Blog Archives

31st October 2022 - Monday

31/10/2022

6C 99 Long Rock-Penzance-Westbury
Roger Salter & Andrew Triggs

Photographs of the cancelled 6C99 04.10 Longrock-Westbury Down T.C on Slopers, Penzance. Having spoken with Colas Driver Mark Fabiano the fault with the consist was 'Wagon needed inspection by Fitter' the ETA for arrival of the Fitter was given as 15.00 at the earliest, hopefully the 70 and the load will be returning to Westbury tomorrow

221031e The full length of the train photographed from the wooden footbridge at Ponsandane. Copyright Andrew Triggs

221031a 70816 photographed in the slopers siding at the Eastern Green Penzance Copyright Roger Salter

221031b 70816 at Slopers Siding Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

221031c 70816 at Slopers Siding Penzance.Copyright Roger Salter

221031d 70816 at Slopers Siding. Copyright Andrew Triggs

221031f Broadside of the rail train at slopers siding. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks to Roger and Andrew

Summer seasons penultimate train
Bodmin and Wenford
Andrew and Diane Jones

Dear Keith and Valerie, please find attached a distant photograph of the penultimate service of the season climbing the bank from Boscarne under the shadow of Bodmin Beacon.
It was taken from my middle daughters bungalow at Kirland, giving an uninterrupted view for at least 5 mins.

Very best wishes Andrew and Diane.

Ex 12.16 Boscarne to General penultimate service of the 2022 season. 30th October 2022. Andrew and Diane Jones

Many thanks to both of you - a superb view - lucky middle daughter.

Bodmin Beacon was erected in 1857 in memory of Sir Walter Raleigh. It sits on a hill 531' high. The hollow granite memorial is itself 144' high.

St Agnes & Goonbell Halt
30th October 1976
Roger Winnen

761030d St Agnes Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

761030e St Agnes Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

761030f Goonbell Halt. Copyright Roger Winnen

761030g Goonbell Halt. Copyright Roger Winnen

Sunday Morning Engineers at
Rewe
David Tozer

Seen at Rewe is 66523 6Y97 on the 08:05 Ivybridge to Westbury.
Regards David Tozer

66523 seen at Rewe 30th October 2022. Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David - a super spot that.

30th October 2022

30/10/2022

Penzance
Driver Alan Peters

Colas Rail ventured into Cornwall with the RDT (Rail Delivery Train) from Eastleigh on 29th October 2022 for a rail drop on the Down Main at Dolcoath, 6C97 then worked forward to Penzance to run round where 70817 is seen at Penzance in the early hours of Sunday Morning before working back to Westbury.
Alan Peters

RTD at Penzance. 30th October 2022. Copyright Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan - good to have you back in Cornwall again.

Maiden Newton
James Bown

Dear Keith, Today 29th October 2022, I travelled to Castle Cary and back from Maiden Newton station, the latter formally the junction for the Bridport Branch. The three pictures show Maiden Newton station with the now disused signal box at the end of the down line. The station remains in a bit of a time warp and is a good example of a country station. The train leaving Castle Cary en route to Bath and beyond. Finally after two hours of inactivity two trains meet and the station comes to life, All taken today. Best wishes James Bown

Maiden Newton 29th October 2022. Copyright James Bown

Maiden Newton 12.15 29th October 2022. Copyright James Bown

Maiden Newton 13.38 29th October 2022. Copyright James Bown

Many thanks James.

Truthall
Alan Burton

Truthall Halt. Interconnecting services!! 16.45 10th September 2022. Copyright Alan Burton

Many thanks Alan.

29th October 2022

29/10/2022

Three from the Past
Hugh Austen

670809a D1049 Western Monarch coming off shed at Long Rock running light engine to Penzance on 9th August 1967. Copyright Hugh Austen

760801a D1005 Western Venturer having crossed Brunels Bridge makes its way to Plymouth and Paddington. Copyright Hugh Austen

770224a D1048 Western Lady running round its train on the penultimate railtour at Castle Cary on 24th February 1977 Copyright Hugh Austen

Thanks Hugh

Seeing the lights
Exeter
Phil Smith

47449 arrives at Exeter St Davids in 1992 - almost lost in the shadows we can glimpse the driver cleaning the marker lights at Exeter St David's. Copyright Phil Shattered Smith

Ah yes there he is. A routine operation rarely photographed. Copyright Phil 'shattered' Smith.

Many thanks Phil.

28th October 2022

28/10/2022

Around Lostwithiel Part 2
Roger Winnen

221024e 66077 arrives at Lostwithiel with the clay from Goonbarrow. Copyright Roger Winnen

221024g After running around at Lostwithiel the train heads for Fowey. Copyright Roger Winnen

221024i Onwards to Fowey. Copyright Roger Winnen

221024j 66129 wirh the RHTT heads through Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen

221024l 66069 Brings up the rear of the RHTT at Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen

Okehampton to Barnstaple
Andrew and Amber

Dear Keith and Valerie,
My oldest Daughter Amber and I embarked on a trip, common in the 50’s but rare these days. (interconnecting branch lines)
Once North Cornwall and North Devon had a multitude of lines and junctions enabling passengers to sample the delights of sea side towns like Ilfracombe, Padstow and beyond. This often required changing trains on branch line connections well away from the mainline, something almost lost on todays modern network. Thankfully with the re opening of the Okehampton line we can now experience all this again.
We purchased our tickets at Okehampton, a little bit of Southern Railway time warp, with its bright new cafe carefully retaining the original booking office windows behind a glass protective screen, for our 2 hour journey to Barnstaple changing at Crediton, all for the princely sum of £13.90 return for the 2 of us.
We were swept back in time leaving Okehampton dreaming of the ‘Atlantic Coast Express’ only today in our 2 car class 150 dmu departing at 09.25 and arriving at Crediton 09.48.
With a short while to wait for our connection to Barnstaple, we explored the recent restoration and admired what is said to be the oldest surviving station in the Westcountry. Now repainted in LSWR colours in use around 1900, the main building 1847 pre dates the waiting shelters and the LSWR type 1 signal box built in 1875 is possibly the oldest still working on the entire BR network.
Crediton was opened in 1851 after a short dispute over track gauge, by the Exeter and Crediton Railway. The line on to Barnstaple was opened in 1854 by the Bristol and Exeter railway. The LSWR was a major shareholder in both companies and on completion of the line to Okehampton in 1865 , LSWR trains ran through Crediton.
At 10.31 we boarded our comfortable 3 car class 158 dmu for the 55 min journey to Barnstaple.
The railway follows the River Taw for much of the way and although heavily wooded, glimpses of the surrounding countryside abound.
All went well until Eggesford when there was difficulty with adhesion accompanied with considerable slipping, the driver gradually regained control and our 3 car set continued without a reoccurrence. I know leaves on the track can be a problem on this line but was surprised so early in the season to encounter issues, as most of the leaves haven’t dropped!
We arrived at Barnstaple a little after booked time at 11.30 and noted that there was a real possibility of a bus replacement on our return due to the earlier issue.
Barnstaple station is in good condition, but unfortunately not as I remember, with just a single track, no run round and of course nothing left to indicate the existence of the Torrington or Ilfracombe lines.
The junction engine shed here once boasted 44 drivers and fireman forming a hub serving the outlying areas, including the GWR Taunton line at Barnstaple Victoria Road.
We walked into town over the river bridge and I explained to Amber the layout of the adjacent curved railway bridge but again very little remains of this once popular holiday route at this site.
I also explained the possibility of re opening the Lynton and Barnstaple line, although many years away and possibly not in my lifetime, which terminated at Braunton Road exchange siding adjacent Barnstaple Town Station.
During lunch I checked if our return journey was still running and with much relief found that the 14.35 was indeed on schedule.
We departed on time from Barnstaple, (a gentleman asked me if he was on the right platform to which I answered that there was only one ),arriving in Crediton at 15.35 we had a 14 minute wait for our connection to Okehampton departing at 15.49 and arriving 16.15 at our destination.
Thus ending an enjoyable day reliving a trip on the ‘withered arm’ (a little less withered), with hope for the future, our trains were very well loaded, with standing room only on the last leg.
The authorities should be congratulated, delivering a much needed service and revitalising Okehampton an important lesson to government of the need for reinstatement to Tavistock and Plymouth.
. I had the impression from the guard when inspecting my ticket that our journey was quite unusual and I suppose 2 hours for approx 40 miles does seem rather slow, it would certainly be quicker by car or bus, but what a way to travel, I know what I prefer… next stop Halwill Junction!!
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane and Amber

a) Barnstaple ticket £6.95 for 4 hours travel, a bargain. Copyright Andrew Jones

b) Okehampton Station 09.25 to Crediton and Exeter 25th October 2022. Copyright Andrew Jones.

c) Okehampton 25th October 2022. Copyright Andrew Jones

d) Okehampton new cafe 25th October 2022. Copyright Andrew Jones.

e) Crediton 10.31 connection for Barnstaple 25 October 2022. Copyright Andrew Jones.

f) Crediton Box showing crossovers 25 October 2022. Copyright Andrew Jones.

g) Crediton 25th October 2022. Copyright Andrew Jones.

h) Crediton LSWR signage still in use 25 October 2022. Copyright Andrew Jones.

i} Crediton direction board 25 October 2022. Copyright Andrew Jones.

j) Barnstaple a shadow of its former self 25th October 2022. Copyright Andrew Jones.

k) Barnstaple as I remember in the 80's Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

l) Crediton to Exeter 15.25 waiting crossover 15.31 Crediton to Barnstaple 25th October 2022. Copyright Andrew Jones.

Many thanks to Andrew and Amber - nice to revive old memories.

Kemble
Ken Mumford

The 13.46 to Paddington calls at Kemble 27th October 2022 Copyright Ken Mumford.

What Ken went to Kemble to see - 56105 heads for Swindon. 27th October 2022 [8] Copyright Ken Mumford

A bonus in a light engine movement. 70 813 light engine Rugby to Swindon . 27th October 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford

56096 now passes through Kemble heading the RHTT for Gloucester. 27th October 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford

Just a selection from the many views taken at Kemble - many thanks Ken.

Ponsandane Progress
Dennis Clarke

A few pictures taken on October 18th showing progress at Ponsandane Sidings, Regards, Dennis

Ponsandane Sidings Progress 1 18th October 2022. Copyright Dennis Clarke

Ponsandane Sidings Progress 2 18th October 2022. Copyright Dennis Clarke

Ponsandane Sidings Progress 3 18th October 2022. Copyright Dennis Clarke

Ponsandane Sidings Progress 4 18th October 2022. Copyright Dennis Clarke

Many thanks Dennis.

27th October 2022

27/10/2022

Chasing the Test Train last evening and early morning.
Jon Hird & Mark Lynam

Hello Keith and Roger,
I had a daft idea last night to go out to see the NR test train with 37099. Well, it seemed a good idea at the time - this morning sitting at work with a couple of hours sleep under my belt it doesn't seem like quite such a good one!
Anyway, some images attached of the train at Par before reversing to Newquay where I caught it again, and then on its way back home I took a quick detour to see it coming over Middleway crossing.
Interestingly the crossing barriers at the other end of Rundles Walk, where the A390 crosses, appeared to have failed after the test train went by. Luckily for me, I was on the correct side of it to get home, but several other motorists had to turn around and take a detour via Treesmill after waiting 30 minutes in vain for the barriers to rise. A little inconvenient at 1am!

All the best, Jon Hird

37099 With the test train at Par. Copyright Jon Hird

In the Newquay Platform at Par. Copyright Jon Hird

The Class 37 Propels its train to Newquay, awaiting departure from Par. Copyright Jon Hird

Arrival at Newquay, no visitors here this time of night. Copyright Jon Hird

Awaiting departure from Newquay. Copyright Jon Hird

Crossing Middleway Crossing at St Blazey on the retutn working. Copyright Jon Hird

Many Thanks Jon

Also out but making a slightly earlier start was Mark Lynam

37099 at Penzance at 20.24 before working the 3Q53 Penazance to Exeter Riverside via Newquay and Looe. 26th October 2022. Copyright Mark Lynam

Ready to follow a simpler but longer route 57605 sits on the up beds the !A50 21.45 Penzance to London Paddington. 26th October 2022. Copyright Mark Lynam

37099 at Newquay at 23.35 shortly before heading back down the branch. 26th October 2022. Copyright Mark Lynam.

37099 at Combe Junction at 02.19 before reversing towards Looe. 27th October 2022. Copyright Mark Lynam

37099 at a wet Liskeard at 03.52 before heading off to Exeter Riverside Yard. 27th October 2022. Copyright Mark Lynham.

Many thanks Mark - I wonder if these Mark and Jon crossed paths during the night????

Golden Memories
Paul Barlow

Hello Keith
A few of the 'Western Lizard' Pathfinder tour on 19 March 2005 I traveled on this from Westbury to Cornwall and back to Exeter.

Kind regards, Paul

Golden ochre liveried D1015 Western champion waits at Plymouth with the 0704 Ealing Broadway to Fowey and Newquay 66248 was attached to the rear from Plymouth 19 March 2005

D1015 Western Champion on arrival at Newquay. 19th March 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow.

D1015 Western Champion pathing stop at Totnes 19th March 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Golden moments indeed - many thanks Paul

Lostwithiel Station
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Hope you are well and you had a good trip out, nice pictures and lovely sun. Here is another shot of the mid-day parcels from Penzance which shows 47490 ‘Bristol Bath Road’ coming through Lostwithiel on 20 September 1989. Copyright Michael Forward

Same day at Lostwithiel shows 155321 with the 11.39 Penzance to Plymouth. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Hector
Redruth station cat

Just how loved Hector is shown by the concern shown when his Facebook page went quiet for over a year. Fortunately, Hector's companions at the station were just enjoying some down time and he's not gone anywhere. He did however suffer a leg injury this summer, saddening the locals.
Hector is so popular that he has appeared on BBC Spotlight, Radio Cornwall, and has been dubbed "the next manager of Great Western Railway in the making" due to his "impressive management skills" and amusing "quality control" tests of the station furniture.

Hector - Redruths station cat. Copyright KJ

Long live Hector.

26th October 2022 Wednesday

26/10/2022

The returning Test Train
Penzance to Exeter via Newquay & Looe
Roger Winnen

221026a 37099 Stabled at Penzance prior to departing at 20.48 for Exeter via Newquay and Looe. Copyright Roger Winnen

221026b 37099 Viewed from the Station Wall at Penzance late afternoon. Copyright Roger Winnen

Around Truro and St Blazey Part 1
Roger Winnen

221024a The 10.14 Penzance to London Paddington arrives at Truro. Copyright Roger Winnen

221024aa New facilities at Truro for contractors have been erected in part of the former yard. Is it I wonder for the resignalling works and the replacement of Truro Signal Box.. Copyright Roger Winnen

221024b The 06.37 Paddington to Penzance service passes the Signal Box at 11.00 as it arrives at Truro. Copyright Roger Winnen

221924cc The approaching clay from Goonbarrow arrives at Middleway Crossing where flood alleviation work is being carried out. Copyright Roger Winnen

221024c The 13.05 service from Goonbarrow to Fowey arrives at Middleway Crossing running 30 minutes early. Copyright Roger Winnen

221024d 66077 Benjamin Gimburt G.C Copyright Roger Winnen

Swanage Railway
James Bown

I was at the Swanage Railway today,25/10/22 and pictured the famous Flying Scotsman which celebrates its centenary in February next year, also working today was the U class loco of 1928, 31806, originally built as a 2-6-4 tank engine named River Torridge but rebuilt following an accident which resulted in the class being redesigned. Please use these pics if you would like to. Best wishes James Bown

Flying Scotsman at Swanage. 25th October 2022. Copyright James Bown

U class 31806 at Swanage. 25th October 2022. Copyright James Bown

Many thanks James - nice light resulting in excellent pictures

25th October 2022

25/10/2022

This Morning at Polsloe Bridge
David Tozer

158959 leaves Polsloe Bridge with the 0854 Exmouth to Paignton Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Engineers Train at
Dawlish Warren
Roger Salterr

220911a 6Y15 07.26 Par to Fairwater Yard running 32 minutes late at Dawlish Warren. Copyright Roger Salter

220911b 66518 with 66602 double head the 6Y15 to Fairwater Yard. Copyright Roger Salter

220911d DR 92432 Ballast System Propulsion Machine DR76503 Ballast Cleaner Copyright Roger Salter

220911e Copyright Roger Salter

220911f DR92451 Ballast Propulsion Machine Copyright Roger Salter

220911g Copyright Roger Salter

220911h 66593 3MG Mersey Multimodel Gateway, brings up the rear of the 6Y 0726 Par to Fairwater Yard. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Smokey Joe at
Riverside and Newton St Cyres
Bill Elston

Attached photos of 37375, about to make a smokey departure from Riverside Yd to Meldon Quarry on a route learning trip, 14th Jan 2004
The 3rd photo shows it passing Newton St Cyres, still smoking well! Some carbon footprint!

Best wishes, Bill

37375 smoking at Riverside Yard, 14th January 2004 Copyright Bill Elston

37375 making more pollution laying down a smoke trail at Riverside Yard, 14th January 2004 Copyright Bill Elston

37375 still smoking passes through Newton St Cyres, 14th January 2004, Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill

Bristol TM
Paul Barlow

Bristol Temple Meads on the 18th December 1982 25236 on the 1937 to Newcastle TPO and parcels 1E38,. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Totnes & Plymouth
Dennis Clarke

A couple of photos from the South Devon Railway at Totnes Riverside, including L92, an ex GWR London Transport pannier tank, having arrived from Buckfastleigh. Also, 43184 at Plymouth having arrived on 1V44, 06:11 from Leeds, Regards, Dennis

Totnes ex London Transport tank L92, having arrived from Buckfastleigh. 24th October 2022 Copyright Dennis Clarke

The magazine rack at Totnes Riverside 24th October 2022 Copyright Dennis Clarke (Humans must not pass this board without buying something!!

253001 at Plymouth having just arrived from Leeds. 24th October 2022 Copyright Dennis Clarke

Another shot of 253001 at Plymouth - the paintwork looking a little worn. 24th October 2022 Copyright Dennis Clarke

Many thanks indeed Dennis - a good day out.

Scrap and stone at
Swindon
Ken Mumford

'On yer bike' i you can find it!! Despite being plastered with warnings bikes have been left long term and are now heading for the dump. They look, at a glance like good machines. 24th October 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

6Z21 Tyrington to Appleford. 24th October 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

Light engine to Yeovil
David Tozer & Keith Turley

Colas 37099 running light engine as the 0816 0Z30 Riverside to Yeovil Junction. Believed to be heading to Yeovil Junction to move a pair of defective coaches.

Dave

37099 running light engine Ex Riverside to Yeovil Jct seen at Exhibition Way. 25th October 2022. Copyright David Tozer

Having completed its duties at Yeovil Junction 37099 is seen at Cranbrook heading back to Riverside. The working was the 1330 0Z31 Yeovil Junction to Riverside. Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David

37099 running light engine Ex Riverside to Yeovil Jct seen at Pinhoe . 25th October 2022. Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks Keith

Light engine from Yeovil
Bill Elston, Dave Tozer & Keith Turley

37099, at North Perrott returning from shunting duties at Yeovil 25th October 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill

37099 returning through Cranbrook. 25th October 2022 Copyright David Tozer

Colas Rail Freight class 370 No.37099 'MERL EVANS 1947-2016' passes Pinhoe on 25th October working the OZ31 13.30 Yeovil Junc. sidings to Exeter riverside yard light engine move

Many thanks Keith

Thanks to all - cheers

24th October 2022

24/10/2022

Totally unique view the up goods Yard
Exeter Central
Paul Barlow

Another black and white to add, quite a unique view at the time and now completely obliterated by new developments. Its shows a class 33 in Exeter central station yard. Note the cement tanks and Presflow cement wagons, this was the Blue circle cement depot in Exeter. This was taken from the roof of a office block in Queen street where I was working.

This area is now completely covered in flats and a car park, the SR concrete station footbridge was replaced a 20 years ago.

Kind regards, Paul Barlow

A quite amazing and very historical view - many thanks indeed Paul.

Largin 1981
Chris Harvey

On the1st October 2011 the 10.06 Paddington to Penzance threads its way through the trees at Largin and forges west downhill towards Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Chris Harvey

Our very good friend Chris Harvey specialises in distant country shots of which this is one. Many thanks Chris.

23rd October 2022

23/10/2022

Gloucester
Paul Barlow

Peak 46051 on the 10.06 Exeter to York relief at Gloucester on the 18th December 1982 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

Passing through
Swindon
Colin Pigeon

59202 on 7B12 Merehead to Wootton Bassett taken at 13.34 on the 21st October 2022 Copyright Colin Pigeon

Nameplate of 59202 taken at 13.35 on the 21st October 2022 Copyright Colin Pigeon

A trio of 66's 66545, 66416 & 66551 on the 0Y40 make their way from Stoke Gifford to Hinksey Yard. Taken at 13.36 on the 21st October 2022. Copyright Colin Pigeon

On the RHTT 3S59 Hereford to Swindon Transfer we now have 37668 & 66850. 22nd October 2022. Copyright Colin Pigeon

3S59 Hereford to Swindon Transfer 66850 brings up the rear. 22nd October 2022. Copyright Colin Pigeon

Thanks to Colin Pigeon

22nd October 2022

22/10/2022

Around Bodmin Parkway and Par on Thursday 20th Oct
Roger Winnen

221020f Arrival of the 10.30 Bodmin General to Bpdmin Parkway service. Copyright Roger Winnen

221020h The Austerity runs around its train at Bodmin Parkway for the 11.00 hrs service to Bodmin General Copyright Roger Winnen

221020a Now back to Par 66027 has just arrived from Parkandillack where the train will stable in Chapel Sidings prior to departing at 15.22 to Exeter Riverside. Copyright Roger Winnen

221020aa 66027 Pushing back into Chapel Siding at Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

221020b 66027 in Chapel Sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

221020c Back to Bodmin Parkway where the railhead treatment train approaches the station at 14.35hrs on route to St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

221020d The Railhead treatment train approaches Bodmin Parkway at 14.35hrs on route to St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

221020e 66027 wth the 15.22 Par to Exeter Riverside passing through Bodmin Parkway Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Plymouth and Weston Super Mare
Dennis Clarke

On my travels from Hayle to Paddington today (21st October 22) I took a few photos. The NMT at Plymouth working 1Q18 from Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton, via Penzance. The other is unusual in that it is West Coast Railway’s 37668, hired in, on a Colas RHTT diagram from Hereford to Swindon, via Weston-super-Mare. I took the picture at Weston-super-Mare, where the train reversed. 66850 was on the other end, Regards, Dennis

Plymouth NMT 1Q18 from Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton, via Penzance 21st October 2022. Copyright Dennis Clarke

Many thanks Dennis

Dean Forest Railway
Andrew and Diane Jones

Diane and I embarked on our epic EV trip (electric vehicle) last Tuesday, noting that the Dean Forest Railway operates on a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday during October.
We visited the magnificently restored Tintern station on the closed Wye Valley Railway (unfortunately outside the CRS boundary}and adjourned to our accommodation at St Arvans near Chepstow.
Wednesday morning was bright, but chilly, ideal conditions for our visit to Dean Forest Railway.
First train out departed at 11.15 from Norchard Low Level, which is the best place to park if you are not arriving by train on the BR network at Lydney.

To read the full story and see more pictures please click here for 'features' and scroll to find item 2241.

Dean Forest Railway Brakes released awaiting departure Lydney. 12th October 2022 . Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Dean Forest Railway view from the inspection saloon Parkend Station well worth every penny 12th October 2022. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Many thanks Andrew and Diane.

More on the
Christow Diversion
Colin Burges & Roy Hart

"Mogul" No. 6322 is pictured with its train on the Down Loop at Christow, on the little bit of the branch that belongs to me, (Colin Burges). Copyright Mark Chambers.

Three coaches and a string of vans, well under the load for the engine, carrying express passenger headlamps. I'm at a loss to explain it. The diverted train must not have been in an emergency for it would have been poor use of a path.
Can any of your readers, I wonder, come up with an answer? (Roy Hart did)
The S.M., if it was the regular man, would have been Bernard Yandell, who, after closure of Christow in 1958, went to Tiverton Junction and then became A.M., Plymouth in 1966. He died in service in 1977.
Best wishes from the diversionary route which is "the practical railwayman's preference."
Colin

Roy Harts reply - I think the date is wrong. The quarry sidings on the right were lifted in August 1957, so the picture cannot be November.
I would suggest that this is a training trip for the train crews who, of course, had to 'sign' for each route. I suspect that because so few diversions over the Teign Valley line took place, it was considered prudent to have a minimum number of suitable trainmen at Exeter and NA sheds. The line had been 'kitted out' for diversions during world war 2, with a new loop at Longdown and an expanded one at Trusham. The Longdown loop sat quietly rusting from day one and was finally taken out in 1954.
Moguls would have been the largest engine permitted (and only then in emergency) on a line which had 'yellow' classification.

Regards Roy.

The correspondence (Christow to Rangoon) continues -
Dear Roy,

You have shamed me: it's my place and I should know all there is to know about it.
The 16-ton minerals seen behind the train were I take it being swept out ready to be loaded with barytes for Laporte at Luton. The high platform alongside Scatter Rock Macadams' private siding was used for loading this traffic between 1952 and 1957, after the quarry terminal had closed. In 1957, barytes loading reverted to the goods dock, where the facility built to allow lorries to tip into hyfits had been raised to allow loading of minerals.
The photograph could have been taken earlier in 1957.
"Manors" were the largest engines allowed on the branch, restricted to 20 m.p.h.
The Down Goods Loop at Longdown was supposed to have been used once a week to keep it in order and the signalmen in practice, but this lapsed; the lengthy procedure, which involved walking to the ground frames at each end, did not encourage signalmen to observe the general requirement occasionally to work infrequently used points.
One old boy told me of the time he had to admit a train into the loop. It may have been when he was asked by the on-call inspector to stay on in an emergency. His request for some grub was granted and a pasty was sent on the next train. Anyway, he went through the loop operating procedure with me - local instructions required another signalman to be sent to assist with the ground frames - and some measure of how little the equipment had been used was the need to put lighted newspaper under the batteries to get the electrical release.

With best wishes, Colin

Many thanks to Colin and Roy for the interesting dialogue - we have learnt alot.

Charming Umberleigh
James Bown

I visited charming Umberleigh station on the Exeter to Barnstaple line ( The Tarka Line) today and watched the busy mid afternoon service to Barnstaple drawing out under the road bridge and on towards Barnstaple, originally double tracked the single line appears much busier these days. James Bown.

Umberleigh, 158956 departs for Barnstaple. 21st October 2022. Copyright James Bown.

Many thanks James - a charming spot.

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