Blog Archives

21st August 2020

21/8/2020

66020 on the Clay
Andrew Triggs

Good afternoon Roger/Keith,
Finally made it to Parkandillack by road today (only took a shade over 52 years) to capture DBC 66020 working 6B00 07.15 St Blazey SS-Parkandillack and the 1st portion of 6P24 15.45 Parkandillack-Fowey Carne Point return. The service in the event only ran to and from Little Treviscoe. 4 shots for CRS
All the Best
Andrew

Arriving at Burngullow from St Blazey with 6B00 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Nearing Little Treviscoe Copyright Andrew Triggs

The loaded CDAs departing Little Treviscoe later for Burngullow (as part load for 6P24).Copyright Andrew Triggs

66020 departing light to return to Little Treviscoe from Burngullow to collect the 2nd portion of loaded CDAs Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Laira
Clive Smith

66005 'Maritime Intermodal One' heads past Laira with the 6Z60 11.51 Parkandillack - Bescot CDAs. 20th August 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive.

Pinhoe & Crewkerne
David Tozer & Bill Elston

In steady drizzle GWR Class 150/2 150265 passes Pinhoe with the 1616 5Z30 Exeter T.M.D. to Castle Cary via Honiton and Yeovil(Pen Mill). Route refresher/learner I guess. 19th August 2020 Copyright David Tozer.

150265 seen heading through Crewkerne Station, back to Exeter. 19th August 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks David and Bill.
My apologies to both of these gentlemen for the late running of this item.

Cathole Bridge Road Level Crossing
Crewkerne
Bill Elston

Blue liveried 150219 was the GWR route learner today, returning as 5Z32 Castle Cary to Exeter TMD. Photo shows it passing Cathole Bridge Road level crossing, 1/2 mile west of Crewkerne Station. Best regards Bill

150219 at Cathole Level Crossing, half a mile west of Crewkerne. 20th August 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill.

20th August 2020

20/8/2020

The returning Class 20s Plymouth-Derby
Craig Munday Clive Smith, David Tozer
& Paul Barlow

091J 20th 20205 20189 Passes Tavistock Jn on route to Derby Copyright Craig Munday

20205 with the returning Loram special Harford Bridge, Ivybridge. 20th August 2020 Copyright Clive Smith

20189 brings up the rear of the returning Loram special at Harford Bridge, Ivybridge. 20th August 2020. Copyright Clive Smith

20205 & 20189 returns with the 11.40 Plymouth to Derby at Silverton. Copyright David Tozer

20205 20189 1140 Plymouth to Derby approaches Gibraltar bridge Cullompton 20 August 2020 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many Thanks to Clive Smith, David Tozer & Paul Barlow

The Blue Maritime
66005 Works the Clay
Mark Lynam

Yesterday morning one of the blue Maritime Class 66's worked the clay JIAs down from Bescot, making a rare visit into Cornwall which this morning worked To Parkandillack and return to Bescot.

66005 passing the old dryers at Treviscoe working 6Z60 1151 Parkandillack to Bescot Down Side. Copyright Mark Lynam

66005 at Burngullow Junction. Copyright Mark Lynam

66005 at St Austell after waiting an hour at Burngullow.. Copyright Mark Lynam

66005 resting at Par Chapel Siding, it will later resume it's path to Bescot at 15.29. Copyright Mark Lynam

Many Thanks for your photographs today

The lost is found
Trevemper Siding
Stephenie Hockridge

Stephenie writes :- I randomly came across your lovely website and the article on Trevemper from 2014, in which you wondered whether the sign was still in existence. Well I’m pleased to say it most definitely is, and it’s very much loved at my parents house. [Image.jpeg] My Dad went to a railway auction in Plymouth many years ago, it wasn’t what he intended to bid on (the bidding went too high) so this was his consolation ‘prize’. We’re very attached to it, as is the house.
I hope this is of mild interest, Stephanie

Trevemper sign 2020. Copyright Stephenie Hockbridge

Of course it is of interest - many thanks Stephenie.

Electrification plans 1973
Ken Mumford

1973 ELECTRIFICATION PROPOSALS 1 From Ken Mumford Collection

1973 ELECTRIFICATION PROPOSALS 2 MAP

Many thanks to you Ken.
A chance to compare what we have to day with what might have been.

19th August 2020

19/8/2020

Keeping up appearances Ivybridge & Plymouth
Clive Smith Andrew Triggs Paul Barlow & Roger Winnen

A train with spectacular livery from Loram Rail Ops arrived into Plymouth this evening from Derby hauled top & tailed by two Class 20s. It is due to depart tomorrow morning returning to Derby.

Over to Creech for the 1120 Derby RTC to Plymouth Loram Rail ecs with 20189 leading, 20205 at the rear. Fortunately the weather brightened up Best wishes, Bill

20205, Creech on the19th August 20020 Copyright Bill Elston

Just managed to get shot of the 20's today. I had about 30 seconds to set up the shot, so not the best. At least it did stop raining for a short period although a very damp dismal summers day in Exeter today. 20205 20189 1118 Derby-Plymouth 5V16 19 August 2020 Copyright Paul Barlow

Thanks Paul

Loram Rail blue choppers 20189 leading with 20205 on the rear pass under Langham Bridge just west of Ivybridge with the 5V16 11.18 Derby RTC - Plymouth consisting of three Loram branded Mk2s. The weather here on southern Dartmoor was seriously foul but the persistent wind and rain eased to mizzle by late afternoon but the moorland mist refused to budge and I had to check out five locations before I plumped for this as the best of a lot of some bad jobs. Borderline packing up and going home in challenging light but I went for the shot and have tweaked it somewhat. It's better than nothing ! Great to see the 20s again after the previous visit last month. Now for sunny weather for the return the next day. Copyright Clive Smith

Thanks Clive for your efforts on Dartmoor

Rounding the approach to Plymouth by Apsley Road 20189 leading 5V16 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Clearing Sutherland Road bridge 20205 at the rear. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Slowing on final approach to Dock 2 siding. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Drawing forward into Dock 2 siding. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks very much Andrew

200819a 20189 Heads into No 2 Dock with the 11.18 Derby to Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen (2)

200819b Keeping up appearances with the trains rolling stock. Copyright Roger Winnen

200819c 20205 Seen on the rear of the train in Plymouth this evening. Copyright Roger Winnen

The faces normally behind the lens at Plymouth Left Leslie Curnow Right Roger Winnen with 20189 stabled in Number 2 Dock. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Braving the Elements today
Andrew Triggs

Good morning Roger,
Braving the elements this morning to capture Network Rail Unit 950001 at St Ives and St Erth while working the 05.07 Penzance-Exeter Riverside N.Y run
All the Best
Andrew

Arrival 6 late at St Ives at 05.34 in the pouring rain for 950001 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Arrival 6 late at St Ives at 05.34 in the pouring rain for 950001. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Back at St Erth at 05.52 before heading back up the mainline, still hammering down with the rain Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew for braving the weather
You don't have to be mad to be an enthusiast!! But you have to be extremely keen!! (KJ)

Dolcoath
Roger Winnen

A Western - thought to be D1059 Western Empire hauls an ECS to Penzance at Dolcoath Crossing, Camborne on 9th March 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Matthew Bradley has kindly come to our aid concerning the identity of the loco in the Dolcoath picture above. He writes-I always enjoy as a Western fan photographs of these fine locomotives that appear on the Cornwall Railway Society website from time to time. Particularly ones where the loco running numbers aren’t identified and I’ll attempt to identify them. Roger’s photographs taken at Dolcoath Crossing featured on Tuesday 18th August 2020 are a case in point. I think the Western on the ECS is D1059 ‘Western Empire’ (Picture above) It had one of its correct style front marker lights replaced by what looks like a Class 42 Warship front marker light in the early 1970’s, possibly as a result of accident damage? I’ve blown up Roger’s photograph and enclosed to illustrate. The other Western I’m not sure of its identity other than it’s a Swindon machine going by the position of the front cab overhead live-wire warning flashes. Matthew Bradley.

Thank you Matthew.

A Western hauls the 18.00 Penzance to Leeds seen at Dolcoath on the 16th March 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger

Focus on
Pewsey
Ken Mumford

Looking extremely smart a class 59 brings an empty stone train into Pewsey. 6th April 2009. Copyright Ken Mumford.

A Western hauls an ECS to Penzance at Dolcoath Crossing, Camborne on 9th March 1975. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Pausing for passengers, a down HST at Pewsey. 6th April 2009. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

18th August 2020

18/8/2020

Crewkerne
Brian Pibworth

Network Rail 950001 working the 2Q08 0327 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Laira T.& R.S.M.D. The Track Recording Vehicle is recorded passing between Crewkerne Station and Cathole Lane Crossing as the sun breaks through on a misty Somerset morning. 17th August 2020. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

Many thanks Brian

Penzance
Phil Smith

43140 is depicted at the leading end of the Royal Duchy named service train to London Paddington. Copyright Phil Smith.

43140 was involved in the fatal railway accident that occurred at approximately 09:40 BST on 12 August 2020, near Carmont, west of Stonehaven. In consequence this power car has been written off.

Many thanks Phil.

17th August 2020

17/8/2020

The Humble Railway Fence
Michael L Roach

GREAT WESTERN FENCING Michael L. Roach
For much of its existence the Great Western Railway used post and wire fencing to mark its boundary and keep out people and animals. The wire would have been bought in from a supplier but the wooden fence posts were made in house from second-hand timber sleepers. The sleepers were cut in half longitudinally and mitred at one end. The fence had the advantage of being easy to erect and individual wires and posts could be replaced as necessary.
In the 1930s the GWR started experimenting with precast concrete fence posts instead of timber, and this type later became the standard fence posts after nationalisation. British Railways erected millions of concrete fence posts in the 1950s and 1960s and timber posts gradually disappeared from the railway scene. However Great Western timber post and wire fencing can still be found in a few places mostly on disused railway lines. In the attached photos we see a typical Great Western post and wire fence still extant in 2015 on the approach to a bridge over a main line.

All photographs are the Copyright of Michael L Roach

Many Thanks Michael

Vegetation Report
Cowley Bridge
Paul Barlow

A couple of shots to show how vegetation has obscured some view points at Cowley Bridge Junction. 39 years separates the photographs. In 1981 I managed to catch the trip working from Lapford to Exeter Shellstar /UKF fertilizer train. This was off the Ince and Elton to Friary working. In 2020 from the same position it is virtually impossible to see anything of the railway at all!
Hope all is well, Kind regards, Paul Barlow

Your message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments:
Cowley Bridge 15 July 2020
20 July 1981 33 UKF fertilizer Lapford Cowley Bridge Junction

20 July 1981 33013 Shellstar fertilizer Lapford to Exeter Cowley Bridge Jct . Copyright Paul Barlow.

Cowley Bridge Junction 15th July 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Very many thanks Paul

The cats at
Grogley Halt
Andrew and Diane Jones

Dear Keith and Valerie, please find a slightly quirky article from the Cornish Guardian.4th August 1960.Best wishes Andrew and Diane

Grogley Halt as seen on the 1st June 1974 Copyright Trevor Tremethick. Unfortunately no cats and no shelter.

The important point is, were the cats still about when the line closed to regular traffic or did they suffer a catastrophe!!
Many thanks Andrew and Diane.

16th August 2020

16/8/2020

Clay wagon restoration
Bodmin
Clay project team

Big News!! The Clay Wagon Project is a group that has been created to restore an authentic Rake of Clay Wagons to the home of the china clay line at Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Cornwall 〓〓. Our social media will give regular updates, history & general information. It would be brilliant if you could all support us by following us on Facebook & Instagram (Linked Below) https://www.facebook.com/claywagonproject https://www.instagram.com/claywagonproject/ I have attached a photo for you to use If you would like. Regards Evan Gray

Clay wagon restoration project . August 2020 - photo Copyright Evan Gray

From two good friends
Newport Scrapyard
Ken Mumford and Roger Winnen

Ken Mumford kindly sent in the following pictures taken at Cashmores Newport Scrapyard in days of yore. And Roger Winnen has kindly looked up some details to go with them.

Picture (1) 7247 a GWR 2-8-2 Built originally as a 2-8-0 numbered 4244 in 1916 then withdrawn in May 1938 and rebuilt with a number of this class into 2-8-2 with new trailing axle and extended bunked for long distance coal traffic from South Wales.
Picture (2) shows a County Class engine built from 1945. Numbers 1000 1001 1003 1004 1005 1008 1010 1011 1012 1013 1014 1015 and 1029 were all cut up at Cashmores Newport - so that identifies the location.
Picture (3) is a Castle Class locomotive.
All the best. Roger

Picture (1) Collection of Ken Mumford.

Picture (2) Collection of Ken Mumford

Picture (3) Collection of Ken Mumford

With many thanks both to Ken and Roger.

15th August 2020

15/8/2020

The New Depot
Exeter St David's
Andrew Triggs

Morning Keith/Roger,
While on a Devon jolly yesterday, I took the enclosed photos for CRS of the new Depot at St Davids, certainly changes the view there, impressive scenes indeed All the Best Andrew

All photographs are the Copyright of Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Camborne '83
Clive Smith

Clive writes :- Not quite sure what fracas 45124 was involved in to acquire the gash on its nose but it ran around sporting the 'war wound' for a while. Here it is at Camborne with the 13.45 Penzance - Bristol TM on the 23rd April 1983. I often took a few shots at Camborne from the footbridge until the level crossing barriers at the eastern end of the platform of dropped they often seemed to hold up the train for up to five minutes. Regards Clive Smith.

Peak 45124 stands at Camborne on the 23rd April 1983. Copyright Clive Smith. The scene here seems quite 'leisurely' - nobody in a hurry the door of the 1st class coach left open. It looks like a couple of Clives pals - Peak fans hanging out of the windows of the leading coach.

The Peaks 'Bloody Nose' 45124 at Camborne - 1983. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive for this grabbed 'Moment in time'.

Bird Watching at Compton Overbridge
Ken Mumford.

Network Rail Test train passing me 4 minutes early on 1Z23 06:11 Bristol (Temple Meads) to Tyseley Traction Motive Depot via Newport, Bristol Temple Meads, Swindon, Oxford and Evesham - not quite the round the world journey as yesterday. This train consisted of.loco 67027 at the front with 9523, 72631, 977997, 975091 with loco 67023 bringing up the rear. Close-up of birds on an electrification structure.

Birds waiting for a train. Compton 13th August 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Ah, here it comes, better get away quick! Compton 13th August 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

And here is that train - test train comprising 67027 at the front with 9523, 72631, 977997, 975091 with loco 67023. 13th August 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Thanks Ken - didn't know you were a 'twitcher'!

Vehicles involved in the tragic Stonehaven accident- these are nearly all Ex GWR. 'Scot Rail Inter7HST' set HA22. 43140 - 40622 - 42007 - 42564 - 42145 - 43030 (on rear intact). Power car 43140 has already been written off. Thanks to Karl Hewlett for forwarding details.

14th August 2020

14/8/2020

Steam farewell at
Bristol Temple Meads
Guy & Charlotte Vincent

Following yesterday's popular double-headed steam railtour from Bristol to Plymouth the programme of west country operations concluded this morning with the departure of locos and stock back to Crewe. Here is a photo (taken by Charlotte V) of 46100 and 70000 on the 'up through' at Temple Meads facing south/west. Having deposited the support coach they ran out to Bristol West and reversed via the St Philips Marsh Avoiding line and North Somerset Jctn to then attach to the coach at the east end and depart. Both class 47s and the tour stock were not in evidence so had presumably already departed. Guy Vincent

Bristol TM 46100 & 70000 13th August 2020 Copyright Charlotte Vincent.

Many thanks to team work of Father and Daughter.

Brent
Clive Smith

(1) 70812 thunders through the site of Brent station on a swelteringly hot day with the 6C36 07.17 Moorswater - Aberthaw cements. (2) 43093 heads the 08.50 Penzance - Exeter St Davids with 43156 on the rear. This is taken from the road bridge at the western end of the site of Brent station. This location is surrounded by trees and does not usually lend itself to any reasonable photos due to shadows or poor light but at 11.06 on a very hot bright day summer's day the the sun was in perfect position. Regards Clive Smith

Brent 70812 thunders through with the 6C36 07.17 Moorswater Aberthaw Cement Empties. 13th August 2020 Copyright Clive Smith

43093 heads the 08.50 Penzance to Exeter with 43156 on the rear, 13th August 2020. Copyright Clive smith

Many thanks Clive for venturing out on such a sweltering day.

Brent Last Day
Mike Roach

The picture of 70808 from Clive Smith passing through the site of Brent station made me think back many years to how Brent was in its active days. Many thanks to the excellent work of a then young enthusiast Mike Roach we can bring you a picture from more or less the same location.

Brent station on its last day . 3rd October 1964.

Brent 6th November 1959 - Entitled 'Parcels for Plymouth' - Copyright Mike Roach

Many thanks to Mike Roach for permission to use his valuable studies from is archive.

13th August 2020

13/8/2020

Shillingham Tunnel
Derailment 1961

Yesterdays tragic derailment near Stonehaven brings to mind a much less significant derailment in Cornwall many years ago - luckily no lives were lost.

Shillingham Tunnel - west end c1986 Copyright Steve Elliott

Our sympathies to all concerned in the Scottish Derailment.

The Devonian Express
Cardiff to Plymouth & return
David Tozer Andrew Triggs Paul Barlow Bill Elston & Roger Winnen

073b-Langport-Viaduct-46100-royal-scot-and-70000-britannia-12th-august-2020-copyright-bill-elston_orig

The Devonian Express seen at Stoke Canon on its run from Cardiff to Plymouth. Copyright David Tozer

46100 70000 0656 Cardiff to Plymouth Gissons Exminster 12 August 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow

My contribution for CRS of todays Tour to Plymouth featuring 46100 'Royal Scot' with 70000 'Britannia' (Running as 70022 'Tornado') working 1Z46 06.55 Cardiff Central-Plymouth & 1Z47 16.56 Plymouth-Cardiff Central 'The Devonian Express' captured at Langstone Rock and Plymouth Class 47 D1935 'Roger Hosking M.A 1925-2013' assisting All the Best Andrew 1. Passing Langstone Rock at 12.40, running 2 late Copyright Andrew Triggs

200812a 46100 Royal Scot and 70000 Britannia arrives at Newton Abbot on the Devonian Railtour from Cardiff. Copyright Roger Winnen

200812c The Devonian departs Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen

200812d Departure to Plymouth with 46100 oyal Scot and 70000 Britannia. Copyright Roger Winnen

200812e The train moves out from Plymouth for turning with the Class 47 on the rear. Copyright Roger Winnen

2. 46100/70000 tailing the ECS for Laira, clearing Sutherland road bridge at 14.30. Copyright Andrew Triggs

D1935 leading the turned ECS back into Plymouth at 17.02 (running 24 late). Copyright Andrew Triggs

Departing from Plymouth at 17.11 (15 late) Copyright Andrew Triggs

46100 70000 Exwick flood channel Exeter 1656 Plymouth to Cardiff 12 August 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow

200812n Looking down from above as the railtour is stabled in Platform 6 at Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

200812f The pair are seen taking water at Exeter St David's prior to departure for Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Roger Winnen

46100 70000 taking water platform 2 Exeter St Davids 12 August 2020 Copyright Paul Barlow

200812l Britannia at Red Cow Crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen

200812k After taking water the two engines are seen returning to its train at Red Cow Crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen

200812m Awaiting departure at 18.59hrs from Exeter St David's Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

200812n Departure on time from Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

46100,70000 at Stoke Canon just after 19.00 hrs with the return trip to Bristol and Cardiff.Copyright David Tozer

Smoking Well at Stoke Canon. Copyright David Tozer

46100 70000 Rewe east of Exeter 1656 Plymouth to Cardiff 12 August 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow

Cowley Bridge Junction
Paul Barlow

66588 66953 1900 Fairwater yard to Dainton tunnel passes Cowley Bridge Junction 12 August 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow

Thanks Paul

12th August 2020

12/8/2020

Today at
Langport Viaduct
Bill Elston

Over at Langport today for the 1Z27 steam hauled Bristol to Plymouth, featuring 46100 ROYAL SCOT, and 70000 BRITANNIA, and are seen crossing Langport Viaduct. Later in the morning a track machine turned up, closely followed by 66953 on 6C73 ballast train, both running from Westbury to Taunton. It’s a lovely spot where the main line crosses the River Parrett.
Best regards Bill. P S There are some more phots from Yeovil Pen Mill to follow shortly. And they did!

Langport viaduct 46100 ROYAL SCOT, and 70000 BRITANNIA, 12th August 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Langport Viaduct 66953 on a ballast train 6C73 12th August 2020 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill - a lovely day. From Langport the crow flies about 11 Miles south east to Yeovil Pen Mill

Today at
Yeovil Pen Mill
Bill Elston

As promised, photos from YPM, for the four-weekly visit of the Network Rail test train, running from Tyseley to Bristol, via Weymouth, led by 67027, with 67023 at the rear It was held for over 30 minutes to allow the passing of two service trains, first, 159102 on a Westbury to Yeovil, then 166210 on Weymouth to Gloucester. Please see photos. It’s been a busy day ! Best regards Bill

Yeovil Pen Mill Test Train headed by 67027 rolls in. 12th August 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Yeovil Pen Mill Test Train plus 159102 on a Westbury to Yeovi 12th August 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Yeovil Pen Mill Test Train now being passed by 166210 on a Weymouth to Gloucester service . 12th August 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

And now after a 30 minute wait the board is off and the test train can continue on its way. 12th August 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks again Bill - my word you were busy!

Last night at
Stoke Canon
Paul Barlow

Nicely lit in the evening sun the 19.00 Fairwater Yard to Dainton tunnel passes Stoke Canon headed by 66588 with 66953 bringing up the rear. It is the 11th August 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul for your message and picture received at 21.13 - hot off the press so to speak.

St Erth - '73
The late John Cornelius

All the following pictures are from the John Cornelius Collection - copyright. What memories of 47 years ago.

These pictures all from the John Cornelius Cornish Collection. John passed away about two years ago - a sad loss to all.

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