Blog Archives

21st October 2019

21/10/2019

Laira Depot Open Day Part 3
15th September 1991
Roger Winnen

910915j 37674 and 37417 at the Laira Open Day Copyright Roger Winnen

910915l 55015 Tulyar one of the 22 Deltics built from 1961. Copyright Roger Winnen

910915m Kenneth J Paynter 60024 plus Class 59 for naming at Laira Open Day. Copyright Roger Winnen

910915nA line up of withdrawn Class 50 engines awaiting their fate. Copyright Roger Winnen

a line up of engines 47975 59005 60024 & 59102 at the Laira Open Day 15th September 1991 Copyright Roger Winnen

Exeter Today Part 2
Paul Barlow

An update on the new DMU depot at Exeter. Cladding has started to befixed on the external and a bridge over the road has been erected to
carry a fuel line into the depot.
50049 is stabled in Hyde Park. It is here for crew training to Coleford Junction in connection with forthcoming engineering works.
Paul Barlow

What is the mystery building at Exeter.

Plenty of work still needed inside the new depot. Copyright Paul Barlow

An IET leaves Platform 5 at Exeter bound for London Paddington. Copyright Paul Barlow

50049 Is seen stabled at Exeter St David's prior to running on route learning duties on the Barnstaple Branch. Copyright Paul Barlow

A photograph I took on Friday (18th Oct) 43063 and 43156 on the 1253 Paignton-Cardiff passing Rewe. It has been said this train is booked for a pair of class 158 units from Monday. In any case slam door stock on these trains will soon pass into history. Copyright Paul Barlow

Thanks Paul

Crediton Today
David Tozer

The 10.10 Exeter St David's to Coleford Junction with 50049 at Crediton on route learning duties 21.10.2019 Copyright David Tozer

143611 & 143612 on the 08.43 Barnstaple to Exmouth passing 150266 .150239 on the 08.52 Exmouth to Barnstaple at Crediton. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Keeping the trains running
Roger Winnen

190920a 66168 The return RHTT from Falmouth Docks passing St Austell this morning at 09.20 hrs destination Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen

191020b 66160 on the rear cleaning the tracks through St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen

191020c Arrival back from Newton Abbot sees the train stabled in the through road at Plymouth where it spent an hour before departing for Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

191020d 66160 Is seen heading through Bodmin Parkway on its run to St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks to David Tozer for keeping me posted on train times today which was most appreciated

Exeter Today Part 1
Paul Barlow

An update on the new DMU depot at Exeter. Cladding has started to be
fixed on the external and a bridge over the road has been erected to
carry a fuel line into the depot.

150244 stands in the road adjacent to the new shed at Exeter St Davids. Copyright Paul Barlow

This bridge has been erected for bring the fuel supply into depot. Red Cow Crossing can be seen in the background. Copyright Paul Barlow

The fuel tanks for the new depot being placed into position. Copyright Paul Barlow

The new shed takes shape. Copyright Paul Barlow

looking through the steelwork of this new building. Copyright Paul Barlow

An IET departs Exeter St David'sviewed from Red Cow Crossing with the frame work of the new shed in the background. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many Thanks Paul

Res 47 at Exeter St David's
Phil Shattered

47791 2002-leaving Exeter St Davids Picture dated 2002 Copyright Phil Shattered

Many Thanks Phil

Bodmin Area Visit
Andrew Triggs

Good Evening Roger/Keith
Three photographs from today, popping into the B&WR after visiting the Bodmin Model Railway show, and then visiting Respryn for the down RHTT to St Blazey
All the Best
Andrew

1. 26007 nearing Bodmin General, on Driver Experience duty, from Boscarne Junction. Copyright Andrew Triggs

2. 50042 'Triumph' passing Charlie's Gate, also on Driver Experience duty, shortly after departing Bodmin Parkway for Bodmin General. Copyright Andrew Triggs

3. 3J13 11.52 Castle Cary-St Blazey RHTT with DBC 66168/160 at Respryn. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many Thanks Andrew

Laira Depot Open Day Part 2
15th September 1991
Roger Winnen

910915e D821 Greyhound at the Laira Open Day, Copyright Roger Winnen

910915f D1035 Western Yeoman renamed and renumbered from D1010 Western Campaigner. Copyright Roger Winnen

910915ff D7523 John F Kennedy at the Laira Open Day Copyright Roger Winnen

910915hD1015 Western Champion D1023 Western Fusilier and D1062 Western Courier at the open day. Copyright Roger Winnen

910915i D7018 at Laira onr of 101 built by Beyer Peacock. Copyright Roger Winnen

TUCKER'S HILL BRIDGE, CORNWOOD Michael L. Roach
Tucker's Hill Bridge is situated on the main line just west of the site of Cornwood Station at 237m 50c. The line was built by the South Devon Railway and opened on 5 May 1848, and was single broad gauge at the time. The line was converted to standard gauge in 1892 and doubled in 1893 when the bridge was extended on the south side to carry the new set of rails. The join can be seen in the middle of the bridge which is on a severe skew. The later arch consists of a 4-brick ring and the way the arches terminate makes an interesting feature. Modellers might like to look at the bridge on Streetview where they will note that each of the four wing walls are constructed differently in their angles and slope of the top of the walls. Tucker's Hill heads south from the village of Cornwood to the Plymouth to Exeter A38 road. At this point the railway cuts through a spur of land between two river valleys, with a major viaduct carrying the railway across the valleys. Just 10 chains to the west of Tuckers Hill is Slade Viaduct and 30 chains to the east is Blatchford Viaduct. There are fine views of Dartmoor from both of these Viaducts.

A Castle class 4-6-0 steam loco believed to be 5089 crosses Tucker's Hill with the down Cornishman at 3.13pm on Wednesday 9 September 1959 running a few minutes late. This side of the bridge was 66 years old at the time. Mike Roach

A new Castle class 2 + 4 shortened HST 43186 & 43005 crosses Tucker's Hill with the 11.41 Penzance to Newton Abbot train on Tuesday 15 October 2019. This side of the bridge is now 126 years old but little changed from 60 years earlier. The main change is the addition of handrails to protect track workers from falling. Clive Smith

Many Thanks to Mike Roach and Clive Smith for this article

Laira Depot Open Day Part 1
15th September 1991
Roger Winnen

910915a Laira Open Day viewed from the the Embankment Road. 15th September 1991 Copyright Roger Winnen

910915b The five Westerns Laira Open Day 15th September 1991 D1010 Western Campaigner D1013 Western Ranger D1015 Western Champion D1023 Western Fusilier D1062 Western Courer Copyright Roger Winnen

910915bb D400 to be named Rail Magazine at the Laira Open Day 15th September 1991 Copyright Roger Winnen

910915c Class 50 on the jacks at the Laira Open Day Copyright Roger Winnen

910915d The trade stalls inside the depot at Laira. Copyright Roger Winnen

47770 hauls the mail at Dawlish
Phil Shattered

Thanks Phil

Exminster 'Sleeper in Trouble'
David Tozer

The sleeper was in trouble again last night failing at Ivybridge, eventually being rescued by 66160 & 66168 on the Rail Head Treatment Train which hauled it back to Plymouth where the passengers were transfered into an IET arriving at Paddington 134 mins late. Hearing of an empty stock move of the sleeper to Reading Train Care Depot. I headed to Exminster for the overbridge photograph of 43040/198 hauling 57605 and the sleeper
coaches. Luckily the rain held off for a few moments.
David Tozer

Many Thanks David

South Devon Variety
Clive Smith

(1) 70807 passes through Follaton west of Totnes station on the 6C36 06.25 Moorswater - Aberthaw cements. This time the train did actually leave Moorswater at 06.25 and did run round at Lostwithiel and did run more or less to time thus leaving this photographer moderately satisfied unlike the previous week. Remarkably the light just held despite the passing shower clouds.

(2) Well this was quite an unexpected bonus on the commute home. It was not unusual for me to be cursing on my drive home from work in Newton Abbot to Ivybridge as the flow of traffic was stop-start as drivers were erratically changing lanes. I could see some lights flashing in the distance ahead so thought well at least I would be passing the hold up very soon. My eyes popped out of my head as I got nearer and saw a class 25 looming into view and naturally fixed my eyes on it as I overtook it and quickly thought about pulling into the next layby for a photo. The heavy showers had just subsided and thankfully at 17.45 the light was just useable. D7535 has been visiting various preserved railways around the country this summer and was returning from Llangollen to its home at Buckfastleigh on the South Devon Railway. The photo here is on the gradient between Drumbridges Roundabout and the Goodstone Interchange so the lowloader was going quite slow. Certainly a different drive home than normal.

Regards Clive Smith. Many thanks indeed Clive - an exciting catch.

Picture 1 70807 at Follaton on the 6G36 Moorswater to Aberthaw 17th October 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

Picture 2 D7535 on A38 17th October 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

Unusual working
Bristol Temple Meads
Guy Vincent

An unusual working at Bristol Temple Meads on Wednesday 16th October. 47815 'Lost Boys 1968-1988' and 47813 'Jack Frost' top and tail with a formation of barrier and translator vehicles en-route as 0817 Crewe South Yard to Portbury Docks. This was in preparation for the movement of brand new EMU 397010 from Portbury to Manchester International Terminal (Longsight) on 17th. Twelve of these 5-car units are being built by CAF in Spain for Trans Pennine Express.

Some years ago now 47813 & 47815 were both operated by First Great Western. 47813 was named 'SS Great Britain' and 47815 was 'Great Western', this latterly carried a version of original BR two-tone green livery. As can be seen here, both locos are now used by the Rail Operations Group and carry their distinctive blue livery and decals. As the convoy waited time 43172 'Harry Patch' arrived at the head of 2C81 1500 Cardiff Central-Taunton.

Interestingly, despite the Bristol area being controlled from the Thames Valley Signalling Centre at Didcot it is necessary for Network Rail to provide a Ground Frame Operator to release and set the points at each end of the carriage stabling siding next to the Up Through line at Temple Meads. The signal ahead of the points cleared to green with a 'U' displayed in the box indicator before the points had been set for the train to depart. Such are the wonders of technology today!

Regards Guy Vincent Many thanks for this most interesting article Guy

Bristol TM 47815 & 43172 16th October 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Bristol TM 47813 16th October 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Bristol TM Barrier Translator Van 68504 16th October 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Bristol TM 47815 16th October 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent

Bristol TM Up Siding Ground Frame Release 16th October 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Carvedras Viaduct
Truro
Paddy Bradley

Another view of Carvedras Viaduct from the north. Picture from the Paddy Bradley Collection.

17th October 2019

17/10/2019

A stranger far from home.
Truro
Roger Aston

47 654 Finsbury Park complete with Scottie Dog from Glasgow Eastfield shed leaving Truro. Copyright Roger Aston

Many thanks Roger.

Newton Abbot
Clive Smith

Newton Abbot 1983. This certainly is a picture full of memories of the past, Note all the semaphores, the signalbox, and the longer platforms. 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 for this reminder Clive.

Truro
Paddy Bradley

A down train runs towards Truro crossing Carvedras Viaduct. The previous timber viaduct here was replaced by this fine viaduct w.e.f. 17th August 1902. It was used for single line until the track was doubled 15th May 1904. St Georges Church can be seen just beyond the viaduct. From the Paddy Bradley Collection.

16th October 2019

16/10/2019

Was this the connecting bus service to Porthleven!
Michael Forward

A Bristol LS6G Built in 1953. Destination Porthleven via Yeovil and Exeter
Here is a picture to bring back memories,taken at the excellent rally at Brislington Park & Ride ,Bristol a couple of years ago .
Copyright Michael Forward

180913a Gwinear Road for Helston The Lizard, Mullion and Porthleven photographed at The Helston Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen

DOD 518 Destination R N Barracks, it was thought that this bus may have been on a service to R.N.A.S. Culdrose. However checking up on the details of this vehicles she spent most of her working life in Plymouth new to Western Nation in 1939 and being rebodied in 1950. Withdrawn in 1961 she ended here days as a service vehicle based at Launceston. No doubr the R.N. Barracks destination was one in the Plymouth area. Copyright Michael Forward

191015a The L1 to The Lizard via Helston connecting with trains at Redruth Railway Station which is basically a bus replacement service for the closed Gwinear Road to Helston Branch Line although through bus services operate between Camborne and Helston calling at Praze an Peeble and Nancegollan.. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many Thanks Michael

Davey's Bridge
Ivybridge
Clive Smith

The bracken has changed to brown as autumn marches on and 66121 heads the 6C12 10.29 Burngullow - Exeter Riverside sand train past Daveys Bridge east of Ivybridge on the 15th October 2019 . After endless days of rain and grey clouds the sun managed to shine for some lengthy periods, except when I went to photo this and then the clouds joined together for half an hour and even managed to deposit a bit of rain as if they haven't deposited more than the month's average already.

Regards, Clive.
You didn't need the sun - smashing picture - Many thanks.

Ivybidge Daveys Bridge 66121 on the sand 15th October 2019 with the Burngullow to Exeter Riverside sand. Copyright Clive Smith

1972 Open Day
Laira
Roger Winnen

King George V at Laira Open Day. 21st September 1972. Copyright Roger Winnen

15th October 2019

15/10/2019

Wadebridge Shed (Clothing)
Colin Burges

Rummaging in my stationery file, I came across this, the uniform clothing record of one W.J. Jago, Shedman (boiler washer when required) of Wadebridge. Note the dates and the last entry: "Left service." He should have returned his uniform upon leaving, but if he didn't - and because so many were going around this time there hardly seemed any point - he would have been well kitted out for a few years at the railway's expense. Thanks Colin.

Drump Lane
The Late John Cornelius

Drump Lane Signalbox. Copyright, the late John Cornelius

How it once was
Penzance
The late Jon Wood

6824 Ashley Grange + 6826 Nannerth Grangr at 4.20 at Penzance 16th May 1957 Copyright Jon Wood

14th October 2019

14/10/2019

Sunday at Bodmin Parkway
Roger Salter

191013a Built Swindon in 1942 4612 Arrives at Bodmin Parkway with the first train of the day from Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Salter

191013b 4612 Runs around at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Salter

191013c RHTT 364D 10.04 Par to St Blazey via Newton Abbot passes Bodmin Parkway. 66160 &66168 Copyright Roger Salter

191013d A going away photograph as the train heads for Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Salter

4612 BR and B&W
Mike Roach

4612 returns to the Bodmin and Wenford after a stay on the WSR. Seen here on the A30 on the 8th October 2019. Copyright Louise Roach.

The photograph above taken by daughter in law, Louise Roach, prompted Mike Roach to delve in his 'Treasure Trove' for pictures of 4612 in its last days on B.R. Many thanks to Louise.

Further to today's picture of 4612 (8th October 2019) on a low loader I have looked out my pictures of the only time I saw the loco in BR days. on 24 April 1965 the loco worked part of the route of a Railtour double heading with sister loco 9675 with 5 coaches. The railtour started and finished at Cardiff General. 4612 and 9675 worked from Neath Riverside to Colbren Junction on the line to Brecon. At Colbren they ran round and worked back to Swansea High Street via Pontardawe ans Swansea St Thomas. 6116 worked the first and last sections.

As an aside I left Plymouth at 6.35am and got back at 1.38am the next morning.
Regards, Mike. Many thanks for the article and historic pictures.

For a very detailed history of 4612 please click here.

9675 and 4612 are seen at Neath Riverside where they had come on the back of the train; 6116 is at the other end of the train and got left behind. 24th April 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

4612 and 9675 are seen during running around at Colbren Junction. 24th April 1965. Copyright Mike Roach.

4612 takes water at Colbren Junction. 24th April 1965. Copyright Mike Roach.

4612 and 9675 ready to depart Colbren Junction for Swansea - 24th April 1965 Mike Roach

Yesterdays picture:- 4612 Runs around at Bodmin Parkway to form the 11.25 to Bodmin General. 13th October 2019 Copyright Roger Winnen

4612 attached to its train awaits its departure. 13th October 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks to Roger Winnen for the last two pictures - taken yesterday.

13th October 2019
China Clay Weekend
Roger Winnen

The Bodmin & Wenford Railway celebrated a China Clay Weekend on the 12th & 13th October 2019 with locomotives on display connected with the clay industry, photographic exhibitions of times gone by and a look at the work now being undertaken by Imery's formally English China Clays Lovering & Pochin.

191013e Bagnall 0-4-0 Alfred and Sentinal Denise at Bodmin General, both engines were involved in the clay traffic. Copyright Roger Winnen

191013ee Denise in glorious sunlight at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

191013f 37142 Working the 12.10 to Boscarne Junction awaits departure from Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

191013g 37142 Runs around at Boscarne Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

191013h 37142 Awaits departure from Boscarne Junction with the 12.38 to Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

191013i The 1934 ERF Lorry owned by Heavy Transport is now preserved a Wheal Martyn Museum. Copyright Roger Winnen

191013k Little and Large at Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

191013j The new canopy is in position at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

Sun 2 + 4 HSTs at Penzance
Andrew Triggs

1. 43155 at platform 2 having arrived working 1Z04 with 43094 Copyright Andrew Triggs

2. FGW liveried set at platform with 43171 (with 43086) later to work 2C56 Copyright Andrew Triggs

3. Celebrity 43093 'Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018' (with 43122) at platform 3 awaiting departure with 2E66 Copyright Andrew Triggs

4. 43122 tailing 2E66 at platform 3 Copyright Andrew Triggs

5. The classic end of the Network shot with 43155 (1Z04) with 43122 (2E66) Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Wagon Loads
Colin Burges

From the Mike Roach Collection

The large "1" in red superimposed on Mike Roach's wagon label was part of the Great Western's simplified method of reckoning up train loads based on equivalence, not tonnage.

Class 1 traffic weighed 16 tons; class 2, 13 tons, class 3, 10 tons and empties, 6 tons. Never having used the system, and never having found much written about it, I am not sure how it worked. If the load for a particular class of engine over a route were say 15 of mineral (class 1), then it would be capable of taking a correspondingly greater number of the lighter traffics. Quite how this was done with a mix of classes and non-standard wagons, I do not know. I must search out the answer. Or perhaps a member can inform us.

This rough and ready system contrasted with that adopted in the 1970s based on the principle that still for some reason is stuck in my mind, although I confess I am here quoting it from the "Working Manual for Rail Staff," the contents of which governed the operation of a general purpose railway that has now ceased to exist, and instructed for example how to fold a sheet, tie a clove hitch and use chain shackles.

"Large heavily-loaded wagons when in motion generate little more wind-resistance and friction than small lightly-loaded ones. A locomotive is therefore capable of hauling a heavier train than the basic if its load is concentrated."

Basic and maximum loads were issued for every loco and route. Between the two, a diminishing number of wagons could be taken, concentrating the load. The simplest example is a load of 250/280 tonnes. The lower could be taken in 15 wagons or more; the higher in 10 wagons or fewer. The return clay empties with 50 or so on would be limited by length, not weight, even if the loops had greater capacity. It was all highly theoretical and was long ago dropped in favour of plain tonnage, suited to the high capacity vehicles with roller bearings of today.

It all went out of the window, anyway, when the driver booked to work the last two trains of the day from Meldon with a thousand, would ask if he could bring them both at once so he could knock off early. The only rise, at North Tawton, could be easily topped, and the only other limitation was the length of Cowley Loop. Or was it Crediton?

A driver once insisted that he could ask for a heavier train than permitted. Actually, the rule is that a driver can insist upon taking less if he feels that his engine is not capable for some reason of hauling a full load, but never more.

Cheers, Colin. Many thanks Colin

13th October 2019

13/10/2019

Paddy Bradley
catches the train!!

Back in the late 60’s or early 70’s Inspector Paddy Bradley was at Luxulyan where a team of Post office men were engaged in installing a 50 pair cable across the branch line to provide telephone services across the railway bridge at this location. Due to the very low clearance below the road surface at this point and the top of the arch the cable, which would preferably have been in ducting, had to be taken aloft between two already provided poles on either side of the bridge.
On the day in question a four ton lorry hauled a cable trolley to the location where it was parked in the pub car park – just out of the picture on the right. The 50 pair cable also contained a steel cable to provide strength and support.
Our teams firstly hauled the cable off the cable trolley alongside the road taking it up and passing it through a support on the pole which is visible on the right hand side of the road, the cable was not fixed at this location but merely passed through the support – the team continued to drag it along the road until they reached the other pole of the pair on the village side of the bridge. A Technician was then employed to fix the cable on the distribution pole at this point. During this time the cable had been lifted off the road surface and placed on the parapet of the bridge out of the way of rubber tyred traffic.
Soon after, the cable slipped off the parapet, and hung across the track forming a curve more or less the mirror image of the arch alongside but dipping below it.
No trains had passed on this sleepy branch line during the operation of pulling and fixing the cable to the village side pole. However, the team were rudely awakened by the sound of a D800 Warship diesel on full power drawing a substantial train of empty clay trucks up from St Blazey. The driver thundered under the bridge apparently not seeing the cable hanging at ‘wiper level’ in front of his windscreen. Quite why the driver didn’t notice the cable on his approach or even after he has passed under the bridge and hit it is not known.
However in microseconds the steel reinforced cable became taut and snapped leaving the technician up on the village pole hanging on for ‘dear life’ onto his rapidly waving mount. Down at the pub car park the cable trolley became momentarily the ‘fastest trolley’ in the west’! However, fortunately all became quiet once more as the Warship thundered away in the distance towards Goonbarrow. The team reflected on how very lucky it was that nobody was injured – not even the technician up the pole who was strapped on as per regulations. Had somebody been close by the flailing cable on the cable trolley they would have suffered serious injury.
Back at Head Office an enquiry was held – Paddy was asked why he hadn’t complied with the instruction which should have been on the document sent to BR. There was no such instruction on his paperwork. It seems that very nearly all the blame fell on the Planning office who should have informed British Rail. Fifty years on we can look back and enjoy the episode but it was far from funny at time.
Many thanks to Inspector Paddy Bradley for telling this true tale of long ago.

Luxulyan platform. In the distance the bridge involved in Paddy's story. 24th July 2019 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

The Kings Arms at Luxulyan 24th July 2019. Copyright Kevin Jenkin. The pole to the right of this picture is probably the one involved in Paddy's tale.

Standing on the bridge and looking back towards the village. The pole seen in front of the scaffolding is probably the one involved in Paddy's tale. 24th July 2019. Copyright Kevin Jenkin.

A view looking north from the bridge of Luxulyan station. The housing development can be seen to the right. 24th July 2019. Copyright Kevin Jenkin.

Looking towards St Blazey - the D800 would have thundered up here. There were far less trees in those days. This view dates from 24th July 2019. Copyright Kevin Jenkin.

Luxulyan Comparisons.

'Western China Clay' 1056 Western Sultan leading approaches on route from Newquay to Par. 4th December 1976. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

The 'Western China Clay' heads on towards Par. What a comparison with the views next but one above. Look at the length of the train. The Treffry tramway went straight on here passing the through the white gate just visible to the right of the train to head over the Treffry Aquaduct. 4th December 1976. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

Road signs to closed stations
Colin Burges

Dear Keith, That was a very good idea of yours to have a gallery of road signs with fingers pointing to closed stations.
Here's a favourite of mine, taken in August, 2007:

Trewerry and Trerice Halt. Closed 4th August 1963. Copyright Colin Burges

A Roger Winnen picture. Trewerry and Trerice 3rd May 1976. Copyright. I guess this halt would have produced a fine crop of passengers for nearby N.T. Trerice Manor.

I know there's one pointing to Truthall Halt (or Platform) from a nearby junction.

You are lucky in Cornwall to have your original cast iron direction signs; most of Devon's were torn out in the late 1970s and replaced with wooden posts carrying aluminium fingers.

Somerset County Council was not so philistine. Riding along the Exe Valley turnpike, as I did on the way to Porlock and Minehead last month, this one is passed just over the border.

Signpost to Dulverton station. Closed 3rd October 1966. Copyright Colin Burges.

Enlargement of sign to Dulverton station. Copyright Colin Burges.

Another one from Somerset I think exhausts my collection. With its letters no longer picked out in black, this one points to Draycott, between Cheddar and Wells (Yatton and Witham).

Painted out sign to Draycott Somerset. Copyright Colin Burges.

For the record here's one of Draycott station taken on the 9th September 1979. (40 years ago). Copyright Keith Jenkin. Does this station platform and building still exist like this?

Now that, says Colin just about exhausts my collection.
Many thanks to you Colin.
N.B. I hope Colin will forgive us for inserting two old pictures.
Now has anybody else seen any signs to closed west country stations - if so, let's be having them, then we can start a gallery on 'Signs to Closed stations'.

12th October 2019

12/10/2019

Anthacite to
AvonWick
Mike Roach

From the Mike Roach Collection

ANTHACITE to AVONWICK            Michael L. Roach

On 12 October 1949 a wagonload of the best Welsh Anthracite was dispatched from Swansea to the little country station of Avonwick in Devon on the Kingsbridge Branch. This was quite unremarkable at the time because thousands of such wagons would have been dispatched every day from collieries all over Britain to thousands of goods yards all over the newly nationalised British Railways. Anthracite is still mined in Wales in open-cast pits, but not from deep shaft mines. We know a bit about this particular wagonload of coal because the wagon label has survived the 70 years in between 1949 and 2019. In the 1940s and 1950s coal, burnt in open grates, would have been the main form of heating your home; supplemented by an electric fire or a paraffin heater for shorter durations. The last two would have been moved around from room to room as necessary. At decimalisation in February 1971 the price of electricity was one old pence per unit (one kilowatt hour). There were 240 pence in a pound so you could use your one bar fire for 240 hours at a cost of one pound. My electrictity bill arrived today and shows a cost of 18.440p per kWh from 5 October 2019. This is 44d per unit.

It can be seen from the attached scan that this is not a standard BR or GWR wagon label but came from someone or some firm called Rose Richards Ltd of Swansea. This suggests to me that when the wagon left the colliery no-one knew exactly where the coal was destined for and that the wagon was probably tripped to holding sidings in the Swansea area until a buyer was found for the coal. The wagon was sent to Hawke & Hawke at Avonwick Station. Although I have many wagon labels from Avonwick this is the only wagon destined for Hawke & Hawke. I do have other wagons of coal arriving at the station but they are destined for the Station Master to heat the station buildings, and they came from a different colliery every time, which was about twice a year. The Kelly's Directory for 1930 lists Hawke & Hawke as coal merchants under the village of Avonwick. In 1939 there was a Frederick Hawke (born 9 June 1891) living at Rock Park, South Brent who gave his occupation as Miller and coal & corn merchant; was he one half of Hawke & Hawke ?

The coal in the wagon came from Yniscu Anthracite Colliery which was situated at grid reference SN 7753 0838. The site was alongside the former Swansea Vale and Neath & Brecon Junction Railway branch from Colbren Junction to Ynysgeinon Junction which carried Midland Railway and later LMS passenger trains between Swansea and Hereford until the passenger trains were diverted to an alternative route in 1932 and operated by the Great Western Railway from then on. The colliery previously went by various names including Daren Colliery which can be found on old Ordnance Survey maps just east of the Ystalyfera Iron & Tinplate Works. The firm of T P Rose Richards were coal exporters and coal factors matching loads with buyers, and its interesting to note that the wagon was numbered NE 224440 which means it possibly dated to before 1923. The label is an interesting survivor from the days when coal was king.

Scan attached: 2820

MLR/10 October 2019
   Many thanks Mike for your extensive research and photographs

Avonwick Aug 63 Copyright Mike Roach

Avonwick Summer 63 Probably 14th September - the last day. Copyright Mike Roach

Train approaching Avonwick. 1963. Copyright Mike Roach.

Early October report from
Craig Munday Part 2

66160 and 168 3J13 on the RHTT at St Blazey. 7th October 2019. Copyright Craig Munday.

66160/168 are seen running back around 1500 onto St Blazey depot after the weary circuit which started at 19.40 the night before. Rolo the yard cat (who lives opposite) has a drink from a puddle, happily unaware of the shunting behind her. She's a grand old girl, very friendly out in all weathers. 7th October 2019. Copyright Craig Munday.

66121 passes the newly trimmed embankment at Moorswater footbridge near Liskeard The Ground Control team can be spied working on the Down side, with precious space between work and passing trains. 8th October 2019. Copyright Craig Munday.

I was aware that a short formed 6G08 of just 11 wagons was due. The cloud was building but I took a chance and perched up on the lane to get a cropped shot of the train with brightly coloured 66055 leading. The new tarpaulins on the wagons add some welcome colour too. 8th October 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

This concludes the second part of a very welcome batch from Craig, we wonder and look forward to yet more exciting views as the year progresses.

A lovely September day at Okehampton
Roger Salter

190914a Okehampton Station on a bright September morning. Copyright Roger Salter

190914b D4167 at Okehampton on the first service train of the day to Meldon Quarry. Copyright Roger Salter

190914c D4167 Platform 2 Okehampton Station. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Black as pitch!
Swindon
Ken Mumford

Swindon, an 800 sits in platform 4 about to depart for Bristol on the 11th October 2019. Copyright Ken Mumford.

11th October 2019

11/10/2019

Indoor Meetings Programme: 2019/20
Don't forget that tomorrow sees the second of this seasons indoor events.
Saturday 12th October at 6.30PM.

21 years as Signalling Inspector/Incident Officer Cornwall and Devon by Steve Heginbotham. With recent improvements to signalling after years of rationalisation, now is the right time to learn from Steve some of the events and changes he has seen.

For details of the venue location please click here.

Activity at Plymouth
Leslie Curnow

Good Evening Roger
I nearly quoted Plymouth North Road but that would be telling my age when the beloved steam engines were in charge.
Now there is a transition from HSTs and DMUs to Hitahchi and the beloved conversion of HSTs to Castle 2 + 4s where 43041 St Catherine's Castle arrived from Penzance.
I decided to see the evidence and progress of this transition and was pleased to see that the Castles have taken most control of the regional services have seen seven Castles during the afternoon of which one was not converted and in the original First Blue colours.
Other that the Hitachi trains on the London Paddington trains of which there were at least three 9 cars sets which should have been the case for all of them, there was only one 158 which left late for Penzance to not being able to close one of the doors.
The surprise was the Cardiff to Penzance running as a 150 two car, surely this should be a Castle. Perhaps its waiting the arrivial of the remaining sets being converted at Wabtec at Doncaster.
The Gunnislake was a 150 but they are slowly disappearing fortunately and confined to branch lines.
Cross Country were out in force with three 7 car HST sets and a double 220 set as an eight car. Running short trains to the north and Scotland is beyond belief as we have seen previously.

191010a 66160 and 66168 on the RHTT at Plymouth. The grim is terrible and surely due for the Car Wash but pointless at the moment. Copyright Leslie Curnow

191010b 66121 on the Burngullow to Exeter Riverside eventually bound for Bow in London. Copyright Leslie Curnow

191010c 2 Castle Class HSTs at Plymouth. sitting in Platform 4 is a Penzance bound 2+4 car unit still with slam door stock numbered 43160 Sir Moir Lockhead OBE. Copyright Leslie Curnow

191010d Todays railways at Plymouth with a Great Western IET standing in Platform 4 A Cross Country Voyager in Platform 6 and a Cross Country HST standing in Platform 7. Copyright Leslie Curnow

Many Thanks Leslie

Cements at
St Budeaux
Clive Smith

70808 passes the long closed Royal Albert Bridge box in St Budeaux with the 06.25 Moorswater - Aberthaw cements although it left at its usual 07.55. The plan was to photograph it at Hemerdon. I had an appointment in Saltash at 10.15 but thought the cements would be out of Liskeard by its usual booked 08.50. However this hadn't happened by 09.15 so I gave up and left home for the 25 minute drive to Saltash. The cements' whereabouts were still gnawing away at me and I pulled over into the Tamar Bridge car park at the Devon side to check Real Time Trains again on the off chance it might be passing in the next 20 minutes. I didn't need to check my phone as I could see it powering over the Cornwall viaducts from my car window. Grabbing my camera I ran on to the Tamar Road Bridge to take a photo of it from there only to find a sign saying 'Footpath closed 25th September to March 2020'. I then had to run back across the car park to the Normandy Hill overbridge which is where the photo was taken from. Definitely not my first choice of location as this previously good spot is now too overgrown and the two bridges backdrop has been lost for sometime. The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry as the saying goes.

Regards, Clive Smith. You had quite an exciting start to the day Clive - still the cat caught the mouse in the end - well done.

St Budeaux. Royal Albert bridge box with 70808 on the 'Cements' - taken on the 10th October 2019 Copyright Clive Smith.

HST Renumbering
Bill Elston

Continuing in the Castle Class HST vein, I was at Taunton Station today (10th October 2019) while the 12.04 dep. to Cardiff was ready to leave when it dawned on me that the running number of 43005 had been moved the nose end (its normal position). Traces of its original position being fairly clear.
I understand that the running number has to be applied to a fixed part of the bodywork, and not a door, for example.
Cheers, Bill.
Many thanks for your observations and report Bill. Any further comments from anybody?

43005 looking very smart at Taunton on the 10th October 2019. Copyright Bill Elston.

43005 obviously in the wrong place - on a door. Attempts have been made to remove it. 10th October 2015. Copyright Bill Elston.

An early October report from
Craig Munday Part 1

Hi Keith
Hope you are well. It's been a varied few weeks with box shifts, out as MOM & also starting the Autumn programme. Manually sanding Treesmill (Par), Bodmin area & ST Germans to supplement the RHTT which has been out & about once more with 66160/168.
Cheers Craig.
As usual a wonderful selection of pictures - especially the dramatic one at Roskear Junction in the early morning. Many thanks to you Craig.

Veteran class 37, 37521 stands in the oil sidings at Penzance after over night testing. It returned late from Penzance that evening. 2nd October 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

A cracking afternoon to capture 66055 crossing St Austell viaduct with clay bound for Fowey. 2nd October 2019. Copyright Craig Munday.

Also on the 2nd October 2019 a second Gover shot is an HST with 43172 Harry Patch leading. Copyright Craig Munday.

Moving on another day now. Quite an incredible shot at Roskear Junction. Remnants of storm Lorenzo whipped up the winds and a treat was this startling sunrise over the crossing at Roskear Jn. 3rd October 2019. Copyright Craig Munday.

Daylight now at Roskear Junction. The weather brightened up during the day and a Castle class HST heads east with 43040 leading. The power car yet to receive the Castle nameplates. 3rd October 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

10th October 2019

10/10/2019

Named Castle Class HSTs
Roger Winnen

An interesting moring was had at Penzance Station today between 09.25 through to 13.00 hrs with eight departures and seven arrivals. My purpose was to record the named 4 Car 255 Castle Class HSTs. Recently named St Catherine's Castle (formally Meningitis Trust) arrived on the 09.26 from Exeter St David's

191010a 43041 St Catherine's Castle formally named Meningitis Trust arrives Penzance on the 09.26 from Exeter St David's Copyright Roger Winnen

191010aa 43041 St Catherine's Castle at Penzance on the 12.56 service to Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen

191010b 43187 The Welshman was the leading power car on the 09.26 from Exeter St David's and returning on the 12.56 to Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen

191010c 43091 Old Oak Common at Penzance showing the glories of the former Great Western on the 11.12 to Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

191010e 43160 Sir Moir Lockhead OBE (nameplate just visible with slam door stock tails the 11.41 to Newton Abbot. Copyright Roger Winnen

Penzance Station Derailment
Roger Winnen

On the 3rd May 1985 an incident occurred when a bogies of a train being propelled into platform 3 derailed and partially mounted platform.

50006 Neptune with the Breakdown Train at Penzance. 3rd May 1985. Copyright Roger Winnen

The considerable damage to platform 3 can be seen in this view from the station wall. Copyright Roger Winnen. 3rd May 1985

On the 27th May 1985 the Cornwall Railway Society ran the 'Oxford Explorer' Railtour from Penzance. The brake van of our train was stabled alongside the damaged section of the platform which was fenced off and as a result our catering crew were unable to load the refreshments.
I therefore asked the driver of the train if he could move the train forward for us to gain entry to the guards van area, which he did. Shortly afterwards I was approached by the Station Inspector informing me I had no right to request the driver to move as the train had triggered off the track circuit. Roger Winnen. Maybe Roger shouldn't have asked the driver but also the driver was at fault for taking orders from a member of the public and not appreciating where the track circuit commenced,

The Oxford Explorer fully 'head boarded' having moved forward past the signal to facilitate the loading of refreshments. Unfortunately due to a film defect the rear part of the train is not clear! Copyright Roger Winnen.

Worcester Loco Society visit (3)
South Devon Railway
Steve Widdowson

The pictures below conclude a selection of views of an obviously much enjoyed annual visit to the SDR by the WLS to check on and ride on their locomotive, 5786 { L92 } . Many thanks Steve.

5786 { L92 } running round at Totnes Riverside 5th October 2019 Copyright Steve Widdowson. The '50' on the smokebox number plate bracket celebrating it's 50 year anniversary.

5786 { L92 } running round at Totnes Riverside 5th October 2019 Copyright Steve Widdowson

5786 { L92 } The run- round at Totnes Riverside completed - ready for another run back to Buckfastleigh. Four round trips were satisfactorily completed. 5th October 2019 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Duty Signalmans view
Buckfastleigh
Andy Richards

Whilst getting my regular fix of the CRS news page I read with interest the article on the SDR dated 5th October. Being a regular volunteer on the SDR I was signalman at Buckfastleigh on the 5th. I regularly take pictures during my rostered duties. I have attached a couple of pictures taken on the 5th
Regards Andy Richards Many thanks Andy.

1369 at Buckfastleigh minus its cast numberplates on the 5th October 2019 Copyright Andy Richards

1369 & L92 at Buckfastleigh on the 5th October 2019. Copyright Andy Richards

9th October 2019

9/10/2019

Taking it easy
On the A30
Paul Roach

4612 returns to the Bodmin & Wenford Railway seen here on the A30. 8th October 2019. Copyright Paul Roach.

Many thanks Paul.

Barton Hill 50
Guy Vincent

As my train passed Bristol Barton Hill depot this morning (8th October) I was surprised to see a blue class 50 sitting outside with two Chiltern Railways carriages. These were brought down for attention from Wembley last Saturday, 5th. The loco is 50008 'Thunderer' and it has a large bodyside sticker that reads 'Hanson & Hall Rail Services Solutions'. Barton Hill hosts interesting traction from time to time and repairs and refurbishes a variety of rolling stock, mainly class 158 sets and loco-hauled carriages.

Regards, Guy Vincent. Many thanks Guy - you were quick to get that one.

Bristol Barton Hill on the morning of 8th October 2019. 50008 Thunderer & 2 Chiltern Coaches. Copyright Guy Vincent

Bristol Parkway 59's
Guy Vincent

Ready to leave Stoke Gifford sidings for Westbury just as a torrential downpour arrived, 59003 'Yeoman Highlander' was clearly visible from the platforms at Bristol Parkway station around 0830 this morning. Freightliner has hired the loco from GB Railfreight for staff training as they prepare for the imminent start of a new 10 year contract handling all the aggregate traffic from the Mendip Quarries. This contract has been won from DB Cargo and as part of the deal the fleet of locos previously owned by MRL (59001 002 004 005 and 59101 102 103 & 104) transferred to Freightliner ownership at the end of 2017. 59003 was sold by Mendip Rail in 1996 and spent almost 18 years in Germany until it was resold to GB Railfreight in 2014 and repatriated to the UK. It would be great to see it back on Mendip stone workings again...

Recently offered for sale, DB's small fleet of six class 59/2's are still active although it is reported that 59202 and 59206 are unavailable for traffic. It remains to be seen what will happen to them once the contract changes over.

Cheers for now, Guy Vincent.
Your picture and extra detail is much appreciated, thank you.

Worcester Loco Society visit (2)
South Devon Railway
Steve Widdowson

1369 Buckfastleigh 5th October 2019. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

'Bubble car' 55000 ready for duty at Buckfastleigh 5th October 2019. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Looking grand the Worcester Loco Society's own loco 5786 { L92 } Buckfastleigh 5th October 2019 Copyright Steve Widdowson

An unusual view of the Littleworth coach at the South Devon Railway 5th October 2019. Copyright Steve Widdowson

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