Blog Archives

100 Years of Penmere Platform
Roger Winnen

Penmere Celebrations 100 Years since the Platform was opened. 02.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Class 150 departs Penmere for Falmouth Docks. 02.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Penmere Platform looks splendid. 02.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Neat and tidy at Penmere. 02.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Penmere Platform Awards. 02.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership award. 02.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Thank you to the Friends Partnership Award. 02.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

A floral display. 02.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

The Plaques affixed to the waiting shelter. 02.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger, and well done to the Friends of Penmere upon their continued excellent work.

Bishops Brush 4
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

A very smart BR Green 47840 awaits departure from a damp Bishops Lydeard. Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks as always, Phil

Marsh Barton
David Tozer

166214 calls at Marsh Barton with the 1656 Exmouth to Paignton. 12.07.2025, copyright David Tozer.

57305, 47805 & D213 work:
'The English Riviera Express'
12.07.2025
Clive Smith, Andrew Triggs, David Tozer, Paul Barlow & Jon Hird

LSL 57311 with 47805 passing Charlton Road overbridge running 13 late at 10.32 working 1Z29 06.13 Three Bridges-Kingswear 'English Riviera Express' shortly after clearing Cogload Junction. 12.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

BR Green 47805 bringing up the rear. 12.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

D213 'Andania' replaced 57311 at Taunton, which then departed for Kingswear, passing Silk Mills Road overbridge at 11.15, running 6 early, with 47805 on the rear. 12.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

47805 again bringing up the rear. 12.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

What a splendid sight on the sea wall as 40013 rounds the corner into Teignmouth station with Saphos Trains 1Z29 06.15 Three Bridges - Kingswear with green 47805 on the rear. The booked steam loco had been replaced by the green D213 which was sent from Crewe to Taunton light the previous day. I'm not sure whether there is a steam ban on due to the dry lineside conditions and concerns about train driver health in the 30C, or whether the derailment at Bishops Lydeard on the WSR on Thursday affected preparation for the steam loco that regularly operates these tours from Taunton throughout the summer. 12.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

With a very clean exhaust, D213 winds up and makes a wonderful sound as she passes Cockwood Harbour with the return working. 12.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Class 40 D213 Andania on 1635 Kingswear to Three Bridges passes Powderham (47805 was on the rear). 12.07.2028, copyright Paul Barlow.

It was so hot this morning I gave the down working of the Class 40 a miss. A little cooler tonight so it was off to Marsh Barton. D213 with the early running 1635 1Z30 Kingswear to Three Bridges. Out of sight on the rear was 47805. 12.07.2025, copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks all - great shots of a fine machine.

St. Germans Sunrise
Jon Hird

An early start to capture the sunrise and some early morning trains at St. Germans. 43098 leads the first train of the day - the 0515 Plymouth - Penzance - over the viaduct. 43198 was on the rear. 12.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

30 minutes later, along came 57603 with the down 'sleeper'. The sun has risen and so has the tide. 12.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

A video of the river, viaduct and sunrise. Press the red 'play' button to view. 12.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Saturday Freight
Andrew Triggs, Clive Smith, Jaxon Parry & Jon Hird

DBC 66034 with load 11 JIAs passing Silk Mills Road overbridge shortly after, running 3 early at 11.31 with 6V76 10.35 Westbury Down T.C-St Blazey S.S. 12.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

66034 trundles through Teignmouth station with the 6V76 10.35 Westbury - St Blazey empty JIAs running 45 minutes early. I'm not sure what's happening with the corrugated roof and glass but it's missing on a large section of the down platform 1 allowing the very bright sunshine to flood in and highlight the 1895 built canopy. 12.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Further west, 66034 crosses St. Germans viaduct. 12.07.2025, copyright Jaxon Parry.

A drone shot of the clay crossing St. Germans viaduct behind 66034. 12.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

The daylight empties are a welcome item of interest to the weekends. Many thanks all for the photos.

'Down by the river'
At the South Devon Railway
Jon Hird & Clive Smith

With thanks to Clive for the tip-off, I swung in to Dartington to see the SDR class 25 working a train, before heading off to photograph the '40'. However, all was not as it seemed, as instead of a diesel horn, a whistle was heard approaching, and from behind the trees emerged 0-6-0 1369 with an unadvertised service from Totnes - Buckfastleigh. 12.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

After a little wait (spent paddling in the river whilst the children captured young eels!) 25262 heads the delayed 1545 Buckfastleigh - Totnes past Dartington. 12.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

25262 works a late afternoon train from Totnes to Buckfastleigh on the South Devon Railway. I'd been tipped off the resident rat was working four trips Saturday and Sunday so thought I'd go for the River Dart reflection shot. With it being baking hot and 28C again there were quite a lot of sunbathers on the river bank and also a large amount of paddleboarders which can provide additional focal points and enhance the picture whilst at the same time causing ripples and ruining the pristine reflection. 12.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive, both for the photo and for the tip-off!

July 12th 2025

12/7/2025

Keyham Castles
Clive Smith

43004 and 43187 on the 2P20 15.15 Penzance - Plymouth. The train also calls at St Budeaux Ferry Road, Dockyard and Devonport. It's coming up to fifty years ago that the now second oldest power car in service was at the forefront of 125 mph high speed running across the country. I'm just thankful that we have these examples in what could be their last year in the west of England. 10.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

43092 brings up the rear of the 2P21 15.52 Penzance - Plymouth with 43189 on the front. 10.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks, Clive - one of the final bastions of British Rail. They will be missed.

A green and pleasant land
Jon Hird

Varying shades of green are on offer between the potato field, grass, vegetation and the subject matter itself. 43198 and 43098 drift down towards Par from Treverrin tunnel with 2C26 on 11.07.2025. On such a still day, the pair could be heard climbing from Lostwithiel on the opposite side of the tunnel for a good while before they came into sight. Copyright Jon Hird.

July 11th 2025

11/7/2025

'Inspiration'
The Rail200 Exhibition Train
Tony Shore

'Inspiration' is the name of the exhibition train which has been formed up to tour the country during 2025, the year of the highly publicised Railway 200 events. The train is being hauled around by two specially liveried GBRF class 66 locomotives. There are currently no visits to the far west scheduled - a November trip to the West Somerset Railway is the closest - so please enjoy the below photographs from Tony showing the train at Birmingham Moor Street station on 08.07.2025.

For more information on this train please visit: https://railway200.co.uk/inspiration/

Click any below image for an enlargement. All images copyright Tony Shore.

Many thanks indeed Tony - interesting pictures.

Work to protect Dawlish mainline 'on hold'

'Work to protect the Paddington to Penzance mainline at Dawlish in Devon has been put on hold, the government has announced.

Ministers said they had "already invested significantly in securing the cliffs and making the coastline more resilient, external in the South West and need to focus our investment on other projects around the country".'

Read more on the BBC - Click here.

Flying Scotsman at the WSR
Paul Negus

Please find attached some photos taken by my wife and myself when travelling behind flying Scotsman from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard in glorious sunshine!

Once Scotsman arrived at Minehead, it was swarmed by admirers but Maureen outdid me and managed to get an excellent shot from the open carriage window of Scotsman running round. The classic tablet exchange took place at the East end of the station (photographed from the safety of the public side of the picket fence at the end of the main platform) where ex-GWR 45154 and 43155 were stabled in 2 + 4 formation.

Scotsman sounded glorious - even though it had a relatively easy job at the ruling line speeds - but the even three cylinder beat could be heard clearly through the open carriage windows.

You can still book a trip this Friday and Saturday.

Finally, I must say that the organisation was excellent and very well done to the numerous volunteers!!

The Scotsman arrives from Minehead. 10.07.2025, copyright Paul & Maureen Negus.

From the carriage window, the loco runs round. 10.07.2025, copyright Paul & Maureen Negus.

The token exhange at Minehead. 10.07.2025, copyright Paul & Maureen Negus.

The well polished nameplate and coupling rods of Flying Scotsman. 10.07.2025, copyright Paul & Maureen Negus.

The cab profile of 60103. 10.07.2025, copyright Paul & Maureen Negus.

Great pictures, Paul - glad you had a good day. Thanks for sending them in.

Re: The Great Broccoli Debate
Ross Griffiths

Growing up in St Erth and working on one of the local farms my Dad has often relayed fond tales of the goods yard at the station where much local produce would be loaded from tractors to wagons for onward transfer to various destinations.

Apparently the term 'broccoli' was just a generalisation used to include all types of brassica so would include what we would more specifically label as cauliflower and broccoli.

Whether the French were accepting of what turned up in the boxes though is another matter!

Many thanks Ross - a clear answer to the original question of why Cauliflowers were referred to as 'Broccoli'.

Re: St Blazey Pannier Tanks
Roy Hart

Yesterday we published a question from a reader regarding locomotive 7746 and its purpose during its time in Cornwall, based at St. Blazey. We quickly received the below - excellent - reponse from Roy Hart which answers the question perfectly.

Until the 1940s St Blazey shed had a number of elderly Dean pannier tanks, numbered in the 2000 series. These were light and handy for all the clay branches, notably Goonbarrow and Carbis, where nothing heavier was permitted.

By 1948-50 these engines were worn out and being withdrawn. They were mostly replaced by modern 5700 class panniers, but these were 'blue' group engines, too heavy for some clay lines. Something lighter was required, so 7446 and a pair of Mr Hawksworth's new 1600 class panniers was provided. They spent most of their time between St Blazey and Bugle, plus local trips such as Par Harbour and Pontsmill. They survived at SBZ until the end of steam.

Incidentally, Truro got one too: 7422, which survived there until 1958.
As a matter of interest, the 5700 class were reclassified as 'yellow' in the 1950s, which saw them used on many more lines.

A super answer, Roy - thanks very much for sharing your knowledge.

Clay for The Midlands
Jon Hird

66028 powers through Trewoon with 11 JIA's bound for Cliffe Vale. 6 wagons had been loaded on Wednesday at Par Harbour, with the remaining 5 loaded earlier that morning (10.07) at Treviscoe. 66028 still bears its original EWS livery (minus the branding) and looks in good shape considering the paint is well over 20 years old now. The locomotive spent around 15 years of its life working in Europe for DB. 10.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Teignmouth Voyagers
Martin Scane

Just a couple of fun snaps of Voyagers in the sun on the Sea Wall at Teignmouth yesterday morning.

A Crosscountry Voyager heads east at Teignmouth. 10.07.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

A pair of Voyagers near Sprey Point, Teignmouth. 10.07.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks, Martin. A great part of the world.

Swindon Scenes
Colin Pidgeon

A classic BR blue lineup at Swindon as D1015 Western Champion leads 46045 & D821 Greyhound away on 0O42 Kidderminster SVR to Alton MHR for the Gala this weekend. 10.07.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

43272 & 43357 on 1Q23 Bristol Kingsland Road to Derby RTC. 10.07.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Many thanks Colin (and thanks to Ken for sending the pictures in).

July 10th 2025

10/7/2025

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 53
Louisa Roach 1825 - 1908
Michael L. Roach

This weeks instalment from Michael Roach deviates quite drastically from the topic of railways and transport. It is, however, very interesting and well written, and followers of Michaels work will surely enjoy it.

As it's quite a lengthly article, we have posted it directly in Michaels section - please click here (and scroll down) to read it.

Our grateful thanks to Mike for his continued contributions to the website, the articles are very much appreciated.

Have you un-earthed a great broccoli scam?
Simon Howard

I’m sure I’m not the first to point this out:

In French Broccoli is Brocoli

But the label is for Choux-Fleurs which is Cauliflowers…12 heads of them to be precise.

Perhaps the Ministry of Agriculture and the GWR were in it together? Another British deception! When is a cauliflower not a cauliflower…?

A copy of a GWR magazine provided by Michael Roach. Simon points out that the french label of 'Chox-Fleurs' relates to Cauliflowers - not Broccoli / 'Brocoli' - a misprinted image, or a great scam we have unearthed?!

Great eyes, Simon - something I'm sure many of us totally overlooked! Hopefully the French will forgive us.

More on Broccoli Trains
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are well and I have enjoyed your latest pictures.

There was a request for information on broccoli workings, well I can recall a series of excellent articles—many years ago—in the Bodmin Railway magazines written by Kenneth Browne, I think.

I think they were from his observations in the 1940s and he had vivid memories of the sight and sound of heavy trains coming up the grade into Camborne station. A whole range of locomotives including Midland 8Fs were used and the articles contained departure times and destinations for the many trains that were sent from Marazion and Ponsandane. Naturally I cannot find them now!

There is also an article on Marazion station with some pictures of broccoli trains and wagons in BackTrack magazine from May 1993.

Hope this is useful.

Many thanks, Michael - we'll set the hounds running and see if we can dig out either article.

Maiden Newton Test Train
Bill Elston

The test train from Derby to Bristol, via Weymouth, 1Q22 ran today t/t by 43272 and 43357 and is seen here passing Maiden Newton.

43272 and 43357 pass through Maiden Newton with a test train. 09.07.2025, copyright Bill Elston.

Nice sunny shots Bill - many thanks.

Dawlish '83
Paul Barlow

Three pictures taken at Dawlish in 1983, sorry no ID's for the class 50's but they were all taken on 16 July. Maybe someone can ID the 50's?

Difficult to believe this was 42 years ago!

A class 50 and a HST Dawlish station 16 July 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow.

A class 50 Dawlish station 16 July 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow.

45003 approaches Dawlish station on the 0912 Birmingham to Paignton 16 July 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Lovely scenes, many thanks Paul.

Being as the unidentified locos are Class 50's, in the large logo period, I have no doubt that somebody out there will be able to tell us exactly which locos they are, where they were going, what the driver had for breakfast/what colour socks he was wearing, etc.!

Please drop an email to [email protected] if you can help.

Marsh Mills HST
Clive Smith

43189 leads the 2E06 07.45 Penzance - Exeter St Davids across what is known as Crabtree Viaduct with 43092 on the rear. This is at Marsh Mills between Laira and Tavistock Junction. 08.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

A great fit - many thanks, Clive.

Classic traction at Swindon
Colin Pidgeon

37501 passes Swindon with 57602 in tow running as 0O86 - Reading TCD - Eastleigh. 09.07.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Many thanks, Colin.

Reportedly the cause of this unusual move is to swap the alternator within 57602 with that which has been removed from 57605 at Laira. 57602 having failed with alternator issues at Penzance before working the up 'sleeper' one night last week.

This leaves the FGW class 57 fleet in the following state:

57602 - Alternator swap, Eastleigh
57603 - In traffic
57604 - Repaint, Eastleigh
57605 - Major exam, Laira

Hired in GBRF locos 57312, 57305 and 57301 can all currently be found working the sleeper services (along with GWR 57603).

Truro Departure
Jon Hird

A detour on the way home from a job 'down west' thanks to A30 roadworks saw me passing through Truro on the evening of 09.07. The light was good but nothing interesting was due on the mainline, so an IET had to do. 800317 departs Truro with a service for Paddington. In the background we can see Truro Cathedral and Newham Quay, itself once a rail termius. 09.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

July 9th 2025

9/7/2025

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 52A
Cornish Broccoli Traffic
Michael L. Roach

This instalment shows articles from the Great Western Railway Magazine in the 1920s of how the Company dealt with and encouraged Cornish broccoli to travel further afield.

(Please click any image below for an enlargement)

Record traffic in the week ended 14 April 1926.

Loading strawberries, which would have come from the Tamar Valley, at Saltash Station in July 1926. Strawberries would also have been loaded into railway wagons at the Southern Railway's Calstock Station.

Cornish broccoli for the continent in April 1929.

Many thanks as always Mike - an interesting read.

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

A question from a reader
St. Blazey Pannier Tanks

My researches have brought into question Pannier 7446, which went new, to St.Blazey in March 1950, to stay until steam finished at the shed in April 1962, whereupon 7446 went to Machynlleth. I had long believed that 7446 was the first choice replacement for 0-4-2T 1419, the long-term engine for the Lostwithiel - Fowey push-pull service, but details I am constantly unearthing show that if for whatever reason 1419 was unavailable, Laira used to loan a 64xx pannier for the Fowey service.

So, my question is please, does anyone know what 83E duty 7446 was employed upon? The fact that she stayed until the end points to her utility for some purpose.....

Hoping you can help - thanks and all best wishes.

An interesting question and one I hope our collective readers/contributors may be able to assist with - if you can, please drop us an email - [email protected]

Cornish China Clay trains
Bob Morrison

Although I live “up country” I often take a look at the CRS site and always find interesting things here.

On a short visit to Cornwall I took the opportunity to head to Golant Crossing to see one of the china clay trains from Goonbarrow to Fowey Harbour (6G09) today - 8th July.

As it often runs early I took the precaution of getting there in good time. True to form it was nearly 30 minutes early, so it was frustrating that just as the train appeared on the river bank someone popped up from nowhere and stood right in front of me. However I managed to salvage something!

Bob Morrison, Swindon

Still in EWS livery, 66028 approaches Golant with 6G09 (Goonbarrow - Fowey) on 08.07.2025. Copyright Bob Morrison.

The loco draws closer to the photographer at the crossing, passing the site of the former Golant Halt. 08.07.2025, copyright Bob Morrison.

Many thanks indeed, Bob. Glad to hear you enjoy our website! Thanks again for sending over your photos.

Par Harbour Clay
Steve Clark

I managed to grab some shots of the Par Harbour Clay on Thursday 3rd July with 66019 in charge of 11 loaded JIAs. I arrived on scene at 11.30am and the last 2 JIAs were still being loaded but the train finally headed for St Blazey at 12.10pm

66019 shunts the JIA's in Par Harbour on 03.07.2025. Copyright Steve Clark.

Having finished loading the wagons, 66019 creeps forwards towards the crossing. 03.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

66019 comes to a stop to wait for the gates to be opened. 03.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

Imerys/DB 'ground staff' open the crossing gates. 03.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

66019 proceeds across the road to St. Blazey, where it will run round and wait for its afternoon path onwards to Exeter Riverside. 03.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

Many thanks, Steve - always special to see a train in the harbour - precious few scenes like it left.

Our first look at the
Britannic Explorer Livery
Colin Pidgeon

66748 St Michael's Mount in Britannic Explorer livery at Swindon on 0Z90 London Victoria to Llandeilo Jct road learner.

Note the Cornish connection with the nameplate.

66748 'St. Michaels Mount' at Swindon on 08.07.2025. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Looks good! Many thanks, Colin.

For details on when this train will be visiting Cornwall, see our Railtour Calendar.

Various Multiple Units
Steve Widdowson

323221 being hauled by 37800 through Worcester Shrub Hill as 5Q59 (0945 Long Marston - Derby Litchurch Lane). 08.07.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

398019 is hauled by 43423 and 43467 through Besford Bridge, Worcs as 6Q38 (1215 Pengam Sidings - Old Dalby) 08.07.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Lovely colourful photos, Steve - many thanks.

July 8th 2025

8/7/2025

Devonport HST's
Clive Smith

On Saturday 5th July, I was on my way via Devonport to the Torpoint Ferry and the 'Rame Buses & Beer 2025' event'. I know there are a few bus enthusiasts who read the Society pages, so I will just mention that for a third year running, a fleet of historic buses operated a network of services across the Rame Peninsula for the day.

Celebrating heritage buses and supporting the local community, all the buses are provided by private groups and owners who spend huge amounts of time and money restoring and maintaining the vehicles. The buses are free, but purchase of a timetable programme is recommended.

As in the previous years, between 11am and 9pm, the bus services radiate from Torpoint and Millbrook to take in many of the peninsula's pubs and bars, with the services being provided by classic buses from the 1950s up to the 2000s. Many pubs provide special food and have live music.

The buses also operate to St Germans station, and this year three vintage buses from the 1950s and 1960s provided an hourly service from the station to Anthony and Torpoint between 11.45 and around 20.00, thus allowing a great afternoon exploring this part of of Cornwall and all for free.

Hopefully this event will be repeated in 2026. Apologies for the bus picture amongst the trains but a 1953 built Leyland PD2 Titan in Plymouth Corporation Transport livery at St. Germans was worth getting a bit damp for.

43098 and 43189 stopping at Devonport on the 2C42 09.11 Plymouth - Penzance. 05.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Fifteen minutes later the 2P10 07.40 Penzance - Plymouth with 43198 and 43093 pass through. 05.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

43093 pushes the service away from Devonport. 05.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

A 1953 built Leyland PD2 Titan in Plymouth Corporation Transport livery at St. Germans during the Rame vintage bus event. 05.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks, Clive - looks a good do. Shame about the weather, but this is Cornwall in summertime!

Re: Cornwall Broccoli Traffic
Howard Sprenger

In case no-one else mentions it, Cornish broccoli traffic features in the 1952 British Transport Films (BTF) documentary 'Train Time'. This film tells how the demand for extra wagons for broccoli farmers in West Cornwall affects the scheduling of trains across the system as far away as South Wales. The Cornish parts of the film were shot on the Helston branch. 'Train Time' occasionally pops up on YouTube, but not for long as the copyright is held by the British Film Institute (BFI) who released it in 2007 on a collection called 'On and Off the Rails'.

Also, while I'm here, I was interested to see the advert for a public meeting last Saturday to discuss the possible reopening of the line between Burngullow and St Dennis Jn as an alternative route to Newquay (the 'Real' Mid-Cornwall Metro as it was billed). It would be interesting to hear a report from anyone who went. The idea is far from new, having originally been suggested by BR back in 1987. John Vaughan's 1990 book on the Newquay branch (OPC) refers to it a lot, as it was considered at that time to be a real possibility. The scheme was prompted by concerns over the capacity of the A30 through the bridge on Goss Moor, but of course was made redundant when the road was upgraded to a dual carriageway on a different route. Had the scheme been carried through, the line between Par and St Dennis would have remained open for China Clay traffic only and would therefore be long gone by now. St Austell would have become the departure station for Newquay passenger trains and it is likely that Par station would have closed completely as a result.

Many thanks, Howard. We'll see what we can find out about the meeting, but in the meanwhile, if you attended and you'd like to let us know about it, please get in touch - [email protected]

Cowley Bridge
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

47645 near Cowley Bridge, Exeter, with an engineers train. 1987. Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks as always, Phil.

'Back to the 70's'
With Roger Winnen
Part 3

D1048 Western Lady backs out at Penzance. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

25s at Penzance. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Leasing plate on a Class 50. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

25216 plus another Class 25 at Penzance. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Two Class 25s on the parcels at Redruth along with a 3 car DMU attached. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Two Class 25s on the parcels together with a 3 car DMU attached. Redruth. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Camborne Station. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Class 50 at St Erth on the 09.30 Paddington to Penzance service. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1023 Western Fusilier Penzance. 05.02.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1048 Western Lady at Penzance. 05.02.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

July 7th 2025

7/7/2025

'Back to the 70's'
With Roger Winnen
Part 2

A Peak at Doublebois. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

25224 at St Blazey. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

SIGN GWR Makers 1899. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

St Blazey Turntable. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Class 25 and a Class 08 at St Blazey. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Light Crane at St Blazey. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Class 25s at Penzance. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Level Crossing, Hungerford, 30/6/25
Simon Smith

Saw your entry on the Purton Level Crossing (click here, scroll down), here is a companion piece.

The crossing failed, presumably the very high temperatures might have had something to do with it. Sadly I was waiting for a train, but could see both approach signals were red with trains waiting on OpenTrainTimes.

I'd never previously witnessed what happened next, which was the crossing audible warnings sounding and lights flashing but no barriers descending, followed by a toot from the train at the nearest red signal. This train was running down from London. It then crawled into the station, waited, sounded horm again and proceeded at very slow speed across the non barriered crossing, lights and sirens still sounding. Looked odd and drew a crowd. Not sure how long this was worked this way for but it did keep things moving. The odd sight is attached.

The unusual sight of a GWR IET unit crossing the road at Hungerford sans-barriers. 30.06.2025, copyright Simon Smith.

Many thanks, Simon - it looks very strange indeed!

'Broccoli trains'
Can you help?

Hello - I wondered if you might be able to help me? I am looking for anyone who remembers the broccoli trains ( I think they were known to some as the 'Broccolo' and of course the broccolis were cauliflowers.) I am doing a project with the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and we are keen to find anyone with any memories of those times - and in particular why cauliflowers were called broccoli! I do hope you might be able to help?

I'm certain that someone out there will be able to assist with this query! If you are able to help and don't mind being put in touch with our contact, please drop us an email - [email protected]

Bristol Brush
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

47648 calls at Bristol Temple Meads. 1987, copyright Phil Smith.

A lovely night shot, Phil, with the high intensity light beaming into the air. Thanks very much.

July 6th 2025

6/7/2025

'Back to the 70's'
With Roger Winnen
Part 1

Laira Depot from Lipson Junction with the line to Plymouth Friary in the foreground. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen

A Peak approching Lipson Junction. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen

A Peak heads for Plymouth. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen

A Class 50 approaches the summit at Hemerdon. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen

The 08.00 Bristol Temple Meads to Penzance at Doublebois. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen

Hemerdon Bank. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen

New Views of Exeter St. Thomas
Paul Barlow

My job took me to a temporary new vantage point on a scaffold this week, overlooking the up side platform at Exeter St Thomas. Some photos below.

43189 passes Exeter St Thomas with the 0745 Penzance to Exeter. 03.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

43098 on the rear (43189 leading) on the 0745 Penzance to Exeter passing Exeter St. Thomas. 03.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

166214 arrives at Exeter St Thomas with the 0739 Paignton to Exmouth, GW staff association railway club is in the foreground. 03.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

166214 leaves Exeter St Thomas with the 0739 Paignton to Exmouth while 150202 & 150239 work the 0754 Exmouth - Paignton. 03.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks indeed Paul - a unique angle!

Re: 47155 West Thurrock
Jay Hartley

A follow up to Neil’s post regarding 47155’s use at West Thurrock Power Station.

A photo appears in “Diesels Nationwide” by Keith Montague - copy below.

47155 in use as a generator in West Thurrock Power Station. An extract from “Diesels Nationwide” by Keith Montague

The cover of “Diesels Nationwide” by Keith Montague

Many thanks for fishing this out for us, Jay - not the place you'd expect to see a locomotive!

July 5th 2025

5/7/2025

'Mazey Day' - A Small Follow-up
Neil Phillips

In December 1975, the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) had a problem with a generator at West Thurrock Power Station in Essex, and asked BR for the loan of a Class 47 to act as an exciter (to create the magnetic field in the main generator). Stratford's 47155 (formerly D1748) was selected for the task, had its bogies and buffers removed and was transported to the power station by road overnight on 8th - 9th January 1976. The locomotive remained at West Thurrock perched on wooden sleepers until April 1976 when it was returned to Stratford depot, reunited with its bogies and buffers and put back into normal service. In December 1986 it was fitted with ETH equipment and renumbered to 47660, thus sharing its last three digits with a certain other Class 47 celebrity from earlier times (and which is also one of the few still active on the network of course).

Besides this admittedly tenuous link, what does this have to do with Cornwall? In August 1989 it was fitted with long-range fuel tanks and renumbered again..........to 47815, the loco which tailed D1015 'Western Champion' on its 'Mazey Day' special last Saturday, 28th June 2025!

I hope this Class 47's 4 months of unusual employment 49 years ago is of some small interest (unfortunately I haven't been able to find any photos I can link to illustrating its time at the power station).

Many thanks, Neil - got to be up there with the strangest jobs carried out by the Brush Type 4's!

More trouble on the 'beds'
Joe Birchall, Jon Hird & Andrew Triggs

This morning I went out to see the sleeper, which was top and tailed (again), with 57 301 leading and 57 603 bringing up the rear. The pictures are of the view near Truro through the railings, with the vegetation starting to encroach from each side once again. 04.07.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.

57603 on the rear of the down Sleeper, 1C50, on 04.07.2025. Copyright Joe Birchall.

And here is the reason for 57603's fleeting visit to Cornwall. It's been bolted onto the opposite set of coaching stock and is seen as it rushes past Carlyon Bay with 3Z50 - ECS sleeper stock from Long Rock - Reading. The 'up' sleeper the night before was replaced by an IET unit following the failure of classmate 57602. 04.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

57603 with 3Z50 at Silk Mills Overbridge, running 13 early at 14.13. There was smoke coming from under the rear carriages and a strong burning smell as it past Silk Mills and Fairwater Yard, as you can see from the enclosed shots. However it departed Taunton at 14.22 with only a 4 minute stop, then running 24 early eastwards. 04.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

The ECS continuing towards Taunton, note the smoke coming from the rear of the train, possibly a harsh brake application? 04.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Joe and Andrew. We try not to get drawn into the whole 'sleeper reliability' debate on this website as we understand that machines of any age can be troublesome, but it must be very difficult for the GWR staff at the moment - almost every week we are publishing photographs of various ECS movements post-failure. Let's hope things improve as the locomotives receive their overhauls.

Whatever happened to the
REAL Mid Cornwall Metro?

From Noah Law, MP for St. Austell and Newquay:

Looking forward to an interesting public discussion in St Dennis today about whether we refresh the feasibility study for a passenger rail line running from St Austell to Newquay through the Western Clay Country.

In 2012, a feasibility study was undertaken which explored the potential of a direct rail link from St Austell to Newquay with various new passenger stations proposed along the way in the Western Clay Country.

I've also been clear from Day 1 that the politics of big promises and botched delivery is over. I want to be honest and transparent with you as constituents, always, and take you with me. That is why I am only, at this stage, calling on Network Rail to update their feasibility study of the St Austell to Newquay (via St Dennis) passenger line. But this would be a step towards demonstrating the immense potential we have to improve people's lives with better transport links in the western Clay Country.

I'll be joined by experts on the Cornish railways - past, present and future - and look forward to hearing residents' views.

Sign up to join: tr.ee/realmcm-survey

If you are a resident of St Dennis (or Carpalla, Foxhole, or Treviscoe) but cannot attend and have views on the potential for passenger rail travel, please fill out my survey: https://forms.gle/uv3VMwMPrXurqYdt9

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Whatever happened to theREAL Mid Cornwall Metro?

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