Blog Archives

August 11th 2024

11/8/2024

1 Year ago today - The CDA Finale
Jon Hird

Today - 11.08.2024 - marks the 1 year anniversary of the final revenue earning trip for the fleet of CDA wagons.

Despite rumors circulating at the time of all kinds of exotic wagons being brought in, DB and Imerys have since settled down into a route of using the fleet of JIA bogie wagons for both the local and distance clay traffic.

A trial of JGA wagons was carried out, but it was soon discovered that they were unsuitable for loading in the Linhays.

A number of wagons live on in preservation.

8 wagons have found a new home at The Bodmin Railway after a fundraising effort by The National Wagon Preservation Group (click here).

Another single CDA, 375030, has been purchased by a group of local enthusiasts and is being well-pampered at The Plym Valley Railway (click here).

375102 remains on-site at St. Blazey under the care of M-Power Kernow, the group who have restored and operate St. Blazey turntable.

375088 also exists in Wales, at The Barry Tourist Railway.

There are also 3 ex-barrier wagons at Fowey. These wagons are visually in a poor condition and their future is unknown - The National Wagon Preservation Group hope to obtain them.

The selection of photos below show the fortunes of the wagons over the last 12 months and the difference in clay traffic between then and now.

The same train, as close to a year apart as I could manage. 11.08.2023 (top), the last empty CDA rake from Fowey - St. Blazey, and 06.08.2024 (bottom), the empty JIA's returning from Fowey. Copyright Jon Hird.

66199 leads the last train of CDA's over the Causeway at Golant. 11.08.2023, copyright Jon Hird.

375010 and 375060 meet their maker. 08.09.2023, copyright Jon Hird.

The one and only test run of a JGA in Cornwall came on 20.09.2023. It was found to be unpractical for loading at Goonbarrow as the top doors obstructed the loader bucket. It ran to Fowey empty with the loaded JIA's. The 5 JGA's which were brought down to the region have been stored in St. Blazey yard since. Copyright Jon Hird.

Withdrawn CDA's awaiting their date with Henry Orchards cutting torch at St. Blazey. 05.11.2023.

9 of the lucky 10 preserved CDA's were shunted to Par Harbour for removal by road by 66165 on 06.12.2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

One of the Bodmin CDA's on its way to its new home. 09.12.2023, copyright Jon Hird.

Crew training with the Bodmin CDA's and 47306. 16.03.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

50042 on another crew training run with the Bodmin CDA's on 22.06.2024 - the first '50' to work the CDA's since the early 90's. Copyright Jon Hird.

CDA 375030 at The Plym Valley Railway. A great deal of work has been carried out on this wagon, including a new ECC Blue sheet, original decals and the framework repainted in ECC Blue. Copyright CDA 375030 Preservation Group

375102 remains at St. Blazey. 09.08.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

The last 3 CDA's 'in the wild' - 375125, 375135 and 375137, which were converted HAA coal wagons, languish at Fowey Carne Point. Copyright Jon Hird.

And finally my very own bit of a CDA - I was lucky to obtain the worksplate from 375005, my son displaying it at Lostwithiel on the last day of the semaphores, 02.03.2024. It now takes pride of place in my cabinet (much to the dismay of my partner!). Most of the worksplates either broke upon removal (they are cast and quite fragile) or went to a single out-of-county collector. Copyright Jon Hird.

Please visit/support:

The National Wagon Preservation Group
The CDA 375030 Preservation Group
Bodmin Railway
Plym Valley Railway

A Nobleman at Axminster
Ross Griffiths

D1058 'Western Nobleman' at Axminster 10.03.1973, copyright Ross Griffiths.

Many thanks Ross.

More 'Westerns' to come from Ross - keep your eyes on the site!

The 2008 SDR Diesel Gala
Paul Barlow

D6737 (37037) 1010 Buckfastleigh toTotnes Hood bridge 26 April 2008. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Regional Railways 55000 0840 Totnes to Buckfastleigh Hood bridge 26 April 2008. Copyright Paul Barlow.

31108 0930 Buckfastleigh to Totnes Hood bridge 26 April 2008. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Thanks very much, Paul - the SDR galas were always great, a pity they seem to have stopped.

61306 'Mayflower' and 57311 work:
'The English Riviera Express'
High Wycombe - Kingswear & Return - 10.08.2024
David Tozer & Jon Hird

B1 61306 'Mayflower' passes Marsh Barton with the 05:47 High Wycombe - Kingswear Saphos Trains 'The English Riviera Express'. Copyright David Tozer.

A recently repainted and very smart 57311 on the rear of the excursion. Copyright David Tozer

A little after 6pm, 61306 accelerates through Cockwood Harbour on the return working. Copyright Jon Hird.

A fine sight at Cockwood, the sun was behind a stubborn cloud but there was enough light to make for a nice photo still. Copyright Jon Hird.

An alternative view of Cockwood captured by my partner, Sarah, using the drone. Copyright Jon Hird.

Spinning around, we see 57311 on the rear heading towards Starcross. Copyright Jon Hird.

Thanks very much for allowing us to display your photos, Dave.

West Somerset Steam Express
John Simons

Today the West Somerset Steam Express ran Paddington-Minehead along the West Somerset Railway, motive power being Black 5 44871 & diesel 47812 at the rear.

The train is pictured on the return journey at Crowcombe Heathfield station on the WSR.

44871 on West Somerset Steam Express Minehead-Paddington approaching Crowcombe Heathfield station on WSR. Copyright John Simons.

44871 on West Somerset Steam Express, Minehead -Paddington passing through Crowcombe Heathfield station on WSR. Copyright John Simons.

Many thanks John - 44871 certainly gets about.

Progress at Ponsandane
Mick House

An overview of the work being carried out to provide additional IET stabling at Long Rock, Ponsandane Sidings. 09.08.2024, Copyright Mick House.

Quattro Group 1079 road/rail machine working in the sidings. 09.08.2024, copyright Mick House.

Colas DR75407 Passing Ponsandane Yard. Copyright Mick House.

158 959 Passing Ponsandane Yard. 09.08.2024, copyright Mick House.

800 009 Passing Ponsandane Yard. 09.08.2024, Copyright Mick House.

Thanks Mick, nice to see work progressing.

Swindon Freight
Ken Mumford

66621 hauling 6Z27 [Appleford to East Usk Yard] which passed Swindon 63 minutes EARLY! It might be worth you looking at REAL TRAIN TIMES to see its progress as it left Appleford 1 EARLY, passed Patchway 80 EARLY but got to East Usk Yard 5 EARLY!!! 09.08.2024, copyright Ken Mumford.

Graffitti on the wagons. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks to you, Ken

August 10th 2024

10/8/2024

Teignmouth Today
Barbara & Trevor Tremethick

Hello Keith and Roger
Barbara and I were at Teignmouth today and I lent her my spare camera. She had never used it on a moving train before.
I thought you might like to see how she got on.
Kind regards

Trevor

2T15 1057 Exmouth to Paignton at Teignmouth, 10.08.2024. Copyright Barbara Tremethick

1V46 0611 Leeds to Plymouth at Teignmouth10.08.2024. Copyright Barbara Tremethick

61306 at Teignmouth on 1Z49 0547 High Wycombe to Kingswear 10.08.2024. Copyright Barbara Tremethick

Congratulations and Many Thanks Barbara 1st Prize for the Steam in Action

'Western Monarch'
Ross Griffiths

D1049 'Western Monarch' at St. Budeaux Ferry Road 20.07.1972. Copyright Ross Griffiths.

Many thanks Ross

Ross has kindly supplied several 'Western' photos - keep your eyes on the page over the next few days for more.

'Boardmasters' specials - Day 3
Clive Smith, Jon Hird & Mark Lynam

43186 on arrival at Newquay with the 07:35 service from Plymouth. 09.08.2024, copyright Clive Smith.

43186 at (what remains of) Newquay Station. The 2N02 08.18 Par - Newquay has started back from Plymouth at 07.35 for Wednesday, Thursday and today of this week returning on the 2N03 09.18 Newquay to Par. Copyright Clive Smith.

43097 enjoys a spot of sunshine whilst waiting to depart on the 09:18 to Par. Copyright Clive Smith.

43097 leads the 09:18 Newquay - Par across The Goss Moor. I would cautiously say that this is likely the very last booked HST service turn from Newquay. Copyright Jon Hird.

Further down the line, Mark Lynam captures the 'classic' Newquay branch shot at Middleway. The weedkiller last week appears to have helped matters! Copyright Mark Lynam.

The set recessed into Par Chapel siding. Copyright Mark Lynam.

The train runs back into Par Platform 3 ready to form the 11:09 to Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam.

158959 arrives at Par working 2P09 0950 Penzance to Plymouth passing 43186 in Platform 3. Copyright Mark Lynam.

802112 passes the ungated crossing on The Goss Moor with 1Z76 the 10:03 Paddington - Newquay. Copyright Jon Hird.

The driver applies power and I drop my shutter speed to capture this image of a 'warp speed' IET over the crossing. Copyright Jon Hird.

The rear of the 9 car unit making its way towards St. Dennis Junction. Copyright Jon Hird.

Thank you all for sharing your images, the branch has seen a busy few days.

Steam at Exminster
Paul Barlow

34067 Tangmere 70013 Oliver Cromwell work the Penzance to Bristol leg of the Great Briton 2 Tour, Gissons Exminster 7 April 2009 This viewpoint is completely obstructed by trees now. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul, a powerful photo.

Friday at Swindon
09.08.2024
Ken Mumford

Interesting information - food for thought? Part of 1C07 [Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads] - unit 800313 ON TIME. Copyright Ken Mumford.

4L36 [Wentlogg to Felixstowe] hauled by 66598 passing on UML [Up Main Line]. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Cardiff to Paddington 1L13 formed of 387160 and 387163 11 LATE - a lateness which it kept all the way to London! Copyright Ken Mumford.

0Z22 [Bristol East Depot to Didcot Milton Sidings. planned for 27 mph maximum, but I doubt whether this was kept as it passed Swindon 2 LATE - a light locomotive, 60046 'Wilber Wilberforce.' Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken - nice to see a photo of a '60', we don't see so many on our patch nowadays.

Portbury Test Train
Tony Shore

37116 TNT 37607 1Q23 06.59 Bristol kingsland road-derby via portbury docks. Portishead branch. 08-08-2024. Copyright Tony Shore.

37607 TNT 37116 returning from portbury docks. Pill old station. back drop M5 motorway. 08-08-2024. Copyright Tony Shore.

Many thanks Tony - a lucky catch and not an area we see very much of.

Okehampton Station
James Bown

A pleasant journey from Sherborne to Okehampton today, on arrival I stood on the platform and imagined a voice telling passengers;” change here for trains to the Bude line, Padstow and Plymouth”. Alas the line now stops at Okehampton with the tantalising view of the rusty overgrown lines to the west now but a ghostly memory. However we are now fortunate to have regular services back on this delightful well used line once again. Copyright James Bown.

Many thanks James - never say never.

Starcross - an unusual view
Martin Scane

Here’s a CC Voyager heading East just beyond Starcross today. Photographed from the Starcross to Exmouth ferry. Copyright Martin Scane.

Thanks Martin - very different!

August 9th 2024

9/8/2024

A visit to Exeter TMD
08.08.2024
David Tozer

150239 in the yard at Exeter TMD. Copyright David Tozer.

150246 up on the jacks inside the TMD. Copyright David Tozer.

The bogies are off 150246. Copyright David Tozer.

New wheelsets for 150246. Copyright David Tozer.

158771 is in for new air conditioning modules. Copyright David Tozer.

The much photographed 'blue survivor' 150219 in the depot for some attention. Copyright David Tozer.

150219 over the pit and 150249 in the air within the depot. Copyright David Tozer.

159016 stops by for a splash of diesel before heading back to the capital. Copyright David Tozer.

A little something to look out for next time you are around a GWR unit! Decals being applied to Exeter-based units. Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks David, a really interesting insight into what goes on within the depot.

A 'summers day' at Par
Jon Hird

On a damp and dreary 08.08.2024, a GWR 'Castle Class' HST consisting of 43186 and 43097 leaves Platform 3 at Par heading for Penzance. The set had previously worked to Newquay, hence a departure from platform 3. Copyright Jon Hird.

43186 draws closer, from track level these vehicles look rather imposing. Copyright Jon Hird.

Changing times at Par - the death bell has already tolled for the semaphores which stand armless, a sort of ghostly reminder of the way the railways were not-so-long ago. The HST's are now surely on borrowed time too, with the imminent cascade to GWR of ex-TFW Class 175's. Copyright Jon Hird.

Swindon Locos
Ken Mumford

4L36 [Wentlogg to Felixstowe] headed by 66420 held in the UML [Up Main Line]. Copyright Ken Mumford.

1Q23 [Bristol - Kingsland Road to Derby] with 37607 top 'n' tail with 37116. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Well caught, Ken - many thanks.

The Cornubian Tour
28 October 2006
Paul Barlow

D1015 Western Champion waits time at Plymouth on the 0623 Gloucester to Penzance 28 October 2006. Copyright Paul Barlow.

6024 at Penzance before working the 1250 to Gloucester Cornubian tour 28 October 2006. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Wessex Trains - now long gone. Copyright Paul Barlow.

6024 works the 1250 Penzance to Gloucester Cornubian tour taking water at St Austell 28 October 2006. Copyright Paul Barlow.

D1015 works the 1250 Penzance to Gloucester Cornubian tour. Taunton, 28 October 2006. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul - interesting to see the loco taking water at St. Austell - most likely impossible now due to the busy timetable on the mainline.

August 8th 2024

8/8/2024

34096 at Sidmouth Junction
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, here is another picture from Michael Adams with the same history as recent ones you have put on the site, thank you. It shows 34096 ‘Trevone’ with the down ACE on an unknown date.Comparing this picture with one on page 15 in the excellent book by Peter Gray ‘Steam on West of England main lines’ ,I am confidant this picture was taken at Sidmouth Junction. Thanks ,all the best,

Many Thanks Michael

And a reply from David Tozer:

The photograph of 34096 at Sidmouth Junction. This is in fact the up ACE - 1230 from Exeter Central. I started here when I left school in the Booking Office many, many years ago. You can see the bay platform which services for Sidmouth or Exmouth started from.
David Tozer

Many Thanks David

A busy day on the branch
'Boardmasters' specials to Newquay
Jon Hird, Peter Murnaghan & Roger Winnen

43097 & 43186 worked yesterday mornings (07.08) 09:18 Newquay - Par. The set had previously worked to Newquay from Plymouth. This was the first booked HST turn on the Newquay branch (as opposed to ad-hoc vice-150 turns) for many years.

The same is due to happen again tomorrow and Friday.

I only just made it to Bugle this morning to capture the empty stock working 0918 Newquay - Par 2N03 passing through the station. Not the view that I had intended to take Copyright Peter Murnaghan

43097 leads the 09:18 Newquay - Par service over Ponts Mill viaduct, 07.08.2024. Copyright Jon Hird.

The HST rounds the curve towards the former China Clay works at Ponts Mill. 07.08.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

150202 works the 09.58 service from Par to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Castle Class set arrives at Par after working the 07.35 Plymouth to Newquay special. Copyright Roger Winnen

Taunton Castle awaits the road to Chapel Sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

Viewed from the footbridge the train heads for Chapel Sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

A rare event to see a Castle Class in this siding. Copyright Roger Winnen.

In Chapel Siding together with the remains of Par Signal Box bracket signal without the arms. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Castle Drogo on the other end. Copyright Roger Winnen

43186 Awaits departure from Chapel Sidings to form the 11.09 service to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

The 11.14 departure to Penzance from Par platform 3 awaits departure. Copyright Roger Winnen

An unusual photo with the HST crossing all running lines to the down main to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

66244 With clay from Treviscoe arrives at Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

The clay runs forward to back into the loop adjacent to the Newquay Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

66244 Looking very smart. This engine was abroad for sometime in France I believe. Copyright Roger Winnen

A Newquay-bound 9-car IET arrives, passing the waiting clay. Copyright Roger Winnen.

With its jaws opened, this IET looks very hungry working a service from Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

An unusual opportunity to photograph Cornwalls two freight services together as 66025 passes through Par on its way to Fowey. Copyright Roger Winnen.

66025 waits for the road so that it can depart for Lostwithiel, where it will run round its train before heading for Fowey. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Thanks all for your photos, a busy day at Par - well done to the train planners and signallers for pulling it off.

Haresford Heavy Haul
Roger Geach

60054 at Haresfield wit the oil from south wales to Westerleigh on 05.10.2018. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger - a '60' doing what they do best.

Parsons Tunnel
Paul Barlow

Hello Keith

A couple from 15 years ago at Parsons tunnel.

Kind regards

Paul

PS A nasty dose of covid has me confined to base, so I have some time on my hands at the moment!!

5029 70013 0735 Paddington to Par leaves Parsons tunnel 05.04.09. Copyright Paul Barlow.

South West trains 158 159 combination exit Parsons Tunnel with a Waterloo to Paignton service 05.04.2009. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks as always, Paul - hope you're feeling better soon!

August 7th 2024

7/8/2024

Lostwithiel Footbridge
Tim Hughes

Good morning

Just a few pictures from this morning (06.08.24) of the long awaited temporary Lostwithiel footbridge starting to emerge from its kit !

Kind regards

Tim Hughes

Work commencing in the former goods yard at Lostwithiel. 06.08.2024, copyright Tim Hughes.

An area has been marked 'out of bounds' on the up platform. 06.08.2024, copyright Tim Hughes.

Work also commencing on the down platform. 06.08.2024, copyright Tim Hughes.

Many thanks to you, Tim - good to see work starting, hopefully the structure will be sympathetic to the rest of the stations styling. Lots of changes to Lostwithiel over the past year.

'The Lion of Vienna' comes to Plymouth
Roger Geach

47807 arrives at Plymouth station with 1V50 The Glasgow - Penzance on 08.08.2001 . 47807 was named 'The Lion of Vienna' after footballer Nat Lofthouse. It survives today, rebuilt as 57304. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks to you Roger

From Pit to Port
(and back again!)
Jon Hird

66025 departs Goonbarrow with 16 JIA's for Fowey on 06.08.2024. Copyright Jon Hird.

Leaving work with the sun shining, I thought I would head down to Golant. On the way there the sun turned to rain, and then to cloud. That did mean I could again take a shot from the opposite side of the causeway though, something which isn't possible with the sun out. 66025 heads away from Fowey a little after 18:00. Copyright Jon Hird.

At Treesmill, the sun came back out again! 66025 has run round at Lostwithiel and heads for St. Blazey to drop off a few wagons for the Par Harbour or Treviscoe trip in the morning. Copyright Jon Hird.

The tail end of the train heading down the gradient to Par. Copyright Jon Hird.

The train was held outside Par for an 'up' train to depart, which meant I was able to get ahead of it. Here it straddles the crossing at Middleway before pushing back into the yard to drop off wagons. Copyright Jon Hird.

One final shot as the train emerges from beneath the bridge at Luxulyan as it heads back to Goonbarrow with 14 wagons. Copyright Jon Hird.

August 6th 2024

6/8/2024

Ponsandane New Sidings
Work in progress of the installation of new sidings 6th August 2024
Three new sidings will be created at Ponsandane to cater for the 9 car IETs which at present restricts movement at Long Rock T&RS depot

Roger Winnen

220515d The plan for three new sidings to cope with 9 car IET Sets. Copyright Roger Winnen

Another gem from the attic.
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, here is another great photo. discovered in a case in Michael Adam’s loft ,see details of 5563 sent recently.
These were given to Michael in about 1967 by a fellow signalman but he is not sure who took the shot or when.
We can see where the train is and as the engine was allocated to Taunton shed in June 1960 we can put some sort of date to it.The Mogul was allocated to Laira before this and I can remember it coming down to Penzance on more than one occasion.
Thanks for dealing with these,more to follow.
Best wishes, Michael Forward.

Many Thanks Michael

Cowley Bridge '56'
Roger Geach

I never found 56s very common in Devon, and think this was possibly one of their few booked turns for a short while back in BR days.

I think they also worked some Heathfield tanks as well for a short time, but I normally saw 37's on that .

I did enjoy seeing the class 25 on the Hayle branch, not the most photographed line that's for certain.

56073 departs Exeter Riverside with the Exeter City Basin Tidal Scrap on 10.04.1993. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger - a lucky catch

HST's to Newquay - 07.08 - 09.08

To support extra capacity to Newquay over the Boardmasters Festival period, the following services will be formed by GWR 'Castle' 2+4 HST sets:

2N02 - 07:35 Plymouth - Newquay
2N03 - 09:18 Newquay - Par
(Set recesses in Par Chapel Siding)
2C11 - 11:09 Par - Penzance

The service to and from Newquay will not call at Luxulyan, St. Columb Road or Quintrel Downs - it runs direct from Par to Newquay and back.

These will be the first booked HST workings to Newquay for several years - and perhaps the last?

Mid-Cornwall Metro to go ahead

With the recent change of government and associated funding announcements made by our new chancellor, there has been some confusion as to whether the proposed 'Mid Cornwall Metro' scheme will still go ahead.

Thankfully, Noah Law, the new labour MP for St. Austell and Newquay has said that yes - the scheme will continue as planned.

The scheme will enable coast-to-coast trains to run to and from Newquay to Falmouth along with a more regular service to Newquay, via the installation of a passing loop on the Goss Moor and the reinstatement of a second platform at Newquay. It would also see signalling upgrades carried out, digital ticket barriers installed at various locations, and an accessible footbridge installed at Par.

For more info, click here.

August 5th 2024

5/8/2024

Last Day of the Bridport Branch - 3rd May 1975
By Roger Winnen
Part 3

The 19.40 Weymouth to Bristol connecting with the last train to Weymouth. Connecting with the last Bridport Train. Copyright Roger Winnen

Crossing 31136 at Maiden Newton, Copyright Roger Winnen

The DMU from Bridport arrives at Maiden Newton. Copyright Roger Winnen

The last train from Bridport awaits departure at 20.43 hours. Copyright Roger Winnen

An interlude at Exeter
03.08.2024
Paul Barlow

61306 Mayflower heads through Exeter St Davids on 0600 Wolverhampton to Kingswear 3 August 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43198 arrives at Exeter on the Saturdays only 0740 Penzance to Exeter 3 August 20240 Copyright Paul Barlow.

43188 1221 Exeter to Penzance 3 August 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43188's nameplate. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks as always, Paul

The GBRF weedkiller
tours Cornwall - 04.08.24
Jonathan Harbage & Jon Hird

66751 and 66781 pass Buckshead going east to Lostwithiel from Truro Yard with the weedkiller, on the 4th August 2024. Copyright Jonathan Harbage

Having run round at Lostwithiel, 66781 leads down the Fowey Branch passing Lantyan Woods. St. Winnow Church is on the opposite side of the river. Copyright Jon Hird.

The train passes by a small inlet and I got my only glimmer of sun of the evening, sadly the gap in the bushes wasn't quite big enough to fit the whole train in. Copyright Jon Hird.

Having reversed at Fowey, 66751 leads back through Golant. The town is decorated for their annual fun/Regatta day which had taken place earlier in the afternoon. Copyright Jon Hird.

Keep left for Lostwithiel, or turn right for Lerryn. Both routes possible by boat with a tide like tonights. Copyright Jon Hird.

66781 swings off the mainline and onto the Newquay branch at Par. Copyright Jon Hird.

66751 passes the remains of the semaphores at Par. There's a track machine stabled in the siding beside the Network Rail compound. Copyright Jon Hird.

Middleway gets a very much needed squirt with the weedkiller as the train heads for Goonbarrow - let's hope it works!! Copyright Jon Hird.

A quick jog down the slippery path to Goonbarrow foot crossing got me close enough to get a couple of drone shots of the train at Goonbarrow Junction, where it reversed. From here it was due to head to Parkandillack (Treviscoe?) and Falmouth Docks. Copyright Jon Hird.

A view of Goonbarrow with the 'Clay Country' skyline including the famous Great Treverbyn Sky Tip. Class 08 08752 is visible waiting for the next train of empty wagons to arrive. Copyright Jon Hird.

August 4th 2024

4/8/2024

Last Day of the Bridport Branch - 3rd May 1975
By Roger Winnen
Part 2

The Weymouth Quay Line with the Dorset Dawdler. Copyright Roger Winnen

Weymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

The 14.35 to London Waterloo. Copyright Roger Winnen

The 14.48 Arrival from Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Roger Winnen

The 18.37 Weymouth to Waterloo working leaves Weymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

Push Pull at Weymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

The 16.00 ex Bristol arrives at Weymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

Portishead branch - still a future

The below is from the Portishead Railway Group:

There's been a lot of comment this week about the Portishead & Pill line reopening and a lot of work has been going on to establish what is happening and what happens next. Here's a few facts about where we are and details of what PRG is now planning to do:

1. The Government have cancelled the Restoring your Railways fund.
2. Almost all the funding for the Portishead project has been in place for years ... and does not come from that fund.
3. However, it turns out the final Dept. for Transport tranche of the £152 million plus the additional funding now required due to delays and cost increases had no other source than the Restoring your Railways fund.
4. No one has cancelled reopening the Portishead line and all the parties involved, locally and nationally, remain committed to the project being completed.
5. There will now be a delay (again) whilst the review required by the new government is completed and any revision of the funding sources is addressed.

As you know, an enormous amount of work has already been completed. That work has taken 10 years and construction was due to begin shortly. The reopening therefore offers a project that could be delivered quickly and demonstrate the new Government's aims and intentions. However this can only happen if the funding can be found. We therefore need to campaign rapidly and loudly to the Treasury and Dept. for Transport about this.

We had a very useful meeting with our new MP, Sadik Al-Hassan, on Friday. He is well-briefed on the reopening of the Portishead & Pill line and has already secured its removal from the list of cancelled projects. He sees the reopening as one of his two top priorities (NHS being the other). He will be opening his constituency office shortly - in Portishead by the station site.

We have agreed with him that we need to keep the pressure on the Treasury and DfT to find the funds to see the project through. To do this, we should organise a Public Petition. This is different to the parliamentary e-petitions that are widely used. It has to be written in a specific way and is actually presented to Parliament by an MP. If you've not heard of Public Petitions, you can find out more here: https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/sign-a-petition/paper-petitions/.

The work for this needs to happen during August ready to be delivered when Parliament returns. We need your help in doing this as we want to get as many signatures as possible. Signatures will be collected online and also locally on paper in various local shops. Details of the online process will be available soon. So that we reach everyone in Pill, Easton in Gordano, Ham Green, Portbury and Portishead, we want to deliver a printed mailing. If you would be willing to help us do that in your area, please do reply to this email now. Also, please do share the news with as many people as you can. Thank you.

If you can help, you can reach the group by email on: [email protected]

We wish them the best of luck with their endeavours.

You can see a selection of images of the Portishead Branch on our website - click here.

61306 'Mayflower' works 'The English Riviera Express'
03.08.2024
David Tozer & Martin Scane.

61306 Mayflower top tail 47805 working 1Z60 06:00 Wolverhampton to Kingswear. Copyright David Tozer.

61306 passes Sprey Point, Teignmouth heading for Kingswear. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks to you both for sharing your images.

Weedkiller at rest
Andrew Triggs

GBRf 66781 'Radcliffe Power Station' with 66751 'Inspiration Delivered' arrived at Truro Yard this morning (02.08.24) with KEA Wagons 93450/95380/93371 having worked 3Q98 23.24 Exeter Riverside N.Y-Truro Yard Weedkiller. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

66751 at rest in Truro Yard. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Details of the weedkilling train. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

66781 in Truro Yard. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew.

The weedkiller is on the move tonight (03.08), departing Truro at 18:00. Click here for the schedule. Let's hope they've got some strong stuff on board!

47306 with the clay wagons
Jon Hird

47306 drifts down towards Bodmin Parkway working a driver experience course on 03.08.2024. With a departure from Bodmin General of just-before midday, photography is awkward as the sun is neither one side or the other, but here's an attempt regardless. Copyright Jon Hird.

August 03rd, 2024

3/8/2024

Last Day of the Bridport Branch - 3rd May 1975
By Roger Winnen
Part 1

The 11.35 Bridport to Maiden Newton. The last day of the branch 3rd May 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

The last day at Bridport. Copyright Roger Winnen

Toller Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Powerstock Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Arrival at Maiden Newton. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Weymouth Quay Line with the Dorset Dawdler. Copyright Roger Winnen

This is part 1 of a 3 part series showing the final day of the Bridport Branch. For more photos of this line, please click here.

A discovery from the attic
Michael Adams

Hello Roger,I hope you are well and coping with the heat.
Lovely pictures from you, especially the class 25 going to Hayle wharves,I was never lucky enough to see any of those workings.
How far did the loco. propel the wagons, all the way from Long Rock or maybe from St.Erth.?A great working to replicate on my model layout.
Now here is a picture from Michael Adams which he found in a suitcase in the loft(whilst looking for pictures for the website)
We know where it is but not when or by whom it was taken.The print was given to him by a signalman work colleague over 40 years ago.
I am not sure if it has been published but I have not seen it in any of my books covering the West Country.
The loco was allocated to Yeovil from 1959 until withdrawal in 1964 so we have an idea of the time span.
No doubt someone will have an answer.

Best wishes, Michael

Many Thanks Michael
The Hayle Freight was propeled from St Erth

Re: The Southern Belle
Peter Murnaghan

Hi,
Further to Michael Roach's interesting article on the Southern Belle and her sister vessels, it's appropriate to mention the other railway vessel still plying her trade here in Cornwall - the Edgcumbe Belle, seen below crossing the Hamoaze towards Cremyll on 16th July 2024.

Built for British Railways in 1957, the MV Edgcumbe Belle was originally named the MV Humphrey Gilbert and operated on the Dartmouth-Kingswear route. The decades since have seen one change of name and several changes of route and owner. It now operates on the Cremyll ferry route from Cornwall across to Stonehouse in Plymouth.

Kind regards,
Peter

The Edgcumbe Belle, seen crossing the Hamoaze towards Cremyll on 16th July 2024. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Thanks Peter - I'm sure Mike will be interested to read this follow-on from his article.

'The Royal Duchy'
Jon Hird

I don't dabble much with video, however, a friend decided to film Sundays railtour and gave me the job of editing it. The results are below, for your viewing pleasure.

August 2nd 2024

2/8/2024

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO – PART 98
MV Southern Belle
Michael L. Roach

When the Cornwall Railway Society made a rail trip to Gunnislake on 23 July 1994 the return leg from Calstock to Plymouth was made by river boat from Calstock Quay to Phoenix Wharf near the historic Barbican in Plymouth. The trip was recorded here in photographs by Roger Winnen over five instalments ending on 21 July 2024. The boat provided for the trip was the MV Southern Belle, originally called Shuttlecock dating from 1925 and then operated by Plymouth Boat Cruises. Southern Belle is believed to still exist and is one of more than 2000 ships on the National Register of Historic Ships. Shuttlecock was ordered by the Estate of the Edgcumbe Family of Mount Edgcumbe who ran the Cremyll Ferry from Stonehouse in Plymouth to Cremyll in East Cornwall for many years. This pedestrian/foot ferry has existed for about a thousand years and is still a very useful public transport link across the River Tamar with buses connecting with the ferries at Cremyll on the Cornwall side. Cremyll is located on a relatively isolated peninsula, and this part of Cornwall is sometimes known as the forgotten corner of the County. When the Edgcumbe Estate gave up the ferry service it passed to the well-known Millbrook Steamboat and Trading Company who also ran river excursions and bus services on the Cornwall side. Shuttlecock was built by the Rogers Boatyard a short distance from Cremyll on the Cornwall side specifically to operate the ferry service. Twelve years later the yard passed to Mashfords, who still operate it and who have made an enviable reputation for quality.

Shuttlecock was built wholly of timber and was driven by a steam engine; but this was removed in 1946 and replaced by a Gardner diesel engine during a rebuild at Mashfords Boatyard when it acquired the name Southern Belle. Gardners were another firm with an enviable reputation, but the firm ceased making new engines more than 30 years ago. Their engines were also popular for use in buses. The boat is still driven by a Gardner diesel but I do not know if it is the original or a replacement. Southern Belle was followed by Northern Belle (1926), Western Belle (1935) and Eastern Belle (1946). The boats, the ferry routes and excursion trips passed through a number of hands in the last years of the twentieth century and are now operated by Plymouth Boat Trips who appear to have more routes than have been operated for many years. The peak of passenger numbers probably occurred in the 1930s before the advent of large scale car ownership, but excursions were still very popular right through the 1950s and into the 1960s. Certainly my parents used the river boats from Phoenix Wharf to Bovisand regularly in the 1930s as an easy way of getting to a beach. A run of good summers helped as well. In the 1930s the Millbrook S&T Company would have had competition on some routes from the Great Western Railway using their fleet of tenders which were used to meet the Atlantic liners. Although the GWR tended to do the longer routes like Looe, they would have abstracted some passengers.

At the end of the 1990s Southern Belle also passed through a number of hands before finally finding a home in Norfolk in 2005 where it was given a £150,000 overhaul. When not in use it could be found tied up on the River Yare in Great Yarmouth moored above the Haven Bridge which carries the A1243 into town which is where I photographed it in 2008. Southern Belle operated trips to places like Reedham but had some difficulties with Network Rail over the opening of swing bridges to allow the vessel to pass. There were also problems with the harbour authority, and the last report I can find, from August 2015, said that the vessel was languishing out of use at Great Yarmouth. Does anyone know the current situation regarding Southern Belle, please?

The fate of the four Belle's named after points of the compass has been decidedly mixed since leaving the River Tamar. The worst possible outcome befell Northern Belle which was broken up in 2022 after a failed preservation attempt by the Northern Belle Trust. Southern Belle appears to be waiting for a white knight to save it; while Eastern Belle was last heard of working the coast of the Isle of Man. The vessel with the best outcome and seemingly an assured future is the Western Belle dating from 1935 and for many years the flagship of the Millbrook fleet. In 2007 it headed north and was refurbished over the winter of 2010-11 to be launched on Ullswater in the Lake District in July 2011 where it plies up and down the lake regularly. Western Belle is one of a fleet of five boats offering cruises on the eight mile long lake of which four are heritage boats. The oldest boat dates back nearly 150 years. Read more about the fleet at ullswater-steamers.co.uk.

The 2008 sign inviting you to take a boat trip from Great Yarmouth two days later. Reedham was about nine miles away across Breydon Water and up the River Yare where the boat would probably have moored up at Riverside, just beyond the swingbridge carrying the Reedham Junction to Lowestoft railway line. Copyright Michael L. Roach

Southern Belle moored up at North Quay, Great Yarmouth just north of the Haven Bridge on Sunday 7 September 2008. Copyright Michael L. Roach

In this view looking north from the Haven Bridge Great Yarmouth's one remaining railway station is about 500 metres further north. It was originally called Yarmouth Vauxhall. Copyright Michael L. Roach

Southern Belle is seen leaving Phoenix Wharf, Plymouth and heading for home after dropping off the CRS party on 23 July 1994. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks as always, Michael.

For more in Michaels series, please click here.

Marazion Marsh
New Crossing
Roger Salter

This is the new foot crpssing at Marazion Marsh part of the St Michaels Way trail

Many Thanks Roger

High Summer Shots
Craig Munday

I popped down to Par on Sunday 28th to see the steam arrival. Roger W was beside me so you have those pictures. I hung around for the 47 in the sunshine and it's seen running back onto the train via the new Ground Signal just beyond the crossover. The heat, light and awful maroon livery is just not that photogenic unfortunately. Copyright Craig Munday.

Some GWR services were photographed in the lovely sunshine. The miniature barley had just been harvested at Dowgas, and 2P09 is seen in bows on through the reverse curves bound for St Austell. Copyright Craig Munday.

The midday "cross" at Hayle is a chance to grab a pasty and see two trains on the viaduct. Roger Winnen's lovely 25275 pictures took me back to lunchtimes as a child running to see the Hayle Wharves trip around the hour of 13.00. The driver in Roger's picture was Howard Toddy Hooper who only died recently aged a creditable 100 years old! Who says shift work reduces your life span?! Copyright Craig Munday.

A visit to St Erth saw 1A84 arrive and work continues on the new footbridge spanning the lines. Whatever your view heritage wise, the footfall has increased considerably since the new car park has opened, and the new structure and lifts are essential. Note the GWR-liveried shuttle bus complete with yellow warning panel! Copyright Craig Munday.

GWR Hitachi Unit 800304 passes by the new footbridge at St. Erth on 30.07.2024. Copyright Craig Munday.

Yesterday (31.07.2024) saw an unfortunate accident on the Newquay line as a lorry toppled over and came to rest against the over bridge at Goss Moor. The vehicle was quickly recovered and, thankfully, the Driver was unhurt. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig - a great record of the last few weeks. Glad you enjoyed Rogers photos of the 25, too.

'Castles' in the sun
Jon Hird

43156/ GW07 / 43098 work 2P21 the 15:50 Penzance - Plymouth through Restormel on 30.07.2024. Copyright Jon Hird.

43186 / GW08 / 43187 work 2C65, the 10:42 Plymouth to Penzance over Brea Embankment on 31.07.2024. Copyright Jon Hird.

Freightliner at Swindon
Ken Mumford

6M81 headed by 66544 passes through Swindon on 01.08.2024. Copyright Ken Mumford.

The vandals have been busy 'decorating' the rake of wagons. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks to you, Ken

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