Blog Archives

21st October 2021

21/10/2021

Plymouth
Clive Smith

50 008 Thunderer arrives in a blizzard at Plymouth. 18th January 1985. Copyright Clive Smith

One doesn't like to be reminded of such weather but with winter approaching one wonders if we'll see snow again in the next few months. Lets hope not, except for the opportunity to take photographs such as this one by Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive.

Shaldon
Ron Kosys

A gang of track workers watch 47490 pass by as it is about to pass under Shaldon bridge with a service to the north. 27th July 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

RHTT Activity at
Swindon
Colin Pidgeon

[1] 3S33 Cheltenham (Lansdown Loop) to Swindon (Transfer Yard)
with 67023 t & t 67027 AND THEY WILL GET DIRTIER YET!
[2] and [3] 3S59 Swindon (Transfer Yard) to Swindon (Transfer Yard)
with 66846 t & t 66850 also to get dirtier still!
Two Swindon workings:-
[A] via platform 3 or up main arrive 1402 from Cardiff/Bristol
[B] via platform 1 arrive 1444 from Cheltenham BUT they have a habit of running EARLY!
Any further details please contact Colin at
[email protected]

RHTT Swindon [1] 19th October 2021. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

RHTT Swindon [2] 19th October 2021. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

RHTT Swindon [3] 19th October 2021. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Many thanks to Colin for the pictures and information and to Ken Mumford for forwarding them with Collins permission.

Long Rock
Dennis Clarke
You have been warned.

Long Rock Car Park Closed sign. 20th October 2021. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Not really beaching weather at the moment - thanks Dennis

20th October 202

20/10/2021

Nocturnal Grid
Alan Peters

Corlas 56 302 Peco the Railway Modeller at rest at Westbury. The evening of the 18th October 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Many thanks Alan

Cowley Bridge '84
Clive Smith

45051 waits the road at Cowley bridge Jct. wuth the 09.32 St Blazey to Severn Tunnel Jct, mixed goods on the 10th July 1984. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive - semaphores for the memory.

Pangbourne
Ron Kosys

47512 is about to enter the cutting at Pangbourne at the head of an inter-regional service for Birmingham and beyond.
12th May 1990

47512 is seen at Pangbourne. Pangbourne is almost three miles west of Reading General. 12th May 1990. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

An appeal re the Model Railway Exhibition on the 4th December
Newton Abbot
Michelle Pearson

As you can see, the aim of the Show is to raise awareness of our Railway Studies Collection, instigated by David St. John Thomas (of David and Charles publishers) over 20 years ago. We have at least 10 layouts now confirmed and a collection of local railway/modelling related traders.
"We would like to invite you to join us and exhibit one of your layouts, at our Railway Studies Collection Exhibition, to be held on Saturday 4th December, 2021 at Newton Abbot Library in the Passmore Edwards Centre. The Railway Studies Collection (RSC) is believed to be the second largest in the country, after the National Railway Museum in York.  The Collection, being a part of Libraries Unlimited and based on the first floor of Newton Abbot Library, is open to the general public and free to peruse. Many of the books have been changed from Reference and are now available to loan.  We also hold 1000s of railway related magazines.  The aim of the Exhibition is to raise awareness of the Railway Studies Collection, and in addition to this, showcase other, local railway related organisations/groups.

We would be delighted if you could attend and bring a layout to exhibit. We will be extending this invitation to other modelling groups across Devon and Cornwall, in addition to a small selection of traders.  There will be a talk organised by our Friends of the Railway Studies Collection, a showcase of some of our rare books and access to some of the 1000s of railway magazines we hold in the stack.  We also plan to run some family friendly activities for our younger train enthusiasts too.  We will not be charging exhibitors or traders but will be taking donations on the door.  The money we raise will be evenly shared between the Railway Studies Collection and Libraries Unlimited, the charity which runs 55 public libraries across Devon.   We anticipate there will be a lot of interest in the Exhibition, and we will be advertising the event via social media as we draw closer to the date.

The Passmore Edwards Centre, originally built as a Public Library, Science, Art and Technical School, is a beautiful building with large windows and high ceilings, perfect for displaying layouts. There is lift access to the first floor, and a café on the ground floor, with two further rooms for use across the courtyard. There are toilets on both floors, with a toilet for people with disabilities on the ground floor.

If you are able to attend with a layout, which we hope you can, please contact Michelle Pearson on 01626 886223 or email [email protected].  We can then take the size requirements and electrical socket requirement of your layout."

Again, do please contact me if you would like any further information.
Best Wishes, Michelle Pearson.

Looks like a very good show. Further Details in our outdoor events.

19th October2021

19/10/2021

47705 Near Radley
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are well, great pictures on the site as always. Here is a picture of 47705 nearing Radley station(Oxfordshire) on 25 September 1990 with the 11.00 service from Oxford to Paddington,. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Turbos at Topsham
and Polsloe Bridge
David Tozer

Gents I had to visit Topsham and Polsloe Bridge this afternoon. Despite it being somewhat gloomy I took the following photos.

150221 leads another Class 150/2. Hard to believe that this was taken at Polsloe Bridge. One time you could see in the distance Hill Barton over bridge, but not now, vegetation is rampant on the branch. The service was the 1257 Exmouth to Paignton. Copyright David Tozer

166211 also at Polsloe Bridge with the 1220 Paignton to Exmouth. Copyright David Tozer.

166211 at Topsham waiting to cross 166219 with the 1323 Exmouth to Paignton. Copyright David Tozer.

Finally the train departure screen at Topsham a little awry. Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

Extremely interesting
David Anthony

Hi guys,

No pictures I’m afraid and more national than Cornwall specific, but here’s a link to an item on the New Civil Engineering website about the way National Highways are getting around the government pause in infilling old bridges.

Maybe of interest to you and your members..

Council leader accuses National Highways of ‘riding roughshod’ over bridge infilling pause | New Civil Engineer

Cheers
Dave Anthony.

A very interesting item drawn to our attention by David Anthony for which we are very grateful. Just Click on the link above and some interesting material concerning future railway plans will be revealed. Many thanks to you Dave.

A Pair of Unusual Multiple Units at
Swindon
Neil Phillips

The photos from Ken Mumford and Colin Pidgeon (whom I’ve known for many years) keep me updated on events around Swindon, where I lived for a long time, in two ‘stints’, starting in 1972 and ending less than two years ago. Of course it looks so different now with all that steelwork and ‘knitting’! I took many photos there, including some inside and outside the Works, in the 1970s and 1980s, and thought these two might be of interest.

The blue/red Departmental unit may look like a Derby Lightweight DMU, but the underframes give it away - it is in fact the unique BEMU (Battery Electric Multiple Unit) originally built at Cowlairs Works in 1957/8, using production bodyshells supplied by Derby. Numbered SC79998/9 it was put to work on the 43-mile Deeside line from Aberdeen to Ballater and could be recharged at both ends of the journey. Unfortunately it was prone to small fires in the battery bays which regularly took it out of service; closure of the line in 1966 made it redundant and it was stored at Inverurie Works for a while. Acquired by RTC Derby in 1967 it was renumbered DB975003/4 and named ‘Test Train Gemini’ (or Laboratory 16) – purpose, research into traction battery technology. Pictured in ex-works condition outside Swindon Works on 13 September 1975 (the day of the Works Open Day there) looking very smart – note the brown underframes. It remained in RTC ownership until 1984 when it passed into preservation, I believe it is currently on the Royal Deeside Railway – a remarkable survivor.

The all-blue Class 100 was procured as an inspection and route learning unit for the Eastern Region, formed from DMBS E51116 and DTS E56101 both withdrawn in October 1972. They were transferred into Departmental use in March 1976, becoming DB975349 and DB975539 respectively. Known as the ‘York Saloon’ (not to be confused with the more widely known Class 100 ‘Stourton Saloon’ which ran in Provincial light blue livery for a while) this 2-car set remained in use until January 1993 when it was withdrawn – unfortunately preservation eluded it. Captured ready to go following attention at Swindon Works on 31 August 1976.

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

RDB975003_4 Swindon Works 13th April 1975 Copyright Neil Phillips

DB975539+DB975349 Swindon Works 31st August 1976. Copyright Neil Phillips

Many thanks indeed Neil for delving into the past history of these most interesting units.

Exeter 83
Clive Smith

'Skinhead goyle' 31117 waits time at platform one at Exeter St Davids with the 3B20 05.05 Paddington - Plymouth parcels on the 18th June 1983. This photo was taken at 18.15 and the train had such a slow schedule. I am tempted to say that it took all day as it had a 31 on the front but to be honest it was often a type 4 too. Apparently it recessed at Bristol from 09.00 to 15.50 which begs the question why not make it a Bristol - Plymouth parcels as it used to be in the 1970s as 4B10.? These early series class 31s were built without headcode displays on the cab roof, still using the discs to signify the class of train to the signal boxes, inherited from steam locos with lamps. We young spotters always called them and the early class 24s 'skinheads'. The nickname 'goyles' I think came about as class 31s were just ugly although that is of course subjective.

Regards
Clive Smith

31 117 waits time in platform 1 with the 05.05 Paddington to Plymouth, 18th June 1983. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks to you Clive for the photograph and your accompanying reminiscences.

Dartmoor Line
John Roberts

Coleford Jn - Okehampton closed to passengers 1972, one of the few which Beeching had planned to stay open.
I did it on a Plymouth Railway Circle DMU in the 80s, all the way to the quarry with a photostop at N Tawton.
Timetable: https://dartmoorline.com. I hope you'll try it and report back!
Good news too about the Portishead branch which looks like reopening with new stations at Pill and Portishead;
---------------------------------------------------------------
And more thoughts from John - Keith, you may be interested for your blog that a new operator Lumo commences on 25th Oct between King's Cross and Edinburgh in competition with DfT East Coast: Search, Compare & Buy Train Tickets - Lumo.
Given that they're using Class 803 with 2+2 seating, their prices are about one-third of DfT, and they have an annoyingly flashy website, I guess they're aiming at the younger market, similar to SNCF's OUIGO and Stagecoach's Megabus.
It's not overt, but it's part of First. Given that they already run Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express and Hull Trains, I'm surprised they got through the Competition Authorities.
Best wishes, John R.

Thanks for that John - I found the link to the Dartmoor line particularly interesting. Further to your mention of the PRC special making a stop at North Tawton - in fact a CRS railtour made a requested very slow pass of the station but as the track had by that time been considerably raised we could not stop. We did however have a photostop at Bow - will this station ever be included once more in the Dartmoor line timetables one wonders?
No doubt our faithful followers will be out for photographs on that opening day next month.

North Dorset Railway
Shillingstone

Dear Member,
I hope you are well and have been able to return to some sort of normality whilst recognising this will sadly not be the case for all.
As the summer season comes to an end at Shillingstone Station the Trustees are pleased to report that visitor numbers have recently returned to a similar level as pre Covid. It has been very rewarding for all to see and hear visitors and volunteers from near and far enjoying themselves once again at the station thanks to the work and support of volunteers and members over the many years since restoration began.
The volunteer team assembling our new restoration shelter is well on the way to completing it prior to Project 62's open day this Sunday. After several years of braving the elements, whilst working on their steam loco restorations, they will now be able to work under cover.
As planned, the permanent way and site volunteer teams started work on our Phase 1 track extension and Trailway enhancement at the beginning of September. Initial works focused on the site clearance work which has to be carried out during the winter months. Earthworks follow to enable the Trailway to be temporarily diverted whilst the enhanced new Trailway is constructed adjacent to the position of the new track extension. Regular updates are available on our NDR Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ShillingstoneStation/

As winter approaches, the preparatory work for the phase 1 extension continues and our larger events have been organised and successfully delivered, attention turns to our rolling stock restoration, volunteer training and the continuing development of our Safety Management System (SMS), Competence Management System (CMS) and Rule Book required to meet the requirements of the Office of Road and Rail. It will be a busy winter on site and behind the scenes!
As always members and volunteers support is vital to our continued work. Please see the attached document about our Brake Van restoration and let us know if you are able to support this work.
Hoping you can visit soon.
Best wishes
Colin Fisher
NDR Secretary on behalf of the Trustees

Many thanks to Colin Fisher for drawing our attention to this item and providing a link to their Facebook Presentation. This is most interesting indeed - so please try it. KJ is a member.

18th October 2021

18/10/2021

40's at Plymouth 39 years ago
Plymouth
Clive Smith

This was thirty nine years ago almost to the day and in less than two weeks Plymouth will once again welcome a pair of 40s on a railtour when green pair D213 and D345 will arrive on the 'Devonian Double'. This will be the highlight of the year for rail enthusiasts down in the south west and I am very much looking forward to it.

On a rainy day in 1982 but looking very smart with red buffers, 40084 and 40057 are seen running round the 'Westward Whistler' railtour 06.00 York - Plymouth along the through line between platform 4 and 5. I'd photographed the tour at Lipson on the other side of Mutley Tunnel so by the time I got to North Road station the 40s were just on their way to Laira.

Regards
Clive Smith

Something for us all to look forward to. Thanks for the memory and reminder Clive.

Scrap near
Tiverton Jct Loop
Bill Elston

GBRf 66732 on a scrap metals working Exeter Marsh Barton to Cardiff Tidal app Tiverton Jct loop on the 8th May 2013. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill.

Oxford
Ron Kosys

It's the 26th May 1987 Green 47484 runs into the ‘old’ Platform 1 (now Platform 3) at Oxford with the ecs for an evening run to Paddington.
The stock is a complete set of blue grey Mark 1’s with small Network Southeast branding. Regards Ron.

Oxford 26th Ma 1987. 47484. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks indeed Ron.

30 minutes at
Swindon
Ken Mumford

Hello Friends,
My grandson and I decided to spend about 30 minutes down at Swindon station and here are my photos - reduced in size for being able to send them all at once.
[1] 165131 waits for a driver in platform 1 before it can depart for Cheltenham.
[2] 165131 departing from platform 1 - next stop is Kemble.
[3] This emu has just arrived in platform 3 and terminated here before heading for the stabling sidings east of the station.
[4] This emu awaits the right of way.
[5] This emu leaves platform 3 with a CALLING ON signal to the left of the red colour signal.
Kind regards,
Ken

Swindon Picture 1 17th October 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford.

Swindon Picture 2 17th October 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford.

Swindon Picture 3 17th October 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford.

Swindon Picture 4 17th October 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford.

Swindon Picture 5 17th October 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

17th October 2021

17/10/2021

The early bird catches the worm
This morning at Pinhoe 06.15 to 07.30
David Tozer

Morning Roger,
A rare visitor.
0735 6C97 0735 Pinhoe to Westbury after dropping CWR from Exmouth Junction

Freightliner 66565 at Pinhoe on 17.10.2021. Copyright David Tozer

66565 before the breaking of dawn at Pinhoe. Copyright David Tozer

Dawn is breaking over Pinhoe. Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

The not so early bird at
Crewkerne
Bill Elston

Not quite such an early bird, but 0817 saw Freightliner 66565 charging through the 'jungle' east of Crewkerne Station on the 0735 Pinhoe to Westbury rail delivery train.
Best wishes, Bill.

66565 passes through Crewkerne. 17th October 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill

Autumn Bites
Craig Munday

As we creep closer to Autumn, we are back actively pursuing the leaves once again. Predominantly in the East of the County again, we are monitoring and treating problem areas.

On 11th the still presentable 66098/116 head down past Tywardreath with the RHTT.

The 14th saw me at Bodmin Parkway awaiting my blockage between trains. There was time to catch up with Jimmy James and the Thursday maintenance gang out with a small engineers train on the Bodmin & Wenford railway. There was an opportunity to capture trains from generations apart as the superbly restored wooden brake van, complete with roaring stove contrasted sharply with the sleek lines of a London bound class 800 in the platform. Jimmy gazes across as if a time traveller has arrived like the in film "back to the future"!

66009 was later seen on St Germans viaduct; it having a busy 24 hours. It worked the Par harbour trip early doors on 14th, then worked two portions of JIAs to Exeter Riverside. This study being the returning light engine movement mid afternoon, prior to the RHTT.

Finally, another Saturday and another Driver experience trip with 50042 seen at Charlie's gate bound for Bodmin Road on 16th Oct.

On leave next week, and typically unsettled weather forecast!

Craig

66098 and 66116 on the RHTT, 3J13 see here at Tywardreath on the 111th October 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

Activity at Bodmin Parkway, see write up above, 08444 and crew including Jimmy James. 14th October 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

66009 St Germans 0Z53 14th October 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

50042 Triumph looking pretty 'fitty' seen here at Charlies gate on Driver Training. 16th October 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

Many many thanks Craig for this weeks contribution - we sincerely hope that the weather is better than the prediction.

Exeter exhaust
Clive Smith

47055 opens up with the 06.53 Oxford to Paignton on the . 12th June 1982. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive, one can imagine the sound.

Ebbw Junction
Newport
Ron Kosys

A wonderful shot as 47480 heads away from Newport and about to pass Ebbw Junction with a Manchester to Cardiff working, on the afternoon of 11th May 1984. Copyright Ron Kosys

Very many thanks Ron.

16th October 2021

16/10/2021

Early Notice
For more details and suggested timings to attend this non CRS event see our Outdoor Programme

About three quarters of a mile from the station. More details will follow.

Plymouth
Clive Smith

50 033 Glorious emerges from Mutley Tunnel with the 16.32 Plymouth to Paignton. 8th June 1982. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive

Nr. Totton
Ron Kosys

47533 is seen approaching Totton 25th June 1989 with the 07.10 Sunday Manchester to Poole. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

A Peak from
Bristol to Penzance
Clive Smith

Thought you might like to see this superbly edited 8mm cine film without sound. It really encapsulates the journey from Bristol to Penzance. Not sure whether it warrants an airing on CRS but I thought you both might like it. Brought back a lot of memories for me. Seems it was only raining in Redruth for some strange reason.
All the best
Clive
https://youtu.be/yY8grWM1I_Q

A journey behind 46 020 in 1975. Glimpse of various points of interest to be had in the good old days when you could ‘hang out of the window’.
Worle Jct, the approach to Weston S Mare, Uphill Jct, Cogload, Steam at Taunton, the climb to Whiteball tunnel, Exeter Middle Box and crossing, Dainton bank plus tunnel plus sidings. Totnes before Riverside. RAB, St Austell, St Erth with milk tanks.

This is followed up on the same link by ‘PAIN TRAIN’ a most interesting clip from 1969 featuring all the behind the scene problems. Well worth watching - enjoy.

Yes, thank you for that link Clive - it certainly brought back memories to me - a sought of 'Caw, look at that, I remember that' film. Platform trolleys in abundance. The only day of the year it rained at Redruth !!!

15th October 2021

15/10/2021

Royal Albert Bridge
St Budeaux side
Clive Smith

There has been a substantial vegetation clearance between the old signal box and the bridge in recent weeks. On my visit mist had covered the river and was just burning off at 10.15. Two 2+4 Castle HST sets were due within fifteen minutes of each other so this was ideal. There's still a few too many trees and I get the impression the clearance has taken place to provide a storage area for materials for rail bridge work. Contractors have been working on the road bridge for aeons and they have metal storage units parked in the bottom section of the car park which detracts from another potential photo location further to the right of this position.

Regards, Clive Smith

43194 and 43041 form the 08.50 Penzance to Cardiff on the 14th October 2021. Copyright Clive Smith Copyright Clive Smith

43 005 brings up the rear of the 06.55 Gloucester to Penzance with 43 016 on the front. 14th October 2021. Copyright Clive Smith

Clive also reports that after a long period of closure the footway over the RAB is now open. Stunning views on a super day - many thanks Clive.

A view of the West Somerset Railway last Saturday
Paul Barlow

To supplement Derek Buttivants photograph of Dunster, Paul Barlow has kindly sent the following photos. Many Thanks

An unusual view of Minehead Station from an open topper bus. Copyright Paul Barlow

A preserved Double Decker stands outside of Minehead Station. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Unusual view of Minehead station from open top bus 9 October 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow

Dunster station Bristol VR bus. Copyright Paul Barlow.

9351 stands at Dunster ready to depart to Bishops Lydeard 9 October 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many Thanks Paul

Bere Alston
Clive Smith

Clive writes :- 150233 at the station with the 11.16 Gunnislake - Plymouth. My job takes me far and wide in Devon and I happened to be in this back-of-beyond corner of west Devon for an hour and took the opportunity to visit the station for photos of the none-too-frequent service. A fairly busy train and a much better option for travel than the awful narrow winding roads that criss cross the area.This former Southern Railway mainline station, now a reversal station on the Plymouth - Gunnislake branch line. Hopefully in my lifetime I will be able to travel on a train from here to Tavistock if the proposed line is ever sanctioned.

Check out the link for the latest on this subject - New Devon railway with hourly trains to popular destinations

Regards
Clive Smith

150 233 on the 11.16 Gunnnislake to Plymouth. 6th October 2021. Copyright Clive Smith. Having arrived from Gunnislake to train prepares to reverse to the onward journey to Plymouth;

150 233 on the 11.16 Gunnnislake to Plymouth. 6th October 2021. Copyright Clive Smith. This is now the leading cab.

Many thanks Clive - what an ideal job you have.
N.B. The link suggested by Clive is well worth exploring - a brighter future for rail travel.

Pullmans passing
Swindon
Clive Pidgeon

These are photos from my good friend, Colin Pidgeon [forwarded with his kind permission], of the Cardiff bound Pullman passing platform 4 and the return workng at platform 3 yesterday.
Please credit them to Colin - many thanks,
Ken

London Victoria to Cardiff 67021 on 1Z14 Belmond British Pullman 13th October 2021. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Cardiff to London Victoria 67021 on The return working 1Z15 Belmond British Pullman 13th October 2021. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Many thanks to you Colin and to Ken for passing them on.

Horse Cove
Dawlish
Ron Kosys

47530 passes Horse Cove on the 23rd June 1999. It is hauling the 13.36 Fridays only Paddington to Penzance. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Any idea why this is called Horse Cove???
Many thanks Ron

14th October 2021

14/10/2021

Dunster Buses
Derek Buttivant

Hello Roger.

A slightly different view (attached) of the West Somerset Railway's rail replacement bus operation at Dunster. Yesterday's vehicles were an immaculate London Routemaster and an open-top Bristol VR. From the top deck of the Routemaster, the WSR train can be seen, with passengers making their way to the buses. At Minehead the Seaward Way level crossing is undergoing extensive alterations including re-signalling, and there was considerable work activity there yesterday. It is hoped that the crossing will be handed back to the WSR before the end of October but the need for signaller and train-crew training means that regular passenger services into Minehead will not resume until the 2022 season.

Kind regards.

Derek

Many Thanks Derek

Truro in the mist
Dennis Clarke

Dennis was up and about bright and early today.150221 in the mist at Truro this morning forming 06:27 to Falmouth,

150 221 waits to form the first service of the day to Falmouth. Truro 14th October 2021 Copyright Dennis Carke

Many thanks Dennis - up on a not so bright morning.

Laira (Plymouth)
Clive Smith

50009 and 45002 stand outside Laira Depot on the 14th February 1982. 50009's refurbishment and application of large logo livery was completed that month at Doncaster Works and it's looking quite dapper save for a bit of newly acquired grime. The loco was withdrawn in January 1991. 45002 would fare less well being withdrawn in September 1984.

Regards
Clive Smith

50009 Conquerer and 45002 at Laira 14th February 2002. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive.

Hele
Ron Kosys

47544 seen at Hele on the 5th May 1989/ The service is the 12.15 Bristol to Penzance. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.
Nearby Hele and Bradninch closed on the 5th October 1964.

The Aeronian XP
October Edition
Editor Ken Mumford

Herewith a link to enable you to explore the many, pages, pictures and articles contained within the publication - please clack below.

aeronian_oct_21-1.pdf
File Size:	9813 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Click 'Download File' to open open file and enjoy
Many thanks to Ken and Terry Davis.

13th October 2021

13/10/2021

Unusual working around Oxford
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are going along allright. Here is a picture of 31305 powering through Oxford on 28 July 1988 with a loaded ballast train. My notes show it was heading to the site of a landslip near Moreton-in-Marsh,which closed the line for three days. I hope this will be of interest. Thanls and all the best, Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Good News!
Exeter St David's to Okehampton
Reopens in November
It was announced on the media today that the Exeter St David's to Okehampton line will be opened to passenger traffic from Saturday 20th November 2021. Departures from Exeter on Saturday 20th 06.34 08.41 10.36 12.37 14.38 16.36 18.48 21.00 Departures from Okehampton 07.39 09.45 11.39 13.39 15.39 17.46 19.51 21.56 Also a Sunday Service Tickets are now available Return £8 less discounts for railcard holders

Riding around Cornwall
Cornish Rover
Roger Winnen

211011a Gerry Taylor runs to the Liskeard Ground Frame after a trip from Bristol Kingsland Road. Copyright Roger Winnen

211011b The RHTT arrives behind 66116 at Par on Monday 11th October 2021 Copyright Roger Winnen

211011c The RHTT central tank vehicles contain the water for the high pressure water jets to blast the debris from the track... Copyright Roger Winnen

211011d Class 66 66098 bringing up the rear of the train as it heads through Par Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

211011f Saltash Station almost complete. Copyright Roger Winnen

Horse Cove and the Dawlish Sea Defences
Roger Salter

I visited the site of the new rock tunnel near Horse Cove today to see the preparatory works taking place
,A long descent & a steep footpath walk enabled a few views of the great earth embankments to level this extremely difficult site,also views back to Horse Cove

The RHTT at Langstone Rock
Roger Salter

211012a The RHTT at Langstone Rock today. Copyright Roger Salter

211012b The RHTT at Langstone Rock today. Copyright Roger Salter

All these photographs are the Copyright of Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

To and from
Penzance
Dennis Clarke

57306 this morning having worked up from Penzance seen at Paddington 12th October 2021. Copyright Dennis Clarke

445B 802112 ready to depart at 06.37 for Pezance.. Paddington 12th October 2021. Copyright Dennis Clarke

We don't normally cover Paddington but as these were from and to Penzance okay on this occasion. We received your pictures at 06.33 - many thanks. We hope you are enjoying your journey.

Get the ploughs out!!!
Craig Munday

A bit of variety from previous days. The RHTT is out on its Autumn circuit. Locos 66098 and 66116 are reasonably clean despite their exploits passing Restormel on a fine 5th Oct.

The following day, resource issues saw both the Par harbour and Treviscoe portions of JIAs loaded on the same day. With no CDAs to load, 66133 picked up the Par harbour trip and is seen just after midday passing the lovely gated crossing on the branch.

On the 9th, the B&W class 50, 50042 Triumph was in action with a Driver Experience trip seen sporting a full set of snow ploughs (do they have a long range forecast we should know about)!!

The RHTT is seen again passing Treboul farm near St Germans. With this fine settled weather we may be fortunate to have a full canopy of leaves well into November. We await the first winds and frost to cause a big drop.

Kind regards, Craig

66133 Par harbour 6th October 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

3J13 Restormel 66098 and 66116 5th October 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

3J13 at Treboul 66116 9th October Copyright Craig Munday

50042 Bodmin 9th October Copyright Craig Munday

50042 Triumph looking very smart amis autumn tints. 9th October Copyright Craig Munday

Very many thanks Craig for your look around with the RHTT and 50042 at Bodmin.

Another Anniversary - the destruction of the
Weymouth Harbour Tramway
Ron Kosys

Quite dramatic at the time, a year ago today, after years of wrangling, saw the press present for the almost ceremonial cutting of the rails leading from Weymouth Yard onto the Street Tramway.

Amongst the many railway photographs, now over 300, which Ron has so kindly sent was a selection taken on the 30th December 1989 when Network Southeast organised five round trips along the tramway. The weather was not particularly kind but nevertheless Ron Kosys recorded the event from a number of unusual positions. It should be noted that 33117 pulled and pushed the train along the tramway and on one occasion was located in the middle o the two sets of TC stock.

On Saturday 30th December 1989 Network Southeast organised a commemoration, 100 years of the Weymouth Quay Tramway.
Five round trips from Weymouth station were planned to operate using a Class 33 and TC stock.
In the event 33117 and 8001/8023 were used.

https://www.sixbellsjunction.co.uk/80s/891230br.htm

Clearly this event was going to be popular and so it proved. The town was full of people with cameras, all dressed for the cold, misty, winter weather that hung around for most of the day.
It did brighten up for a very short period, this fortunately tying in with one of the runs.

Sadly these events always seem to happen in winter, when the days are short and the light far from the best more often than not.

The fifth and final run was timed to depart from Town station at 1600, arriving at Quay around 1630. This meant this was going to run in the dark, it being only a few days after the shortest day.
Inevitably these trains also ran a little late, so the last run was definitely going to be almost impossible to shoot. Remember this was the days of Kodachrome 64. If only digi was available in those days.
Consequently I took the decision to return home and throw the last run away.
It was only later I discovered that the final run did run a lot later than timetabled, but this was due to 33117 having issues and being replaced by 73104 for the round trip!!

In an attempt to make the trips more interesting, the loco was on one end for a couple of trips before switching to the other. One trip was even made with 33117 in the middle of both TC’s.

The first run was preceded by a Sea Scout (?) Band, which was somewhat novel, seen here as they make their way along Commercial heading for Weymouth Quay.

Rons pictures appear in the order sent on the various runs.

The train led by the Weymouth Sea Scout band makes its was along the tramway. 30th December 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

33 117 makes steady progress at walking pace led by a human pilot along the tramway. 30th December 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Weymouth Street Tramway Commemorative Run. 30th December 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Amid a sea of ships and cars the tail end of the train proceeds towards the Quay. Weymouth Street Tramway Commemorative Run. 30th December 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

33117 arrives at the harbour station. Note the number of heads peering out of the train windows. Weymouth Street Tramway Commemorative Run. 30th December 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Weymouth Street Tramway At the Harbour station 33117 awaits to be released to make a run round. Commemorative Run. 30th December 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Weymouth Street Tramway The run round complete. Commemorative Run. 30th December 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Weymouth Street Tramway Commemorative Run. 30th December 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Weymouth Street Tramway A view from the harbour Road bridge. Commemorative Run. 30th December 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Weymouth Street Tramway Commemorative Run. 30th December 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Weymouth Street Tramway From across the water - the Commemorative Run. 30th December 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Weymouth Street Tramway In this view of the Commemorative Run. 33117 is very unusually positioned in the the middle of the train between the two TC sets. 30th December 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

A final view of the train with the 33 in the middle. Weymouth Street Tramway Commemorative Run. 30th December 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks for your notes and the extensive coverage Ron some from most unusual locations - however, never again.
It was said that one of the reasons for the closure of the harbour branch was condition of track. However from the various views we have of the lifting operation the track it looked to our non professional eyes in reasonable condition.
However a view taken by Guy Vincent does show some of track in Weymouth Yard leadng to the Harbour Branch in dire need of attention. See below:-

Weymouth Tramway. Life Expired Track near Weymouth Junction 14th March 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent..

If you would like to see our collection of pictures of the demolition of the street tramway please click here and scroll to item 2023.

Some trains don't stop at Swindon on Mondays!!!

A train journey from Cornwall descended into chaos when a rail operator removed vital stops from its schedule. The emergency alarm was pulled a total of six times on a (GWR) service from Penzance to London.
According to the website Railnews "mutinous passengers” forced the rail operator to reverse to Swindon when it removed the destination from its schedule.
Normally the Penzance to Paddington train doesn't stop at Swindon, but the destination was added to help passengers affected by earlier disruption on the Bristol to London line.

11th October 2021

11/10/2021

Both sides of the Bridge
David Tozer

Roger,
A visit to Silverton. Here I was able to photograph 66116 and 66098 with the Rail Head Treatment train(0850 Westbury to Salisbury, then back to Westbury and then to return home to St Blazey.. Then cross the road for 66620 with the 1542 6C28 Exeter Riverside Hansons to Whatley Quarry which was running around two hours early!! heading in the opposite direction.
Dave

These photographs are the Copyright of David Tozer

Many Thanks David

Looking around Plymouth
Roger Winnen

750406j A Class 52 Western heads westwards through Keyham Station on 6th April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

750406k Weston Mill Viaduct 6th April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Hi Roger, Good to see you at Marsh Mills the other week. Your picture on the CRS website today of WMV stirred memories! The collection of blue portacabins and two storey building behind were the first buildings put up as site offices by the contractors Kier Ltd who had just started the huge Submarine Refit Complex job in the Dockyard. Though your pic was taken on a Sunday, I was in that building the following day having just been transferred to this contract from Head Office (I was a Quantity Surveyor then). From my desk I could see the Viaduct’s southern end so observed what passed by, particularly the shunting moves to & from the Dockyard branch. Little did I know then, how involved I was to become with that line! Thanks for posting it and sending me down ‘memory lane’. Cheers, Paul Burkhalter

750831a Victoria Wharves at Cattedown. 31st August 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

750406o Cattewater Branch 6th April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Exminster
Ron Kosys

47475 seen here at Exminster 1E03 1345 Penzance-Leeds 2nd May 1991. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

Railways in Cornwall
Clive Parker

This is an interesting collection of Clives pictures taken when on holidays in 1974 and 1975. Just click below and and enjoy views as Clive saw them about 46 years ago. Some unusual views.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgmRx_6rFDo

Many thanks Clive

<<Previous

Forward>>

Latest News & Features

Rons pictures appear in the order sent on the various runs.

Archives