Around Bodmin Parkway
Clive Smith
Saturday the 9th saw another diesel running day on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. This time 50042, although it didn't last the whole day as it failed with loss of vacuum for the coach brakes and was replaced with 47306. 50042 could not return on the train from Boscarne Junction at 15.03 and after much deliberating and radio calls it was sent light back to Bodmin General and we were informed that 47306 would be on its way in 25 minutes to rescue us. It duly arrived and we left 42 late at 15.50. Some smart working at General and 47306 was on its way at 16.12, just 22 late and a quick trundle downhill to Bodmin Parkway saw us arrive at 16.20. Very well done to Womble and the team for some smart operating. The day was not just a treat for railway enthusiasts but also bird watchers, as there is a nest of swallows in the ives of the wonderful footbridge at the station.
A faded looking 50042 arrives with the 10.30 from Bodmin General. 09.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
47306 runs round its train to form the 16.25 to Bodmin General. 09.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
43042 front and 43156 rear on the 2P24 15.15 Penzance - Plymouth. 09.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
The wonderful 1880s station footbridge at the station. Looks like it's had a coat of paint both inside and outside. 09.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
The nesting baby swallows in the footbridge ives. Sadly my attempt to photo the fledglings with their bright yellow mouths wide open when the parent delivered food failed. Now there's a challenge for any passing CRS photographers before the birds fly the nest for Africa. 09.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks, Clive - great that nature has taken shelter in the manmade footbridge.
Ex-works 57604
Andrew Triggs & Jon Hird
Freshly repainted 57604 heading for Longrock T&RSMD from Old Bank at 08.20 on 10.08.2025. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Later in the day, 57604 is unusually in Platform 3 with 1A50, the 21.15 for London Paddington. 10.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
Running around 40 minutes late, 57604 calls at Bodmin Parkway with 1A50 - the reason given was a points failure. 10.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The North Cornwall Miniature Railway
Charity open day
Jon Hird
The North Cornwall Miniature Railway, near Trelill, held their third of four annual open days yesterday, 10.08.2025. The railway improves with each open day and is a real credit to Bob Lanaway and his team of volunteers. The event was well attended and hopefully a good amount of money was raised for charity.
The next open day is pencilled in for the start of October.
Keep an eye on their Facebook page for details - click here.
The next open day is pencilled in for the start of October.
Keep an eye on their Facebook page for details - click here.
A short video of the NCMR. Click the red 'Play' button to view.
St. Teath West - the main terminus of the line. 10.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
This small island platform seems to have fallen into disuse as the railway has expanded. A small diesel shunter is kept here to act as a 'thunderbird' should any of the larger locomotives require banking - the incline just past this point is quite steep. 10.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.