Blog Archives

October 11th, 2022

11/10/2022

The 12 noon parcels at Penzance
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Interesting pictures from Bodmin and nice weather too,a good trip? Here is a picture of the mid-day parcels departure from Penzance 0n 3 march 1994 with 47513 ‘Severn’ and 47592 ‘County of Avon ‘ in charge. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

46 years ago - Lingering a while at
Gwinear Road
Roger Winnen

D1009 Western Invador at Gwinear Road. 11th September 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

Gwinear Road looking east. 11th September 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

The Up Parcels at Gwinear Road. 11th September 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger.

10th October 2022

10/10/2022

The Bodmin & Wenford End of Season Mixed Traffic Gala
Jon Hird & Roger Winnen

50042 Triumph arrives at Bodmin Parkway on Sundays Gala displaying the headboard Happy Birthday. Copyright Jon Hird

221009b Working hard up the grade returning from Boscarne. Copyright Roger Winnen

221009d 50042 Triumph takes over the clay for a run down to Boscarne, 11 people were permitted in the Guards Van. Copyright Roger Winnen

13 50042 Departs from Boscarne Junction with the clay. Copyright Jon Hird

For an extensive coverage of Sundays event

Click Here for Features October-December 2022 Item 2240 by scrolling down

Unusual platforming of the sleeper
Penzance
Andrew Triggs

Tonights 'Night Riviera' was top and tailed with 57605 leading with returnee 57602 on the rear, unusually stabled at Platform 3 at Penzance prior to the booked 21.15 departure
All the Best
Andrew Triggs.

N.B. These pictures sent at 21.55 and placed on site at 02.30 10th Oct 22.

1. 57602 'Restormel Castle' at the rear of 1A50 at platform 3. 9th October 2022. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

2. 57602 'Totnes Castle' leading 1A50 21.15 for London Paddington. 9th October 2022. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

3. 802108, 43170 with 57602 from the steps at Penzance. 9th October 2022. Copyright Andrew Triggs,

4. 1A50 from the station wall. 9th October 2022. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew

Bradford on Avon.
Martin Scane

Hi Keith

This might have been brought to your attention before but it’s a new website to me.
A really fascinating history of Bradford on Avon with some excellent pictures from the 1950s onwards if you scroll down a fair way.

https://www.freshford.com/Bradford%20on%20Avon%20Railway%20Station.html

Cheers
Martin

This item is indeed HIGHLY RECOMMENDED many pictures over many years. Many thanks Martin for drawing our attention to it.

9th October 2022

9/10/2022

Plymouth
Clive Smith

45118 'The Royal Artilleryman' at platform 5 with the 1V92 14.28 York - Plymouth on the 2nd December 1983. Alas 45118 will not be on the 19th October tour to Paignton, not exactly a total surprise following various mechanical updates that were emanating from reliable sources over recent months. At least the 37s will be a change from the predominant 47s of late. Hopefully it won't be too long before we see and hear the sound of a peak once again on the main line, especially in the south west.

Regards. Clive Smith

45118 - Plymouth - 1983. Copyright Clive Smith

Lets hope your wishes come true - many thanks to you Clive.

Fast work at Bodmin
Jon Hird

Evening guys, I hope you’re all well. I thought I’d send you some photos of my day today (8th October 2022) at Bodmin.

Unfortunately 50042 failed in the early afternoon but we were swiftly rescued by 08359. The staff and in particular the young guard on the train were fantastic, they resolved the situation in a completely professional manner and did their best to carry on with the days running despite a considerable delay.

Anyway, I hope the pics are of some interest, it was a fantastic day out.

Kind regards, Jon Hird

Bodmin and Wenford 8th October 2022 Copyright Jon Hird

Bodmin & Wenford Bodmin Parkway 8th October 2022

Jon also kindly sent six additional pictures to show the action of the day. Sorry I am unable to supply captions for all these but I am sure you will be able to add your own.
Meantime many thanks Jon.

8th October 2022

8/10/2022

Patchway
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

43191-2019-eaving Patchway station. 7th October 2022. Copyright Phil Smith

You caught them nicely there - many thanks Phil.

Recent Pictures
Craig Munday

Hello Keith
A file of recent pictures for you:
The class 47s are seen working the recent charter (may be too old for the news section now).
The RHTT has been prepped on St Blazey recently and I grabbed some night shots with 66006 lurking in the gloom on china clay duties. Also included are some pictures of the RHTT coming down to St Blazey on 23rd Sept and some local photos taken on leaf fall duties.

Best wishes, Craig

1Z23 47593 Grampound 23rd September 2022 Copyright Craig Munday

3Z99 RHTT Sperritt tunnel 66069 66006 23rd September 2022 Copyright Craig Munday

Lostwithiel 47853 47593 1Z80 24th September 2022. Copyright Craig Munday.

1Z28 47593 47853 Tywardreath 25th September 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Treboul Castle set 26th September 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Menheniot 43162 2nd October 2022. Copyright Craig Munday.

Lostwithiel 66077 6G09 3rd October 2022. Copyright Craig Munday.

St Blazey night 66069 66006 4th October 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

St Blazey night 66069 66006 4th October 2022. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks indeed Craig - what a collection - you certainly get around.

Andrew Triggs

A couple of shots of 57602 'Restormel Castle' (with 57605 'Totnes Castle') once again 'On Test' from Longrock T&RSMD following return to service with freshly over hauled bogies
All the Best
Andrew

1. 57602 leading 57605 passing Longrock with 0Z79 11.28 Longrock T&RSMD- Longrock T&RSMD (via Par) 4.10.2022
2. Having returned from Par with 0Z79 09.38 Longrock T&RSMD-Longrock T&RSMD, 57605 leading 57602 heading back to Longrock Depot from Penzance station, passing Ponsandane 7.10.2022

1. 57602 leading 57605 passing Longrock with 0Z79 11.28 Longrock T&RSMD- Longrock T&RSMD (via Par) 4th October 2022 Copyright AndrewTriggs

2. Having returned from Par with 0Z79 09.38 Longrock T&RSMD-Longrock T&RSMD, 57605 leading 57602 heading back to Longrock Depot from Penzance station, passing Ponsandane 7th October 2022. Copyright Andrew Triggs,

Many thanks to you Andrew.

Passing traffic
Swindon
Ken Mumford

Track machine at Swindon waiting a path to the transfer yard, 7th October 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

66752 'The Hooster State' [] with 6V32 (Tilbury to Troste Works). 4 EARLY 7th October 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

The track machine retires to the transfer yard, 7th October 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford,

Thanks Ken.

7th October 2022

7/10/2022

Good Morning folks we seem to be having problems with the website we hope to bring you normal service as soon as possible. Don't forget the CRS meeting on Saturday - Helston Railway - Alan Burton.

Alan Burton on duty at Truthall Halt. Copyright Roger Winnen,

See you soon.

We're still on the air - this item at 07.26.

Plymouth 1983
Clive Smith

Just out of Doncaster Works and with newly applied BR large logo livery following refurbishment, 50014 is paired with large logo 50003 at Plymouth on the 10th December 1983. The pair had arrived with the 1M85 07.40 Penzance - Liverpool to be replaced by 50034. The pair then shunted over to Park Number 2 siding to take to Laira the 5B02 which was a BG and sleeper coach that was detached from the Paddington - Penzance sleepers allowing passengers to sleep on until 08.00. Park 2 siding is now out of use and is blocked off with sleepers. There are concerns that it could collapse under the weight of a train, plus the track leans towards the huge row of trees that have grown there in the last forty years, such is the level of subsidence.

Regards, Clive Smith

50003 50014 Laira 10th December 1983. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks indeed to you Clive.

West Somerset Railway
Paul Barlow

D120 (45108) 1515 from Minehead has just arrived at Bishops Lydeard 13 April 1996 Copyright Paul Barlow

D120 (45108) 1220 service to Bishops Lydeard waits at Minehead 13 April 1996 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks indeed to you Paul.

We still have website problems but hope to continue beyond today.

6th October 2022

6/10/2022

The Railhead Treatment Train arrives Penzance
Roger Winnen

221005a Thr RHTT arrival at Penzance on 5th October 2022 being a strike day on the railways. Copyright Roger Winnen

221005b The returning train awaits departure after a 5 min stay. Copyright Roger Winnen

Contrast in Westerns at Plymouth
Roger Winnen

760420v D1010 Western Campaigner on the 15.08 Plymouth Penzance. 20th April 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

760421b D1048 Western Lady on the 08.45 Plymouth to Paddington. The display on the headcode panel is incorrect as it should read 1048. Copyright Roger Winnen

760421c D1048 Western Lady on the 08.45 Plymouth to Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

760830l D1065 Western Consort at Plymouth on 30th August 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

760830m The nameplate of Western Consort. Copyright Roger Winnen

Pauls Peaks 3
Teignmouth
Paul Barlow

45046 Royal Fusilier 1039 Teignmouth - the Manchester to Paignton 1V85 8th August 1981 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

5th October 2022

5/10/2022

Don't miss this
Saturday October 8th 2022 at 6.30 PM
The Helston Railway
Past and Present
Alan Burton
Alan one of the 'key men' on the Helston Railway brings us up to date with the past and looks forward to the lines progression over the Cober Viaduct towards a new station at Helston.

A delightful study of Alan Burton on duty at Truthall Halt. 10th September 2022 Copyright Roger Winnen.

Alan Burton on duty at Truthall Halt. (Alan is the bearded gentleman ) 10th September 2022 Copyright Roger Winnen.

A lovely view taken by Rod Garner in the early sixties, before the demise of steam, showing Cober Viaduct well lit by the sun. A small bridge can be seen midway between the edge of the page and the end of the viaduct - it is this bridge from which the picture above was taken and from which the train is emerging in the view above. Don't confuse the farm track clearly seen with the course of the railway which is up to the left. The new Helston station will be some distance beyond the right hand end of the viaduct. Copyright

Welcome to Alan Burton Don't miss it

Sprinter at Cardiff
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Hope you are well, nice pictures on the site, as ever. On a sunny but cold 17 February 1988 we see Sprinter unit 155318 about to leave Cardiff central with the 15.00 service to Birmingham. I liked these units, tables and big windows aligned with the seats so a good view of your journey.These units now part of history too. Thanks, Michael. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Pauls Peaks - 2
Bristol TM
Paul Barlow

45061 1M25 Bristol Temple Meads 1st August 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

4th August 2022

4/10/2022

Rail Strikes this Week in Cornwall

Roger Winnen

According to Real Time Trains the following services are running to and from Penzance

Wednesday 5th October 2022

No services are scheduled
Thursday 6th October 2022

Only the 06.18 Cross Country service from Plymouth due Penzance 08.12.runs together with the return Cross Country 09.25 service Penzance to Edinburgh.
The 10.03 Cross Country service Edinburgh to Penzance runs with its arrival at 20.47 together with the return working of the 22.08 to Plymouth

Friday 7th October 2022

The service on Friday is much the same as Thursday, the service from Edinburgh starts from York

Saturday 8th October 2022

No services are scheduled

Departing Sandplace
Roger Geach

150246 Looe to Liskeard depts Sandplace on Sunday 25th September 2022 Copyright Roger Geach.

Summer Growth is still very much apparent - many thanks Roger.

Exeter Peak
Paul Barlow

45134 1834 Plymouth to Cardiff the 1C74 seen at Exeter St Davids 12th May 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul. This is the first of four Peaks.

Clay around Par & Lostwithiel
Part 2
Roger Winnen

220929k 66077 Working the Goonbarrow to Fowey clay at Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

220929l The Class 66 awaits the road at Par, in the platform is the two Class 57s on a trail run from Penzance to Penzance via Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

220929m The engine has run around the train at Lostwithiel and is seen departing for Fowey. Copyright Roger Winnen

Sidmouth & Budleigh Branches
Colin Burges

Stephen Derek, one of the old boys who worked in the Trains Office at Central in the early 'sixties wired around on the 26th that the well known and highly respected Leo Dolling had died in a residential home in Budleigh. His name came up quite often in my early days on B.R. because he ran the Old Southeronians and arranged reunions. Several on the mailing list responded with their memories of a man of good character with a wide knowledge of railways.
In connection with my recent rides, I had watched again the YouTube video, "Memories of the Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton Branches." It's strange that I had heard Leo's voice and passed close to the home in Budleigh where he was living only days before his death.

The excellent Youtube video referred to can be found here

https://youtu.be/ak9WgSYzQ50?t=2280

Many thanks for your recollections Colin

3rd August 2022

3/10/2022

Statesman to York
Bethany
Roger Geach

Morning, I made a quick visit last week lovely light at Bethaney for this .
No doubt plenty of others were out too as i can see from the web pages .
45 years ago no one would have bothered with 47s !
Regards Roger Geach

47598 47614 Penzance to York Statesman, seen at Bethaney on Sunday 26th September 2022. Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger, a lovely shot.

Ken at
Swindon
Ken Mumford

Swindon - Crowded platforms. Passengers left behind after too many had tried to board a London bound IET. 2nd October 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford

158 745 leaves platform 3 with s stopper for Westbury. 2nd October 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

A bit of excitment and colour as the freshly painted RHTT 56090 leading approaches. 2nd October 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

56113 at the rear. 2nd October 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Almost lost in its own smoke the RHTT takes to Glocester line. 2nd October 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

Budleigh Branch
Colin Burges

Dear Keith,
The "Belle," a stone corpse, the Otter, Ken Norman, the "million brick bridge" and terraced houses feature in this account of my recent ramble, taking in another lost East Devon branch.

https://www.teignrail.co.uk/scouting/75-tipton-st-johns-to-exmouth/

Cheers, .Colin

The link above leads you to a fascinating collection of around 150 pictures taken as 'the scout' Colin Burges makes an extensive visit to the sadly lost Budeigh branch providing very detailed notes of his travels - superb pictures. Not to be missed.

2nd October 2022

2/10/2022

46 years ago - the last western to Newquay
Newquay.
Roger Geach

Saturday 2nd October 1976 will always be recalled by myself as the date the last service train was worked out of Newquay by a Western. This was the very last Summer Saturday of the timetable. 1058 Western Nobleman did the honours that day and myself a few others were on board the 16.58 Newquay to Par local. Formed by the stock off the 1b95 09.50 Paddington to Newquay which 1058 had worked from Plymouth. I was on board this from Par departing at 14.50. I recorded the stock as load 9 vacuum mk1s. This really was the end, I felt very sad knowing that next year 1977 there would be no more Westerns to Newquay or anywhere else. 1056 Western Sultan worked the China Clay Railtour on Saturday 4th December but that was not a service train. 1041 Western Prince would have been the very last western up the Newquay branch on clays but only to Goonbarrow Junction during February 1977 as the last Western to work off St Blazey . I last saw 1041 working clay on the 10 Feb 1977. The sun did shine at Newquay for us too which was a surprise as most of Cornwall and most of the branch was in cloud that afternoon. Where has the time gone? 46 years ago now
Cheers

Roger Geach

1058 at Newquay after arriving with the 0950 Paddington - Newquay runs round the stock. 2nd October 1976. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks indeed for your reminder Roger - nearly half a century ago.

Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations - not to be missed
Helston Railway
Colin Savage

We thought we would let you about a plan we have at Helston Railway for November.

On November 3rd it will be the 60th anniversary of the last passenger train to leave Helston but also the 20th anniversary of the setting up of the preservation group who have been working to bring the branch back to life.

We intend to run steam hauled passenger trains during the day as well as a demonstration goods train at selected time for photographers. At 6pm we will have a special train from Prospidnick to Truthall Halt where a band will be performing 1960's music and refreshments will be available. At the exact time of class 22 diesel No. D6312 left Truthall in 1962 our train will be waved off to run back to Prospidnick. Souvenir tickets reproduced from an original will be on sale on the day for this service.

This anniversary gives us the chance to reflect on the past but to also look to the future as we progress further on reviving the line.

Kind regards, Colin Savage, General manager Helston Railway

Reminders of that last day - pictures from Michael L. Roach

Class 22 D6312 arrived at Helston with the 10.55am from Gwinear Road. Saturday 3rd November 1962. Copyright Mike Roach

Waiting outside the station was this fine Bristol ready to provide the bus link to The Lizard. The station had been built as a through station with a rail extension to the Lizard in mind. 3rd November 1962 Copyright Mike Roach.

6312 now sits at the head of the train waiting for the return journey to Gwinear Road at 1.15pm. 3rd November 1962 Copyright Mike Roach

Mike travelled down from Plymouth to Gwinear Road on the 7.45am train which had left Paddington at 11.50pm the previous night. The cost was 14 shillings for a day return ticket. The train was hauled by 5934 Kneller Hall with 7 coaches. From Gwinear Road he caught the 10.55am to Helston on a cheap day return ticket costing 2 shillings and 6 pence. All tickets were collected during a 5 minute stop at Nancegollan. After some 2 hours at Helston he caught the next train back, the 1.15pm as far as Praze where he alighted, using a cheap day return ticket costing 2 shillings and 4 pence. He stayed there long enough to see the 2.10pm from Gwinear Road go through at about 2.17pm. Mike then walked the two and a half miles to Nancegollan along the B3303. He made his last trip on the branch that day on the 3.44pm from Nancegollan to Gwinear Road. Daylight was fading fast as he returned to Plymouth on the 4.42pm from Gwinear Road, the 4.20pm off Penzance, which comprised 8 coaches hauled by an early "Warship" in the D600 series.

These pictures and a lot more are available from our website - Helston Branch.

Nodding donkeys
Cornish Railways
Guy Vincent

Hello Keith, Keeping the Cornish Railways topic going here is a leaflet advertising the delights of travelling around Cornwall, possibly on a brand new class 142 unit, in 1986. With best regards Guy Vincent

More from the Guy Vincent Treasure Trove. Many thanks.

<<Previous

Forward>>

Latest News & Features

Archives