Blog Archives

31st August 2022

31/8/2022

37099 Meryl Evans propels the Test Train to Exeter
Roger Winnen

220831a 37099 Meryl Evans at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

220831b 37099 Meryl Evans all set to propel the test train to Exeter later this evening. Copyright Roger Winnen

Annual F & C
Goodrington
Trevor Tremethick

It has been a while. I wondered if these images I took today at Goodrington Sands and on the bank might be of interest? Barbara and I went over for our annual ‘fish and chips and steam locos’ day, which has been on hold since the Covid debacle.

I have not really kept up with the current scene and so did not know about the closure of Goodrington Sands station (which looks permanent) and also the BR black paint job on 4277. That looks recent also.
Regards. Trevor

4277 enters Goodrington Sands, 14.45 Kingswear to Paignton, 30th August 2022. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

4277, Oyster Bridge, Goodrington Bank, 13.00 Kingswear to Paignton 30th August 2022. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Against a perfect sky. 5239 descending Goodrington Bank, 14.10 Kingswear to Paignton, 30th August 2022. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

4277 on Goodrington Bank, 14.15 Paignton to Kingswear, 30th August 2022. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

5239 descending Goodrington Bank, 14.10 Kingswear to Paignton, approaching Cliff Park Road Bridge, 30th August 2022. Copyright Trevor

It's good to hear from you Trevor many thanks - hope the annual Fish and Chips went down well.
Can anybody please update Trevor and us all with answers to the questions he posed?

Andy Dunican replies from Torquay. He first saw 4277 outshopped from Churston Works on the 7th July 2022. The post Covid closure seems to have put pay to Goodrington and Churston stations being reopened in the near future.
Roger Winnen suggest
Whilst travelling on the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway recently, seat allocation tickets were being given to passengers travelling on all trains. To due this, Goodrington & Churston would need staff at both stations for passengers purchasing tickets.

Invincible at Dawlish
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Here is a picture of 50015 along the sea wall at Dawlish on a hot and hazy 6 August 1983. It is heading the 11.15 Liverpool to Penzance’ It must be high tide as folk have little beach left. All the best ,Michael. Copyright Michael Forward

Roger, Shortly after 50015 ,we see 45101 Heading East. I could not identify the working. Thanks, Michael. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Stone empties
Cullompton
Keith Turley

66413 passes Cullompton 7C28 15.57 Exeter Riverside Yard to Whatley Quarry empties. 30th August 2022 Copyright Keith Turley.

Many thanks Keith

Thurslestone Bus
Andrew Jones

In reply to Mike Roach and his question re buses used to Thurslestone

https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Preserved_bus_in_the_UK_(FJ_8967)

Hello Keith, here is the link to the bus question, anyone of our age would have used one of these, I can remember the Newquay -Whitemoor-St Austell service using one, which I used for Saturday Morning Cinema Club in St Austell.

Very best wishes Andrew and Diane

Thanks Andrew and Diane.

30th August 2022

30/8/2022

South Devon
Roger Winnen

750401c Aller Junction Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

750401b Newton Abbot West as it was on April Fools Day 1st April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

South Brent
Roger Geach

6233 1z34 08.12 Bristol - Par seen at South Brent Sun 21st August 2022. Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger.

Polperro
Michael Roach

Todays picture kindly sent in by Mike Roach depicts Polperro which has changed little over the years; Probably from a carriage compartment picture. If you've ever traveled from Looe to Liskeard and noted the topography you'll realise why this charming little village never had a rail connection.
Many thanks Mike.

Looe
Maurice Dart

Looe is just three and a half miles from Polperro as the crow flies.

From the Maurice Dart archives said to be Looe 1941 - H.C.. Casterley

Many thanks to Maurice.

29th August 2022

29/8/2022

Rewe
Keith Turley

Freightliner class 66.5 66518 TT with classmate 66593 pass Rewe working the 6Y15 the 08.05 Totnes to Faiiwater Yard HOBC on the 28th August 2022. Copyight Keith Turley

A long train at Rewe - class mate 66593 yet to come into view.
Many thanks Keith

Rail Replacements at
Swindon
Ken Mumford

A view outside Swindon station which we don't normally see we don't normally see. Rail replacement buses 28th August 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford

Many thanks Ken.

and while on buses a query from Mike Roach
Thurlestone

190921e Our bus awaits departure from Loddiswell Station. Can anyone identify this bus.. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Kingsbridge Bus Rally 21st September 2019 Copyright Roger Winnen

With regard to Thurlestone Mike asks if anyone has a photo of a preserved 1930s bus that operated out of Kingsbridge
Thanks, Mike

30th August2022

29/8/2022

South Brent
Roger Geach

6233 with the 1z34 the 08.12 Bristol - Par seen at South Brent Sun 21st August 2022. Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger

28th August 2022

28/8/2022

.After a frustrating summer due to strikes Roger finally completed his list of outdoor events for 2022 with a Grand Tour of Cornwall. There wasn't all that much support due probably due to the changing of dates, the fear of over-crowded trains due to its being on a Bank Holiday, covid, and members age and infirmity.
Many thanks to Roger - the CRS's 'keystone' keeping indoor and outdoor events in progress - he does a grand job.
K.J.

Ride the Cornish Branch Lines with a Cornwall Day Ranger
Saturday 27th August 2022

220827b The 06.28 Bristol Parkway to Newquay arrives at Par Station Copyright Roger Winnen

220827o Arrival at Looe Station for a 3 minute stop. Left to Right Peter Bragg Peter Murnaghan Tony Brokenshire and Roger Winnen

220827t Departing at 14.24 we headed for Gunnislake, here is Bere Ferrers with Chris Groves Tamar Valley Heritage Centre, well worth a visit. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827z Running alongside the River Tamar as we approach both the road and rail bridges across to Saltash. Copyright Roger Winnen

220827zc Peter Bragg stands alongside the unit for the run back to Truro and home. Copyright Roger Winnen

For further photographs of this event
Click on Features and scroll for Item 2231

Bahamas goes to
Worcester
Ken Mumford

Out and back.

45596 Bahamas at Swindon with an outward railtour to Worcester. 27th August 2022 Copyright Ken Mumford

Marston Footbridge 45596 returns in the evening, 27th August 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford

Ken is very proud of his Grandson Stefan an up and coming enthusiast seen here at Marston Footbridge videoing an IET service. 27th August 2022; Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken

Cullompton
Keith Turley

A most unusual sight, Purple liveried 43274 with LNER 43299 seen at Cullompton on the 26th August 2022 . Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks Keith

Cogload and Creech
Bill Elston

A GBRf Staff charter ran today from Warrington Bank Quay to Plymouth headed by 50049 and 50007 and is seen here passing Cogload Jct.
Later, 66621 running light is seen passing Creech st Michael.
All the best, Bill.

Cogload Warrington Bank Quay to Plymouth headed by 50049 and 50007 and is seen here passing Cogload Jct 27th August 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

Creech 66621 running light. 27th August 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill.

Around Dawlish
Andrew Triggs

All go at the moment, a trip to Devon to capture the GBRf Class 50 Staff charter to Paignton, Dawlish wall the chosen spot in the glorious summer sunshine
All the Best
Andrew

1. 50049 with 50007 framed by the Signal Ganty in the summer haze as the GBRf Staff charter gains the Dawlish sea wall at 11.44 running 8 late at this point
2. 50049 leading 50007 on Dawlish wall, nearing Rockstone bridge working 1Z18 07.32 Warrington Bank Quay-Paignton GBRf charter
3. XC 1V46 with 43366 with 43208 passing Rockstone bridge working the 06.09 Leeds-Plymouth
4. GWR 800318 also nearing Rockstone bridge with 1C76 10.04 London Paddington-Penzance

The GBRF Charter mentioned above passes Dawlish. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture 2. 27th August 2022. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Picture 3. 27th August 2022. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Picture 4 27th August 2022. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many thanks to you Andrew.

Newquay ~ St Dennis Token
Stephen Widdowson

Hi Keith, Here is something of interest for you.
Newquay ~ St Dennis Token'
Regards Stephen

Many thanks Stephen - a token of 'thanks'.

27th August 2022

27/8/2022

Carnon Viaduct &
Devoran
Martin Scane

A perfect picture against a perfect sky. A Falmouth to Truro service crosses the Carnon Viaduct on the 25th August 2022. Copyright Martin Scane.

On now down to Devoran

The former Redruth and Chacewater Railways workshop now beautifully restored as the village hall. 25th August 2022. Copyright Martin Scane

The plaque on the Village Hall. 25th August 2022. Copyright Martin Scane

Hutches on the quay at Devoran. 25th August 2022. Copyright Martin Scane

Many thanks for your latest Martin - sorry they re a day or so late.

Bodmin Parkway
Roger Geach

47473 on the 10.30 Penzance to Liverpool app Bodmin Road, Easter Monday 20th April 1987 Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger

Somewhere to go
Rails and Ales Festival
South Devon
Clive Smith

The August Rails & Ales Beer Festival is running this weekend on the South Devon Railway from Friday to Monday. Three sets out with one diesel, one steam plus steam with the auto-trailer.The weather forecast is good as is the beer. With music from the DJ in the Great Western brake van in the goods yard this is the the perfect way to spend the weekend.
Regards, Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive - all the very best for the South Devon

26th August 2022

26/8/2022

Liskeard
Roger Geach

47474 on the Plymouth to Penzance vans see running into Liskeard. 19th August 1992 Copyright Roger Geach -

Many thanks to Roger for your continued support from your library from the past.

St Columb Road and
St Dennis Junction
Roger Winnen

Photographs of St Columb Road and St Dennis Junction were taken 18th September 1976

760918f Class 50043 at St Columb Road. Copyright Roger Winnen

760918h Newquay bound DMU at St Columb Road. Copyright Roger Winnen

760918i Goods Notice Board at St Columb Road. Copyright Roger Winnen

760918k St Dennis Junction Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

760918m Nameplate St Dennis Junction Signal Box. It needs a coat of paint photographed from the other side of the box. Copyright Roger Winnen

Swindon Observations
Ken Mumford

Ken spends some time with his Grandson (Who may be becoming an enthusiast) at the station.

Two IETs and 60024 which had pulled its wagons east to near the end of platform 1 is now propelling them westwards a little way. 23rd August 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford

60024 propelling its load. 23rd August 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Colas Rail DRT720 passes through. 23rd August 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

23rd August 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

With a blast on its horn 37 611.accelerates through platform 4 with 5Q76 [Bicester to Newport Docks] conveying TFL-RAIL carriages for scrap. Left Bicester 81 LATE, passed Uffington (Oxfordshire) 50 LATE, did not stop as scheduled in Swindon East Loop thus pasing Swindon 27 LATE. Lateness further reduced by not stopping at Pilning as scheduled - thus passing 15 LATE. 23rd August 2022, Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken - one wonders who the enthusiasts are in your last picture.

25th August 2022

25/8/2022

50050 with 47773
On the Plymouth Explorer
Andrew Triggs

Evening Keith/Roger
Following work today, I headed to Plymouth to catch the Vintage Trains 'Plymouth Explorer' with D400/50050 'Fearless' with two tone green 47773 supporting, another dull old day alas. 4 shots for CRS
All the Best
Andrew

47773 leading 5Z72 16.41 Plymouth Friary S.S-Plymouth 'Plymouth Explorer' ECS back into North Road Copyright Andrew Triggs

Viewed from platform 5, with 47773 at the western end of the Tour. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Immaculate 50050 'Fearless' leading the return 1Z72 return for Dorridge at platform 4. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Departing on time at 16.15 50050/D400 leads the 1Z72 return away from platform 4 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Torquay
Rail Crash
Michael L Roach

Whoops! 4932 Hatherton Hall at Torquay 25th August 2022. From the Dave Padgett Collection

Sixty years ago a serious rail crash occurred a short distance south of Torquay Station on the line to Paignton and Kingswear involving a diesel-hauled express and the following steam-hauled express. The date was Saturday 25 August 1962 and this may have been the last serious accident involving a steam locomotive in Devon and Cornwall as steam was in rapid decline at the time. In the previous 12 months there had been two more accidents involving steam locos in the two Counties, both in Cornwall, at Bodmin General and at Burngullow. The 10.05am express from Paddington to Kingswear, hauled by D833 “Panther” departed Torquay with its 14 coaches but failed to surmount the short sharp climb which starts a short distance after the station before stalling and leaving the last coach just 114 yard past Torquay's down advanced starting signal. The guard of the train carried out Rule 55 and put down two detonators to protect the train. (Do trains still carry detonators for use in emergencies ?). As the guard was walking down the line to Torquay Signal Box the following train came storming up the bank, setting off the detonators, and colliding with the rear of the stationary train. The second train was the 7.45am Paddington to Kingswear via Bristol hauled by 4932 “Hatherton Hall” of Taunton Shed. The first three coaches of the second train were badly damaged, as were the last two coaches of the stationary train. Twenty three passengers were injured but fortunately no lives were lost in the crash. Despite the fact that the last coach rode up over the buffer beam of 4932 the loco was repaired and put back into service until withdrawn two years later. This is quite surprising when one realises that in the same edition that the Railway Observer first reported the collision at Torquay, the magazine also reported that a total of 75 Western Region express passenger locos had been withdrawn.
So what went wrong that day 60 years ago. The 7.45am train should have been 15 minutes in front of the 10.05am at Torquay but had itself broken down at Taunton where the diesel locomotive was taken off and 4932 substituted. Such breakdowns were a frequent occurrence in those days when many steam drivers were having to learn new techniques of driving. In theory the Hall was overloaded for the route with 13 coaches but the driver agreed to it. At Torquay the 7.45am was given the signal to proceed out of the station as far as the down advanced starting signal which was probably unwise with the Hall overloaded and a steep gradient in front of it. The driver of 4932 made a strong start from Torquay, missed the advanced starting signal, and then set off the detonators in time to see the other train ahead of him. The driver of 4932 made an emergency brake application but could not avoid a collision which took place at about 10 mph. The formal accident report attributes the primary cause of the collision to “driver error” but also criticised the signalling layout.
There were a total of 7 timetabled trains from Paddington to Kingswear that Saturday in August 1962 with a further 4 from Paddington terminating at Paignton, making a total of 11 trains; plus many more trains from the Midlands and the North. Express trains continue to run as far as Paignton Station 7 miles short of Kingswear, with 3 timetabled from Paddington on Saturdays in the summer of 2022 when services are running normally. Saturday 20 August 2022 was the sixth day of a series of one-day strikes by some railwaymen and no trains were scheduled to run west of Exeter that day.

MLR / 18 August 2022

Many thanks Mike indeed for a very worthy inclusion, bang on its anniversary.

Cowley Bridge
Keith Turley

On 24th August 2022 class 50 No.50050 (D400) 'Fearless' with class 47 No.47773 on the rear pass Cowley Bridge Junc. working the 1Z70 06:59 Dorridge to Plymouth Vintage trains charter. Copyright Keith Turley.

50050 Fearless returns to Dorrige with the 17.15 charter from Plymouth. 24th August 2022. Copyright Keith Turley.

Very many thanks Keith - well worth the effort.

Bill on patrol at
Wick and Creech
Bill Elston

Today I visited Wick, on the Somerset Levels, where I photographed 6Y15 HOBC Fairwater yd to Maidenhead, t/t by 66593 and 66518.
This was closely followed by 6C28 stone empties from Riverside Yd to Whatley Quarry, headed by 59002.

Then over to Creech for the Plymouth to Dorridge tour t/t by 50050 and D1755 ( 47773)

Please see photos,
Best regards,
Bill

66593, at Wick 24th August 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

59002, at Wick on the stone empties to Whatley Quarry. 24th August 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

50050 leads the charter from Dorrige to Kingswear. At Creech, 24th August 2022. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill for your two reports

24th August 2022

24/8/2022

A glimpse from the past and hope for the futurel
Okehampton past and future
Andrew & Diane Jones

Dear Keith and Valerie, Well I finally made it, after three attempts thwarted by weather and strikes a dream come true!
The recently re opened Okehampton line is a triumph for Network Rail, proving that with the right approach a viable transport system can rise from the ashes of past mistakes.
The attached photographs give a glimpse of the past and hope for the future.
Loadings on the 23rd August 2022 were extremely good and there was a definite buzz at Okehampton with workman busy completing the new cafe.
I hope I live to see the ex LSWR route re instated and although there has been much comment about Meldon Viaduct its condition appears reasonable and warrants a realistic engineering survey and possibly the application of modern engineering techniques to extend its life and improve the viability of returning this much needed secondary route to Tavistock and beyond.
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane

Okehampton shortly before closure and rationalisation. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Okehampton 23rd Aug 2022 looking in pristine condition after many years out of daily service. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Exeter Central 23rd August 2022 a station which has now become an important part of the new service. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Exeter Central 23rd August 2022 this two car set was well loaded on the 13.32 service which stopped at Newton St Cyres. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Okehampton looking to the future 23rd August 2022. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Many thanks indeed Andrew & Diane - lets hope dreams come true.

Coal for Didcot
Michael Forward

Here is a shot of 56062 just after going through Oxford on 20 January 1983 with another load of coal for Didcot power station.In a five hour period that day I saw another four class 56s on such a duty.(Also seen nine different class 50s;eleven 47s;two class 37s ;one 25 and a class 31.Oh for such volume and variety now) Thanks, Michael. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

40 years ago at
Totnes
Clive Smith

50050 at Totnes 9th April 1982 on the 09.27 Paddington to Penzance relief train. Copyright Clive Smith

40 years ago - the Milk depot was very much in use then, on the right hand side very little evidence of the now busy car park. Many thanks Clive.

City of Truro well out of the area
Cossington
Roger Geach

Your readers may like to see 47749 City of Truro photographed yesterday well out of the West Country at Cossington nr Leicester , Midland Main Line.

This was a Worksop to Leicester depot move. 47727 on the back, running well before time.

Cheers , Roger Geach

47749 5m47 1457 Worksop - Leicester at Cossington Monday 22nd August 2022. Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks to you Roger

23rd August 2022

23/8/2022

Come and join us for the
Last of the seasons
Outdoor Events
Cornwall Railway Society Outdoor Events 2022
Roger Winnen 34 Mount Street Penzance Cornwall
Telephone 01736 350048

Saturday 27th August 2022 Ride the Cornish Branch Lines with a Cornwall Day Ranger
Rearranged from 25th June 2022 which was called off owing to strike action

Depart Penzance 08.15 Camborne 08.36 Redruth 8.43 Truro 08.56 St Austell 09.13 Par 09.20/09.50 Newquay 10.36/11.15 Liskeard 12.28/12.36 Please ride in the front of the train for Liskeard Change at Liskeard for Looe dep 12.36 Looe 13.02/13.05 Liskeard 13.33/13.46 Plymouth 14.11/14.24 Gunnislake 15.10/15.14 Plymouth 16.00/16.18 Truro 17.29/17.48 Falmouth Docks 18.12/18.38 Truro 19.08/19.30 Redruth 19.42 Camborne 19.49 St Erth 20.01/20.05 St Ives 20.17/20.20 St Erth 20.31/20.51 Camborne 21.03 Redruth 21.11 Truro 21.21 St Austell 21.38 Par 21.45 and station to Plymouth
Trains from St Erth to Penzance 20.43 Penzance 20.53 (We may cut out the St Ives Branch being a dark evening)
Many thanks to you Roger for all you do.
Roger has had a frustrating time trying to organise our outdoor programme this year.

Visit of Network Rail 150 unit today
Mick House & Andrew Triggs

Emerging from Redruth Tunnel. Copyright Mick House

Pigeon and 150 unit at Redruth. Copyright Mick House.

Network Rail unit no.950001 arrived at Penzance this morning having worked 2Q08 03.25 Plymouth-Penzance (via Gunnislake, Parkandillack and Fowey Docks branches), as 150219 was stabled on Oil 2 siding already, it then moved from platform 4 to Sea siding for stabling, it is due to depart Penzance tomorrow at 04.00 for Exeter Riverside (via St Ives)
4 shots for CRS

Following arrival at 10.26 at platform 4 in the morning sunshine. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Later stabled on Sea siding, Penzance, in much changed weather conditions. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Later stabled on Sea siding, Penzance, in much changed weather conditions Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks to Mick and Andrew

Old Oak Common Open Day
2nd September 1972

David Tozer ask the question! How many Class 74's have featured on the Cornwall Railway Societies website

Class 47 at Dawlish
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are keeping well and getting about . Here is a picture taken on a hot and hazy 6 August 1983 showing 47257 heading the 11.30 Penzance to Newcastle service.Even this plain loco. stops the walkers and the erosion patterns on the cliff are of interest. Thanks, all the best, Michael Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Cowley Bridge Jct.
Keith Turley

On 22nd August 2022 Network Rail class 150 DMU No.950001 is seen at Cowley Bridge Junc. working the 2Q08 04:42 Derby RTC 'Network Rail' to Plymouth test train. Copyright Keith Turley.

Normally a Freightliner class 66/6 working,on 22nd August 2022 aggregates liveried class 59/0 No.59002 'ALAN J DAY'worked the 7C27 08:24 Westbury down TC to Exeter Riverside Hanson loaded aggregates seen at Cowley Bridge Junction. Copyight Keith Turley.

Workings of a special interest expertly caught and reported by Keith Turley - many thanks Keith.

Passing traffic
Shaldon Bridge
Paul Barlow

Paul brings us two views from Shaldon Bridge four years ago.

44871 37706 0848 Bristol to Par Royal Duchy approaches Shaldon Bridge 22nd July 2018. Copyright Paul Barlow

43063 and 43144 power the 11.00 Plymouth to Paddington seen from Shaldon Bridge on the 22nd July 2018. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul - a good spot on a nice bright day.

Something special at Hayle this weekend - it will be well worth visiting you can be sure.

An excellent poster produced by Martin Scane

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