Blog Archives

August 31st 2025

31/8/2025

The launch of Belmonds
'Britannic Explorer'
Clive Smith, Andrew Hickson, Jonathan Harbage, Joe Birchall, Jon Hird, Mark Lynam, Andrew Triggs, Jason Snow & Andrea Mant

Saturday 30th August brought the highly anticipated debut visit to Cornwall of Belmonds new luxury touring train, 'The Britannic Explorer'.

The train ran from London Victoria to Bishops Lydeard on Friday, and on Saturday morning made its way to Penzance, arriving early afternoon.

Later in the evening, the train ran from Penzance to Fowey, where it would spend the night.

Today, Sunday 31.08, the train will run from Fowey to Cranmore (East Somerset Railway), and on Monday 01.09 it will run back to London Victoria.

If you missed this one, don’t panic - several more visits are scheduled. Details of the pathings and future dates are available in our railtour calendar.

GBRf liveried 66744 brings up the rear of the 1Z62 09.00 Bishops Lydeard - Penzance 'Britannic Explorer' at Exeter St Davids with 66748 in the same livery as the stock on the front. 30.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

66748 heads the Britannic Explorer towards Powderham running 37 minutes early. It is on its 2nd day of a 4 day trip to Cornwall having stopped overnight at Bishops Lydeard. Anyone who missed this trip will be glad to learn that it is running again on the 19th of September. If you like to be aboard then it will cost you a mere £7,000 each! 30.08.2025, copyright Andrew Hickson.

66744 brings up the rear. 30.08.2025, copyright Andrew Hickson.

Here is 66748 and 66744 heading towards Truro on the Britanic explore on the 30/08/25. The leading engine is named after St Michael’s mount. But with it raining the question is will they see St Michael’s mount from the train. 30.08.2025, copyright Jonathan Harbage.

Joe and Jonathan must have been side-by-side on the bridge, as here is Joe's shot of the train approaching Truro. 30.08.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.

66744 on the rear, near Truro. 30.08.2025, copyright Jonathan Harbage.

The classic Cornish scene at Scorrier as 66748 passes the engine houses of Wheal Busy. 30.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

In the 'Mizzle' passing Marazion 66748 'St Michael's Mount leads 1Z62 09.00 Bishops Lydeard GBRf-Penzance. 30.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Shortly after arrival at Penzance, and prior to going to Long Rock for servicing, the train is seen beneath the roof at Penzance. 30.08.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Passing Ponsandane with 66744 'Heart of Wales' leading 5Z62 14.26 Penzance-Longrock T&RSMD, with 66748 at the rear. 30.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

66748 'St. Michaels Mount' along with its namesake. 30.08.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

66744 awaiting 17.30 Penzance departure for Fowey Docks Carne Point at Platform 2. 30.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Departing Penzance for Fowey, the driver of 66744 'opens the taps' at Marazion. 30.08.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

66748 trails 1Z64 17.30 Penzance-Fowey Docks Carne Point in the late afternoon sun, with 66744 leading the formation away up Marazion Marshes. 30.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

66748 “St.Michaels mount” bathed in sunshine tagged on the rear of the Britannic Explorer as it passes St.Erth signal box on its way to Fowey. Copyright Andrea Mant (With thanks to Jason Snow).

66744 leads the returning train, and is seen just east of Truro. 30.08.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.

The driver piles on the power as 66744 tackles the climb out of Par and is seen at Treesmill. 30.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Now on the Fowey branch, the train is seen crossing the causeway at Golant. 30.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Viewed from the upper part of the village at Golant. 30.08.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

A final shot for me as the train crosses the level crossing at Golant before heading on to Fowey. 30.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks to everyone who has contibuted to this article. It was great to see the train finally 'used in anger' after many set backs. Long may it continue.

Marsh Barton Steam
David Tozer

34046 ‘Braunton’ with the late running 1635 1Z72 Kingswear to Bedford. On the rear was 47593 ‘Galloway Princess’ Earlier the sun was out then drizzle. 30.08.2025, copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks as always, Dave.

Closing Coombe Junction Signal Box
Part 3
Roger Winnen

A passenger train is seen crossing Moorswater Viaduct. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

Many hands make light work. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

A signalmans duty sheet. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

37308 coming down the grade from Liskeard. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

Spoil Wagons at Liskeard. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

37308 at Liskeard. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

Going around the bend. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

Redundant track at Liskeard. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

August 30th 2025

30/8/2025

Dawlish Peak
Michael Forward & Michael Adams

Another great shot from Michael Adams shows 45076 at Dawlish Warren with a Paignton to Newcastle service on 1 August 1981.

More Peaks next week.

45076 heading east through Dawlish with a Paignton - Newcastle service. 01.08.1981, copyright Michael Adams.

Many thanks both - a smashing photo.

Closing Coombe Junction Signal Box
Part 2
Roger Winnen

37308 Passing Coombe Junction Box. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

Track Layout at Coombe. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

Track alterations at Coombe. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

Coombe Junction Box. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

Men at work. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

The Class 37 stands on the Looe line notice the difference in the gradient of the two lines. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

Through the Signal Box windows. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

August 29th 2025

29/8/2025

Ivybridge Clay
Clive Smith

Running to time, 66054 at Ivybridge with Thursday's 6M53 11.46 Parkandillack - Cliffe Vale clay JIAs. The train actually started from St. Blazey today, making the short journey from St. Blazey - Par as 6Z53. 28.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks as always, Clive

Closing Coombe Junction Signal Box
Part 1
Roger Winnen

37308 Arriving at Coombe Junction Junction. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

Coombe Junction Platform. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

Coombe Junction viewed from the road overbridge. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

The British Rail workmen now arriving by train, this being the last day of the box. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

Coombe Junction Signal Box records. 10.05.1981, copyright Roger Winnen.

August 28th 2025

28/8/2025

The first indoor Meeting of the winter season of the Cornwall Railway Society takes place on Saturday September 13th 2025
Jim Collins presents
'Spanning a career of 47 Years on the railways'
Not to be missed

At the Wesley Memorial Hall Redruth commencing at 18.30 hrs

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 61
Burnley, 3rd August 1968
Michael L. Roach

Most enthusiasts, of any age, know that the first weekend of August 1968 was a major landmark in the history of Britain's railways with the closure of the last few steam sheds and the dieselisation of the last few steam-hauled freight and passenger trains which were all in the north-west of England. A friend and I decided we ought to be there to witness this major event. He was Patrick S. Rae (1937-2007) originally from Solihull, then living in Plymouth, and soon to move to Sidcup within a year or two, and spending half his life there on the outskirts of London.

There were to be a number of railtours that weekend and we would aim to photograph some of them out in the Lancashire countryside and to visit at least one steam shed, so we would need a car. We headed north on Friday 2 August 1968 leaving Plymouth after an early lunch. It was 160 miles of the A38 to Junction 8 of the M5 at Strensham where (I think) the motorway started in 1968. I had started to use colour slide film four days earlier at Longleat, which was far later than most photographers, due to financial considerations. It was an Ilford 20-exposure film which I probably chose because of their plastic mounts. People had warned me about Ilford colour results but I think the attached scans are good for the age of the originals. For the second film I switched to Kodak Ektachrome which had been my friend's first choice for some time. By a strange twist of fate the first colour photo of a railway engine was an electric one and not a steam engine. We stopped at Keele Services and there in the car park was a brand-new electric loco on a trailer starting out on the first stage of a journey from a local factory to the Pakistan Western Railway. It was a 25KV engine of 3,070 horse power and weighed 44 tons without its bogies. The trailer was being hauled by a Pickfords Scammell tractor unit registration ULY 904 which has survived into preservation.

Where we found bed and breakfast has been lost in the midst of time. Next morning we moved on to Burnley which we approached from the west along the A678 and A679 and it was while passing through the village of Rishton that we saw something that I had not witnessed for nearly 20 years and have not seen since and that was the daily milk being delivered by horse and cart. In the late 1940s our milk was delivered every day of the week by horse and cart in Salcombe Road, Plymouth; but then fuel of all types was in short supply and rationed, and petrol rationing did not end until 26 May 1950. There are a few small breweries that still use a horse and dray for very local deliveries e.g. Hook Norton in Oxfordshire. As we approached Rose Grove, Burnley it was to find an LMS 2-8-0 8F no. 48393 of Rose Grove Shed drifting down the grade heading east past Rose Grove Shed (at 10.56am). 48393 was hauling empty steel mineral wagons which had probably delivered coal to Huncoat Power Station just three miles away. This was an opportunity too good to miss so we decided to give chase which would not be difficult at the speed that the train was travelling at. The engine took water and we saw it next at Gannow Junction (11.15) where it forked right for the Calder Valley and the Yorkshire coalfield. From Gannow Junction there is a 5-mile climb on gradients of 1 in 68/71 to Copy Pit which enabled us to overtake the train as the 8F had 60 empty wagons in tow. It was seen passing Holme Chapel (11.30) and at Copy Pit Summit (11.40am) where 48191 passed in the opposite direction. My notes do not make clear whether 48191 had banked the train we were chasing or not.

We returned to Burnley to make our one and only visit to a steam shed during our visit to Lancashire and that was Rose Grove which was located on the north side of the line just east of Padiham Junction and just west of Rose Grove Station and two miles west of the centre of Burnley. The shed was built by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway and opened in 1899 and was one of just three steam sheds to survive until the very end of steam. The others were at Carnforth and Lostock Hall (Preston). The shed was orientated east – west and just outside the rear wall of the shed passed the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and it was from the canal that the shed obtained the water for the steam engines. When an engine arrived at Crewe Works for overhaul the first action was to drain the water from the tender or the side tanks. It was said that the men draining out the water could always recognise a Rose Grove engine without looking at the shed plate by the fish that came out with the water. History does not record whether the fish were dead or alive. We were not alone that day as we toured the shed as there were lots of enthusiasts making their last visit to a steam shed, which was typical of track and buildings that had seen 70 years of use in a smoky environment.

To me as a transport enthusiast and a civil engineer the one thing that Burnley is known for is the Burnley Embankment which carries the Leeds and Liverpool Canal across the valley to the east of the town centre; and which is one of the seven wonders of the British Waterways system. It is in good company with the likes of Anderton Boat Lift and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The Burnley Embankment is three quarters of a mile long and up to 60 feet (18 metres) above the surrounding ground. It took the navvies five years to build (1796 – 1801) and cost £22,000 – a bargain. I have only been back to Burnley once since 1968 and that was in 1996 when staying at Greenfield which has a railway station on the line from Manchester to Standedge Tunnel and Huddersfield.

We were at Rose Grove Shed from 1.30pm to just after 3.00pm that day and saw 29 steam engines. Many were dead and condemned but there were also 10 in steam. Only one engine came onto shed while we were there and that was 48715 at 2.00pm. Here is a list of engines on Rose Grove Shed applicable at 3.00pm on Saturday 3 August 1968:

Stanier 5MTs in steam
45156 (formerly Ayrshire Yeomanry)

Stanier 5MTs condemned
44899, 45096, 45350, 45382, 45447 (5 no.)

Stanier 8Fs in steam
48191, 48278, 48393, 48400, 48423, 48519, 48715, 48727, 48773 (9 no.)

Stanier 8Fs condemned
48062/115/247/257/323/384/410/448/451/665/666/715/727/730 (14 no.)

48773 was used on an LCGB railtour next day, with 48519 as standby. 48773 returned light engine from Carnforth at the end of the day, Sunday 4 August 1968, and was the last steam engine to arrive on Rose Grove Shed for attention.

The next day we spent the morning on the platform at Manchester Victoria Station where most, if not all, of the last-day railtours were routed. In the afternoon we were out in the Lancashire countryside about half a mile south of Entwistle station on the Bolton to Blackburn line and not far from Sough Summit. The summit lay at the top of a seven mile steep climb of which some five miles was at a constant 1 in 73. Four of the specials traversed the line while we were there, and all were double-headed. The last to pass was the RCTS Special which had started at Euston at 08.35 and was the longest train of the day at 13C. When it passed us it was running 169 minutes late; and so we took our last photos of the RCTS Special at 16.16 and headed for home 300 miles away.

In conclusion I think we very very lucky and privileged to come across one of the last steam-hauled freight trains on 3 August 1968. Freight trains still pass along this route with many timetabled but most of them are Q or run as required. There are few power stations left in Britain and even fewer using solid fuel as opposed to gas via a pipeline, but one of those is Drax which uses mostly imported biomass. One of the docks where the biomass is unloaded is Liverpool and some of the trains from Liverpool to Drax are routed via Burnley and Copy Pit.

New electric loco for Pakistan Western Railways seen at Keele Services on the evening of Friday 2 August 1968. The 1958 11-litre Scammell tractor unit survives in preservation. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

8F no. 48393 is leaving Gannow Junction for Copy Pit at 11.15am on Saturday 3 August. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

48393 passes Copy Pit signal box at 11.40am. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The gradient profile for the 5-mile climb from Gannow Junction to Copy Pit Summit.

The first engine photographed at Rose Grove Shed was 8F no. 48773 which was looking clean and very presentable because it was going to work an LCGB railtour the next day. The engine has an interesting history including working in Iran and Egypt. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Black 5 no. 45156. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

8F no. 48666 with 48191 behind. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

8F no. 48715 had come onto shed at 2.00pm and is seen here two minutes later. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Three minutes later and 48715 has moved up beside the ash heaps where the fire was mostly thrown out before the engine entered the shed at 2.15pm. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The rather typical interior of a steam shed. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Looking east out of the 6-road shed there is the normal array of notice boards; a chap who looks like the shed master; several railway enthusiasts; 48773 again. It was like an unofficial open-house at Rose Grove Shed that day. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

A general view looking west. On the horizon are the cooling towers of the Huncoat Power Station. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks as always Mike - some atmospheric photographs from the final days of steam.

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

The Camel Challenge
At The Bodmin Railway

The Camel Challenge is on!

On Friday 5th September 2025, 3 of our amazing team— Clare, Emma & Lizzie — plus a very brave driver (the one in charge of the brakes!) — will be tackling a wild and historic sponsored challenge… aboard Camel, our vintage 4-wheeled, hand-propelled cart!

The mission - an incredible 24 miles , that's 16 round trips from Bodmin General to Walker Lines and back — the same as an epic All-Line journey!

The ladies are raising funds for a revamp at Boscarne Junction station and green for everyone to enjoy, as well as our family friendly exhibition coach.

Camel is no ordinary trolley — it’s a quirky piece of railway history with roots that may date back to the 1870s! Once used locally as a permanent-way and inspection cart, it has survived through Southern, LSWR, BR… all the way to its preservation here at Bodmin. These days, it’s kept safe at Bodmin General and brought out for special occasions — like this!

But don’t be fooled by its elegant looks... Camel is heavy, wobbly, and tough to push — so this challenge is no easy ride.

Come along and cheer on the team and soak up the atmosphere. Every push, every wobble, every mile makes a real difference to improving the experience for all our visitors.

We're wishing Clare, Emma, and Lizzie the very best of luck as they take on this truly unique challenge — one (very wobbly!) cart ride at a time.

To support their efforts, click here

Our best wishes to the team - good luck!

Wintertime HST
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

43090 leads a Virgin Trains service away from a snowy Bristol Parkway in 2001. Copyright Phil Smith.

A lovely scene - many thanks, Phil.

Trenowth Trains
Jon Hird

Despite the title of this article, the first photograph is infact slightly west of Trenowth. 43189 and 43198 cross Fal Viaduct heading west with 2C20 on 27.08.2025. Copyright Jon Hird.

Now at Trenowth, 802020 scurries east with 2E15 (the 1250 Penzance - Exeter St. Davids). 27.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

A short while later, I was rewarded with another 'Castle Class' HST. 43098 leads 2P16 with 43042 on the rear. 27.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Spinning around for a going-away shot of 43042 tailing 2P16 as the train heads on towards Fal Viaduct. 27.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

August 27th 2025

27/8/2025

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 42A
PS Waverley - Latest
Michael L. Roach

PS Waverley finished its stint on the Clyde Coast on Bank Holiday Monday 25 August and was due to start its South West and South Coast Cruises on Thursday 28 August 2025 working out of Falmouth and Penzance on the first day. That gave it a couple of days to sail down the Irish Sea and around Lands End. However the weather forecast for the next few days is for strong winds and severe swell off Lands End so the decision was taken that Waverley would make this repositioning move by travelling around the north of Scotland and down the East Coast of England taking much longer. Amazingly this mammoth voyage of more than 1000 nautical miles will be a first for Waverley. The cruises scheduled for 28 August from Falmouth and Penzance have already been cancelled. More information at Waverley excursions.co.uk

At the time of writing (8.30pm on 26 August 2025) Waverley is heading east about five miles off Thurso.

Many thanks, Mike - anybody thinking of venturing out for 'Waverley', please be warned!

Hayle HST's
Andrew & Diane Jones

Dear Keith, Jon and Roger

This is becoming a bit of a habit, sorry Roger and happy birthday by the way, you look very good for 80 !

Passport at the ready.....

Hayle viaduct like something from a modellers delight complete with slightly wonky pillars. I suppose foundations were difficult being right at the edge of the estuary.

Diane had to attend the wonderful St Michael Hospital. We are very lucky to have retained this facility given the pressure that the NHS is under.

So resembling a toy train Tregenna Castle leading the 15.27 to Plymouth, Walton Castle bringing up the rear.

Very best wishes Andrew and Diane

Tregenna Castle leading the 15.27 Penzance to Plymouth over Hayle Viaduct. 26.08.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Walton Castle on the rear of the 1527 to Plymouth. 26.08.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Many thanks, both - lovely shots.

The Swindon & Crickdale Railway
Ken Mumford

Please click any of the below images for an enlargement and caption. All images are © Ken Mumford and dated 25.08.2025.

Many thanks, Ken - a nice selection of images.

A day out in Devon
Roger Winnen

A selection of photographs taken during a trip to Devon on Saturday 23rd August. Highlights included 66054 on the China Clay empties, and 5029 'Nunney Castle' working 'The English Riviera Express' to Kingswear.

Please click any of the below images for an enlargement and caption. All images are © Roger Winnen and dated 23.08.2025.

There are a couple more 'English Riviera Express' trips scheduled this year. For dates and times, see our Railtour Calendar.

26th August 2025

26/8/2025

Locos by night
Alan Peters

Colas Rail ran 70801 with 6C97 to Penzance to run round for a rail drop on East Largin Viaduct on 24/08/25, a photo taken whilst waiting for the GWR Night Rivera to depart Penzance headed by 57603 'Tintagel Castle' to London Paddington. 24.08.2025, copyright Alan Peters.

Drivers Eye view above the tree tops on East Largin viaduct illuminated by the rail delivery train from the cab of Colas Rail 70801. 24.08.2025, copyright Alan Peters.

Many thanks Alan - the Largin photograph is remarkable!

High Speed Sunrise
Joe Birchall

This morning, whilst on my way to Bodmin Railway, I decided to take a picture of 43 186 whilst it was in Truro station, with the 05:32 to Penzance. I was really pleased with how the photo came out, although a sunset may have been more apt given the circumstances of the HST fleet. 25.08.2025, copyright Joseph Birchall.

We've had some smashing sunrises over the last few days, well done for capturing one Joe, and many thanks for sending it in.

Ark Royal at Par
Michael Forward & Michael Adams

Hello Roger, Well done on reaching 80 and for making the effort to carry on. I should reach that landmark in about 18 months time.

In the meantime Michael Adams has sent me some more lovely pictures for the site for others to enjoy.

Here is today's offering showing 50035 'Ark Royal' arriving at Par on 21 March 1988 with the 12.03 Penzance to Plymouth.

This loco can still be seen on the Severn Valley Railway.

50035 'Ark Royal' arriving at Par on 21 March 1988 with the 12.03 Penzance to Plymouth. Copyright Michael Adams.

Many thanks to the two Michaels. Lots of lovely details in this photograph for modellers, both the scene and the loco itself. Note the '35' above the high intensity headlight and the black multiple working socket. Interesting stuff!

A visit to The Helston Railway
Roger Winnen

Many thanks to the staff of the helston Railway Company for making our trip on Sunday most enjoyable! That was the icing on my 80th Birthday.

Please click any of the below images for an enlargement and caption. All images are © Roger Winnen and dated 24.08.2025.

Please follow the link below to read about the Helston Railways fundraising project to extend their line - if you can spare a donation, please do give it some thought.

Helston Railway viaduct appeal - click here.

Bank Holiday by the river
Jon Hird

With a day of full sun promised, there were few finer places to spend the afternoon of Monday 25.08 than down by the river at Dartington, watching the trains go by on the South Devon Railway. This was the final day of their 'Rails and Ales' event.

33002 approaches Hood Bridge with the 1300 Buckfastleigh - Totnes Riverside. 25.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Having passed the steam service, 33002 departs Staverton and heads to Totnes, still working the same service as the previous photo. 25.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Now at Dartington and up to my knees in the river, 33002 passes by heading for Totnes with the 1430 Buckfastleigh - Totnes. 25.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

The Crompton at the head of the 1515 Totnes - Buckfastleigh. 25.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

1369 passes Dartington with the 1515 Buckfastleigh - Totnes Riverside. 25.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Finally at Buckfastleigh at the end of the day, 1369 departs with the 1645 to Totnes. 25.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Views from Exmouth
Paul Barlow

1127 Plymouth to Birmingham as seen from Exmouth 10 August 2025. Copyright Paul Barlow.

An unusual view - many thanks, Paul.

August 25th 2025

25/8/2025

Colas to the west!
Paul Barlow, David Tozer, Clive Smith, Jon Hird, Tony Shore, Andrea Mant, Andrew Triggs & Roger Winnen.

A late afternoon/early evening rail drop train to Largin Junction (via a run round at Penzance) attracted considerable interest in the South West. Basked in wonderful sunshine for most of its journey, a selection of shots from our contributors are shown below.

70801 1333 Westbury to Largin (via Penzance) passes Cowley Bridge, Exeter. 24.08.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

Turkish built Class 70 70801 with the 1333 6C97 Westbury Down T.C to Largin via Penzance passes Exminster. Copyright David Tozer.

Colas 70801 climbs Rattery bank with the 6C97 13.33 Westbury to Largin via Penzance long welded rail infrastructure train. Nice to see a 70 moving in daylight. 24.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Now on Cornish soil and in the hands of driver Alan Peters, 70801 drifts past Restormel with the road set into Lostwithiel down loop. 24.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Just around the corner from the previous shot, the train approaches Restormel Farm Overbridge. 24.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

Having been passed by a following GWR service, 70801 comes out of the loop and passes Lostwithiel. 24.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

After a signal stop at Par, the 70 makes a fantastic noise as it lifts the train away again up the bank. 24.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

70801 powers away from a signal check with the continuously welded rail train at St.Erth station. 24.08.2025, copyright Andrea Mant (With thanks to Jason Snow).

Passing Ponsandane Yard in the late evening sun heading to Penzance. 24.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Nearing the end of this leg of its journey, 70801 eases into Penzance past the signal box. 24.08.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

A view of the wagons carrying long lengths of rail for use in the Largin area. 24.08.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

A view from beneath the canopy at Penzance. 24.08.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Following arrival at Platform 1, Penzance. 24.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

A side-on shot of the impressively proportioned locomotive at Penzance. 24.08.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks all - a super record of the event. We were spoiled with a train heading west late in the day, with the bonus of some sunshine!

Around Clay Country
Roger Winnen

The 12.05 ex Newquay approaching Bugle. 29.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen

The 12.05 from Newquay passing through Bugle Station on 29th September 1974. The CRS Mini Bus is seen awaiting its passengers. 29.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen

The Carbis Branch photographed on 29th September 1974. 29.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen

Looking up to the China Clay spoil tips. 29.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen

Now looking down to the pit. 29.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen

Stuck in a loop
Andrew Hickson

66054 with the down empty JIA's waiting in Dawlish Warren loop. 23.08.2025, copyright Andrew Hickson.

166210 calls with the 1153 Paignton - Exmouth Service. 23.08.2025, copyright Andrew Hickson.

66054 finally gets the road and heads west. 23.08.2025, copyright Andrew Hickson.

Great shots Andrew, many thanks for sending them in.

Exminster Castle
David Tozer

43156 + GW09 48137 48126 48136 49109 + 43186 with the 1C32 15:27 Exeter St David’s – Penzance. 24.08.2025, copyright David Tozer.

Thanks very much Dave.

Swindon Scenes & Steam
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon

1Z28 [Victoria to Worcester] organised by the Railway Touring Company. Steam locomotive immaculate 35028 'Clan Line' [due to stop for staffing purposes but gilded slowly non-stop alongside platform 3. It will come off this train when it reverses at Gloucester. The train will return later this evening non-stop through platform 1. 23.08.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

The WCRC Class 47 on the rear. 24.08.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

Northolt Sidings to Severnside Sita train carrying London's waste [and passengers on platform 4 could smell it!!] speeds past. 23.08.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

The GOLDEN ARROW organised by the Railway Touring Company passing non-stop alongside platform 1. It was 9 minutes LATE passing. The following IET was not photographed BUT my wife and I had a nice chat with its driver who was not aware that a steam special MIGHT hold him up. 23.08.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

35028 approaching Swindon with 'The Golden Arrow'. 23.08.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Lovely to see 35028 - many thanks, chaps.

August 24th 2025

24/8/2025

5029 heads to Kingswear
Martin Scane

5029 Nunney Castle is, of course, becoming a bit of a regular these last few weeks but here she is having just exited Parsons Tunnel pretty much right time today at 12-10. 23.08.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Had “Paddington in Peru” been some 30 seconds earlier I would have managed both trains in the same shot. 23.08.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Nice shots Martin - many thanks.

The SDR 'Rails and Ales' Weekend
Clive Smith & Sam Ryder

From Clive Smith:

It's that time of year again. Summer is in swing. The sun is shining. The beer is flowing. Plus there's a Crompton out. 33002 looks resplendent in a new coat of paint, this time with a bit more yellow for the 'Dutch' version of the Civil Engineers' livery rather than the previous all grey version. A great day was had at the beer festival and some miles behind the 33, seen here at Buckfastleigh and Totnes. There was even a beer brewed and named after it, 'Crompton Gold'.

Bright sunshine at Buckfastleigh as 33002 prepares to depart. 23.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

33002 running round at Totnes Riverside, the opposite end of the line. 23.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

'Crompton Gold' - a beer on offer at the ale festival. 23.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

And now for a selection of photographs from Friday 22nd, from Sam Ryder.

33002's name plate - 'Sea King'. 22.08.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.

33002 ready to depart Buckfastleigh. 22.08.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.

33002 approaches Hood Bridge, near Staverton. 22.08.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.

Skirting the river Dart at Dartington. 22.08.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.

A great shot of the Devon countryside with the 'Crompton' passing by. 22.08.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.

Many thanks both - the 33 looks great.

The Newquay Branch - 1974
(And various other clay country scenes)
Part 6
Roger Winnen

Ungated crossing leaving Newquay. 08.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen

Western Haulage on th Newquay Branch. 08.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen

Crossing the Iron Bridge on Goss Moor. D1052. 08.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen

Goonbarrow Junction. 08.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen

Treviscoe Dries in 1974 during a CRS Mini Bus Trip. 29.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen

Crossing gates in the Meledor Mill area. 29.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen

Stenalees Tunnel 29th September 1974 Richard Angove Chris Angove Keith Jenkin etc. 29.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen

The old tracklayout at Burngullow. 29.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen

The Trenance Valley Branch. 29.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen

Saturday Empties
Jon Hird & Tony Shore

'Clay & Cattle' - a good name for a pub maybe? 66054 and 11 empty JIA's drift down towards Par from Treverrin Tunnel. 6V76 Westbury - Goonbarrow. 23.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Now on the Newquay Branch, the train passes some colourful summer wildflowers near Blazey Bridge. 23.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

A little further along the branch, the train has just cleared the newly refurbished Ponts Mill Viaduct and continues on its way up the bank towards Goonbarrow. 23.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks, Tony

Ponts Mill Viaduct Refurbishment
Jon Hird

After an extensive refurbishment, necessary to improve line speed ahead of the new 'Mid Cornwall Metro' timetable, Ponts Mill Viaduct is finished and has been 'unwrapped' - the scaffolding removed. The bridge looks fantastic with the metalwork finished in gloss black and the stonework cleaned and weeded. 23.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Looking between the pillars of the viaduct, we can see the beginning of the rope-worked incline of the original Treffry Tramway. The ground has been cleared back allowing daylight to reach the arched tunnel for the first time in many years. 23.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

August 23rd 2025

23/8/2025

The NMT visits the South West
David Tozer, Joe Birchall, Mark Lynam, Owen Brown, Andrew Triggs & Jon Hird

43013 + 977984 975814 977993 975984 + 43274 1Q18 0543 Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton via Penzance taken at Powderham. 22.08.2025, copyright David Tozer.

43013 approaches Truro with 1Q18. 22.08.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.

43274 trailing towards Truro. 22.08.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.

43013 + 43274 at Blackwater Viaduct with 1Q18. 22.08.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Passing Ponsandane at 11.50 running 28 late 43013 leading 1Q18. 22.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

On final approach to Platform 4 viewed from Ponsandane Footbridge. 22.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

A superb shot of 43274 side by side with 43098 at Penzance. 22.08.2025, copyright Owen Brown.

43274 leading the 4 Car NMT away from Penzance departing 41 late at 12.22. 22.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Sunny Cornish NMT. 43013 + 43274 at Penstraze both between Redruth and Truro working

43274 leads the returning test train past Truro. 22.08.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.

With the sun artfully dodging the train, 1Q18 passes Dowgas. 22.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks all

Memories of 67003
Paul Barlow

67003 0708 York-Paignton Bristol 28 August 2004. This loco was sent to EMR Kingbury on 27 May and cut up in July 2025. The first of the class to be disposed of. Copyright Paul Barlow.

The Newquay Branch - 1974
Part 5
Roger Winnen

1A65 at Newquay. 08.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Peak at Newquay.

D78 at Newquay on the 10.30. 08.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen. 1A 15 Newquay Paddington, The engine came off at Plymouth and worked the 09.50 Paddington to Newquay at Par Thanks to Roger Geech

The 11.12 Newquay to Par service with a DMU. 08.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

Newquay Tramway. 08.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

DMU departs Newquay. 08.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

Rounding the curve into Par Station. 08.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

The approach to Newquay Station. 08.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Peak in the sidings at Newquay. 08.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

A 3 Car unit departs for Par. 08.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Peak departure from Newquay. 08.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen. 45010 working the 1M54 Newquay to Nottingham thanks to Roger Geech

August 22nd 2025

22/8/2025

Happy birthday Roger!

Our warmest birthday wishes to Roger Winnen - our vice president, events secretary, assisting webmaster and general oracle of all things railway!

80 years young today - happy birthday Roger and thanks for all you do for the CRS!

A creamery question - can you help?
Michael West

Hallo, Not strictly railway material but I'm interested in the big 6- Bay scalloped roofed bottling building built on the Creamery site next to the railway at St Erth in the 1950s. I think Mr Oates of Primrose Dairies may have sold the business to St Ivel ( United Dairies?) by then, though I suspect he may be the reason for such a striking looking building.

Does anyone know anything about it or have photos of it at any time?

The bottling building at St. Erth, taken from the open-top bus near the roundabout. Does anybody know its history? Copyright Michael West.

Many thanks, Michael - an interesting question, surely somebody knows? Please drop us an email to [email protected] if you have any clues.

The Newquay Branch - 1974
Part 4
Roger Winnen

D1001 Western Pathfinder on the 10.05 ex Newquay. 24.08.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1027 Western Lancer on the 10.30 ex Newquay. 24.08.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

St. Blazey Yard. 24.08.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Western departs Par for Newquay. 24.08.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Western and a Peak at St Blazey. 24.08.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

Peak D69 at St Blazey. 24.08.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Class 25 on St. Blazey Shed. 24.08.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

St. Blazey Shed from the Par Harbour Line. 24.08.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

An express to the north approaching Par. 24.08.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Class 47 en route to Penzance at Par. 24.08.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.

Summer Specials
Paul Barlow

67001 0708 York- Paignton leaves Dawlish on 14 August 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

67018 0843 Paignton to Preston at Exeter on 28 August 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

67018 0843 Paignton to Preston at Bristol Temple Meads on 28 August 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

67016 0905 Paignton to Newcastle arrives at Bristol on 28 August 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul - 21 years ago - where has the time gone?

Thursdays Clay
Tony Shore & Jon Hird

66063 crosses Gover Viaduct and heads towards Trewoon with the St. Blazey - Parkandillack (Treviscoe) empty JIA’s. 21.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

Now on the Parkandillack branch, 66063 picks its way through the vegetation at Lanjeth. 21.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

That won’t fit in the garage! 66063 running round at Treviscoe. 21.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

Within the Imerys complex at Treviscoe, 66063 shunts 4 of the 11 JIA’s into the sheds for loading. 21.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

Having finished up the branch, 6M53 heads east through Trewoon. 21.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

The St. Blazey driver at the controls of 66063, as the JIA’s are recessed into Par Chapel Siding. 21.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

66063 waits for its path with 6M53 in Chapel Siding. 21.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

The grade of clay within the wagons - SPESWHITE - online spec sheets describe this as an exceptionally fine bright white powder, suitable for use in the manufacturing of PVC pipes, flooring etc. 21.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

Looking back at the decapitated semaphores at Par. 21.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

Later in the day, 66063 heads 6M53 over Pendalake Viaduct in the Glynn Valley whilst en route to Cliffe Vale. 21.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks for the comprehensive set of photos, Tony.

Great light at Pinhoe
David Tozer

Since the service West of Yeovil Junction has been cut by 50% the unit off the 1631 Barnstaple to Axminster now returns as the 1840 2Z92 Axminster to Exeter Central.GWR Class 150/2 150243 worked the service tonight. 21.08.2025, copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks, Dave - a scene which is unmistakably a late summers evening.

Maiden Voyager
Jon Hird

First in class 220001 crosses Pendalake Viaduct with the 1115 Penzance - Edinburgh. Hey, at least it’s not green! 21.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

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