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Items added on 21st December 2016 Those added most recently come first.

21/12/2016

Westbury 56's
Guy Vincent

Good evening Keith,
Two Colas class 56s, 56087 and 56302 (formerly 56124 'Blue Circle Cement') unexpectedly arrived at Westbury this afternoon as 0V56 1157 ex Washwood Heath. 56302 was recently used on one of the Midlands RHTT trains and has since had a thorough clean. It is unknown at the time of writing what work is planned for these two locos over the Christmas period but no doubt all will be revealed in due course...
Regards
Guy Vincent Frome Many thanks Guy

56302 56087 heading for Westbury. Hawkeridge Junction is in the back ground. 21st December 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

56302 56087 continue on towards Westbury. 21st December.2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

4th Cement delivery to Moorswater
Jamie Dyke

70805 arrives at Lostwithiel for running round. 21st December 2016 Copyright Jamie Dyke

70805 light engine runs round. 21st December 2016 Copyright Jamie Dyke

70805 brings the loaded train back to Liskeard ready for the run down to Moorswater. 21st December 2016 Copyright Jamie Dyke

70805 runs down to Coombe junction on its way to Moorswater. 21st December 2016 Copyright Jamie Dyke.

An Unusual stock move
Jamie Dyke

Hi Keith,
Unusual move this was. Yesterday (21st December) 57604 'Pendennis Castle' was put to the task to move a faulty Mk3 First Class L HST coach which has been stuck at Longrock. The consist of the movement was to put the Night Riviera buffet and a sleeper coach between the faulty coach to act as a buffer. I'm not sure if anyone else got a photo of this movement but it acted as 5Z77 1100 Longrock to Laira.
57604 'Pendennis Castle' accelerates through Lostwithiel after being held outside of the station due to the cement being needed to go into the Up Loop.
After a quick dash up the A390 i was able to get a photo at Liskeard as the same train passes.
Many Thanks, also i don't really know what the title could be, maybe you could decide!
Have a nice Xmas, next photos will be in the new year!
Jamie Many thanks Jamie

Lostwithiel 57604 21st December 2016 Copyright Jamie Dyke

Liskeard 57604 21st December 2016 Copyright Jamie Dyke

Ultrasonic Test Train at Penzance hauled by 37601 built in 1961
Andrew Triggs, Roger Salter & Roger Winnen

161221aa 37601 nearly at the buffer stops with the ultrasonic test train in the long siding at Penzance. This engine was built and entered traffic on 12th January, 1961 as D6705 Copyright Roger Winnen

161221z 37601 Class 37 Fifty in the long siding at Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

161221a 37601 and an Ultrasonic test train in long siding at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

161221c The squashed up train taken with a telephoto lens. Copyright Andrew Triggs

161221c This view taken from Chyandour Cliff. Copyright Andrew Triggs

FOUR MORE SHOPPING DAYS TO GO

Mithian

One of the jobs of Michael Vigus, a porter based at St Agnes, was to check the cleanliness of the halt and trim the lamps. Here we see Michael about to board a return service to St Agnes, Copyright.

Seen from the cab of a Newquay bound DMU. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

Mithian Halt awaits its fate, a year after closure. The hamlet of Mithian was up the approach from the bridge and then 600 yards to the right. 21st February 1964 Copyright Keith Jenkin

Just over ten years after closure. The remains of Mithian Halt - 2nd April 1973 . Copyright Roger Winnen

Items added on 20th December 2016 Those added most recently come first.

20/12/2016

ROGER WINNEN
WISHES VIEWERS AND CONTRIBUTORS TO THE
CORNWALL RAILWAY SOCIETY WEBSITE
A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Unfortunately not bound for Perranporth and Chacewater. A Gloucester Cross Country Unit at Newquay Station. With the Gas Holder in the background. 3rd May 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

JUST FIVE SHOPPING DAYS TO GO Picture at Yeovil Steam Centre courtesy John Cornelius

Station renaming South West Trains Kevin Jenkin

Kevin, a daily communtor from Swaythling to Winchester has taken several amusing shots of the amusing alterations to station names to celebrate the Fetive Season. Here are a few:-

Winchester Station Ticket Office

Winchester station platform

Cornish Suggestions - 'Santa Ives' and 'Par-tridge in a pear tree'. Now come on GWR, see what you can do. Many thanks Kevin

Mitchell and Newlyn
Roger Winnen

Mitchell & Newlyn Halt 2nd March 1974 The late Les Wallace , a former chairman stands by the platform.. Copyright Roger Winnen

Some years later enthusiasts on a minibus trip reminisce and wait in vain for a train. Another former chairman, Gordon Dobbs stands by the shelter. The boy is Kevin Jenkin, mentioned above.

Christmas Greetings from afar.
Thank you Keith and whomever else for another year of Cornish railways happenings! Surely one of the most interesting railway websites around and I’ve especially appreciated all the articles from our contributors and especially the accomplished photographers to remind me of Cornwall and its trains.

Brian Willis.
Gig Harbor, WA
USA.
Thank you Brian, nice to hear from you.

Items added on 19th December 2016 Those added most recently come first.

19/12/2016

JUST SIX SHOPPING DAYS TO GO!

Mitchell & Newlyn
Roger Winnen

Mitchell & Newlyn Halt on the 2nd February 1974, eleven years after the last train called. - yet it is still there in 2016! Copyright Roger Winnen {Rails are tantilisingly close - the Lappa Valley Railway laid on the Chacewater - Newquay brnch trackbed is only 800 yards away)

Mitchell and Newlyn Halt with perhaps a record number of intending passengers - six adults plus one child in pushchair. Presumably they had walked from Newlyn East - the nearest habitation some three quarters of a mile away. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Liskeard & Caradon Rly.
Sid Sponheimer

Dear All, I thought I would join the fray and wish all Members of the CRS and it's many followers both near and far the Compliments of the Season and a Prosperous and Healthy New Year.
By way of a seasonal looking card ( although a few years old) I attach a photo of the Caradon Railway Bridge in Tremar the left hand end of which abuts with the corner of our rear garden.
The actual end of the bridge runs into my next door neighbours garden and one end of both my front and rear gardens, at one time formed the railway embankment. The bridge is extant as I write.
An especial thanks to Keith and his assistants without who we would not be so regularly entertained.
Sid Sponheimer. Many thanks for your kind thoughts Sid.

L & C Tremar snowscenes 25th November .2005 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Trenoweth
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, Rather like the film "Groundhog Day" we had a repeat rail drop in West Cornwall this Sunday. Also matching weather conditions blessed us, though the fog was much less dense today.
70807 was the prime mover provided today, and made a fine audio soundtrack powering along the heart of Cornwall, and could be heard from Probus some miles away before coming into view.
Pictured at Trenowth near Grampound, the train catches the fine morning crisp light heading back to Westbury.
Cheers Craig Many thanks to you Craig

70807 heads 6c97 at Trenowth on the 18th December 2016 Copyright Craig Munday In the background is the expanding village of Grampound Road - this had its own station until 5th October 1964. This station was two miles, as the crowflies from Grampound,

Items added on 18th December 2016 Those added most recently come first.

18/12/2016

Not a good night
Guy Vincent

According to reports Friday 16th's up 'Night Riviera' (1A40 2145 Penzance-Paddington) failed to make it past Long Rock, Penzance, due to problems with train loco 57603. The train was drawn back into Penzance station by resident shunter 08410 and an HST set was then used to provide a replacement service, this left at 2359. The defective loco complete with stock was moved to Laira by 57604 on 17th and this morning onto London as 5C99 0900 Laira-Paddington, seen in these images passing Penleigh Park foot crossing on the Westbury avoiding line. Note the black painted snow ploughs, rather than the more usual yellow, on 57604.

5C99 0850 Laira-Paddington 57604 10594 10584 10601 10612 10219 12100 17173 57603 (only 12100 remains in blue livery)

Guy Vincent 18th December 2016
Many thanks for your report and pictures

57604 heads the ecs sleeper working past Penleigh Park level crossing on the Westbury avoiding line. 18th December 2016. Copyright Guy Vincent

57604 tails the ecs sleeper working beyond Penleigh Park level crossing on the Westbury avoiding line. 18th December 2016. Copyright Guy Vincent

Pictures on the web within the hour of the train passing!!!

The Sunday rail drop of Continuous Welded Rail for the 2017 rail replacement continue.
Roger Salter, Roger Winnen & Andrew Triggs

As reported a few weeks ago the Cornish Main Line west of Truro to St Erth will be closed on all weekends in January from Saturday 7th January, 2017 for major track work. A bus replacement service will operate from Penzance to Truro.

161218e 70807 on the Camborne to Westbury via Penzance stans in Platform 2 at 07.40. Copyright Roger Salter

161218a Its 08.16 on a dark December morning at Penzance. 70807 waits to depart with the 09.04 to Westbury after dropping off CWR in the Redruth area. Copyright Roger Winnen

161218f 70807 Approaching the now closed Mexico Crossing at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

161218b The light has improved since the first photograph. The 09.04 Penzance to Westbury passes Marazion behind 70807. Copyright Roger Winnen

161218f 70807 Heading up the marsh with the empty CWR train to Westbury. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Class 08 08410 on Tour at Penzance
Roger Winnen & Andrew Triggs

161218g 70807 on the rail train, the 08.30 HST to Paddington & 08410 in the long siding at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

161218c Its is believed that this is the first train to be stabled at Long Siding Chyandour adjacent to the cycle way since it was relaid a few years ago. A small section of the sidings has been used as a headshunt for sprinters exiting the siding roads from the station area. However the rest of the line has remained unused until now. Copyright Roger Winnen

161218d However it was not there for long, as I made my way around to the seaward side it moved into the station and then back to the carriage sidings at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Winnen

Goonhavern
Roger Winnen

The cutting at Goonhavern taken on the 2nd February 1974, eleven years after closure. Copyright Roger Winnen

Lost Bridge!
Robert Lindley

I wrote to Robert suggesting that the construction of the M5 obliterated the route of the Hemyock branch. Robert replied :-
However, the M5 did not obliterate the trackbed. The engineers for the M5 at the time it was being built asked BR if the branch was going to close, to which they answered no. Therefore the motorway bridge was built over the branch. Consequentially as we all know, BR closed the line! The bridge was later infilled and also the cutting.
I know this as my Sisters Husband was an engineer at the time on the motorway. All that is visible today is the climb up on the motorway over the now invisible bridge!, Rob
Learn something every day - many thanks Robert

We do not have a picture of the 'lost bridge' however no excuse is needed to use this historic picture taken by Mike Roach of Tiverton Junction on the 7th Sept 1963. The picture shows a branch train arriving from Hemyock behind 0-4-2T number 1421 on the last day of public service - it closed to passengers on the 9th September 1963. However, the line continued to serve the dairy at Hemyock until 31 October 1975. Class 25 diesel locomotives were used in the final months. This picture copyright Mike Roach. The lost bridge is about 200 yards away where the branch curves away to the left.

Items added on 17th December 2016 Those added most recently come first.

17/12/2016

Lord Dowding Westbury & Frome
Guy Vincent

Good afternoon Keith,
Despite the fog and very dull conditions here in Somerset today I ventured out for our last steam offering of the year, namely SR 34046 'Braunton' running under the identity of scrapped sister loco 34052 'Lord Dowding' on a Steam Dreams 1Z35 0715 London Victoria-Minehead 'Cathedrals Express' day excursion. The train was 57 late away from London as the ECS from Southall was delayed due to an earlier fatality at Southall but some of the time was recovered. Images were recorded of the train arriving at Westbury and during the water stop at Frome. Only about two thirds of the seats seemed to have been taken and diesel 47802 was chuntering away at the back. A nice sight though due to the cold air causing extra effect.

The full formation of the train was: SR34046 35451 5222 5200 9104 13440 99352 13320 99347 1666 5236 5249 47802

34046 (34052) arriving at Westbury with the 1Z35 Victoria-Minehead on the 17th December 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

'34052' taking water and receiving 'pit stop attention' beneath 'Brunel's Barn' at Frome on the Victoria-Minehead 'Cathedrals Express' day excursion today, Saturday 17th December 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

With all good wishes and Season's Greetings to your good self and all fellow contributors / readers of this first class website, looking forward to 2017 and plenty more interesting articles and news.

Guy Vincent Frome Many thanks to you as well Guy, without you and other much valued contributors this website would be nothing

Goonbell Halt
Roger Winnen

This picture taken on the 7th March 1974 commands the comment 'Hey, what's going on here'? As two individuals are at work on the cutting side just beyond the platform end. All trace of their 'misdoings' are buried now as the cutting is completely filled. Copyright Roger Winnen

Hemyock branch
Robert Lindley

The loading dock at Culmstock. 14th December 2016 Copyright Robert Lindley

Without the aid of an old map you'd be hard put to find any railway remains at Culmstock. However the pub sign depicts a steam loco and is called 'The Culm Valley'' gives a clue. Robert Lindley sends in this picture and comment. Hi Keith I came across the remains of a loading dock at Culmstock, on the Hemyock Branch this week. The track must have run through what is now the pub car park, as behind the dock is the river. Also behind my back is a modern house across the track bed called "Station House". Have a great Christmas Rob Many thanks Rob and the same to you - Sid Sponheimer supplies the picture nelow from happier days, many thanks also to Sid.

This picture of Culmstock from the back of a departing train heading for Hemyock. The station has been wiped off the face of the earth and the loading bank is just off the picture to the left. The area is now a car park for the pub which was, and is, behind the station building. Culmstock 14th February 1962 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Items added on 16th December 2016 Those added most recently come first.

16/12/2016

What remains of Seaton Junction Station
Andrew Triggs

161210a The station forecourt, even the telephone box is listed for removal, through lack of use. Copyright Andrew Triggs

161210b From the public footbridge at the Honiton end of the station, the 'up' platform is inaccessable these days. Copyright Andrew Triggs

161210c The gated off access to the platform, the canopy remains with no covering these days beyond the gates. Copyright Andrew Triggs

161210d From the roadbridge at the Axminster end of the station, hard to imagine that there were once four tracks at this point. Copyright Andrew Triggs

161210e The Main Station Building, the station closing with the Seaton Branch on 7th March, 1966.

The Sherborne Christmas Carol
44871 & 45407 Run from London Victoria to Yeovil Junction
Roger Winnen

This was quite a unique railtour organised by the Railway Touring Club, departing London Victoria at 08.45 picking up at Staines, Woking, Basingstoke and Salisbury for Sherborne where train train ran forwarsd for servicing at Yeovil Junction. On detraining at Sherborne a Carol Service was held at The Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin, Sherborne commencing at 15.00hrs for the Steam Train, quite a nice way to celebrate the coming of Christmas! The train departed back to Victoria at 16.40 from Yeovil Junction.

161215b The Sherborne Christmas Carol arrives at Yeovil Junction behind 44871 Copyright Roger Winnen

161215c Turning 44871 on Yeovil Junction Turntable. Copyright Roger Winnen

161215d 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier and the tailing loco 57314 seen near the turntable. Copyright Roger Winnen

161215e The light is failing as the pair awaits departure at 16.40 hours back to London Victoria. Copyright Roger Winnen

161215f its 16.15 at Yeovil Junction the present day 159 unit forms the service from London Waterloo via Yeovil Junction to Yeovil Pen Mill. the Railtour is seen awaiting departure at 16.40.. Copyright Roger Winnen

More pictures follow in the features pages July to December 2016

Winter Sunshine at Long Rock Depot with 08410
Roger Salter

161215a 08410 with Barrier Vehicle 6348 together with spare sleeper stock at Long Rock Depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

Landslip near Crewkerne
John Cornelius

Good morning Keith,a few more pics I thought would be of interest.
They are of an embankment slip that occurred towards the end of May 1994
near Crewkerne level crossing. Luckily the running line was not affected and trains could pass at a very reduced speed. However if the old down line had still been in place, then their would have been big problems with the ground gone beneath it, single line working would have been introduced until the embankment was reconstructed. These pics were taken the day after the slip. The embankment was rebuilt with gabions of stone during the next few weeks. CHEERS JOHN C. Many thanks John for these 'privilaged pictures - only possible to members of rail staff.

Items added on 15th December 2016 Those added most recently come first.

15/12/2016

Goonbell
nine years on
Roger Winnen

Underneath the arch. A look at the remains of Goonbell Halt on 4th February 1973 Closure had come nine years earlier.Copyright Roger Winnen

The Station Kitchen
West Bay Station in Dorset
Andrew Triggs

161209a West Bay Station in Dorset. Copyright Andrew Triggs

161209a West Bay Station the Station Kitchen. Copyright Andrew Triggs

161209c Merry Christmas from inside the station kitchen. Copyright Andrew Triggs

161209d The Station Kitchen with vehicle number DW309 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Yeovil Junction
In the snow
John Cornelius

34015 was built at Brighton being released for traffic in November 1945. It was withdrawn in April 1967. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 14th December 2016 Those added most recently come first.

14/12/2016

Peep show at Largin
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, A bit of a rush today as noted 6C35 running 87 mins early on the system. With a busy day off, I took off up the Glynn Valley as there was unforecasted sunshine. Bodmin Parkway was in shade, and I took up my perch at Largin, and hoped the sun's tentacles would reach into the valley. Sadly it was tantalisingly close, just lighting up the viaduct when the growl of the class 70 could be heard, close on the heels of 1A81 the Up London.

The effort was worth it, but then - it is just 7 days from the shortest day of the year!
Cheers, Craig Many thanks Craig

70805 caught in wonderful light at Largin, well done, what luck! 14th December 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

This is the third cement train to Moorswater in 2016
Roger Winnen

With this train running very earlier it proved difficult to photograph at my intended locations. It ran down to Lostwithiel running about 90 mins early to run around its train.
I was able to see it in the up loop at Lostwithiel from the 08.44 Penzance-Paddington service. It then followed this service to Liskeard, my hopes were then dashed as it ran straight onto the Branch only stopping for the shunter to change the points with the connection to the Looe and Moorswater Branch before desending the branch to Coombe Jct etc.

161214a 70805 runs through Liskeard Station with the cement at 10.33hrs running some 89 minutes early. Copyright Roger Winnen

161214b Rounding the sharp curve into to connect into the Looe & Moorswater Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

161214c Resting for only a couple of minutes as it waits for the shunter to pull the points for its journey down to Moorswater. Copyright Roger Winnen

161214d Through the bushes from the fence of Cornwall Farmers Branch at Liskeard Station, 70805 is seen running down to Coombe Junction prior to its run into Moorswater. Copyright Roger Winnen

DR 80205 at Truro. By Mick House.

DR 80205 departed Liskeard 04.18 this morning 57 minutes early and arrived 58 minutes early in Truro yard at 05.16, it is due to depart for Burngullow Junction tonight at 22.56. Words and photos by Mick House.

You can also find more detailed photos of this machine in our
Engineering Plant Diary section.
By Mick House & Roger Aston.

DR 80205 in Truro yard. Photo by Mick House.

Good Morning Hayle
Keith Barrow

57605 pulls away from Hayle with 1C99, the 23.45 Paddington - Penzance Night Riviera on 1 September 2016.Copyright Keith Barrow

Winter '63 Snow
John Cornelius

34077 was built at Brighton and released to traffic in July 1948. It was modified in July in 1960 and withdrawn in March 1967. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 13th December 2016 Those added most recently come first.

13/12/2016

Sunday Specials
Emma Shard

Nicely lit. 70802 Passing Brea with a rail train. 12.17 11th December 2016 Copyright Emma Shard

66238 and 66160 with the RHTT approaching Perran Tunnel 15.18 11th December 2016 Copyright Emma Shard The recent clearance of trees has considerably improved the view here.

Many thanks Emma.

Crewkerne 3
John Cornelius

Many thanks John

Items added on 12th December 2016 Those added most recently come first.

12/12/2016

Okehampton Christmas Seasonal Diesels
Andrew Triggs

161209a Visiting loco 33035 with the Christmas Wreath at Oakhampton. Copyright Andrew Triggs

161209b 33035 with resident loco DRS 47828 at Oakhampton. Copyright Andrew Triggs

161209c The former DRS livery still visible on 47828. Copyright Andrew Triggs

161209d 45060 Sherwood Forester on the Polar Express at Oakhampton. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Moorswater Cement
Craig Munday

70808 crosses the minor road at Moorswater. on Friday 2nd December 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

The train crew and their steed at Moorswater; 2nd December 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

A unique view only available to railway staff as 70808 climbs away from Coombe Junction towards Liskeard with the clay empties. The branch line to Looe lies in the foreground. 2nd December 2016. Copyright Craig Munday

Lit by the bright winter sun 70808 heads away from Liskeard station with the cement empties. 2nd December 2016 Copyright Craig Munday.

Snow at Crewkerne
John Cornelius

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