Blog Archives

20th October 2020

20/10/2020

Yarde Halt
Roger Geach

The remains of Yarde halt as seen on the 22nd September 2015. Copyright Roger Geach

Yarde Halt railway station was an intermediate halt on the initially privately run North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway, constructed in 1925 to serve clay works along its route. It was closed to passengers in 1965 and now forms part of the popular Traka Trail, a route for ramblers promoted by the local council. Courtesy Wikipedia.

Many thanks Roger

Last train beyond
Torrington
Paul Barlow

Ian Allan - Atlantic Coast Express.

The above information courtesy Six Bells Junction Railtour Filesl

Further details from Paul,

The details of the train were 33025/027 0815 Waterloo to Torrington. 33027 leading to Barnstaple when it was attached to rear of train.
They then worked top and tailed 1400 Torrington to Bideford, 1500 Bideford to Torrington, then 1600 Torrington to Waterloo, 33025 was removed from rear at Barnstaple the headed the train (with 33027) to Waterloo.
Got to Exeter and 33043 was working the 1818 to Waterloo
Keep up the good work!
Kind regards, Paul.

On arrival at Torrington the railtour train was drawn out onto Torrington viaduct by 33025 while the coaching stock was watered from a tap at Torrington station. 16th October 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow. This was the last train on any part of the Torrington - Meeth line.

22027 Earl of Mount Batten at Torrington. 16th October 1982 Copyright Paul Barlow

After arrival at Torrington from Waterloo the train did a 'shuttle' back to Bideford before forming the 16.00 to London Waterloo from Torrington. 16th October 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

33025 Sultan at Bideford ready to head the 14.00 departure to Torrington. 16th October 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

33027 Earl Mountbatten of Burma stands at Bideford on the rear of the 14.00 departure to Torrington. Copyright Paul Barlow

TThe nameplates of 33027 Earl of Mountbatten are clearly visible as the train stands at Torrington station with the 1400 to Bideford 16 October 1982 Copyright Paul Barlow N.B. The steep hill leading up to Torrington is can be seen on the left in the picture.

The railtour having arrived back at Barnstaple hauled by 33025 and 33027 stops while 33025 runs round 33027 to head the 16.00 Torrington to Waterloo . 16th October 1982 Copyright Paul Barlow

My apologies to Paul, his pictures were received on the 38th Anniversary of the railtour but due to an editorial problem are now a few days late! KJ

Many thanks Paul.

19th October 2020

19/10/2020

Running day at the
Plym Valley Railway
Roger Winnen

On Sunday 18th October 2020 Roger Winnen pays a visit to the Plym Valley Railway to see what progress is being made there in these difficult times.

201018a Construction underway at Marsh Mills Station of the ground floor of the new station building, the second floor sitting on top of this structure will be the former Billacombe Station buiding rescued from the Yealmpton Branch many years ago. Copyright Roger Winnen

201018b The new platform taking shape at Marsh Mills Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

201018c From the buffer stops at Plym Bridge Platform as 13002 awaits departure on its return journey to Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen

201018d The Great Western Pagoda at Plym Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

201018e The industrial scene at Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen

201018f Arrival back at Marsh Mills with the train passing the former frontage to Marsh Mills Signal Box with its cast iron nameplate attached. Copyright Roger Winnen

201018h This is the road crossing by the former Marsh Mills Station on the Tavistock Branch. The signs for the crossing lights etc remain in the bushes, this crossing was last used on 29th April 2008 when the last clay train left Lee Moor Dries. On that day a party of us gathered to witness the last train, however by some unknown means we missed it, Maurice Dart came up trumps and organised a tour of Lee Moor Driers to make up for our disapointment. Copyright Roger Winnen

Swindon
Ken Mumford

56103 with Chiltern Railway Coach working the 5Z20 Bristol - Wembley 17th October 2020. Ken Mumford.

56103 continues on its way towards Wembley with it's Chiltern Railway coach. 17th October 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Freightliner 66606 passes through Swindon on the 17th October 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford. Perhaps it adds a bit of colour to the picture but it's high time the 'numbskulls' with their spray cans were punished for their foolish and dangerous 'efforts' spray cans

Many thanks Ken.

St Austell area
Mark Lynam

Good evening,
I have sent a few photos from the last few days in which we had some glorious Autumn sunshine. Thanks Mark Lynam Received 17th OCT.

DB Cargo 66020 is seen on the causeway at Golant with the tide coming in working 6G09 1302 Goonbarrow Junction Dbc to Fowey Dock Carne Point CDAs. Wednesday 14th October 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam

GWR 802004 at Burngullow working 1A84 1015 Penzance to London Paddington. Friday 16th October 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

XC Voyager 220001 is seen at Burngullow working 1S49 0931 Penzance to Newcastle. Friday 16th October 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

GWR 43042 at Burngullow working 2U20 1050 Penzance to Cardiff Central. Friday 16th October 2020.

GWR 43155 is seen at St Austell working 2P17 1350 Penzance to Plymouth. Friday 16th October 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam,

Many thanks Mark.

18th October 2020

18/10/2020

A most interesting and refreshing view!
Saltash
Clive Smith

Well done for originality Clive. 17th October 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

After having just taken the standard 'train-on-bridge' shot I thought I would go for something different using the open windowless east side of the Two Bridges pub beer garden drinking 'shed' to create a framed picture. Perhaps my fifth pint had unleashed my artistic side. The train is the 13.28 Exeter St Davids - Penzance operated by 'Castle' HST power cars 43088 and 43194 on the 17th October. For the beer afficianados the pint is a small batch brew from the St Austell brewery called Harlequin at 4.8%.

Regardssssh
Clive Smith

Power Cars to the rescue
Andrew Triggs

Evening Keith,
Captured the ECS Night Riviera move in grim condtions at Marazion and Longrock today, the Night Riviera having been terminated at Exeter St Davids due to problems with 57604, 43155 with 43153 working 5Z77 09.00 Plymouth-Longrock T&RSMD forward. 3 shots for CRS
All the Best
Andrew

43155 and 153 hauling 57 604 at Marazion Marshes 17th October 2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs.

43155 and 153 at Long Rock having hauled 57 604 plus ecs from Exeter. 17th October 2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many thanks Andrew for catching that extremely rare working.

Across the Exe
David Tozer

Many thanks David, an interesting comparison between the two liveries, neither of which is very distinctive, now if it was South West trains!!

A view from on high
Westbury
Chris Harvey

Here is a shot from a recent visit to Westbury that you might like.
Viewed from a spot above the railway near the white horse on 1st October looking north, here is the 06.41 Acton - Merehead rolling west on the down main in the morning sunshine.
Best Regards, Chris Harvey. Bodmin

A lovely long shot as a class 59 in charge of a long train passes in view of the White Horse. 1st October 2020. Copyright Chris Harvey.

Many thanks Chris - a view in foreign parts!

Autumnal sunshine
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, A few days off after nights coincided with some lush sunlight. This is always welcome after some "Vampire" shifts. The vitamin D intake is great for restoring some balance.
Some local pictures, taken at Golant, Burngullow and St Austell showcase the Cornish countryside rather well, with a freight train to complement the Autumnal colours. Cheers Craig.

66020 passes Golant with a high tide on 14th Oct with 38 CDAs bound for Carne Point. Just three trains this week and next for the CDA workings. Copyright Craig Munday

The next day I popped over to Burngullow to see 66188 peer out from the recently cut vegetation at Burngullow, having loaded the JIAs at Treviscoe. The Ground Control chaps having done a sterling job here cutting back years of growth, even exposing the former up station platform building! 15th October 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

The same train is then seen on St Austell viaduct, a new viewpoint for me having by chance seen a post by friends on social media. The shot shows the valley across to St Austell (or Trenance) viaduct, also featuring Sky tip (a natural beacon for shipping to find a land point should their equipment fail), and the infamous Gover flats. Some might argue the flats marr the shot, but they are a well known building across my home town. The 8 JIAs just fitted on the viaduct snugly, but this was more luck than judgement to be honest! The eagle eyed may spot Herras style fencing in the fields below the camera, this area due to for housing development in the very near future, so grateful I captured the arable scene prior to the diggers moving in. 15th October 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

What a superb picture, taken at St Blazey. The RHTT being prepared in the shed. It's the 12th October 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig - a few days off and he's still chasing trains.

Weymouth Street Tramway
Demolition (2)
John Smerdon

John writes - Another nice day, so an excuse to go to Weymouth again! Since Thursday lunchtime the Contractors have removed over 200 metres of track from beside the bus garage along Commercial Road and laid new tarmac. The upturned track panels had been removed. However on walking along the quay side to the harbour station I discovered that the Contractors have created a compound beside the end of the platform. Therein are several stacks of upturned track panels confirming the rails were mounted on concrete sleepers. However in the corner I could also see a small quantity of wooden sleepers with chairs still attached. The Contractors are using this area to break up the concrete panels and placing the salvaged rails and chairs in skips. I have attached a few more photos which you might like to make use of in your feature.

Kind regards, John Smerdon

Commercial Road looking north finished. 17th October 2020 Copyright John Smerdon

Commercial road looking north 17th October 2020 Copyright John Smerdon

Commercial Road looking south 17th October 2020 Copyright John Smerdon

Harbour station remaining track 17th October 2020 Copyright John Smerdo

Track panels awaiting destruction 17th October 2020 Copyright John Smerdon

No further use for these sleepers; 17th October 2020. Copyright John Smerdon.

Many thanks John for your report on what might be called - to railway enthusiast - negative progress!!

Steves trip to the South West Part 3
Teignmouth & Paignton
Steve Widdowson

43122 and 43187 seen at Teignmouth provide the power for the{2C34 the 16.22 Exeter St Davids to Penzance. 12th October 2020 Copyright Steve Widdowson

143612 + 150266 Teignmouth on the 2F26 16.12 Paignton to Exmouth . 12th October 2020. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Moving on to Paignton.

That crossover at Pagnton looks quite dramatic in close up as 150248 + 143621 run towards Paignton . They will later form the 2F25 the 15.53 Paignton to Exmouth later. 12th October 2020. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Nothing happening on the Torbay Steam railway. where we find 7827 Lydham Manor. 12th October 2020. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

D3014 Class 08 parked at Paignton 12th October 2020. Copyright Steve Widdowson

In the shed at Paignton we see 37275 D6975 sheltering. 12th October 2020 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Steve, quite an outing, a busy day.

17th October 2020

17/10/2020

Cornish Class 66s
16th October 2020
Andrew Triggs

Good Morning Keith/Roger
I took the opportunity to capture the Clay and RHTT before the clocks go back next Sunday, the sun playing 'ball' for most of the day. 4 shots for CRS enclosed
All the Best
Andrew

DBC 66020 arriving at Lostwithiel at 13.42 working 6G09 13.02 Goonbarrow Junction-Fowey Docks Carne Point Clay with a healthy load of CDAs in tow. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Half an hour later at 14.12, heading off down the Fowey Docks branch from Lostwithiel. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Rounding the curve onto Liskeard Viaduct 66151/155 working 3J13 08.50 Westbury-St Blazey LIP RHTT catching the late afternoon sunshine at 15.58. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Passing through Liskeard station, heading for St Blazey. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Exeter
Phil Smith

Looking smart Class 33's 102 and 114 stand at Exeter St Davids with a D & C Railtour in 1992; Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks Phil.

Steves trip to the South West Part 1
Exmouth Branch
Steve Widdowson

Last Monday Steve in wonderful weather Steve took a trip to take a look at the Exmouth and Paignton branches. Calling first at Exmouth.

At Exmouth we see 143619 + 150263 on the 2T17 11,57 Exmouth to Paignton } 12th October 2020. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

150263 + 143619 Exmouth { 2F14 1040 Newton Abbot to Exmouth } 121020 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Steves trip to the South West Part 2
Exeter
Steve Widdowson

43384 and 43303 at Exeter St Davids { 1M49 1153 Plymouth to Birmingham New Street } 12th October 2020 Copyright Steve Widdowson

159003 + 159104 Exeter SD { 5L52 13.20 Exeter New Yard to Exeter St Davids } 12th October 2020. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

159104 + 159003 Exeter SD { 1L52 1325 Exeter St Davids to London Waterloo } 12th October 2020 Copyright Steve Widdowson

802101 & 802013 at Exeter St Davids 12th October 2020 Copyright Steve Widdowson

802101 seen at Exeter St Davids 12th October 2020 Copyright Steve Widdowson

A bronze statue of Nancy Astor the first woman MP was unveiled at Plymouth by the former prime minister Teresa May.

Many thanks Steve.

Ken's Contribution
Swindon
Ken Mumford

Looking almost like a railtour the trouble is that its a one way scrap train. Ilford turns out it stock looking immaculate. The loco is 37 884 Cepheus. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Swindon The immaculate stock continues its journey to extinction at SIMS Newport. 15th October 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford

Ken wonders if anybody is ever going to collect these bikes at Swindon. The owner of the nearest bicycle seems to have very long legs! 15th October 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Track recording unit 95001 rolls into Bay platform 2 at Swindon 15th October 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford. This picture has been zoomed into and cropped as permitted by Ken.

Swindon. 800 'Don Cameron' seen on the 15th October 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

16th October 2020

16/10/2020

Demolition - Week 1
Weymouth Tramway
John Smerdon

After years of wrangling the demolition of the street tramway between Weymouth Goods Yard and Weymouth Quay station finally commenced on Monday 12th October 2020. It is with many thanks to John Smerdon who answered our call for pictures of this sad event.

The Weymouth Goods Yard - the beginning of the branch to the Quay. 14th October 2020, Copyright John Smerdon.

Looking towards the goods yard across King Street. 14th October 2020. Copyright John Smerdon.

The scene of the first cut. 14th October 2020. Copyright John Smerdon.

The trackbed cleared of the infill to reveal the concrete sleepers. 14th October 2020. Copyright John Smerdon.

In this view it can be seen that once the rails have been cut a complete track panel has been lifted and inverted before placing on the road. 14th October 2020. Copyright John Smerdon.

Another view as an excavator clears the trackbed. 14th October 2020. Copyright John Smerdon.

Outside the bus garage - viewers will recognise the closed doors. 14th October 2020. Copyright John Smerdon.

Many thanks John - we hope that you will continue to show us pictures of the sad demolition of the quite famous railway route.

Cornish Holiday
Martin Baker

We welcome Martin Baker to our pages with four pictures he took a long ago while on a holiday in Cornwall - he's using his new scanner with excellent results.

1) 50044 Exeter & 018 Resolution arrive at Liskeard with a Penzance Liverpool. Copyright Martin Baker.

2) Same train ready to depart with the 'nose' of a 47 shunting on the down main just in view. Copyright Martin Baker.

3) A very nicely framed evening shot as 47 (possibly 555) leads 50040 on a Penzance to Bristol. Copyright Martin Baker.

4) 47 076 City of Truro leaves St Austell on a train for Penzance in the Early 70's. Copyright Martin Baker. A lot of interest here, a line of brutes on the up platform, staff loading a trolley. to the right can be seen the evidence of track work which one extended across the parking area and was later reduced to a short siding. Also note the old station building and the old footbridge. The bus shelters are back against the far wall.

Many thanks Martin

RHTT
Penzance
Andrew Triggs

Evening Roger/Keith,
Following work tonight I was lucky enough to capture the RHTT (3J12 20.32 St Blazey LIP-Par) at Platform 2 at Penzance, unusually stabled there between 21.54 and departure at 22.24, from the enclosed pictures, the grime associated with RHTT work is taking over 66151 and 66155s' paintwork
All the Best
Andrew

RHTT at Penzance in platform 2. 15th October 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

RHTT at platform 2, Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

A grimy 66151 rests between duties. 15th October 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew.

More RHTT - in daylight.
Exeter
Steve Widdowson

Last weekend Steve took a trip to Exmouth and Paignton sending us a bunch of 23 excellent photographs - here are there to start to coverage off.

66151 leads with 66155 TnT at Exeter { RHTT the 08.50 Westbury to St Blazey L I P } 12th October 2020 Copyright Steve Widdowson (Thunderer)

Exeter. 12th October 2020 Copyright Steve Widdowson (Thunderer)

66155 at the rear in platform 3 at Exeter { RHTT the 08.50 Westbury to St Blazey L I P } 12th October 2020. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Steve - more to follow.

15th October 2020

15/10/2020

The Rilo Train
Alan Peters

The RILA train visited the South West, although operational difficulties meant that the RILA train did not visit the Fowey branch and only managed one trip to Newquay in the pouring rain, however there was an extra trip to Goodrington sidings as 0Z66 where Colas Rail 66846 is seen with the RILA equipment attached during the sunny spells of the 5th October 2020 - Alan Peters

66846 At Goodrington Sidings with the fugro equipment attached. Copyright Alan Peters

The RILA test train also recorded the mainline between Plymouth and Exeter before stabling overnight at St Blazey, seen at Exeter St Davids Depot Colas Rail 66846 with the RILA equipment attached on 6th October 2020 waiting to depart to St Blazey - Copyright Alan Peters

Early morning at St Blazey in the pouring rain, with Colas Rail 66846 and RILA equipment fitted, the laser can be clearly seen 08/10/20 Copyright Alan Peters

Colas Rail 66846 with the RILA attached at St Blazey 06/10/20 - Copyright Alan Peters

The RILA being detached from Colas Rail 66846, this piece of equipment operated by Fugro Raildata gives 3D virtual rail mapping of the infrastructure, fitted to the front of the locomotive and packed away in a van. This view taken at St Blazey 06/10/20 - Copyright Alan Peters

Thanks Very Much Alan

An incredible picture.
Defiance Deviation.
Paul Keith

Saltash - Defiance 5 deviation . The buffers at the end of the line. Copyright Roy N. Keith in the care of and provided by Mr. Paul Keith. Ahead, at one time lay the Forder timber viaduct - 606 ft long with a maximum height of 67 feet crossing Forder Lake. This route closed 19th May 1908.

Saltash - Defiance 5 deviation end of the line. An enlargement. Copyright Roy N. Keith in the care of and provided by Mr. Paul Keith. N.B. You may have wondered what that was in the distance - we see perhaps a 'Yawl' setting off for a days fishing maybe.

Hello again Keith - Paul has sent across another image that he recently found - the buffers at the end of the line. A great riverside view from here, one hopes that the brakes always performed well when approaching this!
Again, photo credit to Mr. Roy N. Keith.
Best Regards,
Ross.

Many thanks to Paul Keith who has kindly allowed us to use his unique photograph and to Ross Griffiths who has forwarded it to us.

New Museum at
Newton Abbot
Clive Smith

Newton's Place is the new town museum in Newton Abbot incorporating the now closed GWR Museum which was a bit nearer the station. It's been open a week and has had very positive comments and featured on local TV. I didn't go in as I was just passing and the opening hours are currently quite restricted but I expect railways feature quite heavily.
https://newtonsplace.org/box/
Regards
Clive Smith

Newton Abbots New Museum 1 12th October 2020. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks for the 'tip', Clive.

14th October 2020

14/10/2020

Liskeard & Lostwithiel Today
Roger Winnen

I had ambitions today to photograph the Moorswater Cement, Goonbarrow to Fowey Clay and the Railhead Treatment Train.
My luck was in for the Moorswarer Cement at Liskeard. Leaving Liskeard for Lostwithiel I was advised that no clay would be running today so I crossed the crossing for the next train to Plymouth to photo the Rail Head Treatment Train due at 15.01. Within 20 mins or so 66020 with clay from Goonbarrow turned up at Lostwithiel, me being on the wrong side with the light.
Arriving at Plymouth I headed for Platform 4 as the RHTT was due through the centre road stopping for 20 mins. I anticipated photographing both at Plymouth & Par leaving Plymouth a few minutes ahead of the RHTT. No RHTT turned up at Plymouth and on arrival at Par David Tozer advised me that the train had run very early. The best plans never work at times! Let us try again!

201014a 70815 Arrives at Liskeard after running around at Lostwithiel with the Aberthaw Colas to Moorswater cement train. Copyright Roger Winnen

201014b Being advised at Lostwithiel that no clay was running today, Class 66020 turns up with clay from Goonbarrow to my surprise. Copyright Roger Winnen

201014c The old Cornwall Railway Carriage Workshops at Lostwithiel now converted for housing, nhs dental services etc. Copyright Roger Winnen

201014d The Dental Practice in the former workshops. Copyright Roger Winnen

201014e Known as Brunel Quays these modern recreations are in keeping with the former railway buildings at Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen

Spectacular Dawlish
David Tozer

Class 255 43192 Trematon Castle & 43162 on the Dawlish Sea Wall 14.10.2020 Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Defiance Deviation and
Saltash
Paul Keith

Good afternoon,
I hope this email finds you all well.
A few months ago a photo uploaded to one of the Saltash Facebook groups caught my eye - it was a distant shot of a line of stock on the Wearde deviation sidings, an area that has long interested me. I recently got in touch with the person that posted it and asked if they'd allow its use on the CRS site, particularly in the Wearde Deviation section, to which they very kindly said yes as long as full credit was given to their father Mr Roy N. Keith, who took the shot.
Please find attached the photo concerned, as well as three others that were also generously provided, one showing a closer image of rolling stock on the line through the snow covered fencing, one is of a local service at Saltash (complete with brake van) and a young Paul Keith in the pram and finally an aerial shot of Saltash station and goods yard.
These photos provide further insight into the uses of the siding and the types of stock stabled there - the snow shot shows what look like pre-nationalisation coaches - This is beyond my area of expertise but the 'centre' coach looks possibly like GWR B-stock? Hoping someone can help confirm and ID the other coaches.

With full credit to Mr Roy N. Keith, in the care of and kindly provided by Mr Paul Keith.
Best regards,
Ross Griffiths

Saltash - Defiance 1 deviation . Churchtown Siding Copyright Roy N. Keith in the care of and provided by Mr. Paul Keith. In the above and extremely rare photograph the remains of the original 'Brunel' route can be seen occupied by a rake of coaches, Something that was familiar to us older viewers. The coaches parked out here overnight were often a comfortable refuge for gentlemen of the road. If they overslept they could find themselves on the move in the empty coaching stock!

This end of the deviation which had closed to all traffic on the opening of the current main line with effect from the 19th May 1908. Was retained as a siding until the 2nd November 1964.

Saltash - Defiance 2 deviation . Churchtown Siding snow, and parked coaching stock. Copyright Roy N. Keith in the care of and provided by Mr. Paul Keith

Station platform view. Is Paul Keith in the push chair awaiting being loaded onto a Plymouth bound train or just being trained as a 'train spotter'! Copyright Roy N. Keith in the care of and provided by Mr. Paul Keith

Saltash station - aerial view. Copyright Roy N. Keith in the care of and provided by Mr. Paul Keith . It it must be assumed that to get this amazing picture that the photographer was perched on the top of the nearest pier of the Royal Albert bridge. Also note the complicated design of the footbridge which gave access to the platforms as well as providing a level pedestrian route between close by roads and lanes, a board crossing by the signalbox was presumably for the use of the signalman collecting the tokens or simply for platform trolleys. Note also the goods vans parked in the rather cramped goods yard, and also beyond a modern road coach and a double decker bus. A very prominent feature in this view is the Baptist Church, the second church building on the site, a grand building which was destroyed by fire on Christmas day 1987. The present Church was dedicated and opened in March 1992.

Very many thanks indeed Ross for bringing these pictures to our attention and to Mr. Paul Keith for permitting their publication.

Additional comment from Roy Hart :- Dear Keith,

These photos would appear to date from the mid-1950s. The shot of Wearde siding with the stored coaching stock is particularly interesting: the coaches are mostly of Collett design, from the inter war period. These sidings (there was one long siding with a parallel track forming a loop) were used to store excursion stock -that is coaches past the 'prime of youth' and used in the summer season for excursions to local resorts. In the 1950s there was a regular weekly trip from Saltash to Goodrington, for example, for which a 'County' was rostered. The stop blocks were at the parapet of the original Forder viaduct.
The coaches sat, stored and locked and apart from the odd 'gentleman of the road' (gentleman of the rail?) they were unattended until drawn up to Mill Bay in the spring for cleaning/ battery charging etc.

Roy

13th October 2020

13/10/2020

Just in Time! Photographs of the Weymouth Tramway
Roger Salter

Roger Salter took these photographs of the Weymouth Tramway on the 14th September only a couple of weeks prior to the announcement that work has started on removing this line to Weymouth Quay

200914a This was the first terrace at the southern end of Weymouth Esplanade, where cranes were installed on the £70,000 reconstructed harbour stage. These buildings were known as Devonshire Buildings originally constructed in 1812. Copyright Roger Salter

The approaches to Weymouth Quay Station. Copyright Roger Salter

The Weymouth Tramway was relaid in the 1952. From an old photograph taken in 1951 the building with an upper bay window painted black was then occupied by the Corporation Harbourmaster and the port officer of the National Dock Labour Board The tall building next bu one has been converted into apartments. From its early years it was a Bank, then the Marine Hotel and the Edward Hotel. Copyright Roger Salter

Going along Custom House Quay the rails here being relaid in 1952.. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Turbos to
Barnstaple
Mark Lynam

Saturday 10th October saw the first green Turbo to work the Tarka line to Barnstaple, although turbos started on the line two weeks ago, previous ones had been in the old blue livery. Turbos are now booked to work one diagram every Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday there happened to be one of each type of GWR DMU's working the line, Turbo, Sprinter, Express Sprinter and a Pacer!
Thanks,
Mark Lynam

166218 seen from the buffers at Barnstaple. 10th October 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

The front end before working 2J85 1135 Barnstaple to St James Park. 10th October 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

166218 Eggesford 10th October 2020 Copyright Mark Lynam

166218 on return to Crediton 158798 in the outward platform. 10th October 2020 Copyright Mark Lynam

An hour later 150216+143612 are seen at Crediton signal box working 2J86 1232 Barnstaple to St James Park. 10th October 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark for your coverage.

Port Isaac Road?
Railwest

Keith, Perhaps you could post this query on the CRS website please?

The attached photo shows the interior of an ex-L&SWR signal-box. It was found by one of my contacts amongst some material relating to the Wadebridge area, but otherwise there was no information about its location or date, although almost certainly it was taken in BR days. After a lot of scrutiny of the possible options, it is believed to be Port Isaac Road box. Can anyone confirm this please and/or perhaps identify the signalman?

Regards, Chris Osment

Port Issac Rd SB interior -query (LSWR unknown JM coll GB) Copyright.

Can anybody help to locate this signalbox and also name the signalman please. Many thanks to Chris Osment for this query.

A response from Andrew Jones, Dear Keith, In answer to Chris Osment, the photograph is almost certainly Port Isaac Road, for two reasons. The telegraph post is in the exact position as shown in the David Wroe book ‘ An Illustrated History of the North Cornwall Railway’ page 138 and if you look carefully there is a ground signal outside the signal box, again this appears on page139.
Further from Chris Osment. A third clue is the (apparent) size of the frame having 17 levers. St Kew Highway was also 17 levers and also had a ground signal in roughly the same location, but the telegraph pole there was further away from the box and closer to the back of the platform. PIR was on the platform, whereas StKH was built on the ground at the foot of the ramp (see Sid’s photo in the CRS Gallery), but it’s difficult to tell the external construction from inside the box.
and --- Very welcome - more observations from Chris Osment. Observation on the interior view of Port Isaac Road signal-box. It must date prior to 24th September 1961 as that was when the Electric Train Tablet instrument (for working to St Kew Highway) seen at the end of the lever-frame was replaced by an Electric Key Token instrument.
Thanks Chris

Re rust damaged post at
Tresmeer
Andrew and Diane Jones

Dear Keith, please could you pass on this product to the gentleman who needs to repair the concrete railway sign, I have used this product and it works well.The most important thing is to keep the water out and treat the wire encased rods that are exposed with a rust inhibitor.
Best wishes Andrew and Diane

See link.
https://www.sylmasta.com/product/superfast-concrete-epoxy-113g/?v=79cba1185463

Many thanks for your query Wayne and the solution Andrew.

Demolition of the
Weymouth Street Tramway
As reported earlier this week lifting of the famous Weymouth Street Tramway has commenced. To commemorate this sad occasion if you happen to be in Weymouth while this work is progressing we'd be most grateful if you can take a few pictures so that we can include them on 'special' to remember the line. Especially interesting would be views of the track base, is it on concrete sleepers or were there still wooden sleepers in use. Thank you KJ.

12th October 2020

12/10/2020

This afternoon at
St James' Park
David Tozer

143612 and 150266 emerges from Blackboy Tunnel with an Exmouth to Paignton working. Copyright David Tozer

Banner Repeater Signals (non operational) installed in connection with the relaying of Exmouth Junction to take place later this month Copyright David Tozer

The up platform at St James' Park being in the process of being lengthened. No work to date on the down platform. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Bedwyn
Roger Geach

59001 passes through Bedwyn station with the 12.40 Acton to Merehead 13th May 2015. Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger G.

Exeter
Roger Winnen

Class 33 heads the 10.08 Exeter to London Waterloo working. 21st April 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger W.

11th October 2020

11/10/2020

Bodmin & Wenford Open Day
Roger Winnen

During October the Bodmin & Wenford Railway will be having Static Open Days at Bodmin General on Saturdays and Sundays 10.00-16.00 hrs up to 24th 25th October.
I spent a couple of hours there this afternoon to catch up with the latest developments. This week the Railway has won over a Quarter of a Million Pouns from the culture & recovery fund award to get the Heritage Railway back on track
Everyone there today was most helpful and it was nice to meet the former General Manager Roger Webster

201011a Bodmin Parkway today, no trains are running today! For four weekends in October the Bodmin & Wenford Railway has a static Open Day at Bodmin General Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

201011b The Sentinel Locomotive Denise with a Brake Van at General. Copyright Roger Winnen

201011c Lengths of new bullhead rail have been loaded onto bogie bolster wagons at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

201011d The signalling panel in the box at Bodmin. With the addition of the new platform alterations are needed to the signalling and station track layout. Copyright Roger Winnen

201011e Work has commenced on the rebuilding of the Clay Hood wagons at Bodmin, being a familier sight in years gone by. Copyright Roger Winnen

201011f 47306 The Sapper stands in the new platform at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

201011g 75178 The Antwerp Austerity near the blocks at Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

37425 in DRS Livery
Leslie Curnow

37425 Has returned to Norwich and was photographed at Norwich in 2018 sporting the DRS Livery however it could do with a wash and brush up.

37425 at Norwich. Copyright Leslie Curnow

Thanks Leslie

Delight at Davey's Bridge
Ivybridge
Clive Smith

The driver needs his peaked cap to see ahead in the brilliant low sun as this 'gleaming apparation' of 37 425 appeared in view at Davey's bridge, Ivybridge.

37 425 Davey's Bridge 08.16 Laira to Norwich 9th October 2020 Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive.
Apologies for the late appearance of your picture.

An appeal for help at
Tresmeer
Wayne Smith

I hope you don’t mind me contacting you. I was looking for some help.
I currently live in the old Tresmeer station house in Splatt Launceston.
We have two old concrete signs one that is still standing and one that is not up.
Both are in need of repair. I was wondering if you knew anyone that I could contact to get them to a state of repair as I think a few more winters and we may lose them. This would be a great shame as they are very old.

I thank you in advance and look forward to a reply

Kind regards, Wayne Smith

A close up of the damage to the supporting post to one of the signs at Tresmeer. Unfortunately it appears that rainwater has got into the cast concrete posts rusting the reinforcement metal work. The post has then been frozen during a past winter which has caused the post to split. N.B. After all these years it is nice to see that the Soutern Green paint has survived on the sign. Photographed by Wayne Smith 9th October 2020. Copyright.

A photograph of the grounded sign, with some damage to the right hand lower corner. 9th October 2020. Copyright - the owner, Wayne Smith.

Can anyone please help Wayne with advice on how to make a lasting repair or advise him who he could contact to save these valuable relics. Replies to the CRS website or [email protected]

Thank you for your query Wayne

Exmouth Junction
David Tozer

166218 in new livery 10th October 2020 Copyright David Tozer.

Class 166 166218 became the first unit of the type painted in green lvery to visit Exmouth Junction. 166218 is seen arriving with the 0957 5B75 St James' Park - Exmouth Junction - St James' Park. Previous visits by Class 166 have been painted in the old Great Western blue. The unit would then work the 1011 St James' Park Barnstaple.

Regards Dave

Many thanks David

Update on the
Ruthern Bridge branch
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith, please find update on Ruthernbridge railway granite sleepers.
Last week Kier construction completed their works at Grogley waterlevels. A number of parishioners approached me with their concerns that some of the original sleepers were being removed.
I managed to contact the Kier project manager who advised the following..

Andrew,
This project has been to remove the existing reinforced concrete gauging station and associated granite blockstone walling from the River Camel as part of the wider river restoration programme to maintain the SSSI status.
The only granite we have removed are the walling stones from the Gauging Station. The blocks in the attached photograph are 9 blocks that were kept back especially to use to prevent future vehicular access to the track, owned by Mrs Parsons.
The historic railway line was the access point used for our works within the Forestry England land on the left hand bank. Prior to works we did install some hardcore in places to protect the historic sleepers and during the course of the works have regularly tended to the track to provide protection to any sleepers that have become exposed and ensure they were kept covered to prevent any damage.
Please be assured that no granite sleepers have been removed as a result of these works. I can also confirm that the environment agency’s own heritage officer has been consulted throughout the works and the potential impact on the historic railway and canal features have been given due consideration.
We can only offer apologies as our normal communications plan was thrown into chaos with the Covid 19 outbreak, otherwise we would have communicated about our works more widely.
If you would like any further information about the works either from us or from the EA directly then we would be more than happy to provide it.

I hope this has reassured you. Do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information,

Kind regards, Adrian
Adrian Parker BEng (Hons) IEng MICE
Senior Project Manager

.....it has been difficult to arrange any formal preservation with the Cornwall Council Archaeology Dept, but I think the assurance from Kier will go someway towards assisting a possible preservation order.

I have attached a photograph of recent activity....one of the granites is possibly a sleeper from the original water level construction in the 1930's.

Best wishes Andrew and Diane

Ruthern Bridge Branch See Note from Andrew Jones 10th Oct 2020 Copyright Andrew Jones

<<Previous

Forward>>