Blog Archives

21st July 2018

21/7/2018

Todays headboards

Today is the day - here is the programme.

A Celebration of 40 years of The Cornwall Railway Society
To celebrate our anniversary we are touring the Bodmin & Wenford Railway aboard the ex-Chiltern Class 121 “bubble car” unit. By arrangement with the Bodmin & Wenford Railway this tour will allow participants to access some areas not normally seen by the general public. You are reminded of the need to be aware of safety issues at all times, particularly when leaving or joining the train and when on the track.
ITINERARY
15.00 Cream tea at Bodmin General Station .
15.45 Train departs Bodmin General for Boscarne Junction.
16.00 Arr Boscarne Junction.
1600 – 16.30 Opportunity for photos at Boscarne
16.30 Dep Boscarne Junction for Bodmin General
16.45 Arr Bodmin General
16.55 Dep Bodmin General for Bodmin Parkway
17.10 Arr Bodmin Parkway and shunt to sidings
17.10 – 17.45 Visit to carriage shed
17.45 Dep Bodmin Parkway to Colsloggett Halt for run past 17.55/18.05
18.05 Dep Colesloggett Halt to Walker Lines for photo opportunity 18.15 – 18.30
18.30 Dep Walker Lines for Bodmin General
18.45 Arrive Bodmin General where a Fish & Chip supper will be served (if pre-ordered)
PLEASE NOTE: The railway will be operating a Steam, Beer & Jazz train on this evening and participants in the CRS tour may be able to avail themselves of real ale, etc. at Bodmin General. If seats are available it may also be possible (on payment of the fare) to join the Steam, Beer and Jazz train which departs at 19.00.
For CRS members wishing to return to Bodmin Parkway for main line connections, the special train will depart Bodmin General at 19.25 (after departure of the jazz train) to Bodmin Parkway, arriving 19.40 (for train connections to Penzance 19.54 and 20.08 and Plymouth 20.05)
IT IS IMPORTANT that we adhere to the above timetable in order to fit in with other railway activities. Please return promptly to our bubble car after each stop. Members wishing to disembark from the train to look around the Parkway shed or to visit the Walker Lines sidings will need to use a ladder to exit and reboard
the train. Please take great care when doing this.
The Cornwall Railway Society is most grateful to the management, staff and volunteers of the Bodmin and Wenford Railway for providing this special train and allowing access to railway facilities. Raffle tickets will be on sale for those wishing to contribute towards the BWR's plans to construct a second platform and external station canopy at Bodmin General station.
We hope you will have an enjoyable afternoon and evening and we look forward to your continuing support of our society.

Wishing you all a good day

Unfortunately not on todays itinerary - a classic Cornish scene long gone. Copyright John Cornelius

20th July 2018

20/7/2018

For full details of CRS Anniversary special tomorrow please see the announcement in the News for 14th July.

A Summers Evening around Carn Brea
Mark Lynam

180719a 43030 Pass the site of Carn Brea Station catching the last of the sunlight with the 1C86 14.34 Paddington Penzance. Carn Brea Castle and monument can clearly be seen in the distance. Copyright Mark Lynam

180719b 43053 1C14 12.30 Paddington Penzance seen on Brea Embankment with the Old engine house of Cooks Kitchen Mine on the left. Copyright Mark Lynam

180719c The 2+4 HST 43187 and 43198 seen working the 2C51 17.55 Plymouth Penzance crossing Brea Embankment. Copyright Mark Lynam

Sunny Angles of
Hayle Viaduct
Andrew Triggs

180719d 802001 on the 5Z52 13.20 Exeter Penzance crosses Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180719e 43017 Hannahs' crossing Hayle Viaduct on the 1A97 Penzance to Paddington. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Remarkable Pictures
Cornish Riviera Express
Clive Smith

On a glorious weekend eight years ago 6024 King Edward I and 5029 Nunney Castle are seen at 17.00 at Daveys Cross between Bittaford and Ivybridge with the 09.07 Paddington to Penzance Cornish Riviera railtour on Saturday 26th June 2010. Note the train is carrying the 'Riv' headboard and correct identifying number.

Secondly, with the King again leading, the pair return with the 09.07 Penzance to Paddington into Plymouth station on Monday 28th June 2010. This photo was taken from floor 7 of Inter City House where I was working at the time for First Great Western. albeit on a convenient tea break .

Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks indeed Clive.

At Daveys Cross at 1700 on Saturday 26th June 2010 Copyright Clive Smith

Cornish Riveria Express from the 7th Floor of Intercity House. 28th June 2010 Copyright Clive Smith The two locos and train captured in exactly the right place, a remarkable photograph.

Bere Alston
John Cornelius

One wonders when this platform will see further use serving the Gunnislake trains once the extension of the line to Tavistock takes place? Copyright John Cornelius

19th July 2018

19/7/2018

For full details of CRS Anniversary special please see the announcement in the News for 14th July.

Three from Roger
Roger Geach

It's great to have three more pictures from Roger Geach who has supplied us with many nostalgic views taken in Cornwall his home county. Many thanks for remembering us Roger from distant Retford.

47613 Penzance to Milton Keynes at Bolitho on Saturday 26th August 1989 This was a regular turn on summer Saturdays for at least a couple of years and brought West Coast Main Line stock to Cornwall. Copyright Roger Geach

47598 1035 Penzance to Paddington near Dobwalls on Sunday 27th August 1989 Copyright Roger Geach

A fine plume of smoke as 47603 heads the Leeds to Penzance vans passing Respryn on the 6th September 1989 Copyright Roger Geach

Cornish Collection
David Childs

In response to a recent request for pictures taken in Cornwall in the 1960's David Childs kindly sent this selection the first one of which is admittedly not in Cornwall but very nearly so. Many thanks David.

What a grand view of a Western on the then double track right up to the Royal Albert bridge. Note the operational signal box, its still there but long out of use. August 1969. Copyright David Childs

Now right down to Long Rock D834 Pathfinder stands at Long Rock. Copyright David Childs

The first 08 to be based at Long Rock D3514.came new from Laira in mid 1958 Copyright David Childs.

An 08 at Penzance station D4161 came new in May 1962. Copyright David Childs

Almost a 'full house' as Warships fill the picture. Copyright David Childs

D834 Pathfinder a North British built Class 43 and D601 Ark Royal a Class 41 stand alongside each other at Long Rock Shed. Copyright David Childs

7022 Hereford Castle stands at Long Rock in September 1963 Copyright David Childs

Looking rather sad 5562 withdrawn stands on the road to the repair shop at Long rock. Copyright David Childs

An interesting view of Penzance taken in the 60's when steam still played its part. Note the '94' complete with the shunters 'chariot' 9475 replaced 9463 in Aug 1960 and 8409 and 8473 were all sheded at Penzance between the early 1950s through to the early 1960s Copyright David Childs

And finally 41306 pauses at Luckett. on the Callington Branch. Copyright David Childs.

Bere Alston
John Cornelius

A study of the ground frame at Bere Alston. Note the Southern Green location sign. Copyright John Cornelius

18th July 2018

18/7/2018

For full details of CRS Anniversary special please see the announcement in the News for 14th July.

East Somerset Today
Martin Scane

I called in at Cranmore on my way up to Wiltshire today just in time to see a rather resplendent 5637 which had just filled up with water. Regards Martin Scane. Many thanks Martin

5637 at Cranmore 18th July 2018 Copyright Martin Scane

Freshford
Guy Vincent

This afternoon (16TH July 2018) we were (eventually) treated to the rare sight of a recently repainted class 47, 47727, hauling two departmental EMU translator vehicles. These are both former class 508 EMU carriages numbered 64707 and 64664 and both painted in Arlington Green. They carry set number T7 and are each named, 64707 is 'Labezerin' and 64664 'Liwet'. The class 47 hauling the unit was recently sold by Colas to GBRF who have quickly applied a coat of Caladonian Blue and bi-lingual nameplates. One side reads 'Edinburgh Castle' while the other carries a Gaelic version of the same name, 'Caisteal Dhun Eideann'. This loco has previously carried the names 'Rebecca' (2007-2016), 'Castell Caerffili / Caerphilly Castle' (2002-2003), 'Duke of Edinburgh's Award' (1994-2002) and, finally, The Gloucestershire Regiment' (when numbered 47569) from July 1st 1990 to Nov 1993. Numbering of this loco was: D1629 (17.10.1964 when new), 47047 (TOPS renumbering, February 1974) 47569 (ETH conversion January 1981) & 47727 (RES adaptations January 1994).

Regrettably due to signalling problems at Ashley Hill bank, Bristol the train was 75 minutes late passing me at Freshford and the sun had long since retired behind a mass of cloud! I've included another view of the engine passing Freshford on 22 March 2013 when it was delivering sister loco 47739 to Westbury for a private ceremony. Will it return again I wonder?

Best regards, Guy Vincent
My apologies to Guy for a delay in publishing - due to conflict with other events.

Advance Notice
From Craig

A heads up for the coming weeks and months. Many of you probably already know this..

Wed 25th July
Class 37 and Caroline the green saloon is visiting Penzance running as 2Z02

The schedule is here:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P12347/2018/07/25/advanced

Have spoken to a Driver in DRS Iain who brought it down this time. I asked for a possibility of the 37 leading on the return. He's not on it but will ask anyway! Don't ask, don't get eh?

Sat Sept 22nd A Railtour with class 37s visits Penzance. No timings yet, but one to look out for.

FINALLY a certain steam loco is down in Oct Flying Scotsman is visiting Penzance Sat 6th Oct 2018.

Bound to be a sell out, and the lineside awash with everyone and their brother too!

All the best for now. Craig Many thanks Craig

Craig's Super Summer
Continues

The combination of more great light and a charter featuring a class 47/57 combo was too good to miss. A picture of 57314 arriving at Par from the box, and returning east at Restormel with 47832 in fine fettle with 11 coaches and a dead class 57 on the rear was a stiff challenge for the veteran Brush type 4!

A few days in the boxes saw me at Goonbarrow. Alarmed to see the recent scrub land fire got exceedingly close to the signalbox and infrastructure, reminding us how tinder dry the landscape is. Voyage 221139 works 1S55 to Motherwell past the scorched embankment and singed trees looking Autumnal early. Some pictures of the slumbering industrial shunting locos are also included.

A visit to Hayle later in the day and the flower beds along Penpol Terrace make a super foreground to the viaduct shot at high tide. A blue HST set is Penzance bound.

All the best, Craig. As usual Craig, many thanks.

Par 12.00 14th July 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

47832 Restormel as 47832 heads the 1Z78 at 17.29 on the 14th July 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

The morning of the 15th July 2018 as PD405D slumbers at Burngullow Copyright Craig Munday

Also present at Goonbarrow on the morning of the 15th July 2018 was PD406D Copyright Craig Munday

Saved from the flames. Goonbarrow box on the morning of the 15th July 2018 PD406D Copyright Craig Munday

Approaching Goonbarrow from Newquay to Motherwell 1S55 formed of 221139 at Midday 15th July 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

Lovely with the tide up. Hayle viaduct, with a down HST Early evening 15th July 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius

Copyright John Cornelius. N.B. A local incident which occurred during WW2 at Camborne concerning a Gunpowder van was told to me (KJ) by the late Stephen Jeffery. A up goods train containing one of these vans stopped at Camborne to place the van in the sidings there. The instructions being that these vans were never to be 'fly shunted' but placed in the sidings. However as another train was due and in order not to delay it while the shunting was in progress it was decided to disobey the rules, The train was split and the section containing the 'Gunpowder' van was drawn forward and with the points changed for the yard, the van now detached from the loco and the rest its train was given a gentle nudge. It trundled over the cross over gaining speed. The shunter in charge of this hazardous operation ran alongside but unfortunately tripped and fell. Luckily he picked himself up and ran after the van just bringing it to a stand at the buffer stops! It is said that it was a lucky day for Camborne!!

17th July 2018

17/7/2018

For full details of CRS Anniversary special please see the announcement in the News for 14th July.

A South Devon Miscellany
Roger Winnen

180717a The Rat D7535 Merlin enters the shed at Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

180717b With the shed out of bounds one could just catch a glimpse of 6023 King Edward 11 The Blue King - Copyright Roger Winnen

180717c L94 built by The North British Railway Co stands alongside D3014 Samson at Paignton. This was one of the early 08 shunters of 1952. Copyright Roger Winnen

180717d Class 150 on a service from Paignton to Newton Abbot calls at Torquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

180717e Restoration work underway on the camping coaches at Dawlish Warren. Copyright Roger Winnen

180717f 143612 awaits departure from Exmouth at 16.53 on a service to Barnstaple. Copyright Roger Winnen

180717g Heavens Above! The new footbridge and lifts under construction at Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

Swindon at Six
Ken Mumford

Ken Mumford brings us pictures taken in the space of an hour at Swindon, we don't see long freight trains like that in Cornwall more's the pity. Many thanks Ken.

Swindon. 66106 brings in the A4 at 18.19 on the 16th July 2018 Copyright Ken Mumford.

Swindon 66106 hauling a rather grubby 60009 Union of South Africa through the station and heads for the Stratton loop where it waits for nearly and hour.Copyright Ken Mumford

Swindon hosts a down freight as 59002 Alan J Day hauls a very long train. The time is 18.42 on the 16th July 2018. Copyright Ken Mumford

The very long freight heads west. Ken Mumford 16th July 2018 Copyright Ken Mumford

It is a pity that Ken didn't get the back of this seemingly endless train. It appeared to comprise of three separate sections! 16th July 2018 Copyright Ken Mumford

Main line Tank Trap
Colin Burges

A 'tank trap' spotted on the main line east of Axminster. July 2018 Copyright Colin Burges

Tiverton Parkway
John Cornelius

16th July 2018

16/7/2018

For full details of CRS Anniversary details please see the announcement in the News for 14th July.

From the Rail Magazine Website
GWR West of England Class 802s due to enter traffic on two workings from
July 16th 2018

Is it true or false one wonders!
Further enquiries made this morning reveals that it has been rescheduled most probably to Monday 20th Aug, 2018.

180716a IET Test Train 802001 802002 arrives from Exeter. Copyright Roger Winnen

180716b Snaking across the crossovers as these units arrive at Penzance on a test train. Copyright Roger Winnwn

Polsloe Bridge
David Tozer

Hi Keith, 153325 and 150266 with the 1832 Exmouth to Barnstaple. The Class 153 is one of 5/6 left with GWR. 158766 with the 1752 Paignton - Exmouth. Unusual to see a Class 158 on the branch. The unit had earlier worked the 0925 St James' Park - Cardiff and 1300 Cardiff - Exeter (St David's). Then the 1608 St David's - St James' Park, ECS to Exmouth Junction and back and finally 1643 St James' Park - Paignton. Dave Thanks Dave

153325 & 150266 PBH 16th July 2018 Copyright David Tozer

158766 PBH 16th July 2018 - 2 Copyright David Tozer

The amount of undergrowth and trees lineside make it look as if Polsloe Bridge in in a cutting - the reverse is the case with it being on a substantial embankment.

Chard Branch
World War Two fortifications.
A most interesting article by Colin Burges

Donyatt Halt. Note the anti tank fortifications to the right above the halt. Copyright Colin Burges

Tank Traps on the Chard Branch. Copyright Colin Burges

Ilton Halt - a two storey Pillbox. Copyright Colin Burges.

To find Colin's article together with more pictures of the Chard branch - please click here and scroll down.

Burngullow - Redoubling
Chris Harvey

Please find attached the following image that you might be able to use. The date is 12th June 2004, and as 66119 joins the main line with a clay train from Parkandillack, you can see in the foreground progress being made with the Burngullow - Probus re-doubling scheme.

Best Regards, Chris Harvey, Bodmin. Many thanks Chris

Burngullow redoubling. 66119 joins the main line with a clay train from Parkandillack. 12th June 2004 Copyright ChrisHarvey

Teignmouth
Clive Smith

In glorious conditions 60009 Union Of South Africa approaches Teignmouth with the 08.00 Bristol TM to Kingswear "Torbay Express". 66106 is in behind the A4 providing insurance and 'as required' power in the current very dry conditions.

Regards, Clive Smith.
Many thanks Clive, sorry to have picked up your post a few hours late.

A glorious photograph in glorious conditions - Teignmouth 15th July 2018 Copyright Clive Smith .

Tiverton Parkway
John Cornelius

15th July 2018

15/7/2018

CRS Anniversary Special - for full details please see announcement on yesterdays News.

The restored station of Bridestowe on the former Tavistock-Okehampton Line
Andrew Triggs

180715e The restored and extended station building at Bridestowe. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180715f The old Goods Shed at Bridestow. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180715g Looking back towards Brentor and Tavistock. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Mary Tavy & Blackdown Station
Andrew Triggs

A chance find while returning from a gig in Tavistock, the former station site at Mary Tavy & Blackdown, now known as 'Railway Cottage', on the disused Plymouth-Launceston GWR Branch which closed 31st December 1962 during a blizzard. The enclosed shots were taken on public property.

180715a The 'lone' passenger awaits the next train to Launceston. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180715b The redeveloped site taken from the adjacent road. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180715c Looking in the Tavistock direction further along the local road. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180715d From the nearby road overbridge, the former trackbed curves away towards Tavistock South. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Newquay '83
Clive Smith

50034 Furious leaves Newquay with the 10.35 to Paddington on 2nd July 1983 with the signal box, semaphores and sidings all in shot before the rationalisation of 1987. Could this be the last summer we see HSTs at the resort ?

Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks Clive

Harping back to the 'good old days' at Newquay. 2nd July 1983. Copyright Clive Smith

Westbury
John Cornelius

14th July 2018

14/7/2018

Next Saturday, the 21st July, sees the running of our Anniversary Special on the Bodmin and Wenford.

Saturday 21st July 2018
A Celebration of 40 years of The Cornwall Railway Society
To celebrate our anniversary we are touring the Bodmin & Wenford Railway aboard the ex-Chiltern Class 121 “bubble car” unit. By arrangement with the Bodmin & Wenford Railway this tour will allow participants to access some areas not normally seen by the general public. You are reminded of the need to be aware of safety issues at all times, particularly when leaving or joining the train and when on the track.
ITINERARY
15.00 Cream tea at Bodmin General Station .
15.45 Train departs Bodmin General for Boscarne Junction.
16.00 Arr Boscarne Junction.
1600 – 16.30 Opportunity for photos at Boscarne
16.30 Dep Boscarne Junction for Bodmin General
16.45 Arr Bodmin General
16.55 Dep Bodmin General for Bodmin Parkway
17.10 Arr Bodmin Parkway and shunt to sidings
17.10 – 17.45 Visit to carriage shed
17.45 Dep Bodmin Parkway to Colsloggett Halt for run past 17.55/18.05
18.05 Dep Colesloggett Halt to Walker Lines for photo opportunity 18.15 – 18.30
18.30 Dep Walker Lines for Bodmin General
18.45 Arrive Bodmin General where a Fish & Chip supper will be served (if pre-ordered)
PLEASE NOTE: The railway will be operating a Steam, Beer & Jazz train on this evening and participants in the CRS tour may be able to avail themselves of real ale, etc. at Bodmin General. If seats are available it may also be possible (on payment of the fare) to join the Steam, Beer and Jazz train which departs at 19.00.
For CRS members wishing to return to Bodmin Parkway for main line connections, the special train will depart Bodmin General at 19.25 (after departure of the jazz train) to Bodmin Parkway, arriving 19.40 (for train connections to Penzance 19.54 and 20.08 and Plymouth 20.05)
IT IS IMPORTANT that we adhere to the above timetable in order to fit in with other railway activities. Please return promptly to our bubble car after each stop. Members wishing to disembark from the train to look around the Parkway shed or to visit the Walker Lines sidings will need to use a ladder to exit and reboard
the train. Please take great care when doing this.
The Cornwall Railway Society is most grateful to the management, staff and volunteers of the Bodmin and Wenford Railway for providing this special train and allowing access to railway facilities. Raffle tickets will be on sale for those wishing to contribute towards the BWR's plans to construct a second platform and external station canopy at Bodmin General station.
We hope you will have an enjoyable afternoon and evening and we look forward to your continuing support of our society.

The Northern Bell
Cardiff to Par via Swindon and ECS to Penzance
Roger Salter and Roger Winnen

180714e The variety of rolling stock in Penzance Station during the stay of the luxury Northern Belle. Copyright Roger Winnen

180714d 57314 now on the rear of the train under the trainshed roof. Copyright Roger Winnen

180714c The driver climbs aboard 47832 in readiness for its departure from Penzance retimed to 16.02, photograph taken from the door droplight window of the 15.52 to London Paddington.. Copyright Roger Winnen -

180714a 47832 retimed from Penzance at 16.02 passes Marazion. This livery applied to the West Coast Class 47s and 57s need strong sun light to bring out the colour of its paintwork. Copyright Roger Salter

180714b 57314 is seen on the rear passing the Station House, Marazion. Copyright Roger Salter

180714i 47832 Arrives at Par to pick up its passengers who had been on coach trips to Padstow and The Eden Project. Copyright Roger Winnen

180714g Plenty of clag as 47832 departs Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

Yeovil Jct & Pen Mill
David Tozer

Yeovil Junction 09.38 14th July 2018 Copyright David Tozer 159014 with 158886 - hidden - 0722 Basingstoke to Corfe Castle via Yeovil (Pen Mill).

A little more detail about my trip yesterday. The services were as follows:-

159014 with 158886 - hidden - 0722 Basingstoke to Corfe Castle via Yeovil (Pen Mill).

166219 departs Yeovil Pen Mill with the 0908 Bristol (Temple Meads) - Weymouth.

73961 and 73963 0730 Stevenage - Weymouth.

150266 leads 158756(out of sight) with the 1114 Weymouth - Bristol (Temple Meads).

My first ever visit to Yeovil (Pen Mill) sadly the sun was not in an ideal position for better photographs. A good excuse to get out the house and away from the football.

166219 Yeovil PM 10.49 14th July 2018 Copyright David Tozer 166219 departs Yeovil Pen Mill with the 0908 Bristol (Temple Meads) - Weymouth.

Turbo 166215 about to leave Yeovil Pen Mill heading for Weymouth. 11.24 14th July 2018 Copyright David Tozer

Yeovil PM at 12.26 on the 14th July 2018 The 73.s Have come to a stand. Copyright David Tozer 73961 and 73963 0730 Stevenage - Weymouth. And 150266 leads 158756(out of sight) with the 1114 Weymouth - Bristol (Temple Meads).

The main interest - 73961 & 73963 at Yeovil PM at 12.30 14th July 2018 Copyroght David Tozer

Super light, super pictures
Craigs Selection

The wall to wall sunshine continues. Here are some recent pictures. Including some night pictures of Harry Needle's 37612 working the Network Rail 3Q53 UTU run along the Parkandillack branch. It also visited Carne Point at Fowey.
43004 is seen near Roche on the Newquay line. 66131 pictured on St Blazey. Class 158 units are a welcome return to the mainline in Cornwall 158743 in blue runs into Par. A timeless picture which has defied change over the years. Which are your favourite "unchanged scenes"?

All the best, Craig. Many thanks Craig

43004 at Demelza near Roche. 9th July 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

Par 37612 UTU 3Q53 11th July 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

66131 st blazey 6C53 11th July 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

Par 158763 2C47 11th July 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

Par 802001 on a downward run. 11th July 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

Washford
John Cornelius

13th July 2018

13/7/2018

Exeter Area Today
David Tozer

Class 158's are gradually becoming more common in Exeter.
158956 is seen at St James' Park having worked the 0859 service Exeter (St David's). The unit then runs ECS to Exmouth Junction and then back to St James' Park. Here it will form the 0925 service to Cardiff (Central).
However Class 153's are now disappearing from the area with only five left with GWR.
143621 & 153333 enters Exeter (Central) with the 0923 Exmouth - Paignton.

158956 at St James Park 13th July 2018 Copyright David Tozer

143621 & 153333 ay Exeter Central 13th July 2018 Copyright David Tozer

Six not out!
Narrow and standard
John Ball

Hello, Keith
Visiting Woody Bay on 22nd June, I was pleased to see the newly built replica loco no. 762 in action.
On 23rd June, I went to the West Somerset Rly company AGM. I travelled from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead behind the Hymek no. 7017 which has been a WSR stalwart from pretty well the beginning of the line's preserved existence. Many thanks John

762 at Woody Bay 22nd June 2018 Copyright John Ball

762 running round at Killington Lane 22nd June 2018 Copyright John Ball

7017 at Blue Anchor 23rd June 2018 Copyright John Ball

Fine weather, fine photographs - thank you John.

Class 50s at Newton Abbot
Michael Forward

840728a 50018 Resolution on the 09.40 Paddington-Penzance, a proper train, and just look at those signals. Copyright Michael Forward

84 Here we see 50012 Benbow on an unknown down working taken from the road out to Aller Junction. Copyright Michael Forward

Take 5. An evening at
Penzance
Mark Lynam

A rare sight at Penzance a 158 (158763) and an IET (802001) still on testing runs 12th July 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam

158763 Penzance 12th July 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam

Old and new! 43122 alongside 802001, the HST would form the 1A35 the 17.42 to Paddington. 12th July 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam

802001 Penzance 12th July 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam

Taken from the Eastern Green as the 14.03 from London Paddington approaches the terminus. Copyright Mark Lynham

Severn - Wye Express
Guy Vincent Ken Mumford

Remember this previously undated picture by Ken Mumford. I am advised by Guy Vincent that it is of the Severn - Wye Express on the 9th May 1987. Many thanks to Ken and Guy.

Southampton Airport Pkwy
John Cornelius

12th July 2018

12/7/2018

The Trench
Peter Murnaghan

Mrs M and I took part on Monday in a re-enactment of the soldiers going off to the First World War with the production Trench. This was described as an Immersive Theatre production, involving Bodmin Regimental Museum and the Bodmin & Wenford Railway.
Well, it was a very moving experience. After a briefing, we were issued with our meal ration pack, uniform and an authentic soldier's identity. We then marched from Bodmin Barracks to Bodmin General station, holding up the traffic as we went, (and raising curious looks!). Pannier Tank 6435 and Auto Trailer W232W were waiting to convey the party to Charlie's Gate, where a special platform had been erected to allow us to march up the field for the action - in the WW1 trench. Very atmospheric it was too. We had been asked not to take photographs during the event, as we were all, in effect, actors and the illusion would have been spoilt.
However, at the end of the action, when we learned whether our own Characters had survived, or died, it was time to return to the waiting train for the journey back to the present day. The sun was going down by then, but I couldn't resist going behind the nurses' tent (out of sight of the rest of the players), to grab my photo of the train with the first soldiers making it back to the platform.
It was really a first rate event - very well organised.
Best wishes,
Peter
Many thanks indeed Peter for providing us with the moving very unofficial photograph grabbed from behind the Nurses Tent and also for your account. Without you there would be no record of this important event. You deserve a medal!

Charlies Gate The Trench special, Bodmin & Wenford 9th July 2018 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

A solid future for the Weymouth Harbour Tramway

Excellent news is that the petition to save the Weymouth Harbour Tramway and preserve the unique harbour frontage rather than replace it with ultra modern hotels has secured over the necessary 1000 votes. Will we ever see trains run along there we wonder!! Anyway Congratulations.

Sunny St Ives
Mark Lynam

150219 was working alone due to stock shortages, the other 150 supposed to work the line was used on the 2+4 HST diagram due to it failing at Plymouth the night before. Many thanks for the info and pictures.

150219 Carrack Gladden, Carbis Bay 9th July 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam

150219 Porthkidney Sands 9th July 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam.

A very attractive view of Lelant station with the tide in as 150219 asses through. 9th July 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam

Minehead
John Cornelius

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