Blog Archives

11th August 2021

11/8/2021

Old news but more News
Wivelscombe
(Wiveliscombe is in Somerset (which is why the GWR/BR used Shillingham for the tunnel etc. Advice from Roy Hart many thanks)
Stephen Widdowson

The B.R. leaflet handed to passengers/

The printed leaflet above was handed to passengers who were effected by the earthslip. I fortunately was one of those passengers and only learned of the problems on boarding my train at Redruth. I had expected the train to to take me to Taunton. However, the ever so efficient B.R. handed out leaflets and at St Germans we were herded onto a fleet of double decker buses for a most interesting journey over the Torpoint Ferry, it was the first time I'd ever seen the ferry. At Plymouth, we were, I believe, off loaded from the buses onto a main line train waiting for us at Devonport Albert Road. Quite why we couldn't be transferred from road to rail at Plymouth North Road I am not sure. Anyway as i was in no hurry it was most interesting experience.

Wiveliscombe Earth Slip BR magazine (WR) vol 12 No.4 April 1961 499 From Stephen Widdowson

Just a couple of days ago Stephen Widdowson discovered amongst his paperwork a B.R. magazine which gave far more details of the technical way the work was carried out and another most interesting photograph. A copy of this is shown above.

Additional information from Neil Phillips for which many thanks :- I saw this morning’s item on the Wiveliscombe Tunnel derailment of 30th January 1961 – the train was headed by NBL Type 2s D6302 & D6324 running in tandem due to different MU systems. Both suffered damage which required return to NBL in Glasgow for repair, and were returned by year end fitted with the ugly protruding four-character headcode boxes – the first two modified and the only ones so fitted for the next three years.

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

Many thanks to you Steve for sending in a copy - it makes, especially for me, most interesting reading.

Stoke Gifford
Phil Smith

47584 is seen here at Stoke Gifford sidings in 1999. Copyright Phil Smith

Many thanks Phil for your picture taken in unusual light conditions under a threatening sky. We hope your personal injuries which presently keep you housebound are getting better.

Good news
St Blazey Turntable
David Ward

37 196, the first to be named “ Tre Pol and Pen “ is turned at St. Blazey. August 1986 Copyright Colin Moss

Good News regarding the Turntable and is future with the agreement reached MPOWER KernowCIC(MPKC) and DB Cargo to operate and restore this Turntable and associated buildings and set up a technical training centre. Good News for the local economy .more Rail Tours allowing Steam Loco's to be serviced.

Have A Good Day and Go Well.

David.

Yes, good news indeed - many thanks David, and of course to Colin Moss who supplied the photographs a long time ago.

10th August 2021

10/8/2021

Recent pictures
Craig Munday

The Summer seems to be racing away. Well into August already with the predicted chaos as tourists head for the peninsular in their thousands. Pretty tricky driving on the roads with the inclement weather as they tour the County's busy roads.

On the railways it's been fairly quiet too. Just the one charter down to Par on the 1st August with 47772 working through from Plymouth. Although not a steam fan as such, there is something magic about a steam loco at Par amid the semaphores with various hunts it has to perform, using some of the little used (these days) shunt signals.

Also included 66200 at Treviscoe at the end of July loading the JIA wagons.

On the 6th, 57603 worked the empty sleepers down to Long Rock following an incident the previous day. The train caught some lucky sun at Wheal Busy. I had been called to Gwinear Road so checked some of our footpath crossings. The one at Wheal Busy soon to be surrounded by industrial buildings on either side of the railway as the area is developed. Camborne now joined to Redruth, Redruth will soon spread eastwards to Scorrier and who knows when it will reach Blackwater and even Chacewater? Housing springing up beside the tracks at Treleigh along the railway too. The view from the train window now very different to the 1980s, little open green fields until you reach east of Scorrier as the A30 and railway part company at Apex bridge.

Cheers, Craig

47772 seen at Par on the 1st August 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

66200 heads 6C53 at Treviscoe 28th July 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

66200 shunting at Treviscoe on the 28th July 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

57603 on the 5Z50 passing Hallenbeagle on the 6th August 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

A more distant view of 57603 on the 5Z50 having just passed over Wheal busy Crossing, Scorrier on the 6th August 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks indeed Craig for your observations and pictures.

Observations at
Oath
Bill Elston.

Hi Keith

The following services were noted at Oath today (9th August) ;
Best regards, Bill

The diversions were caused by overrunning engineering work at Bristol TM.

Oath 66744 CROSSRAIL, on the 6G70, 0937 Westbury to Bristol West Jct via Taunton. 9th August 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

Oath Crosscountry 221139 on the 1Z44 Bath to Plymouth,9th August 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

Oath Crosscountry 220006 on 1S47 Plymouth to Glasgow. 9th August 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

Oath 66509, light engine from Stoke Gifford to Fairwater Yard to work the used sleepers to Doncaster wood yard. 9th August 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks for your observations Bill.

Bridgwater
Paul Barlow

A Peak calls at Bridgwater. 46017 on the 1E30 the 08.15 Plymouth to Leeds. 29th August 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

9th August 2021

9/8/2021

Exeter Central
Paul Barlow

33212 calls at Exeter Central with the 13.55 Exeter to Brighton - it's the 2nd August 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

Sightings from
Oaksey Road bridge
Ken Mumford

This afternoon (3rd August) I went to this bridge [between Kemble and Purton] on the Swindon to Gloucester line to photograph 1Q18 {Derby to Landore via Tamworth, Kidderminster, Hereford, Gloucester, Swindon, Gloucester, Newport, Cardiff and Swansea).
Seeen going south to Swindon where it went through platform 1 and then reversing east of the station..
The consist was:-
Power car 43290 [leading when photographed going towards Swindon] followed by 9759844, 959814, 977993 977994, 977995 and bringing up the rear Power car 43299. Kind regards, Ken

Seen from Oaksey road bridge - the test train heads for Swindon. 3rd August 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford.

After reversal at Swindon the returning train is seen again at Oaksey Road Bridge. 3rd August 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

8th August 2021

8/8/2021

A Sunday afternoon visit to the Plym Valley Railway
Roger Winnen

A very interesting afternoon was spent at the Plym Valley today, where I had hoped to see the Cornish Skipper running, however she ran yesterday and most probably will run next Saturday. So a ride on the Sentinel with the vintage Guards Van to Plym Bridge and back together with viewing the other exhibits in the yard was the order of the day..
Nothing was too much trouble for the staff who helped me in more ways than one climbing on and off the trains and updating me details of the locomotive fleet which was most appreciated. It was also nice to bump into Paul Burkhalter who has contributed to our website and gave our society a talk a few years ago. After visiting the Bookshop and Cafe I returned to Plymouth Station just in time for the 15.43 train to Pz.

210808a Brake Van Tous wth the Sentinel seen at Plym Bridge Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

210808b Awaiting the return run to Marsh Mills at 13.30 today. Copyright Roger Winnen

210808c An earlier arrival from the viewing gallery as the 12.30 from Plym Bridge Platform arrives at Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen

210808d 31190 formally D5830 in Yellow Ochre livery. Copyright Roger Winnen

210808e Former Cornish Skipper 142023 at the Plym Valley showing iita destination Carlisle. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger. Roger is suffering with a very painful knee and hence his difficulty getting around the Plym Valley Railway site. We are very sincerely hoping that his scheduled operation for a replacement knee will take place on Tuesday 24th August. All the very best Roger.

Day out at
Dunster
Paul Barlow & Clive Smith

It's always good to hear of old friends meeting, well yesterday Clive and Paul went along to sample the Hymeks at Dunster however Clive was a little concerned that there might be duplicate pictures - however this was certainly not the case. The two good friends - also ours have provided a record of their day out both at Dunster and wider afield.

D7018 has just arrived at Dunster with the 1135 from Bishops Lydeard. 7th August 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow

D7018 is shunting stock to form the 1135 to Dunster at Bishops Lydeard D6575 and 47077 North star in the bay. Copyright Paul Barlow

D7018 reverses off the stock at Norton Fitzwarrren. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Rail replacement busses at Dunster await their next turn. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Bishops Lydeard 7th August 2021 Copyright Clive Smith

Shunt release - run round at Dunster. 7th August 2021 Copyright Clive Smith

An electrifying view at Norton Fitzwarren. 7th August 2021 Copyright Clive Smith

Back on the main line. 43010 at Totnes with the 17.58 Exeter to Plymouth. 7th August 2021 Copyright Clive Smith

Many many thanks to you both for your super contributions over the years - glad you had a good day out at Dunster. Keep up the good work.

7th August 2021

7/8/2021

Long Rock Shed Boxing Day 1975
Roger Winnen

751226d Penzance coal stage on 26th December 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

751226e Long Rock Shed on Boxing Day 26th December 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

751226f What a line up at Long Rock never to be seen again, a row of 4 Class 50s plus a Class 47 at Long Rock on 26th December 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Shunting at
Okehampton
Driver Alan Peters

Work continues on the Okehampton line in readiness for reopening although no official date has been announced, the station site is closed to the public whilst work is carried out, but it is possible to visit Platform 2 at weekends where the museum is open and light refreshments are served by the Dartmoor Railway Association, it is well worth a visit to see the progress being made and offer support.

Colas Rail top and tailed class 70's visited the line in the early hours of Wednesday 4th August as 6C41 dropping ballast between North Tawton and Sampford Courteney, due to a fault with 70815 the train had to run round at Okehampton

Alan Peters

Shunting at Okehampton. 70815 4th August 2021 Copyright Alan Peters

A view from the former locomotive yard which has now been cleared of sleepers and redundant materials in preparation for the new car park on 4th August 2021 Copyright Drier Alan Peters

'The Sign Of The Times' new signage has been added to the bridges along the route now the line is under Network Rail ownership, this is the sign on the footbridge at Okehampton, note the footbridge is owned by Devon County Council. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

With the line under T3 conditions it is possible to get some unique pictures, 70815 is seen at the end of the platform with 6C41 waiting to run the engine around on 4/08/21, note the Dartmoor Railway Association volunteers busy themselves with painting the station and the footbridge. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

The train has now drawn forward and 70815 detached and shunted on to the former Down Line on 4th August 2021 Copyright Driver Alan Peters Alan Peters

The 'tail' locomotive 70809 has now pushed the train back towards the military sidings to allow 70815 to re-attach to the front of the train, note the redundant track that has been broken up! Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Ready for departure, 6C41 to Westbury with 70815 now leading, giving the rare appearance of double heading on the Okehampton line on 4th August 2021 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks indeed Alan for keeping us up to date with operations at Okehampton.

Exeter
Paul Barlow

43010 and 43011 pass through Exeter on middle road on a Bristol to Penzance test special. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Down Sleeper ECS
Apex (Scorrier)
Mick House

57 603 ECS. By Mick House.
Class 57 603 brought the late running Reading 05.00 (actual 05.08) to Penzance 10.08 (actual 10.26) ECS, passing me at Apex Bridge 08.47 approximately 11 minutes late.

Image 1) Class 57 603 Tintagel Castle climbs towards Apex Bridge catching the sun in between this morning’s showers. Copyright Mick House.

Image 2) Class 57 603 Tintagel Castle with the late running ECS Night Riviera stock. Copyright Mick House.

Image 3) Class 57 Tintagel Castle in all her glory. Copyright Mick House.

Many thanks Mick

The sleeper ECS on the final leg of its journey
Rospeath
Andrew Triggs

57603 'Tintagel Castle' worked 5Z79 05.00 Reading-Penzance 'Night Riviera' ECS west this morning, 2 shots either side of Rospeath Overbridge for CRS. All the Best. Andrew

Rospeath 57603 on sleeper ECS 6th August 2021 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Going away shot from Rospeath bridge 57603 on sleeper ECS Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many thanks Andrew

Dorset Coast Express
David Ward

Yesterday was a good day with The Dorset Coast Express, good company on the journey but it was the weather the forecast for Weymouth wasn't good. It was a long day with an early start leaving her to be in London Victoria in time at 0600hrs. Home by one minute to Midnight.

We ran to time though we did at one stage have a hold up both on the outward journey but made up for it and one at Poole with an empty stock train I understand. It arrived back in Victoria as scheduled, though held up outside until a late running service train had cleared the station at Stewarts Lane.

This worked quite well so I could catch a train from Victoria to Dartford and the connect withing a few minutes with Charing Cross to Gravesend Train that stopped at Northfleet.

The disappointment was not to have the U 31806 out of Weymouth to Southampton due to operational reasons we are told, maybe shortage of staff as I noticed at Weymouth a Train to Westbury was cancelled.

We had a West Coast Diesel with us VE-DAY 47245 at the rear.

45596 Bahamas sounded good.

We hit the rain at Poole, the sort you know in Cornwall that fine drizzle that soaks you, so I was unable to do what I wanted to do. but spied The Quay in the Distance of what's left.
Best regards David Ward.

19th January 2019 first time out on the Main Line Hampton-in-Arden GW North Warwickshire Line Copyright David Ward

45596 at Weymouth 6th August 2021 Copyright David Ward

Thanks to you Dave - glad you had a good day - apart from the drizzle.

6th August 2021

6/8/2021

SAD NEWS
Terry Nicholls

It is with great regret that I have to announce that local railway enthusiast, photographer and ex railwayman Terry Nicholls has sadly passed away.
He will be sadly missed by those who enjoyed and admired his slide and cine shows at various railway meetings across the west country.
His wealth of railway knowledge, even while in his 80s, has been admired by many. God bless you Terry. RIP

Cornish Mineral Lines Railtour. What one might call a privileged view taken by Terry. It was taken from the starter signal at Perranporth. 28th April 1962 Copyright The late Terry Nicholl

Thank you Terry for all those marvellous evenings you gave us.

Then and now
Exeter Central
Paul Barlow

25052 ready to leave Exeter Central Yard with the Chard milk. 10th April 1979

More or less the same spot yesterday - what a difference, 5th August 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Thanks for the memories Paul.

GW Red
David Canning and Andrew Jenkins

387 201 4th August Copyrighyt David Canning

GWR livery EMU 387 148 is leading Gatwick Express livery EMU 387 203 Shrivenham Ashbury footbridge, 4th August 2021 Copyright Andrew W. Jenkins.

A going away shot of 387 203 from Shrivenham Ashbury footbridge, 4th August 2021 Copyright Andrew W. Jenkins.

Many thanks to David and Andrew.

5th August 2021

5/8/2021

Get the message
Ken Mumford

NETWORK RAIL NMT [its 'mission'] Copyright Ken Mumford 3rd August 2021

Thanks Ken - we get the message.

Early in the morning
Andrew Triggs

An early start before work yesterday to capture 37612 (the former D6879 37189 37691, new to traffic 3.10.1963) at St Erth and after visiting St Ives, returning to Penzance, a shame the formation (3Q50 23.02 Exeter Riverside N.Y-Penzance) ran early on the day, therefore no daylight photos could be taken on the Branch itself
All the Best
Andrew

1 37612 propelling the load 6 Test train at St Erth gaining the St Ives branch at 04.42am (running 59 early) 4th August 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

2 A second shot of this rarely seen move. 4th August 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

3. Later at 05.54 returning to Penzance, heading for Oil 2 siding, 37612 now leading (running 74 early) Copyright Andrew Triggs.

4. NR DBSO no.9714 trailing the formation as it snakes across the lines to Oil 2 siding. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

You have to be keen, very keen, to get up at this hour. Well done - thanks Andrew.

Vintage
Exeter Central
Paul Barow

33025 leaves Exeter Central on the 1010 Exeter to Waterloo. 2nd August 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

4th August 2021

4/8/2021

A Harry Needle 37612 at Penzance
Leslie Curnow Roger Winnen

210804a 37612 A Harry Needle Class 37 worked this test train overnight being the 23.15 Exeter St David's to Penzance then making a return run to St Ives and back arriving 05.54 then residing in the sidings until 22.43 tonight Copyright Roger Winnen

210804b The owner ship of this engine in small print on the cabside. The Harry Needle Railroad Company,Copyright Roger Winnen

I was surprised to see a test train at Penzance this morning with class 37 stabled on the far siding nearest the sea. Not the usual Colas yellow example but the dark blue 37612. Interestingly also comprising one of the blue ex Caledonian coaches which seems now to be set in many of these trains. Copyright Leslie Cuernow

37612 at Penzance. Copyright Leslie Curnow

Two praires at
The Dean Forest Railway
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, You had a good trip up to Bodmin and I was interested to see 41312 on shed,I have seen it put in some spirited running ‘over the Alps’ on the Watercress Line. I send two pictures of large and small Prairie tanks on the DFR,firstly 5199 running round at Parkend,in the rain. Thanks and best wishes, Michael

And now small Prairie tank 5541 at Lydney Junction station on 7th June 2019. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Exeter
Paul Barlow

33023 enters Exeter on the Friary to Fawley bitumen tanks 6O94 while 31256 leaves on the 0857 0857 Paddington - Paignton 1B38 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

Comment on comment
Neil Phillips

Neil Philips replies to SImon Howards note of yesterday.

Hi Roger and Keith,
I saw Simon Howard’s comment and photo of my 18-year-old self sitting in D6328 on Laira’s scrapline with that mop on my head – alas left to its own devices my hair was the kind which went sideways rather than down! The date was 11th September 1971, so 50 years ago next month, and D6328 was my 41st and final Class 22 ‘cop’ – it had arrived at Laira that spring as part of the final-year migration of the surviving members of the type to the far South West and managed to visit most, if not all, Cornish branch lines on a weed-killing train before withdrawal on 17th July. The very clean example in the left background will have been the unfortunate 6319, outshopped by Swindon just 3 months earlier and officially withdrawn that very day.
As for my hair, well I haven’t sat in a barber’s chair since 1978! No, it doesn’t reach my knees, I married a hairdresser!! Whose maiden name happened to be Phillips – pure coincidence, I was born in Redruth and she in Belfast. And we met on her 20th birthday – ‘tis a strange ol’ world!

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

Thank you for a most interesting reply Neil, the last time I sat in a barbers chair it cost me two shillings and four pence!!

And now a puzzler from A & D
Berriow Bridge
Andrew and Diane Jones

Dear Keith and Valerie, I have been trying to solve a mystery for many years. Please find attached a photograph of a bridge taken today at Battens Mill near Berriow Bridge on the Liskeard to Launceston road.
It appears from my research that it formed part of the driveway to the long gone Trebartha Hall which caught fire just after the second world war.
Given the nature of the bridge, its construction and its proximity to a number of mines it would appear possible that this bridge may have had a railway connection. Mining in the area ceased around 1840.
Does anyone in the society know of its origin or history?

Best wishes Andrew and Diane.

Possible railway bridge at Battens Mill 3rd Aug 2021 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Many thanks for your question Andrew and Diane - can anybody out there answer this one please
Very many thanks to a kind person who quickly wrote in concerning the query regarding the bridge pictured above.

Please inform them that it has no railway connection and there were no railways nearby. It was simply a bridge carrying the carriage drive from a lodge on Trebartha estate to Trebartha Hall and spanning Mill lane.

This reply came very quickly from a Local Person who wishes to remain anonymous many thanks to our source.

3rd August 2021

3/8/2021

St Erth Today
Dennis Clarke

St Erth station looking extremely busy with passengers waiting for the St Ives train around 12:00 today, Regards, Dennis

Very nice to see a busy platform - lots of people. A colourful scene. Many thanks Dennis.

St Erth weather -- 62 deg F wind about 5 MPH, mostly cloudy

Exeter Central
Paul Barlow

Departing Exeter Central 31210 heads unit P461 on the 12.20 Exeter to Yeovil Jjunction on the 24th May 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

Comment by
Simon Howard

Reference an item on the 30th July by Neil Phillips Simon Howard writes :- Attached are two photos following Neil’s post about 5180 at St Blazey for the first time.

Apologies for poor resolution, but the first is of 5180 at York stabling point a year before it was transferred. At the time I snapped it, it would have been unimaginable to think it, or any Class 25 would turn up in Cornwall.

The second is of Neil himself in the cab of D6328 on the scrap line at Laira...just in case anyone was wondering what he looked like! (Before the RAF chopped off all his hair).

Hope you’re well...

You might be interested in a few pics I posted on Flickr last Friday of the scrap line at Sotteville...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/103762044@N02/51344077224/in/album-72157719617548357/

Kindest regards, Simon

5108 seen at York. 29th June 2002. Copyright Simon Howard

D6328 on the scrap line at Laira. Copyright Simon Howard.

An enlargement of the previous loco with Neil Phillips at the controls. Copyright Simon Howard.

Many thanks Simon. One wonders how long Neil's hair is these days!!!!

Bahamas returns home
Pewsey.
Ken Mumford

Not even an HST nor an IET but something far more interesting. Passing Pewsey Bahamas returns to Slough. 2nd July 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

2nd August 2021

2/8/2021

The returning Royal Duchy leaving Plymouth and passing Laira

Plymouth
Trevor Tremethick & Roger Winnen

210801t 45596 heads for Mutley Tunnel. Copyright Roger Winnen

45596 Bahamas on up Royal Duchy 1Z92 passing Laira 2 mins late 01.08.2021. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Many thanks Trevor

For more of our coverage of this railtour please click here and scroll down.

Vintage
Exeter Central
Paul Barlow

P461 DMU 1220 Exeter to Yeovil leaves Exeter Central, this connected at Yeovil with the train to Waterloo. The incoming service must have failed at Yeovil. 24th May 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

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​St Erth station looking extremely busy with passengers waiting for the St Ives train around 12:00 today, Regards, Dennis

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St Erth station looking extremely busy with passengers waiting for the St Ives train around 12:00 today, Regards, Dennis