Blog Archives

Items added on 31st August 2017 Those added most recently come first

31/8/2017

Todays events alongside the River Exe
Roger Winnen & David Tozer

170831a 70813 is seen passing Cockwood Harbour on the return Moorswater to Aberthawe cement empties. Copyright Roger Winnen

170831b Now taken off lease 43021 with the Great Western branding removed passes Cockwood Harbour on route to Bristol St Philips Marsh, then going forward to Doncaster. Information says that these HSTs will go to Scotland. Copyright Roger Winnen

170831c The rear Power Car 43132 has also had its First Great Western branding removed. Copyright Roger Winnen

170831e The 143s Looking quite smart in their Great Western Green Livery as they sit in Exeter Yard adjacent to the River Exe. A total of eight 2 Car Sets work from Exeter to Exmouth

711b Caught in the act by David Tozer at Cockwood Harbour, Roger Winnen waiting to Photograph the passing trains sitting on a chair provided by an unknown railway enthusiast no doubt.. Many Thanks to you! Copyright David Tozer

Todays cement
Peter Murnaghan

Hi Keith, You might be interested in my photos from this morning of the Aberthawe empties leaving Moorswater and, after a quick dash, arriving at Coombe Junction. Curiously, the loco number is anagram of today's date !
Best wishes, Peter Many thanks Peter I think Roger saw the same train up the line.

70813 leaving Moorswater for Aberthawe 31st August 2017 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

70813 approaching Coombe Junction 31st August 2017 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Southampton Docks
Mike Morant

LSWR 0-4-0ST no. 109 Southampton is known as a Shanks tram engine which is derived from the name of the builder, Alexander Shanks of Arbroath. No. 109 was purchased for use on the LSWR's Royal Pier at Southampton and was delivered on 19/9/1876 and would later be ably assisted by two more locos of the same design. No. 109 and her sisters would be superseded by the C14 class and moved to other duties whilst this example would be withdrawn in December 1913 and subsequently sold to Kynock Ltd of Longparish exactly two years after withdrawal. The negative was obviously taken on Royal Pier and is dated c. 1912 which is nonsense as 109 had moved away from there some five years previously. Image notes paraphrased from D. L. Bradley's LSWR Locomotives The Adams Classes. [Mike Morant collection]

Exeter shed classic
Ron Kosys

An abundance of Class 22's at await a turn of duty at Exeter St Davids Shed. 6333, 6334, 6343, 6322, and 6308 Also Class 47 1702 on the 17th July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

This is the last of the current series of pictures 'from days gone by' by Ron Kosys. We wait in the meantime for more gems. Many thanks Ron

Passing units at
Chard Junction
John Cornelius

Still an everyday occurrence. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 30th August 2017 Those added most recently come first

30/8/2017

Cornwall Railway Society
Bideford, Appledore & Westward Ho! Railway
Saturday 2nd September, 2017

Roger Winnen 01736 350048 or Mobile 0777 380 8074 (Not Friday Evening between 19.15 and 21.30)
In the event of inclement weather a decision will be made on Friday Morning as to the running of this trip as most of the area is without shelter from the rain.

PURCHASE AN OFF PEAK DAY RETURN TO BARNSTAPLE

Penzance 06.30 St Erth 06.28 Camborne 06.51 Redruth 06.57 Truro 07.09 St Austell 07.25 Par 07.32 Bodmin Parkway 07.46 Liskeard 07.58 Plymouth 08.21 arr Exeter St David's arr 09.20 Depart Platform 3 at 09.27 Barnstaple arrive10.35
Please use the facilities on-board the train before alighting as there is a six minute connection with the bus.

Bus 21 From Barnstaple Station 10.41 to Bideford Quay arr 11.08

We look around the Bideford Quay area before departing on Service 15 to Appledore at 11.43 arrival at Appledore 12.01 to explore the station area and the historic port.
View the The Bideford Westward Ho! and Appledore Railway carriage shed as we depart Bideford from the upper deck of the Double Decker.

We return to Bideford on the Service 15 at 12.35 from Appledore arrivng near the carriage shed at 12.50
We cross the road to view the shed and head for the next bus stop for a Service 21 to Westward Ho which departs from Bideford Quay at 12.57. This bus will arrive at Westward Ho! At 13.12

The bus service terminates in the area of the old station which nothing now remains
However by following the coastal footpath we soon come across a bridge which carried the railway over a small lane which lead to the beach. We have time to follow the coastal path which was the railway until 1917 passing Seafield and Morley House to give spectacular views across to Lundy Island and the North Devon coastline.

We return on Service 15 from Westward Ho! At 14.46 arriving at Bideford Quay at 15.01 giving us time for a short visit Bideford Railway Station.

Returning to Bideford Quay we again catch Service 21 at 16.06 to Barnstaple Railway Station arrive 16.32

The train departs Barnstaple at 17.08 arriving Exeter St David's 18.23/18.46 Plymouth 19.48 Liskeard 20.11 Bodmin Parkway 20.23 Par 20.35 St Austell 20.41 Truro 21.02 Redruth 21.13 Camborne 21.19 St Erth 21.31 Penzance 21.40

The 591xx In the early 1990s Michael Forward

901218a 59101 Photographed at Westbury shortly after their introduction on 18th December, 1990. 59101 is looking very nice and clean as she moves around the yard. Copyright Michael Forward

910614a Taken on 14th June, 1991 at Salisbury. 59102 Hauls a Whatley to Fareham working. Copyright Michael Forward

Landlooe Bridge
Chris Harvey

Hello, Taken on an amazingly sunny Bank Holiday Monday, please find attached an image of GWR green 150 263, captured at Landlooe Bridge, running away from the camera and about to disappear north into the trees with the 10.30 from Looe.
Best Regards, Chris Harvey Thanks Chris

Landlooe Bridge 150 263 heads for Coombe Jct. 28th August 2017 Copyright Chris Harvey

Craig Munday
in Mid and West Cornwall

Letter from Craig Munday

I was really sad to hear about the passing of Sid. I've always revelled at his 1970 hydraulic pictures, especially around Scorrier. His wonderful name conjured up a name from the USA film industry to me, and I'm sure he was a real character. His pictures will live on of course.

Back to the Bank Holiday weekend, which saw me in Mid & West Conrwall, at Penzance in that wonderful heat, watching the pirates gather for the world record event.

43002 made an appearance and looked fantastic in the sunshine, the BR blue livery complimenting the azure blue of the sea across Mounts Bay. I see the "fever pitch" observations of the first GWR HSTs going off lease, and suggest everyone capture these wonderful trains in their coats of many colours in the coming 18 months. I've always felt ambivalent abpout these trains, especially as they wiped out our beloved engine & coaches services. But I admit a hint of regret as an enthusiast that they're going to be replaced by the Hitachi IET sets. The 4 coach HST sets will remain on semi-local services for some time though.

The down sleepers was photographed racing down to Probus on Monday morning, the green GWR livery was off-set by the forecasted silver glint of the fast rising sun. How remarkably clean the trains on the network are today compared to yesteryear. The semaphores around Par & St Blazey also looked grand with the colourful red sky behind them too.

Kind regards, Craig Many thanks indeed Craig

43002 arrives at Penzance 27th August 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

43187 at Penzance 27th August 2017 Copyright Craig Munday N.B. It's not only the trains which look smart, the stations do too!

From his privileged position in the signalbox Craig watches the service head away east. 27th August 2017. Copyright Craig Munday

Moving east up to Resparveth Craig witnesses 1C99 . 28th August 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

In all ways far more interesting than a colour light isn't it? Long reign the semaphores! Resparveth signal 28th August 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Now a dramatic front view. Resparveth signal. 28th August 2017. Copyright Craig Munday

Wilmington
Ron Kosys

Wilmington 55000+55006 form the 1830 Axminster-Barnstaple. Totally unsuitable for the task assigned. 6th May 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys

Chard Jct. Sandite
John Cornelius

Many thanks to John for getting this shot of a rare vehicle. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 29th August 2017 Those added most recently come first

29/8/2017

Sid Sponheimer
Sad News

Seen here In happier days. Sid, on the left in this picture, is sitting alongside his work colleague David Tozer at Woody Bay. Although both were involved in Insurance work the pair had never met until on a CRS outing to the Lynton and Barnstable on the 27th September 2014 Copyright Trevor Tremethick.

We are very sorry to report that Sid passed away at Callington on the 23rd August 2017. This followed a lengthy period of hospital treatment.
Sid was 76. He was born on the 10th December 1940 and brought up in Carshalton, this probably nourished his interest in trolleybuses and railways. He began working in insurance after leaving school in Blackfriars. His family moved to Plymouth in 1959 where he worked for the Commercial Union in Plymouth and then Cardiff. There was a further transfer to Truro where he met his wife, Christine who also worked for CU. They were married in 1968 in Chacewater living first in Blackwater, and then moved to Truro a couple of years after Lisa was born in 1976. Sid continued to work in insurance at Plymouth until just a few weeks before he died, working a couple of days a week following his retirement.
The CRS website and railway enthusiasts in general have benefited greatly from the pictures which he took both in his younger days of steam on the Southern and the Great Western and in later years on the national rail network. Sid took a great interest in the website pointing out any errors which cropped up and continuing to feed in material until the last few weeks when the pain became more than he could bare. So to Sid, many thanks, the world is a richer place thanks to your memories and photographs. Just take a look at our site to see how many classic pictures came from Sid.
In recent years Sid and Christine have lived near Liskeard in a bungalow delightfully perched on an embankment of the Liskeard and Caradon Railway at Tremar.
During his last few days Sid a few pictures for the web, a tour around his immediate area. You will see these in a few weeks.
Our sympathies to Christine and his daughter Lisa and also to his brother Roger.

A fitting tribute to Sid as the first IEPs to Cornwall return through Liskeard

170622 The return IEP sets 800004 & 800003 Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria photographed at Liskeard by Sid after their inaugural run to Penzance. This photograph was most probably one of the last taken by Sid. and was the last of the batch to be incorporated into the CRS Website. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Reflections
Ron Westwater

On the 25th Aug with barely any wind and a high tide the reflections are pretty impressive. FGW class 150 heads the 2C43 0623 Bristol Parkway to Penzance over Forder viaduct. Copyright Ron Westwater

26th Aug FGW 125 heads over Forder viaduct. Copyright Ron Westwater

26th Aug. With Trematon Castle in the background 57602 crosses Forder viaduct with the 2P70 1028 St Erth to Plymouth. Copyright Ron Westwater

Items added on 28th August 2017 Those added most recently come first

28/8/2017

Looking back to last weekend
Adrian King at Teignmouth

Hope you and all at CRS are keeping well. We recently enjoyed a visit to the West Country although sadly on this trip we didn't manage to get as far as God's own county.
Best Regards Adrian Many thanks Adrian

35028 Clan Line passing under the Eastcliff Overbridge at Teignmouth in the early evening of Sunday 20th August with the returning Torbay Express 20th August 2017 Copyright Adrian King

Taken from Saunders Overbridge and shows a north bound Cross Country set negotiating the same curve 21st August 2017 Copyright Adrian King

A local service bound for Paignton service entering the station. Seen from Saunders Overbridge 21st August 2017 Copyright Adrian King Note the long platform on the down side.

The South Devon Railway
August Bank Holiday W/E
Rails and Ales Festival
Roger Salter & Roger Winnen

This event has been advertised as a great family day out with both steam and diesel running into the evening together with Our Real Ale Festival at Staverton Station which proved very popular in this very warm weekend.

170826hhh 5542 and 5526 passing Nappers Halt. Copyright Roger Winnen

170826ccc D6975 leaves Staverton on the 11.30 Buckfastleight Totnes service. Copyright Roger Salter

170826ss The two prairies at Buckfastleigh looking quite magnificent. Copyright Roger Salter

170826ff The Cornish Riviera on route for Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

170826tt Smile your on Candid Camera! Copyright Roger Winnen

A Further selection of photographs can be found on the Features Pages Mid May to December 2017

Tywardreath
Ron Kosys

A nicely composed and rare shot including the bracket signal at the entrance to Par Down loop. 12th April 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

Twins at Chard Junction
John Cornelius

Items added on 27th August 2017 Those added most recently come first

27/8/2017

Eastleigh
David Tozer

Brand new Class 707's 707004 and 707006 stop at Eastleigh on the 26th August 2017 with the 1050 Brockenhurst - Wimbledon. Life expectancy only two years with the new South Western Railway franchise. Meanwhile I guess we will still have the Class 143's! Copyright and comment David Tozer

Horse Cove
Ron Kosys

Horse Cove, Dawlish. With a full tide and a calm sea 155334 forms a down service on this attractive stretch of line. 6th July 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys Most of the class 155's were later split each forming half forming a single car class 153. One wonders if these units still ply the coastline as 153's.

Fawley
Mike Morant

RCTS: Southampton Docks & Fawley Branch Rail Tour 17/5/53. USA 0-6-0T no. 30062 ready for departure from Fawley station. [Mike Morant collection] N.B. The Fawley branch has recently closed but remains in situ ready for a possible revival.

'Bill' at Chard
John Cornelius

'Bill' arriving from the London direction. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 26th August 2017 Those added most recently come first

26/8/2017

Route 66 Railtour
Terry Waldron

66779 heads a 12 coach train, reporting number 1Z66 on 26 August 2017. Starting from Peterborough at 0704, via Finsbury park, Clapham Junction, Salisbury to Warminster 1230 (for the Salisbury Plain village of Imber) and then onto Bath and Bristol Temple Meads. The village of Imber, on the Salisbury Plain firing ranges is open for a limited time each year (this village was evacuated in 1943 and villagers have only been allowed to visit for limited periods since then - the church remains intact but almost all the other buildings have been demolished), today many old Routemaster buses along with a few of the new London Transport buses took passengers from Warminster Station to Imber and through many of the roads on Salisbury Plain that are normally only open to Military vehicles. You will see from the photos that the first 3 coaches and the loco were not on the platform, the same is true for the last 3 coaches. This must be the longest train to ever stop at Warminster.
Regards Terry Waldron.
The additional information concerning the route and history very interesting - Thank you very much, Terry,

The Route 66 Railtour headed by 66779 runs into Warminster on the 26th August 2017 Copyright Terry Waldron. Note one of the fleet of red buses waiting in the forecourt.

Warminster Route 66 Railtour headed by 66779 stands at Warminster platform. The train extended well beyond the platform at both ends. 26th August 2017 Copyright Terry Waldron

158 957 calls at Warminster before the railtour. 26th August 2017 Copyright Terry Waldron

Taunton
Ron Kosys

Seen just to the west of Taunton a colourful Virgin HST on a summer Saturday working. Copyright Ron Kosys

Truro Footbridge
Roger Winnen

The footbridge, so often the grandstand for photographs at Truro, really deserves a photograph of its own right. Here is such a photograph snapped from an unusual location by Roger.

The long bridge spanning the tracks of Truro Station from the Top Deck of the 87 service 13.25 Newquay to Truro 24th Aug 2017 Copyright Roger Winnen

Southampton Terminus
Mike Morant

Our only view of a train at Southampton Terminus very kindly supplied by Mike Morant.

The Solent Rail Tour 20/3/66. BR Standard 4MT 4-6-0 no. 75070 at Southampton Terminus. [Mike Morant collection]

Chard Junction
John Cornelius

Items added on 25th August 2017 Those added most recently come first

25/8/2017

Lostwithiel
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, More train action at Lostwithiel, as the clay train passes various passenger trains. Also featured is the NMT passing Lostwithiel in the up direction under dark clouds.

The image 16 with the mist is particularly pleasing. The mist has risen as the sun appears, but still lingers above the scene in a rather ethereal fashion. The sun had just punched through it and has lit the clay train, signal and houses in the background, but not the HST in the foreground. The wonders of early mornings, views many people miss particularly in the Summer months. The other pictures taken as the morning wore on, and the sun got higher and stronger.
All the best for now, Craig
Many thanks Craig, glad you took advantage of the sun

The low cloud and the sun punching through makes for a dramatic picture at Lostwithiel 25th August 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

This would be a pretty drab picture if the 150 were in the latest FGW livery. Lostwithiel 25th August 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Lostwithiel 25th August 2017 Copyright Craig Munday (Doesn't the 66 look smart)

Lostwithiel 25th August 2017 Copyright Craig Munday (The low black cloud and well lit ballast adds interest to this scene)

Half and half at
Exeter Central
David Tozer

With the now half of the Exeter allocation of Class 143's now repainted. Time is now running out for remainder.
Dave Tozer

143619 heads 153377 from Central with the 12.43 Exmouth - Barnstaple. Copyright David Tozer

Taunton
Ron Kosys

Taunton. 43166 with an up summer Saturday working. 22nd September 2001 Copyright Ron Kosys

Southampton
Mike Morant

BR Standard 5MT 4-6-0 no. 73114 in charge of an Up Waterloo service enters Southampton Central station on 7/8/65. [Mike Morant collection]

Triple Header at
Chard Junction
John Cornelius

The Mule and Otter Axeman Locos Used were :- 20092, 20169, 33020, 33035, 33052, 33108, 33114, 37092 & 6004033114 + 60040
Route was (London Waterloo - Clapham Junction - Wimbledon - Surbiton - Woking - Basingstoke - Salisbury 20092 + 20169 + 33114Salisbury - Yeovil Junction - Exeter Central - Exeter St Davids
20169 + 20092 + 33114 Exeter St Davids - Crediton - Okehampton
37092 Okehampton - Crediton - Exeter St Davids
33020 + 33052 + 33114 Exeter St Davids - (reverse of outward route) - Woking 33035 + 33108Woking - (reverse of outward route) - London Waterloo

Items added on 24th August 2017 Those added most recently come first

24/8/2017

Part 2
The remains of the North Cornwall Line photographed by Andrew Triggs in July 1995

950705h The station buildings of Port Isaac Road viewed from the station approach. Copyright Andrew Triggs

950705i The side elevation looking towards Wadebridge. Note the concrete gates. Copyright Andrew Triggs

950705k And in the down direction. Copyright Andrew Triggs

950705l On the down platform at Port Isaac Road looking towards Wadebridge

950705m The single story part of Port Isaac Road station looking westwards. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Golant at High Water
Ron Westwater

Hi Keith, As Craig said ..the Cornish summer has been very poor this year.
I also enclose a couple of non train shots taken at a very high tide at Golant
Note the state of the road when the tide is this high!!!
Still we had a very nice meal at the Fishermans arm pub.
Best regards, Ron Westwater. Many thanks Ron.

The 'window of opportunity' for getting boats in and out of the harbour at Golant must be very limited as this exceptionally high tide demonstrates. 66206 heads for Carne Point on the 21st August 2017. Copyright Ron Westwater.

The 'window of opportunity' for getting cars along this stretch of road alongside the harbour is somewhat limited by the tide. Mother nature enforces the 'No parking' issue at this time of day. 21st August 2017 Copyright Ron Waterworth

The sign says it all - the tide has dropped slightly by now. 21st July 2017. Copyright Ron Westwater.

With the spoil heap visible above Nanpean in the background,66206 passes Foxhole with 13 loaded CDA's forming the second portion of 6P24 Parkandillack-Fowey at 15:25 on the 22nd August 2017 . Copyright Jenny Westwater

Wareham Swanage
John Cornelius

Hi Keith, here's a selection of the few pics I took at Swanage yesterday.
It was mainly a diesel day, with only 'U' 2-6-0 31806 in steam.
All the steam locos were at Swanage, with maintenance being carried out
on 30053 & 80104, the rest were dead in the sidings.
The through trip from Wareham to Swanage and back with top'n'tailed diesels made it a very enjoyable visit. cheers JOHN C.
Many thanks John - very interesting

Taunton
Ron Kosys

Taunton. An identified 431xx heads westwards on the 22nd September 2001 Copyright Ron Kosys

St Erth
Roy Hart

1023 County of Oxford climbs westwards out of St Erth with a Truro to Penzance local. This engine was shedded at Truro throughout the 1950s and was always the pride of the shed, kept beautifully clean. Later she was joined there by 1007 (County of Brecknock). Truro lost its 'Counties' at the end of 1959. Here, 1023 is in BR black: in later years, all counties were rebuilt with double chimneys and turned out in green. Copyright Roy Hart

Southampton
Mike Morant

We railway enthusiasts carry with us a global reputation for being a bit weird which isn't surprising with a shot like this that deserves, for us, a title like Birdcage in the Rain or some such. We know what it's about but Joe Public might wonder what sort of idiot would take a camera out in the rain to photograph a bird cage. Anyway, here we see a newly outshopped SECR birdcage in service stock photographed in inclement weather from the central island platform at Southampton Central station looking towards London. The 2H Tadpole on the right of the image is probably working the Alton service via the Watercress line. [Mike Morant collection]

Yeovil Junction
John Cornelius

A very interesting and unusual view at Yeovil Junction. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 23rd August 2017 Those added most recently come first

23/8/2017

South Devon Railway
John Ball

Yesterday, with good weather becoming apparent, I went on impulse to the South Devon Rly. On loan ex GWR prairie tank no. 5542 and the one time LT pannier tank no. L92 were doing the honours, with the newly repainted railcar W55000 running the last return service of the day. I came back to Totnes on that one, and was lucky enough to get the seat behind the driving compartment, for some unusual views straight down the track.

Always worth a visit and especially in fine weather!
Best regards John Ball Many thanks John

W55000 waiting its turn of duty at Buckfastleigh. 21st August 2017. Copyright John Ball

A nicely framed shot of L92 passing at Bishops Bridge. 21st August 2017 Copyright John Ball

Tiverton Junction
Ron Kosys

Tiverton Jn. A down HST headed by 43010 passed through the now-closed Tiverton Junction 8th September 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys

Southampton
Mike Morant

The 10.55 Bournemouth - Waterloo service hauled by Bulleid rebuilt Merchant Navy pacific no. 35027 Port Line arrives at Southampton Central on 7/8/65. [Mike Morant collection]

Minehead
John Cornelius

Items added on 22nd August 2017 Those added most recently come first

22/8/2017

Part 1
The remains of the North Cornwall Line photographed by Andrew Triggs in July 1995

950705a Wadebridge Station undergoing renovation and conversion into the' John Betjamin Centre' in 1988. Copyright Andrew Triggs

950705b The conversion of Wadebridge Station into the 'John Betjamin Centre' in 1988. Copyright Andrew Triggs

950705c Port Isaac Road Goods shed. Copyright Andrew Triggs

950705d Port Isaac Road Goods shed. Copyright Andrew Triggs

950705e Port Isaac Road Goods shed and the down platform buildings looking towards Wadebridge. Copyright Andrew Triggs

950705f The remaining rail overbridge at the west end of Port Isaac Road Station. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Newton St Cyres
Ron Kosys

Newton St Cyres Hybrid 871 on front 870 on the rear. It's the 3rd May 1991 Note a cyclist leaving the platform. Copyright Ron Kosys

Cornish Sunshine!!
Craig Munday

Whilst our US cousins enjoyed a total eclipse of the sun - we were glad to see ANY sun at all. The last few weeks having been particularly torrid, the brief spell of brightness was enjoyed by all.
50042 was out on the B&W railway Sat 19th running 6 trips on the Lilac timetable, and is seen in glorious light dropping down to Bodmin Parkway with the 10.50 from General.
Then on Mon 21st, 66206 was photographed working the 2 x Carne Point / Rocks clay.

All the best, Craig
Thanks Craig, for 'making hay' or 'taking photos' while the sun shines.

50042 Triumph climbs towards Bodmin General passing Charlies Gate, Bodmin & Wenford. 19th August 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

66206 stands in Lostwithiel down loop with the 6G08 to Rocks on the 21st August 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

66206 having run round its train of CDA's at Lostwithiel draws 6G08 across on to the down main. 21st August 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

New Milton
Mike Morant

Bulleid rebuilt Merchant Navy pacific no. 35023 Holland-Afrika Line in charge of an inter-regional service speeds through New Milton. [Mike Morant collection]

Yeovil Railway Centre
open today for
Brake Van Rides

Chard Junction HST
John Cornelius

<<Previous