Blog Archives

October 21st 2024

21/10/2024

Tisbury &
Bristol Temple Meads
Paul Barlow

33007 Tisbury 25 May 1980 Copyright Paul Barlow

1049 Bristo Bath Road 15 August 1975 Copyright Paul Barlow

1975_08_13 1009 Western Invader Bristol Bath road Copyright Paul Barlow

1975_08_15 1126 DEMU on a Portsmouth service Bristol Temple Meads Copyright Paul Barlow

Many Thanks Paul

Tracing The Southern Lines
Roger Winnen
Part 1

12.04.1977 - Bere Alston Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

12.04.1977 - Calstock Viaduct from Bere Alston. Copyright Roger Winnen

12.04.1977 - Trackbed of the Southern Line to Tavistock. Copyright Roger Winnen

12.04.1977 - Shillingmill Tunnel. Copyright Roger Winnen

Thanks Roger - more tomorrow..

Nocturnal Newquay Engineering
Jon Hird & Jason Prole

Freightliner's 66516 arrives at Newquay Station with a train of sleepers and rail, in connection with the reinstatement of Platform 1/Mid Cornwall Metro. Early hours of 20.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

66516 and the ongoing works to reinstate platform 1. 20.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

A view from above of the engineering train and the works site. It was quite windy and the drone didn't want to sit perfectly still, which forced me to use a higher ISO than I'd have ideally liked. 20.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

The original platform has entirely gone from this part of the station site and is being rebuilt from the ground up. 20.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

66415 'You Are Never Alone' wearing the new orange colour scheme on the other end of the train. 20.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

Several hours later, after an overnight lashing of rain, 66516 is seen at Newquay buffer stops after arriving with 6Y43, 17.33 Westbury Yard - Goonbarrow Junction. Copyright Driver Jason Prole.

66415 'You Are Never Alone' is seen prior to making it's way through the possession to then depart as 6Y43, 09.34 Goonbarrow Junction - Westbury Yard, on Sunday 20th October 2024. The train had brought lengths of rail and sleepers to Newquay station for the new point that will be installed. Copyright Driver Jason Prole.

Many thanks Jason - hope you had a good trip back to Westbury.

Penzance Pilot 1967
Simon Howard

Your recent piece on Penzance pilots prompted me to dig out that attached photo. BR took quite a time before it started painting 08’s in blue and I seem to remember that in mid-1967 D4007 arrived as Truro pilot in what looked like ex-works green. However, a few weeks later a day return to Penzance brought the sight of D4161 in blue livery – with red buffer beams. For quite some time afterwards it was the only one I saw in blue. Can anyone shed any light on where and when it was repainted?

Shunter D4161 at Penzance in 1967. Copyright Simon Howard

Many thanks, Simon - if anybody can shed any light on D4161's paint job, please let us know - [email protected]

Dear Roger,

Regarding the article on Class 08 D4161 at Penzance from Simon Howard, the loco was new to Penzance from BR Darlington Works on 26th April 1962 and was repainted BR Blue in August 1968.

This loco being one of the earlier repaints was in a technically non-standard version which was quite common with early blue repaints as the works staff were not up to speed with the full colourings and positions of text etc. Some locos came out with logos in the wrong position, a few with back-to-front BR Barb Wire emblems, incorrect text style numbers, some locos were even repainted green again because of issues supplying blue paint and the repaints themselves were not completely standard which has happened with D4161.

Although in BR Blue it has incorrectly still retained a red bufferbeam instead of yellow and also has the incorrect earlier Gill Sans style of text for the numbers instead of the correct Alphabet for this livery and it shouldn't need the BR(W) power classification yellow dot either. The barb wire emblem should also be on the middle body side door, not on the battery box cover, although there were others that carried this here. The cranks should be yellow, but it is difficult to tell with this image. It also depended on how quickly the loco was required back which meant some parts were only cleaned and otherwise left.

The loco stayed at Penzance until 1972 when it was transferred to St. Blazey for a while (still with all its incorrect details), before being transferred away to Allerton Depot Liverpool around 1974. I assume at this time it would have at least gained its BR TOPS number of 08931 in the correct Alphabet text and was scrapped at Ron Hull's in 2005.

Regards

Karl Hewlett (Friends Of Penmere Station).

Many Thanks Karl for your detailed information of D4161 which is most appreciated.
Roger

Swindon RHTT
Alan Peters

Colas Rail 67023 still retains the nameplate "Stella" but has lost the Colas Rail Freight branding, the class 67 is seen at Swindon transfer Sidings on 2nd October 2024 where the Colas rail head treatment trains are serviced. Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks, Alan - it's been quite a while since we saw a '67' down here in the far west.

The Welshpool and Llanfair Railway
Joseph Birchall

Dear Jon

This week my grandparents rode on the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway, and as this was once operated by the GWR, I wondered if you would like to see some of the pictures. Whilst on the way to Welshpool, they encountered a tree down (possibly a Silver Birch) on the line, this lead to the service being held up for 25 minutes, but it all added to the excitement.

The locomotive is called 'Sir Drefaldwyn' and was originally a tender engine, built for the German military, and came to the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway in 1969.

Kind Regards
Joe

The Welshpool and Llanfair Railway, October 2024. Copyright Joseph Birchall

Tree down! The Welshpool and Llanfair Railway, October 2024. Copyright Joseph Birchall

Many thanks Joe - it's a little out of our area but I'm sure our readers will enjoy the pics, it looks a great railway.

October 20th 2024

20/10/2024

Engineering Works on the Newquay Branch
Roger Winnen

241019a The Newquay Branch train and Tamping machines at Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

241019j Signals at Goonbarrow Juction throuth the coach window. Copyright Roger Winnen

241019p Making way for a passing loop near the former St Dennis Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

241019qA Quattro Rail Roa d machine on site near St Dennis Jct. Copyright Roger Winnen

241019qq A Quattro Rail Roa d machine on site near St Dennis Jct. Copyright Roger Winnen

241019r On the approach to Newquay we pass under the new road constructed for the housing development. Copyright Roger Winnen

241019u Work progressing at Newquay Station on the installation of a second platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

241019x The second platform takes shape. Copyright Roger Winnen

241019z The new and the old platform links up. Copyright Roger Winnen

241019za The 13.10 service to Par awaits departure from Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

241019zb With only a few minutes prior to departure at 13.10 for Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

241019zc Newquay had the longest platforms in Cornwall until the early 1980s. Copyright Roger Winnen

241019zg Waiting for the Right Away.

241019zq Crossing the Trenance Viaduct on leaving Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

241019zy A stop at St Blazey to drop off the token, soon a thing of the past. Copyright Roger Winnen

Okel Tor Crossing
(near Calstock)
Andrew & Diane Jones

Diane and I are staying at Okel Tor Mine near Calstock this weekend. Situated a short walk from Okel Tor crossing I took the opportunity to photograph the second train of the day to Gunnislake.

A beautiful but misty start which I think added to the atmosphere of this remarkable Cornish survivor. The crossing was recently upgraded to automatic active protection under the Devon and Cornwall signalling programme, barriers were deemed inappropriate due to the restricted site.

Cut back in the 60's, the railway lost the Callington section, thus leaving many major towns in the area without a rail connection, Calstock and Gunnislake remain a testament to the need to reestablish the Tavistock line.

Okehampton Station has rejuvenated the town and proved that a relatively small investment can make a huge impact on our rural communities. Hopefully the new government will look again at the Tavistock Railway project which has the backing of Devon County Council, who own much of the trackbed and in my opinion, reverse poor short term decision making of the past.

GWR's 150239 emerges from the fog crossing the ungated Okel Tor Crossing on the Gunnislake Branch. 19.10.2024, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Really showing off the rural nature of the crossing as a Class 150 approaches. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Looking into the mist along the former Southern Route. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Many thanks Andrew & Diane for these lovely atmospheric photographs. Let's hope one day the Tavistock plan comes to fruition.

St. Erth footbridge - what comes next
Guy Vincent

A work colleague kindly loaned me a copy of the East Somerset Railway’s 2024 50th Anniversary booklet that was published at the start of the year. A short article on the St. Erth footbridge is contained within and hereby reproduced with full credit to the ESR.

Obviously the planned timespan of work has slipped a little since the article was published.

Many thanks, Guy - great to hear this much-photographed structure has a future ahead of it.

(I have also added your notes on Paul Barlows images to yesterdays 'news' post - thank you very much!)

HST Hunting
Jon Hird

A few hours out this afternoon chasing the GWR 'Castle Class' HST sets around mid-Cornwall. First stop, Liskeard viaduct, to photograph 43097 and 43186 working 2C22 - the 13:43 Plymouth - Penzance. 19.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

Next up was Bolitho for 43092 + 43098 with 2P90, the 13:15 Penzance - Plymouth. 19.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

The last shot of the day was an 'I wonder what that would look like' job - with the sun in my lens I wasn't sure what the results would be like, but it turned out to be my favourite of the day. 43004 and 43187 head east over St. Pinnock viaduct with 2P24, the 15:15 Penzance - Plymouth. 19.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

October 19th 2024

19/10/2024

Summer Saturdays
at Exeter St. Davids
Paul Barlow

And additional notes from Guy Vincent
(beneath each image)

12.08.1975 - D1070 'Western Gauntlet' at Exeter St. Davids. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

From Guy Vincent: Tue 12.08.1975 D1070 1B15 0830 PAD - Paignton. Due EXD 1132

19.01.1975 - D1001 Western Pathfinder at Exeter St Davids. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

From Guy Vincent: Sat 19.07.1975 D1001 1A45 0630 Penzance - PAD. Due EXD 0939.
NOTE: Info from Western Loco Research Society. On this day D1001 took over 1A45 at Plymouth and worked through to Paddington. Headcode shows wrong reporting number.

19.07.1975 - 46051 with the 0815 Birmingham to Plymouth seen at Exeter St Davids. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

From Guy Vincent: Sat 19.07.1975 46051 1V62 0720 Derby - Paignton. Due EXD 1144.

19.07.1975 - 33012 at Exeter St. Davids. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

From Guy Vincent: Sat 19.07.1975 33012 Route Code 62 (Waterloo via Salisbury) Most likely one from 1O10 1008; 1O12 1057; or 1O14 1225 departure from Exeter.

19.07.1975 - 1047 'Western Lord' leaves Exeter St Davids. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

From Guy Vincent: Sat 19.07.1975 D1047 1B15 0830 PAD - Paignton (due EXD 1118) OR 1B25 0930 PAD - Penzance due to pass Exeter non-stop at 12/13. I favour the former working as the train is at platform rather than on the down through line.

Guy Vincents photo: Finally, a shot of the tools of the trade! Indispensable even in the age of the internet.

Many thanks indeed, Paul, another smashing set of photographs.

And as always, thanks very much to our resident headcode detective Guy Vincent for filling in the gaps - much appreciated, Guy!

Respryn RHTT
Jon Hird

In some typical Cornish autumnal weather, the railhead treatment train with 66179 + 66154 earns its money blasting the grease, leaves and filth off the rails as it passes Respryn on 18.10.2024. Railway photography isn't all sunshine and blue skies! Copyright Jon Hird.

Teignmouth Trains
Martin Scane

1S53 Plymouth to Edinburgh(at 14-12). 18.10.2024, copyright Martin Scane.

2T20 Exmouth to Paignton (at 14-21). 18.10.2024, copyright Martin Scane.

1C80 Paddington to Penzance (at 14-28). 18.10.2024, copyright Martin Scane.

1A87 Paignton to Paddington (at 14-29). 18.10.2024, copyright Martin Scane.

3S16 Westbury to St Blazey RHTT (at 14-30) - 66179 leading. 18.10.2024, copyright Martin Scane.

3S16 Westbury to St Blazey RHTT (at 14-30) - 66154 trailing. 18.10.2024, copyright Martin Scane.

2F22 Paignton to Exmouth (at 14-46). 18.10.2024, copyright Martin Scane.

1Q18 Reading to Paignton NMT (at 14-49). This train works Reading to PZ, PZ to Dawlish Warren, DW to Paignton hence it’s appearance on the up line. 18.10.2024, copyright Martin Scane.

A going-away shot of the NMT. 18.10.2024, copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin - a fruitful 40 minutes for you.

October 18th 2024

18/10/2024

More new 'old' photographs
Geoff Ryall

I travelled with my grandad from St Thomas’s to NA via Teign Valley line which my dad had used to travel to school etc. in NA when living in Christow.

By 1957 Grandad was living in Exeter in a house with a wonderful view looking out over Ide. I was 13 years old.

I can see my grandad on a seat and his stick appears in the other.

I now can’t work out the trip; if the Teign Valley train is in a bay how did we get to NA?

Oh yes, took Moreton Hampstead to NA train perhaps, then main line home? Well it is 67 years ago!

A GWR 14xx (possibly 1451?) at Heathfield, August 1957. Copyright Geoff Ryall.

A wonderful shot of Heathfield 'as it was'. August 1957. Copyright Geoff Ryall.

Approaching Newton Abbot, August 1957. Copyright Geoff Ryall.

In the platform at Newton Abbot. August 1957. Copyright Geoff Ryall.

Geoff, many thanks once again for these fascinating photographs. I'm sure they'll bring back happy memories for those who can remember the line.

Clinnick Clay & Castle
Jon Hird

GWR's 43004 leads the 13:15 Penzance - Plymouth over Clinnick Viaduct. 43004 is the second-oldest power car still in regular service (43003 exists with Scotrail). 43187 was on the Penzance end of the set. 17.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

Shortly afterwards, along came DB Cargo 66152 with 6C10, 10 JIA wagons containing china clay travelling from Par Harbour to the Midlands. 17.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

The Pentewan Locomotive
Roger Winnen & Jon Hird

On 15.07.1978, Roger peeked inside the engine shed at Pentewan and took this photograph of the small locomotive within, long after the railway had fallen into disuse. Copyright Roger Winnen.

46 years later, the same locomotive is displayed at the Wheal Martyn China Clay museum, St. Austell. Copyright Jon Hird.

More info on the Pentewan Railway can be found in the 'Military and Industrial Tramways & Light Railways' section - click here.

October 17th 2024

17/10/2024

Contrast on the Railway Network
Roger Winnen

241017a Tamping Machines at Par today. Copyright Roger Winnen

241017b New livery for Cross Country sets at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

241017c The livery stands out at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

241017d The livery in close up. Copyright Roger Winnen

241017e Verity at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

241017f Legends of The Great Western. Copyright Roger Winnen

241017g The French Class 66 hauls the RHTT at Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

241017h Contrast at Par this evening. Copyright Roger Winnen

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 11
Cornish Mainline Stations Closed in October 1964 (1)
Michael L. Roach

There are currently 14 railway stations in the 75 miles between Saltash and Penzance; an average of 5¾ miles between each pair. The longest gap is St. Austell to Truro 14 miles; and the shortest Hayle to St. Erth just 1½ miles. None of the 14 stations deals with anything other than passengers (unless you know differently); no freight, mail, milk, newspapers or parcels traffic as there once was.

There were once many more stations on the mainline and in this article I will be looking at the last ones to close to passengers which is an amazing 60 years ago this month. So, no change in 60 years, and the possible re-opening of Carn Brea in the 1990s never happened. On and from 5 October 1964 the following stations closed to passengers:- Doublebois, Grampound Road, Chacewater, Scorrier, Gwinear Road and Marazion.

Looking a bit wider which were the last passenger stations to close, anywhere in Cornwall – I think it was the stations between Bodmin Road (now Bodmin Parkway) and Padstow, including Bodmin General and Bodmin North on and from 30 January 1967. Which were the first ones to close – Penponds (in 1852) and Angarrack second station (in 1853) both on the Hayle Railway. Further east the temporary station at Respryn closed in 1859 just 8 weeks after opening while the building of Bodmin Road Station was being completed. The last station to open (excluding heritage railways) was I think Boscarne Junction in 1964. But what was the last station to open anywhere in Cornwall that is still open to passengers ? I think it was Quintrell Downs Platform opened by the Great Western Railway on 2 October 1911 and now serving 3,000 passengers per annum.

There are at least two villages in Cornwall that have a railway adjacent or a short distance away that have never had a railway station provided; but they still could. They are Ponsanooth close to the Falmouth Branch and Coombe-by-St. Stephens beside the mainline between St. Austell and Truro. Ponsanooth in particular is a sizeable village surely deserving of an unstaffed halt, although I can see the difficulty of providing access to one as the single line comes off Ponsanooth Viaduct, crossing a minor road, and entering quite a deep cutting. However if the access was off the A393 Reduth to Falmouth road with a large car park it could become a park-and-ride station for both Truro and Falmouth. With two trains per hour in each direction for most of the day the Falmouth Branch has an excellent train service.

In addition to the current 14 stations and the 6 closed in October 1964 there were a further 9 which closed earlier. So with 6 plus 9 adding to 15 there are more closed stations on the main line in Cornwall than stations still open. With closure of the six stations imminent I decided to visit most of the doomed stations on Tuesday 8 September 1964 a month before closure. I had a West of England Rail-Rover so it was easy to hop between stations and backtrack as necessary; including walking from Marazion to Penzance and from Chacewater to Scorrier. Even so I did not manage to visit Doublebois that day. I left Plymouth at 09.15 and got back to Plymouth about 22.40 My last train was the 19.55 off Penzance, from St. Erth after visiting St. Ives. The 12.45 off Penzance was an 800-class Warship, but apart from that one trip to Gwinear Road every one of the other 8 trains was a 3-car dmu. Dieselisation of the main line had been completed a year or two earlier. In this first part I visit Marazion and Gwinear Road.

Marazion looking east on 8 September 1964. Note the camping coaches. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Marazion looking west. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Marazion looking west from the road bridge. I have no idea what the parcels train is doing. The time is 11.50. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The Helston branch platform at Gwinear Road. The branch had closed to passengers two years earlier. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Gwinear Road looking east. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The business end of a level crossing gate which was very long. Note the extra height of the gate post and the extra supports to the gate. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Gwinear Road looking west. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Gwinear Road looking east again. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks, Michael.

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

45145 - The Last Ever Peak Arrival At Newquay
28th September 1985
Clive Smith

45145 has just arrived at Newquay with the Saturday 1V73 09.11 from Manchester Piccadilly as the passengers disembark and make their way to the exit. This was the last ever peak to visit Newquay.

I showed a similar picture on here about four years ago (click here), but this one has a different set of people walking down the platform. I'm so glad I captured this as so many shots I took were bereft of people and the fashions of the time. Usually I would wait until they'd all cleared away but with the shunter rapidly approaching and wanting to photo the run round I fired off two shots. I've marginally cropped this version and used Lightroom to sharpen the detail including the three semaphore signals and box at the opposite end of the platform. All three lines and platforms are visible.

Withdrawal of class 46s was completed in 1984 and inroads had started on class 45/0s. BR decided that from the start of the west of England 1985-86 winter timetable just Bristol Bath Road drivers would continue with traction knowledge of peaks. With Bristol drivers only having route knowledge to Plymouth, the death knell was sounded for peaks in Cornwall as any drivers from depots west of Bristol would then not be signed to drive peaks from early 1986. 'Refreshers' were compulsory for drivers who had not driven a loco class for six months. So with Newquay loco hauled services being 'summer only', the writing was on the wall for peaks to the North Cornwall coast. 28/09/85 was to be the last possible date and 1V73 09.11 Manchester to Newquay the best train likely to produce a peak as this was a through loco from Birmingham to Newquay. However the omens were not good as this train had produced a 47 throughout the month leaving Newquay bereft of peaks for a while. Fate deigned that the summer's last 1V73 would be hauled by 45145 and so it was that this workhorse class that roamed from Aberdeen to London and Holyhead to Penzance put in its final appearance at the resort.

Many thanks for the great photo and article, Clive - very much appreciated.

More photographs of loco hauled Newquay trains, including Peaks, can be found in the Par - Newquay section - click here (1) or here (2).

Newquay Branch Closure
2 weeks - 18.11.2024 - 01.12.2024

Engineering work is taking place between Par and Newquay, closing all lines for two weeks.

As a result, no trains will run between Par and Newquay.

Replacement buses will run between St Austell and Newquay, calling at Luxulyan, Bugle, Roche, St Columb Road and Quintrell Downs.

The first bus each day will start from Par instead of St Austell.

The track upgrades being made are part of the service improvement work which will result in the Mid Cornwall Metro.

Info from National Rail - for more, click here.

A Family Connection
Alan Dolling

I was surprised to see the photograph of Silverton Station in Broad Gauge days submitted by Geoff Ryall as the smartly-dressed gentleman shown on the platform was my great-great grandfather, Roger Langdon, and the lady sat beside him was his wife, Anne. Roger was the stationmaster at Silverton Road, as it was originally known, and he was eventually superseded by one of his sons, Edward.

Roger was an extremely clever man. He constructed four telescopes and made an accurate model of the moon. He presented a paper to the Royal Astronomical Society and he also became interested in photography and constructed his own darkroom.

He started to write an autobiography but was unable to finish it due to deteriorating health and it was finally finished and published by his daughter Ellen. It is available online, the publisher's being the Cambridge Library Collection.

Geoff Ryall's photograph of Silverton station in broad gauge times, which we posted in yesterdays 'news' article. We now know that the gentleman is Roger Langdon, stationmaster at the time, and the lady is his wife Anne. Copyright Geoff Ryall.

Many thanks indeed for your email, Alan - so glad you saw the photograph and were able to provide the details for us.

St. Erth Footbridge Update
Dennis Clarke

A few photos from St Erth yesterday (15.10).

Talking to one of the engineers there, he informed me that the span from the old bridge will be removed over the weekend 26/27 October, so just over a week to get your photos in.

He also said the bottom sections of the stairs on the new footbridge cannot be completed until the whole of the old bridge is removed so there will be temporary stairs going off at 90 degrees, put in place for the time being.

Don’t shoot the messenger but this was what I was told!

St. Erth new footbridge progress, 15.10.2024. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

A GWR 'Castle Class' HST heads for Penzance beneath the two St. Erth footbridges. 15.10.2024, copyright Dennis Clarke.

Many thanks, Dennis - hope the old footbridge finds a new home.

A note from Guy Vincent re: the above comment:

Re the soon to be dismantled GWR footbridge at St Erth, this going to Cranmore station on the East Somerset Railway. I’ll keep CRS up to date from time to time as the bridge is reassembled for its new role in preservation.

The St Erth bridge is of similar design to the one at Williton (West Somerset Railway), removed from Trowbridge in 1989.

Many thanks Guy, good to hear it will still serve a useful purpose.

October 16th 2024

16/10/2024

Some New 'Old' Photographs
Geoff Ryall

Silverton Station, Exeter, in broad gauge times. Copyright Geoff Ryall.

Another of Silverton in Broad Gauge days. Do we have any idea what the smartly dressed gentlemans role may have been? Copyright Geoff Ryall.

A wonderful view of Perranwell station. Copyright Geoff Ryall.

Many thanks indeed, Geoff - a wonderful few photographs, thank you very much for sharing them with us.

Skippers at Paignton
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are well. Here is a picture from Michael Adams of 142027/022 at Paignton with the 14.45 service from Exmouth on 24 July 1987. Best wishes, Michael.

The British Telecom Unit at Liskeard
Michael Forward

Roger, Almost a year earlier Michael captures the old order on film at Liskeard. Thanks, best wishes, Michael

Many Thanks Michael

The Atlantic Coast Express - 2013
Paul Negus

Hi Jon and Roger

Continuing the ACE theme, I was a tad disappointed that Clan Line was coasting through Axminster last Saturday. By contrast, Tangmere was hauling a previous ACE on 7 April 2013 and came barrelling through Axminster ready to tackle Honiton Bank in style! (See photo).

It's interesting that there were significantly fewer admirers on the platform that day, my memory says less than a dozen on the station in total. I had intended using the same angle to photograph the train but there were too many photographers in the way. I had a quick count and there were over 50 to see Clan Line last week - perhaps far more due to social media coverage? Whatever the reason, it's a welcome trend for railway preservation.

Kind regards
Paul

PS The welcome cafe is still there!

'Tangemere' pounds through Axminster with 'The Atlantic Coast Express' on 07.04.2013. Copyright Paul Negus.

Many thanks, Paul, an excellent photograph of a Bullied Pacific well at home. Agree re: the upturn in general interest in railways these days - not a bad thing by any means!

Ponsandane Progress
Dennis Clarke

Hi Keith, Roger, Jon,

I was in Penzance today and wanted to photograph the progress being made at the new Ponsandane Sidings.

Please find a few photos attached. It really is taking shape although, looking at some of my old photos, the land had been flattened over 2 years ago.

Regards,
Dennis

Ponsandane sidings progress. 15.10.2024, copyright Dennis Clarke.

Many thanks Dennis - nice to see this project coming along now after its period in hiatus.

(Polar) Express Delivery
Paul Barlow, Tony Shore & Sam Ryder

From Paul Barlow:
A shot of 57010 working an ecs to the South Devon railway with coaches for the Polar express event taking place there. I believe 33002 took the coaches from Totnes to Buckfastleigh.

57010 passes Exeter St Thomas with the 0630 Carnforth to Totnes via Plymouth 15 October 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

57010 5Z42 carnforth-totnes. (South Devon Railway). Due to a points failure outside Totnes station it carried on to Plymouth to run round. 15.10.2024, copyright Tony Shore.

33002, 6412 and an onlooker who doesn't seem to give two hoots about what's going on! 15.10.2024, copyright Tony Shore.

From Sam Ryder:
57010 at Totnes today, dropping off some coaches for the Polar Express with the Class 33 on hand to assist with shunting. This is the first time a class 57 has visited the SDR.

33002 waits to meet 57010 at Totnes Littlehempston whilst Pannier Tank 6412 arrives with the railways service train. 15.10.2024, copyright Sam Ryder.

57010 and the coaching stock cross onto SDR metals from the national network. 15.10.2024, copyright Sam Ryder.

57010 and 33002, both originally Sulzer-powered machines, now only the one is - 57010 having been fitted with a modern (at the time) General Motors engine by Freightliner to extend its life. 15.10.2024, copyright Sam Ryder.

57010 heads back to the mainline. 15.10.2024, copyright Sam Ryder.

A parting shot with both locomotives displaying reds as 57010 crosses back onto Network Rail metals. 15.10.2024, copyright Sam Ryder.

33002 departs with the hired-in stock in tow. 15.10.2024, copyright Tony Shore.

Many thanks, Paul, Tony and Sam - an interesting movement.

October 15th 2024

15/10/2024

Cornish Class 50's
Roger Winnen

18.06.1978 - Two Class 50s await departure from Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen.

17.06.1978 - A Class 50, 50027 Lion, heads through Bugle on a train to Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

17.06.1978 - Class 50 Heads a train to Newquay at Bugle. Copyright Roger Winnen

New Trevithick Society Book

Latest publication from the Trevithick Society

A history of the Hayle Railway is long overdue; indeed one was promised over 60 years ago.

The Hayle Railway is a key part of Cornwall’s railway history, dating from 1834, but has for too long been regarded as merely a precursor to the West Cornwall and Great Western Railways. Roger Langley has now made good that omission with a full treatment of the line up to its absorption by surrogates of the GWR in 1866. He also uncovers the influence over the railway by several major mines.

Local authors David Birch and John Gabb have also contributed a valuable gazetteer of what remains of the railway on the ground. Available in softback (B5) format at £22 including p&p, £20 if collected from Camborne. A very limited number of hardbacks are available at a cost of £28 including p&p, or £25 if collected.

Order either by post from PO Box 62, Camborne or email Graham Thorne at [email protected]

St. Agnes Railway Remains
Dennis Clarke

Hi Keith, Roger, Jon,

I was in St Agnes today and visited the old station building.
I took a few photos of the building as it is today and also of the old diesel shunter which sits adjacent to the road.
The internal pictures of the cab of the shunter show it in total disrepair !!!!

Carol is also continuing to improve her railway knowledge !!

The station closed in February 1963,

Regards,
Dennis

St. Agnes station building, 60+ years after closure. 14.10.2024, copyright Dennis Clarke.

St. Agnes station building. 14.10.2024, copyright Dennis Clarke.

Real, reproduction, or a bit of both? 14.10.2024, copyright Dennis Clarke.

The Planet 0-4-0 shunter which has acted as a 'gate guardian' since 1987 for the industrial estate which has been built in the old station site. The shunter came from Devonport Dockyard. 14.10.2024, copyright Dennis Clarke.

Dennis' wife poses with the Planet shunter. 14.10.2024, copyright Dennis Clarke.

The wrecked control desk of the shunter. This loco was damaged in a collision in 1982 and was deemed uneconomical to repair. It was sold into preservation and was moved to the former Cornwall Railway Museum at Zelah on 6th April 1983, moving to its current location in 1987. 14.10.2024, copyright Dennis Clarke.

In 2018, it was planned to relocate the shunter to the Poldark Mining Museum for cosmetic restoration, however with that site now closed it remains to be seen what the future holds for the locomotive. It would certainly take a lot of work and some very deep pockets to restore it from its current condition. 14.10.2024, copyright Dennis Clarke.

Many thanks Dennis - poor old shunter - perhaps soon it will get some TLC.

You can see more of St. Agnes station in our Newquay - Chacewater section - click here.

More 'Atlantic Coast Express' photos
Alby Johnson Doe

Clan Line races up the 1:80 gradient into Crewekerne station! 12.10.2024, copyright Alby Johnson Doe.

35028 saunters past Talaton Road Overbridge, just outside of Feniton. 12.10.2024, copyright Alby Johnson Doe.

Clan Line storms up Whiteball bank just outside of Tiverton Parkway. 12.10.2024, copyright Alby Johnson Doe.

The ‘dirty diesel’ on the rear - 47812 applies a little power to assist the Pacific. 12.10.2024, copyright Alby Johnson Doe.

Many thanks, Alby - a lovely batch of photos.

October 14th 2024

14/10/2024

A quartet of Peaks
Paul Barlow

46025 departs Dawlish on 27.06.1977. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

46016 at the start of its journey with the 1315 Plymouth to Liverpool 1M36 Sunday 4 April 1976. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

46009 with goods (clay?) at Aller Junction. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

45101 passes Aller Junction on 02.06.1976. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

Many thanks once again, Paul - another excellent batch of images, thanks for sharing.

The Far West
Roger Winnen

09.04.1977 - Not strictly railway-related, but the product extracted certainly played a hand in shaping our railway network. Botallack Mines Near St Just. Copyright Roger Winnen

09.04.1977 - Botallack Mines Near St. Just. Copyright Roger Winnen

09.04.1977 - Levant and Geevor Mines. Copyright Roger Winnen

And, I suppose, we'd better have some trains..

09.04.1977 - 25215 At the buffer stops of the Albert Pier Branch at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

09.04.1977 - 46023 on the 18.00 Penzance to Bristol. Copyright Roger Winnen

09.04.1977 - A Class 50 on the Liverpool to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

12.04.1977 - Class 50 No. 50016 at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Aerial advice!
Dale Chadwick

Re: Roger Winnen's "Memories of the Southern Route - March 1977 part 8" - the impressive TV aerial is, in fact an amateur (ham) radio aerial - a 3-element beam for the 20/15/10 metre bands . . .

Dale Chadwick (holder of Class A Amateur Radio Licence since 1966, callsign G3VMK)

A photo we recently posted of a disused Tavistock North station. We remarked on the impressive TV aerial - which we now, thanks to Dale, know is infact a ham radio aerial! Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks, Dale - perhaps you may have conversed with the inhabitants of Tavistock North, without even knowing it!

October 13th 2024

13/10/2024

35028 'Clan Line' works
'The Atlantic Coast Express'
Bill Elstone David Tozer,
Paul Negus & Paul Barlow

Clan Line seen passing Pendomer west of Yeovil. Copyright Bill Elstone

Clan Line ran over the South Western Main Line to Exeter today (12.10.2024), returning via Taunton, Bristol, Bath and the beautiful Salisbury line through the Avon Valley. It passed through Axminster at a sedate pace, following an Exeter train that had in turn been held up by a late running service. There was a Class 47 idling on the rear. This is in contrast to the report that Clan Line's crew saw 104mph on the speedometer passing Axminster working the ACE on 23 September 1961, no doubt getting a good run at Honiton Bank. (Information courtesy of Bulleid Power - The 'Merchant Navy' Class - by A.J, Fry). Copyright Paul Negus.

The young lad on Platform 1 doesn't seem too impressed by the noise but I was like that as a youngster and relish the sound these days! Copyright Paul Negus.

A great drone view as 35028 Clan line passes Beacon Lane Exeter on the 0714 Waterloo to Exeter 1Z28 12 October 2024. Copyright Paul Barlow.

35028 Clan Line with the 0714 1Z28 Waterloo to Exeter 'Atlantic Coast Express. In BR SR days the ACE left Waterloo at 1100 and reached Exeter Central at 1358. Photo taken at Howell Road overbridge, near Exeter Central. Copyright David Tozer.

Seen on the return run up the Great Western Main Line at Creech St Michael. Copyright Bill Elstone

Many thanks Bill, Dave, Paul and Paul - great to see a proper Southern loco back on its old stomping ground.

Re: Probus Viaduct
Paul Burkhalter

Yesterday, we asked:

A question that maybe your Society could help with. Probus Viaduct, replaced in 1871 with an embankment, was the viaduct of wooden construction? Any other details regarding Probus Viaduct would be gratefully received. Obviously because of how long ago it was replaced, there is very little info available on it.

Today came the following answer from Paul Burkhalter:

The query today re the above is answered in John Binding’s book Brunels Cornish Viaducts (the font of knowledge on this subject). It was a class E timber structure, length 435ft, max height 43ft. Binding says he didn’t find a photograph of it before being replaced by the embankment after only 12 years in use. However there is a contemporary sketch on page 28 of the book.

Many thanks for the quick and helpful answer, Paul - much appreciated.

Diesels around Bodmin
Jon Hird

50042 'Triumph' blasts up the bank past Charlies Gate with a driver experience course. 12.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

47306 eases over Bodmin Parkway viaduct with three mk1's. 12.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

After running round, 47306 departs for Bodmin General. 12.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

A quick trip up the A38 to Largin for the passing of the railhead treatment train with 66179 and 66154. I'm much happier with this shot than the one I managed earlier in the week - the sun helps a lot! 12.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

Back over to Bodmin for 50042 heading to Boscarne with its 3 OOV wagons and brake van. 12.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

A final shot of 'Triumph' pounding up the bank from Boscarne, the shafts of light piercing through the trees looking quite pleasing in the locomotives exhaust fumes. 12.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

Early days at Buckfastleigh
Roger Winnen

14.04.1977 - A pair of steam Rollers at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

Weekly round-up
Andrew Triggs

Hi Roger/Keith/Jon

Find enclosed a recent round up of shots taken over the last week...in the Sun!

All the Best
Andrew

DBC 66179 (with 66154) running 42 early at 13.55, working 3S13 09.08 Westbury-St Blazey LIP RHTT, passing along the Through Road 5.10.2024. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

43189 with 43093 working 2P16 13.15 Penzance-Plymouth approaching Marazion 11.10.2024. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Colas Tamper DR73936 approaching Marazion working 6J02 08.38 Westbury-Penzance 11.10.2024. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Longrock Gronks with 08836 and side lined 08645 'St Piran' 11.10.2024. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

08645 'St Piran' on decision, stored at Longrock T&RSMD 11.10.2024. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks, Andrew - nice of the sun to finally put in an appearance!

October 12th 2024

12/10/2024

Dennis Clarke presents:
'My life on the railways'
From Willesden and Wembley, to North Pole and Temple Mills
- Tonight! -

Please come along to Dennis' presentation this evening.

Starting at 18:30, at the Memorial Hall, Redruth Methodist Church.

Redruth Methodist Church is easy to find - it is alongside the railway adjacent to the tunnel.
Exiting the station from the up-side, turn right.

Seaton Tramway
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Thanks for all your pics. of the North Cornwall line,sad but interesting and a valuable record. Last week we spent a very pleasant holiday in Sidmouth,for the first time, and so a visit to the Seaton tramway was a must.I was very impressed with the whole operation and facilities. Here is a picture of the splendidly maintained Colyton station at the Northern end of the line with a tram at the end about to return to Seaton. I can recommend the buffet ,especially the breakfast baps!. Copyright Michael Forward

The Tram in close up. Copyright. Michael Forward

Colyton Statio. Copyright Michael Forward

A view from the tram upper deck of the Axe estuary,great for birdwatching. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Locos, coaches and units
Roger Winnen

19.03.1977 - The Cornishman leaving Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

19.03.1977 - 50033 (preserved, based at the Severn Valley Railway) on the Royal Mail at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

19.03.1977 - W3093 Open First at Ponsandane. Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

19.03.1977 - Mk 2 5184 at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

19.03.1977 - W25929 at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

19.03.1977 - W1956 Restaurant Car at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

02.04.1977 - P126 on the Looe Branch at Liskeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

02.04.1977 - A Class 47 approaching Liskeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

A touch of the Western Region
Kidderminster TMD
Andrew Triggs

The last part of the SVR photos taken on the guided Tour of Kidderminster TMD, which is great value and a 'must do' every time (it also contributes to the various Diesel Groups based at the SVR).

Another great point being a heavy Western Region focus on preserved Diesels

D1013 'on the jacks' undergoing Bogie overhaul, viewed from outside the Shed. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

50044 'Exeter' with under restoration D7029. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

H3802 (08635) being converted to Hydrogen power. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Class 09 D4100 with Class 08 D3022. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

In Kidderminster Yard D1062 'Western Courier' is being prepped for working the 16.15 from Kidderminster. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

The view underneath D1013 'Western Ranger' with the Bogie removed for restoration work. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks, Andrew - what a wonderful and well-kept facility they have at Kidderminster, hopefully the means of keeping these aging machines alive for many more decades.

Re: Liskeard Goods Shed
Roger Geach

Yesterday, we published a question from a reader who asked about the design and use of Liskeard Goods Shed. We were delighted to receive the below response from Roger Geach.

As far as i can recall, the goods shed was open with no doors. The goods shed was torn down on 08/1973 - here it is not long before, with weekend ballast trains stabled on 17.06.1973.

There was only one loading bank, and I know after the shed was knocked down, granite was loaded here - but where it went, no idea.

The general freight traffic dropped off a lot around 1974-75 and when the M5 opened in 1977, even more so.

8Z66 special ballast stabled at liskeard yard on 17.06.1973. The goods shed in question visible behind with the rake of ballast wagons inside one road. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks as always, Roger - a fountain of knowledge!

St. Pinnock Viaduct
Jon Hird

Todays 'RHTT on a viaduct' shot features St. Pinnock viaduct. 66179 and 66154 cross the viaduct with the returning railhead treatment train. 11.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

The bonus shot today was 43189 and 43093 working 2P16 between Penzance and Plymouth, a shot from the eastern side of the bridge with the drone just above the tree tops. 11.10.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

The scene at Paignton
Martin Scane

Just a quick snap at Paignton today (11.10.2024), with 1A87 forming the 13-52 to Paddington and 2T18 having arrived at 13-43 from Exmouth. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks, Martin

Probus Viaduct - A question
Can you help?

A question that maybe your Society could help with. Probus Viaduct, replaced in 1871 with an embankment, was the viaduct of wooden construction? Any other details regarding Probus Viaduct would be gratefully received. Obviously because of how long ago it was replaced, there is very little info available on it.

If you know the answer to the above, or if you have any info on Probus Viaduct to share, please drop us an email - [email protected]

BR Blue in Devon
Paul Barlow

50037 arrives at Paignton on 03.01.1980. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

D1022 Western Sentinel waits for the off at Paignton on 19.12.1975. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

D1022 Western Sentinel leaves Paignton on 19.12.1975. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

D1055 on 1436 Paignton To Leeds 1E70 leaves Newton Abbot on 20.12.1975. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

45015 Paignton South with a Paignton to Leeds service 20.04.1977. Copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

Many thanks once again Paul, I'm sure these will be enjoyed by many.

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Diesels around BodminJon Hird

Early days at BuckfastleighRoger Winnen

Weekly round-upAndrew Triggs

Dennis Clarke presents:'My life on the railways'From Willesden and Wembley, to North Pole and Temple Mills- Tonight! -

Locos, coaches and unitsRoger Winnen

A touch of the Western RegionKidderminster TMDAndrew Triggs

Re: Liskeard Goods ShedRoger Geach

St. Pinnock ViaductJon Hird

The scene at PaigntonMartin Scane

Probus Viaduct - A questionCan you help?

BR Blue in DevonPaul Barlow

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