Blog Archives

10th November 2021

10/11/2021

Cornwall Railway Society
Don't forget next Saturday 13th November at 6.30 PM at the Memorial Hall, Redruth Methodist Church*.

1) The Annual General Meeting
(Usually a short affair)
this will be followed by:-
2) The results of the delayed
2020 Photographic Competition.
This will, as usual, be expertly compiled and presented by Ian McKey.
Come and see how you or others performed. A very interesting evening of pictures from far and wide on a selection of topics.

There will be a mid evening Refreshment Break

* For details of how to get to the Memorial Hal please click here to see our Indoor and Outdoor events page.

Today's Freightliner
Route Learner
Roger Salter Leslie Curnow

A Pair of Class 66s 66591 66596 have been shown this week on realtime trains operating from Westbury on Monday and Fairwater Yard, Taunton from Tuesday to Penzance and return. Today Wednesday was the first day of running leaving Taunton over 2 hours late and terminating at Par. Perhaps tomorrow they will run through to Penzance!

The Driver training engines left Fairwater Yard Taunton 122 minutes late this morning arriving at platform 5 at Plymouth stopped briefly at Signals. Origonally planned to go Penzance it was terminated at Par .in order to return at its scheduled time. Seen here waiting for the green signal at 10:58am with Freightliner 66516 and 66591. Copyright Leslie Curnow

Class 66s 66591 and 66596 Viewed shirting the Exe Estuary today on its run back from Par. Copyright Roger Salter

The returning pair near Cockwood Harbour. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger & Leslie

More on
Today's Freightliner Route Learner
Andrew Keast

I was lucky to be at Par waiting for the 66s and this is what happened: 66591/596 on 0P50 07:15 Fairwater Yard-PZ arrives 138 late and terminates at Par. The locos first stop opposite the box and then move on the down beyond the crossover. They cannot access the branch platform as 150216 on 2N06 (12:13 to Newquay) is waiting for a connection with 1C72 (08:04 from Padd) 802013/021 arrive on 1C72 and is delayed whilst 2N06 leaves for Newquay. 1C72 is further delayed as 43098/016 on 2P12 11:15 PZ-Plymouth arrive on the up. Finally the 66s can cross over onto the branch platform which permits 1C72 to leave 11 minutes late. Craig doing a great job sorting all of this out. The 66s then head back to Fairwater leaving at 12:34. Regards Andrew Keast

All picture copyright Andrew Keast.

Picture 1 10th November 2021 Copyright Andrew Keast

Picture 2 10th November 2021 Copyright Andrew Keast

Picture 3 10th November 2021 Copyright Andrew Keast

Picture 4 10th November 2021 Copyright Andrew Keast

Picture 5 10th November 2021 Copyright Andrew Keast

Picture 6 10th November 2021 66591 & 66596 Copyright Andrew Keast

Many thanks to you Andrew and to Mick house for passing them on.

The returning Route learner
Keith Turley

Cullompton 66 Driver training route learner, 66591 and 66596 .10th November 2021. Copyright Keith Turley

Also at Cullompton
Keith Turley

Cullompton 1A86 te 13.15 802020 Thank you to key workers Plymouth to Padd. 10th November 2021 Copyright Keith Turley'

Many thanks to you Keith

Class 50s at Aller Junction
Michael Forward

Nice pictures of the special at Weymouth, its always interesting to look also at the cars. Here are two more pictures taken at Aller Junction on a lovely 28 July 1984.The first shows 50008 ‘Thunderer’ on the 11.05 Penzance to Paddington. Copyright Michael Forward

The second shot sees 50031 ‘Hood’ heading for Paignton with the 11.15 service from Paddington. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Taunton Memories
Bill Elston

Nothing to report from this area at the moment.
However, I've attached a couple photos of ex-LNER 60009 UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA, heading west from Taunton on the Royal Duchy charter
on 9th June 2013. Photo taken from the old Forty Steps footbridge.
Sadly, barring a miracle, this fine machine will no longer grace the main line.
Best regards, Bill. 9th November 2021.

Taunton Steam 1 6009 Union of S Africa heading west. From 40 steps footbridge.9th June 2013. Copyright Bill Elston

Taunton Steam 2 6009 Union of S Africa heading west. From 40 steps footbridge.9th June 2013. Copyright Bill Elston

Superb pictures -what a memory to cherish. Many thanks Bill

Southcote Jct
Ron Kosys

47526 passes Southcote Jn 28th April 1990 with a Paddington to Newbury working. The trackbed in the foreground is that to Reading freight depot. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

Misty morning at
Exeter
Paul Barlow

57601 06.30 Plymouth-Paddington leaves Exeter St Davids on the 8th May 2002. Copyright Paul Barlow.

You nearly misted this one Paul - pardon the pun. Many thanks anyway.

9th November 2021

9/11/2021

The Dorset Dawdler Railtour
Weymouth Quay
Roger Winnen

This railtour ran on Saturday 3rd May 1975 from Southampton to Fawley-Totton to Weymouth Quay-Maiden Newton for passengers joining the train to Bridport being the last day of the branch line service then Yeovil Pen Mill- Yeovil Juction-Salisbury-Chandlers Ford-Eastleigh-Southampton

750503zc The Weymouth Quay Line (now a thing of the past) with the Dorset Dawdler approaching from Weymouth Quay Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

750503zd The Weymouth Quay Line with the Dorset Dawdler. Copyright Roger Winnen

750503ze The Weymouth Quay Line with the Dorset Dawdler. passing the British Railways Channel Islands Ferry. Copyright Roger Winnen

750503zf The Weymouth Quay Line with the Dorset Dawdler going away to Weymouth Town Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Redbridge
Ron Kosys

47533 arrives at Redbridge with the Poole to York on the 15th May 1988. The Salisbury line diverges to the right under the bridge. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron

Exeter St Thomas
Paul Barlow

47832 1233 Paddington-Plymouth 1C33 approaches Exeter St Thomas 3rd June 2002. Copyright Paul Barlow..

Many thanks Paul.

8th November 2021

8/11/2021

Contrasts at Central
Exeter Central
Paul Barlow

A before and after at Exeter Central 41 years apart.
All the best
Paul

33004 on the 11.00 from Waterloo arrives at Exeter Central on the2nd April 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow.

The same angle on the 5th August 2021.. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Lostwithiel
Ron Kosys

47537 arrives at Lostwithiel on the 11th April 1988. with the Express from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

7th November 2021

7/11/2021

Nancegollan Station 1975
Roger Winnen

These views of Nancegollan Station were taken on 11th May 1975 just 10 years after the line was lifted. The station was enlarged in 1937 with an additional platform together with additional sidings laid for the adriculture industry and wartime traffic to Predannack Airfield on the Lizard Peninsula which is still there today mothballed, later RNAS Culdrose built 1946/1947. Predannack and the Meneage area were involved in Operation Overload (D Day)
The site today is an industrial estate with only the bridges in the background still visible and the Cornish Minestack. The steel bridge dates from the 1937 rebuilding.
Many Thanks for the update from Roy Hart.

750511f Nancegollan Station 11th May 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

750511g Nancegollan Station 11th May 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

750511h Nancegollan Station 11th May 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Par
Ron Kosys

47521 comes to a stop at Par with the 09.15 Penzance – Plymouth, whilst 50020 does its best to make everyone aware of its presence in the background. 11th February 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

Just north of
Cowley Jct.
Paul Barlow

47830 0630 Plymouth-Paddington just north of Cowley 9th May 2002. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

6th November 2021

6/11/2021

Cowley
Paul Barlow

47829 wearing the Police livery as it hauls the 06.08 Derby to Plymouth the 1V35 seen here at Cowley on the 4th May 2002 Copyright Paul Barlow

A smashing reflection shot of a now forgotten livery - many thanks Paul.

Roger Aston asks
Does anyone know please.

We are going to London on sleeper on Tuesday 14th December. I was surprised to see that the sleeper is starting in Truro with ECS coming from Laira due to Track closure between Truro and Penzance 14th -17th December. Do not know what is planned.
Best regards, Roger

Looks interesting - does anybody know please.

Return to
Bitton
Guy Vincent

This morning we paid a short visit to the Avon Valley Railway preservation site at Bitton station on the former LMS line from Bristol via Mangotsfield to Bath (Green Park). A small number of ex BR diesels are present including three shunters, 07010, 08202 and 09015, two class 31s 31101 and 31130 and a 2 car class 107 DMU SC52006 & SC52025. No trains were operating but we spent an enjoyable couple of hours drinking tea, eating cake and chatting with some of the friendly volunteers in the excellent (warm!) cafe / museum, currently this is open daily and I can thoroughly recommend a visit.

Best regards,Guy and Cathy Vincent

Bitton Avon Valley Railway 09015 5th November 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

A lovely atmospheric shot with interesting pointwork. Bitton AVR 31101 31130 08202 5th November 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Bitton AVR 07005 5th November 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Bitton AVR SC52025 5th November 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Very nice to see things looking good - many thanks Guy.

Bitton Remembered
Keith Jenkin and Roger Winnen

The occasion of a CRS visit.

Bitton on the 10th November 1979. Nice and tidy. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The CRS headboard decorates a train from Oldland Common approaching Bitton. 17th September 1983 Copyright Roger Winnen

Former member Graham Hooper leans out of the window at Bitton 3rd July 1999, Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks to Roger Winnen - you'll also find more of this line if you click here.

5th November 2021

5/11/2021

Recent Trains & China Clay
Mark Lynam

Hello Keith/Roger,

Below are a few photos of recent test trains in Cornwall as well as a china clay working.

Thanks,
Mark Lynam

The new measurement train at Truro formed of 43290+299 working 1Q18 0606 Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton via Penzance. Friday 22nd September 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam.

DB Cargo 66009 at Lostwithiel working 6G09 1302 Goonbarrow Junction to Fowey Dock Carne Point. Tuesday 26th September 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam

Having ran around at Lostwithiel DB Cargo 66009 now heads South along the River Fowey at Lostwithiel working 6G09 1302 Goonbarrow Junction to Fowey Dock Carne Point. Tuesday 26th September 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam.

An surprise visit from 37612 at Falmouth Docks not on the usual Penzance working but 3Q11 2051 Exeter Riverside to Exeter Riverside via Falmouth Docks around midnight. Which passed the last passenger service of the night at Penryn. Wednesday 27th September. 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam.

and finally A sunlit 950001 in Truro yard this afternoon (Wednesday) after working 2Q08 0329 Plymouth Park Sidings to Truro in the early hours. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark for your round up of the local activities.

Chasing the clay + St Pinnock viaduct
Andrew Triggs

Evening Roger/Keith,
Making the most of a week's holiday, I caught up with the Goonbarrow Junction to Fowey Docks Carne point CDAS in decent autumnal weather, 4 shots of the day's jolly by car in Mid Cornwall for CRS, with a visit to St Pinnock Viaduct before journeying back home
All the Best
Andrew Triggs.

Picture 1.. DBC 66009 with 6G09 13.02 Goonbarrow Junction-Fowey Docks Carne Point CDAs at Lostwithiel. Copyright Andrew Triggs.. 4th November 2021.

Picture 2. DBC 66009 working 6G09 13.02 Goonbarrow Junction-Fowey Docks Carne Point at Golant, running 30 early (Taken on private property, with Owner's permission). Copyright Andrew Triggs.. 4th November 2021.

Picture 3. 3. St Pinnock Viaduct RHTT (3J13 08.50-Westbury-St Blazet LIP) with DBC 66116 & 66098, running 45 early at 15.13. Copyright Andrew Triggs 4th November 2021.

Picture 4. 2P17 13.50 Penzance-Plymouth 2+4 'GTi' crossing St Pinnock Viaduct, with autumnal leaf fall adding to the moody November skies. Copyright Andrew Triggs. 4th November 2021.

Many thanks Andrew - a nice day out.

Approaching
Cowley Bridge
Paul Barlow

5051 5029 0535 Euston-Penzance seen approaching Cowley 4th May 2002. Copyright Paul Barlow.

5051 Was built at Swindon Works in May 1936 and was named after Drysllwyn Castle, it carried this name for the first 18 months of its working life before being renamed to Earl Bathhurst in August 1937 (the name coming from a de-named GWR Dukedog class GWR no 3208/9008), this name it would carry for the rest of its GWR and BR working career. Its original name would later be applied to classmate no 7018.
It was first allocated to Landore depot in Swansea and was to remain there for its GWR working career as well as most of its BR days until Jun 1961 when it was transferred to Neath (87A). Its final shed allocation was to Llanelly (87F) in Feb 1963 and was to remain there for the remainder of its working career until May 1963 when it was withdrawn from service after completing 1,300,000 miles. It was later sold to Woodhams brothers in Oct of the same year.
Preservation The locomotive was bought by John Mynors from the scrap yard and was sold following his death. The locomotive was sold to the Great Western Society at Didcot and left by rail as the 4th departure from Barry in March 1969.
Following its arrival at Barry Scrapyard it was to remain at Barry Island for five years until 1969 when it was purchased by the GWS and moved to Didcot by rail for restoration. It was restored to steam in 1979 and was reunited with its original Drysllwyn Castle nameplates. It was a regular performer in 1985 during the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Great Western Railway. Details on 5051's history courtesy Wikipedia.

Many thanks Paul for your historic picture.

4th November 2021

4/11/2021

Colas Test Train
Melksham & Trowbridge
Guy Vincent

Due to the usual pair of Colas class 67 locos being used on a RHTT set this year the monthly 1Z22 Colas-operated test train from Derby to Bristol via various routes in the midlands and south of England was powered today by a pair of former LNER HST power cars 43272 and 43251. The train arrived at Westbury around 1415hrs and rather than continuing as booked to Weymouth terminated and stabled in the 'Up Trowbridge' siding to await further instructions.

43272 may possibly have been making a debut appearance in my local area as it is one of just a handful of power cars I have never recorded here. 43251 was originally part of WR set 253025 and was used on 8th August 1977 on a 'Silver Jubilee' special with sister PC 43050 when HM the Queen and Prince Philip visited several locations in the Bath and Bristol area. Early in the afternoon the shortened HST set ran to Bradford Junction and stabled on the now lifted north to west chord line where the royal party ''took luncheon''.

Two photos of the train 1) passing through Melksham and 2) stabled in the 'Up Trowbridge' siding at Westbury.

With best regards, Guy Vincent.

Melksham 43272 & 43251 1Z22 Colas Test Train 3rd November 2021 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury 43272 & 43251 Colas Test Train recesses in the up Trowbridge siding at Westbury. 3rd November 2021 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy.

Aller Junction 28th July 1984
Michael Forward

Here is a picture taken at Aller Junction on a glorious 28 July 1984 and it shows 47311 heading the 12.18 service from Paddington to Paignton.The lovely old GW sign must have been for the crews of loose coupled goods trains that have just come down Dainton bank.(I wonder if it is still there). Thanks, all the best, Michael. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Footballer at
Paignton
Driver Alan Peters

Freight trains to Paignton are something of a rarity and only then in the hours of darkness as was the case in the early hours of Wednesday 3rd November when GBRf 66729 "Derby County" visited Paignton with 6C97 the rail delivery train from Westbury to Goodrington Sidings, the GBRf locomotive was actually on hire to Colas Rail.
Driver Alan Peters

Paignton 66729 Derby County on rail deliveries. - Driver Alan Peters. 3rd November 2021..Copyright

Many thanks Alan - good to hear from you.

Hinksey Yard
Ron Kosys

Fresh from Royal Train duties, 47501 heads north past the southern access to Hinksey Yard as it approaches Oxford with the late afternoon Poole – Manchester, 20th July 1988.

Looking extremely smart 47501 passes Hinksey Yard 20th July 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron - the loco looking very smart - white wheels and all.

Rattlesbrook Peat Rly
Andrew Jones & Clive Smith

Firstly Andrew Jones and then later Clive Smith explore the route of this little known Peat Railway which stemmed from the Southern Main line at Bridestowe climbing 1,000 feet up on Dartmoor in its five and a quarter mile route. Several photographs plus links to track diagrams and additional photographs. This link will take you to the alphabetically arranged section where you will find it very near the end.

Clive Smith and his faithful companion Megan explore the route of the Rattlesbrook Peat Railway. copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks to Andrew and Clive.

Don't destroy our old rail routes
A Plea from Colin Burges seconded by Michael L Roach

This is a copy of a letter sent by our good friend Colin Burges to the Western Morning News - it is, as Mike says. as true today as it was when originally published 12 years ago.
Many thanks Mike and Colin I am sure these are still all our sentiments.

3rd November 2021

3/11/2021

Okehampton line Re-opening
Chris Bellett

Here is the latest news concerning the Okehampton Line reopening. Talk about reversing Beeching etc. Its unusual to have a Train Staff replaced by Token Working, its usually the other way around!

Take care, Chris Bellett, Retired S&T Engineer. CRS Member
…………………….

From the Western and Wales Weekly Operating Notice - Week 32/2021

GW608 - CREDITON TO MELDON (OKEHAMPTON)
ALTERATIONS TO METHOD OF SIGNALLING
FROM 0445 TUESDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2021

The “Crediton – Okehampton” train staff will be replaced by a metal token (red colour – pattern A) normally kept in a token
instrument in Crediton signal box.

The section signal (CN4) may be cleared for a train to proceed when the token is withdrawn from the token instrument.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Many thanks Chris.

Nr. Aller Jct.
Ron Kosys

47500 Nr. Aller Junction 30th September 1989 with the 1C17 08.17 Saturday only Paddington to Paignton. Copyright Ron Kosys,

Many thanks Ron.

St Blazey Turntable
Good news

We understand that an agreement has been reached and a lease signed with DB Cargo which will see the turntable back into use and together with the associated buildings - presumably the roundhouse which is currently being used by other industries. This news means that St Blazey depot will once again be able to service and turn steam locomotives.

Memories of St Blazey Shed and turntable.

St Blazey shed. 28th April 1962 Copyright Mike Roach

D1673+D1056+St+Blazey+Open+Day 1st May 1971 Copyright Neil Phillips

A photograph of 7029 Clun Castle taken during its brief visit to St Blazey for turning purposes in 1985. Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer.

Many thanks to Mike Roach, Neil Phillips, the late Sid Sponheimer, & Colin Moss.

2nd November 2021

2/11/2021

A busy day in October 2021. Craig Munday

The Cornwall mainline capacity is a subject which fascinates me. As a youngster spending time in the area, Drivers nearing retirement would regale a gloomy long-term forecast for the railways west of Plymouth, stating that it will most likely become a branch line from Plymouth. This was, in part, justified by the singling of Probus to Burngullow in 1986 when the panel was installed in Par box, adding yet another single line pinch point along the route.
I reflect 35 years later, with many of those characters sadly no longer with us, how they would envisage today’s busy timetable? With the half hourly timetable and increased journey destinations. Direct Plymouth to Penzance services are now in the minority. Exeter and Cardiff are now more in vogue, and the Paddington direct services have actually increased from the mid 1980s. Only Cross Country services seem to have stalled since Covid, and one hopes these vital long distance services may return at some point in the future.
I have no doubt that the men sat around the table with Brylcream In their hair and horned rimmed glasses musing over their plans for rationalisation of the Penzance area in the early 1970s had an equally bleak prognosis for the mainline as the final 2 miles into the terminus was singled from 1973.
I did some musing of my own recently working Penzance box and presided over a remarkably busy period between Marazion and Penzance. Between 12.36 and 14.18 nine trains passed over Long Rock crossing. This included an unscheduled pair of class 150s from St Erth as the branch units had developed a fault and required returning to Penzance. Here's a resumee of the action.
The 06.55 from Gloucester 158747 arrived at 12.44. The 12.50 to Exeter departed shortly after 150232.
The 08.04 from Paddington 802009 arrived at 13.08, followed closely by the 13.15 departure to Plymouth - 158747 off again.
A small lull then til 13.40 when 08.00 from Cardiff arrived with GW11 Castle set which promptly departed again at 13.50 to Plymouth
The pair of empty units were waiting at PZ1 signal at Marazion which arrived in the oil sidings at 14.01, The 12.17 from Plymouth was right behind this arriving at 14.11.
Finally the 14.15 departed eastbound to Paddington at 14.15.
Best wishes, Craig

Yet another service arrives at Penzance - seen from the box by Craig Munday. Copyright

Many thanks Craig.

Penzance Observations
Diane and Andrew Jones

Firstly please except my apologies for trespassing down west today! Diane and I had to do some shopping in Sainsburys and took the opportunity to park in their extremely handy car park which overlooks the railway.
Castle Class 255 formed of Rougemount Castle 43155 and Kingswear Castle 43158 was stabled in the washing siding, although judging by the rust on its disc brakes it didn’t look like it had moved for a while although 43158 was idling. Topically I am not sure with world leaders discussing climate change, how long they will allow these super power sets to exist! Ride them while you can!
At least they carry proper nameplates which I have attached two photographs unashamedly.
The 13.15 Derby built dmu 158798 passed under the footbridge on time heading for Plymouth while Diane took our Deer Hound ‘Flinty’ for a walk along the coast path.
Best wishes Andrew and Diane

43155 Rougemont Castle seen at . Penzance 1st Nov 2021 Copyright Diane and Andew Jones

Castle Class set stored in the washing sidings Penzance. . 1st November 2021. Diane and Andrew Jones.

43158 Kingswear Castle seen at Penzance. 1st November 2021. Copyright Diane and Andrew Jones.

Derby built 158798 departs Penzance for Plymouth. 1st November 2021 Copyright Diane and Andrew Jones

Many thanks Andrew and Diane - glad you enjoyed your visit to the very Far South West.

Virgin Red at
Didcot
Phil Smith

Phil sends us this rather striking view of the Virgin Red HST departing Didcot in 2001. The yard looks quite busy with all manner of stock. Phil also send best wishes for Xmas.

43195 in Virgin livery 2001 departs Didcot Copyright Phil (Shattered) Smith

Many thanks Phil for your picture and also too for your best wishes - and the same to you.

An idyllic evening
Lostwithiel 1987
Martin Baker

A few more photos from my archive depicting an idyllic summers evening at Lostwithiel in June 87.

37196 & 120 have just run round a train from either of the Goonbarrow or Parkandillack branches and will then set back into the down sidings.

50010 then arrives with a down express from Paddington, I couldn't quite sprint fast enough up to what was once the site of the old goods shed to get a complete shot of all three, a vantage point now lost completely.

Kind Regards
Martin Baker

Lostwithiel happenings 1 Summer 1987 37196 and 120 have just run round and will set back into the down sidings. Copyright Martin Baker

Lostwithiel happenings 2 Summer 1987 50010 Monarch arrives with a down express. Copyright Martin Baker,

Lostwithiel happenings 4 Summer 1987 50010 is seen departing. Copyright Martin Baker

Many thanks Martin

Kingskerswell
Ron Kosys

47463 seen at Kingskerswell on the 1A42 09.05 Saturdays only Paignton to Paddington. 5th August 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys.

1st November 2021

1/11/2021

First undamaged HST Power Cars for scrap
Guy Vincent

Wednesday October 27th 2021 was a milestone date in the history of the hugely successful 'Inter City 125' fleet when the first pair of power cars were dispatched for scrap through redundancy as opposed to collision damage which is the only reason several others have so far been disposed of. My colleague Adrian Watts went to Severn Tunnel Junction and recorded the sad scene as 57312 ( the former 47330) hauled ex East Midlands duo 43061 and 43075 on their final one-way trip to oblivion. These were both built in 1977 for use on the East Coast main line and were part of sets 254004 and 254011 respectively. The working was 5Q76 1130 Long Marston-Newport Docks (Sims Group) and if rumours are to be believed further deliveries are reportedly due to made in coming weeks as more PCs become scheduled for disposal.

Guy V (photos courtesy of Adrian Watts)

Severn Tunnel Junction 27.10.2021 5Q76 1130 Long Marston-Newport Docks (Sims Group) 57312 43075 43061.

Severn Tunnel Junction 27.10.2021 5Q76 1130 Long Marston-Newport Docks (Sims Group) 57312 43075 43061

Many Thanks Guy

Barrier Wagons at
Carne Point
Andrew Jones

Three photographs taken at Carne Point in 2005 by Andrew Jones when he was employed on security duties there:-
The first photograph illustrates the complex loading infrastructure. In the background a CDA awaits unloading, while in the middle ground a lorry is unloading what I assume to be bagged clay.
The crane utilises the original rail permanent way with two redundant sidings underneath.
The second photograph shows one of the barrier wagons, used in this case as purely a reach wagon.
Barrier wagons were once numerous on the network and often formed a barrier from dangerous chemicals and explosives or conversion of coupling irregularities.
The barrier wagons at Carne Point were possibly constructed from the five redundant prototype CDA wagons which were withdrawn early on in production. In this view you can see approx a third of the fleet. EWS 08865 was resident pilot at this time, illustrated in photograph three which is unfortunately slightly obstructed by a ships mast.

Very best wishes Andrew

1) Barrier Wagon and a third of the CDA fleet at Carne Point. 27th May 2005 Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

2) Carne Point loading infrastructure. 27th May 2005 Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

3) An 08 coupled to barrier wagon. 28th May 2005 Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Many thanks Andrew.

Bristol TM
Martin Scane

Another couple of photos from Bristol yesterday (Sat 30th) if you wish to use them.
The first is the 12.32 to Cardiff showing the ongoing work to and under overall roof. The hoardings on the platforms do make moving around the station a little difficult at the moment but I’m sure it’ll be all worthwhile in due course.

BTM 30th October 2021 Coyright Martin Scane

Many thanks Martin.

Cockwood
Ron Kosys

Red liveried 47489 leads the 1E03 13.47 Penzance to Leeds at Cockwood Harbour 3rd May 1991. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

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