Blog Archives

22nd July 2022

22/7/2022

Seems like yesterday!
Gover viaduct
Chris Harvey

Please find attached a July shot from the archives - on the 28th July 2001, the rear power car of the 1640 Penzance - Paddington is captured on Gover viaduct, nicely lit by the evening sunshine.

T he rear power car of the 1640 Penzance - Paddington is captured on Gover viaduct, nicely lit by the evening sunshine. 28th July 2001 Copyright Chris Harvey

Many thanks Chris

It was yesterday
Near Crewkerne
Bill Elston

a) 158880 leading 1L52 1325 EXD - WAT, with 159007,
b) Freightliner 47830 named BEECHING'S LEGACY, working 0Z47 Southampton Maritime to Exeter and back
Best wishes, Bill Elston

158880, Near Crewkerne 21st July 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

159007, Near Crewkerne 21st July 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

47830 named Beechings' legacy, working 0Z47 Southampton Maritime to Exeter and back. Near Crewkerne 21st July 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill.

Near and at
Pinhoe
Keith Turley & David Tozer

A very rare visitor to the former LSWR main line today 21st July 2022.
Image No.1 Class 47/8 No.47830 ' Beechings Legacy' is seen passing Pinhoe on the outward leg of the OZ47 08:30 Southampton MCT to Southampton MCT via Exeter St. Davids driver route refresher trip.
Image No. 2
The return leg of the working is seen approaching Pinhoe station.

Image 1 47830 on the outward leg. Near Pinhoe. 21st July 2022 Keith Turley

47830 passes Pinhoe, 21st July 2022. Copyright David Tozer

Image 2 47830 on the return leg. Near Pinhoe. 21st July 2022 Keith Turley

Many thanks to Keith and David.

Authors Question and answer
Nick Stechfield

Hi there - I'm a novelist and was wondering if you might be able to help with a research enquiry.
My next book is set in Cornwall's Roseland Peninsula in the autumn of 1919. I'm looking for the following information for the story:

i) Which London station would the departure be made from at that time?

ii) Which station would have been nearest to St Mawes? The book is set in a fictional village near there, and the rest of the journey from London will be made by car - where would the train have stopped?

iii) What would have been the name of the train company/line?

I would be so grateful for any information you might have and will, of course, thank you in the acknowledgements.

Best, Nick

Our joint answers 1) Paddington. 2) St Austell or more likelyTruro. 3) It was of course the Great Western Railway.
The Cornish Riviera dep Paddington 10.30 nonstop to Plymouth 2.37/2.44 then Truro 4.04/4.09 Gwinear Road 4.36 St Erth 4.49 Penzance 5.00
Bradshaws July 1922 - we don't have times for 1919 but 1922 will have to do.
All the best, Roger & Keith

21st July 2022

21/7/2022

Mike Hitchens Collection Part 1

MH1 Three fag packet livery HSTs at Penzance. Mike Hitchens collection

MH2 Departure of a Great Western Livery HST from Penzance. Mike Hitchens collection

MH3 Away the HST goes past the old Heliport now Sainsbury Super Store. Mike Hitchens collection

MH4 Zebedee. Mike would like to know if anybody can spot its location. Mike Hitchens Collection

Many Thanks Mike

A fleeting visit to the
B & W
James Bown

Good afternoon A fleeting visit to Cornwall yesterday enabled me to enjoy the delights of this friendliest of preserved lines. Please feel free to use these pictures if you like. Best wishes James Bown

All clear ahead? - 6412 on run round At Bodmin Parkway. 19th July 2022. Copyright James Bown.

4612 ready for another departure from Bodmin General viewed from the new platform. 19th July 2022. Copyright James Bown.

Many thanks James - hope you will visit again soon.

Todays suprise visitor to Pinhoe

Gents, For the second day in succession Freightliner ran a route learner to Exeter from Southampton M.C.T and return. Today they used 47830 which was named 'Beeching's Legacy'. No other loco was available. 0830 0Z47 Southampton M.C.T to Exeter St David's - Southampton M.C.T It was his fault that the route is in such a mess now. I understand it was in connection of the forthcoming engineering works in September. Copyright David Tozer

A suprise visitor to Pinhoe yesterday
David Tozer

Bit of a surprise this morning in that Freightliner Class 66 66563 travelled West of Salisbury to Exeter. The working was the 0830 0Z66 Southampton M.C.T. to Exeter (St David's) and then 1235 0Z66 Exeter (St David's) to Westbury Down T.C. One assumes it was a route learner trip. Dave

Many Thanks David

Ponsandane Progress
Dennis Clarke

Hi Keith, I took a few photos today at Pondandane today (20th July 2022) to see how the new sidings are progressing. The Mounts Bay coach building is completely demolished. I also took one of the Long Rock emblem in the new cycle/foot path. Regards, Dennis

Ponsandane progress 1 20th July 2022 Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Ponsandane progress 2 20th July 2022 Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Ponsandane progress 3 20th July 2022 Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Ponsandane progress 4 20th July 2022 Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Ponsandane progress 5 20th July 2022 Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Long Rock Emblem on new footpath. 20th July 2022 Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Many thanks for your progress report. Dennis.

20th July 2022

20/7/2022

The Park Royal DMU at Gwinear Road 2006/2007
Roger Winnen

060601c The unique front end of the Park Royal unit. Copyright Roger Winnen

060601b The Park Royal unit from The West Somerset Railway at Gwinear Road.1st June 2006 Copyright Roger Winnen

070903l The wire rope is attached to Alleys Haulage for its trip to Trevarno Estate near Crowntown. 3rd September 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen

070903n The unit is being winched to the trailer for delivery to Trevarno on the Helston Railway 3rd September 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen

070903u Going into the Helston Branch Platform in Gwinear Road . Copyright Roger Winnen

Hallenbeagle
Bernard Mills

If this is of any use for the CRS site, modern day and Cornish heritage. 43162 leading 43088 rear passing Hallenbeagle Engine House on the outskirts of Redruth 2C73 1100 Cardiff Central-Penzance. Bernard

Hallenbeagle Engine House, 43162+43088 on the 2C73 11.00 Cardiff - Penzance 14th July 2022. Copyright Bernard Mills.

Many thanks indeed Bernard, good to know you get this far west.

Next Saturday.
Outdoor Events
Changed plans

As announced on the media yesterday Saturday 30th July 2022 is a strike day which coincides with the Cornwall Railway Societies visit to The Newton Abbot Museum-Dawlish-Exmouth.
However all is not lost! By bringing forward the date to Saturday 23rd July 2022 it should be viable as 14 days notice must be given for industrial action.
Purchase an Off Peak day return to Plymouth and a Devon Day Ranger Ticket. The timings are the same as advertised in our Magazine.
Penzance 08.15 Camborne 08.36 Redruth 08.43 Truro 08.56 St Austell 09.13 Par 09.20 Bodmin Parkway 09.32 Plymouth 10.14 Newton Abbot 10.52 for Museum. Depart Newton Abbot 13.12 Dawlish 13.23/14.52 Exmouth 15.50/16.56 for tea stop Exeter St David's 17.28/17.49 Plymouth 18.48/19.02 for stations into Cornwall
Please pass on this information to other members of our society and friends.
Further information please ring Roger Winnen 01736 350048

Hopefully we can look forward to an interesting day out.

19th July 2022

19/7/2022

Then and now
Nancegollan
Bernard Mills

Nancegollan. 27th October 1973 - Copyright Bernard Mills

Nancegollan update 14th July 2022 - Copyright Berbard Mills

It's very nice to hear from Bernard Mills who writes - I have not contributed anything to the CRS site for a while, thought this may be of interest. Nancegollan station photographed 27 October 1973 and despite the track being lifted 8 years earlier, it was more or less intact, the view looking towards Gwinear Road. The site is now covered by the Nancegollan Industrial Estate with the station eradicated although there is a short section of the platform to be seen somewhere inside the fence, my updated view is 14 July 2022 and the best I could do. There is a clue, in the 1973 picture look at the masonry abutment to the far left of the iron bridge, in the updated view this is just to the right of the big tree in front of the Cornish Cooling Company building. Thought this may be of interest.
I paid my first visit to the Helston Railway last Thursday. Bernard

Very many thanks Bernard, glad you had a good day in Helston - memories are made of this.

18th July 2022

18/7/2022

National Rail Speed Restrictions
Monday and Tuesday

Rail passengers across England and Wales have been urged to only travel if necessary next week, with extreme temperatures forcing blanket speed restrictions across much of the network.
Network Rail said the impact on train services would vary by region, but that journeys would take significantly longer. It said there was a high likelihood of cancellations, delays and last-minute alterations to services on Monday and Tuesday.
Long-distance train journeys, such as London to York, could take four hours instead of two, with trains forced to travel below 60mph for safety.

Great Western Society at Didcot
Michael Forward

Your pictures of Long Rock shed were interesting but sad.I have so many memories of visits there and of watching movements from the beach opposite. It made me think how lucky we are that the GWS has preserved Didcot shed and it’s coaling stage. Here are two pictures ,date not recorded,taken there showing locos.at the opposite end of the power range. Copyright Michael Forward

And secondly 6024 King Edward 1. Copyright and thanks, Michael. Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Newly painted HST at Plymouth
Leslie Curnow

Good Morning Roger Whilst visiting Plymouth yesterday Saturday 16th July 2022 before leaving the station the new painted HST 43185 arrived at 11:48 with a train from Leeds . Then waiting to provide a service for the 12:27 Plymouth to Edinburgh it looked a credit to HSTs. Copyright Les Curnow

Many Thanks Leslie

Truro Waggonlaod Freight
Rob Lomas

Thought you might be interested in seeing some of the 100 plus Waggon labels I’ve unearthed. All relate to the extensive traffic that used to move through Truro Yard in 1974-76. A lot of history in some of these trade flows - the first relates to ICI Severn Beach sending 240 bags of fertiliser on 2 December 1974 in Truck 765743 to Truro Yard - consignee being Cornwall Farmers - probably on the Avonmouth to Truro Freight. The second being a consignment of pipes from British Steel Tubes Division to Truro Yard for onward delivery by BR lorry to ECLP Nanpean which appears to have taken 5 days from origin to delivery in November 1974.

Do you know anyone who might be interested in some of these and/or some Western Region timetables from the 1960s and 70s? Free of charge - available for collection in Truro. Maybe drop a coin in the Bodmin and Wenford or Helston Railway collecting tin if the purchaser passes those railways in the future?

Rob Lomas

Recd 17th July 2022, Copyright Rob Lomas Edit

Many thanks indeed Rob - please contact Rob. [email protected]

Cam & Dursley
Peter Griffiths

One of my local stations, Cam & Dursley, rarely appears on the CRS website.
I thought you may appreciate a few photos.
Photo 1
Unit 166221 waits at Cam & Dursley with 2O74, the 08:42 Gloucester to Weymouth via Bristol Temple Meads. (14 July 2022)
Photo 2
Note the immaculate permanent way at Cam & Dursley, virtually to British Rail standard, and very different to some of the ‘Chelsea’ photos illustrated recently. (14 July 2022)
Photo 3
Nearly 5 hours after departing Penzance, 43088 & 43162 accelerate 1G77 away from Cam & Dursley, the 27th station stop and towards journeys end at Gloucester. I’m not sure how this service qualifies for express train, class ‘1’ category. (15 July 2022).
Kind regards
Peter Griffiths

Cam and Dursley. Photo 1 Copyright Peter Griffiths

Cam and Dursley. Photo 2 Copyright Peter Griffiths

Cam and Dursley. Photo 3 Copyright Peter Griffiths

Many thanks Peter - nice to see a re-opened station.

A little bit - courtesy of Wikipedia.
Cam and Dursley railway station is a railway station serving the village of Cam and the town of Dursley. It is located on the main Bristol to Birmingham line, between Yate and Gloucester, at a site close to where Coaley Junction railway station was situated from 1856 to 1962.
The new station. Following a campaign for the reopening of Coaley Junction, the new station called Cam and Dursley opened on 14 May 1994, about 420 yards (380 m) north of the original site, although full opening did not occur until 30 May 1994. The new station is unstaffed, and consists of two platforms, linked by a footbridge, a car park covered by CCTV and a bus stop with shelter. Passenger facilities consist of shelters with seats on both platforms and a ticket machine, with passenger help points installed in late 2010.
Passenger services are provided by GWR on a largely hourly basis on the Bristol to Gloucester route. It is the nearest station to the town of Wotton under Edge, which is seven miles away.

Cam and Dursley Train Station, runs to a GWR timetable that links in with services towards Gloucester or towards Bristol.
There is a rail user group for the station, Coaley Junction Action Committee (CoJAC), which, following the opening of the new station, continues as a group to press for improvements in the service.
The previous station[edit]
Coaley Junction station, with the Dursley branch train on the right, 1960 Coaley Junction station was originally the junction for the short Dursley and Midland Junction Railway branch to Cam and Dursley built in 1856 and later taken over by the Midland Railway. The station, also known as Dursley Junction, opened to goods on 2 August 1856 and to passengers on 18 September 1856. The station had two short platforms on the main line with a very short and sharply curved platform on the branch. Goods facilities were limited, but included a brick goods shed (still in situ) with a crane. The signal box stood at the end of the platform between the branch and mainline.
The branch closed to passenger traffic on 10 September 1962, although the mainline platforms remained open for passengers until 4 January 1965. The station closed to goods on 28 June 1968, although the branch remained as a long siding to R.A, Lister and Co works at Durley until 13 July 1970.

July 17th, 2022

17/7/2022

The English Riviera Express at Bradford upon Avon
Guy Vincent

The driver of 47614 takes a short leg-stretch whilst a number of passengers board his train at Bradford-on-Avon station, the Saphos Trains 1Z61 0630 Cardiff Central -Kingswear for Dartmouth 'English Riviera Express'. Not too hot at the moment but due to change within hours!
Regards
Guy Vincent

Class 47 calls at Bradford on Avon with the 1Z61 0630 Cardiff to Kingswear on 16.07.2022. Copyright Guy Vincent .

Thanks Guy

Britannia crosses Britannia Crossing
Clive Smith

Some titles just write themselves. The magnificent 70000 'Britannia' crosses the Britannia Crossing on the River Dart as it approaches Kingswear station on 16-07-22 with the 1Z61 06.30 Cardiff Central - Kingswear Saphos Trains' 'English Riviera Express'. The picture was taken from Dartmouth at the waterside steps near Sandquay Jetty which is part of the Royal Britannia Naval College. How apt. It would be nice if the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway did a little bit of lineside vegetation clearance to remove that unsightly bush that somewhat spoils the photo. I nearly didn't get this shot as I wasn't aware just how much river traffic there was with tall masted yachts, dinghies, the Dittisham Ferry and even a luxury gin palace moving up river that almost photo-bombed the picture.

Regards, Clive Smith

Britannia on Britannia Crossing. 16th July 2022. Copyright Clive Smith

What can I say - a super location and a perfectly positioned shot. Very many thanks Clive, well done.

Kingswear Tour
David Tozer

Another very hot day so I have experimented.

Along Cowley Bridge Road in Exeter the former laundry has been demolished. This has opened up a partial view of the main line. On the opposite side of the road is a raised pavement which gives a higher view of the line and I was in the shade. Luckily on the approach to St David's is signal DM193. Today St David's was very congested and the tour was brought to a halt here. Thus I was able to get a shot of Britannia as the train pulled away.

Dave Tozer

16th July 2022, Copyright David Tozer

A lucky shot in an unusual location. Many thanks to you Dave.

Around South Devon June 1975
Roger Winnen

750629a Special Excursion to Buckfastleigh on 29th June 1975. 4555 and 1420 Copyright Roger Winnen

750629o Rare scenes at Buckfastleigh on 29th June 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

750629v A thoroughbred Devon General AEC Regal at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen Many thanks to Peter Murnaghan for updating the information on this bus.

750629ze The Motorail at Totnes together with DMUs on 29th June 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

750629zf A Western arrives at Totnes with the 1B35 to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

750629zh The Gresley Buffet W9135E at Totnes allocated to Plymouth as marked on the sole bar.. Copyright Roger Winnen

LNER Buffet Car W9135E built York 1937 and not withdrawn until 1977. This was the last wooden bodied passenger vehicle in service on British Railways. It is now preserved at the National Railway Museum, York.
Many Thanks to Tony Hill

16th July 2022

16/7/2022

Treffrys Newquay Railway
The Three Tunnels -
Toldish, Coswarth and Newquay Harbour

In 1972 fired by an excellent lecture on Treffrys Tramways by the late Arthus Anstis Roger Winnen and I set out to find out about the long abandoned Toldish Tunnel.
We drove to a location near Toldish tunnel and visited a nearby farmhouse to ask if we might take a look at the tunnel ends. With permission granted we visited both ends of the 530 yard tunnel and found it to be very much lost to nature having closed in 1874. It was always goods only

The above map courtesy of the National Museum of Scotland (non commercial use) clearly shows the direct route of Treffrys Newquay Railway and the circuitous by-pass trackwork necessary to avoid the narrow confines of the tunnel. On the west side of the deviation can be seen St Columb Road station and to the east the location of St Dennis Junction can clearly be seen.

Our photographs of the ends of the tunnel were taken in 1972.

The east end of the tunnel in 1972. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

The west end of the tunnel in 1972. Copyright Keith Jenkin. (The person at the tunnel entrance is Geoff Clift who joined us for our exploration.)

We gathered at the time, from a notice, that the tunnel was being used as a reservoir However the water inside the doorway was shallow - perhaps six inches.

Taken from a train shortly after leaving St Columb Road station on the current route, the tramways route can clearly be seen alongside. The date is probably 1972. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

Coswarth tunnel

Coswarth tunnel 44 yards 25 June 1978 Copyright R. Winnen. (In the distance can be seen a footbridge which was removed sometime ago on the closure of the footpath

Still very much in use - the bed of the tramway must have been lowered to improve the tunnel gauge.

Newquay Harbour Tunnel

A view looking up through the tunnel - From the Alan Harris Collection.

Memories Revived -Toldish tunnel

As is is now fifty years - yes fifty years since Roger and I plus a friend visited Toldish Tunnel it was most refreshing to discover the others, far better equipped than ourselves have visited the site since and have made an excellent record. We see the collapsed portion of the tunnel and the flooding. Very well worth a look - please copy this link https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=toldish%20tunnel&&FORM=VDVVXX

15th July 2022

15/7/2022

Cornwall Railway Society
Railway Strikes on 30th July 2022

This photograph was taken in the old museum in May 2015, it has since moved to a converted Church in the town centre. Copyright Roger Winnen

43184 15.27 Plymouth to Leeds
Martin Duff

That splendid livery once more! This afternoon’s 15.27 Plymouth - Leeds featured 43184 leading. Fresh off shed mid afternoon, the train started from platform 4. Copyright Martin Duff

Many Thanks Martin

Restoring your railway
John Roberts

Keith, further to my previous email re the Restoring Your Railway Fund, the government has announced funding to develop Mid-Cornwall Metro (Newquay - Par - Falmouth), and also Devizes Lydeway.

Marsh Barton opens in December 2022 and Edginswell in 2024, with Portishead well-advanced, and Wellington and Cullompton under active consideration.

Further schemes being assessed are Bere Alston - Tavistock, Langport & Somerton, St Anne’s Park, Corsham and Stonehouse.

The remainder have been turned down but may be eligible for Levelling-up Funding. John.

Restoring Your Railway Fund - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Many thanks John.

Chelsea time again
Simon Howard

Chelsea again! This time Chelsea Creek and the bridge on the Cross London Line which traverses a former canal leading from the Thames. As you can see the tide was out as 66764 coasted by on the 5Q55 Stewarts Lane – Newport Docks.

The previous 25 minutes had produced six freights – five 66s and one 59 – a little busier than we were used to in Cornwall.

Another delivery en route to TIMS at Newport.13th July 2022. Copyright Simon Howard.

Many thanks Simon

14th July 2022

14/7/2022

Freight at Westbury
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, a picture from Michael Adams taken at Westbury on 21 March 1986. 56067 with a loaded train for Acton. Copyright Michael Adams

Now we see 45057 at Westbury with a Westbound rake of empties..All the two axle wagons long gone. All the best ,Michael. Copyright Michael Adams

Many Thanks Michael

The Golden Hind
Slough to Plymouth & Return

220713a 71000 Britannia and 34046 Braunton heads the Golden Hind Express through Totnes Station. Copyright Roger Winnen edit

220713o Departure from Plymouth at 16.30hrs for Slough. Copyright Roger Winnen edit

The returning Golden Hind approaches Staffords Bridge near Exeter behind 70000 Britannia and 34046 Braunton. Copyright David Tozer

In brilliant evening sunshine the returning Golden Hind is seen at Cullumpton. Copyright Keith Turley

For further coverage of this railtour go to Steam & Diesel Railtours 22 onwards

Summer Sizzler
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
My goodness, we look forward to a bit of sunshine, then we get a heatwave. I just remember the hot summer of 1976, with the locos and stock unwashed, fronts splatted with insects and the drought too. 2002 seems to be a cracking Summer so far, endless blue skies in July and searing hot days. Thank goodness the offices, signal boxes and vehicles have air conditioning! I recall the Bristol MOM van in the hot summer of 1995 with no air-con. How we coped back then I often wonder.

I recall the boxes with no air con too, windows wide open praying for some cool breeze to waft through. Passing trains brought some light relief with a rush of air!

Back to present times and St Blazey yard has a tinder dry look to it as 66014 basks in the open whilst the DBC Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) shelters under the fuel rack on a sultry late afternoon. The loco was also pictured on Sunday evening outside the lovely shed.

A passing Castle set driven by Penzance Driver Lee Macdonald sweeps past Respryn westbound with 2C77 on Sunday evening, the light being usable as the sun lost its intensity after 17.00.

Best wishes. Craig Munday

66014 MPV St Blazey 12th July 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

66014 St Blazey 19th July 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

2C77 43009 Respryn 19th July 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Many many thanks for your regular reports Craig - they are very much appreciated by one and all.

Treffry Viaduct
Brian Pibworth

Good Morning Keith,
Roy Hart's article certainly tells the sad story of Treffry Viaduct. We visited a few weeks ago and can confirm that the leat and therefore the hidden aqueduct channel to be dry. This also means that the Carmears wheelpit is even more derelict with no running water passing through the launder. The whole collection could do with a nice dollop of EU funding - Oops!

Kind regards to you both, Brian.

Rear half of 1C74 GW service from Paddington to Newquay passing under Treffry Viaduct. June 22. Copyright Brian Pibworth

Treffry Viaduct trackbed under which ran the Carmears Leat. June 22 Copyright Brian Pibworth

Dry Carmears Leat approaching Treffry Viaduct. June 22 Copyright Brian Pibworth.

Many thanks Brian - you had a good and so very hot walk.

13th July 2022

13/7/2022

The final days of
Long Rock Shed Part 2
Roger Winnen

1 Built in 1914 we see the demolition of Long Rock Shed in the 1970s Copyright Roger Winnen

2 Demolition at Long Rock. E Thomas & Sons Ponsanooth were the contractors for building the new HST shed in 1976 . Copyright Roger Winnen

3 The way in to the depot at Long Rock from the old A30 road. Michael Nicholas a CRS Member can be seen standing against the hedge. Copyright Roger Winnen

4 The Demolition viewed from the Eastern Green Beach just as the sun was setting. Copyright Roger Winnen

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