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More Autumn Colours Craig Munday

10/11/2013

Many thanks to Craig for a couple of 'out in the country' scenes on the Newquay branch.

66081 working light engine to Goonbarrow to collect loaded CDA wagons in beautiful sunlight 8th November 2013 Copyright Craig Munday (We're going to miss those semaphores when they gone, that splash of red makes a brilliant picture)

The 14.10 departure to Newquay from Par near St Blazey Bridge crossing and about to start the long climb up to Luxulian. 8th November 2013 Copyright Craig Munday

Roger Winnen's wanderings 4th November 2013

5/11/2013

Taking advantage of a lovely sunny day on Monday 4th November 2013 Roger has sent us pictures of the up station building and footbridge at St Austell plus the welcome return to Western Greyhound buses to the station interchange. He then continued his very productive day with a visit to Lostwithiel to see the RHTT returning to St Blazey after its overnight workings and a clay train on its way to Carne Point. Many thanks Roger.

The 10.00 Penzance-Paddington departs St Austell Station. 4th November 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

The upside station buildings soon to be replaced. (See Maurice Darts notes) 4th November 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

St Austell Station footbridge soon to be replaced. 4th November 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

Welcome News! Western Greyhound has returned to the St Austell Bus interchange. 4th November 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

The Railhead Treatment Train passes Lostwithiel. 4th November 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

The RHTT heading for St Blazey. 4th November 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

The signal is pulled off for the branch. 4th November 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

Long Rock personalities - can you help? Craig Munday

3/11/2013

Hello Keith, Hope you are well mate, been very little going on recently, and I've had a week off. I have some more picture via Ruth of her late Grandfather Edwin Pascoe at Long Rock depot in the late 50s, early 60s. and show someone being presented an award of some sort. Also in the collection is an almost brand new D814 on shed, with a group gathered around.

I hope we might be able to identify some of the staff. I think the Driver on the far right of the Warship shot may be Les Hunt, but I cant be sure. Edwin is second from left.
Best wishes Craig

Craig Munday Collection Copyright.

D814 Dragon. Possibly Les Hunt on the far right. Edwin is second from the left. Copyright Craig Munday

Craig Munday Collection Copyright

NEWS FROM MAURICE DART

3/11/2013

Many thanks to Maurice Dart who has forwarded the following 'in depth, inside information. Maurice tells us that this information comes in part from Steve Heginbotham - many thanks

St Austell

Work to complete rebuilding structures on the up side platform is to go ahead after several years of delays due to funding problems. The 1882 vintage station footbridge is to be carefully dismantled and may be donated to a heritage railway. Lifts linking the platforms via a passage below the trackbed are to be commissioned together with a replacement footbridge with sloping ramps.

St Blazey

A rake of CDA waggons is stored here awaiting attention to brake faults. Another rake is stored at Rocks Dryers. 17 condemned CDA wagons have, or are being cut up in the yard. At present only one rake of serviceable wagons is in use. This has resulted in more clay being moved to Fowey in lorries operated by Maen Carne. Repair facilities here have not yet been re-commissioned. Work to clear the yard of extensive growth has begun. It is planned to use the yard as a secure storage area for rolling stock and locomotives which has been condemned or awaiting repair.

Goonbarrow Junction

During the next few months simplification of the track layout here will be carried out including the removal of the stub of the Carbis Branch which was retained as holding siding. The signalbox is to be retained until early 2015. N.B. The last passenger traffic to use the stub of the Carbis branch mentioned above was the Cornwall Railway Society ‘China Clay Rambler’ on the 3rd July 1990.

LOOKING BACK AT GOLANT - EXHIBITION

2/11/2013

Having been and seen, we were most impressed by the exhibition which has been laid on by Penny Parsons and her team all members of the Golant Heritage Group. Everything was beautifully presented including various railway histories it was Well Worth Seeing. Excellent refreshments were provided and one was made to feel really welcome. A DVD on the railway personalities in and around Golant is available at a very reasonable price as is a 16 page booklet on Golant's association with the Lostwithiel to Fowey Railway. The exhibition was in the Village Hall - otherwise known as the Reading Room. The e-mail address should you wish to contact Penny Parsons is [email protected]

Black out at Bodmin Parkway Maurice Dart

Maurice Dart reports that on 2nd November severe gales disrupted the power supply with all lighting and sceens blacked out from before 16.00. The situation which also affected 50 houses in the area still prevailed at 21.30

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