Blog Archives

20th November 2019

20/11/2019

A Cornish
Colourful Autumn
Craig Munday

The 18th Nov provided a brief respite in the poor weather, and a free morning to capture some pictures in fine weather. A visit to opposite Carne Point ( my first for some time) to see the arrival of 66055 with 34 CDAs on 6G06 from Rocks. A welcome sight in lovely light,.

Also of interest on the mainline was DBC's 66162 in the attractive Maritime livery. It was pictured at Largin Westbound, and Lostwithiel going back. It was route training Drivers Westbury to Par and return. Some other traffic was pictured on the single line, the moon was bright and got in on the act too!

Best wishes, Craig. Many thanks Craig

66055 near Carne Point with the 6G06 on the 18th November 2019 Craig Munday. Wonderful contrasts and reflections.

DBC's 66162 in the attractive Maritime livery. It was pictured at Largin westbound on the 18th November 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

Again at Largin and wonderful light and contrasts as the 10.17 Penzance to Plymouth 2P61 formed of Classic set LA72 43196161 crosses the viaduct. Note the moon got in on the act as well. 18th November 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

DBC's 66162 in the attractive Maritime livery at Lostwithiel on the return eastbound.18th November 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

Largin once more, and why not. As the 1A85 heads for Paddington with 802103, a nine car set purring up the Glynn Valley. It is still the 18th November 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

Bathpool
Taunton
Bill Elston

Bathpool - just east of Taunton with an ECS from Laira to Hull with 43020 leading a 5 by 2 set with 43010 bringing up the rear. The unit had een to LA for servicing. It's the 19th November 2019. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill

19th November 2019

19/11/2019

Scrap for Newport
Swindon
Ken Mumford

Marston Bridge, 5Q78 Ilford to Newport- 57301 hauling emu's 315858 and 315814 for scrap en route to Newport. 13.55 on the 18th November 2019. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Again from Marston Bridge but shortly afterwards an IET heading east away from the scrapyards! It's 14.01 on the 18th November 2019. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Catching the bird
Swindon Station
Ken Mumford

On the tail of a west bound IET stopped in platform 4 at Swindon - the remains of an unfortunate bird obviously hit when the train was on an a eastbound working. Also an interesting train over on platform 1. 18th November 2019. Copyright Ron Mumford.

A close up of the rather unfortunate bird. 18th November 2019. Copyright Ron Mumford.

Plymouth Parcels
Clive Smith

A very smart 47347 blasts out of Mutley Tunnel east of Plymouth station with the 12.10 Penzance - Glasgow parcels on the 6th July 1983. Who knows how many lorries the Royal Mail would need to shift this amount of traffic today ?
Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks to you Clive.

47437 blasts out of Mutley Tunnel with the 12.10 PZ Glasgow 6th July 1983. See note above. Copyright Clive Smith.

Hallenbeagle Mine
Roger Winnen

A Peak passes Hallenbeagle engine house. This view taken from the site of Wheal Busy Level Crossing Taken on 10th April 1976. Shades of the past can be seen in the telegraph wires and, in the foreground, bricks from the signalbox which once stood here. Copyright Roger Winnen.

18th November 2019

18/11/2019

Unbroken Sunshine in Cornwall
Roger Winnen

191118a 43189 Launceston Castle or is it 5000 Launceston Castle tails the 09.00 Plymouth Penzance service at St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen

191118b 66162 arrives at Par. Thinking that the engine was going to St Blazey Depot I waited near the Signal Box to photograph here. Once the staff alighted from the engine and the signal being pulled off I realised that she was returning up country, so a dash we made to capture the next photograph. Copyright Roger Winnen

191118c 66162 Maritime Intermodel in Maritime Blue livery arrives at Par from Westbury and returns to Exeter. Copyright Roger Winnen

191118d The road overbridge at Saltash where the steelwork has worn away with many holes visible. A method of attaching this honeycomb with bolts to the existing structure is a cost effective repair for this lightly used road. Copyright Roger Winnen

191118e The RHTT Crosses The Royal Albert Bridge bound for St Blazey with locos 66199 and 66012. Copyright Roger Winnen

191118f 66199 with the RHTT arrives in Cornwall with 66012 bringing up the rear. Copyright Roger Winnen

Renown at Dawlish
Michael Forward

I attach a picture of 50029 slowing for it’s stop at Dawlish on 6 August 1983 with the 11.27 Paignton to Liverpool. A few of the visitors are looking at the train but the ducks are more interested in feeding!
Thanks for dealing with this,best wishes, Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Saltash Veterans
Clive Smith

Following on from Guy Vincent's report of the visit of veteran class 20s to Westbury, here is a nostalgic look back at a visit of the class to Cornwall. With the sun low in the sky, 20094 and 20124 come off the Royal Albert Bridge at St Budeaux on the 31st August 1986 with F&W's 'Chopper Topper Re-run' from Penzance to Wolverhampton.

Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks for capturing that rare moment Clive.

Saltash Class 20s 20094 + 20124 Chopper Topper Rerun. 31st August 1986. Copyright Clive Smith

Swindon Area
Ken Mumford

37099 heads east with a Tamper. Taken at Marsten Bridge, Swindon, 17th November 2019. Ken Mumford

47 237 leads the way for Black Fives 44871 and 45407 seen at Marsten Bridge, Swindon, 17th November 2019.

Many thanks Ken.

Exeter
Ron Kosys

Looking imaculate D821 'Greyhound' waits to work off the Exeter St Davids stabling point on the 20th August 1971. Thanks again Ron.

D 821 Greyhound. At Exeter St Davids stabling point on the 20th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

17th November 2019

17/11/2019

Chaos on Cornish Branch Lines
Roger Winnen

Saturday 16th November saw chaos on four of the five of the counties branch lines yesterday.
Owing to Staff shortages only one train ran from Par to Newquay instead of the normal seven. No doubt a bus replacement service operated from St Austell.
The St Ives Branch saw the 07.15 running from St Erth, then followed ten cancelled trains until the 14.06 service in the afternoon.
The Truro to Falmouth service had 12 cancellations owing to points failure etc.
The Gunnislake Branch saw one train cancelled on Saturday evening owing to an issue with the train crew.
The bus companies were making a fortune yesterday.
What would have happened if The Cornwall Railway Society had decided to tour all the branch lines yesterday! You would have been doomed to failure!

Vintage 20's
Guy Vincent

Seen at Bradford-on-Avon D8077 (20077) & D8xxx 1971 Copyright the Late David Bartlett of Bradford on Avon.

Bradford-on-Avon, Barton Farm Crossing, 20175 & 20156 Lea Valley Railway Club 'Severn Choppers Express'. 3rd September1978 Copyright Guy Vincent

These locomotives on their rare appearances in far South West always caused great excitement (Sometimes on the weed killers) as they still do as evidenced at Westbury this week.
The following quote courtesy Wikipedia. The British Rail (BR) Class 20, otherwise known as an English Electric Type 1, is a class of diesel-electric locomotive. In total, 228 locomotives in the class were built by English Electric between 1957 and 1968, the large number being in part because of the failure of other early designs in the same power range to provide reliable locomotives.
The locomotives were originally numbered D8000–D8199 and D8300–D8327. They are known by railway enthusiasts as "Choppers".

Many thanks to Guy for these 'Golden oldies' shots.

Grimy Grids at
Swindon
Guy Vincent

56105 on 3S31 1814 Glos HR-Glos HR RHTT via Swindon. It's 19.59 on the 15th November 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent.

56078 on 3S31 1814 Glos HR-Glos HR RHTT via Swindon. It's 20.00 on the 15th November 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent.

An interlude at
Swindon
Ken Mumford

Ken spent several hours at Swindon yesterday - many thanks Ken.

47 327 pulls away, evidenced by the near vertical plume of exhaust, with stock for a Bristol to Chester Railtour. 15th November 2019. Copyright Ken Mumford.

70808 runs fast through Swindon. 15th November 2019. Copyright Ken Mumford

59003 (Yeoman Highlander) with 7B12 - Merehead to [Royal] Wootton Bassett - loco ran around in Coleberry Yard. Copyright Ken Mumford

50 008 Thunderer with 6 coaches bound for Bristol passing platform 4. 16th November 2019. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Abandoned bikes at Swindon - perhaps for re-cycling!!. 16th November 2019. Copyright Ken Mumford.

66605 on an evening freight at Marsten Bridge 2 miles walk east of the station. 16th November 2019. Copyright Ken Marston.

Many thanks to you Ken.

16th November 2019

16/11/2019

The Last Day of Diversions on the Southern
Roger Winnen

191114a The 10.52 Plymouth to London Paddington via Yeovil climbs the bank to Exeter Central. Note the number of Network Rail vans parked on the left perhaps awaiting an incident. Copyright Roger Winnen

191114b Due to pass between Pinhoe and Exeter Central was the 09.03 Paddington to Plymouth service seen passing through Exeter Central. Copyright Roger Winnen

191114c The same train is seen descending the 1 in 37 bank to Exeter St Davids. Copyright Roger Winnen

191114d Catching the 13.00 service from Exeter Central to Axminster I had hoped to photograph the 11.03 IET service to Plymouth at Axminster, however we passed it held outside of the Station awaiting the road to Honiton running 28 minutes early. On arrival at Axminster I paid a visit to the nice little cafe for a Cornish Pasty and Mug of Tea before returning to Pinhoe. Copyright Roger Winnen

191114dd The normal motive power on the South Western Railway, the class 159s at Axminster working the 13.25 Exeter to Basingstoke where this train terminated owing to track circuit failure onwards towards London Waterloo. Copyright Roger Winnen

191114e The 13.51 Plymouth to Paddington is seen passing Pinhoe at 15.13. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many Thanks to David Tozer keeping me updated on the day's events.

ENGINEERING PLANT DIARY

Has just been updated with:
Part 3 of Network Rail Measurement Train
Rolling Stock. By Mick House.
We see a number of Network Rail Measurement Trains visit our area over the years and predominantly the photos that have been taken are of the Locomotives that bring the trains down, but what of the rolling stock that is within the train!
Follow Link: ENGINEERING PLANT DIARY

Network Rail Measurement Train at Gwinear Road 05/07/2019. Copyright Mick House.

20-20 Vision at Westbury
Guy Vincent

Following delivery of the HOBC vehicles to Westbury on Wednesday evening 20118 and 20132 left at 1330 on Thursday (14th) for Willesden Yard. I arrived at Westbury at 1245pm just in case they were allowed out early and found upwards of 30 fellow enthusiasts already there enjoying the sight and sound of the celebrity pair. Class 20s were always rare visitors to the area and seem to have been rarely photographed other than on railtours. Fortunately the pair had been started and moved from the sidings to the departure line next to platform 3 where they waited for almost 40 minutes before following a Paddington-bound class 800 onto the B&H. I suppose it's asking too much for them to make a return visit any time soon!

With my regards, Guy Vincent. Many thanks Guy.

Westbury 20118 and 20132 as seen on the 14th November 2019 at 12.59. Guy Vincent

Westbury 20118 & 20132 14th November 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

20132 & 20118 together with the modern image in 802108. 1th November.2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Taunton & Bathpool
Bill Elston

I popped over to Taunton this morning and was greeted by 43189, recently named Launceston Castle, together with 43155, ready to work the 2U14, the 11.04 to Newport.
The next two short HSTs produced 43172 with 43191 then 43162 with 43156.
On my way home, I stopped at Bathpool to catch the 6Y47 Fairwater yd to Westbury, powered by 66555. However, 5minutes before this, an RHTT passed heading North,
powered by Colas 66850 with 66846 - most unexpected. Please see attached phots.
Best regards, Bill. Many thanks Bill

Seen at Taunton - 43189 Lanceston Castle with 43185 on 3U14 11.04 to Newport. 15th November 2019. Copyright Bill Elston.

43189]s nameplate - Lanceston Castle. 15th November 2019. Copyright Bill Elston.

RHTT powered by 66850 and 66846 Heading north at Bathpool. 15th November 2019. Copyright Bill Elston

N.B. Bathpool is about 1 1/2 miles east of Taunton.

6Y47 Fairwater yd to Westbury, powered by 66555. Seen at Bathpool on the 15th November 2019 at 13.03. Copyright Bill Elston

Exeter Central
Ron Kosys

806 Cambian climbs to Exeter Central with the 12.30 service to Waterloo on the 20th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys, The site of the shunting yards at Exeter Central - nowadays the site of vehicle parks.

Seen at
Swindon
Ken Mumford

47 327 accelerates rapidly away, evidenced by the vertical plume of smoke with stock for a Bristol to Chester Railtour. 15th November 2019. Copyright Ken Mumford.

70808 runs fast through Swindon. 15th November 2918, Copyright Ken Mumford.

59003 (Yeoman Highlander) with 7B12 - Merehead to [Royal] Wootton Bassett - loco ran around in Coleberry Yard. Copyright Ken Mumford

15th November 2019

15/11/2019

Can you help please?
Exeter Central
Richard Holladay

Exeter Central Frontage. Query by Richard Holladay. 12th November 2019. Copyright.

Exeter Central Frontage Query by Richard Holladay Gorton and King's Showroom, Queen St. E M dated 12th November 2019

Hello again,
There is a connection between my contributions on the Exeter Basin Branch section and this request for information.
The onetime family involvement with the business of Garton & King Ltd not only involved the foundry site at Tan Lane adjacent to the Basin Branch between 1938/9 and 1981 but also the Central Station Building in Queen Street, Exeter. In 1938 the company took a lease on the premises on the extreme left of the frontage of Exeter Central Buildings for their Showrooms. The right hand abutment to the Queen Street bridge over the Railway line when looking towards the Station area (roughly eastwards) was immediately next to the end wall of the premises - see attachments.
The company remained at this location up until 1957 when the lease expired and with no possibility of renewal. I am very anxious to acquire an image of this specific Showroom and therefore any image of Central Station that includes it taken between 1938 and 1957 - but no later. I am hopeful to use the image, with permission and attribution to the copyright holder on the www.exeterfoundry.org.uk website
Many Thanks--
Richard Holladay
Can anybody help with an image please or suggest a source please - Richard needs the period 1938 to 1957.

You'll find Richards considerable additions to our collection on the Exeter City Basin branch by clicking here.

Saltash
Ron Kosys

Emerging through the mist 1028 Western Hussar rolls into Saltash and Kernow on the 23rd August 1971 with the 1025 Manchester - Penzance. Copyright Ron Kosys. Note the buildings in use on the up platform and the platform awning, not forgetting the semaphore signals. (Pity about the other bridge in the background!!)

Long Rock
Andrew Triggs

08410 and 08645 'St Piran'. 13th November 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

While passing the Industrial site by car I noticed 08410 and 08645 'St Piran' were stabled near each other in the yard, a quick turnaround therefore back to the depot for the enclosed shot. Just like the old days with 2 shunters around and about
All the Best, Andrew Many thanks Andrew

14th November 2019

14/11/2019

Stop Press
Westbury
Guy Vincent

Morning Keith,
Late yesterday afternoon news reached me that a pair of class 20 locos had been dispatched from Derby to West Ealing to move three High Output Ballast Cleaner (HOBC) vehicles to Westbury. The locos in question, 20118 and 20132 are owned by Harry Needle Railroad Company and were crewed by Devon and Cornwall Railways staff, DCR being the train operator. 20118 is no stranger to the West Country as it was based at the South Devon Railway for several years in preservation before sale to HNRC in 2010.

On 2nd May 1994 20118 and 20131 worked Hertfordshire Railtours' 'Big E' tour from Paddington to Exeter St Davids for the Exeter Rail Fair. I remember waiting at Fairwood Junction to photograph this train but, following the failure of 37407 at Castle Cary on the 0900 Bristol Temple Meads-Weymouth (rescued by 37227 that was sent light from Westbury to assist) the tour was re-routed from Heywood Road Junction via Bradford-on-Avon, Bristol and Bridgwater. Of course, in 1994 there were no mobile phones so after waiting for over 2 hours defeat was admitted and I went from Westbury to Exeter for the Rail Fair on an HST as planned. 20118 and 20131 were later noted but did not return to Paddington, instead they headed north on Pathfinder Tours return 'Torbay Exe-Cursioner' from Paignton to York which they worked as far as Derby.

Best regards, Guy Vincent. Many thanks to you Guy.

Westbury 20118 20132 6Z20 13th November 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury 20118 20132 6Z20 13th November 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent

Excellent night shots, thank you Guy.

Focus on St Erth
Roger Winnen

191113a A replacement bus operates between the Car Park on the south side of the line to the bus stop adjacent to the main station entrance to avoid passengers climbing the 44 steps. Copyright Roger Winnen

191113b 43092 Cromwells Castle departing under the 44 steps of the footbridge on the 10.51 Penzance to Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

191113c 43196 Still with slam door stock on the 10.17 Penzance to Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

191113d A tamping machine rest in the shorten siding originally platform 4 at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

191113e Say it with flowers! These flower beds look very nice indeed. Copyright Roger Winnen

ENGINEERING PLANT DIARY

Has just been updated with:
Part 2 of Network Rail Measurement Train
Rolling Stock. By Mick House.
We see a number of Network Rail Measurement Trains visit our area over the years and predominantly the photos that have been taken are of the Locomotives that bring the trains down, but what of the rolling stock that is within the train!
Follow the this Link: ENGINEERING PLANT DIARY

Network Rail Measurement Train at Redruth with Carn Brea in the distance above the third coach. 05/07/2019. Copyright Mick House.

The journey home
Westbury & Castle Cary
Martin Scane

My journey from Westbury to Redruth was a long one today made problematic by the works at Cogload Junction. Hence I travelled Westbury to Castle Cary, CC to Plymouth and Plymouth to Redruth. The first part was interesting as My first train was 1C76 from Paddington to Castle Cary. Here, in the first photo, is the train having arrived at Platform 2 at Castle Cary where the train terminated. After standing at the platform for some 15 minutes it departed 400 yards or so towards Westbury where it changed from down to up lines before reversing back into platform 2 from where it would, I believe, have stood for over an hour before returning with a London bound train. Regards Martin.
Many thanks to you Martin.

Westbury 66598 busy on shunting duties at 11.04 on 12th November 2019, Martin Scane

Westbury 66139 at 11.10 on the 12th November 2019, Copyright Martin Scane

Westbury 158076 with the late running 1F12 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff which left at 11.24. This picture taken at 11.22 on the 12th November 2019. Copyright Martin Scane

Moving on now to Castle Cary where we see 1C76 at platform 2. After 15 mins it reversed 400 yards to the crossover and then returned to plat 1 where it was booked to wait about an hour before returning to Paddington. This picture at 11.54 on the 12th Nov 2019. Copyright Martin Scane.

Having reversed out to the cross over the train returned to Platform 1 where it waited for 1 hour. This picture taken at 12.24 on the 12th November 2019. Copyright Martin Scane.

Last Peak to Penzance - 21st July 2001
Penzance
Paul Barlow

As a follow up to recent photographs, here are some pictures of the last Peak to Penzance on a railtour. This was the from 0430 Lancaster, returning at 1556 for Crewe. 31459 was attached on the rear in case of failure. 45112 ran very well to Penzance and back as far as Bristol. On departure from Bristol it only made it to Ashley bank where it expired, the 31 pushed the train to Bristol Parkway where it ran round and took the train forward. The 31 did very well to push the complete train to Parkway with around 12 coaches and a dead Peak. The date was 21 July 2001

Kind regards, Paul Barlow. Many thanks Paul

45112 has arrived at platform one at Penzance with the 04,30 from Lancaster. it's the 21st July 2001. Copyright Paul Barlow

31459 brings the return train into platform 4. 21st July 2001. Copyright Paul Barlow. The '31' later pushed the complete train up Ashley Bank.

45112 ready to go. 21st July 2001 Copyright Paul Barlow

Penzance with 45112 ready to depart at 15.56 on the 21st July 2001. Copyright Paul Barlow

We've now reached Exeter on the return leg. Copyright Paul Barlow. 21st July 2001

Many thanks Paul for your record of an interesting day.

A surprise at Penzance in 2001
Penzance
Paul Barlow

Also seen at Penzance on the same day as the last Peak Railtour. A FGW class 47 with the short lived motorail vans behind the engine, Seen on the 21st July 2001. Believed to be a franchaise agreement. Copyright Paul Barlow

13th November 2019

13/11/2019

Peak on the approach to Dawlish Warren
Michael Forward

Lovely pictures on the site,those of Ron Kosys are excellent reminders of the hydraulic age and the photos are so sharp with rich colours.
I enclose another offering from a great and long day out on 6 August 1983,namely 45059 ‘Royal Engineer ‘ heading the 15.05 Paignton to Wolverhampton.
Thanks for all your work,best wishes, Michael.

Many Thanks Michael

Autumn Sunshine
Clive Smith

Many of the leaves have fallen but some remain at the west end of Ivybridge station adding a nice yellow and brown hue to the scene at 14.20 on the 10th November 2019. The white inverted triangular sign indicates to drivers that traction problems may occur due to leaves on the line as this section has trees both sides. 43188 leads the 12.04 Penzance - Exeter St Davids with 43158 on the rear. Copyright Clive Smith

7827 Lydham Manor is a venerable stalwart of this line having been here since the early 1970s. Here she is with a nice plume of smoke illuminated in the glorious autumn sun that shone for a few hours the 12th November. 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

Bit of a rushed shot as I was driving through Kingswear and heard the whistle as 7827 Lydham Manor approached the level crossing. Didn't have time to get on to the footbridge but with sun at such a premium these last few weeks I was just glad to get a picture of anything in good light. Copyright Clive Smith

Thanks Clive

An Appeal from
Mike Fenton

A letter from Derek Buttivant You may remember that at the end of Mike Fenton's talk about GWR Camp Coaches on Saturday he showed a photo and asked if anyone recognised the location. The photo appears below and also as an attachment to this email. Perhaps you could place it on the CRS web site in the hope that one of our many knowledgeable readers will be able to tell Mike where this was. Particularly distinctive are the signals, the curved jib of the crane just to the right of the coach and the design of the row of houses just below the embankment.
As you know, Mike has a record of every location of these camp coaches so it will be interesting to see whether this is one of those for which, so far, he has not found a picture.
Kind regards,
Derek

Mike Fenton gave a most interesting presentation on 'Camping Coaches' on Saturday 9th November.

The mystery picture - any ideas please. Copyright the Mike Fenton Collection.

From very reliable sources it is suggested that the above picture is taken at Dawlish Warren - mystery solved. (David Tozer and Roger Winnen)

A special and very enjoyable bonus for us was a musical interlude by Mike and his wife Rachel. If you missed this there is an opportunity to see a video of them - please click below :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOi0MyQ_2ks

North Parrott
Nr. Crewkerne
Bill Elston

Wood Lane, North Parrot, This is two miles East of Crewkerne. Taken at 15.19 on the 12th November 2019. Diverted IET 802 & 801 running to time. Copyright Bill Elston.

Remembrance
Bristol Temple Meads
Paul Negus

I had the privilege to be pulled along by Harry Patch on my way home tonight - the 15:50 from Worle to Cardiff via Bristol Temple Meads. This is usually a Turbo turn so a lovely surprise when the short form HST showed up - and how very appropriate on Remembrance Day! I then had a quick chat with the driver on arrival (seen heading towards the train shed in the photograph) and he was plainly nostalgic that the top speed is now set at 100mph rather than 125mph due to braking considerations. Never mind - it is still wonderful to be able to travel in a High Speed Train, albeit shortened, on a regular basis!

Harry Patch is also seen earlier this morning at Temple Meads on the 08:24 to Cardiff Central in company with a Cross Country set destined for Glasgow which is unusually starting from Platform 1.

Best wishes, Paul Negus. Many thanks Paul - dramatic pictures.

Harry Patch nicely framed at Bristol Temple Meads, 11th November 2019. Copyright Paul Negus

Harry Patch pulls away from Bristol Temple Meads. How the background in this shot has changed recently! Cross Country set in the background. 11th November 2019. Copyright Paul Negus

34007 stuck again - historical pictures.
Bodmin - Fitzgerald sidings
Julian Stephens

Following Paul Barlows’s recent contribution, here are three images of 34007 stuck once more.

After travelling from Plym Valley Railway on 7th March 1992, difficulty was experienced gaining access to the Fitzgerald’s site at Walker Lines, Bodmin.

Some careful manoeuvring soon resolved the issue.

Best wishes, Julian Stephens Many thanks for your pictures Julian.

Bodmin Fitzgerald 34007 having difficulty. (1) 7th March 1992. Copyright Julian Stephens.

Bodmin Fitzgerald 34007 having difficulty. (2)) 7th March 1992. Copyright Julian Stephens.

Bodmin Fitzgerald 34007 having difficulty. (3) 7th March 1992. Copyright Julian Stephens.

Many thanks for your pictures Julian.

Prideaux
Newquay branch reopens
Report by Craig Munday

The Newquay branch reopened after the two week closure on Mon 11th Nov. The work to repair the collapse was undertaken by Balfour Beatty. I am grateful to the team there for access to the work, and the time out of a busy schedule to show me around.

Richard Edlington from Networkrail explained the complex issues with the repair:-
The time of year the collapse took place has made the repair works particularly challenging. The only access to site was through an Environment Agency (EA) dry storage reservoir which had only recently been repaired. This restricted our access and meant we had to access through the center of the site which involved the need to install a Bailey Bridge to cross the watercourse that feeds the dam. The EA were also very concerned about the weakness of the right bank which had also suffered two minor collapses as a result of scour. This meant that any temporary works that we installed to facilitate our repair had to be cognisant of this and we also had to protect the right hand bank along its entirety. The EA set up an Incident Command center on site as if the bank was breached at its lowest point a considerable amount of water would be released which would cause extensive flooding.

The original solution was to create a dry working area using a dam with flume and 5 20” pumps. This would then allow us to install a new Redi-Rock retaining wall. This was the EA’s preference as we could isolate the area at risk. The weather conditions, however, have been atrocious and we had to remove equipment form the watercourse and clear the dam of any plant on Friday 1st November as heavy rain was coming in and it was expected that the dry storage reservoir would need to be utilised. Looking at the long range weather forecast and discussing likely water levels and flow rates with the EA it was decided on Sunday 3rd that an alternative solution needed to be progressed so that the railway could be reopened. The EA recognised the challenges and it was agreed that a piled solution would be installed. This essentially consists of 2 rows of sheet piles with tie bars linking them. This may seem excessive but the solution needed to consider hydrostatic pressure from both the river and the dam when it is in use. These works commenced on Wednesday and were completed over the weekend with the track handed back ready for start of service today.

New photos taken on 9th November show the construction work nearing completion, and the Network Rail team to replace the track would soon be signing in.

Congratuations to Network Rail and Balfour Beatty for the hard work put in and the re-opening of the line, vital for passenger traffic and of course for China Clay from Rocks Dries.

Prideaux (2) Picture taken from the trackbed shows the metal piles which have shored up the affected area. 9th November 2019, Copyright Craig Munday

Prideaux (5) Lighting Equipment for the works placed on the track. 9th November 2019. Copyright Craig Munday.

Prideaux (8) a massive root ball from the river is removed from the area. 9th November 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

Prideaux (9) Picture shows damage to the opposite river bank, part of a footpath. 9th November 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

Prideaux (12) The river still very high and the temporary railings installed along the damage section. 9th November 2019. Copyright Craig Munday.

12th November 2019

12/11/2019

Very current and extremely interesting.
Cogload renewals
Bill Elston

I popped over to Cogload Jct this morning to see what was happening and took a few phots;
a) view looking north from Charlton
b) 70805 dropping ballast
c) a stripped-back class 142 ??
d) 66504 awaiting its turn at East Lyng to visit the site (along with at least three other trains)

Hope these are interest, Best regards, Bill.
They most certainly are of interest Bill, many thanks indeed.

Cogload Junction Possession Picture (A) A scene of great activity. 11th November 2019. Copyright Bill Elston

Cogload Junction Possession. Picture (B) 70805 dropping ballast. 11th November 2019. Copyright Bill Elston

Cogload Junction Possession Picture (C). An interesting excursion up the slope! Bill calls this an extensively modified 142!. 11th November 2019. Copyright Bill Elston

Cogload Junction Possession Picture (D). 66504 awaiting its turn at East Lyng to visit the site (along with at least three other trains). 11th November 2019. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks to Bill Elston for recording this most interesting event at Cogload.

Peaks to
Penzance '83
Paul Barlow

A few shots of Peaks at Penzance when they were booked (Saturdays only) for the 0635 Bristol to Plymouth which formed the 1020 Plymouth to Penzance.

These were booked class 45/1's, steam heat engines were very rare.

45046 made it on 2 May 1983, but did not return on the 1345 return working to Bristol. 50011 worked to Bristol. Bad luck for us 'Peak Bashers'!

Additional information from Clive 45140 worked the Nottingham to Plymouth vans Friday night then worked 1645 Plymouth Penzance that Saturday. 45110 was on a Penzance to Plymouth service that Saturday evening.

Kind regards, Paul Barlow. Many thanks Paul

45110 at Penzance on the 19 March 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow

45129 being uncoupled at Penzance. 19th March 1983 Copyright Paul Barlow

A lovely balcony shot of 45046 Penzance with the 1020 from Plymouth. 2nd May 1983 Copyright Paul Barlow.

A nice wisp of steam as 45046 Royal Fusiler stands at the buffers. 2nd May 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow

34007 stuck in the Mud at Marsh Mills
The problem & how it was solved
Graham Mann

You will remember yesterdays picture of 34007 stuck in the mud at Marsh Mills in December 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow.

A question was raised as to how the sticky situation above was resolved,

Very kindly Graham Mann has responded with the answer.:- Even though due to retirement I don’t contribute much to your wonderful website, I do frequently read it and always find it fascinating. This week I noticed the 2 1987 photographs of the West Country on a low loader bogged down in the mud, I’m a recent director of the Plym Valley Railway and I asked a board member what subsequently happened, i enclose his response below “Yes, the rear diff blew where it is pictured. A new one was shipped over from the Netherlands within a couple of days and fitted where it was...in the mud...then once repaired the rig was reversed back and the loco unloaded on what is now the cycle path.....”
Regards Graham Many thanks Graham.
N.B. This was not the only sticky situation 34007 got in - Julian Stephens has sent pictures of the next incident which we hope to show tomorrow.

11th November 2019

11/11/2019

Diversions on the Southern at Exeter
David Tozer

The First photo was taken yesterday at Exhibition Way, near Pinhoe. A pair of five car Class 802's working the 0837 Plymouth to Paddington. Copyright David Tozer

Today at Exeter Central158763 with the 0923 Exmouth to Paignton. Copyright David Tozer

802111 with the 0840 Plymouth to Paddington. This took some 6 minutes to get from Exeter St David's to Exeter Central and crawled through the up platform. Copyright David Tozer.

Thanks David

Lock 21
Liskeard & Looe Union Canal
Peter Murnaghan

The Looe branch line has its history in the movement of goods between Looe and Moorswater. Initially it was a canal that linked these two points, with the Liskeard & Looe Union Canal opening in 1828 with 24 locks between Terras Bridge tidal lock, near Looe and a basin at Moorswater. Its principal purpose was to bring sea sand, lime and seaweed inland to help farmers in the Liskeard area to make their land more fertile. Later, when copper ore was discovered around Caradon Hill and granite quarries opened, the canal was used to convey these commodities southwards to Looe. The copper went to ships waiting at Looe Quay to take it to South Wales for smelting and the granite for transport around Britain and the rest of the world to construct bridges, lighthouses and harbours.

This extra traffic overloaded the little canal and the horse drawn barges could take up to 8 hours to make the journey through all the locks. As a result, the Canal company decided to update its transport link and built a railway for merchandise between Moorswater and Buller Quay at Looe in 1860 alongside the route of the canal. This railway, the basis of today's Looe branch line, linked up with the Liskeard & Caradon railway and was able to convey minerals far more quickly than the old canal. The Looe line opened for passengers nineteen years later in 1879 and was eventually linked up to Liskeard station in 1901.

Meanwhile, the canal slumbered, largely as a drainage channel alongside the railway and the East Looe River. The route of the canal and a few of its locks, chiefly under bridges, can still be seen by eagle-eyed travellers on the train. But Lock 21, between Coombe Junction and Lodge Farm crossing, was severed by the 1901 link line to Liskeard. As a result, it has survived as the only 'dry' lock on the route, without a constant flow of water. Because the railway was opened by the canal company, almost all of its remains are within land owned by Network Rail. Lock 21 has been quietly dominated by tree growth over the years and last week local volunteers were able to access the site, courtesy of Network Rail, to cut back the trees and vegetation that had been threatening to destroy the stonework of this ancient lock. It is hoped that it will remain a visible reminder of the valley's important transport heritage for many years to come.

Lock 21 can be seen from the branch line, as well as the road that runs parallel, beneath Lodge Hill. Here are some photos, showing the newly rescued lock, together with a view taken 11 months ago in December 2018, when it was almost invisible beneath the vegetation.

A good job well done. Best wishes, Peter.

Many thanks indeed Peter for your article and extensive research.

Liskeard & Looe Union Canal (1) Lock 21 before work started. Seen here on the 3rd December 2018. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Liskeard & Looe Union Canal (2) The branch Class 150 approaches the work site on the 3rd November 2019. Note the extensive clearance work in progress. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Liskeard & Looe Union Canal (3) The lower entrance of Lock 21 is now clearly visible. The branch train continues on towards Combe Junction. 3rd November 2019 Copyright Peter Murnaghan. N.B. It's a good thing that the Class 150 is in the 'old' colour scheme rather than the now corporate green!

Liskeard & Looe Union Canal (4) Another view of the worksite and details of responsible parties. 3rd November 2019 Copyright Peter Murnaghan

After looking at the pictures above of mud at Lock 21 it seems very appropriate to fit in the pictures below kindly sent in by Paul Barlow.

34007 Wadebridge at Marsh Mills
Stuck in the mud
Paul Barlow

34007 Wadebridge being delivered to the Plym Valley Railway is seen in a sticky situation at Marsh Mills. It's December 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow

Studying this picture and the one above the driver of the low loader seems to be in a difficult situation. Whether additional horse power in the form of a tractor or just ballast to get a grip is not known! December 1981 . Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul, it would be interesting to know how the problem was solved?

The up 'Devonian' awaits departure from
Newton Abbot
Ron Kosys

Many thanks to Ron Kosys for bringing us another of his fine pictures from his collection - note the yellow destination board on the side of the first coach.

Warship D844 'Spartan' and Peak D140 at Newton Abbot 26th August 1971 with the 'Devonian', the 10.20 Paignton-Leeds. Copyright Ron Kosys

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