Blog Archives

21st August 2021

21/8/2021

Martin takes a trip to
Bristol
Martin Scane

Redruth - the 12.13 at Redruth Ex Gloucester. 20th August 2021. Copyright Martin Scane.

Arrived at Bristol TM so a couple of photos showing a couple of Cross Country trains plus a view of some of the work going on to the station roof and the “Orange Army” busy at the Eastern approach to the station. Cheers Martin

Bristol TM 20th August 2021 Copyright Martin Scane.

BTM - a Cross Country triain at rest under the roof. 20th August 2021. Copyright Martin Scane

The Orange Army at work at the east end of Temple Meads. 20th August 2021. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin - a good day out we hope.

Exeter SD
Paul Barlow

A touch of sun catches a grimy looking 50011 (oRiginally D411) at Exeter St Davids on the 28th July 1979. Copyrght Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

Stoke Gifford & Wigan
Phil Smith.

47584 taken in 1999 on Stoke Gifford sidings. Copyright Phil Smith

Phil sent us a while back the above rather nice view of 47584 on the sidings at Stoke Gifford and then followed it up with the following rather sad view of 47584 on the'scrap' at Wigan' Phil asks if I had received the second view of 47584 - here it is - rather out of our reporting area but here it is.

Three years later 47584 in 2002 Seen at Wigan ready for cutting. Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks Phil.

Compulsory Purchase Order
Perranporth to Newquay
Rob Lomas

Dear All, Spotted in this Thursday’s West Briton ( 19th August 2021 page 50) that Cornwall Council has made a Compulsory Purchase Order covering some of the former Perranporth to Newquay trackbed presumably for intended use of the Saints Trails footpath. Sadly, nothing in the clauses to suggest extension to Chacewater, relaying of track, funding of a new Class 22 loco and a couple of non-Corridor coaches … ! Rob Lomas

The details of the purchase order (A full Column of minute print) make very interesting reading, the route is split into parcels of land and details of access.
With many thanks to Rob for advising us of this notice. When the work is completed it will make an invaluable contribution to the explorations of this part of the route of the former Chacewater to Newquay branch.

Compulsory Purchase Order, Perranporth to Newquay. West Briton 19th August 2021 - you'll have to buy the paper to read this!!

Dream on - a class 22 and two coaches calls at Goonhavern Halt. Copyright David Pearce.

Many thanks to Rob Lomas and David Pearce.

20th August 2021

20/8/2021

Taunton
Paul Barlow

Taunton 33007 Fawley to Tiverton Junction Esso oil train. 30th August 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Confessions Time
Simon Howard

In a recent email exchange with Neil Phillips we were comparing notes about fragments of D828’s maroon paintwork we had picked off Magnificent as she stood at Platform 4 in Truro. (Picture of mine attached – don’t know if it fits with Neil’s). Quite how we had got away with it, I don’t know, but bored spotters in the late 60’s and early 70’s had to do something to keep ourselves amused – especially when we’d already ‘classed’ all the Westerns and Warships which headed practically every train in Cornwall at that time.

And then today I found one of my old ABC’s. Underlining was in coloured felt pen and so there were plenty of green or maroon lines which were later under-scored with blue as the liveries changed. But also next to various locomotives were the letters ‘C’ and/or ‘E’.

‘C’ I’m sure most people would guess, was for cabbing the loco. On the whole Truro and Penzance drivers were most accommodating, and occasionally a scowling Laira driver would let us up (okay, perhaps a little Cornishly partisan). Western cabs were the quietest while Warships suffered particularly from engine noise. I can also remember that very early Class 22’s and D600’s had mobile driving desks.

The ‘E’ however was much more interesting and would really get the adrenalin flowing. ‘E’ was for ‘Engining’ – in other words walking from one cab through the engine room to the other cab while the train waited at the platform. Sometimes the driver or secondman would accompany us, but once they knew us, we could go through on our own.

In the case of Warships the sequence was cab - engine – transmission – engine – cab, while Westerns was cab – corridor - transmission – engine – engine – transmission – corridor - cab. The heat and the smells were particularly memorable as well as the noise (no ear protectors then). And there was always the thought ‘what if the driver got the right away while I’m still in the engine room?’.

Perhaps the most interesting engine experience was through a pair of Class 22’s. During the late 60’s there was a three coach Truro-Penzance train which was stabled at Truro most of the day and moved out to Platform 2 at about 17.00. One afternoon I got to enter the rear cab of the rear locomotive and make it through to the front cab of the front loco via the connecting doors between the two.

Ah, happy days.

Regards Simon.

The fragment from D828, Copyright Simon Howard.

Thank you Simon - a most interesting article both the text and the fragment, but what is it and where is it from?

An appeal for help with a
Dissertation on Cornwall's railways
Bill Harrison

Dear Sir,
I'm a student at Newcastle University studying history and going into my third and final year. I'm planning on doing my dissertation on the railways in West Cornwall. I am Cornish, from Penryn, so I'm familiar with the historical importance of the area.
I thought that getting in touch with the Cornwall Railway Society would be a wise thing to do and try to establish a few links to sources, people and places. I was looking at potentially researching the links between the development of the mining industry and the growth of the railways (more detailed research questions should come with time...hopefully). Though if there are any interesting, broad and unresearched avenues which you know of, I would be more than open to investigating them.
I can't imagine that there have been too many detailed university dissertations on Cornwall's rich railway and mining heritage, but I would love to contribute to bringing knowledge and information under one title.
Any useful links to books, maps and other documents would be much appreciated (though I imagine that the Cornwall Railway Society website has the best information currently).
I appreciate your time and hope to hear from you soon,
All the best,
Bill Harrison

Tel: 07747 615251
Personal email: [email protected]
University email: [email protected]

If anyone can help Bill in any way please get in touch with him. Thank you.

19th August 2021

19/8/2021

Didcot and Oxford May 1986
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Nice pictures from Bodmin and Plym valley,you are getting around very determinedly. I send a picture of 47450 on a bright 27 May 1986 about to stop at Didcot with the 14.17 Paddington to Oxford. What changes now, overhead wires of course, platform extended and houses and supermarket on the fields in left background. Copyright Michael Forward

Moving on to Oxford on the same day we see 37240 on a train of domestic coal from Didcot yard to Washwood Heath.The loco. is still with us as part of the Colas fleet and is resplendent in Transrail livery,although it has eluded my camera so far! Thanks, good luck for your operation and best wishes for a good recovery, Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

The John Farrow Memorial
Yeovil

A Steam ran to Yeovil Jct yesterday - 18th August 2021.
The John Farrow Memorial charter ran from London Victoria to Sherborne and thence ecs to Yeovil Jct for servicing.
This was headed by 35028 CLAN LINE, and it and support coach looked immaculate, as befits a loco used on the British Pullman trains.
The photos show the train arriving, the support coach and loco reversing to coaling area.
Best regards, Bill Elston.

35028 Clan Line arrives at Yeovil Junction with the John Farrow special. 18th August 2021 Copyright Bill Elston.

35028 runs into the Yeovil Railway Centre, 18th August 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

35028, 18th August 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

The Support Coach 17926. 18th August 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

35028 Clan Line off the turntable at Yeovil Railway Centre and ready for the return run., 18th August 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

The boss and founder of UK Railtours, John Farrow, succumbed to coronavirus on April 19th 2020 in the Royal Free Hospital in London.

Many thanks Bill for your photos of the John Farrow Memorial train.

Hayle Railway in 1836
Moule's Map
Michael L. Roach

MOULE'S COUNTY MAP of CORNWALL
Thomas Moule (1784 – 1851) did various things in his life but is probably best known for his series of “County Maps” published from 1830 onwards. The maps are decorative and useful for recording the roads and railways then existing; e.g there is no direct road from Hayle to Penzance on the Cornwall Map. The AA's 2022 Road Atlas is already on sale and it was no different in the 1830s. Moule's County Map of Cornwall was dated 1837 but was in fact published in 1836. The Map shows just one railway that from Hayle to Redruth which was still under construction at the time the map was published. The first length of the Hayle Railway was opened to goods traffic on 29 December 1837 but did not carry passengers until 22 May 1843. The map should also have shown the Bodmin & Wadebridge Railway which had opened in 1834.
5092 Scan of Moule's Map of Cornwall 1837

MLR / 14 August 2021

Moule's Map of Cornwall 1837.

The Hayle Railway - an enlargement from Moule's map of 1837

Many thanks Michael

Additional note from Roy Hart.
On 19/08/2021 07:38, Roy Hart wrote:
Dear Keith,
I did a study of Moule's maps at university. They come in many forms, published over several years. The Hayle railway looks slightly odd on the version Mike shows us. This is because it was added later, probably about 1842 , for a book edition of all the maps.
Moules come in many forms, with different colouring and seemingly random additions and deletions. I have one which places Launceston in Devon!

Roy Thanks for the info Roy.

Ken at Didcot
Ken Mumford

Ken made a visit to Didcot and sends us ten of the umpteen pictures he took - his list is as follows:-

Friends,
A series of photos from yesterday
Kind regards and keep safe, Ken
[1] DL26 + maker's plate - not BR owned. Built 1957 To Didcot 1978
[2] Wagon turntable
[3] Steam railmotor and trailer
[4] 3822 - ex-GWR 2-8-0 freight ;loco
[5] Bridge plate
[6] Gas turbine 18000 - poor condition
[7] Traverser
[8] An original HST!!
[9] St. Blazey guard's van
[10] Travelling Post Office carriage in GWR colours - net for catching mail and hooks for putting out mailbag to be collected by TPO lineside apparatus.

Picture (1) 18th August 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Picture (2) 18th August 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Picture (3) 18th August 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Picture (4) 18th August 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Picture (5) 18th August 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Picture (6) 18th August 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Picture (7) 18th August 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Picture (8) 18th August 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Picture (9) 18th August 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Picture (10) 18th August 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Many thanks indeed Ken.

18th August 2021

18/8/2021

Clay Hoods and Wenfordbridge 1980
Andrew and Diane Jones

Dear Keith and Valerie, inspired by a recent article by Neil Phillips, please find two attached photographs of the once common China Clay Hoods at Wenfordbridge in 1980.
Sources put production by BR at anything from 500 to 875 wagons, the earliest 300 being unfitted for a short while. (Confusion probably exists due to earlier designs)
With an overall length of 16 feet 6 inches and a wheel base of just nine feet they were relatively small and designed to be lifted and turned on semi automatic unloading equipment at Fowey docks.
The famous clay hood was a patented design introduced before WW1 and known as the ‘Williams Sheet Rail’.
ECLP operated a dedicated wagon repair shop at St Blazey and most of the wagons were rebuilt many times over. The simplicity of design and interchangeability proved their reliability and availability serving the many clay branch lines. The Wenfordbridge Line, in particular with its tight clearances could not have operated anything larger.
Operating cost savings and competition from road haulage eventually forced the withdrawal of these versatile wagons and by 1987 they had virtually disappeared being replace by a much smaller fleet of the CDA wagons still in use today.
I have also included a photograph of the truncated Wenfordbridge line looking towards the closed depot and the De Lank incline.
Wenfordbridge clay dries was built early in the 20th century utilising the existing granite quarry line, (but not the incline) to serve Stannon Pit on Bodmin Moor which piped liquified clay to the dries, only closing in 2002.

Best wishes Andrew and Diane Jones

Wenfordbridge dries, Hoods being loaded for onward shipment to Fowey. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

The truncated Wenfordbridge branch. It was from here it was once proposed to link to Camelford. Copyright Andew & Diane Jones

As far north as you could go in Cornwall by rail in 1980. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Many thanks to both Andrew and Diane for your steady supply of very interesting items.

Paignton
Paul Barlow

Paignton 45004 Royal Irish Fusilier to work 1805 to Swindon (Summer only) This train ran non stop from Dawlish to Bridgwater 30th August 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow

Another from your large collection many thanks to you Paul.

17th August 2021

17/8/2021

Boardmasters specials - Big Trains
Newquay Branch
Andrew Triggs

Three shots from earlier today (16th August 2021) of some of the extra services provided by GWR to return all the people from the weekends 'Boardmasters' Festival in Newquay. I was hoping to capture the Clay from Goonbarrow Junction, but alas it ran early, you win some and lose some eh?
All the Best
Andrew

1 802107 working 1Z84 10.32 Newquay-London Paddington approaching Chapel. 16th August 2021 .Copyright Andrew Triggs.

2 Newquay and the Atlantic Ocean for a backdrop to this view of 802107 tackling the curves at it leaves the resort working the 1Z84 10.32 Newquay-London Paddington at Chapel. 16th August 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

3. From Treffry Aquaduct, 802113 works 1Z88 12.31 Newquay-London Paddington

The IETs were well supported and indeed overcrowded - one first class passenger reporting that she was unable to get through to the toilet.

Many thanks for your pictures Andrew which portray from a distance unusually long trains on the Newquay branch.

Small trains
Newquay Branch
Neil Phillips

Roger W’s visit to the Plym Valley Railway, featured on 8th August, included a photo of Class 142 142023. This number rang a bell with me, I checked and sure enough, on the same day I photographed the first CDA wagon in St Blazey yard this unit, then a ‘Skipper’ in brown/cream livery, was working the Newquay branch. I took these two photos of it approaching Middleway Crossing, St Blazey, those fir trees already big enough to cause some exposure issues!
Welcome back to the West Country 142023, and best wishes to Roger for his upcoming knee operation.

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

Middleway Crossing 142023 14th September 1987. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Middleway Crossing 142023 14th September 1987 Copyright Neil Phillips.

The Class 142's were not ideally suited to the tight curves on some sections of the Newquay branch and of course with no drop down windows were not popular with enthusiast but at least their large windows gave a better view than the current 150's. We still miss the heritage sets!!!

Many thanks Neil.

One of each
Exmouth branch
David Tozer

Whilst Class 166's are seen in every day use in Devon these days Class 165's are few and far between. Possibly only the third time they have ventured onto Exmouth to Paignton diagrams. I took the opportunity to visit Digby & Sowton to photograph 165132 working the 1255 Paignton to Exmouth. However first to arrive was 166213 working the 1323 Exmouth to Paignton.

Regards, Dave

Digby & Sowton 166213 16th August 2021 Copyright David Tozer

Digby & Sowton 165132 16th August 2021 Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks David

A
Falmouth Dockyard Rly
Lt Phillip Boak RN
David Ward

Hello Keith,

Excellent article in 'Railway Bylines' for August 2021 by our friend Lt Philip Boak RN. Some good Diagrams and Images.

I would recommend anyone to get a copy just for this article.

With best wishes, David.

16th August 2021

16/8/2021

Manningford Abbots
Martin Baker

Hi Keith
I read with interest your post from Ken Mumford and his visit to Manningford Abbotts, having recently returned form the location myself and just posted the workings on Youtube.today.

It really is an excellent location, particularly for the mendip trains returning empty to Merehead and Whatley quarries.

For anyone interested in viewing video of the location afternoon workings from the 4th August can be found at the following link.

https://youtu.be/M9FfaNOvdd8

Kind Regards
Martin Baker

Manningford Abbotts 1 59004 & 66621 with the 1240 Acton - Merehead. Copyright Martin Baker.

Manningford Abbotts 2 60046 DC Rail Bristol Freightliner - Willesden. Copyright Martin Baker.

Manningford 3 66622 with the 15.25 Acton Mearhead getting photo bombed by the 15.14 Plymouth Paddington Copyright Martin Baker.

Many thanks for your pictures Martin - the above link to your video produces some very clear and interesting shots.

Shrivenham
Andrew Jenkins

DRS class 37s coming along our line 14th August 2021. 37402 + 37069 at Shrivenham, Ashbury footbridge working 0519hrs Eastleigh - Norwich special. Copyright Andrew Jenkins

Many thanks Andrew.

Aeronian XP August edition
Ken Mumford

aeronian_aug_21-2.pdf
File Size:	8652 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Please click above to obtain Kens' monthly magazine on varied transport topics full on interest and illustrations.

Many thanks Ken for your hard work. It is much appreciated.

15th August 2021

15/8/2021

Today at
Midsomer Norton
Chris Osment

Midsomer Norton - Austin 1 awaits departure with the 2.10. 15th August 2021. Copyright Chris Osment

Midsomer Norton station - looking imaculate - we are looking towards Radstock. 15th August 2021. Copyright Chris Osment

Many Austin's on display at Midsomer Norton station. 15th August 2021. Copyright Chris Osment

Many thanks Chris.

Bahamas on the
West Somerset Railway
Derek Buttivant

Bahamas leaving Bishops Lydeard on route to Norton Fitzwarren and London. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Bahamas between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren on its run back to London. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Hello Roger.
Bahamas made a repeat visit to the West Somerset Railway today, the previous tour having been oversubscribed. It ran in the same paths as last time and, similarly, Bahamas came off at Bishops Lydeard to be replaced by a pair of WSR locos for the run to Watchet. The train was then brought back as empty stock to Bishops Lydeard for servicing before returning to Watchet ready for the final departure back to London, once again with Bahamas taking over from Bishops Lydeard. The attached photos show the return train between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fizwarren.
Best wishes,
Derek

Thanks Derek

Langport
Bill Elston

The West Somerset Steam Express from Paddington to Bishops Lydeard ran today, and is seen here crossing Langport Viaduct and
the River Parrett hauled by Jubilee 45596 BAHAMAS.

Best wishes, Bill

These pictures of 45596 crossing Langport viaduct and river Parrett. 14th August 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

Two smashing pictures Bill, well caught.

Many thanks Bill.

Westbury Diversion
Driver Alan Peters

As featured in yesterday news Alan catches one of the diverted Cross Country services.

The tail end of 1S55 the 13.27 HST from Plymouth to Edinburgh XC service diverted via Westbury due to engineering work at Bristol East, a young enthusiast captures the scene on the 7th August 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Many thanks Alan.

Manningford observations
Ken Mumford

In trying to avoid the traffic congestion that is normal during Summer Saturdays, I tried to avoid that to get to Pewsey - via Avebury and East Kennet. However, I could see that there was not much chance of me getting to Pewsey in time, so I headed for Manningford (between Pewsey and Woodborough). Here I found a bridge over that main line PLUS a nearby excellent place to park my car. From that bridge there was a super view in both directions. After about 20 minutes I photographed a Flying Cucumber (2 x 5 car) heading towards London. Then came 45596 'Bahamas' heading west it later returned by the same route that evening.
Kind regards, Ken Mumford

A London bound IET at Manningford. 14th August 2021 Copyright Ken Mumord.

Many thanks Ken, well copped.

Manningford Halt
Wikipedia

Manningford Halt is a former railway station which opened in 1932 in Manningford parish, Wiltshire, England on the Berks and Hants Extenion Railway between Pewsey and Devizes. The halt closed in 1966 when local services were withdrawn.
The halt was about half a mile north of both Manningford Abbots and Manningford Bruce, west of the bridge carrying the Wilcot road over the railway, which had opened in 1862. The two platforms each had a small corrugated iron shelter.
The station was demolished after closure leaving no trace of its existence. The track remains open as part of the Reading to Taunton line. (Information courtesy Wikipedia)

14th August 2021

14/8/2021

Today in Somerset
David Tozer

We don't see a Jubilee for years then twice in a matter of weeks one turns up at the doorstep. 45596 Bahamas photgraphed at Norton Fitzwarren on the 07.59 Paddington to Bishops Lydeard. Copyright David Tozer

Gents, Photographed going away at Norton Fitzwarren the 0759 1Z52 Paddington to Bishops Lydeard. Copyright David Tozer.

At Crowcombe Heathfield 7822/7828 takes the train onto Watchet. Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

Today in Somerset
Keith Turley

Hi Keith.
Two images from todays West Somerset Steam Express charter.
Regard Keith Turley.

1. Ex. LMS Jubilee 4-6-0 No.45596 'Bahamas' comes off the GWR main line and joins the West Somerset Railway at Norton Fitzwarren on 14th August 2021 working the 1Z52 07:59 London Paddington to Bishops Lydeard West Somerset Steam express charter. 14th August 2021 Copyright Keith Turley,

2. Having taken over from 45596 'Bahamas' at Bishops Lydeard Ex. GWR Manor class 4-6-0s Nos. 7822 'Foxcote Manor' and No.7828 'Odney Manor' depart from Crowcombe Heathfield on the WSR. Copyright Keith Turley.

Many thanks Keith.

Cross Country HSTs
Cornwall
Mark Lynham

This week Crosscountry HSTs have replaced the usual voyager on the 0925 off Penzance, running to Edinburgh instead of Newcastle, due to the engineering works at Bristol they are running via Westbury, Bath Spa then to Bristol Parkway.

Thanks,
Mark Lynam

43357 at Penzance on Tuesday 10th August before working 1S51 0925 Penzance to Edinburgh. Copyright Mark Lynam

43357 from the walkway. Copyright Mark Lynam

43366 43207 Brea Village, Site of North Crofty Junction. Camborne (1) 13th August 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks Mark - two days work.

Dawlish Warren
Paul Barlow

Power is on as 45056 on the 07.56 Cardiff to Plymouth 1B26 passes Dawlish Warren Note XP64 coach behind the loco. 30th August 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow.

A nice bit of clagg but not welcomed in todays pure exhaust world.Many thanks Paul or capturing the action.

13th August 2021

13/8/2021

41312 Running on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway
Roger Winnen

On Thursday 12th August 2021 41312 together with 08444 was top and tailing trains on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, owing to the steep gradients of both branches the 1952 Ivatt Tank had problems with adhesion, coming to a stand on a number of occasions

210812a 41312 arrives tailed at Bodmin Parkway with the 10.30 from Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

210812b 41312 departs Bodmin Parkway with the 11.00 to Bodmin Gerneral. Copyright Roger Winnen

210812c Top and Tailing the train all day was 08444. 41312 was prone to slipping on the steep Bodmin banks. Copyright Roger Winnen

210812d Dismal weather at Boscarne Junction for the 12.16 to Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

210812e 41312 Departs Boscarne Junction, A number of these engines were based on the Southern Region Sheds in the Westcountry. Copyright Roger Winnen

210812f At the buffer stops. Copyright Roger Winnen

210812g 41312 Tails the 13.15 train from Bodmin General to Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

210812h The 13.48 Bodmin Parkway to General approaches the station. Copyright Roger Winnen

210812i Rounding the curve to run into Bodmin General from Boscarne Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger for your intensive coverage of rare, to the B & W, motive power.

China Clay Firsts
Neil Phillips

The 14th September 1987 was my first visit to St Blazey in just over 10 years and I timed it perfectly as I was able to photograph 37670 in what turned out to be its very short-lived Railfreight Red Stripe livery, a Class 142 Skipper just weeks before they departed, and this – the very first production CDA wagon 375000 newly delivered to St Blazey yard. Unfortunately I have mislaid these negatives so this is a phone photo of a photo – rescued by modern technology! I hope to find them one day for proper scanning (but would they come out any better? – perhaps I should just photo the rest!), however there is a reason for not waiting. 375000 was amongst those stored in St Blazey yard from at least March 2020 until last spring when it was moved and was visible for a while from the depot’s (not the yard’s) main gate but it then disappeared from view. I’m wondering what the future holds for this wagon and the others in storage – continued ‘strategic reserve’ or scrapping? For 33 years’ (and counting) faithful clay-moving service it would be good to see the first CDA preserved – in the same way as its predecessor, ‘clay hood’ B743000, is preserved at the Wheal Martin China Clay Museum, or at least it was back in August 1995, I assume it’s still there.....

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

1. Brand new first-built CDA 375000 St Blazey Yard 14th September 1987. Copyright Neil Phillips.

2. 375000 behind spring vegetation St Blazey 15th April 2020. Copyright Neil Phillips.

3 The first OOV Clay Hood at Wheal Martin, 24th August 1995. Copyright Neil Phillips

Many thanks Neil.

Westbury Down Yard
Test Train
Guy Vincent

Westbury Down Yard at 1310 today (12th August 2021) with a Colas Test Train visible. This had worked in on an overnight 3Q60 test train from Reading Triangle sidings via Cardiff. 37254 with stock 6263 999602 9803 977974 96605 and loco 37175. Both of these were common visitors here pre 1998 (before the 'sheds' took over) with engineers trains and were both painted in civil engineers 'Dutch' livery.

Regards, Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy

Taunton 1979
Paul Barlow

Peak 46023 on the 1E21 the 10.23 Penzance to Leeds calls at Taunton on the 30th August 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

12th August 2021

12/8/2021

60 years ago today
Kingsbridge branch
Michael L. Roach

KINGSBRIDGE BRANCH 1961
Sixty years ago steam traction was disappearing from the railways of Devon and Cornwall under the onslaught of dieselisation and line closures. Some lines closed without ever seeing a diesel but others were dieselised but still closed within a short time. One such line was the Kingsbridge Branch which witnessed its last steam trains in September 1961 and closed completely just two years later. In the summer of 1961 on Saturdays two trains were needed to maintain the service an anomaly which would be corrected with the start of the Winter timetable on 11 September 1961 when a single railcar in the W55000 series would cover all services. One of the Summer Saturday trains in 1961 was the railcar while the other was steam in the shape of a small prairie in the 4500 or 4575 series.
For a number of years both before WW2 and in the 1950s/1960s Kingsbridge had enjoyed through coaches to/from London on Saturdays only. In the summer of 1961 the coaches left Kingsbridge at 10.55am and ran non-stop to Brent where they were shunted onto the rear of the 11.15am Plymouth to Paddington express by the prairie tank; arriving at Paddington at 4.18pm. In the other direction the through coaches left Paddington on the front of the 11.00am to Penzance. The train stopped clear of Brent station and the Kingsbridge coaches were detached by the prairie tank forming the 3.40pm off Brent reaching Kingsbridge at 4.15, stopping at all stations on the branch, unlike the up train.
The gradients on the branch were quite severe in places but would hardly have affected a 4500 with the two coaches normally used; but the 6 coaches of the train shown in the attached photos was a different matter. The limit for a small prairie was 200 tons in both directions but 6 coaches would probably have weighed just over 200 tons. The up train faced an 8 mile climb from milepost 8½ (just north of Loddiswell) to the junction at Brent but the small prairies were very capable little engines.
PHOTOGRAPHS
4924     Small prairie 5525 is seen blasting its way out of Kingsbridge on a gradient of 1 in 60 with the 6-coach 10.55am to Paddington on Saturday 12 August 1961
4927     The same train is seen half an hour later approaching the bridge carrying Portford Lane over the railway on the outskirts of South Brent also on a gradient of 1 in 60.
4928     and going away past milepost ¾ heading for Brent Station

MLR/ 9 August 2021

4924 Small prairie 5525 is seen blasting its way out of Kingsbridge on a gradient of 1 in 60 with the 6-coach 10.55am to Paddington on Saturday 12 August 1961. Copyright Michael L. Roach

The same train is seen half an hour later approaching the bridge carrying Portford Lane over the railway on the outskirts of South Brent also on a gradient of 1 in 60. 12th August 1961. Copyright Michael L. Roach

Going away past mile post 3/4 and heading for Brent station. 12th August 1961. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Memories of the past and unique pictures for which many thanks for a fine article and pictures Mike.

East Somerset Railway
Martin Scane

Martin takes a visit to the East Somerset Railway on a delightful day. Martin writes :- We are just starting to get around and about today and, having visited relatives in Wiltshire, we popped into the East Somerset Railway today for a train ride and a cream tea. Cheers Martin

4555 runs round at Cranmore. 11th August 2021. Copyright Martin Scane.

46447 at Cranmore 11th August 2021. Copyright Martin Scane.

Cream tea at Cranmore 11th August 2021. Copyright Martin Scane.. Roddas Cream from Scorrier.

Many thanks Martin - the last picture 'creams' it off nicely!

Also at the
East Somerset Railway
Chris Osment

Chris writes :-
I too was at the ESR yesterday! I wonder if Martin and I unknowingly passed each other?

Not surprisingly, I paid a visit to the signal-box which is being fitted-out for future use, but at the moment is open to the public simply as an ‘exhibit’. The lever-frame came from Coombe Junction and is in the process of being extended by another 5 levers.

Regards. Chris

4555 viewed from the box. 11th August 2021. Copyright Chris Osment

The interior of Cranmore signalbox. This uses the frame recovered from Coombe Junction on the Looe branch. 11th August 2021. Copyright Chris Osment.

Detail from the track diagram at Cranmore signalbox. 11th August 2021. Copyright Chris Osment

Many thank Chris - very interesting about Coombe Junction frame.

Screaming like a banshee!
Bradford on Avon
Guy Vincent

Freightliner 70015 screaming like a banshee at the head of an almost fully loaded 4O57 1329 Wentloog - Southampton Maritime intermodal service as it passes through Bradford-on-Avon. The train was probably something like one third of a mile in length and travelling at around 50 mph at this point, setting off a car alarm and upsetting a dog in the process! For me an increasingly rare excursion out to photograph a train.

Regards, Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy - a very worthwhile visit.

What is a Banshee? Guys mention of screaming like a Banshee made me wonder what is a Banshee. Curious I looked it up on Google -
Banshee
/banˈʃiː,ˈbanʃiː/
Learn to pronounce
noun

(in Irish legend) a female spirit whose wailing warns of a death in a house.
"the little girl dropped her ice cream and began to howl like a banshee"

Definitions from Oxford Languages

Carlyon Bay HST
Andrew Keast

I got up early this morning (11th August 2021) and photographed the down Cross Country HST - 43208/304 on 1C09, the 06:20 Plymouth-PZ This is usually a Voyager working but has been an HST all week. The train forms 1S51, the 09:25 Penzance-Edinburgh. Regards Andrew

This train the 09,25 has a long day not due to reach Edinburgh until 21.09.
Many thanks Andrew.

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