Blog Archives

Items added on 21st December 2017 Those added most recently come first

21/12/2017

It's the shortest day of the year!!

Exeter 71
Steve Carter

D809 CHAMPION looking past its best at Exeter September 1971 Copyright Steve Carter

Dawlish
David Pool

Good afternoon

I came across your Website when searching for information on the Motorail trains to and from Newton Abbot. I am planning to assemble an OO gauge model of one of these trains, and having photographed one at Dawlish in 1975 I thought you might be interested in the image (scanned from a Kodachrome slide). I am happy for you to use the image, provided that my name is shown as the photographer. The locomotive was 47 202, the train was the 2300 from Stirling, and the photo was taken on 23.10.1975.

I should be most grateful if any of your contacts would be able to give me some information on the coaching stock of this train in 1975. I assume there would be some Sleepers and probably FK stock and a BSK or BCK, but I'm not sure about the Buffet or Restaurant cars. I also assume they would all have M prefixes rather than W or SC.

Best wishes for the Christmas season, and I look forward to hearing from you.

David Pool. Can anyone help? Many thanks for your picture David.

Truthall
Mark Lynam

Taken three days ago during that period of superb sunshine, now we're back to gloom. We see Shunter 97649 approaching Truthall Halt on the 18th December 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam

Pridhamsleigh
Dart Valley Railway - South Devon Railway
Ron Kosys

Ron Writes :- I’d already studied the OS maps before embarking on this Railrover and a discussion with the DVR staff at Ashburton confirmed that the over bridge at Pridhamsleigh was the one to head for. It was thought that this location was to disappear totally under the A38 improvement scheme (whether or not that was actually the case I’m not sure). Although I had allowed plenty of time, being on foot, I thought I had better get a bit of a move on.
As was typically the case whilst I was on my Railrovers, the weather never was the best. It was extremely hazy despite a reasonable forecast for the day as a whole...
Anyway, off I went to Pridhamsleigh, spurred on by the knowledge that the driver was going to give me a bit of smoke to liven my shot(s) up a little.
Not long after I got into position I saw 1420 appear. When is the smoke going to appear? When do I fire the shutter ? It was click and wind on in those days, none of this auto drive stuff that we are spoiled with these days.
Well, the answer is, it didn’t. It just trundled under the bridge on which I was standing and away out of sight to the right as it coasted on its way to Buckfastleigh.
Good job I fired the shutter (and wound on) when I did, otherwise I would not have had the two shots that are attached.
Not the best. But as always the case with a lot of my early shots, they’ll do.
They most certainly will do Ron , many many thanks indeed.

Pridhamsleigh with 1420 approaching on the 21st July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

A going away shot at Pridhamsleigh of 1420 heading for Buckfastleigh. A delightful,never to be repeated scene - savour these memories. 21st July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Where is Pridhamsleigh? A delightful bridge once served Pridhamsleigh Farm in this one time quiet valley. You can still get to this spot - well within a few yards, a replacement bridge spans the A38 at this spot. Try Google Earth. This map, an enlargement for the OS 25 inch map with permission of the National Library of Scotland. N.B. Ashburton at the top and Buckfastleigh at the bottom.

There is a plan to re-open the railway to Ashburton - quite how this might be done would be very interesting to know as the majority of the original route is buried beneath the A38.

Xmas at the Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius

A novel train stop! Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 20th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

20/12/2017

Busy at work at Long Rock today
Roger Salter

171220a Laying ballast amongst the new running lines to the new depot from Long Rock yard. Copyright Roger Salter

171220b The new track layout to Long Rock Depot. Copyright Roger Salter

171220c Busy with upgrade to the old part of the depot. Copyright Roger Salter

171220e Work in full swing to lay the remaining track to the depot. Copyright Roger Salter

171220f More cement pouring by the main gate of the depot. Copyright Roger Salter

171220g The new tarmac pathway laid & driveway around the perimeter of the new depot. Copyright Roger Salter

Staverton
Ron Kosys

1420 makes a delightful scene as it crosses the River Dart near Staverton. 21st July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

Seaton Jct.
Ron Kosys

Seaton Junction D400+50007 pass by on the 24th May 1992 with the 1O39 1543 Sundays Exeter-Waterloo Copyright Ron Kosys

Truthall Halt
Mark Lynam

Finger post for Truthall Halt. Taken on the 18th December 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam. Isn't it marvelous when cast signs such as this survive!

Xmas on the YRC
John Cornelius

Items added on 19th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

19/12/2017

Helston
Mark Lynam

Looking very smart in the winter sun Helston Goods shed. The platform is still in position on the right of this picture. Ahead lay the course of a line to the Lizard which of course was never built. 18th December 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam

Buckfastleigh
Ron Kosys

1420 at Buckfastleigh at the time the route to Ashburton was still available. Note that although the home signal for the line beyond is pulled off that the signalman is showing a red flag. 21st July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

Plymouth
Adrian Hoblyn

D870 Zulu on the Cornishman at Plymouth 16th August 1962. From the album of the late Adrian Hoblyn. One of these young men maybe Adrian.

Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius

This week we'll be showing the activities at the Yeovil Railway Centre. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 18th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

18/12/2017

Penzance
Driver Nick Dyke

Hiya Keith, Here are a couple of shots of 57604 towing 57602 dead in train at Slopers siding Penzance and also in platform 2 at Penzance.
Kindest Regards & wishing all members a very Merry Christmas.
Nick Dyke
Many thanks and compliments of the season to you, Nick.

57604 and 57602 at Slopers Siding, Penzance 17th December 2017 Copyright Nick Dyke

57604 and 57602 before journey to Paddington Penzance 17th December 2017 Copyright Nick Dyke (Driver)

'Hi Ya, Dad'
at St Austell
Jamie Dyke

The driver raises his hand to Jamie Dyke. 57604 dragging 57602 and sleeper stock working 5Z70 1011 Penzance to London Paddington ECS. 17th December 2017 Copyright Jamie Dyke

Ashburton
Ron Kosys

6435 is seen at Ashburton on the 21st July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Plymouth
Adrian Hoblyn

7317 at Laira 1962 by the late Adrian Hoblyn Copyright

Spit & Polish
John Cornelius

Large logo Class 37 025 on hire to Colas Rail.
By Alan Peters.

In the early hours of Wednesday 13th December just one GWR staff member was on the platform to witness the arrival of test train UTU4 with large logo 37025 at Exeter St Davids, the SRPS Diesel Group owned class 37 on hire to Colas Rail had worked the 3Z22 from Bristol High Level to Cardiff Canton via Exeter St Davids recording at 30mph, note the HST barrier coach behind the locomotive By Alan Peters.

37 025 stands in the platform at Exeter St David’s. Copyright Alan Peters.

Items added on 17th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

17/12/2017

Truthall
Kevin Meagor

Truthall Halt from an unusual angle. Rebuilt 50 years after closure Copyright Kevin Meagor

Sleeper ECS to Paddington
Clive Smith

57604 & 57602 passing Ivybridge with the 10.11 Penzance to Reading ECS empty sleeper stock from Friday night's failure and subsequent HST replacement. 17th December 2017 Copyright Clive Smith

Going away shot 57604 & 57602 passing Ivybridge with the 10.11 Penzance to Reading ECS empty sleeper stock 17th December 2017 Copyright Clive Smith

The Saga following 57602 and its HST Drag to Laira on Friday
Andrew Triggs

I noted these two Class 57s coupled up in the sidings whilst passing by in the car. Only 57604 Pendennis Castle was running, 57602 Restormal Castle having rescued the errant HST on Friday morning taking it to Plymouth failed prior to working The Night Riviera from Penzance that evening. The Night Riviera was then replaced by another HST for its overnight journey to Paddington.

171216a 57604 Pendennis Castle and 57602 Restormal Castle at Long Rock coupled to the Night Riviera. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Ashburton
Ron Kosys

4555 resting at Ashburton on the 21st July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Exeter St Davids
Adrian Hoblyn

Exeter St Davids. December 1962 by the late Adrian Hoblyn

David Tozer writes - I am afraid I must challenge the location of this photograph. (It was yesterday shown as on Exmouth Jct Scrap lines).

I suspect it is in fact not Exmouth Junction, but Exeter (St David's) - 83C. The clue is the coal wagons behind 30951 which are on a incline which led to the coaling stage at St David's. Following the Western Region take over some engines were stored in the down sidings at Exmouth Junction and others went to St David's loco for storage. Another storage location was a siding beside the head shut for the C & W Depot. Exmouth Junction did not have an incline whereby the track was much higher than ground level.

This is also confirmed by Richard Parkinson's excellent book, 'Exeter Memories - Exmouth Junction Fireman'. On page 23 is a photograph of 30951 in store at St David's with Class 700 30700, N 31409, and two further Class 700's 30689 and 30697. The photograph is dated December 1962. Again I would question the date (unless it was very early in December) as on 3rd January 1963 30689 and 30697 were on snow plough duties and were stranded at Sourton Cross in deep snow and I think cylinder damage lead to them being condemned. A couple of months later Exmouth Junction received two Q 0-6-0 engines for snow plough duties (30530/30531) and these were replaced later by WR 0-6-0's of the 2251 Class. One of which was 3205 now resident on the SDR.
Many thanks for this David - I bow to your detailed local knowledge.

Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius

Items added on 16th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

16/12/2017

Tickets?
Alan Harris

Alan writes :- Attached are scans of a couple of paper tickets which I bought recently which I find a bit puzzling. They appear to entitle you to catch a train as long as you have a valid ticket! I don't understand what their purpose is - have you any idea?
I remember 'Regulation Tickets' in the past, yet I also recall that these had 'Regulation' printed on them and entitled one to a particular seat!

Alan Harris Collection

Ashburton
Ron Kosys

Ashburton on the 21st July 1971, 1638 6435 1420. Copyright Ron Kosys

Chard Junction
John Cornelius

Against a background of the now long gone milk plant at Chard Junction we are now reminded of the long gone Virgin Franchise. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 15th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

15/12/2017

57602 Restormel Castle drags HST Power Car Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018 to Laira Depot
Roger Salter Andrew Triggs &
Roger Winnen

171215i Failed 43093 Old Oak Common at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

171215m 57602 Restormal Castle passing Marazion in a torrential downpour with defective 4309343170 running as the 5Z77 to Laira. Copyright Andrew Triggs who was soaked to the skin (Well Done Andrew)

171215j 57602 with the HST drag crossing Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Roger Salter

171215g 57602 Restormal Castle on the HST drag to Laira Depot hauling HST power car 43093 Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018 together with the set allocated for working the 07.41 Penzance to Paddington service, seen passing through Hayle. Copyright Roger Winnen

171215h The drag seen passing Hayle Station this morning on route to Laira. Copyright Roger Winnen

Two Colas class 67s come to Cornwall.
By Mick House Roger Salter Andrew Triggs &
Roger Winnen

Class 67 027 and 023 top and tail a four coach Network Rail train in to Cornwall today.

Class 67 027 Charlotte about to pass under Apex bridge. Copyright Mick House.

Class 67 023 Stella on the rear of the train and about to pass under Apex bridge. Copyright Mick House.

171215a 67027 Charlotte crossing Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

171215k 67027 'Charlotte' is seen crossing Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Roger Salter

171215n 67027 'Charlotte' arriving Platform 4 at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

171215c Don't fence 'Charlotte' in! Penzance Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

171215d 67023 'Stella' awaits departure from Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

171215e The train is seen departing Penzance at 12.23 Copyright Roger Winnen

171215o Better weather at Marazion since photographing the HST drag earlier this morning. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Pilning
needs your help.
Colin Burges

Railfuture has drawn attention to the contrast between Breich in Scotland and Pilning in England. Network Rail had proposed closing Breich but the Scottish Transport Minister has ordered its retention. Pilning is under threat of closure by stealth and the English minister isn't interested.

Campaigners urge that friends sign their government petition and try to use the station. I wonder if it may not be enough to buy a single, say Pilning to Patchway, from any booking office.

There is a link to the petition and a catchy campaign song on http://www.pilningstation.uk/

Cornwall is renowned for rebellion. Please rally your members to this cause.

With best wishes, Colin

Clicking the link above is very much recommended. KJ

True to Pilnings cause - here is my ticket purchased yesterday at Redruth. KJ

Note :- Pilning is approximately three and a half miles from Patchway. If you care to read from the link above you will see that because the footbridge at Pilning has been removed pending the forthcoming electrification and the need for increased clearance that only the up platform (1) is now available. A journey from Patchway to Pilning is therefore much longer and much more expensive. A single from Patchway to Pilning tomorrow 16th December 2017 will cost £18.40 (about £12 with railcard) You will have to catch the 12.36 off Patchway and travel to Newport arr 13.00. You will change trains and depart there at 13.15 getting to Pilning at 13.34. This is a journey of approximately forty miles - you will travel through the Severn Tunnel twice!!

Ashburton
Ron Kosys

1420 at Ashburton on the 21st July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys Note the extremely large lumps of coal waiting to broken and loaded.

Newton Abbot
John Cornelius

Items added on 14th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

14/12/2017

Colas Class 67s visits
Exeter today on a test train
David Tozer

171214a 67027 'Charlotte' with 67027 'Sheila' on the rear pass Exmouth Junction with the 04.56 1Q23 Old Oak Common via Salisbury Honiton Exeter and back via Honiton. Copyright David Tozer

Class 800
First Impressions Part 5
Derek Buttivant

The previous four parts have looked at some of the detail of the new trains. This final part is about the overall impression - based on just one Reading-Cardiff journey. There will be some subtle differences between the class 800 units and the class 802 which will eventually operate to Devon and Cornwall. Notably, the 802 engines will be uprated to give more power, so they might make more noise. With electrification not having reached further west than Maidenhead on the day I travelled, all of my journey was with diesel power. I rode in one of the vehicles with an engine under the floor and, while it could be heard, the noise level and vibration were both significantly lower than in previous units such as the Voyagers and 180s and very much lower than in units such as the 15X and 16X series. The main line through Swindon and Bristol Parkway to Cardiff is probably about as smooth as it gets - and the ride was indeed smooth. It remains to be seen what it's like on the Berks & Hants or through Devon and Cornwall where there are more curves and plenty of bumpy sections.
Seat comfort in first class was reasonable with all seats at tables in a 2+1 configuration. Leg room here is good, though the large tables in four-seat bays, lacking a folding section, require some flexibility to get in and out of the window seats. The single seats are partially airline-style. The last refurbishment of HST first class seating, in plush-looking but rather slippery leather, resulted in almost all single seats being airline and with consequent difficulty in accommodating pairs of passengers travelling together. In standard class the 800 seating is mainly airline and quite a lot harder but it seems less cramped than in an HST. Nevertheless, the extra three metres of length means even more people to try to manoeuvre along the gangway, stow luggage and queue to exit than in the HSTs.
With ten coaches on an afternoon off-peak train, most seats were unoccupied and the trolley had no trouble passing through. It could be very different in peak conditions. With no gangway connection between the two units, extra crew are also needed to service the two separate parts of the train. There are also, of course, two very expensive kitchens to carry around, occupying virtually one full coach between them. One oddity of the new trains when running as a coupled pair is that of coach lettering. We are used to HSTs with seven or eight coaches labelled A to E or F, plus K and L (G,H and I are not used). Lettering on class 800s is A to E when operating singly, but when a second unit is added the letters continue through the alphabet - otherwise trains would have two Coach As, two Bs, etc and that would be confusing. We have also become accustomed to HSTs running in "normal" formation with 1st class at the London end and station announcements made when they are in "reverse" formation. GWR depots do their best to get HSTs turned round as soon as possible to avoid the complications of being "back to front". Single, 5-car class 800s can be similarly treated but there are bound to be occasions when one unit of a coupled pair is the opposite way round from the other. This can result in first class (and the kitchens) being at the extreme ends of the ten-car train, next to one another in the middle, one in the middle and one at the rear or one at the front and one in the middle! It remains to be seen how these various possibilities are communicated on station platforms for passengers to find the right coach. Presumably the 800's will never run with one vehicle missing or duplicate vehicles either!
Overhead scrolling information screens are clear and, as with most modern trains, give a list of calling points and name the next stop. They can provide other information such as safety notices and details of forthcoming disruption to services. They can also include the coach identity letter - important in view of the above.
Overall, I felt that the ambience of the Hitachi class 800 trains does not represent (as has been claimed) a lowering of standards from those of the HSTs. As with most changes, some are for the better and some worse. We'll see (or perhaps not!) whether they are in as good shape as the HSTs after 40 years but I shall not be unhappy to ride in the 802s when they come to Cornwall.
Derek Buttivant Many thanks Derek

Penzance
Steve Widdowson

Class 50 50029 Renown in Network South East colours stands at Penzance station sidings. 20th June 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Copperhouse Creek crossing.
A query?

At Hayle the level crossing and associated swing bridge have long been a cause of interest. However, the still existing but inoperable swing bridge was not the first crossing of the narrow access to Copperhouse Creek and Canal. The original line - the Hayle Railway, came from Redruth down Angarrack incline and along what is now King George V walk and continued to the first Hayle station, which lay just beyond Hayle viaduct, alongside Penpol Terrace. It is obvious studying a map that this line did not use the 'current' swing bridge which dates from 1880 - the alignment is all wrong.
An excellent publication 'Hayle Railway Walks' says that the crossing was by means of a 'drawbridge' to permit waterbourne traffic access to the canal.
The location of this bridge is not precisely known nor its construction. A 'draw bridge' can be either one which lifts up, as across a castle moat, or swings. Has anybody, please, any idea of what was there?
Did the bridge carry the locomotive hauled passenger trains, or were these horse powered for the last stretch to the station?
Roy Hart writes :- I have read of a 'drawbridge' at Hayle -but these things are often unreliable. It is possible, though, because the Hayle Railway did not necessarily use engines all the way to the terminus - certainly in the early years, horses did the last lap. Hayle Railway advertising referred to trains terminating (in later years, I think) at HAYLE RIVIERE. Riviere is the old name of Clifton Terrace. Many thanks for that Roy.

From a 25 inch to the mile map reproduced with permission of the National Library of Scotland. The abandoned railway is the old line from Redruth via the Angarrack incline. From the alignment of this it could in no way have used the existing swing bridge to access the metals alongside Penpol Terrace towards the original station which lay just beyond the viaduct - marked 'Bank'.

Ashburton
Ron Kosys

Looking a picture. 1420 at Ashburton on the 21st July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Exeter Central
Banking
Adrian Hoblyn

An undated picture of Class W 31924 on banking duties. Copyright the late Adrian Hoblyn

Exeter Central to St Davids
John Cornelius

This line is signalled for two way working. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 13th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

13/12/2017

Sunshine and Showers at Exeter St David's
Roger Winnen

My main purpose of going to Exeter today was to photograph a 2+4 Car HST working a trial run from Plymouth to Bristol and return. The weather was dreadful at times however it produced some interesting photos in the different lighting conditions

171213d 43135 leads the returning 2+4 Car HST through Exeter St David's on route to Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

171213e Empty stock in brilliant sunshine from the incoming Waterloo service heads for North Yard Stabling point prior to returning on the next service to London Waterloo. Copyright Roger Winnen

171213f What a contrast from the last photograph as this 159 unit heads for the siding. Copyright Roger Winnen

171213g A class 150 departs Exeter under stormy skies to Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

171213h 150002 a 3 Car 150 unit arrives at St David's on a service from Barnstaple. Copyright Roger Winnen

The RHTT completes its 2017 Leaf Fall Season
David Tozer

David photographed the returning RHTT at Dawlish Warren this morning running as the 6Z11 St Blazey to Exeter Riverside. Hauled by 66041 and tailed by the work stained 66127

171213a 66041 heads the RHTT seen passing Dawlish Warren after completing the 2017 season, 66127 brings up the rear. Copyright David Tozer

171213b What a contrast from the leading locomotive 66041. 66127 still displays its grime. Copyright David Tozer

171213c Interesting signs at Dawlish Warren, we think that the top sign relate to the IEPs, then below is the new signs for the introduction of the 2+4 Car HSTs and the third one "Don't walk any further" Copyright David Tozer

Bristol Sights
Guy Vincent

I snapped 3 of these 4 images yesterday at Bristol Temple Meads and the last one the night before (11th).
With best regards for now. Guy Vincent
Many thanks indeed for these excellent shots Guy and also for the much appreciated detail which really is the icing on the 'Christmas Cake'!

37025 Bristol Temple Meads 37025 on the High Level Siding to the east of the station behind P1 with an Ultrasonic Test Train. This short stub is all that remains of the line that used to lead to Bristol Harbour and Docks, crossing Temple Way at the foot of the incline leading up to the front of the station. Just 24 hours earlier 37025 was reported on the High Marnham test track in Nottinghamshire, testing the train that it is now working with. 11th December 2017. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Bristol Temple Meads 43093 in Platform 13 on the 16.30 Paddington departure, complete with a crane for company 12th December 2017. Copyright Guy Vincent

A rarity although becoming more common in the area due to ongoing DMU shortages, 143620 waiting to work the 2156 stopping service to Exeter St Davids. The 'Pacer' arrived in Bristol on the 2M67 1852 ex Paignton. Note the yellow 'Non Multi' sticker visible in the secondman's windscreen. This indicates a fault is suspected with the coupler at this end and the unit should not be coupled to another set until the fault has been checked out and rectified. 12th December 2015. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Two brand new IEP sets, 800017 & 800018 in P15 waiting to run to Stoke Gifford depot after arriving from Paddington. Copyright Guy Vincent. 12th December 2017

Class 800
First impressions Part 4
Derek Buttivant

The accompanying pictures show the kitchen on a class 800 unit. Each five-car set has a kitchen occupying part of one of the driving vehicles. These kitchens are very well equipped with much better preparation and cooking facilities than those on an HST. An important difference is that the new kitchens occupy the full width of the vehicle whereas the HST kitchens are narrow to allow for the side corridor. On the other hand, the 800 kitchens have to be at the extreme end of the train rather than between first and standard class. There is, of course, no buffet counter, all seats being served by trolleys. Obviously, passengers cannot pass through the kitchen so the kitchen/driving vehicle has a passenger entrance door only at one end, the door nearest the driving cab being solely for crew use (though with push buttons outside this clearly confused some passengers) The first Pullman service to make full use of the new kitchens is expected to run to Swansea in the near future. This will serve the first-class vehicles consisting of the remaining section of the driving coach plus the adjacent half of the next vehicle. Presumably, where two 800 sets are coupled only one will offer the Pullman dining service.

Winter Chill
Craig Munday

Hi Keith, Some recent pictures from a chilly time of the year.

A trip to Bristol on the 8th and some pictures from the East end of Temple Meads. The Turbos have taken over some local services. The 08.36 to Avonmouth heads for the East ganry just after sunrise.
A blue HST departs for Bath Spa and a pair of IETs arrive from North Pole on a test run. 66127 looks pretty battle weary on one of the final night RHTT circuits ready to leave St Blazey (Truro 9th photo).
Finally, today (11th) 66187 makes a fine sight romping down the bank at Treverrin with the afternoon clay 6G07.

All the best, Craig Many thanks Craig

A colourful sight at Penzance on the 3rd December 2017 . A delightful scene in the winter sun. Copyright Craig Munday

Moving out to Long Rock on the 3rd December 2017 we find the sleeper, sleeping!! Copyright Craig Munday

The new image approaches Bristol Temple Meads. Note the Ground Frame in the foreground - the notice nicely painted in the old GWR colours. 8th December 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Bristol Temple Meads Turbo 166208 departs on the 08.36 service to Avonmouth. 8th December 2017 Copyright Craig Munday .

St Blazey 66127 looking rather weary after its service on the RHTT this autumn. 9th December 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

66187 looking a picture of health at Treverrin 11th December 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

Exmouth
John Cornelius

Exmouth looking rather spartan in the winter light.Copyright John Cornelius.

Items added on 12th December 2017 Those added most recently come first

12/12/2017

A Nodding Donkey and a Rainbow at Exmouth Junction
David Tozer

171210a 143619 photographed on Sunday at Exmouth Junction from the GWR Staff Association car park. This unit was laying over prior to working to Exeter Central. From here it would work a Barnstaple service. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Cross Country HST replaces a Voyager on the Glasgow Penzance service
Andrew Triggs Roger Winnen

171212a The 09.00 Glasgow Central to Penzance was formed as an HST tonight instead of the normal voyager. Copyright Roger Winnen

171212b The Cross Country HST viewed from the station wall in Platform 4 the Paddington arrival at 21.34 in Platform 2 and the Night Riviera awaiting departure in Platform 1. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The second known visit of 150002 to West Cornwall
Andrew Triggs

171211a 150002 arrives at Penzance on the 13.49 from Plymouth, it then departed on the 16.44 service to Exeter St David's. 11th December, 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Ashburton (4)
Ron Kosys

A study under the still existing train shed at Ashburton - but will it ever house trains again - one can only hope! Note the large and grand signs at this little country terminus. 21st July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

Night Terminus
(5 & 6)
Mark Lyman

With these three photographs Mark concludes his night time visits to the Cornish termini - many thanks Mark.

153382 at Looe about to work 2L02 18.40 to Liskeard Copyright Mark Lynam

Gunnislake 150216 awaits to depart on the 19.13 2P94 service to Plymouth 17th November 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam

Bere Alston 150216 - the crews change ends on the 2P94 service to Plymouth 17th November 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam N.B. I suppose for the time being it does serve as a sort of terminus!

Steam Plymouth '62
Adrian Hoblyn

These pictures come from the photo album of the late Adrain Hoblyn who was was twelve at the time. It is through the kindness of his wife Sharon that we have these pictures which might otherwise have been thrown away. So, these pictures, and more to come, in memory of Adrian.

4903 Astley Hall at Plymouth 1st December 1962 Copyright the late Adrian Hoblyn Courtesy Sharon Hoblyn

5569 Plymouth 29th December 1962 Copyright the late A Hoblyn.

Class 31 at Par
Steve Widdowson

An unusual visitor to Cornwall disgraced itself as it failed to start at Penzance at the commencement of the return journey. It was hauled dead with the railtour train by the 37''s used for the St Ives section of the tour to Par where it was 'dumped' for later recovery. 17th May 1997. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Stoneycombe
John Cornelius

This signalbox was of a very unusual design to protect the signalman from 'flying rocks' during times of blasting in the adjacent quarry. The clear exhaust of Western Gauntlet showing that she's in good health as she blasts her way up Dainton bank. Copyright John Cornelius

<<Previous

Forward>>

Latest News & Features

Large logo Class 37 025 on hire to Colas Rail.By Alan Peters.

Two Colas class 67s come to Cornwall.By Mick House Roger Salter Andrew Triggs & Roger Winnen

Archives

Large logo Class 37 025 on hire to Colas Rail.
By Alan Peters.

Two Colas class 67s come to Cornwall.
By Mick House Roger Salter Andrew Triggs &
Roger Winnen