Blog Archives

October 31st 2024

31/10/2024

'Team Green' back in Newquay
Jason Prole

66539 arrived into Newquay at 00.15 on Wednesday 30th October 2024, with 6Y97, 17.10 Westbury Down Yard - Goonbarrow Junction. 66606 was on the other end of the train and six lengths of rail were unloaded in the platform. Copyright Jason Prole (Taunton Freightliner Driver)

Many thanks as ever, Jason

One down, one up
Jon Hird

A filthy 66179 and 66154 head west past respryn with the railhead treatment train on 30.10.2024. Copyright Jon Hird.

A few minutes later, 66131 emerges from Brown Queen tunnel with 6C53, clay from Treviscoe heading east to the midlands. The autumn colours are starting to appear now. 30.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

River Severn
Dennis Flood

Roger,
Good morning to you.
These are the remains of the ‘Arkendale H’ and the ‘Wastdale H’ barges in the River Severn near Sharpness in Gloucestershire which were involved in the collision with the Severn Railway Bridge in 1960 - still visible in the river at low tide 64 years after the event - a bit of history still in view.!
I took this image from a passing train earlier this week.
The barges left Sharpness Docks in thick fog and subsequently collided with the railway bridge, which was not repaired and it was eventually demolished.
The Severn Railway Bridge was built by the Hamilstons Windsor Ironworks Company of Garston, Liverpool.
This company was located not far from where the current Garston Freightliner Container Terminal is today.
The site of it is now a large housing estate.
Regards,
Dennis.

Thanks Dennis

St. Erth Scenes
Dennis Clarke

I took a few pictures of the footbridge replacement at St Erth today (30.10.2024). The old bridge is still in place at the side of the station awaiting collection by the East Somerset Railway this Saturday.

I walked from the westbound platform to the up platform and counted 105 steps via the temporary steps ! Certainly keeps you fit !!!!

The new footbridge with its temporary step arrangement at St. Erth. 30.10.2024, copyright Dennis Clarke.

The new footbridge at St. Erth. 30.10.2024, copyright Dennis Clarke.

The dismantled GWR footbridge awaits transport to Cranmore. 30.10.2024, copyright Dennis Clarke.

The dismantled GWR footbridge at St. Erth. 30.10.2024, copyright Dennis Clarke.

Many thanks Dennis - a controversial bridge for sure, but nevertheless, it's always good to see investment into both accessibility and rail.

Westbury & Swindon
Michael Adams/Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Thanks again for all your North Cornwall line pictures. Here is a photo from Michael Adams showing 47378 at Westbury on 28 May 1981. Copyright Michael Adams.

A week later Michael visited Swindon works and here we see 31264 and 31 274 on the scrap line. Copyright Michael Adams.

Many thanks to the two Michaels.

October 30th 2024

30/10/2024

Our next indoor meeting - 09.11.2024

Fifty Years of Fifties: An Evening with Geoff Hudson

With a career in the rail industry that spans over 50 years, British Rail's former Fleet Manager at Laira Depot (Plymouth), has had a close association with the class 50s locomotives throughout. We are pleased to announce that Geoff has agreed to share insights into these fascinating locomotives and their operation with us in a special event to be held on 9th November 2024 in the memorial hall at Redruth Methodist Church.

Geoff is well known to many enthusiasts from his narration and presenting work with Locomaster Profile's class 50 video programmes (essential viewing in the late 1980s and early 1990s). During this sure to be fascinating evening, Geoff will take us through his personal highlights, and many previously untold stories, supported by audio visuals tracing the history of the class 50 from their inception through to the final years with British Rail and into preservation.

Cornwall was one of the last strongholds of the class 50's and many south-west enthusiasts will remember them fondly, so we are very proud to host Geoff and we hope you will come along to enjoy his presentation, which has a great local connection to our society.

More 'Western' images
Paul Barlow

Plus additional notes from Guy Vincent

D1055 Western Advocate at Plymouth, date unknown. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

1049 at Bristol Bath Road on 09.08.1975. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

D1009 'Western Invader' at Newton Abbot on 14.06.1975. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

D1009 at Newton Abbot on Saturday 14th June 1975 on 1B53, booked departure time 1545hrs. Loco came off Old Oak Common to work the 1B53 1226 Paddington - Paignton. This was followed by the 1655 Paignton - Plymouth, then on to Laira depot. - Guy Vincent.

Double Westerns - D1010 and D1056 at Plymouth on 04.04.1976. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

D1010 at Plymouth North Road (due 1508-1518hrs) on Sunday 4th April 1976. Loco worked 1B15 1030 Paddington - Penzance to at least Plymouth. This was the 'Cornish Riviera Limited' running non-stop from Paddington to Exeter St Davids where it picked up only at 1349hrs. No sign of a shunter yet...

D1056 also at Plymouth on Sunday 4th April 1976. Loco then reportedly worked 1B15 1030 PAD-PNZ from Plymouth to Penzance and then brought the 1A35 1920 PNZ-PAD as far to Plymouth before returning to Laira. Did D1056 double-head 1B15 with D1010 after Plymouth? - Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Paul, another great batch of photos, thanks for sharing them with us.

And thanks also to our 'Western Detective' Guy Vincent for the additional information which helps complete the scene with pictures such as these.

October 29th 2024

29/10/2024

66654 ex 66149 On the Portishead Branch at Pill
Tony Shore

66654 ex 66149 works the 12.20 Portbury Docks Margam on the Portishead Branch at Pill.
All photographs Copyright Tony Shore

Many Thanks Tony

66553 at Keyham
Jason Prole

66553 arrived at Keyham's down platform at 23.15 on Saturday 26th October 2024 with 6Y41, 20.26 Westbury Down Yard - Keyham.
Once the possession was set up it proceeded to St. Budeaux Ferry Road to run-round.
Then returned to Keyham and the up platform, to allow rail, sleepers and other items (for track renewal / replacement), to be unloaded.

Jason Prole,
Taunton Freightliner Driver

66553, 6Y41, Keyham, 26.10.24

Many Thanks Jason burning the midnight oil!

Some early morning trains from last Saturday
Paul Barlow

43042 43097 0722 Exeter to Penzance leaves Totnes 26 October 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow

66154 on RHTT Exeter 26 October 2024 Copyright Paul Barlow

43042 43097 0722 Exeter to Penzance 26 October 2024.abJPG Copyright Paul Barlow

43042 43097 0722 Exeter to Penzance 26 October 2024.aJPG Copyright Paul Barlow

Many Thanks Paul

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 9

14.04.1977 - Axminster Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

14.04.1977 - Cannington Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

14.04.1977 - Ottery St. Mary Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

That concludes this series - we hope you've enjoyed your virtual 'walk back in time' with Roger.

December 2004
Jon Hird

09016, 08993 and 37670 'St. Blazey T&RSD' at St. Blazey T&RSD 04.12.2004 (photo taken by EWS staff), copyright Jon Hird.

66002 brings the CDA's into Lostwithiel. 04.12.2004, copyright Jon Hird.

57604 passes Lostwithiel, 04.12.2004. Copyright Jon Hird.

A GWR HST heads east past Lostwithiel, 04.12.2004, copyright Jon Hird.

October 28th 2024

28/10/2024

66553 at Silverton
David Tozer

Roger,
66553 6Y41 0845 Keyham to Westbury Down T.C. at Silverton 0951.
Note the new Wascosa wagons.
Dave

66553 2 27.10.2024 Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

More from Somerset
Andrew Triggs

Hi Roger/Keith/Jon
Popped over to Norton Fitzwarren again this morning and then to Crowcombe Heathfield, with picture perfect Sunny conditions up here in Somerset
All the Best
Andrew

. Running 109 early, Freightliner 66553 leading 6Y41 08.45 Keyham-Westbury Down T.C Copyright Andrew Triggs

Shortly before, 802022 with 802011 speed past Norton Fitzwarren footbridge working 1A78 08.25 Plymouth-London Paddington. Copyright Andrew Triggs

GWR Mogul No.9351 approaching Crowcombe Heathfield working the 10.00 Minehead-Bishop Lydeard WSR service Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many Thanls Andrew

HSTs side by side at Penzance
Jason Snow

Hi Roger and the team, A chance picture of side by side hst power cars due to fortunate platform pathing on 23/10/24 Copyright Jason Snow

Many Thanks Jason

Colin & Ken
Swindon 25th October 2024

7B12 with 59104 waits on the UML, first on its own, second with a westbound IET in platform 4 and third with 3S59 creeping along platform 3 hoping that the signal will clear to give access to the Swindon Transfer Yard. Indeed was the driver in a hurry to finish his shift as after stopping, he did creep a few yards closer to the signal! More of this train later.Copyright Colin and Ken

Yeoman Endeavour pulls out of Swindon East Loop and heads west via platform 4 - unfortunately no other details - sorry! Copyright Colin & Ken.

Yeoman Endeavour pulls out of Swindon East Loop and heads west via platform 4 - unfortunately no other details - sorry! Copyright Colin & Ken

3S59 finally gets a red signal with a feather alongside and clearly is in a hurry to get on - as witness the blur on the rear loco as it passes! Copyright Colin & Ken

3S59 finally gets a red signal with a feather alongside and clearly is in a hurry to get on - as witness the blur on the rear loco as it passes!. Copyright Colin & Ken

B12 eventually get a red signal with a feather to move a short way east in order for the locomotive to run around its train. NOTE - NEW WAGON - where's the artistic paintings?? Copyright Colin & Ken

66142 on 6V32 Tilbury to Trostre in Maritime Blue livery hurries through platform 4. NOTE - Colin took the close-up! Copyright Colin & Ken

7B12 [after 59104 has run round its wagons] accelerates out of Swindon East Loop 10 LATE whilst in [14] Unit 166219 [RTT] leaves platform 3 and heads west on the Up Main with the intention of crossing to the Down Main behind 7B12 at Wootton Bassett Junction. Copyright Colin & Ken

I nearly forgot - Colin was at the station before me and photographed 0Z69 Stoke Gifford to Hinksey Sidings - light engine 66414 via platform 1. Kind regards, Colin & Ken.

Many Thanks to you both.

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 8

14.04.1977 - Seaton Junction station. Copyright Roger Winnen

14.04.1977 - Lyme Regis Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

14.04.1977 - Platform at Lyme Regis. Copyright Roger Winnen

Thanks Roger - last batch from this series tomorrow.

October 27th 2024

27/10/2024

'Breaking news Today'
The St Erth Footbridge was lifted from its position overnight

241027a The St Erth footbridge was lifted out of its position during last night. Copyright Roger Winnen

241027b Looking down on the fragments of the bridge prior to removal for the East Somerset Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen

241027c The bridge now at ground level. Copyright Roger Winnen

241027d Looking down to the platform level. Copyright Roger Winnen

241027e. At present the lifts are not operational. For passengers that are not able to climb the steps a shuttle bus links the two car parks. There is nearly 100 steps! Copyright Roger Winnen

241027f St Erth without its Great Western footbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

241027g The Cardiff service from the new bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

241027h Remnants of the old bridge.. Copyright Roger Winnen

The South Devon Explorer
Paul Barlow

Hello Roger/Jon

A few shots from today's 'South Devon explorer' train which was run in memory of Nick Perring. A long standing SDR volunteer and highly respected friend of many. This was a very sad loss when he passed away just over 2 years ago. The train covered non passenger sidings and loops and also raised over £6400 for the South Devon Railway and the Encephalitis Society. Both very worthy causes.

with kind regards

Paul

25262 (33002 on the rear) at Buckfastleigh on the 1115 to Totnes head shunt stop blocks 26 October 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow

25262 waits at Staverton bridge on the rear of the 1335 from Totnes to Buckfastleigh 26 October 2024 Copyright Paul Barlow

Class 04 D2271 is about to take the train to the Staverton Dock siding 33002 on rear. Copyright Paul Barlow

D2246 and D3721 await their next duty at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Paul Barlow

D2246 D2271 Totnes 26 October 2024

Many Thanks Paul

A Visit to the Tamar Belle Heritage Centre at Bere Ferrers
By kind permission of Chris Groves

Roger Winnen

241025a 150244 Working the 12.24 Plymouth to Gunnislake at Bere Ferrers. Copyright Roger Winnen

241025b Industrial shunters in preservation at Bere Ferrers. Copyright Roger Winnen

241025c The station platform advertising destinations on the Southern Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen

241025d Hunslet Diesel against the buffer stops at Bere Ferrers. Copyright Roger Winnen

241025f Hunslet Built in Leeds in 1944 named Eart of Mount Edgecumbe together with Lord St Levan. Copyright Roger Winnen

241026e Hunslet Built Leeds in 1944 named Eart of Mount Edgecumbe. Copyright Roger Winnen

241025g A Gresley teak bodied coach. Copyright Roger Winnen

241025h On the platform at Journeys End.

241025i A S Harris on site at Bere Ferrers. Copyright Roger Winnen

241025j The Signal Box at Bere Ferrers originally came from Pinhoe near Exeter. Copyright Roger Winnen

241026k Returning to Plymouth we see The RHTT running through Plymouth Station headed by 66154 the French Engine on route to St Blazey.. . Copyright Roger Winnen

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 7

14.04.1977 - Reopened station at Sidmouth Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

14.04.1977 - Feniton Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

14.04.1977 - A small Sulzer works a short milk train at Feniton. Copyright Roger Winnen

14.04.1977 - Milk train at Honiton Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

14.04.1977 - Milk train at Honiton Station. Sulzer heaven! Copyright Roger Winnen

14.04.1977 Passing trains at Honiton. Copyright Roger Winnen

Thanks Roger - I'm sure Michael Roach will appreciate the milk train photos! More to come tomorrow.

Par Down Goods Loop
Jon Hird

66184 in Par down goods loop with autoballasters in Autumn 2003. The loop still exists and had some TLC during the recent resignalling program, but doesn't see much use at all these days. Copyright Jon Hird.

October 26th 2024

26/10/2024

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 13
Cornish Mainline Stations Closed 1964 (3)
Michael L. Roach

In the last Part I visited Grampound Road but I saved the photos for this part. The last of the six stations to be covered is Doublebois 3¼ miles west of Liskeard. The station was located right beside the Liskeard to Bodmin main road at a crossroads, but there were less than a dozen domestic properties in the immediate vicinity. The station was located at the top of the 7-mile bank from Respryn; but one kilometre east of Doublebois Station was the larger village of Dobwalls. Why was the station not located at Dobwalls ? I thought that the answer lied a quarter mile north of the station in the shape of a big country mansion. The owners of such properties had money, influence and perhaps had invested in the company building the railway. Such factors may also have influenced the choice of location for Scorrier Station visited in the last part where there was also a big house a short distance from the station. However in the case of Doublebois the imposing manor house was not built until 1883 long after the railway and the station opened, so there must be another reason for the choice of location for the station.

I am quite sure that I visited Doublebois Station on another occasion and parked the car in the station forecourt but the negatives have not come to light or been scanned yet. The population of the Parish of Dobwalls is more than 2,000 and with the boundary of the main part of the village coming right up to the railway there may be a case for opening a station to serve Dobwalls one day, as with Ponsanooth and Coombe-by-St. Stephens mentioned in Part 11. It would not be right to leave this area without mentioning the much-missed Dobwalls Adventure Park. The chief attraction for railway enthusiasts was the extensive 7.25 inch gauge miniature railway based on American outlines which sadly closed down in 2006.

Grampound Road looking east from the up platform just before 4.00pm on 8 September 1964. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Looking west at Grampound Road. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Looking east from down platform at Grampound Road. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Doublebois Station looking east from the road bridge at 7.30pm on the evening of 28 April 1962, after a day photographing a railtour in Mid-Cornwall. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks as always, Michael.

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

Taunton
Andrew Triggs

Hi Roger/Keith/Jon
Back up in Somerset this weekend, mainly for Rail Ex Model Railway Exhibition at Taunton School this weekend (On Saturday and Sunday) so popped out with camera to get some shots in the area
All the Best
Andrew

Freightliner 59205 'L Keith McNair' passing Norton Fitzwarren working 6C28 12.48 Exeter Riverside Hanson-Westbury Tarmac load 18 JNAs Copyright Andrew Triggs

Filthy DBC 66179 with 66154 passing Silk Mills Road overbridge working 3S13 08.46 Westbury-St Blazey LIP RHTT. Copyright Andrew Triggs

9 Car Cross Country with 221133 with 220016 passing Silk Mills Road overbridge working 1V48 06.40 Newcastle-Plymouth Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many Thanks Andrew have a good weekend

Swindon Station
23rd October 2024
Ken Mumford and Colin Pidgeon

67023 t&t 67023 on 3S32 Cheltenham to Swindon Transfer RHTT. Copyright Colin and Ken

2 photos of consecutively numbered 66791 t&t 66792 on 3S59 Hereford to Swindon Transfer RHTT. Copyright Colin and Ken

59202 on 6B12 Merehead to Wootton Bassett. Copyright Colin and Ken

70817 on 0F75 Hinksey Yard to Westbury Yard. Copyright Colin and Ken

47739 on 5Q87 Long Marston to Wimbledon Depot with 701052 running 53 minutes late due to a points failure at Worcester. Copyright Colin and Ken

All three 66s on hire to Colas at Swindon.22/10/2024. 66790 t&t 66791 on 3S59 Hereford to Swindon transfer RHTT. Copyright Colin & Ken

66792 on 0Z66 Westbury to Swindon Transfer. Copyright Colin and Ken

66790 had replaced 66846 Monday and was replaced itself by 66792 Tuesday. Copyright Colin and Ken

Many thanks to Colin and Ken for these photographs of Swindon

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 6

13.04.1977 - A DMU for Barnstaple at Crediton. Copyright Roger Winnen.

13.04.1977 - The DMU departs Crediton for Barnstaple. Copyright Roger Winnen.

13.04.1977 - Crediton Crossing Gates. Copyright Roger Winnen

13.04.1977 - Newton St. Cyres. Copyright Roger Winnen

14.04.1977 - Whimple Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Thanks Roger - more tomorrow.

October 25th 2024

25/10/2024

A selection of photographs from Mid 70's and 1980
Paul Barlow

25215 Exeter to Chard Junction milk 4 September 1976.jpg Copyright Paul Barlow

50009 leaves tisbury on 25 May 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow

D1011 1975 08 09 Exeter St Davids.jpg Copyright Paul Barlow

1976_09_02 50011 and class 47 Aller Junction Copyright Paul Barlow

1976_09_04 D1068 Exeter St Davids. Copyright Paul Barow

Many Thanks Paul

Colin Pidgeon & Ken Mumford
Picture collection Part 2

Unit 158748 normally arrives with 2M19 from Westbury and later departs with 2M28 from platform 3 but because of the stricken 1B17 occupying platform 4 it arrived [4 late] and left [2 late] from bay platform 2. Copyright

The first photo of 59101 leaving Swindon East Loop [having been there according to Real Train Times for 59 minutes!] leaves 26 Late. The second photo was taken by Ken who was almost caught unawares photographing the train in Platform 2! Interesting contrast in lighting!! Copyright

[12] and [13] 6M47 with 66310 Marchwood MOD to Kineton MOD passes Swindon on the UML on time at 1531. Copyright

5Q88 [Wolverton to Newport Docks - Simms] passing Swindon [131 LATE] via platform 4 with a throaty exhaust at speed probably trying to make up for lost time earlier in its journey Copyright

Many Thanks to Colin and Ken

Class 50 at Salisbury
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, here is a picture from Michael Adams of class 50009 ‘Conqueror’ leaving Salisbury on 15 June 1989 with the 13.18 service to London Waterloo. The loco. did not survive into preservation and was scrapped at Old Oak Common in February 1991. Copyright Michael Adams

Many Thanks Michael

GWR Prairie Tanks
James Brown

It was good to be able to enjoy two Prairie tanks on consecutive days. The Bodmin and Wenford provided 5552 seen here at at Boscarne Junctiom on 23/10/24 and 5526 at the always timeless Staverton Station on the South Devon Railway today 24/10/24 Best wishes James Bown Copyright James Brown

Many Thanks James

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 5

13.04.1977 - Cobblestone Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

13.04.1977 Yeoford Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

13.04.19 Yeoford Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

13.04.1977 Yeoford Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

13.04.1977 A weight-bearing sign. Copyright Roger Winnen

More 'Southern' roaming tomorrow.

October 24th 2024

24/10/2024

A Holiday photo of Jon Hird our Web Master on holiday in Spain
Have a good holiday you deserve it.
Roger & Keith of the Cornwall Railway Society

Early Morning Grid at Westbury
Al Peters

Colas Rail Freight 56078 is seen at Westbury in the early morning on 21/10/24, the loco was to be hauled to Colwick TMD (Nottingham) for repairs. Driver Alan Peters

Many Thanks Al

Regional Railways livery 37425 on a test train at PZ
Roger Winnen

241023a 37425 Heads the 3Q 51 22.32 Test Train to Exeter Riverside. Copyright Roger Winnen

241023b 37425 In Regional Railways livery at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Creech St Michael and Bathpool nr Taunton
Bill Elston

Some passing traffic through Taunton today.

the RHTT returning to Cornwall from Westbury, with 66179/66154. passing Creech st Michael Copyright Bill Elstone

Exeter Riverside to Westbury stone empties, with 66619,at Bathpool, Copyright Bill Elstone

Colas tamper DR 73935, also at Bathpool. Copyright Bill Elstone

Many Thanks Bill

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway
James Brown

I enjoyed a visit to the wonderful Lynton and Barnstaple Railway today and had the pleasure of making the most of some sunshine whilst taking in picturesque views from the nostalgic experience offered by the L&B. Well worth a visit.
Regards
James Bown

Many Thanks James

Colin Pidgeon & Ken Mumford
Picture Collection Part 1

[1] and [2] 6C03 Northolt Sidings to Severnside SITA with 66053 leaving Swindon East Loop 2 minutes late. All these photos are Copyright

[1] and [2] 6C03 Northolt Sidings to Severnside SITA with 66053 leaving Swindon East Loop 2 minutes late. All these photographs are Copyright

3S59 Moreton-on-Lugg to Swindon Transfer with 66791 Top 'n' Tail with 66646passing on the UML [Up Main line] some 35 minutes EARLY. NOTE how dirty the leading loco is - including the driver's side window!!! NOTE, too, the feather alongside the colour signal over the UML All these photographs are Copyright

By this time, Colin had joined me. This was a very interesting event. The station announcer said that this was a 10-car train. First 5-cars were going to terminate at Swansea and then rear 5-cars were going on, after reversal, to Carmarthen. The station announcer stated that one needed to get into the first 5-car section for Carmarthen BUT as you can see the train consisted of ONE 5-car unit!! With the driver's tea on the front??? However, the driver switched off the white lights, turned on the red lights more than once. My good friend, Colin, said that the driver was rebooting the system. During the 25+ minutes that this unit stayed in platform 4, there were a few platform alterations PLUS All these photographs are Copyright

Many Thanks to you both

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 4

13.04.1977 - North Tawton Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

13.04.1977 - Bow Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

13.04.1977 - An Exeter bound DMU at Morchard Road. Copyright Roger Winnen

More tomorrow.. Stay tuned!

October 23rd 2024

23/10/2024

Whatley Quarry
Trials with converted Class 08 Shunter 22nd October 2024
Guy Vincent

Some photos taken outside the Whatley Quarry rail complex from the road bridge that crosses the quarry throat. I made two visits on 21st and 22nd October to record activities at this rail served location.

Photos 1 to 6. Locos and HGVs arriving / departing the quarry.

Photos 7 to 11 Trials utilising veteran class 08 shunter 08308 which has had its engine and generator set replaced by a rechargeable battery pack. The heavily modified loco, originally D3378, was delivered from Derby works in August 1957 and withdrawn by BR from Healey Mills in February 1992. The loco arrived at Whatley by road from Barrow Hill a couple of weeks ago and is undergoing trials which today involved moving eight loaded 77 tonne HOA hoppers along the quarry departure road. After the trials concluded resident shunter number 120 propelled 08308 to a secure location within the complex. Sister shunter 08947 can just be seen stabled next to the wagon repair shed.

This is the most interesting development at Whatley since the then preserved class 25 loco 25072 served for a short period as yard shunter in 1992-1993. Finally, 08308 (now a class 08-e) was for some years based at Inverness where it was used to shunt the stock of the Caledonian sleeper trains!

Guy V

1. Whatley 21.10.2024 66619 (for 6A61) IMG_8013 Copyright Guy Vincent

2. Whatley 21.10.2024 66551 IMG_8027 Copyright Guy Vincent

3. Whatley 21.10.2024 Quarry Activity IMG_8044 Copyright Guy Vincent

4. Whatley 21.10.2024 HGV Leaving Quarry IMG_8047 Copyright Guy Vincent

5. Whatley 21.10.2024 59206 ex 6C31 Theale IMG_8059 Copyright Guy Vincent

6. Whatley 21.10.2024 More HGVs IMG_8066 Copyright Guy Vincent

7. Whatley 22.10.2024 Shunters 08308 120 & 08947 IMG_8088 Copyright Guy Vincent

8. Whatley 22.10.2024 08308 Battery Loco Trials IMG_8157 Copyright Guy Vincent

9. Whatley 22.10.2024 08308 Trials IMG_8176 Copyright Guy Vincent

10. Whatley 22.10.2024 08308 (Battery) & Hanson 120 IMG_8180 Copyright Guy Vincent

11. Whatley 22.10.2024 08308 (Battery) & Hanson 120 IMG_8185

Many Thanks Guy, these pictures bring back memories when the CRS visited the area by Mini Bus many years ago with Keith at the helm.
Roger

A few pictures of Class 142 units in the Exeter Area
Paul Barlow

2010_11_15 142063 153380 Exeter St Thomas Copyright Paul Barlow

2010_11_15 142063 153380 at Exeter St Thomas Copyright Paul Barlow

2010_11_15 150129 St Thomas Copyright Paul Barlow

153370 142063 0853 Exmouth-Barnstaple 30 Nov 2010 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many Thanks Paul

Photographs of Freight at Swindon
Colin Pidgeon

66781 t&t 66846 on 3S59 Hereford to Swindon Transfer. Photo taken 13.05 16/10. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

66070 on 6C03 Northolt to Severnside. Photo taken 13.16 16/10. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

67023 t&t 670027 on 3S32 Cheltenham to Swindon Transfer. Photo taken 13.34 16/10 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

59201 on 7B12 Merehead to Wootton Bassett being overtaken on the lower level by 70814 on 6Z98 Westbury to Bradwell Sidings. This shows the difference of track levels through Swindon Station. Photo taken 14.16/10. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

59104 on 6C48 Appleford to Whatley. Photo taken 14.38 16/10. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

New Mendip Rail HOA 81-70-6774.143-6 in the on consist of 7B12 Merehead to Wootton Bassett. Photo taken 14.15 16/10. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

70806 on 6M40 Westbury to Stud Farm. Photo taken 15.03 16/10 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Many Thanks Colin

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 3

13.04.1977 - Okehampton Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

14.04.1977 - Okehampton Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

13.04.1977 - Sampforde Courtney. Copyright Roger Winnen

Moorswater Memories
Jon Hird

66132 shunts the cement wagons at Moorswater on 04.02.2013. The ECLP sign a reminder of bygone times even then. Copyright Jon Hird.

Moorswater viaduct dominates the scene as 66132 pushes back the PCA cement tanks. 04.02.2013, copyright Jon Hird.

October 22nd 2024

22/10/2024

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 12
Cornish Mainline Stations Closed 1964 (2)
Michael L. Roach

In the last part (click here), I visited Marazion and Gwinear Road Stations a month before closure to passengers in October 1964. After Gwinear Road, I spent an hour at Truro Station but took no photos, before moving on to Grampound Road arriving there at 3.47pm before doubling back to Chacewater arriving at 4.43pm.

The village of Chacewater was a good mile away from the station along a narrow country lane. Chacewater was the junction station for the other line to Newquay with trains running from Truro to Newquay via St. Agnes and Perranporth via a dedicated branch platform at Chacewater, but no longer as the line had closed completely 18 months before my visit.

Having taken my record photos, I then walked the 1¾ miles from Chacewater Station westwards to the next station – Scorrier, which was in the middle of a small dispersed settlement but there were many mines in close proximity. The Poldice Tramway formerly passed below the main line on the diagonal right beneath the extended platforms.

One strange anomaly of the up (eastbound) platform was a depression, with normal end-of-platform slopes each side, which effectively cut the platform into two parts. Regular passengers would have known of the dangers, but I just hope that there was normally a staff member on the platform to warn occasional passengers as an up train slowed to a stop. The depression can be seen in the first three photographs.

In this second part the photos record the scene at Chacewater and Scorrier on Tuesday 8 September 1964.

Scorrier looking east from the up platform, 8 September 1964. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Looking west at Scorrier showing the main station building on the down platform. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Scorrier looking east from the down platform. The Methodist Chapel is a prominent feature of the hamlet and is still in use as a place of worship. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

These large and heavy cast iron signs were once a common feature of many Great Western stations in order to deter passengers from using the board crossing. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Chacewater looking east from the down platform with the signal box and the modern station building beyond. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The island platform looking east. The line can be seen continuing to the left of the building. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Looking west from the island platform showing the cement silo which was there for many years holding “Blue Circle” cement in bulk. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Chacewater Station looking east from the road bridge, also showing Blackwater Viaduct extreme left. Chacewater Viaduct is a quarter mile further east. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks as always, Michael.

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

Further information on D4161
by Karl Hewlett

D4161 is quite an elusive one to find details on in its earlier years, being based in Cornwall there is not much in the way of info or images until the early 70's when people started to have a bit more money, interest in diesels and these things were recorded by enthusiasts. Class 08's however were not top of the list!

It would not have been done in Cornwall (the repaint), not likely Laira who were too busy trying to keep Hydraulics going but not impossible. My best guess is Swindon Works considering that someone has gone to the lengths of keeping its yellow power classification dot, something other works would not bother to retain but Swindon would.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Karl.

Many Thanks Karl

The new footbridge at St Erth
Monday 22nd October 2024
Roger Winnen

241021b St Erth Station at 16.45 today showing the new bridge installation. Copyright Roger Winnen

241021d The bridge from the up platform at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

Both bridges viewed in this photograph. Copyright Roger Winnen

241021f Viewed from the Station Forecourt. Copyright Roger Winnen

241021g A temorary measure to connect both bridges. Copyright Roger Winnen

241021i Across the open footbridge, for how much longer. Copyright Roger Winnen

241021j Steps to the new bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

241021m Passing IETs at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

241021w The St Erth shuttle bus linking both car parks at the station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Lostwithiel & Liskeard
Andrew Triggs

Hi Roger/Keith/Jon
Visited Lostwithiel to try out the new photographic vantage point of the new Temporary Footbridge there and later popped up to Liskeard to catch up with the now grubby RHTT set, the enclosed shots of Todays Jolly for CRS
All the Best
Andrew

DBC 66152 with Load 16 JIAs passing through Lostwithiel working 6G09 12.36 Goonbarrow Junction-Fowey Dock Carne Point Copyright Andrew Triggs

43098 with 43092 arriving at Lostwithiel working 2C11 10.15 Plymouth-Penzance, while 150247 with 158762 await departure with 2P09 09.50 Penzance-Plymouth Copyright Andrew Triggs

DBC 66152 running back through Lostwithiel while running round 6G09, as 802021 departs west working 2C69 08.59 Cardiff Central-Penzance Copyright Andrew Triggs

Having run round 6G09 at Lostwithiel Up Goods loop, 66152 departs for Fowey Dock Carne Point with the JIAs Copyright Andrew Triggs

43004 with 43187 working 2P16 13.15 Penzance-Plymouth arriving at Liskeard Copyright Andrew Triggs

43004 with 43187 working 2P16 13.15 Penzance-Plymouth arriving at Liskeard Copyright AndrewTriggs

Many Thanks Andrew

The Railhead Treatment Train
Bodmin Parkway
Roger Winnen

241019zzj The Railhead treatment train approaches Bodmin Parkway on his return run from Westbury to Par last Saturday. Copyright Roger Winnen

241019zzl 66179 The French Class 66 is seen leading the train. Copyright Roger Winnen

241019zzn 66154 brings up the rear of the RHTT at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 2

12.04.1977 - Trackbed of the former Southern Line looking towards Shillingmill Tunnel. Copyright Roger Winnen

12.04.1977 - Trackbed of the former Southern Line. Copyright Roger Winnen

12.04.1977 - Horrabridge Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

12.04.1977 - Viaduct near Tavistock Southern Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

12.04.1977 - Bickleigh Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

More tomorrow..

Clay Country
Jon Hird

66087 leads a rake of CDA's over Gover viaduct whilst on its way to Parkandillack, 18.02.2005. The famous conical sky tips of clay country make up the skyline in the distance. Copyright Jon Hird.

<<Previous

Latest News & Features

'Team Green' back in NewquayJason Prole

One down, one upJon Hird

St. Erth ScenesDennis Clarke

Westbury & SwindonMichael Adams/Michael Forward

Our next indoor meeting - 09.11.2024

More 'Western' imagesPaul Barlow

Tracing The Southern LinesRoger WinnenPart 9

December 2004Jon Hird

Tracing The Southern LinesRoger WinnenPart 8

Tracing The Southern LinesRoger WinnenPart 7

Par Down Goods LoopJon Hird

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 13Cornish Mainline Stations Closed 1964 (3)Michael L. Roach

Tracing The Southern LinesRoger WinnenPart 6

Tracing The Southern LinesRoger WinnenPart 5

Tracing The Southern LinesRoger WinnenPart 4

Tracing The Southern LinesRoger WinnenPart 3

Moorswater MemoriesJon Hird

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 12Cornish Mainline Stations Closed 1964 (2)Michael L. Roach

Tracing The Southern LinesRoger WinnenPart 2

Clay CountryJon Hird

Archives

'Team Green' back in Newquay
Jason Prole

One down, one up
Jon Hird

St. Erth Scenes
Dennis Clarke

Westbury & Swindon
Michael Adams/Michael Forward

More 'Western' images
Paul Barlow

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 9

December 2004
Jon Hird

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 8

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 7

Par Down Goods Loop
Jon Hird

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 13
Cornish Mainline Stations Closed 1964 (3)
Michael L. Roach

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 6

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 5

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 4

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 3

Moorswater Memories
Jon Hird

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 12
Cornish Mainline Stations Closed 1964 (2)
Michael L. Roach

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 2

Clay Country
Jon Hird