Blog Archives

July 11th 2024

11/7/2024

Castle to the rescue!
Craig Munday, Jon Hird, Julian Stephens, Roger Winnen & Andrew Triggs

Some excitement was to be had on the Cornish mainline yesterday (10.07.24) after the 'down' Night Riviera sleeper service failed between Truro and Redruth. After exploring various options for recovery, it was decided that a GWR 'Castle' 2+4 HST set would recover the broken down sleeper from the rear, take it to Plymouth, run round, and then return the set to Penzance.

The ensemble finally got on the move and the lines were re-opened at around 11AM.

A day of decorating interrupted today with news of an unusual move on the Cornish mainline. 57605 had failed west of Penwithers Jn and a Castle set had been used to haul the errant Night Riviera back to Truro. The onward move to Plymouth was eagerly awaited and made a splendid sight. The train returned to Long Rock during the afternoon. The train is seen at Trembear Farm bridge at Gover, with thanks to the farmer for allowing me access. I needed a broad canvas to include the fourteen vehicles including the 57 on the rear. 10.07.2024, copyright Craig Munday.

An unusual sight at Carlyon Bay Golf Course as 43156 heads set GW07, 43098 plus the sleeper set (PZ89) and 57605 to Plymouth running as 5A50 on 10.07.2024. Copyright Jon Hird.

The 14-vehicle long train continues on its way to Plymouth. Copyright Jon Hird.

After arriving at Plymouth, the sleeper stock and loco were left in platform 8, the 'Castle' went around the triangle at Laira, and then reattached to work back to Penzance/Long Rock as 1Z50. 43156 leads again as the train passes Crugwallins, a bit of a rushed shot as I mistimed my arrival. Copyright Jon Hird.

Now to Dowgas, just a little further west than Jon, where Julian Stephens recorded the unusual working in some brilliant sunshine. Copyright Julian Stephens.

The most unusual sight of 57605 sandwiched in the middle of the train, behind 43098. Copyright Julian Stephens.

Down in the far-west, Roger Winnen was on scene at St. Erth to capture the train nearing journeys end. Copyright Roger Winnen.

As 43156 pulls in to St. Erth, you wouldn't imagine what it was pulling behind it! Copyright Roger Winnen.

The trouble-making 57605 being taken to the Long Rock naughty step. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The tail end of the train, one of the Mk3. Sleeping Cars. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The 4+2 with 7+1 set passing Marizion running as 5Z50, the 13.20 Plymouth-Longrock T&RSMD with 43098 and 43156 (with GW07 Set) and 57605 (with PZ89 set), two shots being needed to fit the whole train in. 10.07.2024, copyright Andrew Triggs.

5Z50 on arrival at Longrock Depot, the 2+4 HST set being uncoupled from 57605 and the Night Riviera ECS. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

08645 then hauling 57605 and PZ89 set onto 'A' Road at Longrock Depot. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks to all who contributed photos to this article, an interesting working indeed - one has to wonder how such problems will be handled once the HST's are finally retired.

Blue at Burngullow
Roger Geach

Still in the attractive First Great Western blue and pink livery, a HST heads for Paddington past Burngullow on 25.08.2007. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger

Treamble Terminus
Roger Winnen

A small gathering explore the remains at the terminus at Treamble on 15.07.1978. Copyright Roger Winnen.

More images and info regarding this branch can be found in the Treamble Branch section - click here.

July 10th 2024

10/7/2024

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 93
Evening Visit to Friary and Laira 24.07.1962
Michael L. Roach

Having spent recent parts transgressing to 1979 it is time to return to some photographs from 1962 before this series ends next month.

The date is Tuesday 24 July 1962, and I made an evening circular trip to the two steam sheds in Plymouth starting with the ex-Southern Railway one at Friary and finishing at the ex-Great Western Railway one at Laira. Looking at the time taken to travel from the first to the second I could well have been riding my bicycle rather than travelling by car.

Friary would close completely the following May with its locos transferred to Laira which was already running down with the final steam engines arriving for servicing the first weekend of September 1964. At Friary Shed that evening were three un-rebuilt Bulleid Pacific’s, two Ivatt 2-6-2 tanks, one “N” class mogul and two 204HP diesels - a total of 8 engines.

Unrebuilt BB no. 34063 229 Squadron is seen at the coaling stage at Friary Shed at the east end of the site on the evening of 24 July 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach

Six minutes later and 34063 has moved to the west end of the 3-road shed, dating from 1908. Copyright Michael L. Roach

One minute later and 34066 Spitfire is roughly in the same position during a bit of shunting engines around. 34066 was the engine involved in the Lewisham rail crash of December 1957. Copyright Michael L. Roach

Pannier tank 6430 has received a top-up of coal for its bunker. Copyright Michael L. Roach

Many thanks as always Michael, another very interesting article.

For more of Michaels work, please click here.

'The End Of Southern Steam'
Maiden Newton - 09.07.2024
Bill Elston

Good afternoon, All

The End of Southern Steam railtour made its annual run today, from London Victoria to Waterloo via Yeovil and Weymouth.

Hauled by Merchant Navy 35028 CLAN LINE, with 47812, it is seen here passing Maiden Newton after servicing and turning etc on its way to Weymouth, stopping at Maiden to collect the single line token.

Best wishes

Bill

35028 and support coach at Maiden Newton, 09.07.2024. Copyright Bill Elston.

47812 with the tour stock at Maiden Newton, 09.07.2024. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks to you, Bill

July 9th 2024

9/7/2024

Staverton Station
James Bown

A visit to Staverton station today (08.07.24) came with the timeless scene of a branch line station complete with a stopping service en route to Buckfastleigh. The beautiful flowers at this immaculate station recall country stations of times past.

Best wishes
James Bown

A Prarie Tank arrives at Staverton. 08.07.2024, copyright James Bown.

A scene unspoiled by the passage of time at Staverton. Copyright James Bown.

Many thanks James, lovely photos - the floral displays are great!

Cardiff Central
Michael Forward

66050 Hauls steel coils through Cardiff Central Station. Copyright Michael Forward

Roger, Now we see the impressive frontage of Cardiff Central station, 6 June 2024. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Rambling around St. Agnes
Roger Winnen

15.07.1978 - The CRS at St Agnes Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

St. Blazey Scrap
Jon Hird

For a period of time in the early 2000's, Henry Orchard & Sons Scrap Merchants made use of rail to transport their scrap metal away from Cornwall. The metal was processed and baled at their site near Bodelva, then the bales were transported the short distance to St. Blazey by lorry where a material handler was used to load them into SSA wagons for onwards transport.

'Mainline' liveried 09019 with SSA scrap wagons in St. Blazey, 04.06.2004. The Leibherr Material Handler ('Grab') is just visible to the right of the image. Copyright Jon Hird.

09019 in its faded Mainline colours. 04.06.2004, copyright Jon Hird.

Baled cars and loose metal awaiting loading at the Newquay end of the yard. The surface was kept very clean, the vehicles were thoroughly depolluted before baling to avoid any oil or fluid spills. 04.06.2004, copyright Jon Hird.

A close up of the car bales. These would be transported to a site 'upcountry' where they would be shredded down so that the metal could be repurposed. 04.06.2004, copyright Jon Hird.

July 8th 2024

8/7/2024

Maurice Dart Memorial Train

A special memorial train in honour of Maurice has been organised to take place on the Bodmin Steam Railway on Saturday 13 July 2024. All who knew Maurice are welcome to attend.

You may travel free of charge on the last service train from Bodmin Parkway at 16.15, arriving at Bodmin General at 16.35. Pasties and cream teas are available after arrival at Bodmin General - must be booked in advance and paid for on the day. The memorial train leaves Bodmin General at 18.00, probably hauled by one of the 55XX Prairies after Morris Men have danced on the platform.

Bookings to Roger Winnen on 01736 350048 by 9th July 2024.

Westbury Western
Guy Vincent

WESTBURY WIZZO RAILTOUR - Saturday 6th July 2024

D1015 arriving at Westbury on the UK Railtours 1Z77 0602 East Midlands Parkway - Westbury & Cranmore 'Westbury Wizzo' railtour charter. Once in the station GB Railfreight's newly commissioned 'Euroshed' 66309 was added to the rear to assist with shunting of the ECS at Cranmore. The train then departed in true 'Western' style with the mighty Maybachs delighting the large crowd of enthusiasts on the platforms. For a few precious moments it was a summer Saturday in 1975 or 76!

D1015 carried a wreath on the drivers side lamp bracket, this was in tribute to former BR / GWR fitter and DEPG engineer Andy Venn who very sadly passed away on July 1st.

Many thanks to Dennis Clarke for the photos he sent of this train at Watford Junction; these delighted Cathy as she grew up in nearby Hemel Hempstead and still considers 'Dacorum district' to be home!

D1015 curves into Westbury from the Berks and Hants line to arrive in platform 1. Until 1984 platform 1 was numbered P2 and was referred to as the 'Down Weymouth' and used by trains bound for the west of England. Remarkably, I was the only person on the bridge to record this classic scene, everyone else had chosen a spot on the station platforms to witness 1Z77's arrival. Copyright Guy Vincent.

GB Railfreight's immaculate 66309 'Charley Wallace' runs the short distance from the down Trowbridge stabling siding to attach to the rear of the charter. This loco was used to assist with shunting the empty stock at Cranmore. Copyright Guy Vincent.

66309 attaches to the rear coach of 1Z77 while DB's 66075 carries out shunting in the up yard. Copyright Guy Vincent.

A member of staff from the Panel Box takes the Train Staff for the White's Crossing - Cranmore single line to the crew of D1015. This short section of line, disused since 2019, has been cleared of dense vegetation and today's train will hopefully be the first of many charters to visit Cranmore. Copyright Guy Vincent.

D1015 prepares for departure. A sight that revived memories of the 1970s for many including myself. Copyright Guy Vincent.

WESTBURY WIZZO RAILTOUR Saturday 6th July 2024 Part 2 The return 1Z79 1515 Cranmore - East Midlands Parkway.

Unfortunately I was unable to get to Cranmore to see D1015 on the railtour as I had an afternoon shift to work. Luckily my main break coincided with the train's 30 minute pause at Westbury so I was able to witness both arrival and departure. As the tour was 15 minutes early at Westbury South Junction it was held to wait for platform 3 (old P4 'Up Weymouth') to clear and, from the station it was again a return to the 1970s with the distinctive plume of Maybach fumes visible to the right beyond the rows of stabled wagons in the up yard. Sadly, the long-dismantled semaphore bracket signals that would be pulled off heralding an arrival from the west country or Weymouth are no longer there.
After a few minutes D1015 came cautiously into the much extended platform 3, past the site of the former Westbury Diesel Depot where she would have spent many hours stabled between duties. In fact, D1015's last working for BR was a Westbury - Yeovil trip freight on 8th December 1976 during which the loco derailed in the sidings at Castle Cary, sustaining damage to 'A' end underside equipment. Returned to Westbury and then forwarded to Laira, D1015 was withdrawn on 11th and sent to Swindon for disposal on 3rd - 4th January 1977, travelling via Taunton, Westbury and Melksham in company with D1001 and D1054. It was by way of this route (towards Melksham) that D1015 departed today rather than via the Berks and Hants line towards Newbury.
An option for this tour was a visit to Longleat House and the coach used for transfer is pictured outside Westbury station.

On the platform at Westbury I met with a former schoolfriend, Stephen Randall, who was travelling on the tour. He runs his own website and blog, (ontheupfast.com) which features several galleries of photos and slides from the 1970s to date, inclding Westerns at Westbury etc. A site well worth looking at if you haven't visited yet. Our former Technical Drawing teacher from Trinity School, Bradford on Avon, Dave Brush, was also at Westbury for D1015 but thankfully no homework was set on this occasion!

Finally, a couple of my very old Instamatic prints showing Westerns at Westbury in the late spring of 1976.

D1015 arriving into P3 at Westbury with 1Z79 1515 Cranmore. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Passing the area formerly occupied by Westbury Diesel Depot, now used by Colas. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Running to a halt at the north end of platform 3. In semaphore days trains would pull right up to the end of this platform as the signals were beyond the end ramp. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Awaiting departure. Copyright Guy Vincent.

66309 prior to detachment and return to the sidings. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Arleen coach used for Longleat House off-train visit. Copyright Guy Vincent.

D1041 at Westbury, Spring 1976. Copyright Guy Vincent.

D1021 at Westbury, Spring 1976. Happy memories revived by today's visiting celebrity, D1015. Grateful thanks to the Diesel Traction Group and to UK Railtours who organised today's treat. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Our grateful thanks go out to you, Guy, for providing such a comprehensive report and for sharing your wonderful photos. The 'bonus' shots of the way things were are also excellent. Thank you very much indeed.

DRS at Doublebois
Jon Hird

37606 and 37609 top and tail the 3-2-C Railtour, running as 1Z21 Parkandillack - Heathfield on 09.06.2012. Seen on the impressive embankment at Doublebois, a view no longer possible due to development. Copyright Jon Hird.

July 7th 2024

7/7/2024

60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' works:
'The English Riviera Express'
David Tozer Sam Ryder & Roger Winnen

60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' with the 0517 1Z60 Northampton to Kingswear passing Rewe on 06.07.2024. Copyright David Tozer.

240706a The English Riviera Express departs Dawlish Warren on route to Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

240706c The English Riviera Express departs Dawlish Warren on route to Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

240706d 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley rounding the bend for the Dawlish Sea Wall. Copyright Roger Winnen

240706e 47593 Galloway Princess tails the train to Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

60007 "Sir Nigel Gresley" at Waterside, Goodrington with the "English Riviera Express" Northampton to Kingswear 06/07/24. Copyright Sam Ryder.

240706f The 14.10 Paignton Kingswear service hauled by 7827 Lydham Manor arrives at Churston. Copyright Roger Winnen

240706g 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley arrives at Churston for turning. Copyright Roger Winnen

240706h 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley runs onto the turntable. Copyright Roger Winnen

240706i Turning the locomotive at Churston. Copyright Roger Winnen

240706j Turning the locomotive at Churston. Copyright Roger Winnen

240706k Lydham Manor with the return service to Paignton Queen Park passes 60007 awaiting exit from the turntable line at Churston. Copyright Roger Winnen

240706l The returnig English Riviera Express is seen passing throuth Torquay Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

240706m The returnig English Riviera Express is seen passing throuth Torquay Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' with the 1635 1Z60 Kingswear to Northampton taken at Cockwood Harbour. Just after the train had passed out came the sun!!.Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks to you all, Dave Sam & Roger.

Lydham Manor
Sam Ryder

7827 'Lydham Manor' skirts the coast as she passes Waterside with a service on the P&DSR on 06.07.2024. Copyright Sam Ryder.

Many thanks, Sam

'The Beast of Bodmin!'
50042 Running Day on the Bodmin Railway
Jon Hird

50042 working its first passenger service of the year past Charlies Gate on 06.07.2024. Copyright Jon Hird.

'Triumph' during a run round at Bodmin General. Copyright Jon Hird.

Running round at Boscarne Junction where Jimmy James was at work mowing the lawn! Copyright Jon Hird.

The last train of the day slows for its stop at Colesloggett Halt. Copyright Jon Hird.

The final train to Bodmin General passing Charlies Gate as 50042 demonstrates the classic EE trick of turning the air blue behind her! Copyright Jon Hird.

Watford Western
Dennis Clarke

Hi Keith, Roger, Jon,

A bit out of your area but a couple of pictures of D1015, Western Champion, at Watford Junction in the pouring rain with the Railtour from East Midlands Parkway to Cranmore. Even in the poor weather, a large gallery was gathered along the platform.

No problems if you don’t put it on the website as I know it’s well out of your area,

Regards,
Dennis

D1015 arrives at Watford Junction in the fine British summer weather, 06.07.2024. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

A gallery of photographers brave the rain to capture their shots of 'Western Champion'. 06.07.2024, copyright Dennis Clarke.

Many thanks Dennis - off our patch, but headed into it. Plus, it's a Western! If anybody has any photos of the tour at Cranmore we'd be very interested to see them.

July 6th 2024

6/7/2024

Cowley Bridge Junction - Rivers, Railways & Floods
Richard Watts & John Bolton

Our thanks to Richard Watts for permitting us to share the below video, which explores the changes to the rivers and railways at Cowley, Exeter and the effects of floods from the early 1800s to the present day. A very interesting and well produced documentary, very much deserving of a watch.

Thank you again, Richard

A '37' at rest
Jon Hird

De-branded Mainline blue 37375 at rest on St. Blazey on 17.01.2004. Two days later the loco was put into 'tactical reserve' and was finally cut up in 2008. Copyright Jon Hird.

July 5th 2024

5/7/2024

Class 37 at St. Blazey
Craig Munday

37219 and 66025 provided odd bedfellows at St Blazey on the evening of 3rd July 2024. The empty JIAs were placed back into the yard alongside the NR test train which had brake issues during the night of 2nd. The train returned early on 4th to Exeter Riverside.

37219 and the ill-fated test train catch a spot of sun whilst stabled in St. Blazey on 03.07.2024. Copyright Craig Munday.

66025 arrives back from Fowey with 6G05, reversing into the yard alongside 37219. 03.07.2024, copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks, Craig. It's been a good while since a '37' last spent the night at St. Blazey.

Type 4 Action at Plymouth
Roger Winnen

20.04.1976 - 47536 at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

21.04.1976 - Class 47 City of Truro at Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

20.04.1976 - 50010 later named Monarch on 16th March 1978 seen at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

A sad scene at Moorswater
Jon Hird

'Perchance it is not dead, but sleepeth' - we can but hope. A random snap of Moorswater taken on 29.06.24 after photographing the charter trains on the viaduct. The site is looking quite abandoned. Will we ever see another train to it? Copyright Jon Hird.

July 4th 2024

4/7/2024

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 92
Fowey Docks 1979
Michael L. Roach

In Parts 90 and 91 I showed photos taken at Par and Lostwithiel on 1 July 1979. I had taken a day off work to photograph the Cornish Riviera Express on the occasion of its 75th birthday, and was there for the day watching the comings and goings mostly at Lostwithiel. However I had one further aim which was to visit Fowey Docks later on. In those far-off days there was no internet; no marinetraffic.com; and no way of knowing in advance whether there would be any ships to photograph at Fowey. The sun had shone most of the day and continued to shine as I arrived at Fowey around 6.00pm. I parked the car in the car park and walked up the steps and into the docks past the large GWR sign, and followed the quays around to where the ships were moored. There were four of them – I had hit the jackpot. On the evening I started to write this piece there were no ships tied up at Fowey. I got my photos and returned to the car unchallenged – the perfect end to a perfect day. So what has happened to shipments of china clay in the intervening 45 years. Both Charlestown and Par Harbours have ceased to ship china clay, and the ships coming to Fowey have got bigger and therefore fewer.

I paid another visit to Fowey 8 weeks later on 27 August 1979, but not far into the docks – just far enough to take the attached photograph of a diesel road roller. This was quite a rare beast as it was a Wallis & Steevens Advance dating from 1975 and first registered on 1 November that year. It has not been taxed since 31 October 1995, but may still exist somewhere. The firm was taken over and wound up in 1981. Also present was the coaster Valfragoso of Vigo in north-east Spain near the Portuguese border. On the way home to West Cornwall I stopped at Treesmill to photograph the up motorail train, a train I did not see often living where I did.

Fortyfive years later I was able to watch the ships at Fowey from the comfort of my own home as Monday 1 July approached. On the Friday, Saturday and Sunday there were no large ships in the Port of Fowey. Soon after 01.00 on Monday 1 July a ship sailed into the port and moored up. It was the MV Vitality, a UK-flagged British general cargo ship of 3 – 4,000 tonnes, which was nice to see, as most ships are foreign. The fleet of ships named ….....ity have been a feature of British shipping for many decades and sixty years ago were a common site in small ports and harbours across Devon and Cornwall from Penzance to Teignmouth. Vitality measures 90 metres by 15.4 metres.

It took two working days to load Vitality which then appeared to wait for the rising tide before sailing at about 20.30 on Tuesday 2 July 2024, taking a half hour to reach the open sea. The ship had set out on a 14-day journey to Egypt.

A typical GWR notice of screwed-on cast iron letters at the pedestrian entrance to Fowey Docks seen on 27.08.1979. Copyright Michael L. Roach

Castor of Helsingfors (Helsinki). Copyright Michael L. Roach

Marion Schulte of Bremen, Germany. Copyright Michael L. Roach

Inger and Nina Bres. The Bresline ships were regular visitors to Fowey at the time. Copyright Michael L. Roach

Wallis & Steevens diesel roller of 1975. Copyright Michael L. Roach

Valfrogoso of Vigo. Copyright Michael L. Roach

The up Motorail passes Treesmill, Par at 4.32pm consisting of 50008 Thunderer (PRESERVED) hauling 8C and 9 carflats on 27.08.1979. Copyright Michael L. Roach

The M.V. Vitality a few hours before her departure on 02.07.2024. Copyright Jon Hird

Many thanks as always Michael, an interesting series of photographs of an interesting place.

For more of Michaels work, please click here.

Stranger in the camp
Jon Hird

After suffering brake/wheel flat issues on one of its coaches (believed although not confirmed to be the ex-motorail van directly behind the loco) whilst working a test train along the Parkandillack branch, Colas Rail 37219 has been moved to St. Blazey in order to clear the mainline. Behind the test train is 66101 coupled to a rake of JIA's which had been loaded at Par Harbour, ready to be worked up to Exeter Riverside. 03.07.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

66025 passes by with 10 JIA's for Fowey docks. 03.07.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

66025 heads around the trainset-radius curve to Par whilst the test train and 66101 keep each other company in the yard. 03.07.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

My first Castle Class trips
Trevor Tremethick

Hello Keith and Roger

Today I managed to accomplish something I have been trying to get done for some time. Castle class HSTs Plymouth to Truro and back. My thanks to Roger for help with the timings.

Barbara came with me, not noted for her love of trains, and was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the HSTs; also the Cornish countryside which she had never before seen from a train. I must give the GWR staff (both on the train and at the stations) 10/10 for friendliness, customer focus and punctuality.

43004 Caerphilly Castle in the lead from Plymouth, with 43187 Cardiff Castle in rear; 43189 Launceston Castle and 43198 on the return. 5552 was in the branch platform at Bodmin Parkway.

The downside was Truro, that I have not seen for years. Heartbreaking to see the semaphores gone, weeds growing through the track and the yard we knew so well turned into a car park. Progress I guess.

Anyway, here are some pictures from my first Castle trips. I don't suppose there will be many more now.

Regards

Trevor

1 43004 and 43187 bring the stock of the 1015 to PZ into Plymouth. 02.07.2024. Copyright Trevor Tremethick-1

2 43004 leaves Truro with the 1015 ex-Plymouth, 02.07.2024. One of the ticket inspectors looks out. Copyright Trevor Tremethick-3

3 43187 leaves a weed-strewn Truro at the rear of the 1015 ex-Plymouth, 02.07.2024. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

4 A grimy Launceston Castle enters Truro, 1315 PZ-Plymouth, 02.07.2024. 43198 at rear. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

5 Interior of set GW08 02.07.2024. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Many Thanks Trevor I hope that you and Barbara had a good ride on the HST. Best Wishes Roger

'Tiger' passing Laira
Roger Geach

50028 passing Plymouth Laira on 26.12.1974 with the 1100 Penzance to Paddington service. Back in the days when trains ran on Boxing Day! 50028 was later named 'Tiger' following the theme of naming the class after naval vessels. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger, the scene is almost unrecognisable as todays location with the lack of development and vegetation in your shot.

South Devon Snaps
Martin Scane

6412 and 33002 at Buckfastleigh, 03.07.2024. Copyright Martin Scane.

5526 at Totnes Littlehempsted. Copyright Martin Scane.

The classic Buckfastleigh shot from the footbridge as 5526 prepares to depart. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks to you Martin, nice to see these - it's a line we don't seem too see many photos of, compared to others in the region.

July 3rd 2024

3/7/2024

Down on the river
Jon Hird

The sky is grey and the tide is in as 66025 crosses the Causeway at Golant with 16 JIA's of China Clay for Fowey. Boat, wetsuit or drone shot? 02.07.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

The train crosses the bridge which allows boats access to the harbour. 02.07.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

One final shot as the train creeps over the ungated crossing which provides access to the slipway. A few minutes later it would arrive at Fowey where a ship was docked awaiting loading. 02.07.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

Whilst at Golant earlier in the day, I had spotted (through the drones camera up at 120m!) that there was a ship moored at Carne Point. I headed back down after work and walked the footpath towards the former Saw Mill so that I could get some photos. A pity the clay wasn't being discharged into the ship at the time, but here we see the JIA's being unloaded and a tipper lorry which has just finished unloading, 2 means by which product arrives at Carne Point for loading and onwards travel by sea. 02.07.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

An overall view of the dock complex with the train of empties being made up. 02.07.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

I walked back to Golant and waited about an hour for this shot of the empties departing, on their way to Goonbarrow for reloading. 02.07.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

Totnes Railtour
Roger Geach

47701 passes Totnes with a Pathfinder excursion to Plymouth on 24.02.1996. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger

Didcot HST's
Doug Nicholls

A HST set heads East at Didcot in July 1981. Look at the tidy yard/sidings to the left along with the clean wagons - like a train set! Copyright Doug Nicholls.

With the cooling towers visible in the background another unidentified HST heads East. July 1981, copyright Doug Nicholls.

Many thanks to Doug for allowing us to display these fine photographs, and also to Roger Geach for forwarding them on, much appreciated.

The Exmoor Coast Pullman
John Simons

Today, 2nd July, the Blue Pullman ran Chesterfield to Minehead on the West Somerset Railway, and is pictured at Bishops Lydeard station.

Midland Pullman arriving at Bishops Lydeard- West Somerset Railway. Copyright John Simons.

The pullman ready to depart, a contrast of colour from the pullman and the station garden train. Copyright John Simons.

The pullman leaves the station for Minehead, passing 7812 Erlestoke Manor on WSR service train. Copyright John Simons.

Many thanks John - the Blue Pullman certainly brings a little colour to a photograph.

2/7/2024

Was it the local graffiti artists at work following Mazey Day at Penzance?
Roger Salter & Roger Winnen

240702a Iets and a voyager stabled at Long Rock early Monday morning. Copyright Roger Saltrt

240702b First Class treatment fot First Class passengers. Copyright Roger Salter

270702c The nose ends at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

240702d Arrived at the station as the train was about to leave at 08.20 Copyright Roger Winnen

240702e Just in time as the train commemced its journey to Paddington, however the train was cancelled at Castle Cary owing to a fire nearby.. Copyright Roger Winnen

240702f The 08.40 Penzance to Edinburgh sits in Platform 4 complete with graffiti adhornd on the cab. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Plym Valley Railway Transport Weekend
30th June 2024
Roger Winnen

A very interesting afternoon yesterday at the Plym Valley Railway was had with a number of members of the Cornwall Railway Society in attendance, engines icluding Albert-The Sentinel-13002-River Annan and a former Cornish Skipper.

An intensive service operated to Plym Bridge Platform.

Congratulation to the Plym Valley for arranging such an interesting programme of events.

Many Thanks, Roger Winnen

240630a Albert on Tour on the Plym Valley Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630b The returning service to Marsh Mills has a Class 07 Ruston & Hornsby No 429 River Annan built in 1961 for use with the MOD. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630c The Sentinel in Inter City Livery numbered 10077. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630d The Class 07 viewed from the new platform at Marsh Mills brings in the next train from Plym Bridge Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630e Super Power on the next service to Plym Bridge with Albert on the front and Class 07 and Class 08 13002 on the rear. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630f Super Power on the next service to Plym Bridge with Albert on the front and Class 07 and Class 08 13002 on the rear. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630g Albert on arrival at Plym Bridge Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630h Passengers at Plym Bridge Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630i Passengers at Plym Bridge Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630j At the other end of the train we see the River Annan and 13002. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630k Former Cornish Skipper 142023 arrives at Marsh Mills to form the 14.00 service to Plym Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630l Plenty of people for Darlington however it may need more fuel on route. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630m The Skipper awaits departure. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630n John Ball captures the event of the Skippper arriving at Plym Bridge. Copyright John Ball

240630o Albert arriving on an earlier service. Copyright John Ball

240630p Awaiting departure to Saltburn this time around. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630q An extra run to Plym Bridge took place after 14.30 here we see the unit taken from the extremed viewing area at Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630r Lying between the tracks were redundant signals from the Cornish Resigalling programme PR51 cound be seem on leaving the station. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630s Albert departs on the 15.15 service to Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630t Albert departs on the 15.15 service to Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630u Being banked by the Sentinel and 13002. Copyright Roger Winnen

240630u Memories of Cornwall a CDA Wagon Copyright Roger Winnen

Mazey Day specials and Newquay branch activity
Craig Munday

I caught a shift at St Blazey on 25th and local (Hayle) hero set 802008 Rick Rescorla worked through to Newquay. Copyright Craig Munday.

The new diagram in the box showing the revised arrangements around the corner to Par. Track circuits (Axle Counters) replace the absolute block there previously. Copyright Craig Munday.

The 28th saw a Castle set work the coastal portion of the down Paddington, and the return working is pictured at St Blazey in fine light. Copyright Craig Munday.

My contribution to the annual charter procession taken from the ripening fields at Resparveth on 29th June 2024. The light was fairly gruesome driving down, but a fair patch coincided with both trains (three in fact in 30 mins on the down). Copyright Craig Munday.

A broadside view of 47810 and 47712 heading through Resparveth on 29.06.24. Copyright Craig Munday.

50007 and 50049 head west. The opulent 13 coaches, all in blue and grey behind the 50s a reminder of the Jumbo trains of yesteryear. Often pulling up twice at my home station of Hayle. Copyright Craig Munday.

The pair of 50's in their colourful GBRF liveries passing the fields of Resparveth. A lovely side-on view - there can't be many places in Cornwall you could get a clear shot of such a long train. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks to you as always Craig, a lovely set of photos which I am sure will be enjoyed by all.

I have added the Cl.47 photos to our features section. The 50 tour photos will follow when time allows!

Night time at Bristol Temple Meads
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

33105 stands beneath the roof at Bristol Temple Meads of an evening in 1987. Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks Phil - a lovely atmospheric shot.

The Plymouth Post
Roger Geach

67009 departs Plymouth station with 1M65, the 19:15 Plymouth - Willesden Railnet service on 01.07.2003. Copyright Roger Geach.

Thank you very much indeed, Roger. 21 years ago today (as I write this) - where has the time gone?

<<Previous

Forward>>

Castle to the rescue!Craig Munday, Jon Hird, Julian Stephens, Roger Winnen & Andrew Triggs

Blue at BurngullowRoger Geach

Treamble TerminusRoger Winnen

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 93Evening Visit to Friary and Laira 24.07.1962Michael L. Roach

'The End Of Southern Steam'Maiden Newton - 09.07.2024Bill Elston

Staverton StationJames Bown

Rambling around St. AgnesRoger Winnen

St. Blazey ScrapJon Hird

Maurice Dart Memorial Train

Westbury WesternGuy Vincent

DRS at DoubleboisJon Hird

60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' works:'The English Riviera Express'David Tozer Sam Ryder & Roger Winnen

Lydham ManorSam Ryder

'The Beast of Bodmin!'50042 Running Day on the Bodmin RailwayJon Hird

Watford WesternDennis Clarke

Cowley Bridge Junction - Rivers, Railways & FloodsRichard Watts & John Bolton

A '37' at restJon Hird

Class 37 at St. BlazeyCraig Munday

Type 4 Action at PlymouthRoger Winnen

A sad scene at MoorswaterJon Hird

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 92Fowey Docks 1979Michael L. Roach

Stranger in the campJon Hird

'Tiger' passing LairaRoger Geach

South Devon SnapsMartin Scane

Down on the river​Jon Hird

Totnes RailtourRoger Geach

Didcot HST'sDoug Nicholls

The Exmoor Coast PullmanJohn Simons

Mazey Day specials and Newquay branch activityCraig Munday

Night time at Bristol Temple MeadsPhil 'Shattered' Smith

The Plymouth PostRoger Geach

Archives