Blog Archives

December 31st 2025

31/12/2025

47306 - Life before Bodmin
Paul Barlow

Now preserved at the Bodmin Railway, 47306 is seen alongside 31132 at Exeter St. Davids on Saturday 5 July 1980. Workings of both locomotives are unknown. Copyright Paul Barlow (original photographer unknown).

Many thanks indeed, Paul

'The train of lights'
Jon Hird

On Sunday, we made our annual trip up to South Devon for the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railways fantastic 'train of lights'. 5239 'Goliath' waits at Kingswear to return the first train of the night. 28.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

75014 'Braveheart' at the opposite end of the train at Kingswear. 28.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

5239 departs Kingswear, illuminated by the lighting from the Marina. 28.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Reflections in the river Dart as the train continues on its way back to Paignton. 28.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

December 30th 2025

30/12/2025

The Bodmin Railway
'Winter Warm Up'
Dennis Clarke, Clive Smith & Jon Hird

On Monday 29th December 2025, the Bodmin Railway held their annual 'Winter Warm Up' event.

The day featured Small Prarie 5552, Bagnall Saddle Tank 'Judy' and 47306 'The Sapper' all running trains along both lines, using both the railways rake of Mk1 coaches and a demonstration goods set. 'Judy' shuttled around Bodmin General with the 'Shark' brake van, providing rides within the station limits.

A great day which was well attended and enjoyed by all - congratulations to the Bodmin team for another grand day out.

From the brake van, 47306 runs round the 1205 Bodmin General - Boscarne Junction goods train. 29.12.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.

47306 arrives back at Bodmin General from Boscarne Junction. 29.12.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.

5552 arrives at Bodmin Parkway with the 1235 from Bodmin General. 29.12.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

5552 runs round the Mk.1's at Bodmin Parkway. 29.12.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

5552 runs round at Bodmin Parkway. Roger Winnen waits with his camera in the bottom left. 29.12.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.

Aboard the train with Christmas Decorations still up from the Santa Trains. 29.12.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.

Busy platforms at Bodmin General as 5552 stands alongside 'Judy'. 29.12.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

'Judy' at Bodmin General with the Shark Brake Van. 29.12.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.

47306 at Boscarne Junction running round the 1340 from Bodmin General. 29.12.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

47306 running round at Boscarne Junction.29.12.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

'Judy' shuttling around Bodmin General with the Shark. 29.12.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.

Behind 47306, 5552 prepares to depart with the 1355 Goods to Bodmin Parkway. 29.12.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.

5552 leads the 1355 demonstration goods train to Bodmin Parkway. It's about to pass beneath the A38 road bridge near Colesloggett Halt. 29.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

A fine show as 5552 leads the returning goods set past Charlie's Gate. 29.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Roger Winnen of this parish waiting for his train home at Bodmin Parkway. 29.12.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.

At the end of the day, 08444 shunts 'Judy' into the platforms at Bodmin General. 'Judy' will be put onto a lorry today (30.12) ready for transporting to the South Devon Railway for their Winter Steam Gala this coming weekend. 29.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

The Class 08 deposits 'Judy' in the Platform 2 headshunt. 29.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

'Judy' simmers as 5552 arrives from Bodmin Parkway with the final train of the day. 29.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Little and large at Bodmin General. 29.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

5552 pushes back ready to shunt the coaches away for the night, before retreating to the loco shed. 29.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks Dennis and Clive, a great record of the day.

Your next chance for a 'steam fix' here in the south west comes courtsey of the South Devon Railway, who are holding a Winter Steam Gala on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of January. The gala will feature the SDR home fleet, along with GWR winter resident 2-8-0 No.2807, Hunslet 5526 'Newstead' and visiting from Bodmin, Bagnall Saddle Tank 'Judy'.

For more details, timetables etc. please click here.

The Oxford Explorer
Roger Geach

On the 27th May 1985 the Cornwall Railway Society ran the 'Oxford Explorer' Railtour from Penzance. 50030 is seen leading the working through Didcot. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks indeed Roger, a photograph I'm sure will bring back memories for many of our members. The CRS headboard still exists, well looked after by Keith.

Re: Goonbarrow Junction
Roy Hart

It was a great pleasure to see Craig's excellent pictures of the new interior of Goonbarrow box , particularly the splendid new brass leads on the levers.

The last new installation of such brasswork was at Long Rock, when the box was extended with a new frame in 1938. The new box at Penzance, opened just 3 months later, was fitted with lever leads of traffolyte (white, oblong plates, fixed to a casting and bolted to the lever). Traffolyte the became the standard, except for a year or two during world war two, when brass returned -presumably because of the availability of raw materials in wartime. Since then, most boxes have had a mixture of the two types as layout alterations took place.

A whole frame of gleaming brass returns a splash of Victorian splendour. The WSR did an equally lovely job in their 'new' box at Crowcombe.

Those responsible for the work at Goonbarrow deserve congratulation for their originality and drive.

Brasso is presumably now added to the budget!

Polished brass at Goonbarrow. 24.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks for your email Roy, very glad you enjoyed Craig's article. I agree that the work carried out in the box looks fantastic.

Route Learning & IET's
at Swindon
Colin Pidgeon & Ken Mumford

37425 'Sir Robert McAlpine' approaching the station with 0Z47 'Bristol (Kingsland Road) to Reading Triangle Sidings on route learning. According to Real Train Times it waited on the UML for some 25 minutes before continuing its journey east bearing an interesting livery. After reversing at Reading it returned west to Swindon where it should have reversed on the UML but did so alongside platform 3. Interesting in that RTT did originally show 1314 to 1324 for the afternoon reversal at Swindon but that reversal was done in 2 minutes. 29.12.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

3 photos are of GWR's latest named IET 802007 on
1A14 Bristol Temple Meads to Paddington showing the names Joey &
Michael Morpurgo - the name of the Horse & Author of the book
'Warhorse'. 29.12.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon. (Click images for an enlargement).

37425 arriving and awaiting the return east alongside platform 3. 29.12.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

My disappointing photos of 37425 departing caught me 'off guard!!' 29.12.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken and Colin, well done for braving the cold.

December 29th 2025

29/12/2025

Looking over Laira
Jon Hird

Whilst in Plymouth yesterday, I decided to have a look and see if any of the former members of the GWR 'Castle Class' HST's could be seen.

It's my least favourite place to photograph with a drone, as the metal gantryways over the yard really do distract from an image. However, I was in luck as the yard was bare other than the power cars and coaches.

Visible were:

43004 (debranded/nameplates removed)
43093
43198
43042
43156
43189 (debranded)
43092
43098
43186 (debranded/nameplates removed)
43187
43088 (heavily stripped, used as a parts donor)

Interestingly, 43004 and 43093 were formed up as a 2+8 set.

43198 and 43042 were formed up as a 2+4, as were 43156 and 43189.

An overview of Plymouth Laira with various class 43 power cars and mk3 trailers scattered around. 28.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

De-branded and de-named 43004 in the background with a 2+8 set (43093 on the other end), 43198 nearest the camera. 28.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

43042 and 43156 in the yard at Laira. 28.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

43093 with its distinctive decals at the end of a 2+8 set, and 43098 in the foreground. 28.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

December 28th 2025

28/12/2025

Christmas 2025
Craig Munday

I hope you all had a super Christmas break? It's a moment in time to reflect each year, and the milestone of 2025 brings a huge change to the way many of us view the hobby.

I fear the interest in the traction on our rails is ever waning with the withdrawal of the Castle sets, and though we have more trains traversing the rails of Cornwall than ever, the type of trains in service bring little excitement. The liveries on the class 175s may change, but they remain a unit, as do the 150s, 158s and Hitachi series.

I think my photography will veer towards capturing changes to our railway, freak lighting,the people behind the stories and pride in special events etc. My days of waiting for a unit to photo in nice weather is not something I relish (at the moment).

For now, here's some pictures taken at Goonbarrow on a sunny Christmas Eve. I visited Trevor Powlesland who will reach a wonderful 50 years of railway service next year, and an opportunity to retire! Here he is with the new signalling in action, and myself in suitable Christmas attire! The wonderful brass plates for the levers made by Joe Nemeth are worthy of mention.

I have included a few pictures of my dear colleague Byron Jose inspecting the river under rail bridge at Rospeath. This is a relatively new problem for us operationally, and we hope it may not flare up every time we have excessive rainfall. The Voyager gives context to the road bridge at Rospeath in the background.

All the best to everyone for 2026. Happy New Year.

Byron Jose inspecting the river under rail bridge at Rospeath. 23.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

A Crosscountry Voyager passing the site at Rospeath with the road bridge in the background. 23.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

08752 in the winter sun at Goonbarrow. 24.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

Levers in Goonbarrow signal box. 24.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

Goonbarrow Box interior with the new diagrams showing the Goss Moor loop and two platforms at Newquay. 24.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

Polished brass at Goonbarrow. 24.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

Trevor Powlesland working Goonbarrow box. 24.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

Christmas eve 2025, Craig is dressed for the occasion! Trevor Powlesland and Craig Munday in Goonbarrow box. 24.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks as always for the photographs and thoughts, Craig. A great insight into what goes into keeping the railway moving. Goonbarrow box is looking fantastic, a very sympathetic upgrading. Well done to those involved.

Looking back on 2025
Alan Peters

Looking back on 2025, work to install a passing loop at Tregoss Moor saw engineering trains on the Newquay branch in early 2025, here the view 'looking back' from 70809 over Ponts Mill viaduct under repair on 1st March 2025. Copyright Alan Peters.

Many thanks Alan, a unique perspective seen by very few people!

Bodmin by night
Jon Hird

A peaceful half hour at Bodmin General watching the chaps shunting in preparation for Mondays 'Winter Warmer' event. Observing the semaphores working beneath a cloudless night sky, full of stars, was great - the station oozes with character under the cover of darkness.

47306, Sentinel shunter 'Denise' and Bagnall Saddle Tank 'Judy' settle in for the night in the Bodmin General running shed. 27.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

08444 shunts the resident 'Shark' brake van into the platform at Bodmin General. 27.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

With the platform lights off, Bodmin General beneath the stars. 27.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

The next event to be held at the Bodmin Railway is their 'Winter Warmer' on Monday 29th January. This event will feature 5552, 47306 and Bagnall 'Judy' working a variety of trains including demonstration freights and brake van rides.

For more info (including timetable) please click here.

December 27th 2025

27/12/2025

Re: NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 83
The Mystery Photo
Michael L. Roach

Many thanks to those who emailed in yesterday regarding the mystery photograph.

The answer is: Looking east at Ironbridge & Broseley Station on the line from Bridgnorth to Shrewsbury.

The rails formed a level crossing for a public road running north from the B4373 to the world-famous iron bridge at Ironbridge, which has since been pedestrianised. Immediately behind the brick wall were the two platforms of Ironbridge & Broseley Station, which closed to passengers on 9 September 1963. The station was demolished in 1966 and the site transformed into a car park for visitors to the Iron Bridge which is a World Heritage Site. The keen observer will find other traces of the area's former use.

Looking north from the iconic bridge as the sun sets on the town with the hotel in shadow and the parish church still in sun on Monday 15 December 2008. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The Iron Bridge looking south east. It is one of those places that is well worth visiting for its feeling of the history made here nearly 250 years ago. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Looking south along the pedestrianised bridge as the mist comes down. The man with a pushchair is walking cross the rails showing just how close the station was to the world-famous bridge but on the opposite side of the River Severn to the town of Ironbridge. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The proof that the bridge was cast in 1779. In just three years the bridge will celebrate its 250th anniversary. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks Mike, an interesting brain teaser for Christmas.

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

Request for information:
Penzance 1982

I've been in touch before about my model of Penzance station in 1982. I wondered if you had anybody in your society who may have worked there in 1982 or has knowledge of the station at that time who could help me with some questions about the layout of the station?

Can anybody help? Please drop us an email to [email protected] if you can!

The Liskeard & Caradon Railway

Our thanks to Clive Smith who has found a great article about the L&C Railway in the local press.

Please click here to read.

December 26th 2025

26/12/2025

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 83
Mystery Photograph
Michael L. Roach

A Merry Christmas and Happy 2026 to all readers of this column. A particular thanks to the CRS webmaster, Jon Hird, and his assistants for putting new items on the website every single day of the year which is a marvellous achievement. Jon is also a first-class photographer who keeps us entertained with his photos and drone pictures from angles that we have never seen before. Long may it continue. If you are a regular reader and live outside the United Kingdom why not say hullo and let us know where you live.

This mystery photo was taken just before dusk on a bleak, misty and bitterly cold December day when the temperature hovered just above freezing all day. The rails are set into a public road and are still visible decades after the line closed. The wall was probably built with reclaimed bricks after the line closed and it is believed that the whole scene still looks similar to this day. Where is it?

The mystery photo showing two standard gauge rail tracks set into the tarmac of a public road. Copyright Michael L.Roach.

Many thanks indeed for your kind words, Mike - you're making me blush! It's been a great privilege to step in and take the reins of the CRS website over the past few years, it's an extremely valuable resource and testament to the thousands of hours that Keith and Roger have put into it. - Jon

If you know the answer to the mystery photograph, please drop us an email - [email protected] - the answer will follow tomorrow.

The Falmouth Branch
Roger Geach

153368 heads the 1250 to Truro at Falmouth Docks. 09.04.2013, copyright Roger Geach.

153368 arrives at Falmouth Town 1350 Falmouth to Truro. 09.04.2013, copyright Roger Geach.

Perranwell goods shed car park. 09.04.2013, copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks, Roger - nice to see some photos of the branch.

December 25th 2025

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas!

The CRS website team would like to wish a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all of our members, friends, contributors, readers, and fellow railway enthusiasts.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported the Cornwall Railway Society throughout the past year, whether through membership, contributions, or simply by taking the time to read and engage with us.

As we look ahead to the New Year, we hope it brings good health, happiness, and many opportunities to continue celebrating, documenting and preserving Cornwall’s rich railway heritage.

We look forward to sharing more news, articles, photographs and historical tales with you in the months to come, and to continuing the Society’s work together with your valued support and input.

Keith, Roger & Jon

The Nick Perring Collection - Part 4
Snowy Rail Scenes
Clive Smith

Well it doesn't look like it's going to be a white Christmas in the south west, so here are a few of Nick's photos from when it did snow down our way.

46003 works a down mixed goods at Laira on the through lines to Friary during a snowfall in February 1978. This line was diverted around the other side of Laira depot when the new depot for the HSTs was built running alongside Embankment Road. That line is known as the Speedway but is anything but speedy as it is curved and has a gradient. 46003 was an early peak withdrawal after it suffered a severe fire in August 1978 and was withdrawn in October the same year. Copyright Clive Smith - Original photographer Nick Perring.

Roger Geach writes to say:

Ref 46003 at Plymouth Laira in the snow Feb 1978, I see we did have some snow in Cornwall on the 13.02.1978 so the date may be around then.

We also had some snow on the 12/13 Jan 1977 as well.

Many thanks, Roger

'Dutch' liveried infrastructure Cromptons 33208 and 33065 in the white stuff at Exeter St Davids stabling point on the 2nd February 1991. Both 33s are currently preserved. 33065 at the Spa Valley Railway and 33208 at the Battlefield Line, though I don't think the slim has done much for a while. Copyright Clive Smith - Original photographer Nick Perring.

50005 at Plymouth on the 2C68 05.45 Barnstaple - Penzance which it worked between Exeter St Davids - Penzance on 16th January 1987. Copyright Clive Smith - Original photographer Nick Perring.

Although there was no snow at Plymouth on this day there certainly was further up the line as can be seen by the state of 45030 after arriving with the 1V71 07.38 Leeds - Penzance on the 17th January 1979. The peak would be replaced for the journey to Penzance by 47111. Copyright Clive Smith - Original photographer Nick Perring.

New in 1979, this British Rail Bedford 1.2L van was clearly Nick's S & T vehicle parked up by his office at the Motorail platform at Newton Abbot on a sunny snow covered day, likely 11th January 1982. Seemingly these vans were always at BR stations or the British Telecom variant was out repairing vandalised phone boxes. These were unlikely to ever achieve 60 mph and 55 would be pushing it. Once ubiquitous but now very rare, just six are believed to be in existence. Copyright Clive Smith - Original photographer Nick Perring.

A great selection Clive - many thanks indeed. Thanks for all your contributions over the years and merry Christmas to you and yours.

Merry Christmas
From Mick House

Many thanks Mick - best wishes to you and the family too.

47 to Fowey
Roger Geach

Crewe Diesel Depot based at the time 47199 departs Lostwithiel for Fowey with clay hoods. Note fixed distant signal and the telegraph poles . 29.11.1977, copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks for another great shot from the archives, Roger.

Sunny Christmas Trains
& thoughts on preservation
Jon Hird

On the final day of the Bodmin Railway 2025 Christmas Trains, the sun managed to make an appearance. I popped out to photograph a few trains between the annual last-minute supermarket trips.

Writing purely as an enthusiast and photographer - not as a professional railway economist or strategist - the past year has been extremely hard on the hobby. With the local railfreight stream reduced to a mere trickle, the replacement of our beloved HST's by somewhat bland DMU's and various other modernisation schemes out on the mainline, we haven't been left with an awful lot to feel enthusiastic about.

Even more reason then to count our blessings. We are fortunate to have an abundance of fantastic heritage railways in our region, where classic traction still reigns and the glory days of British Railways can still be relived. Please ensure that you support them as much as you can.

This embankment between Bodmin Crematorium and Colesloggett Halt was once a popular location for photographers. Sadly the trees along the boundary line are now extremely tall, and the broadside view once on offer here is now long gone. I was able to carefully thread the drone through the branches of the trees and found a natural-looking angle to take this photo of 47306 heading downgrade with the 1300 Bodmin General - Bodmin Parkway. 24.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

5552 quietly passes 'Racing Straight' near Walker Lines at the head of the 1330 Bodmin Parkway - Bodmin General. The 47 on the rear was providing most of the power. 24.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

A final image of 47306 approaching Colesloggett Halt with Bodmin Ops Superintendent Mat at the controls. A nice little shot opened up by the railways new flail towards the end of the summer season. If you are reading this and planning a trip, please do not visit this location during spring or summer when the fields are full of sheep/lambs. 24.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Truro Tamper
Dennis Clarke

Tamper DR 75407 arrived in Truro Platform 3 working 6J84 from Tiverton Loop to Penzance. 23.12.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.

150238 arrives from Falmouth, passing the Tamper. 23.12.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.

150234 sits in the sidings at Truro having had issues working the Falmouth branch line, causing several cancellations. 23.12.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.

Many thanks for the photographs Dennis, busy scenes at Truro. The sidings seem to have had more use this year than in recent previous years - a valuable asset to the railway no doubt.

December 24th 2025

24/12/2025

Christmas Eve Clay
25 years ago
Roger Geach

Back when the rails of Cornwall were still busy with clay traffic, even on Christmas eve. 37412 approaches Luxulyan with empties from Fowey. 24.12.1990, copyright Roger Geach.

We catch up with 37412 again later in the day, waiting in the sidings at Lostwithiel. The Duchy Motor Co. behind - remember them? 24.12.1990, copyright Roger Geach.

Briefly turning his attention away from the clay traffic, Roger has visited Gover where we see 47574 heading east with the 1240 Penzance - Paddington. 24.12.1990, copyright Roger Geach.

37669 passes Golant with a Goonbarrow - Fowey working at 1446 hrs - only this part of the causeway was lit due to the long winter shadows. 37412 was at lostwithiel waiting to come down behind this one, but the light did not last much longer. 24.12.1990, copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks indeed Roger, and merry Christmas to you.

A great reminder of the way things were. Fast forward 25 years and we don't even have any wagons in Cornwall over Christmas, let alone a freight loco to pull them. The railfreight industry is losing the battle to the road hauliers. How times have changed.

Merry Christmas & Meldon Musings
From Andrew & Diane Jones

Dear Keith, Valerie, Jon and Roger,

As we say goodbye to 2025, it's worth mentioning the sad loss of a few good friends and many memories.

Lostwithiel will not be the same without the bells and clunk's of the warm and inviting signal box.

HST's underated for many years born of sound BR design are now consigned to South America and one or two outposts up north, not to mention their XPT cousins in Australia.

Anyone witnessing the original Paxman Valenta departures will never forget their distinctive high pitched note.

On one bright and positive note the reopening of the Okehampton line proves that rail still has a place with the right investment and will to succeed and my one wish to live for ever will eventually see Tavistock back on the national network which is not too much to ask ! (Is it !)

I have attached a wonderful Christmas present from Diane depicting the embryonic Dartmoor line a few years ago when it was still possible to take a train to Meldon.......

The quality of work from all the contributors to the CRS website and the devotion of the webmasters past and present is a testimony of what can be achieved and long may it continue.

Diane and I wish everyone a lovely Christmas and hopefully a wonderful new year.

A poster from the early days of the Dartmoor Railway. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Many thanks to you both Andrew and Diane. Thank you for your kind words and merry Christmas to you both.

10 years ago in Cornwall
Steve Clark

Nat King Cole once sang ''When I fall in Love, it will be forever''. Up until Summer 2015, moving to Cornwall was never on my radar however we were invited to go on Holiday with my In-Laws at a Farm House in Fowey in 2015. My Wife and I instantly fell in love with the area and we vowed to move to the area if and when we could. In 2023 my youngest got accepted for a place at Plymouth University so with just 2 of us and a Dog in a 4 bedroom house we made the decision to down size. And in 2024 we moved in to our Bungalow in Penwithick and feel thoroughly at home and can't see ourselves moving again!

On that Holiday in 2015, I escaped early one morning and paid a visit to Par station and captured a couple of bits passing through the station. How things have changed since then!!

Finally, many thanks to everyone who contributes to the site and to Keith, Jon and Roger for maintaining the site and putting up the features each day. Seasons Greetings to Everyone

66078 arrives at Par with empty CDA's from Fowey. 2015, copyright Steve Clark.

43154 arriving at Par with a service for Penzance. The classic semaphores still standing proud. 2015, copyright Steve Clark.

Par Signal Box prior to being stuffed and mounted, along with more semaphores. 2015, copyright Steve Clark.

43163 in 'Visit Plymouth' livery on the rear of a east-bound train departing Par. 2015, copyright Steve Clark.

Many thanks Steve. A lot has changed in a fairly short length of time. Thanks for all your contributions over the last year and merry Christmas to you and yours.

Santa by Shunter
Jon Hird

08444 running vice-47306 yesterday on the Bodmin Christmas trains. The drone is nestled in the tall ‘Christmas tree’ which features in many conventional shots of this location near Colesloggett. 23.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Even on a dull day, the sight of a steam engine working hard is a great sight. 5552 barks past Charlie's Gate with the return leg of the Christmas train. 23.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

On Monday 29th December, the Bodmin Railway holds its 'Winter Warmer' event, featuring 5552, 47306 and Bagnall Saddle Tank 'Judy'.

More info (including timetable) here.

Consigned to the history books
Paul Barlow

43303 43304 with the 1227 Plymouth to Glasgow pass Powderham on 8th September 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul. Another sight much missed.

Exeter Rail Drop
Alan Peters

The rail delivery train made a visit to Exeter Central on the 20th December as 6C97 from Westbury via Taunton and return for a rail drop between Exeter Central and Exeter St James park, where Colas Rail 70811 is seen before offloading rails on the Up Waterloo line. Copyright Alan Peters.

Colas Rail 70802 at Exeter Central waiting to return to Exeter St Davids to exit the possession with 6C97 back to Westbury in the early hours of December 21st 2025. Copyright Alan Peters.

Great to see some pics of the old Southern Route, even better with a loco in the photos. Many thanks as always Alan, merry Christmas to you and yours.

Retro traction at Worcester
Steve Widdowson

150231 in its original 'Sprinter' livery passing through Worcester Shrub Hill working 5Q15 0858 Derby Litchurch Lane - Alton for preservation at the Mid Hants Railway. 23.12.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Next came 37407 with 350241 & 350240 on 5Q07 0920 Wembley - Long Marston. More 350/2s for store, only a couple left now, in fact the last ones may go to Long Marston today (24.12). 23.12.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks Steve. How strange to see a 150 entering preservation. It's easy to forget how old they are!

Truro Tamper
Joe Birchall

A Colas Rail tamper heads for Penzance, approaching Truro on 23.12.2025. Copyright Joe Birchall.

Many thanks Joe - merry Christmas to you.

December 23rd 2025

23/12/2025

Cattle on the line
Roger Salter

Early on Saturday morning the 1A78 0710 Penzance-Paddington train, no.802019, was terminated at Plymouth after being halted at Marazion bridge for 74 minutes because of cattle from the marshes escaping onto the line.

The Night Riviera was held at St Erth, eventually reaching Penzance 162 mins late, many other services were cancelled.

Hitachi unit 802019 at a stand at Marazion due to cattle having escaped onto the lineside. 20.12.2025, copyright Roger Salter.

Many thanks Roger - well done for capturing the moment.

Cold '69'
Alan Peters

A frosty GBRf 69003 "The railway Observer" stabled at Westbury Downside yard on 13/12/25, the class 69 normally operates the tripper service to Eastleigh. Copyright Alan Peters.

It certainly looks chilly, Alan - many thanks as always.

The Pathfinder Finale - More photos
Guy Vincent

Our grateful thanks to Guy who has provided a number of photographs of Saturdays 'Pathfinder Finale' railtour.

We have added them all to our 'Features' page - click here.

57008 leading 57314 on 1Z52 (13 carriages) into platform 3 at Westbury. 20.12.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

D1015 on arrival back at Manchester Victoria. Copyright Charlotte Vincent.

D1015 on arrival with the return leg of the tour at Gloucester. 20.12.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy.

Again, for more photos, please click here (you may need to scroll down as the page loads).

Another 350 to Long Marston
Steve Widdowson

37407 again, with another 350 for store at Long Marston.

37407 hauling 350245 through Worcester Shrub Hill running as 5Q38 - the 1138 Northampton Emd - Long Marston. 22.12.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

172006 and 172340 call at Worcester SH with the 1340 Worcester Foregate St - Stratford on Avon. 22.12.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks Steve. Love the semaphores.

Santa by Sulzer & Santa by Steam
Jon Hird

As the headboard states - Santa by Sulzer. 47306 leads the 1430 Bodmin General - Bodmin Parkway Christmas train past Charlie's Gate. 22.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

After a quick turnaround at Bodmin Parkway, we now have 'Santa by Steam' as small Prarie 5552 barks up the hill towards Colesloggett Halt. 22.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

The Bodmin Railway Christmas trains continue until Christmas Eve.

On Monday 29th December, the railway holds its 'Winter Warmer' event, featuring 5552, 47306 and Bagnall Saddle Tank 'Judy'.

More info (including timetable) here.

December 22nd 2025

22/12/2025

4-4-4 at Totnes
Alan Griffin

A view from Totnes Littlehempston signal box as 67005 'Kings Messenger' takes the main line at Ashburton Junction with 1Z50. 19.12.2025, copyright Alan Griffin.

Very well done for capturing the moment, Alan. Almost certainly an unrepeatable image. Thank you very much for sharing it with us.

Pathfinder Memories
Richard Giles

I came across these views whilst scanning a Bristol related item for elsewhere, but thought they may be of use in the Cornwall Railway Society archive (no doubt submitted in colour on the day). I also thought these images could be of interest especially as Saturday marked the final Pathfinder Tour's train operating day after over 50 years of providing passenger trips. It must also be remembered that they provided much enjoyment line side for those recording the trips with the often interesting motive power and trains, sometimes seen in unusual locations.

Thank you for the website and Merry Christmas to all those involved and the regular suppliers of the excellent written and photographic content.

On 30th June 2001, Pathfinder Tour's 'Cornwall' tour (1Z38 06.18 Worcester Foregate St. - Penzance and 1Z39 15.49 return) was worked throughout by Class 50 locos 50049 + 50031 both being unnamed and carrying original numbers 449 and 431 (the former also with what appears to be a central body side English Electric Leasing plate?). The train is seen after arrival in platform 1 Penzance at 13.49. Copyright Richard Giles.

50049 and 50031 making the reverse move out of the station at 14.06 towards Long Rock C.S. 30.06.2001, copyright Richard Giles.

Many thanks Richard. A great company who brought joy to quite literally thousands of railway enthusiasts over the decades - they will be sorely missed.

F&W Railtours
Paul Barlow

47004 at Maiden Newton with the F&W Railtours 'Sulzer Surveyor' This was the 0645 Plymouth to Weymouth leg of the journey. 29.12.1979, copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

46051 at the head of F&W Railtours 'Sulzer Surveyor 1' at Weymouth, before departing with the 1515 Weymouth to Plymouth. The 'Peak' worked to Westbury. 29.12.1979, copyright Paul Barlow (Original photographer unknown).

Many thanks Paul. Very relevant with F&W Railtours being the original trading name of what we later came to know as Pathfinder Railtours.

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