Blog Archives

21st December 2022

21/12/2022

The end of 1962
Michael L. Roach

THE END of 1962 – PART 7
Plymouth Station
On Christmas Eve 1962 I walked to Plymouth Station in time to see the 3.00pm departure to Cardiff which started here and picked up a portion from Paignton at Newton Abbot Station. The train was hauled by 6935 “Browsholme Hall” of 88L Cardiff East Dock Shed which historically had always been allocated only tank engines. Most of the South Wales to London trains had been dieselised earlier that year but the diesels lacked a proper depot in Cardiff. In September 1962 Cardiff Canton Shed closed to steam to be rebuilt into a diesel depot. The remaining steam engines at Canton were moved to East Dock Shed including main line 4-6-0 express locos. 6935 departed on time with five coaches.
I walked down platform 8 to find small prairie 5569 on the 3.05pm to Launceston and boarded the train for a short return trip to Tavistock South. 5569 was a long term resident of Laira Shed dating right back to nationalisation in 1948. It was now a little over 48 hours since “The Big Freeze” had commenced, and very unusually 5569 took water at Horrabridge Station rather than at Tavistock Station where it had a longer stop and normally took water. I soon learnt that the water crane on the down side at Tavisock was already frozen up and unuseable, I returned from Tavistock on the 4.30pm auto which consisted of two coaches propelled by 6430. Further down the auto coach was the transport correspondent of the Western Morning News Mr. David St. John Thomas (1929-2014) who would become a very well-known author of railway books and a publisher. He co-founded David & Charles Publishers of Newton Abbot who at their peak had 300 employees. When Mr. Thomas addressed a meeting of the Cornwall Railway Society some thirty years later he spoke for more than two hours with stories, anecdotes and amusing incidents about the railway and without a single note to refer to.
MLR / 06 December 2022

5872 6935 “Browsholme Hall” leaves platform 7 at Plymouth Station with the 3.00pm to Cardiff on 24 December 1962. The lighting was very difficult with the setting sun directly behind the train. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

5873 5569 stands at platform 8 at Plymouth Station with the 3.05pm to Launceston. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks as usual Mike, looking forward to part eight.

Class 31 Southampton
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, Hope you are well and survived the cold,now we have heavy rain !Lovely pics .of Penzance in the snow and of the Western specials. Here is a shot by Michal Adams of 31419 waiting at Southampton with the 14.15 from Portsmouth to Bristol on 30 March 1981. Copyright Michael Adams

Many Thanks Michael

Private owner wagons used by businesses in Cornwall
Andrew McPherson

Hi I am trying to find information on private owner railway wagons used by businesses in Cornwall. I am particularly interested in whether Holmans of Camborne or J and F Pool in Hayle had their own wagons. Does the Cornwall Railway Society have any information or suggestions of where I might look for this information? Thanks. Kind regards Andrew McPherson

Can anyone answer this question

Hi Keith and Roger
I was intrigued by the request from Andrew McPherson about private owner (PO) wagons used by businesses in Cornwall as I was sure that I remembered a list somewhere on the web …

Andrew may well be aware of the following but it could be of interest to your wider audience.
Lightmoor Press have an extensive list of private owner wagons on their website. This indexes an owner’s name to the publication(s) containing a drawing of the wagon. The location of the owner is also listed (where known). The list can be found by searching:

Lightmoor Press Private Owner Wagons & Tankers Index
I’m afraid I cannot find a reference in Lightmoor’s list to Holmans or J and F Pool but there could be others in the list of interest to Andrew.
In addition, S Ellison has created a “Private owner wagons index – searchable” as an Excel spreadsheet which can be found by searching on rmweb. (The chat starts on May 5, 2015).

There is a suggestion in internet forums that much of the output from Hayle left by ship and the main types of Cornish PO wagons mentioned seem to be china clay or coal carriers. Bachmann set 37-081TL for example is three Cornish Coal Trader wagons in OO scale, namely Thomlin and Co of Truro, Rowe of Camborne and Helston Gas Company.

Finally, Hayle Railway Modellers have commissioned a Harvey & Co Ltd coal wagon from Bachmann but as the other offering is a Hayle Railway Modellers van I’m not sure about the accuracy of this wagon – you would have to ask Hayle Railway Modellers!

Hopefully Andrew can find something suitable and let us know the results of his search.

Kind regards

Paul

Many Thanks to you Paul for providing this information which is greatfully appreciated

A delightful spot
Newton St Cyres
Clive Smith

150233 stops at Newton St Cyres in glorious winter sunlight with the 13.26 Okehampton - Exeter Central on the 9th December. Change here for the Beer Engine ! A very prominent classic British Rail symbol adorns this station on the Exeter - Barnstaple / Okehampton branches. The station is actually located in the village of Sweetham and not Newton St Cyres. This station has suffered over decades with a poor train service to the extent that for many years it just had just one train a day each way to serve commuters journeying to Exeter for work. With the re-opening of the line to Okehampton from Coleford Junction and commencement of passenger services from Okehampton in November 2021, the number of trains calling here has dramatically increased , particularly with the summer 2022 increase in frequency of the Okehampton service from two-hourly to hourly. Good news for visitors to the adjacent Beer Engine Brewery Pub which was formerly the Station Hotel built in 1850, just fifty yards away and an absolute gem. Popular with drinkers and diners alike, it is well-frequented by locals and visitors with home-cooked food made with locally sourced produce served lunchtimes and evenings. Not to mention there is the beer brewed on the premises, all with railway themes. On my visit you could sample Rail Ale, Leaves Online, Piston Bitter, Luggage Porter and Whistlemas. They also brew Sleeper Heavy, Golden Arrow, Old Iron Horse, Pullman's Progress, Silver Bullet and Spring Return. Oh and there's a selection of well known railway photographer Keith Strickland's pictures on the wall to view when you need to spend a penny. The Beer Engine at Newton St Cyres is well worth a visit.

Regards, Clive Smith

150 233 calls at Newton St Cyres - its platform well populated with a multitude of signs and notices. 19th December 2022. Copyright Clive Smith

Newton St Cyres 19th December 2022. Copyright Clive Smith

Newton St Cyres - the Beer Engine. A very smart and distinctive building. 19th December 2022. Copyright Clive Smith

Newton St Cyres - the Beer Engine. The local brews on display. 19th December 2022. Copyright Clive Smith

Obviously a very pleasant place to stop off, especially with the more frequent train service. Many thanks Clive for your report on an enjoyable visit.

Bishopsteignton
Chris Harvey

On a crisp 16th December 2006, the 0730 Paddington - Penzance HST is seen reflected in the Teign at Bishopsteignton, on the approach to Newton Abbot.

Wishing you all the best for the festive season!

Best Regards, Chris.

Bishopsteignton. The 07.30 Paddington to Penzance HST is very nicely reflected in the water of the Teign estuary. 16th December 2006. Copyright Chris Harvey.

Many thanks Chris for a smashing distant view.

Today - the 21st December marks the shortest day of the year - hooray - one hopes for better things from now on - roll on 2023.

20th December 2022

20/12/2022

The end of 1962
Michael L. Roach

THE END of 1962 – PART 6
The Coaling Line at Laira Shed
The coaling line appeared busy on Sunday 23 December 1962. There would probably have been extra Christmas trains running into Plymouth but a contributory factor may have been the gradual reduction in the number of coaling stage workers as steam declined with each loco spending far longer on the coaling line going through the various stages of having the boiler and firebox cleaned etc. In earlier times there would have been an older driver, approaching retirement, dedicated to moving locos up the line and into the roundhouse but by now the coaling stage workers may have had to go off and find a driver each time they needed a loco moved up the line.
PHOTOGRAPHS
5865 View east of the coaling line on the right and the coaling line loop on the left. At the head of the line on the left is 5934 “Kneller Hall” of St. Phillips Marsh Shed.
MLR / 05 December 2022

5865 View east of the coaling line on the right and the coaling line loop on the left. At the head of the line on the left is 5934 “Kneller Hall” of St. Phillips Marsh Shed. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

5868 The opposite end of the coaling line with three interesting main line locos in view. On the left is Laira's own 7022 “Hereford Castle” while on the right is 5988 “Bostock Hall” of Old Oak Common Shed. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

5869 The most interesting of the trio was 8F 48475. There were periods in the 1950s when 8Fs were not uncommon at Laira - generally from Bristol Sheds. Indeed 48475 was at 82B Bristol SPM Shed until March 1962 when it moved to 84F Stourbridge Shed. It was the first and only Stourbridge loco I had ever knowingly seen until going around Stourbridge Shed in September 1965. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

As usual masses of detail - very much appeciated.

Penzance
Stephen Widdowson

50011 Centurian at Penzance. 1st July 1985. Copyright Stephen Widdowson

Many thanks Stephen.

Taunton 82
Paul Barlow

45111 Grenadier Guardsman 09.40 Wolverhampton to Penzance relief speeds through Taunton. 2nd January 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul the good old days.

19th December 2022

19/12/2022

The end of 1962
Michael L. Roach

THE END of 1962 – PART 5
Castles on Laira Shed
As 1962 wore on fewer and fewer steam locomotives arrived at Plymouth but there was probably a bit of a resurgence of steam arrivals in the days leading up to Christmas with extra passenger and parcels trains. I visited Laira Shed to see what was on offer at mid-day on Sunday 23 December 1962 and it was almost like the old days with a long line of locos on the coaling line waiting to be serviced and an express passenger 4-6-0 receiving attention under the crane, which was not common as it was mostly tank engines that were repaired under the crane.
MLR / 05 December 2022

5863 7032 Denbigh Castle of Old Oak Common Shed is seen under the crane at Laira Shed at mid-day on 23 December 1962. The low building to the right was a bicycle shed. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

5864 In this view it can be seen that 7032 is minus its bogie and one set of driving wheels. The main line is located on the top of the embankment behind the engine; and the offices are located to the left. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

5866 7011 Banbury Castle of Reading Shed is seen outside the Long Shed at Laira a few minutes later. The fact that the loco was based at Reading suggests that it was station pilot there and had replaced an ailing diesel locomotive. Copyright Nichael L. Roach.

Many thanks Michael - what an amazing record you have with invaluable photographs - we look out for Part 6 tomorrow.

Truro in 1975
Roger Winnen

750104d A Class 52 approaching Truro on 12.40 Penzance to Paddington.. Copyright Roger Winnen

750104f D1033 Western Trooper with the parcels at Penwithers. Copyright Roger Winnen

750104h Truro Station and yard from Dobbs Lane. Copyright Roger Winnen

750104i 14.00 Penzance to Birmingham at Truro Doubleheaded Peak 45016 and a 50 locomotive. Copyright Roger Winnen

750104j 14.00 Penzance to Birmingham at Truro Doubleheaded Peak 45016 and a 50 locomotive. Copyright Roger Winnen

Exeter
Paul Barlow

45137 coasts in on the 07.34 Leeds to Penzance 1V71 Cowley bridge junction. 16th April 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

Penzance
Steve Widdowson

47613 'North Star' TPO Penzance 1st July 1985 Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks Steve.

18th December 2022

18/12/2022

Night Photography
Barry Jones

Dear Keith and Roger,
To add to the recent thread on your website about night photography I thought it might be interesting to share a photograph of the Dartmouth Steam Railway ‘Train of Lights’ from 2019 with some technical information:

It was taken from Sugar Loaf Hill near Goodrington on the 20 Dec 2019. The camera was a Nikon D850 with a 50mm f/1.4 lens. The exposure was 1/125 sec at f/2.8 at ISO 6400. The Nikon RAW file was post-processed using Adobe Lightroom to optimise the colour saturation of the highlights also including some noise reduction.

Hope this may be interest to your readers. Best wishes, Barry Jones

75014 T+T with D6975 on Train of Lights, Waterside, Goodrington (1730 Kingswear to Paignton), 20th December 2019. Copyright Barry Jones.

Many thanks indeed Barry for sending us your stunning photograph - it will be of particular interest to Victor Menhennet that you have provided details of the your camera and it settings.

The end of 1962
Michael L. Roach

THE END of 1962 – PART 4
Hillsides of the Plym Valley
As the last weeks of the Plymouth to Tavistock and Launceston passenger train service went by I was constantly thinking of the locations that still needed to be visited and photographed again, or indeed for the first time in some cases. All the photos attached were taken on the afternoon of Saturday 22 December 1962 when there was just one week left before the “last day.” It was pure chance, and not by design, that 60 years later they can all be put under the heading of hillsides. The railway followed the Plym Valley from Marsh Mills to Shaugh Bridge where the river turned eastwards up on to the high moor and its source on Dartmoor. The railway then followed a tributary of the Plym from Shaugh Bridge to Yelverton. As the line progressed northwards up the two valleys it was climbing higher and higher above the rivers on a more or less continuous gradient all the way from Tavistock Junction to Yelverton (7½ miles). The date of 22 December was significant as it was the very first day of a continuous cold spell that came to be known as “The Big Freeze” of the 1962 - 63 winter. One result of the cold is that the locomotive's exhaust steam hangs in the air for some time to often dramatic effect. I only took three photos that afternoon, and they are all here. All three were taken at 1/125 of a second but as the afternoon wore on and the weather detiorated the shutter opening went from f11 to f7 and finally f2.8
MLR / 04 December 2022

5860 The 12.40pm SO Launceston to Plymouth has just departed Plym Bridge Platform and is about to cross the former Lee Moor Tramway as it heads for Marsh Mills and Plymouth on 22 December 1962. The River Plym runs between the two lines of trees. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

5861 6430 with two auto coaches is seen soon after departing Shaugh Bridge Halt (bottom right) and .approaching Shaugh Tunnel. The tunnel mouth is just to the right of the loco's exhaust. 22nd December 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

5862 4555 is seen on a ledge cut into the hillside at the end of the first curve north of Clearbrook Halt. The time is 3.38pm and just 35 minutes before theoretical sunset. 22nd December 2022. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks Michael, I particularly like the first one with the locomotive laying a smoke trail along the cold valley, Note the river, the frosty grass and the cattle staying still keeping their warm spots warm.

Penzance
Stephen Widdowson

50007 Hercules at Penzance on the 3rd July 1985. Copyright Stephen Widdowson

Many thanks Stephen.

A nice wintery scene at
Exeter
Paul Barlow

47436 arrives at Exeter on the 1215 Penzance to Leeds 1E21 Sundays only. 10th January 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul, A lovely crisp scene on a crisp morning.

B & W
Jon Hird

Hi guys,
Sorry to fill your inbox up with photos of the BWR Christmas trains, I think this is the third lot I have sent you!!

With nothing interesting going on on the big railway (infact today, nothing at all going on), the BWR trains have been a welcome distraction and a bit of an excuse to drag myself out of the house!

I’ve been trying to get a shot of the L92 pannier in the sun for the last few weeks without any luck, today the planets and stars aligned and it came off.

All the best, and merry Christmas to you all, Jon Hird

47306 enters Bodmin Road Copyright Jon Hird.

L92 climbs the bank. Copyright Jon Hird. Jon says something about the sun and planets being aligned - can't see any planets but the sun and scene is just right. A remarkable picture.

Many thanks Jon - hope all goes very well for you and yours.

17th December 2022

17/12/2022

Coles Mill Viaduct
Holesworthy
Meredith Neiman USA

Photograph Taken on Sunday 6th March 1960. Copyright Meredith Neiman

Many thanks for this interesting photograph taken of a Class N crossing Coles Mill Viaduct

Private owner wagons used by businesses in Cornwall
Andrew McPherson

Can anyone answer this question!

The end of 1962
Michael L. Roach

THE END of 1962 – PART 3
Bickleigh Station
After visiting Marsh Mills Station on the afternoon of Saturday 15 December 1962 I moved on to Bickleigh Station which was the next staffed station down the line to Tavisock and Launceston. There was no sun, but if there had been sunset would have been around 4,13pm. I saw one train pass through, the 3.05pm Plymouth to Launceston which was scheduled to stop here from 3.24 to 3.27 although nothing passed the other way. The train was hauled by the now preserved 4555. The loco had arrived at Laira Shed on 19 May 1962 and was withdrawn from Laira on 2 December 1963 and sold for preservation on 19 May 1964 – the formal date of exchange of ownership because 4555 actually worked the last passenger train out of Brecon, a railtour, on 2 May 1962 double heading with pannier tank 3690.
I took five photos at a very dull Bickleigh Station in five minutes all at a shutter opening of f2.8 and the three included here were all taken at a shutter speed of one thirtieth of a second
MLR / 03 December 2022

5854 4555 stands at Bickleigh with the 3.05pm Plymouth to Launceston which arrived 3L that day just two weeks before the train would run for the last time. 15th December 1962 Copyright Michael L Roach

5855 Looking south at Bickleigh towards Plymouth. Note the wide gap between the tracks a legacy of the line's broad gauge origins. 15th December 1962. Copyright Michael L Roach

5856 The up platform showing the 1923 signal box. There was a disused signal box directly opposite used as a goods shed, but it was not the previous box but the one before that. 15th December 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks Michael - we look forward to Part Four of you much appreciated record.

Last stand - the end at
Trevemper Sidings
Jim Lewis

Jim takes a look as all traces of the goods depot at Trevemper are removed.

Trevemper sidings. Screen shot of location from OS 25 inch Map. From National Museum of Scotland. From Jim Lewis

The remains of a buffer stop awaits collection on the next load. 16th December 2022. Copyright Jim Lewis.

Trevemper sidings - note how clearly the former sleeper positions remain in the ballast. 16th December 2022. Copyright Jim Lewis.

Many thanks to Jim for the above photographs of the remains of the Trevemper sidings off the former Chacewater to Newquay Railway.

Penzance
Steve Widdowson

50005 & 50016 Penzance 1st July 1985. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Stephen.

Plymouth
Paul Barlow

45139 18.30 Plymouth to Cardiff Exeter St Davids Time exposure.taken with a 200mm telephoto lens. 17th March 1982 Copyright Paul Barlow.

You got it dead right - many thanks Paul.

16th December 2022

16/12/2022

The end of 1962
Michael L. Roach

THE END of 1962 – PART 2
Marsh Mills Station
On the afternoon of Saturday 15 December 1962 I went to Marsh Mills station to take a couple of photos and see two trains go through. First to appear was small prairie 5568 with two coaches on the 12.40pm SO Launceston to Plymouth. This Saturday extra broke up the long gap on weekdays between the second train of the day (at 10.15am) and the third train (at 5.40pm). I recorded that it was a wet dreary day and the resultant photo of 5568 is not worth showing. Next train to appear was the 2.10pm Plymouth to Tavistock South auto hauled by pannier 6430. From Marsh Mills Station I moved on to Bickleigh Station which was four miles away by rail but further by road.
PHOTOGRAPHS
5850 Here we are looking south at Marsh Mills towards Tavistock Junction and the main line a quarter of a mile away.
5852 The 2.10pm Plymouth to Tavistock South with 6430 hauling two auto coaches.
MLR / 03 December 2022

5850 Here we are looking south at Marsh Mills towards Tavistock Junction and the main line a quarter of a mile away. Copyright Michael L. Roach

5852 Marsh Mills The 2.10pm Plymouth to Tavistock South with 6430 hauling two auto coaches. 15th December 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach

Thanks Mike - continuing with Part 3 tomorrow.

Blenheim
Alan Peters

Scanning some old negatives from 1982, when I came across "Sir Winston Churchill" at the Blenheim Palace Miniature Railway, all I can find on this 15" loco is that it was originally built by Trevor Guest in 1949 as a 4-6-0 named 'Prince Charles'
In 1968 the loco was rebuilt with a larger firebox and converted to a 4-6-2 and moved to Blenheim Palace in 1975 where it was renamed 'Sir Winston Churchill'. It was sold in the 1990s and renamed 'Prince William' and moved to Evesham Vale Light Railway in Worcestershire, but I have no idea of its current where abouts?

Alan Peters

Thank you Alan - can anybody help with its current whereabouts or name?

Andy Dunican of Torquay reports that this engine was in private ownership in Oxfordshire in 2014 no information since then
Many Thanks Andy

Penzance
Stephen Widdowson

50005 & 50016 Penzance {Penzance to Paddington Sleeper} 1st July 1985 Copyright Stephen Widdowson

Many thanks Stephen.

Exeter
Paul Barlow

33104 on the 20.20 Exeter to Basingstoke seen at Exeter St Davids on the 17th March 19982. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

A short and very chilly visit to
Exminster
David Tozer

Gents,
With the temperature at 2c, I made a brief visit to Exminster:-

43004/43010 with the 1100 Cardiff Central to Penzance.

150248/216 with the 1326 Exmouth to Paignton.

66131 1418 Exeter (Riverside) to St Blazey clay empties.

Regards Dave Tozer

43004 & 43010 seen at Exminster on the 15th December 2022. Copyright David Tozer.

150248 seen at Exminster on the 15th December 2022. Copyright David Tozer

66131 Seen at Exminster 15th December 2022. Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks Dave - your were brave to be out in such chilly weather. A quick dash out of a nice warm car I hope.

15th December 2022

15/12/2022

The end of 1962
Michael L. Roach

PART 1 Introduction
In this series we will be recalling the second half of December 1962, the start of “The Big Freeze” and the end of the Western Region's Launceston Branch as recorded through the logs of my rail journeys and through the lens of my camera. The short and dull days meant that most photos were taken between 11.00am and around 3.30-3.40pm. The last photos of the day were often taken at a thirtieth of a second at f2.8 It was a time of great change on the railways of Britain as steam was replaced by diesel and electric haulage. The first diesels had arrived at Laira Shed in 1958 and after 4½ years there was stilll a selection of steam locos arriving at Plymouth each day and needing servicing before being dispatched on their return journey; but not for much longer. At the end of December the 34-mile branch to Tavistock and Launceston was due to close to passengers and it needed 7 locos Monday to Friday to operate the train service. 1963 would see far fewer steam locos arriving at Plymouth but they still kept coming to Plymouth and Laira Shed from Exeter, via Okehampton, up until the first weekend in September 1964. Even after that date they arrived twice a day from Okehampton for another four months but not needing servicing.
No history of this time would be complete without mentioning the weather which dominated the news for months on end. There was a short cold spell on 12-13 December and then on 22 December1962 the low temperatures returned and this time they stayed for week after week. We had no idea at the time that this was the start of “The Big Freeze,” a cold spell that would last 12 weeks. There was a frost, lying snow and treacherous ice almost every morning. The main roads were kept clear but as the Council cleared the footways more snow fell and the Council had to start all over again. The snow became frozen and dangerous with deep drifrts in places. It was the longest and worst cold spell for 250 to 300 years. It is worth looking at what Wikipedia has to say about The Big Freeze.
In this first part we feature some typical photos of the locations which will be seen over the coming days.
MLR / 02 December 2022.

5859 6430 is seen north of Marsh Mills with an ECS train heading to Tavistock where it will return with the 12.40pm Tavistock to Plymouth auto on 22 December 1962 which was the first day of the start of a long cold spell lasting 12 weeks. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

5880 Boxing Day 1962 inside Laira roundhouse with 5568, 4658 and 4701 of Old Oak Common. Copyright Michael L. Roach

5883 4574 takes water at Launceston at 8.53am on 27 December 1962 having just arrived with the 7.10am from Plymouth. Copyright Michael L. Roach

We very much welcome the first of a new series from Michael. We are extremely lucky that Mike, together with his camera was around to witness these wonderful yet sad scenes. Many Thanks.

Plymouth
Steve Widdowson

50004 St Vincent at Laira. A nive view of the carriage sidings including a heritage DMU. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks Steve.

Exeter
Paul Barlow

33016 has just arrived on the 1110 Waterloo to Exeter This engine is standing for a failed class 50. The snow makes for a nice crisp photgraph. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

14th December 2022

14/12/2022

Manchester Model Railway Christmas Show
"Moors View"
Peter Radford

Morning Roger, hope you are well, we held our annual Christmas model railway exhibition over the weekend and what a great success it was , I thought that CRS members would like to take a look at one particular layout “ Moors View” set in Dartmoor in the midst of winter. Although small in size it captivated the audience and MMRS members all weekend with its atmosphere and quality of running , steam on Saturday and blue diesel era on Sunday set in the snow . It can be found on Youtube and many other headings, such as Manchester Model Railway Christmas exhibition etc, Best wishes ,Peter.

Many Thanks Peter. Wishing you a Happy Christmas from the CRS

Laira
Steve Widdowson

50004 St Vincent at Laria on the 30th June 1985. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Steve.

Exeter
Paul Barlow

50041 Bulwark pilots 43049 and failed 43048 10.08 Penzance to Paddington Cornish Riviera the 50 was removed at Exeter. 6th April 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Bath specials and Jack Frost
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
A busy week away in the Bristol area with some fine weather before the big freeze. On the 9th a visit to Hall Lane End, Wickwar once more for a series of trains in 50 mins. The scene was more bleaker than my August visit to the same location. Two HSTs were seen, the Networkrail NMT and Cross Country set working the Edinburgh to Penzance. Two oil trains were also noted, one in either direction from the nearby Westerleigh oil depot. How impressive those DB Cargo class 60 are, hauling huge trains day in, day out since their introduction in 1990.

The next day for Bath markets, I dropped off at Newton St Loe for another barrage of trains in around 90 mins. Both LSL and WCR provided specials to visit the event in Bath, and I pictured the trains on the wonderful elevated embankment near Saltford alongside the A4. A points problem caused congestion in the area, but the blue sky held and the trains looked awesome. The red livery of the Duchess and nanking blue of the blue pullman simply pinged in the clear air.

Back home now, welcomed by a widespread frost tinged with weak morning sun presented a good opportunity to grab some GWR services on the Carlyon Bay golf course on 12th. No flying balls to avoid either! The Castle sets likely to be thinned down on some of the longer distance services this month.

Best wishes, Craig Munday.

All the photographs below are copyright Craig Munday

Superb photographs Craig for which many thanks. My apologies for lack of captions - due to problems on this machine.

13th December 2022

13/12/2022

New Years Day 1979
with snow in West Cornwall
Roger Winnen

790101b 50043 Eagle and the sleeper arriving at Penzance at 11.45 on New Years Days 1979

New Years Day 1st January, 1979. A Class 47 leaves snow covered Penzance on the The Cornishman the 10.22 Penzance to Bradford service. Copyright Roger Winnen

790101d Class 47 47091 at Ponsandane with the 1937/ 1938 Goods Shed in the background. Copyright Roger Winnen edit

Marazion 1st January, 1979 Class 47 47484 on the 08.40 Plymouth Penzance service. Roger Winnen

790101e Marazion Station with the 6 Pulman Cars. Copyright Roger Winnen

Southampton
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, I hope you enjoyed your trip to the railway at Bodmin. About half inch of snow overnight here but we have had post, trains are running and the bins have been collected! Here is another picture from Michael Adams,this one showing 47081 framed by the magnificent signal gantry at Southampton.Not sure of the working on 15 April 1980. All the best, Michael Copyright Michael Forward.

Hello Michael it was a good tip to Bodmin on Sunday well worth going. Once again no trains running here today Many Thanks Roger

More B & W Santa
Jon Hind

Jon pays a weekend visit during the shortening days and views out in the country the two sources of motive power on offer. Jon writes -
Another couple of pics of the Christmas trains at Bodmin on a cold and frosty day attached, feel free to do with them as you wish.

The sunset has crept even further forwards from last week, the last train of the day is in shadow for almost the entirety of its trip from Bodmin Parkway to General now!

Kind regards, Jon Hird

Santa by steam. (1) L92 nauls a train from Bodmin Parkway. 11th December 2022. Copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks Jon, you caught it just right everytime.

Bristol Peak
Paul Barlow

45134 on the 07.50 Bristol to Plymouth at Bristol Temple Meads. 13th August 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul - an early start for you.

Penzance 85
Stephen Widdowson

47613 'North Star' awaits departure on the TPO at Penzance 1st July 1985 Copyright Stephen Widdowson

The scene has changed dramatically over the years - no TPO, no cover over the far end of the sidings, and no gas holder - all memories. Many thanks Stephen.