If you have time to spare and would enjoy an interesting report of problems at Templecombe try going to Google and looking up the above item.
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In the light of the shadow of the recent trafficking of immigrants in a container please take a light hearted look at our own transport problems. http://www.newsbiscuit.com/2014/08/22/156-people-found-inhumanely-crushed-into-metal-container-at-crewe-station/
Sad news that we hear is that the well-known railway enthusiast and author David St. John Thomas has died. Born in Devon in 1929, he started his career as a reporter with the Western Morning News, went on to write lots of railway books, and co-founded the publishers David and Charles in 1960. Lots more about him on the internet. Members we remember David St. John Thomas, he came to speak at our Redruth Meetings at least twice, our sympathies to his family.  David St .John Thomas is the tall gentleman in light clothes close to the right hand side of the picture. A smiling Ivor Hocking is to his left. The occasion is a PRC railtour to the South Devon Railway in 1962. Copyright Sid Sponheimer Keith, A couple taken today. 43013 leading, with 43014 The Railway Observer on the rear 0529 1Q18 Old Oak Common HST Depot to Plymouth. 66186 with the 0805 6Z53 St Blazey – Exeter (Riverside). Regards Dave Many thanks David 
43013 leading, with 43014 The Railway Observer on the rear 0529 1Q18 Old Oak Common HST Depot to Plymouth. Copyright David Tozer
66186 with the 0805 6Z53 St Blazey – Exeter (Riverside) Copyright David Tozer
Setting out from Penzance with a 'Ride Cornwall' ticket Roger spent the day catching those 'unusual views' for us to share.  First was a rare view of the Thursday Class 66 visiting the sidings at Par harbour. The view from five arches bridge is a coup indeed. Due to the high fencing recently installed in this area views at ground level are impossible. Copyright Roger Winnen  At Bodmin Parkway, a picture which could almost have been in early 60's except for the orange jacket and mark three coaches. Here the DMU from 'Padstow' brings in passengers for an up service - if only!!! 21st August 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen  Just to the west of Plymouth is a mileage change post. Originally as all trains in Cornwall had to come via Millbay the mileages in Cornwall refer to that now impossible journey. Something few people would think to photograph but thank heaven Roger did before everything goes metric. 21st August 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen  Plymouth Power Signalling Box - due to be superseded in 2022. Seen on 21st August 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen  St Erth footbridge, the subject of much controversy has received replacement wooden steps. A pity that the fixing bolts have protruded through the metal panels. 21st August 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen  Templecombe at 11.25 on the 7th August 2014. Our train departs for Exeter. We take a brief look around before catching the next train. More pictures in the Honiton and beyond section. We will, in due course be taking a look at the Somerset and Dorset line which also served this station prior to March 1966. Roger Geach has kindly forwarded to us five, new to us, most interesting old pictures. These will be entered into their relevant sections, however the last two, at Weymouth and Bridport will not be seen for a little while until we open that section. With very many thanks to Doug Nicholls who continues to supply Roger and us with these 'gems' from the past.  Looking almost like a picture of a model railway recreation here is Whiteball siding signalbox in April 1974. Note the 'double doored' porch on the signalbox, one exit to the trackside, the other to the toilet set back in the bank. Note also the 'Catch Point' sign, and the PW hut gto the right, the siding has been recently re ballasted. Copyright Doug Nicholls  Wadebridge signalbox seen from outside the fence and looking across the river in October 1968 Copyright Doug Nicholls. One wonders why the left hand window at the base of the box was bricked up?  Dulverton signalbox seen after closure January 1968 Copyright Doug Nicholls  A nice 'green scene' as a 'cats' wiskered DMU rolls along the last few yards into Bridport in 1960 Note the 'southern' up quadrant signal. Copyright Doug Nicholls  7780 having brought a set of SR coaches along the street tramway to Weymouth Quay prepares to run round the stock for the return journey. The date is June 1962, A sight thankfully captured by Doug Nicholls, Note the chalked marking 'Not out' does this signify the crews faith in their steed? We will not see the like of this again. Copyright Dough Nicholls There is strong opposition to Network Rail's proposal to replace the footbridge at St Erth with a disabled friendly item either with long ramps or with lifts as at St Austell. There is no disguising, literally, that whatever is done will not improve the looks of this extremely interesting and currently unspoilt station. Unfortunately the future loss of the signalbox and semaphore signals will also severely damage the appearance of the area. A recent report in the Cornishman includes reference to the efforts of Steve Martin from Auckland who is a keen modeller and is producing an accurate model of the station as it was in the 1950's - it has changed little since.
 You may be interested in some up to date news regarding the Roskear Branch. A terrace of new houses at the end of Foundry Road, opposite Camborne Tesco has been named "The Sidings"! Best wishes, Mike.
Penzance dep 08.39 St Erth 08.50 Camborne 09.06 Redruth 09.13 Truro 09.26 St Austell 09.44 Par 09.51 Bodmin Parkway 10.02 Plymouth 10.40/10.59 Bere Ferrers 11.16 for a visit to the Tamar Belle Centre (See below). Dep Bere Ferrers 13.11 Gunnislake 13.40/13.45 Plymouth Station 14.30. Cross over the road from Plymouth Station for the Blue Flash Route 12 to Tavistock at 14.40 alighting at Yelverton at 15.08 for an escorted visit to this former junction station. Owing to the undergrowth members are advised to wear sensible footwear as it may be very wet, and no shorts please in this environment.
Returning from Yelverton at 16.23 on Blue Flash Service 12 with an arrival at Plymouth Railway Station at 16.49 or depart Yelverton at 16.49 with an arrival at 17.20. Trains dep Plymouth at 17.26, 17.42 and 17.52 to Penzance. Please purchase an Off Peak Day Return to Gunnislake, normally the same price as Plymouth. The visit to Bere Ferrers which includes a Buffet, running the railway and a visit to the Signal Box if time permits will cost £7.50 of which I would appreciate an idea of numbers in advance if possible. However you may still turn up on the day when the numbers can be updated. Visitors are most welcome please contact one of the numbers below." * Please contact Roger Winnen on 0777 3808074 or 01736 350048 or Email w[email protected] |