Blog Archives

July 31st 2025

31/7/2025

37219 visits the far west
Roger Winnen

37219 Jonty Jarvis at Penzance this evening. Departing 21.23 to Exeter Riverside via Newquay & Looe. 30.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Another view of the veteran locomotive enjoying the sunshine at Penzance. 30.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Tiger Rail Wagons
Steve Clark

Bescot Yard with 56004 waiting to head a train of Tiger Wagons loaded with Clay from Cornwall on to Cliffe Vale. Copyright Steve Clark.

A second photo showing the empties heading back South at Stafford behind 37683 and 37899. Copyright Steve Clark.

Lovely photos Steve, the Tiger wagons were a big part of the railway here not so long ago.

Teignmouth HST
Martin Scane

Still going strong on the Penzance to Exeter service but for how much longer? 43093 leans into the curve from Teignmouth station onto the sea wall at 10-29 this morning with 2E06 running 1 minute early. 30.07.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks, Martin, a great shot. 'How much longer' really is the million-dollar question.

July 30th 2025

30/7/2025

More of the
Cornish Mineral Lines Tour
April 28th 1962
Paul Dorney

A wonderful photograph of 5531 pausing at Perranporth whilst working the Cornish Mineral Lines Tour on 28.04.1962. Original photographer unknown, copyright Paul Dorney.

With the unmistakable skyline of clay country behind it, the tour calls at Mellangoose Mill off the Retew Branch. 28.04.1962, copyright Paul Dorney.

Many thanks for sharing these remarkable photos, Paul. Incredible that they are coming to light all these years later.

Burnham to Evercreech Junction

.Dear Mr. Ball,
As a once owner of part of the S&DJR (The Lower Platform cutting at
Templecombe, that I purchased from BR for the sum of £5 in 1970) and
having studied the S&DJR for more than sixty years, I feel that I must
correct the caption to one of the pictures displayed in the above
Cornwall Railway Society presentation.
I have had the presentation listed among my "bookmarked" items for a
long time but have had little chance to study the captions in detail.
The easiest way for me to show my comment is to appended the picture to
this email with my comment added.

Yours sincerely,

Jonathan Clarke-Irons
Journeys End
Red Lane
Raymonds Hill
Axminster
EX13 5TA

Railway 200 exhibits en route
Clive Smith

GWR HST power cars 43198 and 43004 pass Harford Bridge in Ivybridge with the 0Z75 07.31 Laira - Derby Litchurch Lane light loco movement. These will be exhibited at this weekend's Railway 200 Event, the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway. HSTs will be represented from other owners too but GWR's examples are significant. 43004 is the third production power car and built in March 1976 and the second oldest in active service . 43198 was the last power car built and entered service in 1982.

GWR HST power cars 43198 and 43004 pass Harford Bridge in Ivybridge with the 0Z75 07.31 Laira - Derby Litchurch Lane light loco movement. 29.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

43004 looking very smart on the rear of the light engine movement. 29.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Great photos Clive, many thanks - both power cars looking very smart, they must have received some TLC at Laira for the occassion.

'The Flying Banana' at Kemble
Ken Mumford

Passing Kemble station looking back towards the station and Gloucester. The line branching off to the right WAS the start of the Cirencester branch which was closed to passenger traffic.on August 5th 1963 and to freight traffic on October 4th 1965. 29.07.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

About to enter the 415 yard long Kemble Tunnel. It was built for no other good reason than to hide the railway from the occupier of the nearest Big House, one Squire Gordon, back in the 19th century. 29.07.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

1Q15 returning towards Gloucester with a worker putting up a notice about engineering work on this line. 29.07.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

Going away photos with the large water tank with pumping machinery below.Its details:- probably 1882, contemporary with main station buildings on G.W.R. Swindon to Gloucester line, opened 1845. Rectangular cast iron tank of riveted sections supported on 6 tall round columns, X-braced in pairs, with curved brackets supporting iron beam pierced with vertical ovals. Tank covered in curved bituminous roof. In the centre are 2 boxed-in pipes with attached wheels to operate pumping machinery presumably originally housed in a small adjoining wooden shed but interior of shed not accessible to check existence of machinery. Grade II listed from 27th February 1986. More details on the internet. 29.07.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken - interesting shots of an interesting station.

Cornish Castles
Malcolm Ashworth

Hi,

Just come back from my annual visit to the wonderful county of Cornwall,and went out a couple of times,to capture the HSTs,still operating the "Castle Class" services,I believe this is their last year of operation, before being replaced by the ex TFW units.

Photos taken at St Erth,and St Austell, w/e 26th July.

Love your website,and all the photos and information regarding ops in Cornwall and beyond.

Best wishes, Malcolm Ashworth.

43186 leans into the curve at St. Erth. July 2025, copyright Malcolm Ashworth.

43187 heading east at St. Austell. July 2025, copyright Malcolm Ashworth.

43186 near journeys end as it calls at St. Erth heading west. July 2025, copyright Malcolm Ashworth.

43097 heading east at St. Erth. July 2025, copyright Malcolm Ashworth.

And finally, 43042 heading west through St. Austell. July 2025, copyright Malcolm Ashworth.

Malcolm, many thanks indeed both for your wonderful photographs and for your kind words about the website. I'm glad you enjoy browsing!

Cornish weedkiller
Mick House

DR98906 & DR98956 arrived at Truro this afternoon 28/07/2025 from Exeter Riverside N.Y.

Departing 95 minutes early from Exeter Riverside yard at 12.17 and arriving 17.05 early by 124 minutes at Truro Yard.

DR98906 at Truro Yard. 28.07.2025, copyright Mick House.

The spraying module carried on the decks of the MPV units. 28.07.2025, copyright Mick House.

DR98956 in Truro Yard. 28.07.2025, copyright Mick House.

A smart bit of kit - thanks for the photos, Mick.

A visit to the West Somerset Railway
Martin Scane

I had a good visit to the West Somerset Railway today with a friend travelling up and down the line.

Three steam engines in service 9351, 7812 and 7828 although they were assisted, due to fire risk by a class 14 or 33.

It was a real treat to see 2999 Lady of Legend in the yard at Minehead (although I couldn’t get a clear photograph as it was being attended to).

Anyway, a few photos all taken at Minehead with the exception of the last one showing 7812 (assisted by the Class 33) entering Watchet station.

9351 inbetween duties at Minehead. 29.07.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

2999 'Lady of Legend' receiving attention at Minehead. 29.07.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

D9526, the resident class 14, on standby at Minehead to assist the steam locos due to the fire risk. 29.07.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

7828 shunting at Minehead. Note the stored GWR HST set in the distance. 29.07.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

9351 shunting at Minehead. 29.07.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Another view of 'Lady of Legend'. 29.07.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

7828 running round its train. 29.07.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

7812 and one of the lines class 33's enter Watchet Station. 29.07.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Plenty to see, beside the sea in Somerset, Martin - many thanks.

July 29th 2025

29/7/2025

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 57
Halwill to Torrington
Michael L. Roach

At the end of the Nineteenth Century, the north west of Devon was a sparsely populated depressed area. The government of the day passed the Light Railways Act of 1896 to assist such areas to have the benefits of a railway line. The Act allowed reduced standards of construction but the downside was that there were drawbacks including an overall 25mph speed limit. The North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway was formed to take advantage of the Act and open up north west Devon but by the time it opened it was probably already too late as motorised road transport was already improving dramatically. The line was built south from Torrington to Hatherleigh and Halwill Junction Station on the North Cornwall line from Okehampton to Wadebridge and Padstow. The line opened to passengers one hundred years ago on 27 July 1925. It was too late to be affected by the Grouping of the Railways under the 1921 Act, and remained independent until nationalisation in 1948, but was worked by the Southern Railway from opening until nationalisation.

Halwill to Torrington was the last new full-sized railway built in England until the 68-mile Channel Tunnel Rail Link known as HS1 opened on 14 November 2007. Comparison of any aspect of the two lines – earthworks, gradients, speed limits, curves, ballast, length of trains etc – would be stark; the two lines are completely at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Passenger traffic was never heavy and for the last few years there were just two passenger trains that travelled the full 20 miles of the route. Freight traffic was much healthier with the transport of ball clay being very important. The passenger trains had been dieselised before withdrawal on and from 1 March 1965 with the last trains running on Saturday 27 February 1965, with freight continuing on the northern section for a few more years. The lines at each end that the light railway had joined together did not last much longer than the line itself. The line from Barnstaple to Torrington closed on and from 3 October 1965; with the North Cornwall line through Halwill closing a year later on 4 October 1966.

My first trip over the line was on 6 August 1960 on a circular tour, Plymouth to Plymouth via Launceston, Halwill, Torrington, Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Barnstaple, Dulverton and Exeter. My second was a return trip from Halwill Junction to Barnstaple and return on Saturday 29 June 1963 on the same train the 10.52am off Halwill returning on the 4.40pm off Torrington. On the outward leg 41210 had the usual one coach plus two box vans which were dropped off at Petrockstowe. On the return journey from Barnstaple I recorded that there were about 150 passengers in the two coaches as far as Bideford. From Torrington, behind 41214 there were 7 passengers with 2 alighting at Yarde, and 5 alighting at Halwill. My third and last trip was on The Exmoor Ranger Railtour of 27 March 1965 i.e after closure of part of the route. More about the railtour in the relevant section of this website, and on sixbellsjunction website.

On my first trip over the line in 1960 we caught the first train of the day, then timed at 10.52am, one coach hauled by Ivatt 2-6-2T no. 41314 of Barnstaple Junction Shed. I had earlier started making odd records on some of my rail journeys along branch lines and secondary routes. Sometimes it would be carriage numbers or passenger numbers, but on this journey from Halwill to Torrington I recorded the number of goods wagons in each of the goods yards passed en-route. Although long distance road haulage had commenced in the 1930s many customers had stayed loyal to the railways up until 1960. Many customers were based in goods yards and found it useful to use the loaded box vans for the temporary storage of their incoming goods. The main traffic in rural areas would be agricultural stores and domestic coal, both of which could stay in the wagon until needed, avoiding double handling into a store or bin. The first station was Hole where there were 3 wagons parked up beside the large warehouse (exact purpose unknown). At the next station Hatherleigh there were no less than 13 wagons parked up which seemed very good; and at Petrockstowe 5 wagons. The train had started from Halwill with 4½ passengers; adding one at Petrockstowe, one at Yarde and one at Watergate. No passengers alighted at intermediate stations so 7½ alighted at journey's end Torrington.

A general view of Halwill Junction Station from the Torrington bay platform on Saturday 6 August 1960. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

41314 waits to take out the 10.52am to Torrington on 06.08.1960. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Ivatt 41283 leaves Hole Station with the 6.30pm Halwill to Torrington on 28 March 1964. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Two months later and 41283 is on the 10.38am Halwill to Torrington crossing the main road near Hatherleigh on 23 May 1964. I am looking towards Halwill. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

41314 takes water at Hatherleigh Station on 06.08.1960 while working the 10.52am Halwill to Torrington train. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks for another fascinating instalment, Mike.

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

The Launceston Steam Railway
Andrew & Diane Jones

It's been a while, so I thought a trip to Launceston was the order of day.

Kay and Nigel Bowman have engineered a remarkable collection of victorian infrastructure and rolling stock, running to very high standards, using much ingenuity and stamina.

The last BR trains ran decades ago, so it's a privilege to experience the beautiful Kensey Valley just as it was in the 1960's, imagining being pulled by a Bullied Pacific or T9 on the Atlantic Coast Express to far flung Padstow and the delights of the North Coast.

There are a number of working locomotives and on Monday 28th July 2025 it was the turn of Lilian, Hunslet manufactured ex Penrhyn Quarry locomotive, Purchased by Nigel in 1964 for £60 and lovingly restored.

Now in her 142nd year she has outlasted many generations and continues to give good service, although Kay tells me that the Polish Coal gives her indigestion!

Nigel has introduced a new style of sleeper made from redundant rail to replace some of the traditional wooden sleepers which suffer from rot very quickly, he says modern timber just doesn't last and bemoans that creosote is no longer allowed to be used.

The railway has one of the best bookshops I have encountered in a long while and a very comfortable tea room with many temptations.

The Launceston Steam Railway is a rare example of how sheer tenacity and a professional approach delivers an experience that satisfies all tastes, you can even stay a few nights and live and breath an atmospheric time warp.

Very well done Nigel and Kay and may there be many more years ahead.

'Lilian' in steam at the Launceston Railway. 28.07.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Nigel, owner of the line, at the controls of 'Lilian'. 28.07.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Departing Launceston. 28.07.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

The lineside structures still hint that this was once a standard gauge railway, such as this road bridge near Launceston. 28.07.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Old narrow gauge rail in use as sleepers. 28.07.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Further images below - please click any to obtain an enlargement - all images copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Many thanks Andrew & Diane. Your article arrived in good time to follow on from Michaels earlier piece.

The Launceston Railway is a very special place, unspoilt by modern interventions, long may it continue to thrive.

More of the Bodmin
China Clay Gala
Neil Phillips

Hello Roger, Keith, Jon and Mick,

I attended the BWR's 'China Clay Gala' weekend on the Sunday (27th July) and it was an enjoyable and well-organised event. I attach a few of my photos to add to those already sent in.

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

08444 approaches Bodmin General with an imaginary and unusually small consignment of 'white gold' from (Wenfordbridge Dries via) Boscarne Junction. 27th July 2025, copyright Neil Phillips.

Due to a time warp at Bodmin General the BR blue Class 08 has handed the short consist over to 'Small Prairie' 5552 for the downhill run to Bodmin Road, oops sorry, Parkway. 27th July 2025, copyright Neil Phillips.

Port of Par's 'Judy' manages to make a small Sentinel diesel shunter suddenly look much bigger! 27th July 2025, copyright Neil Phillips.

The BWR has commenced restoration of CDA 375063 - with seven more following on this is most likely best described as an 'ongoing project'..... 27th July 2025, copyright Neil Phillips.

Many thanks, Neil - a nice selection.

Walking the Camel Trail
Steve Clark

A few piccies from only my second walk along the trail. A real bonus was the arrival of an Engineers train at Boscarne Jn behind 08444.

The remains of Dunmere Halt looking towards Bodmin North. I have driven over that bridge many times and had no idea what was below it!! 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

The running in board at Dunmere Halt still proudly wearing Southern Colours. 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

This is one of 2 Signal posts i found en route, the other one being at Boscarne Junction. I expect there may be more on the Trail towards Wadebridge. 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

After 15 minutes we reached Boscarne Jn and heard a train whistle in the distance. The Steam service wasn't due so what could it be? 08444 on a works train was the answer!! 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

Next Stop, Wadebridge!! 08444 really is at the far limits of the Bodmin & Wenford Railway in this shot. The Camel Trail continues beyond here towards Wadebridge. Great to see so many people out enjoying it. 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

Fortunate timing with the works train, Steve - many thanks.

July 28th 2025

28/7/2025

45212 & 47812 work
'The Royal Duchy'
Clive Smith, Martin Scane & Jon Hird

The Railway Touring Company's 'Royal Duchy' railtour was initially billed to be hauled by 60163 'Tornado'. This was more recently revised, with the intention of hauling the train behind Black Five 45212.

Earlier this week, 45212 failed at Weymouth with a 'hot box' - a bearing defect - on its tender. After spending several days at Weymouth, the locomotive was eventually cleared to run to Bristol in preparation to work Sundays tour to Par, however that journey was not without event - the locomotive failed again at Yeovil Junction and required further attention to the troublesome bearings.

Sunday morning came and many expected the tour to be diesel-hauled throughout, yet 45212 was bolted to the front of the train and worked from Bristol to Plymouth.

Here, however, the bearing issue again reared its head, and the steam locomotive was removed from the train and sent to Laira, with 47812 which was on the rear of the train being run round to lead the tour into Cornwall and back to Bristol.

LMS Black Five 45212 with 47812 on the rear passing a very overgrown Brent station site at South Brent with the 1Z33 08.48 Bristol Temple Meads - Par "The Royal Duchy". 27.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

After all the will she run/won’t she run here’s 45212 with 1Z33 Bristol TM to Par running some 10 minutes late at 11-41 today about to pass Shaldon Bridge, Teignmouth with a motley assortment of coaching stock in tow. The train had been held for a while in Tiverton Loop to allow a couple of late running service trains to pass.

After the steam was removed at Plymouth, 47812 was put on the front and sent down to Par. The coaching stock is an odd mix of mk1's and mk2's in varying liveries. The late running service passes Bodmin Parkway where a rake of clay hoods can be seen in the branch platform - 08444 was in the headshunt at the far end of the station running round. 27.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks all - a pity for the passengers onboard!

More of the
Bodmin Railway Clay Gala
Roger Winnen & Jon Hird

Saturday 26.07.2025 - Roger Winnen

The Sapper working the first train of the day seen at Bodmin Parkway. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

The Beattie Well Tank on a static display outside of the workshops. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

The big and the small at Bodmin General. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Racing the train as we depart from Bodmin General to Boscarne. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

5552 at Boscarne Junction. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

The newly refurbished 08444 and 5552 at Bodmin General. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Steve Lightfoot waves off the goods. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

47306 arrives with the CDA wagons bound for Bodmin Parkway. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

47306 at Bodmin Parkway. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

A simulatenous departure of 47306 and a GWR Castle Class HST. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Sunday 27.07.2025 - Jon Hird

08444 arrives at Bodmin Parkway with the goods. 27.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

The windows of Parkway footbridge have recently had a clean. 27.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

08444 departs for Bodmin General. 27.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

'Denise', 'Judy' and 5552 on the blocks at Bodmin General. 27.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

08444 arrives back at Bodmin General from Boscarne Junction, passing 'Denise'. 27.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Driver Mat Simpson eases 'Denise' back into the station. 27.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Congratulations and thank you to the Bodmin Railway for another excellent event.

Gloucestershire & Warkwickshire Railway
Diesel Gala
Steve Widdowson

Please click any of the below images to obtain an enlargement and caption. All images are copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks Steve, looks like a good event and you had the weather for it too.

A Peak from above
Paul Barlow

45118 with 47712 on the rear passing Waterside with the 1620 Kingswear to Derby. 26.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

45118 with 47712 on the rear crossing St. Thomas Road, Exeter with the 1620 Kingswear to Derby. 26.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul - some unique perspectives.

July 27th 2025

27/7/2025

The Tor Bay & Dart Express
45118 to the west
Martin Duff, Clive Smith, Paul Barlow, Andrew Triggs, Steve Howard, David Tozer, Jon Hird, Sam Ryder & Bill Elston

45118 awaits departure from Derby with the 'Tor Bay & Dart Express'. 26.07.2025, copyright Martin Duff.

On board the railtour, with plenty of period-correct accessories! 26.07.2025, copyright Martin Duff.

45118 The Royal Artilleryman with the 0655 1Z14 Derby to Kingswear passing Stoke Canon. 26.07.2025, copyright David Tozer.

47709/47712 on the rear at Stoke Canon. 26.07.2025, copyright David Tozer.

45118 in the mizzle at Rockstone Bridge, Dawlish with the 1Z14 06.55 Derby - Kingswear Inter City 'Torbay & Dart Express' with 47712 masquerading as 47709 and 47711 on the rear. It was 2006 when I last saw a peak along here when 45112 likewise went to Kingswear. What a marvellous sight. 26.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

45118 approaches teignmouth station with the 0655 derby to Kingswear 26 July 2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

The driver applies the power as 45118 climbs a slippery Goodrington Bank. 26.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

45118 'The Royal Artilleryman' climbing Goodrington Bank (with 47712 on the rear) working 1Z14 06.55 Derby-Kingswear (For Dartmouth) 'Tor Bay and Dart Express'. 26.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

The Peak leaves Paignton behind as it heads on towards Churston and Kingswear. 26.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

The railtour was held at Churston for the steam service train to pass, which meant it was possible to beat it to Kingswear where the weather had somewhat deteriorated. 26.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

45118 arriving at Kingswear. 26.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

45118 'touches down' at Kingswear. 26.07.2025, copyright Steve Howard.

45118 from the wall at Kingswear. 26.07.2025, copyright Martin Duff.

The crew prepare to fire up 47709 (47712) to do the shunt at Kingswear. 26.07.2025, copyright Steve Howard.

45118 reverses out of Kingswear station. 26.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

47712 and 45118 at Kingswear. 26.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

A closer view of the pair of Sulzers at a rainy Kingswear. 26.07.2025, copyright Martin Duff.

Another view of the locos during the Kingswear shunt. 26.07.2025, copyright Martin Duff.

7827 Lydham Manor approaches Kingswear 45118 has just reversed the empty stock out of the bay platform. 26.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

45118 and 47712 are engaged in some shunting at Kingswear. 26.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

45118 running back into Kingswear station following release off the Tour stock, before departing light for refuelling at Churston. 26.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

With the colourful backdrop of Kingswear behind it, 45118 heads to Churston for refuelling by road tanker. 26.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

45118 heads to Churston. 26.07.2025, copyright Martin Duff.

The clouds are beginning to part as 47712 shunts at Kingswear. Behind the loco is the Dartmouth Royal Naval College. 26.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

47712 draws the Tour ECS back into Kingswear station, viewed from the footbridge. 26.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

45118 arrives at Churston for refuelling. 26.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

45118 then went to Churston for some additional fuel from a tanker. The crew take the opportunity to get a photo of passing 7827 Lydham Manor on a Paignton - Kingswear train. 26.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

45118 at Churston. 26.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

45118 at Churston following re-fuelling. 26.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

At Kingswear, the sun has come out! 26.07.2025, copyright Martin Duff.

45118 awaits departure from Kingswear with the return working. 26.07.2025, copyright Martin Duff.

45118 with 47712 on the rear pass Waterside with the 1620 Kingswear to Derby. 26.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

45118 at Waterside in Goodrington with the 1Z15 16.21 Kingswear - Derby 'Torbay & Dart Express' with ID crisis 47712 on the rear. A magnificent location where the sun just about played ball. 26.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

3 shots from the same spot but each composed slightly differently. The return 1Z15 16.29 Kingswear-Derby Tor Bay and Dart Express passing Waterside, heading to Paignton with 45118 leading. 26.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

47709/47712/47711 on the rear of the tour at Paignton. 26.07.2025, copyright Martin Duff.

45118 calls at Torquay. 26.07.2025, copyright Martin Duff.

45118 powering towards the fishermans crossing near Cockwood in some lovely sunshine. 26.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

A drone shot from around 100m further east. 26.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

A little further along again, the returning tour approaches Cockwood Harbour. 26.07.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.

Today we had the rare appearance of a Peak class 45/1 on the G W main line. No 45118 ROYAL ARTILLERYMAN worked the return leg, 1Z15,of a run from Derby to Kingswear and is seen here passing Creech 10min early. 26.07.2025, copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks, all - the weather came good in the end! Great to see a 'Peak' back on home turf, its been a while.

Penmere '100 Gala'
Roger Winnen & John Roberts

On Saturday 26.07.2025, the Friends of Penmere Platform held a gala to celebrate the stations 100th anniversary. Attractions featured model displays, a traction engine, vintage cars and various stalls.

150249 arrives at Penmere Platform. 26.07.2025, copyright John Roberts.

Festivities at Penmere. 26.07.2025, copyright John Roberts.

Penmere Celebrates 100 years. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Vintage Cars and Karl Hewlett and his mother. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Various artefacts on display at Penmere. 26.07.2025, copyright John Roberts.

Helston Railway in attendance. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Traction engine in attendance at Penmere. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Timetables of the Falmouth Branch. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Vintage Cars and the Skinners Beer Tent behind. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Friends of Penmere manning the stalls. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Browsers reading through the local information. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Plenty of information in the books on view. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

The Traction Engine is seen pulling away from Penmere. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Penmere Platform. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Awaiting the next train to Truro Congratulations to the Friends of Penmere. 26.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Thanks both, looks like a great event - well done to the Friends of Penmere Platform.

The Bodmin Railway
China Clay Gala
Mark Lynam

The Bodmin Railway China Clay Gala is being held this weekend (26th/27th July) and features a wide selection of locomotives working and on display, along with various clay wagons in use.

47306 heads down the gradient past Charlies Gate with a train for Bodmin Parkway. 26.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

08444 at Bodmin Parkway running round the clay hoods/OOV wagons. 26.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

08444 at Boscarne Junction with the vacuum braked goods. 26.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

47306 arriving back at Bodmin General from Boscarne with a rake of 6 CDA wagons. 26.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

47306 at Bodmin General with the CDAs. 26.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Ex Port of Par Bagnall Saddle Tank Judy passes Sentinel Shunter 'Denise' at Bodmin General. 26.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

'Judy' giving passenger rides in the converted clay hood wagon. 26.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

47306 cresting the hill from Parkway with the CDA rake. 26.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

The two goods sets seen outside Bodmin General as 47306 with the CDA's passes 08444 with the OOV's. 26.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

08444 heading to Bodmin Parkway with the goods. 26.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

A smashing scene as 08444 returns from Parkway with the hoods and brake van in tow. 26.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks for the wonderful photos, Mark.

The Gala continues today (Sunday) - worth a visit if you're at a loose end!

July 26th 2025

26/7/2025

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 56
Taunton to Barnstaple Postscript
Michael L. Roach

This instalment brings together all the images that could not be used in Part 55 about Yeo Mill Halt on the Taunton to Barnstaple line. The first image shows the cover of the timetable from Summer 1964 commencing on 15 June 1964 and due to last 12 months. There were so many changes on 7 September 1964 that a 127-page Supplement was issued including some to the Monday to Saturday Taunton to Barnstaple route which then became 100 percent diesel; with steam haulage finishing on Saturday 5 September 1964. There were so many further changes to Western Region trains on 4 January 1965 that the WR timetable was completely reprinted. The earlier one dated 15 June was the first to use the 24-hour clock. The Taunton to Barnstaple line closed on and from Monday 3 October 1966 with the last passenger trains running on Saturday 1 October 1966. Normally I did not attend “last days” where lines had been dieselised but I made an exception for the Taunton to Barnstaple line. What I did was to travel along the line by car stopping at most of the stations to take a handful of photos at each of the station buildings, signal box and signals. In Part 55 I recommended Freddie Huxtable's history of the line. This is one of the best line histories I have ever seen, with hundreds of photographs and supporting documentation, and was a real labour of love by Freddie.

The cover of the Western Region passenger timetable for June 1964 to 1965. This was the first one to introduce the 24-hour clock.

Table 64 which applied from Monday 15 June to Saturday 5 September 1964, and which was the last steam timetable.

The cover of the Supplement dated 7 September 1964 which contained a number of alterations to Table 64 in a list. Table 64 now applied Mondays to Saturdays; there was no Sunday service. I believe that all trains were now operated by diesel multiple units.

The cover of the reissued and reprinted WR timetable applicable from Monday 4 January 1965. An encouragement to buy this revised timetable was the fact that it only cost one shilling against the two shillings and sixpence of the earlier full 1964-65 one.

The Table 64 timetable applicable from 4 January 1965. A small number of trains now ran to or from Torrington which may have been diagrammed to pick up the occasional milk tank making its way from Torrington to Taunton for a WR London destination.

Nothing to do with Taunton – Barnstaple but this pamphlet was used as a bookmark in the revised timetable and shows fares for day trips from Bath Green Park on the Somerset & Dorset just one year before closure.

Churchward Mogul no. 8318 leaves Penzance in 1934 with thirteen coaches. Engines in the 8300 series had extra weight inserted behind the buffer beam to minimise wear on the leading driving wheels caused by the many curves on lines such as the Cornish main line. Penzance had two moguls in 1921 and Plymouth had ten moguls in 1921.

A train is seen crossing Castle Hill Viaduct in 1926 behind a Churchward Mogul. The piers of the viaduct now carry a main road.

Many thanks as ever Mike, another interesting article, much appreciated.

For more of Michaels work, please click here.

Cornish Mineral Lines Tour
April 1962
Paul Dorney

I have a few photos of the above tour, acquired by me with copyright, but the identities of the original photographers are unknown. You may find them of interest and have my permission to use them on your website

5531 and a classmate work the Cornish Mineral Lines Tour on 28.04.1962. It looks like Carbis Wharf to me? Photographer unknown, copyright Paul Dorney.

Many thanks indeed for the wonderful photo, Paul.

We have a selection more from this tour on our website compiled by Mike Roach. Click here.

GBRf Action
Steve Widdowson

66305 at Wadborough, Worcs with 4M54 (0710 Cardiff Docks Rp Gbrf to Burton West Yard Gbrf). 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

69009 at Wadborough, Worcs with 0F94 (0920 Eastleigh Trsmd to Long Marston). 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Interesting trains, thanks very much, Steve.

Re: That mystery location photo..

Many thanks to those of you who have emailed in in response to the query from earlier this week as to the location of the above picture.

From numerous responses, we have determined that it is most likely taken at Yeovil GWR shed with Wyndham Hill in the distance. Mike Newton went into particular detail with the following:

The picture of the small prairie looks like Yeovil Pen Mill to me. The line to the right of the loco will be the one to Yeovil Town Sta. and on to Taunton. The line to Yeovil Jnc. / Dorchester are behind the photographer.

It always impresses me how much excellent knowledge is shared amongst our readers and contributors - many thanks indeed.

The monthly NMT visit
Andrew Triggs, Roger Winnen, Steve Clark & Jon Hird

The Down run to Penzance of 1Q18 with 43062 leading, approaching and passing Arch Lane overbridge at 11.15, shortly after clearing St Erth. 25.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Hazy going away shot of 1Q18, from Arch Lane overbridge, en route to Penzance. 25.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

The HST formation approaches Penzance Signal Box. 25.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

The boulders protecting Penzance against the winter storms. 25.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

43013 Mark Carne CBE. 25.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

The return from Penzance of 1Q18, with 43013 now leading, passing Rospeath Lane overbridge at 11.47, heading towards St Erth. 25.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Back to work today after a couple of days off but my break fell nicely to allow me to see the NMT aka Flying Banana on its 4 weekly visit to Cornwall. Even better, the sun was out!! 43013 'Mark carne OBE' leads the train through Bodmin Parkway, close behind the Voyager forming the 1S53 Penzance to Edinburgh. 43063 'John Armitt' is on the rear. 25.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

The returning NMT crossing East Largin viaduct en route to Paignton. 25.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks all, for sending in your photos.

Classic Traction and Semaphores
Joe Birchall

Today we went to St Ives on the train, which is definitely the best mode of transport to get there! Catching a Hitachi to St Erth and a HST (43093 and 43186) back, making use of the opportunity to photograph one between the semaphores at St Erth.

43093 and 43186 sweep into St. Erth from the west on 25.07.2025. Copyright Joe Birchall.

Many thanks, Joe. A classic scene (somewhat modernised by the new footbridge!)

Recent Round Up
Steve Clark

A last minute dash was made to Luxulyan after arriving home from work then seeing the Clay had just left Lostwithiel. Yet another Loco change sees 66003 powering towards the station with 12 empty JIAs heading to Goonbarrow Jn as the 6V76 from Westbury. 19.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

With the body clock waking me up just before 6am i had a quick check where the Beds were. And they were on time!! So a quick drop down to Par for them. The cab of 57301 just hits a patch of sunlight coming through the trees as it eases the 1C50 Night Riviera in to Par. 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

A curious Clay working flagged up for Thursday, an early morning run of the 6G09 Goonbarrow to Fowey. It was activated on RTT and sure enough, after the first train to Newquay had cleared the section, 6G09 was let out of Goonbarrow. What i didn't expect was for this to be such a short train!! 66003 approaches the crossing at St Andrews Road with just 2 JIAs in tow. Note the semaphore reflection in the stream plus the Duck having an early morning paddle. 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

Luckily 6G09 was held for an IET to depart allowing 'Double Stamps'. It sits on the Goods line waiting the Road which was given shortly afterwards. 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

After its trip to Fowey earlier in the morning, 66003 sets back into Par Harbour with 8 JIAs ready for loading. The DB shunter and Imerys Staff deal with the Crossing gates once the loco is clear. 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

Whilst some like the height of a pole or a drone, I was laid flat out on the ground with my camera under the crossing gates!! 66003 pushes back into the Harbour loading area with its 8 JIAs. 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

Many thanks, Steve. Great pics, especially the Middleway shot.

July 25th 2025

25/7/2025

This weekend - 'Wasson'?

This weekend is packed full of railway interest here in the far west, take your pick from:

Railtours
45118 to Kingswear on Saturday or steam to Par on Sunday - check out the details in our railtour calendar.
The Friends of Penmere Platform 100th Anniversary Gala (Saturday)
Attractions and fun for all the family at Penmere - Click here.
Tarka Valley Railway's 100th Anniversary Gala (Saturday + Sunday)
Tarka Valley Railway's celebration of the 100th anniversary of the opening in 1925 of the North Devon and Cornwall Jn Light Railway from Torrington to Halwill Jn, including passenger trips in their cl. 143 Pacer unit - Click here.
The Bodmin Railway Clay Gala (Saturday + Sunday)
All manner of clay carrying contraptions from over the years are out to play on the Bodmin Railway - Click here.
Bideford Railway Heritage Centre Running Day (Sunday)
Open day with cab rides in their industrial diesel loco - click here.

Have a great weekend, and if you take any photos, don't forget to send them in!

50 years ago today
'In the smoke'
Roger Winnen

A class 50 at Paddington. 25.07.1975, copyright Roger Winnen.

Steve Widdowson writes ref the above image:

The class 50 at Paddington with headcode 1A55 is 50050, it's the only 50 with missing hand rails under the windscreen (above the tail lights).

Thanks, Steve

D1030 Western Musketeer at Paddington. 25.07.1975, copyright Roger Winnen.

Intercity Units at Paddington. 25.07.1975, copyright Roger Winnen.

Prototype HST at Paddington. 25.07.1975, copyright Roger Winnen.

50050 At Paddington. 25.07.1975, copyright Roger Winnen.

An early start
Jon Hird

GWR hire-in 57301 departs Par with the down 'sleeper' 1C50 on 24.07.2025. Copyright Jon Hird.

DB Cargo 66003 running with just two wagons in an unusual early path heads down the gradient towards Milltown with 6G09 (0645 Goonbarrow - Fowey). 24.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

After a speedy run round at Lostwithiel, at 0735 the train collects the staff/token to access the Fowey branch at Coulsons Park. 24.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

The waters of the Fowey are perfectly still, not even a ripple. 66003 heads down the branch to Fowey with its short train in tow. 24.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Later in the day, I made a quick visit to Par Harbour for an over-the-fence shot of 66003. 6 additional wagons had been collected at Fowey and all 8 were taken over to Par Harbour for loading, leaving Fowey shortly before 1000. The train later departed Par Harbour for Cliffe Vale (with a run round at St. Blazey). 24.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Pulling forwards towards the mainline bridge to shunt the wagons in the harbour. 24.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Bodmin 'Parkway'
Andrew & Diane Jones

What's in a name? I often ask myself, so sitting in my car unable to park holding a valid ticket to Plymouth, I realised that trying to board a train at Bodmin Parkway was a good deal more complicated then first thought.

However please see below photograph of an official GWR sign which someone had kindly thought up for such an event.

It states" If car park is full alternative parking is available at Liskeard Station"

Well by road Liskeard Station is 10.2 miles or optimistically 18 mins.

This obviously didn't help my booked seat and ticket so reluctantly I scrapped using the train and had to drive to my important meeting.

Even if the car park at Liskeard had been viable there was no certainty of space and by now i was not in the best state of mind.

Apparently in 2003, a 500k rail partnership passenger scheme helped make improvements at Parkway, which mainly covered putting a hard surface down and extending capacity to approx 90 cars, although beware when running an Internet search, APCOA's link can not be found and often Bodmin General enters the search criteria giving misleading results.

In terms of other suitable sites it might be best to park somewhere in Bodmin and take the bus or taxi or get someone to drop you off, because walking is not a safe option down the main road and a lengthy detour via Lanhydrock, although well meaning is not really viable unless you are in training for the Duke of Edinburgh Award!

You might ask if alternative parking was an option in Lostwithiel, certainty much closer although the town is unfortunately now one big car park due to lack of railway parking investment.

Railway Parkways are an important part of an integrated public transport system, without them railway growth is heavily restricted and certainly at Roche Station, due to its proximity to the A30 ,it would be an asset for Newquay with plenty of land available adjacent the existing station.

Okehampton is about to get a Parkway and in reality, without it would prove difficult to cope with more cars at the existing site.

So calling a Station with very limited facilities a Parkway is often stretching reality and given that Bodmin Parkway is meant to provide coverage for the whole of North Cornwall perhaps it would be more accurate to reinstate the name Bodmin Road.

On a brighter note, I wonder if the mystery photograph of 5521 was at Norchard on the Forest of Dean railway, but not sure about the turntable.

That sign always gets me, Andrew - I never know whether to laugh or despair! Many thanks for the thoughts which I'm sure are shared by many. Thanks also for the suggestion about the mystery photograph.

Do they know something we don't...?!
Snowploughs in July
Guy Vincent

Yet again the railway managed to spring a surprise in high summer with the unexpected movement of two of the four snowploughs from Taunton Fairwater yard. 37116 and 37405 ran light from Shrewsbury (Coleham) to Fairwater yard on 23rd and were due to depart this morning as 7Z41 0827 Fairwater-Wolverton Centre Sidings. However, due to issues coupling in the yard departure was delayed until after midday with the unusual combination finally heading away from Taunton station at around 1255pm. Being a class 7 speed was restricted to 45mph throughout meaning pathing had to be immediately behind one of the hourly fast Paddington bound services. Although originally scheduled to pass through Westbury station the train was sent via the avoiding line where we (safely) saw it pass the reportedly soon to be closed Penleigh Park foot crossing at 1352.

This qualifies as the most unusual working of 2025 to date and is the first time I have seen snowploughs at Westbury, certainly not something you would expect in July!

Note the peepholes each side of the plough through which the driver has forward vision.

No idea whether the ploughs, numbered ZZA ADB965217 and ZZA ADB965240 will be returning to Fairwater. The pair only arrived there on 16th January this year as 7Z47 1347 (15th) Eastriggs MOD [Cumbria] - Fairwater, delivered by 47832 and 57601. Two further ploughs, ADB965223 (south facing) and ADB965235, (facing north), have been at Taunton for several years now.

37116 and 37405 sandwiched by snowploughs pass Penleigh Park foot crossing working to Wolverton from Taunton Fairwater yard on 24.07.2025. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy - as you rightly say, a very strange sight in the west, let alone in July!

July 24th 2025

24/7/2025

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 55
Yeo Mill Halt 18 July 1964
Michael L. Roach

In the first eight months of 1964 I made several trips to the Taunton - Barnstaple line. This was a 45-mile route and a Great Western branchline from Norton Fitzwarren to finish at the former Southern Railway's Barnstaple Junction Station in 1964. On Summer Saturdays some long-distance holiday trains continued on the 15 miles to Ilfracombe on the North Devon Coast. The line served a number of small communities but no large towns. In this it was very similar to the 54-mile Ruabon - Barmouth route visited recently. Another similarity is that one can still travel between the ends of the routes by a longer alternative route. Ruabon to Barmouth closed in January 1965 still steam operated, while Taunton to Barnstaple was dieselised in September 1964 and closed two years later. The staple motive power for the last years of steam was the Churchward Mogul, a design dating back to 1911 which earlier would have been equally at home hauling 10 or 12 coaches along the main line. A quick glance at the Middleton Press book of the line confirms that the vast majority of passenger trains were hauled by Churchward Moguls with very occasional appearances by the BR Standard Class 3 in the 82000 series and the Southern's N-class. Ten years earlier in the early 1950s the Southern's T9-class and the GWR's 4500 prairie class also made appearances. The 4500s would probably have been regulars pre-war.

On Friday 17 July 1964 I made a day return trip to London for an interview, as described in Part 54 arriving home in the house at about 11.40pm. The next day I was off on the 60-odd miles to North Devon by car to do a day of lineside photography. The first five hours were spent in the vicinity of Yeo Mill Halt 19 miles east of Barnstaple Junction in pleasant countryside and there was no difficulty in taking photos in several different places. The last steam timetable was dated 15 June 1964 to 13 June 1965 with the last Saturday of the summer service being on Saturday 5 September 1964 with the line going over to dmus on Monday 7 September. However there were so many alterations on so many lines that a 127-page supplement was issued from 7 September and so many four months later that the timetable was reprinted to operate from 4 January 1965. I will include a scan of the Summer 1964 timetable from which it can be seen that there were six trains Monday to Friday and nine on Saturdays; with five through trains to Ilfracombe and seven from Ilfracombe. Of all the coastal resorts in Britain that lost their railway station the town of Ilfracombe was one of the worst affected because of its relative isolation. Visitors came to the rest of North Devon, which still had a railway station at Barnstaple, but declined to head north of Barnstaple in the same numbers as they did when Ilfracombe had its own railway station. The town was depressed for a couple of decades. The lines to St. Ives and Looe were both reprieved from closure at the eleventh hour and with the benefit of hindsight Ilfracombe should have been reprieved as well.

My notes record that I went first to a location between Yeo Mill Halt and Bishops Nympton & Molland Station. A very minor road leads off the B3227 (then the A361) to a hamlet called Bottreaux Mill. The road passed under the line and the bridge carrying the single rail track still exists with the trackbed converted into a farm track. Quite by chance a friend called Aidan Hall walked this length in early July 2025 and took the last image between Bottreaux Mill and Yeo Mill. Many thanks Aidan. The trackbed makes an excellent private road. I parked near the bridge and walked westwards through the fields for a couple of hundred yards to take the first few images; returned to the road and then walked eastwards to take more images. Then I moved on the short distance to Yeo Mill Halt itself where similarly the minor passed under the track but with even less headroom for road vehicles which means the bridge span has been removed, although the abutments survive; but one very strange anomaly is that one abutment is built of brickwork while the other abutment is built of stonework. The halt was opened on Monday 27 June 1932 to “continue the Great Western Railway Company's policy of providing facilities wherever there are prospects of obtaining new passenger traffic.”

In this area the line was following the valley of the River Yeo from one of its sources just north of East Anstey Station westwards to a point about a mile west of Bishops Nympton & Molland Station where after six miles the river left the railway and turned from heading west to head south west passing under the line to join the River Mole coming south from South Molton. I presume that the Lynton And Barnstaple Railway's engine “Yeo” is named after this river.

Towards the end of my spell on the Taunton to Barnstaple line that day I moved on from Yeo Mill Halt more than 10 miles to the west end of Filleigh Viaduct (also known as Castle Hill Viaduct), probably to be a bit closer to Barnstaple and the road home. Here I took two photos before moving to the road bridge by Filleigh Station for the last photo of the day. In the photo of 7337 coming off the viaduct there is a small square hut which is connected with the “motor economic system” of maintenance introduced on this and many other lines in the 1930s. It enabled a small motorised trolley to be manhandled on to the track between trains by the permanent way gang to carry themselves and their tools and materials to the worksite; but now they were occupying the track so needed a token. The introduction of the system, later just called the economic system, was not simple as it involved the installation of occupation control instruments, occupation key boxes and telephones at several places along the line. The signalmen at the adjacent signal boxes would be kept informed of the gang's intentions as they would need to approve the withdrawal of the token and occupation of the line.

This was my type of day out. An enjoyable day at the lineside in lovely countryside photographing Great Western steam engines on a Great Western railway line that was still one hundred per cent steam in dry summer weather. It could not last, and this was the last year that it was possible. The few remaining lines where it was still possible would all be dieselised or closed to passengers or completely by the end of that year 1964. With the dieselisation of the Taunton to Barnstaple line all the six Churchward Moguls based at Taunton were withdrawn at the beginning of September 1964 and the shed closed. The last few Churchward Moguls were stationed at Didcot Shed and Gloucester Shed, believed to be five in number, and they were withdrawn in October and November 1964. Of the 342 moguls built between 1911 and 1932 it is quite surprising that only two were preserved.

7306 plus 6C on the 11.25 Taunton – Barnstaple has just passed milepost 191 and over the minor road to Bottreaux Mill on Saturday 18 July 1964. There was a a connection at Taunton out of a train from Bristol to Kingswear. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

I have crossed to the south side of the track and a little further westwards among some trees and eight minutes later 6326 passes with 6C on the 11.05am Ilfracombe to Taunton. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

I have now moved eastwards to the other side of the minor road where 7337 with 4C on the 12.20 Ilfracombe to Taunton is about to enter a shallow cutting. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7303 plus 6c On the 12.55 Taunton (11.35 off Bristol TM) to Ilfracombe passes an occupation crossing and small culvert about a quarter of a mile west of the bridge over the road. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Twenty-one mins later 6363 with 4C follows in the same direction with the 10.17 Cardiff General (13.27 off Taunton) to Ilfracombe at the same occupation crossing. The train had divided at Taunton with the front half of the train going to Minehead. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

There was now a two hour gap between trains during which I moved the short distance to Yeo Mill Halt and while I was there the five Churchward Moguls I had seen earlier started to return. Here I am looking north west with the boundary of the Exmoor National Park a short distance away on the horizon. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7306 with 3C on the 3.50pm Barnstaple to Taunton is seen entering the halt at 4.35pm. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The entrance to Yeo Mill Halt was beside the east abutment on the north side of the low rail bridge. Here I am stood part way up the flight of steps looking at the platform slope and notice board giving the times of trains. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

6326 plus 4C on the 4.03pm Taunton to Barnstaple stopping train slows to a stop at Yeo Mill Halt to pick up one passenger. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Another view of the Halt – the signs are looking tired and unloved. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7337 with 4C accelerates away from the 25mph speed restriction over Castle Hill Viaduct with the 5.45pm Taunton to Barnstaple train. Note the hut described in the text. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7303 heads downhill and slows to 25mph to pass over Castle Hill Viaduct with the 17.57 Ilfracombe to Taunton. The load was 6C plus one one milk tank. The signal is Filleigh down distant and it looks as though it could be motor-operated. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

6363 is seen leaving Filleigh Station with 4C on the 18.50 Ilfracombe to Taunton train on time at 19.53 This was the last eastbound train of the day, but there was one more westbound when this one reached the far end of the line. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

In this view from early July 2025 Aidan Hall is looking eastwards along the trackbed half way from the road bridge at Bottreaux Mill to Yeo Mill. Copyright Aidan Hall

Re: Moorswater Clearance
Peter Murnaghan

Many thanks to Craig for answering the question that many have asking about the Moorswater branch. While it might seem a bit crazy for the rail mounted machinery to need to be lifted off the rails at the end of each day's work, it does still count as a 'live railway' up at Moorswater. I hope that the work doesn't impact on the remaining platform of the former Moorswater station, beneath the viaduct, that featured on the website a while ago.

The team is doing a magnificent job down the branch towards Looe. It is now possible (for the first time in many years) to see the course of the old Liskeard & Looe Union Canal alongside the railway from Lodge Farm Crossing down to Trussel Bridge (site of a canal lock) and onwards to St Keyne.

It's timely to mention that a volunteers day at Lock 21 (between Coombe Junction and Lodge Farm crossing) will be taking place this Saturday 26th July between 1000 and 1600. Lock 21 is the only 'dry' lock on the old waterway, following the 1901 construction of the link line to Liskeard, which breached the watercourse.

If anyone is in the area on Saturday, please call by and say hello to the volunteers, who will be clearing away the pink Himalayan Balsam, which is a harmless, but invasive, plant. Even better, stay awhile and help us to keep this rare transport artefact maintained in a visible condition for future generations.

A couple of photos below of Lock 21 from 2024.

Lock 21 near Coombe Junction receiving attention in April 2024. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

The lock looking much tidier in July 2024, the volunteers having done a great job. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Many thanks, Peter - best of luck with the work!

'Where are we too?'
Can you help?
Roger Griffiths

Hello again Jon, hoping you can help please. The attached photo shows Small Prairie No.5521 at an engine servicing point, beside a hillside public park, with a railway running between - but where? The picture is undated though the loco wears the pre-1957 BR logo; its known allocations during the BR years were:

Taunton 1948 to June 1951 then moved to Machynlleth.
St.Blazey from November 1951 until August 1958 and back to Taunton.
To Laira from November 1961 and withdrawal during April 1962.

There are pictures online of 5521 with the post-1957 logo, working mainly the Launceston branch - i.e. it was based at Laira. Then, I studied ordnance survey maps for what I think are all the lines operated by Taunton, St.Blazey and Machynlleth, but have not yet found a loco servicing point matching the photo. Given that 5521's longest tenancy was at 83E, I am hoping someone in your society might just identify the location as somewhere in Cornwall.

Looking forward to hearing from you in due course. Thanks Jon and best wishes.

An undated photograph (photographer unknown) showing small Prarie 5521. Do you know where it is?

Thanks Roger - an interesting photograph. I'm sure one of our sleuths will be able to help!

Please drop an email to [email protected] with any suggestions.

July 23rd 2025

23/7/2025

The Bodmin Railway Clay Gala

This weekend, we'll have an extra special celebration of our Cornish China Clay heritage with rarely seen wagons working, and out on display! Enjoy this special chance to experience a china clay wagon ride, see shunting displays, the classic Beattie Well Tank, and lots more.

On Saturday we'll also be offering a limited number of 'Driver for a Tenner' opportunities.

Join us as we recreate scenes of yesteryear that famously shaped our history.

Fun for all ages and kids for a quid tickets available!

For more info, click here.

Moorswater Clearance
Craig Munday

There have been a lot of comments regarding the clearance at Moorswater. The line between Coombe no 2 ground frame and Moorswater is still Network Rail infrastructure, though no revenue earning traffic sadly uses the line.

The recent clearance of the line got enthusiasts wondering if new traffic was inbound. Not quite. The work is to allow the paddock area to be the hub of the Looe line vegetation clearance programme. Ecologically the line has unique features which the team must rigidly follow. Customarily, when trees, branches and bushes are cleared, the nearby chipper simply blasts the chippings back onto the embankment. The tidal river prevents this, as it would not be practical to have the programmes logs and chippings float down the river to join the sea (eventually). The risk of the waste product affecting the environment could cause all manner of dangers to animal, river and plant life.

Therefore, logistically (no pun intended) the team have had to ensure that ALL cuttings and chippings are brought back to Moorswater for disposal. The chippings tip is huge, and logs and branches are carefully stockpiled ready for removal. A myriad of road / rail plant is being utilized, and many of them are pictured. A squadron of them trickle out of Moorswater towing trailers each night after the engineer tales possession of the line to work. They must be safely back in the compound, off the rail prior to handback.

Looking towards Moorswater viaduct from the compound, with a road/rail vehicle trailer off the tracks in the foreground. July 2025, copyright Craig Munday.

The huge pile of wood chippings resulting from vegetation clearance along the Looe branch. July 2025, copyright Craig Munday.

Road Rail Vehicles at rest during the day in the Moorswater compound. July 2025, copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks, Craig - a perfect explaination of what's happening. Good to see the branch receiving some attention, even if no trains are in the pipeline.

Bedminster Station
Clive Smith

After two steam trains at Taunton, a visit to the Bristol Harbour Railway, a few beers in Southville and a walk past the multitude of vibrant street art murals in Bedminster, it was time to catch the 18.54 direct IET from Bedminster station to Ivybridge. In keeping with the colourful streets of this Bristol suburb, the station was equally eye catchingl with a mural of nearby Windmill Hill and Victoria Park. This was chosen by local residents from three by artist Bill Guilding.Two smaller paintings on the adjacent station entrance wall are of a broadcast from this station by the young John Betjeman in 1936, and the station itself at that time. The station underpass was also brightened and transformed with artwork in January of this year. Sadly GWR trains continue in their boring, drab, dull livery which will be ten years old later this year and very tired. I suggest GWR should give the Bedminster street mural artists a free reign on their trains for what's left of the franchise and brighten up the network. Wishful thinking ?

A mural of a GWR steam loco at Bedminster Station. 19.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

More murals at Bedminster, featuring more up-to-date (but still not quite up-to-date!) traction. 19.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

The departure board showing on on-time service to Plymouth. 19.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks, Clive - not a station we see many photos of.

47306 in peril
Neil Phillips

Here is my contribution to the 47306 photo gallery!

On the rather dull morning of Saturday 3rd August 1974 I had travelled to Reading from Blackwater on the Redhill line behind Class 33 33028 and upon arrival the first loco I noted was 47306 bearing the headcode 1A18, although as things turned out it was probably 1M18 and heading for Birmingham New Street. My intended destination was Didcot and 47444 took me there where D7026 and 31294 were noted in the sidings (as was D7022 wearing a fresh coat of blue paint, courtesy of Old Oak Common depot). D7026 was later seen from the footbridge over the line at Didcot North shunting ballast wagons. After spending a couple of hours or so on this bridge I made my way back to Didcot station where small shunter PWM653 was spotted in the sidings but by then D7026 and 31294 had moved on to Reading. I followed them back there behind 47061 to spend a little more time there before heading back to Blackwater, and this was when 47306 reappeared on train 1V58 and was promptly declared a failure in the platform! D7026 was summoned to drag the future Cornish preservation star away to Reading depot, and 31294 replaced it for the run into Paddington (six months earlier this had been the only Class 31 to carry a TOPS number while still in green livery, and for just two weeks - as 5827 it had also worked 1V76 0830 Liverpool - Penzance to the end of the line on 29th June 1973).

I had noted 47306 at Reading during late afternoon the previous day, also on a Class 1 passenger service (I didn't manage to get the full headcode) so this Crewe-allocated freight-only Class 47 was enjoying some summer weekend activity on the WR main line out of Paddington!

I confess that having 47306 just 10 miles up the road does slightly 'ruffle my feathers' because during my loco-spotting career I managed to see 509 of the 512 Class 47s built - D1671 and D1734 were scrapped before I started and the only one to escape me was D1788/47307........close but no cigar, as they say! I know it visited Cornwall on 18th January 1985 because Clive Smith photographed it on an up freight working at Plymouth North Road in the snow (I just had to save that image Clive!) - but I was 200 miles away at the time.....

D7026 + 47306 at Reading on 03.08.1974. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Many thanks, Neil - a lucky catch for you.

Hydraulics head home
Guy Vincent, Colin Pidgeon, Ken Mumford & Steve Widdowson

D1015, 46045 and D821 passing through platform 3 at Swindon today (22nd) returning from the Mid-Hants Railway to the Severn Valley Railway as 0Z52 0822 Alton - Kidderminster. A wonderful sight at a much-changed Swindon station, now dominated by the various types of grey metalwork needed for the 21st century railway to operate. Both the hydraulics were of course built in the former Great Western Railway works just a stones throw away. 22.07.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

D821 with 46045 on the rear with D1015 hauling the convoy past Besford Bridge Worcs - 0Z52 0822 Alton - Kidderminster SVR. 22.07.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Strange seeing a 'Warship' back out on the big railway - many thanks all.

Please visit Penmere station for their 100th anniversary gala, this Saturday.

For more information, please click here.

July 22nd 2025

22/7/2025

Weekend Steam Activity
Clive Smith

A busy Saturday for steam at the eastern end of the south west with two tours through Taunton in half an hour and then the first running day of the year on the Bristol Harbour Railway.

5029 'Nunney Castle' has replaced a class 47 on the 1Z50 05.18 Crewe - Kingswear Saphos Trains 'English Riviera Express' at Taunton. 19.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

LMS Stanier Black Five 45212 arrives at Taunton with the 1Z25 07.13 Paddington - Minehead Railway Touring Company 'West Somerset Steam Express'. 45212 is a rare bird down south as it spends a lot of time in Fort William working the 'Jacobite Express'. 47812 was assisting at the rear. 19.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

1940 'Henbury' at Wapping Wharf, Bristol. This FA class locomotive was built by Peckett & Sons in 1937 to work at the Port of Bristol Authority’s docks at Avonmouth. This short strech from the M Shed Museum to near the SS Great Britain is all that is left of the goods line that used to run to Temple Meads station and was closed in 1964. The harbour was extremely busy as the Bristol Harbour Festival was on with all sorts of events on the water as well as food, drink, music and a full size replica Spanish galleon. 19.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

'Henbury' in action on the Bristol Harbour Railway. Click the play button to view the video. 19.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks, Clive - well done for fitting it all in!

More Sleeper woes
Andrew Triggs

Problems with the 'Down Beds' again this morning, leading to a 78 minute delay at Plymouth which resulted in a 65 late arrival at 09.00 into Penzance. On hire 57301 providing the traction on the day on a dull July morning. 21.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks, Andrew - at least the passengers got a lie in!

47306 at Ipswich
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I have been lucky enough to find a nice picture of 47306,definitely not in your area but the loco. looks very smart and so may be suitable for the site.
Here it is at Ipswich station on 28 March 1991 with some P/Way machinery.
Thanks, all the best. Michael Forward.

Many Thanks Michael

50 years ago, in West Cornwall
Roger Winnen

A Class 25 and a Class 47 arrive at Penzance on 19th July 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Two Tone Green 47256 at Penzance. 19th July 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

D1052 Western Viceroy at Penzance 19th July 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Restaurant Coach W4. Copyright Roger Winnen

D1070 Western Gauntlet at Long Rock Shed 19th July 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Western Patriarch at Long Rock Shed. 20.07.1975, copyright Roger Winnen

Long Rock Shed. 20th July 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

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