken's try at a portrait photo of 7029 - what a try!

[7] 7029 sets off with a loud exhaust note from its double chimney - Ken's photo.

and NOT the expected steam blastng out of all four cylinders just this 'whimper?' Ken's photo.

[8] It was qutie difficult to get a going-away shot as there were so many folk all trying to get a photo of a loco that had been built at the nearby Swindon Works around 1950. - Ken's shot.

[9] At the rear of the train was a class 47 diesel-electric which seemed to be just ticking over. It was interestng to note that when Flying Scotsman pulled away from Swindon a few weeks ago, the class 47 at the rear was really working hard to help the A3. Interesting indeed! Ken's photo

Pictures go left to right then down. Please Click on a picture to enlarge it. All copyright Ken Mumford and colin Pidgeon as specified.

Many thanks Ken and Colin - sorry it's a day late.

25th June 2023

25/6/2023

Clun Castle welcomed to the West Somerset Railway
Martin Duff

Morning Roger, Further afield yesterday we welcomed Clun Castle to the WSR, supported by 47773. I was afternoon shift in Bishops Lydeard signal box and here and some photographs. The train was worked over the branch by 2 WSR manors while the castle was turned and serviced at Norton Fitzwarren. In addition, visiting class 25 D7659 turned up on a service train. No photographs I’m afraid, wrong side for the light and duties prevented getting over.

Photos Copyright Martin Duff

Many Thanks Martin

Around Mazey Day in Somerset
Martin Duff

Morning Roger, Saturday June 24 was the day the just kept giving! Glorious sunshine and plenty of rail interest. Ahead of an afternoon working the WSR I jumped on my bike and cycled out to Starcross for breakfast (highly recommend any outlet run by Teign Bean), and then back to the bridge at Powderham where about 25 photographers were on site. First up was a pair of 47’s which were soon to be held at Newton Abbot while a points failure on the outskirts of Plymouth was put right. Once these passed, I moved closer to Turf Locks for the second train. I’m no fanatic of the modified class 56 (sic) yet the corporate blue coaching stock was the draw for me on this one. This train was recessed at Newton Abbot platform 1 alongside the 47’s waiting the road to Plymouth. Passengers were able to stretch their legs - indeed one photograph I’d seen taken beneath the canopies, you could be forgiven for thinking a beer festival was in session! A slight lull allowed time to reach Exminster on the bridge by the nature reserve. A few families and others were gathered here for the A4. While waiting, celebrity HST 43184 worked up on a short formed (1 TGS and 1 first class) empty stock move to Doncaster. I couldn’t help but wonder why one or two, with obviously very specialist camera equipment chose to position on the wrong side for the light - there was plenty of room on the downside and the light was perfect (Craig would approve 👍). Moments later the A4 went west toward Dawlish on its way to Torbay. Inter City executive livery 47828 was on the back. I later signalled the A4 light back into Bishops Lydeard (arrived 19.52) once she’d been removed from 1Z28 at Taunton. A great morning out with a compendium of classic liveries putting in an appearance in a short time. It’ll be a while before we see anything like this again. Slightly off topic, but nearby - the new Marsh Barton station opens on Tuesday July 4, plenty of information on the Devon Council website. Cheers for now,

Martin Duff

Thanks very much Martin

A very busy day
Bill Elston

As Bill Elston reports it was an extremely busy day and also extremley hot day. Roger Winnen, our faithfull reporter and keen photographer was out all day and said that he wouldn't be putting anything on until this morning. There were actually more than four railtours so if we've got our 47's and 69's a bit out of order somewhere please excuse us. Many thanks for all your contributions.

Busy day today with four railtours.

Photo 1) 1Z64, Solihul - PZ, with 47805 and 47614, passing Bathpool

Photo 2) 1Z69, Tame Bridge Parkway - PZ, with 69005 AND 69006 , also at Bathpool.

Photo 3) 1Z27, Shrewsbury - Kingswear, with A4 no. 60007, passing Norton Fitzwarren.

Photo 4) 1Z10, Birmingham Snow Hill - Bishops Lydeard, with Castle Class no. 7029 CLUN CASTLE. at Norton Fitzwarren

Photo 5) 47773, bringing up the rear of the above

Photo 6) 43184 + 43285, stock move from LA to Doncaster Works

Photo One - 47805 + 47614, 24th June 2023 Copyright Bill Elston.

Photo Two. 69005+006, 24th June 2023. Copyright Bill Elston

Photo three - 60007, 24th June 2023. Copyright Bill Elston

Photo Four - 7029, 24th June 2023. Copyright Bill Elston

Photo 5 - 47773, 24th June 2023. Copyright Bill Elston

43184, 24th June 2023 Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks for your report Bill, to find the growing collection for 24th June please click here - and again many thanks to all of you.

5042 on the B & W
Jon Hird

Hi Keith and Roger,
As well as todays railtours, 50042 was out and about on the BWR. Some shots attached for you!
All the best, Jon Hird

A smashing shot of 50042 at Bodmin Parkway 24th June 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

50042 en route. 24th June 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

50042 at Boscarne 24th June 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

50042 en route. 24th June 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks Jon. You also sent some smashing shots of yesterdays railtours at Respryn and Dobwalls.

24th June 2023

24/6/2023

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 26
A trip to Somerset & Dorset Introduction
Michael L. Roach

At the end of June 1962 I made my first longer trip of the year – a two day trip to the Somerset and Dorset line from Bath to Bournemouth. It was my first visit to the line, although I had passed through Templecombe on a Salisbury to Exeter train several times in the previous two years. The visit was prompted by the news in the Spring of 1962 that “The Pines Express” was to be diverted away from the line with the start of the winter timetable in September 1962. The Pines was the only named train on the S & D and ran from Manchester to Bournemouth every weekday but in the future would travel via Oxford and Reading.
For this trip I would travel to the S & D by car to give some flexiblilty in where we stayed and the order we did things in an endeavour to travel over all the remaining parts of the S & D that were still open to passengers in 1962. My friend had lived and worked in Plymouth until about 12 months earlier but now lived and worked in London. He would join me at Templecombe. I left home in Plymouth mid-morning on Friday 29 June 1962 and made my way leisurely eastwards stopping at several places on the way to take railway photos at places I might never again visit. In one case it would be 50 years before I returned. First stop was on Honiton Bank to see the down Atlantic Coast Express pass in the hands of a Merchant Navy. Next were three stations and halts on the Yeovil to Dorchester line, followed by two locations on the Yeovil to Taunton line which was still steam operated at the time. By the time I reached Templecombe it was 7.45pm but still quite light and I took 5 photos in the next hour at the shed and the station; including one of the 6.45pm Bournemouth to Bath being hauled into the station by the station pilot on the back of the train because of the unusual layout. I think my friend arrived on the 5.00pm from Waterloo. We spent the night at Evercreech – the village that is, not Evercreech Junction.
On the Saturday we were up bright and early to catch the 8.15am Evercreech Junction to Highbridge and its return working at 9.45am. Arrival back at Evercreech Junction was on time at 10.44am. We then drove the 10 miles to Templecombe station and parked up in order to catch the 12.03pm north to Bath Green Park passing 4 trains in the opposite direction. Our train back south was the Pines Express, the 3.30pm off Green Park. It arrived on time behind “Peak” D65 and left on time behind Bullied light pacific 34045 “Ottery St. Mary” of Bournemouth Shed which was its last shed as it was withdrawn two years later. The train was piloted by 75009 of Templecombe Shed as far as Evercreech Junction. We had forty minutes at Bournemouth West where M7 no. 30057 was the station pilot before departing on the 6.48pm. This was the last train of the day Monday to Friday, but there was a later one on Saturdays at 10.00pm. Both trains ran only as far as Templecombe, but that was far enough for us. It would have taken me about three hours to drive home to Plymouth on the roads of the day. A long and tiring day but a great introduction to the Somerset and Dorset.

MLR / 20 June 2023

7185 GWR Collet Goods 3216 rests between duties at Templecombe Station on the evening of 29 June 1962. It was acting as station pilot hauling north-bound trains backwards into the station; and hauling south-bound trains backwards out of the station to regain the S&D main line. Copyright Michael L. Roach

7194 BR Standard 82002 stands at Highbridge with the 9.45am to Evercreech Junction. Copyright Michael L. Roach

7202 Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway 7F number 53808 seen out of steam at Bath Green Park Shed at 2.00pm on Saturday 30 June 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7207 LMS “Crab” number 42790 of Saltley Shed stands at Bath Green Park Station. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks Michael we look forward to _Part 27 on the S & D shortly.

High Summer Summit
Craig Munday

Hi Keith.

Well there you have it, Mid Summer's day gone! It's been a superb season so far, I thought I'd submit these prior to the avalanche of railtour pictures for Mazey Day.

I popped over to Newquay on 19th for the Castle set replacement on 1C74 (this did not run from Paddington sadly). The light was bouncing in and out,but I struck lucky with fine light for the train passing the crop fields near Manuels Crossing. I walked in the tractor tracks so no crops were damaged in the process. The result was most pleasing with the HST not lost in a green landscape for a change! The power cars were 43162 leading 43097.

The 20th saw my ideal conditions, the usual hole in the clouds over St Austell Bay and gruesome rain clouds gathering all around. 66165 ran through Par with the empty JIAs running early. The semaphores complement the red of the locomotive. This iconic view of semaphores will be obliterated in November sadly. The construction of the new signal base for new signal CL5834 is coming along.
An evening shot of signal SB7 was taken with a formidable sky behind it too. This signal will be replaced at St Blazey too, though all the others will remain.

Finally, for the day itself, 21st June, 66165 arrived back at St Blazey following the Wednesday trip to Exeter Riverside with the Par Harbour portion of JIAs. The turntable was bathed with sumptuous evening sun even around 8pm.

All the best for now, Craig.

1C74 Chapel 43162 20th June 2023, Copyright CRaig Munday.

Dramatic Sky at SB7 signal St Blazey 20th June 2023. Copyright Craig Munday

6C99 66165 Par 20th June 2023 Copyright Craig Munday

66165 and an unusual view of the turntable at St BLazey 0C53 21st June 2023. Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks for all your pictures in the last half year Craig we look forward to more as the year continues.

23rd June 2023

23/6/2023

Plymouth
Roger Winnen

750405m D1013 Western Ranger working the 14.00 Penzance to Birmingham. 5th April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks Roger. A view of a nice clean Western Ranger before the days when it acquired red name and number plates.

Sonia & others at
Swindon
Ken Mumford

I spent about 90 minutes on platform 4 of Swindon station. Because of a train to the east had a fault (unknown to me) things went haywire and so I'm very appreciatve of the help I got from Colin Pidgeon - a very good friend - to help with the identification of these photos - Thank you, Colin.

[1] 60029 'Ben Nevis' on Up Main Line wait for right-away with 6Z22 Tytherington Quarry to Appleford

[2] 66603 6C58 Oxford Banbury Road to East Usk Yard

[3] 59206 6C48 Appleford to Whatley Quarry.

[4] 60062 6V53 silent until a driver comes, notes oil-spillage, makes several phone calls, SONIA afterwards heads a short way west to collect its wagons, then moves to the east of the station to await departure - see [8]

[5] Lock-jaw IET Paddington-bound from platform 1

[6] 66702 OL33 Eastleigh East Yard to Stoke Gifford Sidings.

[7] 66560 6Z86 West Drayton to East Usk Yard.

[8] Telephoto shot of SONIA waiting to set off with 6V53 Swindon Stores toToton Yard - see [4]

Kind regards, Ken Mumford

All pictures copyright Ken Mumford - details from Colin Pidgeon, please click on picture to obtain an enlargement.

Many thanks Ken.

Steam at Swindon and crossing at Purton
Ken Mumford

Dashing past - steam near Swindon. Copyright Ken Mumford. With this picture we remember the late Frederick Travis Dibnah, MBE (28 April 1938 – 6 November 2004) was an English steeplejack and television personality, with a keen interest in mechanical ... Occupation(s): Television presenter, ‎steepleja...‎ Died: 6 November 2004 (aged 66); Bolton‎, ‎Steeplejack · ‎Lancashire dialect A real character - died so young.

A roller dashing on - a sign of the times. Copyright Ken Mumford

Purton Crossing not for the disabled! Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

22nd June 2023

22/6/2023

Mazey Day Specials to Penzance Saturday 24th June 2023

The Cornish Mazey Day Statesman Solihull to Penzance and return with Class 47s

Outward
Solihull 05.22   Exeter St David's 10.17   Plymouth 11.22   Liskeard 11.49
Lostwithiel 12.08   Par 12.16   St Austell 12.22   Truro 12.48/12.51   Redruth 13.02 Camborne 13.07   Penzance
Return
Penzance 16.02   Camborne 16.23   Redruth 16.34   Truro 16.39/16.42   Par 17.08 Bodmin Parkway 17.17 Liskeard 17.30 Plymouth 17.54/18.03   Exeter St David's 19.13/19.37 Solihull 00.07

The Pathfinder Mazey Day Special Tame Bridge Parkway to Penzance and return with Class 69s

Outward
Tame Bridge Parkway 05.44 Exeter At David's 10.28 Plymouth 11.42/11.49 Liskeard 12.19 Bodmin Parkway 12.31 Lostwithiel 12.38 Par 12.45/12.48 Truro 13.18/13.31 Redruth 13.30 Camborne 13.37 St Erth 13.50 Penzance 14.00
Return
Penzance 16.28 St Erth 16.37/16.40 Camborne 16.50 Redruth 16.56 Truro 17.07/17.10 Par 17.37/17.40 Lostwithiel 17.46 Liskeard 18.04 Plymouth 18.28/18.56 Exeter St David's 20.22 Tame Bridge Parkway 00.21

Information available from Real Time Trains website

Class 33 at Westbury
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, Thanks for your email and for putting the last pics. on the site. 20th May 1981 Here is a shot from Michael Adams of 33029 at Westbury with the 10.15 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff service on 20th May 1981 Copyright Michael Adams

Thanks Very Much Michael

Progress report on the
Lynton and Barnstaple
Martin Tester

Good evening Keith,
I thought I'd submit some preservation-era L&B photos for a change.
Unfortunately following the recent expiry of the planning permission to extend through the National Park to Blackmoor Gate there has been a lot of negative comment complaining of lack of progress, much of course driven by hindsight. Disappointing as this setback is, not all is doom & gloom; members of the Trust have made some remarkable progress over the last few years as I hope this selection of photos shows.
Photo: L&B-2009-train.jpg
Lynton & Barnstaple train, 2009 (2nd October)

Seen here climbing the last hundred yards or so of the gradient into Woody Bay station is a typical L&BR train of the early preservation years from 2004 until 2013. Ex-industrial loco 'Sid' is hauling 3 coaches which originally had been built for use at Thorpe Park Theme Park in Surrey. By 2013 two of the railway's original coaches of 1898 had been rebuilt & were in use, & the Thorpe Park coaches disposed of. 'Sid' left the railway at the end of the 2013 season & is now in Sweden.
Photo: L&B-2019-train-01.jpg
Lynton & Barnstaple train, 2019 (29th September)
The train now comprises 5 L&B coaches rebuilt by the L&B Trust's East Anglian Support Team workshop, initially at Great Yeldham but since 2017 near Colchester. From the left the coaches are:

No.16 3rd Brake (delivered September 2013)
No. 5 Composite (delivered September 2019)
No. 7 3rd Observation (delivered April 2013)
No. 11 3rd (delivered April 2015)
No. 17 Composite Brake (delivered April 2013)

The train is headed by newly-built replica locomotives 2-4-2T Baldwin 'Lyn' & 2-6-2T Manning Wardle 'Lyd', the latter visiting from the Ffestiniog Railway for the 2019 Autumn Gala.Photo: L&B-2013-old&new-coaches.jpg
Old & new coaches at Woody Bay, (11th May 2013)
On the right are the coaches, originally built in 1984 for the Thorpe Park Theme Park in Surrey, that had been used for the passenger service since the re-opening in 2004. Their days at Woody Bay are numbered. On the left behind 'Lyd' are the 2 newly rebuilt original L&BR coaches that had been delivered in April. A 3rd coach will join them in September & the Thorpe Park coaches will be redundant. They were sold to Statfold Barn Railway, near Tamworth in Staffordshire.
Photo: L&B-2019-train-02.jpg
Approaching Woody Bay Station 2019 (28th September)
2-year old replica Baldwin loco 'Lyn' returns to Woody Bay on the first day of the 2019 Autumn Gala. This is the first occasion since 1935 that a 5 carriage train has been run on the railway. The 2nd coach in the train (No. 5, a 6 compartment Composite) has just been delivered from the carriage rebuilding workshop near Colchester operated by the Trust's East Anglian Support Team. As ever the 'twin peaks' of Holdstone Down and Trentishoe Down dominate the skyline.

Some progress I think! Mind you, I'm biased. One of the few advantages of living in East Anglia, some 250 miles away from Woody Bay, is that I'm only 65 miles away from the carriage workshop near Colchester. I'm off there tomorrow!
Best wishes
Martin

L&B-2009-train. Seen here climbing the last hundred yards or so of the gradient into Woody Bay station is a typical L&BR train of the early preservation years from 2004 until 2013. Ex-industrial loco 'Sid' is hauling 3 coaches which originally had been built for use at Thorpe Park Theme Park in Surrey. By 2013 two of the railway's original coaches of 1898 had been rebuilt & were in use, & the Thorpe Park coaches disposed of. 'Sid' left the railway at the end of the 2013 season & is now in Sweden. Copyright Martin Tester.

L&B-2013-old&new-coaches. Old & new coaches at Woody Bay, (11th May 2013) On the right are the coaches, originally built in 1984 for the Thorpe Park Theme Park in Surrey, that had been used for the passenger service since the re-opening in 2004. Their days at Woody Bay are numbered. On the left behind 'Lyd' are the 2 newly rebuilt original L&BR coaches that had been delivered in April. A 3rd coach will join them in September & the Thorpe Park coaches will be redundant. They were sold to Statfold Barn Railway, near Tamworth in Staffordshire. Copyright Martin Tester.

L&B-2019-train-01. Seen here climbing the last hundred yards or so of the gradient into Woody Bay station is a typical L&BR train of the early preservation years from 2004 until 2013. Ex-industrial loco 'Sid' is hauling 3 coaches which originally had been built for use at Thorpe Park Theme Park in Surrey. By 2013 two of the railway's original coaches of 1898 had been rebuilt & were in use, & the Thorpe Park coaches disposed of. 'Sid' left the railway at the end of the 2013 season & is now in Sweden. Photo: L&B-2019-train-01.jpg Copyright Martin Tester

L&B-train-2019-02 Approaching Woody Bay Station 2019 (28th September) 2-year old replica Baldwin loco 'Lyn' returns to Woody Bay on the first day of the 2019 Autumn Gala. This is the first occasion since 1935 that a 5 carriage train has been run on the railway. The 2nd coach in the train (No. 5, a 6 compartment Composite) has just been delivered from the carriage rebuilding workshop near Colchester operated by the Trust's East Anglian Support Team. As ever the 'twin peaks' of Holdstone Down and Trentishoe Down dominate the skyline. Copyright Martin Tester

Pewsey
Ken Mumford

I got to Pewsey from Swindon [this morning] 21st June 2023 quite some time before the steam train passed through so I took photos of other trains that passed before the special steam one..
[1] Two iET trains pass at the east end of Pewsey Station. The London bund one had stopped to pick up passengers whilst the Exeter bound one passed throgh at speed.

[2] and [3] Locomotive No. 66605 was pulling a train from Whatley Quarry headng for Appleford [between Didcot and Oxford] loaded with stone. Its reporting reference is 6A24 and was ON TIME.

[4] Locomotive No. 59202 was heading west with an empty stone train from Theale, near Reading, passed through the station 13 minutes LATE. Its reorting reference is 6C31

[5 and [6]] Locomotive 66546 was heading east with a Whatley Quarry to West Drayton, near London, its reporting reference was 6A19 and was ON TIME.

[7] and [8] 60103 'Flying Scotsman' heading for Salisbury. Its reporting reference was 1Z52 and was 8 minutes LATE

Kind regards,

Ken.

All images copyright Ken Mumford. All taken on the 21st June 2023. Pictures go from left to right then down. Please click on a picture to obtain a larger image.

Many thanks for Ken for your photographs taken on the longest day of the year, a very interesting selection, well done.

1979 Part One
Howard Sprenger

Hi again Keith,
A few more for you before I go away on holiday for a week. These are all from July 1979, and the wide-angle view of Falmouth is stitched together from two separate photos. Based on my experience during the Shanty Festival last weekend, it's a shame we can't have 4-car units on the branch nowadays!

Best regards, Howard.

Carnon Viaduct 24th July 1979 Copyright Howard Sprenger

Falmouth station. 23rd July 1979 (1) Copyright Howard Sprenger

Falmouth 23rd July 1979 (2) Copyright Howard Sprenger

Falmouth 23rd July 1979 (3) Copyright Howard Sprenger

Penmere Platform 23rd July 1979. Copyright Howard Sprenger

Many thanks Howard - have a good holiday week.

21st June 2023

21/6/2023

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 25
Laira Shed - Engines around the coaling stage.
Michael L. Roach

I visited Laira Steam Shed many times in 1962. Here are a few of the photos taken in the Spring of 1962 when there was still a good range of different steam classes arriving down the Western Region main line friom Newton Abbot although the coaling line was often empty. At the time the line from Exeter via Okehampton and Friary Shed both belonged to the Southern Region but that would change at the end of 1962. From 1 January 1963 the line and shed would be administered by the Western Region. Friary shed would be closed a few months later with the remaining locos transferred to Laira Shed.

MLR / 8 June 2023

6979 Small prairie tank 4574 is seen on the coaling line at 5.05pm on Saturday 7 April 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7026 Hall 4982 is standing on the coaling line loop on the evening of Wednesday 25 April 1962. Acton Hall was based at Laira from August 1961 to May 1962 when it was withdrawn. Despite being a Laira engine this was the only occasion I photographed it. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7068 Laira's 5568 is stood on the south side of the coaling stage showing the later corrugated iron sheet extension allowing locos to be coaled on both sides of the coaling stage. Photo taken on the morning of Saturday 12 May 1962.

7070 Laira's 7916 Mobberley Hall on the same line. This was one of the routes used by locos leaving the roundhouse; and some drivers would add an extra tub or two of coal as they passed the coaling stage if there was room in the tender. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7096 7805 Broome Manor of 88A Cardiff Canton Shed on the coaling line on the morning of 26 May 1962. The loco moved to Cardiff East Dock on 21 July 1962 in anticipation of the closure of Canton to steam a few weeks later. Copyright Michael L.Roach.

7137 Laira's 4920 Dumbleton Hall was immaculate when seen on the morning of Saturday 2 June 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7159 Cardiff Canton Shed's 9F number 92232 is seen at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13 June 1962. It may have run light engine to Tavistock Junction later that evening to take out the 9.40pm SX freight to Cardiff. On Saturdays only the train left Tavistock Junction at 8.05pm and for a few months in summer it was possible to photograph the train being banked up Hemerdon Bank by a steam engine. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7167 6028 King George VI is moving towards the coaling stage at 4.45pm on Saturday 23 June 1962 after bringing in 10C from Northampton. The loco had moved from Canton to Old Oak a week earlier on 15 June. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many many thanks Michael - yet another box of 'Gems' - thank heavens you had the wisdom to taken them at the time before the precious moments were last AND also thank heavens you took copious notes.

<<Previous

Droning around, a new perpectiveStoke Canon and Staffords BridgePaul Barlow

I think we all agree with your sentiments James - comfort on the railways seems to be a thing of the past. Many thanks for your picture.A recent short journey on the Helston Railway emphasised what comfort really is!​

1962 Part 27Honiton BankMichael L. Roach

Quite a considerable amount of information logged despite it only being used by two people per day. Many thanks to Chris for having drawn the crossing to my attention.​

7029's progress through SwindonKen Mumford and Colin Pidgeon

Archives

Droning around, a new perpective
Stoke Canon and Staffords Bridge
Paul Barlow

I think we all agree with your sentiments James - comfort on the railways seems to be a thing of the past. Many thanks for your picture.

A recent short journey on the Helston Railway emphasised what comfort really is!

1962 Part 27
Honiton Bank
Michael L. Roach

Quite a considerable amount of information logged despite it only being used by two people per day. Many thanks to Chris for having drawn the crossing to my attention.

7029's progress through
Swindon
Ken Mumford and Colin Pidgeon