Blog Archives

9th November 2020

9/11/2020

N' Cornwall Query
Michael Manning

Dear Keith and Roger,
I hope you are both keeping well and safe.
They purport to be from Wadebridge’s track lifting.
Could you send the enclosed out to our members for their help.
In the picture is the Exmouth Works concrete footbridge with the steps facing towards Padstow if this is indeed Wadebridge. But what is the building nearest the steps, and where is the second track???
Please help me.
Regards, Mike.

Where is it please. Copyright Michael Manning

Thanks Michael, Can anyone confirm the location please - maybe the buildings either side give a clue?

Within minutes Roy from Rangoon replies. Dear Keith,
The picture appears to have been taken between Wadebridge and Grogley: a photograph of possibly the same train at this spot, but seen from the opposite direction, appears in Mike Messenger's excellent history of the Bodmin and Wadebridge (Twelveheads Press 2012) on page 120.
Roy Many thanks Roy.

Ticket Collections
Michael Bramich

I hope you may find a use for this page of tickets and stubs from my small collection.
The relevant ones for Cornwall were mainly gifted to me by the signalman at Port Isaac Road on the occasion of my short journey to Wadebridge behind a Bulleid pacific, possibly the ACE. The St. Austell ones
And the Bodmin stubs are probably related to the holiday weeks I spent at Port Isaac c.1960.
Two of the other examples are of the early use of long term parking at Barnstaple and Wadebridge stations.

Best wishes Mick Bramich, South Brent, Devon

From the Michael Bramich Collection.

From the Michael Bramich Collection (2)

From the Michael Bramich Collection (3)

Just the ticket!! Very interesting - thank you very much Mike.

Well worth a Google
Mike Bramwich

MEMORIES OF THE BARNSTAPLE-TORRINGTON-HALWILL JUNCTION LINES

I have recently viewed this in depth coverage of the above lines and think that they would be enjoyed by your users.

Best wishes Mick Bramich, South Brent, Devon.

Many thanks Mike - it's well worth looking at - very nostalgic.

8th November 2020

8/11/2020

Tribute to
Charles Fennamore
Edward Hooper

It would have been Charles Fennamore's 80th Birthday today. In his memory his newphew Edward Hooper sent this picture of Charles plus some pictures from Charles's collection.

Photograph of an original ticket from Kitley House. Copyright the late Charles Fennamore.

3790 at Steer Point. Copyright the late Charles Fennamore.

A distant view of Brixton Road station. The late Charles Fennamore.

Yealmpton station is obscured by an RCTS special consisting of a rake of brake vans. Copyright the late Charles Fennamore.

The full collection can be seen at the end of the section on the Turnchapel and Yealmpton Branches please click here and scroll to the end of this section.
Thank you Edward for the notes.

Pre
Lockdown bonanza.
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
Hope you are well. As we embark on another four week lock down, I made the most of the fabulous sunshine on 2nd and 4th Nov.
The second was a day of sun and showers. I was out carrying out Autumn checks. Prior to checking Treesmill I captured a 2 x 4 HST working the Newquay service at Middleway. The non availability of class 150/2 units no often sees a HST provided instead, as class 158 are not permitted to Newquay.
On the way back, some prolonged showers were replaced with spells of sunshine and stark rainbows. I popped into Sperritt Tunnel at Dobwalls as the sky looked promising as the sun dipped slowly westward. 802108 looked super lit against a foreboding black sky as the recent shower headed East towards Plymouth, and the RHTT was also viewed with 66150/155 still in charge. It's been a while since the season has seen the original allocated pair work solidly throughout the season.
On the 4th, I was at Saltash in the morning (pics to follow) filming with Channel 5 for a forthcoming production.
Then I headed back to base via the golf course at Lostwithiel. This area has been cleared by Ground Control, and I was given permission to take some pictures there. I have never visited here, even with work so it was a pleasure to watch a variety of trains sweep down from Restormel through the reverse curve (my favourite feature) and past the goods loops. With the sun blazing against a cobalt sky, I had an idea for the loop signals and bright red 66020 to stand out. I was fortunate as 66093 in maroon replaced 66020 the very next day. Light was becoming crucial too as the angle of the sun gets lower (before long the cutting will be in shade), and bright days are at a premium these days sadly.

I will try to grab some work pictures during lockdown as I go. I trust everyone stays well during the lockdown, and we can (perhaps) look forward to a brighter festive season?

All the best for now , Craig

2N02 approaches Middleway 2nd November 2020 Copyright Craig Munday,

RHTT approaches Sperritt tunnel on the 2nd November 2020 Copyright Craig Munday,

180108 approaches Seprrit Tunnel 1C80 with a sheepish audience! 2nd November 2020 Copyright Craig Munday

Lostwithiel golf course. 4th November 2020 Copyright Craig Munday,

Lostwithiel run round. 4th November 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Lostwithiel golf course. 4th November 2020 Copyright Craig Munday,

Brilliant weather, brilliant and colourful pictures. Many thanks Craig. Sorry for the publishing delay.

An update on the demolition of the
Weymouth Harbour Tramway
Guy Vincent

Thankfully my duties often take me to Weymouth with time to walk the route of the former tramway which is now in the process of being removed. With the watered-down lockdown now in force there was little traffic and very few pedestrians milling around so it was much easier to take pictures in the excellent sunlight. Plus the storage area at the quay terminal was deserted and fully open to pedestrians so I was able to take a close look at the redundant materials before they are taken away for scrap. Here are a few images taken around lunchtime on 5th November.

Weymouth. New Road Surface outside Debenhams. 5th November 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent

Weymouth Tramway Removal by Multi-Storey Car Park (Cosens Quay) 5th November 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Weymouth Tramway Removal 5th November 2020

Weymouth Tramway Removal, Oxy-Acetylene Torch 5th November 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Now walking on towards the terminus at the Quay station.

A view of the lines dipping under Town Bridge. 5th November .2020 Copyright Guy Vincent. Once removed and resurfaced who'd have believed that passengers trains hauled by the mighty '37's' passed under this bridge!

Weymouth Tramway Harbour Area Tracks 5th November .2020 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Meantime back at the site of the Quay station sorting of recovered items is in progress.

Weymouth Quay Scrap Tramway Track Sections Awaiting Dismantling (Wood & Concrete Sleepers Separated) 5th November 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent

Weymouth Quay Redundant Rail Chairs 5th November 2020

Weymouth Quay Scrap Tramway Rails 5th November 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent

Weymouth Quay Broken 1950s Concrete Sleepers Showing High Tension strengthening Wires. 5th November 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Weymouth Quay Tramway Track for Scrap 5th November.2020 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Thanks to you Guy we are able to keep 'tabs' on the demolition of the historic feature at Weymouth. Keep safe, and many thanks.

7th November 2020

7/11/2020

Glynn Valley
Mark Lynam

On Wednesday I had a drive up to the Glynn Valley to get some shots at Largin and St Pinnock viaducts while the sun was shining and the last of the Autumn colours are still around, afterwards I went to Restormel for a few photos too.

Thanks, Mark Lynam

XC 220012 crossing Largin Viaduct working 1S49 0931 Penzance to Newcastle. 4th November 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

XC 220012 crossing Largin Viaduct working 1S49 0931 Penzance to Newcastle. Copyright Mark Lynam.

From a higher position 802008 working 1C72 0804 London Paddington to Penzance on Largin Viaduct.

43153 St Pinnock Viaduct 4th November 2020. Copyright Mark Lyna

158745 St Pinnock Viaduct 4th November 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam,

And finally it's 3pm and the shadows from the hillside trees are slowly edging towards the line. 43153 at Restormel working 2C27 1416 Plymouth to Penzance. 4th November 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Glorious weather and excellent pictures - thank you Mark.

Exeter 81
Paul Barlow

45059 Royal Engineer on 04.24 Stoke on Trent to St Blazey Exeter St Davids 6 March 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Channel 5
Royal Albert Bridge
Craig Munday

I was out with a Channel 5 production filming the Royal Albert Bridge on 4th. We were treated to the most sublime light and the bridge stood out magnificently. I have spent most of my life as a passenger crossing the structure, so to get into a boat and see the underside up close was a real treat.I have included some images, including the Colas cement service crossing with 70802 in charge.

I hope you enjoy the pictures. I will advise you when the programme is scheduled to be broadcast.

Kind regards, Craig

Superb day at Saltash 4th November 2020. Copyright Craig Munday;

The Cornish side - Royal Albert bridge. 4th November 2020 Copyright Craig Munday.

Swinging round to the left we see 70808 on the Moorswater cement crossing Combe by Saltash viaduct. 7 arches - foundations go down 45'. 4th November 2020.Copyright Craig Munday.

A bright chilly day - Channel 5's cameraman at work. 4th November 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

RAB Copyright Craig Munday

A Castle Class on a serive crossing the 'land spans' 4th November 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig - TV star soon!

6th November 2020

6/11/2020

Power Cars at Long Rock
Roger Salter

Back to Back Power Cars at Long Rock 43186 Taunton Castle and 43004 Caerphilly Castle. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Westbury
Roger Geach

An up HST pulls away from Westbury station on Saturday 19th August 2017. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger.

Cogload
Bill Elston

Welcome back to 'lockdown' ! A quick trip over to Cogload yesterday (4th Nov ) to see two more
Castle power cars fresh from Wabtec Doncaster, these being 43027 and 43009. A going away shot was practically impossible because of the low position of the Sun.

Stay safe, Bill

Cogload. Two power cars, 43027 and 43009 back from WebTec Doncaster 4th November 2020. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill

Marston
Ken Mumford

Marston Footbridge. 43050 on Test Train. 5th November 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford

Marston Footbridge. 66503 Railway Magazine on freight from Wentlogg. 5th November 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford

Par & Penzance
Martin Baker

1 A full house at Par, HST set 253058 sits at the rear of a Paddington Penzance late afternoon at Par, while 50016 Barham accelerates away from the speed restriction to the west of the station for the climb to Treverrin tunnel.
Meanwhile 47089 Amazon awaits a path east with a mixed freight and a pacer its next departure to Newquay.

2 50034 Furious leaves Penzance with a late morning stopping train to Plymouth in the summer of 1987, sadly this loco had less that three years left before its demise in June1990

Kind Regards
Martin Baker

Photo 1. Copyright Martin Baker.

50 034 Furious looking very smart leaves Penzance with a local train to Plymouth in 1987 Copyright Martin Baker.

Many Thanks Martin - smashing pictures.

Exeter - Friary Freight
Paul Barlow

45014 with the 03.45 Severn tunnel to Plymouth Friary freight seen at Exeter St Davids on the 26th November 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Exeter 1987
Phil Smith

A rather grubby 47108 is seen in 1987 with parcel train at Exeter St Davids. Don't most trains today look smart in comparison to this which was the norm then. Copyright Phil Smith

Thank you Phil. Keep safe.

5th November 2020

5/11/2020

Today at Westbury
Guy Vincent

Following the visit yesterday (4th November 2020) of the Colas HST set on test duties today witnessed the presence of loco 37612 with another test formation (coaches 99666 72630 9801 62384 9714) stabled outside the panel signal box. The train arrived overnight after testing the GWML between Reading and Bristol Parkway then local lines via Bath to Westbury. I understand it is due out late this evening to check branch lines in the Southampton area before running to Bristol for stabling tomorrow (Fri 6th).

37612 was originally numbered D6979 and became 37179 under TOPS. In 1986 it was rebuilt with an alternator and renumbered 37691. Later it was rebuilt again as one of the 12 locos intended for the proposed 'Nightstar' passenger services from the South West and Wales to Europe via the Channel Tunnel but this project was abandoned before any trains had run! Direct Rail Services bought the fleet of twelve 37-6's and for many years they worked nuclear flask traffic to and from Sellafield before being superseded by class 66 and 68 locos. 37612 is now owned by Harry Needle Railroad Co and on long term hire to Colas for test train work. Also a bonus shot of 37610 (D6881 37181 37687) which was at Westbury for crew training purposes a couple of weeks ago. Also owned by HNRC this loco is also on long term hire to Colas.

Regards

Guy V

Westbury 37612 & 802015 - 802012 (1A85) 5th November 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury 37610 on the 22nd October 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks again Guy, not a detail missed!

The Day before Lockdown Part 2 Bodmin Parkway
Visited yesterday 4th November
Roger Winnen

201104g The Bodmin & Wenford Railway works train hauled by D8444 at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

201104h One of our members and a coach driver for many of our events Dave Letcher assisting in the operation of digging out the old ballast prior to installing a new crossover. Copyright Roger Winnen

201104i Men at Work at Bodmin. This part of the line will be laid in concrete sleepers. Copyright Roger Winnen

201104l Getting the excavator back on board the train after a mornings work. Copyright Roger Winnen

201104m All aboard as David Letcher surveys the scene. Copyright Roger Winnen

201104o The Aberthaw to Moorswater Cement hurries through Bodmin Parkway behind 70802 after running around at Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen

Yesterday Mornings Arrival 'Night Riviera'
Roger Salter

201104a The Night Riviera hauled by 57306 in DRS Livery seen from the Railway Bridge at Marazion on its final 2 mile run into Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Unusual visitor at
Westbury
Guy Vincent

The monthly Tyseley-Weymouth-Bristol High Level PLP-R test train arrived at Westbury today with former East Midlands Power Cars 43050 and 43060 in charge. These two PC's have recently been acquired by Colas and carry their branding. 43050, originally part of Western Region set 253025 was transferred away to the Midland Region in 1982. I recall seeing it pass through Bradford-on-Avon on 8th August 1977 with a specially formed set consisting of three first class carriages, one kitchen coach and sister PC 43051 when it conveyed HM the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on one of their Silver Jubilee outings to the Bath area. 43060 was originally part of Eastern Region class 254 set 254003 which in 1978 was loaned for a period to the Western Region following problems with the WR fleet. Welcome back!

Note: The train stayed in Westbury for around two hours before going as far as Castle Cary where it turned back and headed for Bristol.

Regards, Guy Vincent

43050 (Ex 253025)) together with 43060 on the 1Z22 pictured at Westbury on the 4th November 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent

43060 on the rear of the 1Z22 4th November 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent

The complete test train pictured at Hawkeridge Junction. 43050 and 43060 powering the 1Z22 looking very smart indeed. 4th November 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent

Many many thanks Guy for excellent coverage of this bright new arrangement.

Scenes at
Marston Footbridge
Ken Mumford

Friends,
I was at Marston Footbridge being the right place at the right time to see two IET's passing.
Of particular note was [1Z22 - Tyseley to Bristol via Worcester, Evesham, Oxford, Swindon, Westbury, Yeovil (Pen Mill), Weymouth, Yeovil (Pen Mill), Frome, Wstbury, Bath, Bradford-on-Avon, Bath, Abbey Wood, Bristol. ]It was 42 minutes late at Oxford North Junction, 11 minutes late at Didcot (Foxall Junction), 24 minutes EARLY passing me and also at Swindon station. My latest is 6 minutes EARLY at Westbury. This train consisted of HST type power cars 43060 and 43050 with coaches 6392, 977983, 5891, 6264 in between the power cars.
Kind regards,
Ken (Mumford)

Two IET's passing at Marston footbridge. 4th November 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

A very colourful catch and a rare coincidence caught at Marston footbridge in excellent light - well done Ken.

A visit to 'The Swan' at
Exminster
David Tozer

My final visit to the Swan's Nest Exminster for lunch coincided with a Colas Tamper move from Par to Woodborough on Wednesday.
I think it was DR73905.
Take care. Dave

Colas Tamper passes 'The Swan' at Exminster. 4th November 2020 Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David, hope you enjoyed lunch - you take care too.

Exeter
Paul Barlow

45055 stabled at Exeter 28th February 1981 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

4th November 2020

4/11/2020

Today before the Lockdown Part 1 Lostwithiel
Roger Winnen

201104aThe RHTT being the 08.50 service from Westbury to St Blazey via Salisbury seen in the Lostwithiel down loop. Copyright Roger Winnen

Under a special arrangement I was able to view the workings of Lostwithiel Signal Box which spanned the area covered by the former Largin, Bodmin Road Box, Treverrin and Lostwithiel. Many thanks

201104b Inside Lostwithiel Signal Box showing the frame. Copyright Roger Winnen

201104c The new extended panel covering the area to Liskeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

201104cc Part of the track plan of Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen

201104d 66093 With the 14.32 Parkandillack to Exeter Riverside comes to a halt at Lostwithiel which was having signalling problems. Copyright Roger Winnen

201104e Signalling problems at Lostwithiel held this train for a few minutes. Copyright Roger Winnen

201104f The RHTT with 66151 and 66155 heads for St Blazey. Copyright Roger Winnen

80 minutes at
Norton Fitzwarren
Bill Elston

I paid a visit to Norton Fitzwarren today (2nd November 2020) and was rewarded with the following,

First, the Devonport to Crewe Coal sidings flask train led by DRS 66304 and tailed by 66301 ‘Kingmoor TMD’
Secondly, a lengthy spoil train leaving the Norton Fitzwarren Triangle for Fairwater Yd, headed by 66509 and tailed by 66533
Finally the RHTT with 66151 and 66155, now decidedly grubby. These three workings within the space of around 80 minutes.
Best regards, Bill

66304, Devonport to Crewe Coal sidings flask train led by DRS 66304 2nd November 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

Another view of the Devonport to Crewe Coal sidings flask train tailed by 66301 ‘Kingmoor TMD’ . 2nd November 2020. Copyright Bill Elston

66509 leads of the Norton Fitzwarren Triangle to Fairwater Yard, 2nd November 2020 Copyright Bill Elston.

66533 brings up the rear of the Norton Fitzwarren Triangle to Fairwater Yard, 2nd November 2020 Copyright Bill Elston.

Zooming in as 66533 brings up the rear of the Norton Fitzwarren Triangle to Fairwater Yard, 2nd November 2020 Copyright Bill Elston.

Finally, 'zooming in' 66533 brings up the rear of the Norton Fitzwarren Triangle to Fairwater Yard as it cautiously negotiates the pointwork across the down main and into Fairwater Yard, 2nd November 2020 Copyright Bill Elston.

66151 leads the RHTT with 66155 at the rear. Both locos looking very grubby. 2nd November 2020. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill - time well spent.

Nuclear Flask passes
Ivybridge
Clive Smith

DRS 66304 leads a nuclear flask with 66301 behind on the 6Z30 07.48 Devonport Royal Dockyard - Crewe Coal Sidings approaching Harford Bridge west of Ivybridge at 09.07 running 10 minutes late. I was very lucky to capture this in a minute of watery sunshine during endless gloom.
One of the train crew clearly needs sustenance for the journey north. Snacks on the tracks !
Regards, Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive

Exeter
Paul Barlow

25057 seen at Exeter St Davids on the 11th November 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

NEW BOOK
FROM THE
TREVITHICK SOCIETY

This can be obtained from the Publications Secretary
Graham Thorne
[email protected]

3rd November 2020

3/11/2020

Ponsandane Goods Depot
Roger Winnen

This goods depot was built in 1938 replacing one situated at the Penzance Station then under reconstruction, enlargement and reclaimation on the seaward side. This photograph was taken in 1976 just prior to the building of the HST Depot at Long Rock. Ponsandane Goods Shed last into the mid 1980s, Holmans Dry Dock rented out the building in 1985 to undertake work on M.O.D. pontoons brought down from Marchwood by rail to Truro then road transport to Ponsandane. 7029 Clun Castle was involved with this at Truro as she shunted the rolling stock in Truro yard prior to departing with the return journey of the Great Western 150 celebration WR railtour. In the late 1980s demolition took place of the Goods Depot and today Morrisons Supermarket operate from the site.

The Comings and Goings at Exminster
David Tozer

David says

A final couple of photo, possibly until I am released from the confines of lockdown in my local area.
The flask train with 66301 and 66304 on route from Devonport Royal Dockyard to Crewe Coal Sidings

Photographs Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Castle to Newquay
Mark Lynam

Good afternoon,
Today the Newquay branch is being worked by 43189+43092 on a Castle Set vice 150, being the only to work to Newquay so far this year.
Thanks,
Mark Lynam

43189 at the buffer end at Newquay. It's 13.10 on the 2nd November 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam .

43092 ready to make the return run on a bright and breezy day. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark.

Castle to Newquay
Richard Curtis

Good morning Keith,
Whilst busy laying out new ballast for the Little Western Railway in Trenance park (that’s another story for another time). I was surprised after a heard the sound of a horn with a train approaching the foot crossing at the top of wildflower land before the Trenance viaduct that there were a considerable more number of wheel sets coming toward me than the normal 2 car unit that I’ve been used to seeing. It was in fact a GWR Castle set, unfortunately I’m to far away to get a look at numbers and names, but the red names plates definitely stand out. Unfortunately my phone was in the workshop, I then went and retrieved my phone to await for the set to return to Par. Just as it did at 10.24 the sun came out from behind a cloud and gave me no time to get to a better spot. I’d be interested to know if this is due to a rolling stock shortage, crew training or if this is to be more of a regular occurrence. Attached is a poor picture but the best of a bad bunch.
Kind regards, Richard

The 10.24 from Newquay viewed from Edgcumbe venue. Copyright Richard Curtis.

Many thanks Richard, well caught. Can anybody answer his questions please?

40 years apart at
Exeter Central
Paul Barlow

Hello Keith, Another before and after, this time at Exeter Central. Almost 40 years between the pictures.
Hope all is well
All the best, Paul Barlow

Exeter Central in 1980 33017 arrives at Exeter Central on the 09.20 Brighton to Exeter. It's the 1st November 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Exeter Central Almost 40 years later, the nearest I could get to the same position, note chain link fencing on extreme right. Copyright Paul Barlow.

I know which picture I prefer, but many thanks indeed, well done Paul.

Weymouth
Tramway Demolition
John Smerdon & Fred Fame

Good afternoon Keith, Yesterday (1st November 2020) my daughter and family went to Weymouth. My son in law, Fred Fane, took the opportunity to take some more pictures on my behalf of the tramway track removal. The contractors are progressing quickly and have removed the track all along Commercial Road to a short distance beyond the Debenhams store and close to the multi-storey car park. It will not be long before they leave Commercial Road and enter Cosens Quay car park beside the southern end of the marina. Please feel free to use whatever photos you like for your feature. If lockdown permits I will try and return next week and get some pictures as they progress towards Town Bridge and along Customs House Quay.
Regards, John Smerdon

Looking south along Commercial Road after resurfacing. 1st November 2020 Copyright Fred Fane

Looking south towards Cosens Quay car park beside marina. 1st November 2020 Copyright Fred Fane.

Many thanks to you John and to Fred Fane for your efforts to follow the tramways destruction. One hopes this series of photos can continue despite the Lockdown but if not - sobeit. Take care everyone, keep safe.There are many more pictures in the Features July to December section item 2023.

2nd November 2020

2/11/2020

The latest update St James' Park
David Tozer

An update. Still pleny to do on the up and down platforms. 166220 arrives with the 1135 from Barnstaple. The new Banner Repeater signal.

All photographs are Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Focus in the
Whiteball area 7
Paul Barlow

47145 with the 08.27 Cardiff to Penzance passes the remains Cullompton station down platform on the 22nd August 1981 The station closed to passengers on 5th October 1964 and to goods on the 8th May 1967 Copyright Paul Barlow.

Savernake
Roger Geach

Difficult to believe but here we are at Savernake once a busy little station. We see 59204 with the 6l21 Whatley climbing to the summit. It's Wednesday 14th June 2017. The station here closed to passengers on the 18th April 1968 and closed to goods on 19th May 1964. The station was just about here and the line to Marlborough which was closed on the 11th September 1961 turned away to the right. Copyright Roger Geach

RHTT Wheelchange
St Blazey
Craig Munday

I was out and about with Autumn duties today on a particularly rancid day weather wise. The RHTT was undergoing a double wheelset swap, enlisting the services of a huge Macsalvors crane.

The unusual sight is seen on Sunday morning with a promising glimmer of weak sunshine (which did not last)!

Kind regards, Craig

66151 in charge of the stock for a wheelset change. St Blazey 1st November 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

Steady as she goes - from a safe distance. RHTT Wheelset change. St Blazey 1st November 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks Craig glad you were around. The stock is looking pretty filthy.

Trevemper siding/ mill. Chacewater - Newquay branch.
Trevemper Mill
Roy Hart

Showing the old alignment and the C N branch plus the Mill. Courtesy Mr. D. Harris.

Trevemper Mill buildings from the road., the sidings were at a higher level behind the building. 2017 Copyright Colin Burges

A reply to Mr. D. Harris who queried the purpose of this building - Keith Jenkin and I have been in correspondence about this subject and he suggested that I write to you.
Trevemper mill was at the navigational head of the Gannell river and coal was brought up there from the sea. In the 1840s squire Treffry of Fowey built his horse-drawn tramway from Par to Newquay with a branch to Treamble, where there were lead mines. The line also served East Wheal Rose near Newlyn East. Traffic was mostly inward coal. Trevemper mill was on this line, which was upgraded for locomotives in 1874.
Trevemper mill , I believe, dates from the 1840s. I know nothing of its work, except that since about 1910, the main building has had many occupiers. There is no question of railway repairs or maintenance, for the old GWR had ample local facilities at Newquay and Truro. I would have thought that the building manufactured and supplied animal feeds.
Since the 1930s, rail traffic on the siding was spasmodic, mainly the odd wagon of coal (I think that a local coal merchant had space in the yard.).
Trevemper was a private siding and thus subject to a p.s. agreement with the railway. Because of this unexpired agreement, the line from Tolcarn Junction to Trevemper siding remained technically open after the branch line closed. No traffic was carried and Trevemper siding, together with the branch line, was dismantled in 1964.

I hope that this is useful.

With best wishes,

Roy Hart

Many thanks to you Roy.

St Blazey Open Day
Andrew & Diane Jones

The light not too good but here is the class 42 D824 Highflyer on shed at St Blazey open day 3rd May 1969 - Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

CLASS 47 'Amazon' 1675 on depot at St Blazey open day 3rd May 1969. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Alfred at St Blazey Open Day May 1969 Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

The class 42 cab at St Blazey open day 3rd May 1969. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones.

Please find attached four photographs of the St Blazey Depot open day May 3rd 1969. I apologise for the quality, my first camera, a Halina which was well past its best and a rainy morning combined to make the light conditions absolutely dismal. (Oh for a modern digital camera!)
Two of the locomotives on site that day ultimately met unfortunate fates.
Class 47 D1675 Amazon (only 4 years old), latterly 47089 was on shed, a locomotive which ended its career in 1987 when working a heavily overloaded stone train at Chinley North, having run away and derailed only to be hit by 31440. Both locomotives were beyond economic repair and scrapped.
In the yard was former North British diesel hydraulic class 22 6319, subject of a preservation attempt by The British Traction Group who had paid for the loco. These locomotives played a significant role in our region, but unfortunately, due to a communication error 6319 was accidentally cut up at Swindon!
(The North British Locomotive Company from 1903 until the late 50’s produced many steam locomotives both for the home market and overseas. Unfortunately the transition from steam to diesel was not successful with many quality issues. It was said that the company deliberately made locomotives at a loss to encourage more lucrative orders from British Railways under the extremely wasteful and costly 1955 modernisation plan.)
Sadly often overlooked, no class 22 locomotives survived into preservation and they leave a significant gap and a loss to Western region post modernisation history.
(The Helston section of the Cornwall Railway Society pages feature a number of excellent photographs relating to this class, copyright of Mike Roach.)
Unfortunately the same could also be said for the class 21 series which were very similar in appearance to the class 22’s but with diesel electric transmission, some were rebuilt with Paxman Ventura engines to form class 29’s, due mainly to the inherent problems with the original MAN diesel engines built under license in the UK. (High revs and diesels don’t normally end well, with only a few exceptions, as any engineer will tell you!)
Class 21 and class 29 generally worked in the Scottish region.
Eventually NBL class 42 D821 Greyhound was purchased instead, after much embarrassment by BR for same price as the unfortunate 6319 , achieving notoriety as the first ex British Rail diesel locomotive to enter preservation, on May24th 1973.

Cab rides were also available. The photograph attached was taken from a class 42 Warship, D824 ‘Highflyer’, the acceleration was quite unexpected so unfortunately the photograph is slightly blurred.
ECLP, Port of Par ‘Alfred’ representing one of the last outposts of steam worked in the yard.
There were numerous book stalls and various railway relics on sale, if only I had more pocket money! as it was I couldnt carry it all home!
Wonderful memories of a long lost period and relative freedom.

Best wishes Andrew and Diane

Andrew & Diane. Many thanks for your detailed memories.

1st November 2020

1/11/2020

Steam on the Looe branch in 1954 - Unlock the
Treasure Trove
The late John Vines

The late John Vines - picture taken in the 1950's - from the Andrew Vines collection - Copyright

During the summer of 1954 John Vines and family were on holiday in Cornwall. Recently Andrew Vines wrote and asked if we would be interested in a photograph taken by his father. We said 'Yes please, have you got any more?' Andrew has since sent us his collection of his fathers invaluable photographs taken at Liskeard and down the branch for which we are most grateful. To see them click on this link which will take you to our features 'July to December 2020' look for item 2024 and enjoy - I'm sure you will. KJ.

Many thanks indeed - a treasure to be sure.

Focus in the
Whiteball area 6
Paul Barlow

46046 bursts out of Whiteball tunnel with the 1M23 the 12.25 Paignton to Nottingham . 22nd August 1981 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

Midland Pullman Railtours
Railtours to the West.
John Murray Roberts

John writes - I wonder if you’ve seen www.midlandpullman.com. If not, you may wish to put it on your webnews. No doubt the cameras will be out on 29th May! I’ve never heard of www.statesmanrail.com although they look like very well-appointed carriages. Their address is St Erth so do we know who they are or is it just a postbox?
Best wishes, John & Thu.

N.B. We think these tours will be in a 'Pullman coloured' HST.
The dates are 'The Devonian Pullman' 3rd May 2020 and
'Cornish Coastal Pullman' 29th May.
We think these brochures are worth exploring.

Many thanks for the 'Tip' John.

Further to the above David Ward writes

Further to my email see the following if you google or YouTube the following you will see it going through Coventry on Friday Evening 30th October 2020 on its way from Arlington Eastleigh to Saphos Trains Base at Crewe.
Regards,
Dave Ward.
BR Blue Midland Pullman HST set through Coventry tonight 30/10/20 antman09ful1
15K views1 day ago

Thank you David for the advice - the set looks very smart.

Another kink to the very smart HST - Anrew Camerons excellebt site - see below ;- And thanks to Peter Murnaghan who alerted us to this site. Well worth looking.

As to the Blue Pullman, this set was converted from one of the Great Western 2+8 HSTs at Eastleigh and was photographed leaving Eastleigh works on Friday for Crewe. The photo is courtesy of Andrew Cameron's excellent 47s and other Classic Power at Southampton website - www.47soton.co.uk

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