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19th December 2019

19/12/2019

The Winter Storms at Dawlish brings chaos to services

Dawlish was closed today to IET/Voyager traffic due to the weather. Two IETs were affected by the weather, as follows:
802013 working 1C75, 09:37 Paddington - Paignton failed at Dawlish, revived at 13:05 and departed as 5C75 to Newton Abbot.
802001 working 1A82, 09:15 Penzance - Paddington hit by a wave at Dawlish and failed at Starcross.
1C76, 10:04 Paddington - Penzance cancelled at Exeter St Davids, these two IETs (802022/2017 I believe) now running south as 1Z99 to Starcross to rescue the errant 802001 on 1A82.
802003 on 1A84, 10:15 Penzance - Paddington, terminated at Newton Abbot, now returning with 802013 as 1Z76, 12:30 Newton Abbot - Penzance.
In addition, the following services were also cancelled in part or throughout:

1V41, 06:42 Birmingham New Street - Paignton (terminated Exeter St Davids)
1V42, 06:10 Derby - Plymouth (terminated Exeter St Davids)
1S45, 09:27 Plymouth - Aberdeen (Plymouth - Exeter St Davids)
1S47, 08:37 Penzance - Glasgow Central (restarted from Exeter St Davids)
1M41, 10:14 Paignton - Manchester Piccadilly (restarted from Bristol TM, see 1V47 below)
1V46, 06:45 York - Plymouth (from Exeter St Davids), restarted as 1M49 from Exeter.
1M49, 11:50 Plymouth - Manchester Piccadilly (Plymouth - Exeter St Davids, see above)
1V47, 08:05 Manchester Piccadilly - Paignton (terminated Bristol TM, probably used to run 1M41, see above)
2F18, 12:20 Paignton - Exmouth (terminated Newton Abbot)
1V48, 06:40 Newcastle - Plymouth (terminated Exeter St Davids)
2T18, 12:23 Exmouth - Paignton (terminated Exeter St Davids)
2T19, 12:57 Exmouth - Paignton (terminated Exeter St Davids)
1A86, 13:13 Plymouth - Paddington (Plymouth - Exeter St Davids)

Information extracted with many thanks from SW-SWRG & Realtime Trains

Hayle
David Prout

Dave Prout writes :- I have recently obtained a Great Western Railway book for Hayle Station, titled Cartage Instruction Book.
It contains a reference to a Motor Driving Certificate for an A S Thomas in 1943. It's an interesting book and can you provide more information on the attached ?

Regards, Dave Prout. Many thanks for your query Dave - can anybody advise further?

Hayle Cartage Instruction Book 1 Copy from David Prout.

Hayle Cartage Instruction Book 2 Copy from David Prout.

Newport
Ron Kosys

17th April 1984
At this time the Port Talbot to Llanwern iron ore circuit was worked by pairs of Class 56’s.
56041 and 56050 can be seen passing through Newport station heading for Llanwern with a loaded train, and later passing Ebbw Junction heading once again for Port Talbot with the empties.
Note the former Ebbw Junction mpd on the left.. Many thanks Ron.

56041 + 56050 passing through Newport station. Copyright Ron Kosys.

56041 + 56050 passing Ebbw Junction Newport. Note the former Ebbw sheds on the left. Copyright Ron Kosys

Blue Power Cars
Clive Smith

Somewhat unexpected as I was expecting 43172 Harry Patch and blue 43191 on blue stock on the same diagram as per the previous day. They went down from Bristol to Penzance in the morning and returned on the 10.50 Penzance - Cardiff Central only for the train to change sets at Plymouth. Now the train is a green rake with FGW blue power cars at each end. 43196 at the front and 43161 at the rear and with 43196 reportedly with bad wheel flats. Does this now mean the demise of celebrity 43172 ?

Regards, Clive Smith. We hope we don't lose Harry Patch..

43196 leads crossing the River Plym at Marsh Mills. 18th December 2019, Copyright Clive Smith

Praise from afar.
Brian Willis

Hi Keith, my annual thanks to you and the team of photographers that make my day with all the pictures of trains and particularly Cornwall which bring back all the ‘good old days’ in my memory. It’s a pleasure to read your postings every day.
Brian Willis, Gig Harbor, WA.
Many thanks Brian - readers look up Gig Harbour on Google Earth. It's thanks to all our contributors really for without them the site would be nothing. Happy Christmas to One and All.

18th December 2019

18/12/2019

Is this the next service to Paddington!
Roger Salter

On a terrible weather day in the station ,with seas crashing over the line at Eastern Green & cross country delays at Dawlish I found this unit stabled at the sidings possibly off to London Paddington !!!!!!!!

Thanks Roger

Extra services to St Germans & Saltash
Roger Winnen

The new timetable which came into force on Sunday 15th December 2019 shows 48 trains calling at St Germans and Saltash on a weekday, an increase of 14 for St Germans, a much enhanced service.

191216a A brief spell of sunshine at St Germans. Copyright Roger Winnen

191216b 43186 Taunton Castle departs St Germans on the delayed 11.15 service from Penzance, with the front power car shut down. Copyright Roger Winnen

191216c Information for the Area Public Transport Group displayed at St Germans Railway Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

191216dThe new timetable for St Germans has the most comprehensive service on record. Copyright Roger Winnen

191216e The Milltown Coach at St Germans which was recovered at Milltown Nr Germoe in West Cornwall. Photograph by kind permission of Mr John Stroud Rail Holidays at St Germans. Copyright Roger Winnen

Further photographs of St Germans will feature on this website in due course.

Just one week to go

This is a copy of a delightful card sent to me (KJ) by Craig Munday which I forward to you all with his and our best wishes;

Many thanks Craig and our best wishes to you and your family.

Sherborne
Brian Pibworth

"No 6233, "Duchess of Sutherland", London Midland and Scottish Railway Princess Coronation Class pacific loco sets off from Sherborne(Dorset) with the down Cathedrals Express, the 1Z92 1045 London Victoria to Yeovil Jn Down Main Sdg. The train stopped at Sherborne to allow passengers to alight for a carol service in the Abbey, before continuing ecs to Yeovil Steam Centre for servicing and loco turning." Copyright Brian Pibworth.

A seasonal contribution from our line, where we were blessed with just sufficient light to make the steam sparkle. The pic is from a road bridge immediately West of the town and we had the full benefit of drain cocks and sanders at work - an effect which sadly blighted the shots of many photographers back at the station.
Best wishes for Christmas,
Brian

Many thanks Brian - a powerful shot.

Christmas Cheer - the B & W
Chris Harvey

5552 is captured on 14th December 2003, about to charge through Charlie's Gate with the 1340 Bodmin Parkway - Bodmin General Santa Special. Copyright Chris Harvey

Many thanks for your best wishes Chris- another powerful picture. All the very best to you.

Newbridge Cross
Ron Kosys

47484 Newbridge Cross, Cowley 14th September 1988 TavyJn-Meldon

One I squeezed in this week is this shot of green 47484 taken on 14th September 1988. I was waiting at Newbridge Cross, between Cowley Junction and Crediton, for the loaded morning ballast off Meldon Quarry, when a clattering behind me alerted me to something heading in the opposite direction. An extra train off Tavistock Junction for Meldon was running well early when it passed me heading initially for Crediton where it would no doubt cross with the loaded train. With this being the case it left me with plenty of time to change location and head for Newton St Cyres. Things were oh so interesting around that period....

Cheers, Ron. Many thanks - a real country scene.

Lostwithiel & Par
Martin Baker

Thought i would send in a couple of HST pics in Cornwall from many years back.as 8/9 coach workings are all but finished.

An unidentified GNER at Lostwithiel on a Newquay service to the NE, your readers may be able to date it via the building work on Brunel Quays?

Also 43165 on a Paddington Penzance at Par

Hope they are of interest , Kind Regards, Martin Baker. Thanks Martin

GNER HST at Lostwithie, Martin asks can we date this picture? l Copyright Martin Baker.

A GWR HST rolls in to Par under the bridge with a Paddington to Penzance working. Copyright Martin Baker.

What would we do without the semaphores - they add a lot of quality and colours to the images above.

Last Days of the Slammers
Andrew Triggs

Evening Roger/Keith Received 16th Dec 2019
With the GWR 2+4 slam door HST's due to finish very soon and a break in the seemingly continuous rain, I popped over to Marazion to capture 43172 'Harry Patch' working 2U20 10.50 Penzance-Cardiff Central with 43191. Also the late running 2C06 08.47 Plymouth-Penzance GTi was waiting the road on the Marsh, which added to the scene. 4 shots for CRS
All the Best
Andrew

1. 43172 'Harry Patch' leading 2U20 past Marazion
2. 43191 bringing up the rear, as 2C06 awaits the road west on the Marsh
3. Refurbished slide door GTi 2+ 4 set 2C06 then approaches Marazion
4. And passes the former station on the way to Penzance

Picture 1 16th December 2019, Copyright Andrew Triggs

Picture 2 16th December 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture 3 16th December 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Picture 4 16th December 2019, Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Langstone Rock
Paul Barlow

43098 and 43153 power the 06.35 Manchester to Newquay 1V21/ Seen here passing Langstone rock on the 14th August 2004 Copyright Paul Barlow/ The bright red of the Virgin Livery comes out very nicely in contrast with the otherwise dry scene.

This is the last of the current series of pictures from Paul Barlow - Many thanks Paul, More to come?

17th December 2019

17/12/2019

Langham Levels
Ivybridge
Clive Smith

On the front is the superbly liveried 43172 Harry Patch, still soldiering on and part of a scratch set. Rumours are going around that the 'scratch' sets were to finish with the commencement of the new timetable . The train is the 10.50 Penzance - Cardiff Central seen here at Langham Levels west of Ivybridge station. Rear-guard action is provided by FGW blue liveried 43191. The predicted sunshine failed to materialise but one can't ask for too much. Lovely to see and even better for those onboard opening and shutting the doors and risking the wrath of GWR staff should they dare to open a window let alone stick their head out
Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks to you Clive.

43172 Harry Patch on Langham Levels west of Ivybtridge. 10.50 Penzance to Cardiff, 16th December 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

43191 brings up the rear on Langham Levels west of Ivybtridge. 16th December 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

Newport
Ron Kosys

At this time the Port Talbot to Llanwern iron ore circuit was worked by pairs of Class 56’s.
56041 and 56050 can be seen passing through Newport station heading for Llanwern with a loaded train, and later passing Ebbw Junction heading once again for Port Talbot with the empties.
Note the former Ebbw Junction mpd on the left.

56041 + 56050 Newport 17th April 1984. Ron Kosys See note above..

Langstone Rock
Paul Barlow

Everything is looking dry, except of course the sea as 67026 with the 06.00 Tonbridge to Par passes Langstone rock on the 14th August 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow

Bodmin Santa Specials
Mark Lynam

Hello Keith,
Below are a few photos taken at the weekend of the Santa specials on the Bodmin & Wenford worked by 4612 with 37142 assisting.

Thanks, Mark Lynam. Many thanks to you too Mark.

4612 and 7142 on an Empty Coaching Stock move into the siding to let the dining train enter the station. Copyright Mark Lynam

4612+37142 climbing the grade at Charlie's Gate, just up from Bodmin Parkway in the low winter sun.. Copyright Mark Lynam

37142 at Bodmin General before working the first service of the day at 10:00 to Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Mark Lynam

Very suitably decorated 4612 at Boscarne Junction before working a delayed 1240 to Bodmin General. Copyright Mark Lynam.

16th December 2019

16/12/2019

Rewe
Paul Barlow

67010 hauls the 09.05 Paignton to Newcastle the 1E99 past Rewe/ 7th August 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Steve.

Exeter area in Summertime
Bill Elston

A good days crop of photographs of 37's at work in the Exeter area. Many thanks Bill.

37708 and 37711 37708 and 37711 departing Riverside yd, at 1550, with aggregate empties from the Honiton dual carriageway project. 3rd July 1998 Copyright Bill Elston

37890+248, 0 on ^V70 Cliffe Vale to St Blazey clay empties. 3rd July 1998. Copyright Bill Elston

37429 with inspection saloon DB555903 'The Racal Belle' heading north through Stoke Cannon. Again its the 3rd July 1998; Copyright Bill Elston.

Laira Rarity
Steve Widdowson

140001 seen here at rest at Laira in September 1985. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Marazion Pullmans
Steve Widdowson

Many thanks to Steve Widdowson for this cutting from the very worthy 'Cornishman' newspaper. Steve has already contributed a great deal to our records on these now long gone coaches which once graced a siding between Marazion station and the sea front. A detailed report concerning all those who worked hard on this project of which not a trace remains at Marazion.

The cutting from the Cornishman dated 28th Jan 1988.

15th December 2019

15/12/2019

Todays Post from
Craig Munday

Morning Keith

A selection of photos taken in December of 2 x 4 HSTs, and a pair of power cars out for a Sunday morning leisurely trip from Long Rock to Laira & return on 15th.

The blue slam door sets are due to finish very shortly, so a must to capture them East of Bodmin where the vegetation has recently been cleared at Dobwalls (Lantoom).

43156 works 2C85 back west passing Coombe St Stephen just as the sun dips away over the hedge row behind me.

The clearance at Dobwalls near the A390 Sperritt Tunnel is remarkable, giving a superb broadside view of a down train. A green 2 x 4 Castle set is almost lost in the shot with the village behind it. Ground Control doing a fantastic job along the line St Germans to Onslow (Bodmin).

Finally for today - fresh pixels straight off the camera - 43041 & 43188 pass Trenance near Burngullow with a test run Long Rock to Laira & return, the sunlight starkly lighting the barren landscape.

Cheers, Craig.
Many thanks Craig the winter sun brings brilliant opportunities.

2C43 Sperritt Tunnel the 2C84 with slam door stock close to Sperritt Tunnel. 9th December 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

43156 at Coombe on the 2C85 9th December 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

43162 on the 2P61 at Lantoom 9th December 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Todays picture :- 43041 and 43188 at Trenance 15th December 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

Laira
Steve Widdowson

50046 'Ajax' shorn of nameplates awaits disposal at Laira on the 22nd March 1992. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Stephen.

Coryton Cove
Dawlish
Paul Barlow

67027 08.43 Paignton to Preston seen here emerging from Coryton tunnel and running along the wall at Coryton Cove. The date is 31st July 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

14th December 2019

14/12/2019

Taunton
Steve Widdowson

50027 heads west from Taunton This view from '40 steps footbridge'.seen in September 1985.. Copyright Steve Widdowson. A superb picture, enjoy all those semaphores as 50 027, later 'Lion' , hauls its long train away from a station stop.

Parsons tunnel
Dawlish
Paul Barlow

Rare motive powers as 67026 hauls the 06.00 Nottingham to Par Eden special 1Z52 out of Parsons Tunnel. Interesting motive power on a colourful rake of stock. 31st July 2004 Copyright Paul Barlow.

Views from
Shaldon Bridge
Ron Kosys

Shaldon bridge forms a very noticeable feature spanning the Teign Estuary carrying the A379/ It also provides a valuable platform for railway photographers surveying a long stretch of the main line. One has to be careful to mind the road traffic to get the shots.

In 1824 the Teignmouth and Shaldon bridge Company was established to raise money to build a toll bridge across the River Teign. The bridge, approximately 570 yards long, was designed by Roger Hopkins of Plymouth and was opened on the 8th June 1827

50149 Defiance Heads approaches along the banks of the Teign. The cranes of Tegnmouth Docks in the background.13th September 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys. Coupled inside is an unidentified class 47.

50149 Defiance continues on towards Newton Abbot on the 13th September 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron. More of Ron's adventures chasing the famous fifty tomorrow

13th December 2019

13/12/2019

Tomorrow Don't miss this -
Saturday - 14th at 6.30PM
Holding the line
How Britain's railways were saved.
- a talk by Richard Faulkner
Our speaker, Lord Faulkner of Worcester, as well as a distinguished political career, has had a lifelong interest in railways, holding several key posts including President of the Railway Heritage Association.

Plymouth
Clive Smith

Night time scene at Plymouth - many thanks to you Clive.

46045 has arrived at Plymouth with the 12.00 relief from York on Friday 28th October 1983. 46045 and the stock would go forward as the 19.15 ECS to Penzance from where it would work a relief to Sheffield the next day. Copyright Clive Smith.

Parsons Tunnel
Dawlish
Paul Barlow

43170 and 43021 provide the power to the 07,15 Paddington to Paignton as it exits Parsons tunnel on the 31st July 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow

Paignton
Steve Widdowson

50002 Superb stands at Paignton on the 22nd March 1992. Copyright Steve Widdowson

12th December 2019

12/12/2019

Memories of 1st May 1997 General Election Day
Roger Winnen

Thursday 1st May 1997 was a beautiful day with glorious sunshine thoughout, quite the opposite from today. After casting my vote I departed on the train for Par for a journey down to Golant where I spent the whole day photographing the clay from the vantage points overlooking the Fowey Estuary with the railway running alongside

970501a Class 37 arriving at Par from Parkindillack with clay for Fowey. Copyright Roger Winnen

970501b The 37 with the clay is seen approaching Golant on its run to Carne Point. Copyright Roger Winnen

970501c A broadside view of 37674 St Blaise Church neading for Fowey. Copyright Roger Winnen

970501d The returning empties from Carn Point seen at Golant. Copyright Roger Winnen

970501f A Class 37 heads away from Golant towards Lostwithiel with clay empties. Copyright Roger Winnen

970501h A Class 47 leaves Par with the ECS Royal Mail stock from St Blazey Yard to Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

970501i Clay from Rocks Dries at Goonbarrow is seen departing from Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

Long Rock Crossing
Michael Forward

HelloRoger Nice pictures on the site of the semaphores in Cornwall still and very impressed you went to see the Colas 70 down at the station at 11pm.
I attach a picture of a class 47 (did not record the number I am afraid) taken from Mexico Inn crossing on 17 June 1988 with the 12 noon parcels to Glasgow. An everyday sight then , thought a bit dull but I now make a big effort to see a class47. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Parkandillack
Ron Kosys

Ron catches activity at Parkandillack as 47339 carries out a shumt on the 25th April 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

This is to my mind classic Parkandilack, ignoring the industrial clutter in the foreground) one sees the train in action. A contrast between the brillain white of china clay terminal and the lush grass of the fields towards St Dennis. *Nestling in the trees on the crown of the distant hill is St Dennis Church. Very unfortunately the cows graze no more in the nearby field the land being occupied by a waste to energy plant which has had it problems producing very little electricity. KJ

*The church is situated on top of a hill overlooking the village and has views over Goss Moor to the sea at Newquay. It is dedicated to St Denys and stands on the site of an Iron Age fort. The tower is the oldest part of the church, and the newer church was almost destroyed by fire in 1985.[6] Although heartbreaking at the time, it has risen again from the ashes. The new roof timbers were so large that they had to be lifted in by a Royal Navy Seaking helicopter.

Laira Triangle
Steve Widdowson

37207 on the Laira Triangle in September 1985 during an open day. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Teignmouth - Dawlish
Parsons Tunnel
Paul Barlow

43111 and 43116 on the 09.25 Newquay to Edinburgh heading for Parsons tunnel. on the 31st July 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

11th December 2019

11/12/2019

Don't miss this - next Saturday
HOLDING THE LINE - Saturday - 14th at 6.30PM
How Britain's railways were saved
a talk by Richard Faulkner.
Our speaker, Lord Faulkner of Worcester, as well as a distinguished political career, has had a lifelong interest in railways, holding several key posts including President of the Railway Heritage Association.

A Last Look at the
22's
Ron Koysy

Always worth a phot. You never know how long they’ve got..
The bog-standard shots of the stabling point off the platform at St Davids when there was usually a line of Class 22’s waiting their next turn... Here four locos (6322, 6333, 6334, 6343) were visible on the evening of 18th July 1971.
Memories are made of this - many thanks Ron

6322 seen at Exeter St Davids on the 18th July 1971 . Copyright Ron Kosys

And now 6333 coupled to 6334 at Exeter St Davids. 18th July 1971 . Copyright Ron Kosys;

6334 together with 6343 again at Exeter St Davids. All the above seen on the 18th July 1971 . Copyright Ron Kosys,

Many thanks Ron

Deligtful
Dawlish
Paul Barlow

67005 heads the Virgin Trains 09.05 Paignton to Newcastle the 1E99 seen here on the approach to Dawlish station.24th July 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Around the west (1)
Laira
Steve Widdowson

33063 & 33050 Passing Laira, Plymouth F1281 21st March 1992, Copyright Steve Widdowson

To his letter Steve adds this glowing tribute to Richard Faulker:- Hi Keith, I notice you have the Cotswold Line Promotion Groups president Richard Faulker, he is also a member of Worcester Loco Society.
You will have a good evening. -- Regards Steve Widdowson

That is this coming Saturday - don't miss it!

10th December 2019

10/12/2019

A sunny interval at
St Germans
Mark Lynam

On a crisp and cold day Mark observes and records the passing traffic. Many thanks Mark.

158766 & 158745 2P84 10.51 Penzance to Plymouth St Germans 12.35 9th December 2019. Copyright Mark Lynam.

43170 working a delayed 2E63 the 11.12 Penzance to Exeter SD seen at St Germans at 13.03 9th December 2019. Copyright Mark Lynam.

802103 1A88 the 12.04 Penzance to Paddington seen at St Germans at 13.29 9th December 2019. Copyright Mark Lynam.

66041 on th OZ51 the 13.47 Par to Exeter Riverside. St Germans 14.07 9th December 2019. Copyright Mark Lynam

Baldhu Signalbox
Roy Hart

Following the query from Mrs. Rosemary Haines at 21.56 last night concerning Howrd Hendy we received the following from Roy Hart from Rangoon in Burma at 03.16 this morning - a very rapid reply from Roy Hart. We look forward to receiving a copy of the picture in due course. Many thanks Roy

Dear Keith,
I have an old sepia photograph of a young signalman standing outside Nancegollan signal box. On the reverse is written 'Howard Hendy 1922'. I know nothing else about the picture, which was given to me by another signalman back in the 1960s.
There can't have been many signalmen called Hendy in West Cornwall in the first half of the twentieth century.

Baldhu box was opened in 1938 as part of a plan to have two goods loops there. The plan was abandoned and the box remained operating just six levers (up and down home and distants plus two detonator placers). The box was of 'type 12' -a modern GW design (Penzance is of this type). The windows reached down to the floor. Baldhu was well known for its fine display of geraniums. I suppose there wasn't much else to do up there!

Having moved house recently, the photo will still be in one of many boxes. I will seek it out.

Roy Many Thanks Roy.

2004
Summer Saturdays
Paul Barlow

Some more Summer Saturday memories, this time from 2004.
Virgin trains ran some loco hauled (with class 67's) extras due to capacity problems on their voyager services. Virgin also hired in a GNER Hst. Past time Rail were running Edenex tours from different parts of the country most Saturdays. Hope these pictures are of interest.

All the best, Kind regards, Paul Barlow. Many thanks Paul.

We continue Paul's very welcome series on a daily basis.

67002 on the 08.43 Paignton to Preston the 1M89. Seen at Torquay 24th July 2004 Copyright Paul Bowman.

Exeter
Ron Kosys

Warship D844 Spartan at Exeter St Davids seen on the 26th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys,

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