Blog Archives

31st October 2019

31/10/2019

The Weedkiller Train to Moorswater 14th May 1995
Roger Winnen

950514a Using the crossover at the west end of Liskeard Station 20901 Nancy and 20904 Janis crossover to the up main to gain the 1901 connection to the Looe and Moorswater Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

950514b The Weedkiller is seen rounding the bend being the 1901 connection to the Looe Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

950514c A member of the crew alights at Coombe Junction to work the groundframe. Copyright Roger Winnen

950514d On its way to Moorswater. Copyright Roger Winnen

950514e The weedkiller is framed throgh Moorswater Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

950514f The train is seen on the run around loop at Moorswater. Copyright Roger Winnen

950514g Underneath the road overbridge at Coombe Junction, the train is seen departing for Looe. Copyright Roger Winnen

Redruth - Penzance
Martin Scane

We took a trip from Redruth to Penzance today so here are a few photographs. First , at 10.42 we see a Short (2+4) HST set depart Redruth for Plymouth. Unusually, for the last few days there is a spot of blue sky visible. Many thanks Martin.

Next , Penzance with the 11.20 arrival of the Bristol Parkway to Penzance service. 31st October 2019. Copyright Martin Scane.

43041 St Catherine’s Castle standing at Penzance station. 31st October 2019. Copyright Martin Scane.

Finally the 14.39 arrival from Cardiff drawing into Platform 3. This will form the 14.49 departure for Plymouth. 31st October 2019 Copyright Martin Scane.

Autumn Tints
Chris Osment

Autumn tints on the leaves as 159 022 adds its own splash of colour forming the 14.35 departure for Waterloo awaits departure from Sherborne on the 23rd October 2019. Copyright Chris Osment. Two elderly gentlemen wait at the barrier to cross.

Many thanks Chris

St Erth
Ron Kosys

Late afternoon 17th July 1971, finds me at St Erth on another of my Western Railrovers. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Hidden treasures
Highly recommended viewing
Roy Hart

Dear Keith,
May I recommend the excellent FACEBOOK page run by GWS Didcot? This site is updated daily not just with the doings at Didcot, but with reports of historic events such as branch line openings, accidents, old GWR publicity etc. At present there are two Cornish features to be found: a description of a notable 'near miss' on the Cornwall Railway at Par and a photo commemorating the opening of Defiance Platform. The material comes from GWS archives and often has not previously been published.
Really worth a look. Roy
Many thanks for the tip Roy
- hidden treasures revealed.

30th October 2019

30/10/2019

Taking a look at the major developments at
Exeter
Guy Vincent

A quick visit to Exeter St Davids today to view 'station side' progress on the new traincrew and maintenance facility currently under construction adjacent to platform 6. The new building in some ways merely replicates what was there before; who remembers the long wooden goods shed that burnt down some time in the 1990s? One of the newly named HST power cars was noted as 43041 'St Catherine's Castle' had just arrived at the head of the 1112 ex Penzance. Led by 43187 'The Welshman', the 'Castle Class 255 then departed for Plymouth at 1439.
We noticed that platform 6 has been temporarily shortened with the eastern end blocked to allow machinery access in order to sink new foundations and this work was very much in progress.

Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy.

Exeter St Davids 43041 on the rear of the 14.39 Plymouth. 29th October 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Exeter St Davids 43041 Nameplate 29th October 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Exeter St Davids 43187 1439 Plymouth 29th October 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Exeter St Davids New Depot 29th October 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Exeter St Davids Depot Work Platform 6 Stop Block 29th October 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Exeter St Davids Depot Work. Platform 6 Block Groundworks 29th October 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Exeter St Davids Platform 6 'Block' 29th October 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Exeter St Davids Depot 29th October 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Newton Abbot
Ron Kosys

This one taken at Newton Abbot reminds us of what a big centre of activity Newton Abbot was with the full sidings and loco works over to the tight hand side, the west signalbox and all platforms in use. A Western awaits departure and overlooking the scene are the David and Charles coaches. Many thanks Ron.

45034 Newton Abbot 31st May 1976 with the Paignton portion of an interegional service. Copyright Ron Kosys

29th October 2019

29/10/2019

Going home!
Taunton
Bill Elston

Taunton 143618 and 621 returning to Exeter after wheel turning at Bristol St Phillips Marsh on the 24th October 2019. Copyright Bill Elston

Thanks Bill

Mount Pleasant Road Crossing Footbridge
Southampton
Ron Kosys

Virgin Trains 43154 with 43094 bringing up the rear seen passing the site of Bevois yard on the 7th September 2001 with the 1O12 06.50 Edinburgh to Bournemouth. Copyright Ron Kosys.

In the background on this picture lies the river Itchen - the area of mud (at low tide) lying to the centre left of the picture is locally known as 'St Denys Beach'. Kevin's sheepdog, known as Georgie was fascinated by trains and on this bridge would excitedly dash from end to end as a train passed. On one occasion, while exercising St Denys beach 'Georgie' found a gap in the fence and squeezed through excitedly running around with no care for the live rails or trains. A very relieved owner managed to entice the dearly loved dog back through the gap to safety!!

28th October 2019

28/10/2019

Dawlish
Michael Forward

Hello Roger,Nice pictures of the Colas 67s at Penzance.
Now that the clocks have gone back,lets remind ourselves of long ,hot Summer days and the recent pictures on site of the red cliffs prompted me to send these two,firstly of 50039 ‘Implacable’ on the 14.05 Paignton to Paddington.
All the best and many thanks,Copyright Michael Forward.

Looking the other way we now see 50007 ‘Hercules ‘ on the 09.30 Brighton to Penzance.Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

802010 at Long Rock today
Roger Salter

All Photgraphs by Roger Salter. Copyright.

Thanks Roger

Bristol Pacer observation
Guy Vincent

Always check before boarding at Temple Meads! Not the 9.45 Cross Country to Plymouth but rather a 0900 St Philips Marsh - Exeter Traincare Depot working formed of 'Pacers' 143618 and 143621. The units come up to Bristol 'as required' for tyre turning, a regular necessity at this time of the year and I was fortunate to catch sight of these two on the dreary morning of October 24th as they were about to depart as ECS from platform 10.

On a different subject the long-stored 2 car Tyne and Wear Metro set that has been sat outside Barton Hill depot (and recently featured on the CRS site) has disappeared in the last week or so and at present its whereabouts are unknown.

Cheers for now, Guy Vincent.
Many thanks Guy for keeping you eye on things up there.

Bristol Temple Meads 143618 & 143621 sit at platform 10 ready to depart as the 09.00 SPM-EXD on the at 09.20 on the 24th Ocober 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Waiting for the off!
Exeter St Davids
Ron Kosys

45039 Exeter St Davids 29th May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys.

This loco was withdrawn in December 1980 and scrapped at Swindon in April 1983. Many thanks Ron.

27th October 2019

27/10/2019

802010 In trouble Long Rock
Andrew Triggs

This was Long Rock T & RSD at about 15.00 hours on Sunday 27th October 2019.
IETno. 802010 on No.1 Road after collision with the concrete stops over the period of Friday night/Saturday morning, several Hitatchi employees being in attendance while the shots were being taken on Sunday around 3pm
All the Best, Andrew . Many thanks Andrew.

All photographs are Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

A right Sunday Muddle
Roger Winnen

After departing Penzance at 08.03 this morning I alighted at Truro to photograph the RHTT which went to Falmouth.
Whilst I waited for this train an announcement was made that the 09.10 service to Falmouth had been cancelled owing to a points failure.
This points failure was at Penzance, the ECS for the Falmouth Branch was due to depart Pz at 08.20.
A knock on effect to this was the cancellation of the 09.30 Penzance to Edinburgh which then started at Exeter St David's. Crosscountry ran a later service to Plymouth to make a return as 13.02 service to Penzance.
The first two trains to Gunnislake were cancelled plus the 16.34 Par to Newquay Service were passengers were told to remain onboard the service to Penzance and alight at Truro where a replacement bus service would be arranged

191027a 66168 Is seen returning from Falmouth Docks at Truro and on route to Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen

191027aa 66160 tailing the RHTT through Truro. Copyright Roger Winnen

191027b 66160 Is seen arriving at Plymouth on its return run from Newton Abbot to St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

191027c The new train departure and arrival boards at Plymouth Station which are very clear to read. Copyright Roger Winnen

191027d The Bodmin & Wenford Half Price Weekend and children free was run as a top & tailed day with 47306 The Sapper hauling five coaches enters Bodmin Parkway, 4612 is seen tailing.. Copyright Roger Winnen

191027e The last train of the day saw 37142 arriving at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

191027f 4612 tails the train into Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

191027g 43194 Okehampton Castle at Liskeard on the 13.37 Penzance to Exeter Service. Copyright Roger Winnen

Along the sea wall.
Clive Smith

A few pictures from the last week along the sea wall on what looks like glorious days but were taken during short interludes where the sun broke through the cloud cover.
Regards, Clive Smith.
Many thanks to you Clive for the results of your endeavours with your camera along that famous stretch - your colourful pictures made all that more interesting accompanied by your extensive dialogue.

(1) 158766 passes Rockstone Bridge on the 10.33 Paignton - Exeter St Davids on 23rd October 2019. I had set out to photo this train as I hoped it would be one of the soon-to-disappear class 143 pacers. Unfortunately unbeknown to me a pair had gone to Bristol for maintenance and was substituted by a 158. This was it and that was the sun for the day as the cloud cover renewed and drizzle set in later in the afternoon. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) The same pair head on east towards Exeter. 23rd October 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

(3) 66160 heads the 08.50 Westbury - St Blazey RHTT along the sea wall into Teignmouth on the same day. The rear being 66168.. The clouds have already rolled in again. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) Thankfully the sand ran on the 24th October 66148 in glorious light skirts the River Teign at Teignmouth viewed from Shaldon Bridge. The train is 6C12 10.29 Burngullow - Exeter St Davids. After a lengthy period of pretty much running six days a week, the sand train running has been less regular. The sand is eventually tripped up from Exeter to Bow for use in construction of HS2...or not. Still if HS2 is cancelled there will be plenty of sand to create a beach on the Thames. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) 158749 works the 12.51 Exeter St Davids - Paignton at Shaldon Bridge Teignmouth on the 24th October. A hoped for pacer failed to show but at least the location and light compensate. I have subsequently received the pacer diagrams which are set and not random and largely paired up for the day, essentially meaning three formations operating between Barnstaple, Exmouth and Paignton. Catch them while you can. Copyright Clive Smith.

Gaer Junction
Newport
Ron Kosys

Ex Eastleigh works Class33 33008 passes Gaer Junction, west of Newport, with a Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff train. In the distance can be seen the mouths of Newport tunnels - the new on the left and old on the right. 11th May 1984. Copyright Ron Kosys.

26th October 2019

26/10/2019

RHTT Operations
Severn Tunnel Junction
Alan Peters

The RHTT season takes me away from home in Cornwall, as Colas operate the Bristol RHTT circuit, the Shrewsbury RHTT circuit and the Gloucester RHTT circuit, the latter which I work covers Gloucester to Swindon via Kemble and return, Gloucester to Worcester then Oxford via Moreton in Marsh, Worcester to Hereford and Craven Arms, Worcester to Barnt Green then Severn Tunnel Junction and back to Gloucester utilising class 56 traction. Pictured at Severn Tunnel junction is 56094 with the Gloucester RHTT, working in multiple top and tail with 56078 on the rear, the train will work back to Gloucester Horton Road via Lydney where it is stabled on the old depot inlet road, on 16th October 2019 - Alan Peters Many thanks Alan - happy travels - we're envious!

RHTT at Severn Tunnel Junction with 56 094 on 16th October 2019 Copyright Alan Peters.

Exminster & Creech St Michael
Bill Elston

First, a long-way-from-home 37025 Inverness TMD on an early evening freight from Cornwall, with 37701, then an hour later it headed west assisting a cross-country HST (43013 and 43070)
The third photo is of 37025 at Creech St Michael 17th Jan 2019 on an NR test train. Quite a survivor!
Cheers, Bill. Many thanks Bil for your historical pictures.

37025 leads 37701 on a freight from Cornwall. 9th June 1998. Copyright Bill Elston.

Just an hour later 37025 assists a Cross Country HST heading west. 9th June 1998. Copyright Bill Elston.

Now over twenty years later. 37025 is seen at Creech St Michael on the 17th January 2019. Copyright Bill Elston.

Tonbridge to Meldon Quarry
Ron Kosys

6V96 was booked a pair of 33’s throughout from Tonbridge to Meldon Quarry, although occasionally it could be a single. Routed via Westbury and the GW main line, this involved a run-round at Exeter Riverside. This empty ballast working might also include all manner of engineers vehicles.
3rd May 1989 was one such day, when a crane, mess van plus lengths of rail were included. These were clearly removed at Riverside as the train is seen initially passing Cowley Bridge Junction and a short while later passing Newton St Cyres.

33008+33016 seen at Cowley Bridge on the 3rd May 1989 with the 6V96 the 09.38 Tonbridge-Meldon Quarry. Copyright Ron Kosys.

33016+33008 seen passing through Newton St Cyres on the 3rd May 1989 with the 6V96 09.38 Tonbridge-Meldon Quarry. Copyright Ron Kosys. Note the old down platform and shelter.

25th October 2019

25/10/2019

The Monthly visit of the
Network Rail Measurement Train

Photographs by Andrew Triggs, Roger Winnen and Mick House.

Class 67 023 & 67 027 arrive in Cornwall today bringing with them The Network Rail Measurement Train with the 05.17 Reading Triangle Sidings (leaving 17 minutes early at 05.00) to Paignton 15.35.

67 023 Stella heads past Gwinear road crossing. Copyright Mick House.

67 027 Charlotte on the rear of the train passing Gwinear road crossing. Copyright Mick House.

On the run to Penzance, crossing Angarrack Viaduct, with 67023/027 at 11.42am Copyright Andrew Triggs

191025c 67027 Charlotte on the network rail measuring tain at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

67 027 in the platform at Penzance. Copyright Mick House.

191025d 67023 Stella near the buffer stops at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

67 023 in the platform at Penzance. Copyright Mick House.

191025e 67023 Stella with the National Rail Measuring Train view from the steps leading to the balcony. Copyright Roger Winnen

The return run to Paignton crossing Hayle Viaduct at 12.30pm Copyright Andrew Triggs

Chun Castle at Penzance
Roger Winnen

Near to home Chun Castle was an iron age hillfort near Morvah, Pendeen commanding views around the West Penwith peninsula.

191025a 43153 Chun Castle arrives on the 09.00 from Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

191025b The nameplate of Chun Castle at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Exeter Central
Ron Kosys

Now here's an interesting view of rather an untidy site, or is it sight. Warship D806 Cambian climbs to Exeter Central with the 12.30 service to Waterloo on the 20th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys. Ron adds - It is later seen arriving at Exeter Central with the 1230 St Davids to Waterloo. Taking ‘wrong side’ for the sun and chopping the spire off ‘St Michael and All Angel’s’ Church [I’m pretty certain that’s the one] didn’t enter my head at the time!

Redruth
The late John Cornelius

John sadly passed away two years ago now but thankfully he left a legacy of his pictures on our website. Being a Dorset man he rarely came to Cornwall but being, besides a signalman a church bellringer on tour he popped into various stations. Here is selection of his of Redruth. Redruth station having a viaduct at one end and a tunnel at the other and at times various sidings seems to be an ideal candidate for the modelmaker. Here is a selection he took at Redruth.

158 872 heads away towards the tunnel on a damp day. Copyright the late John Cornelius

Looking back from very nearly the tunnel mouth. There were once sidings behind the down, left hand side platform and a bay on the far end of the up platform. Copyright John Cornelius.

A closer view of the footbridge which has fortunately fairly recently received a refurbishment. it certainly adds character to the station. Copyright John Cornelius.

And finally 150244 bearing the colours of Wessex Trains trundles into the down platform. You can just see the light of day beyond the 47 yard tunnel. Copyright the late John Cornelius.

General News
Keith Jenkin

Yesterday I reported on my experience of boarding a Cheltenham to Brighton Train which had no toilets - stops were being made for 'personal needs' on the journey. Martin Scane wrote of a similar experience, thanks for your note Martin.
However, may I say, and I am not these days a regular rail traveller, over the last weekend I notched up quite a few hundred miles using a 'Freedom of the south West Railrover' and the experience was pleasurable. I found most trains busy and clean as were the stations - a great improvement on the situation in the past. Although perhaps the seats on the IET's are a little hard I marvelled at the Crystal Clear announcements of the PA system and the seat reservation labelling - a green light meaning a seat was available and a red one indicating that it was booked.
I see from a report in the local newspaper that the St Ives branch carried 406,000 passengers 89,000 more than last year. It was also reported that main line usage has seen an increase of 21%. Long may these trends continue. From December 2019 we will see an increased frequency of trains thanks to the new signalling recently introduced. KJ.

Freight Train Loads
Colin Burges

Why I didn't think to look at my copy of a timetable I do not know. It must have come from this resource:

http://www.michaelclemensrailways.co.uk/article/british-railways-western-region-working/572

This is obviously interesting in itself, being a fine illustration of what the W.R. Cornish lines looked like in the year I was born. "Instructions for Calculating Loads of Freight Trains" is found on page 87.

What would a W.T.T. of freight trains west of Ashburton Junction look like today?

Best wishes, Colin. Many thanks Colin

24th October 2019

24/10/2019

2 + 4 Castle Class HST works the Newquay Branch today
Dave Anthony, Mark Lynam, Roger Winnen

This HST set was a substitute for the normal Class 150s, possibly as the Looe Branch earlier in the day had a Bus Replacement service owing to a lack of units.

191024a 43122 on the 12.11 Par to Newquay service. Copyright Roger Winnen

191024b 43094 Waits to depart from Newquay on the 13.05 service to Par with a three minute turn around. Copyright Roger Winnen

191024c The 14.07 Par to Newquay arrives at Bugle in the photograph is Signalman Roger Matthews. Copyright Roger Winnen

191024d Tony Wright reads the timetable at Roche Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

191024e The returning service from Newquay departing at 15.01 passes through Roche Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

191024f 43122 is seen approaching St Blazey Football ground on the 16.10 Par to Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

191024g The going away photograph from the same location as the train heads for Luxulyan Bugle Roche St Columb Road Quintrell Downs and Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

191024h The 17.10 Newquay to Par awaits departure. Copyright Dave Anthony

and finally
Newquay
Mark Lynam

Here are a couple of photos I got of the Castle set (43122+43094) at Newquay tonight, just after a heavy shower, before working the final service 2N13 2126 Newquay to Par.

Coming off shed
Exeter St Davids
Ron Kosys

Warship 806 Cambian coming off shed to take up duty at Exeter St Davids. It's the 20th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Another 'classic' from Ron, note preserved Warship D821 in the background, the water tower and the distant semaphores. Many thanks Ron.

Lovely shot today of the two 'Warships' on Exeter depot. The background loco is D821 Greyhound which thankfully still exists in preservation. Things are certainly changing on the large piece of land adjacent to St Davids station and next year a fully equipped maintenance depot and train crew base will be ready for use. I think this could be the largest investment GWR has ever made in such things and shows how important a place Exeter is in their operations.

Best regards for now, Guy V. A further note from Guy Vincent - many thanks.

Interesting note
Can anybody help?
Graham Thorne

Copyright - The Trevithick Society. Submitted by Graham Thorne. Publications Secretary & Journal Editor. Trevithick Society

I wonder if anyone in your Society can help me with a query.
I have recently acquired an old photograph, scan attached. Written on the back is “Three employees of St Blazey Carriage and Wagon Works at the door with Churchward’s notice warning employees against ‘throwing bread, etc. ’ 21st July 1960.”

Sadly the actual wording of the great man’s instructions is illegible and seeking to enhance the original has failed to reveal it. I wonder if anyone knows of the notice and where I might track down the wording – or even another image?

Many thanks. Regards, Graham Thorne
Publications Secretary & Journal Editor. Trevithick Society
Many thanks Graham - can anybody help please?

Sherborne
Chris Osment

Sherborne 159 022 forms the 14.35 for London Waterloo on the 23rd October 2019. Copyright Chris Osment

In desperate need!
Cheltenham to Brighton
Keith Jenkin

Yesterday 23rd October 2019 while waiting for the 12.39 to Salisbury I was surprised to hear an announcement that the train had no toilets. The train - the11.34 ex Cheltenham Spa duly arrived, a motley collection of stock - this service was destined for Brighton - arrive 16.49. The conductor duly confirmed in an announcement the lack of toilets. He said that they would stop as necessary for anybody in 'Desperate Need'! In fact we made such a stop at Westbury. Does this happen very often one wonders?

An Update
Andy Dunican

Further to Paul Barlow’s recent post, I can confirm that the weekday, lunchtime Paignton-Cardiff service has now reverted to Class 158 operation. The 4+2 HST sojourn lasted from 5 August until 18 October 2019.

Kind regards, Andy Dunican. Many thanks Andy

23rd October 2019

23/10/2019

Laira
Ron Kosys

1022 Western Sentinel and 08394 stand outside the depot on the 30th May 1976. Copyright Ron Kosys

Newton Abbot '83
Clive Smith

50 046 Pulls out of Newton Abbot 21st May 1983. Note all the semaphores. Copyright Clive Smith.

50046 Ajax pulls out of Newton Abbot station with the 3B16 06.35 Bristol TM - Plymouth parcels on Saturday 21st May 1983. On weekdays and winter timetable Saturdays this would be a passenger train but summer Saturdays saw it run as 'parcels only'. A much changed station nowadays.
Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks Clive

Staffords Bridge
Bill Elston

37701 assisting 47840 on a Penzance – Manchester working. 6th June 1998. Copyright Bill Elston

Very clean 60033 on the ‘not - so – silver bullets’, the Burngullow to Irvine china clay tanks. 6th June 1998. Copyright Bill Elston. Nice reflection.

Many thanks Bill.

22nd October 2019

22/10/2019

Largin
Chris Harvey

Dear Keith or Roger,
Please find attached a shot taken in the Glynn valley during October 2011. In lovely autumn light, 43124 is captured about half a mile west of Largin viaduct, climbing towards Doublebois with the 0845 Penzance - Paddington "Cornish Riviera", on 1st October 2011. This was a fabulous spot for a few years after the trees were removed, but they've grown back since!
Best Regards, Chris Harvey, Bodmin.
Many thanks Chris you caught a real autumnal look there.

Laira
Ron Kosys

We welcome back to our pages after a long period of illness Ron Kosys. Ron, over the years has provided us with an amazing collection of pictures from his previous days of railway explorations. This time we go back to 1976 and the last days of the Westerns. Here's hope for a steady return to full health Ron.

This picture, over the fence is D1034 Western Dragoon. The loco has been shorn of its nameplates - the last duty done - it awaits the scrapman. 30th May 1976. copyright Ron Kosys.

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