Exploring the Chacewater Branch
Part 1
Roger Winnen
St Agnes Station. 09.02.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
Mount Hawke Halt. 09.02.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
Goonbell Halt. 02.03.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
Wheal Liberty Viaduct. 02.03.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
Wheal Liberty viaduct Left to Right Keith Jenkin Les Wallace and Trevor Tremethick. 02.03.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
J C Inglass 1902. 02.03.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
Mithian Halt. 02.03.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
Perranwell Viaduct. 02.03.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
Goonhavern Station. 02.03.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
Atlantic Coast Express Postponed
and Pinhoe Station
Paul Negus
The ACE was to have travelled from Waterloo to Exeter St Davids this Saturday, hauled by Tornado. Unfortunately, the very dry state of the clay embankments west of Gillingham has resulted in a blanket 40mph speed limit and a reduced service due to fewer paths. Not surprising then that the ACE has had to be postponed.
On a lighter note, Pinhoe Station, which is on the outskirts of Exeter and hence on the route of the ACE, has been graced with this lovely mural (below).
On a lighter note, Pinhoe Station, which is on the outskirts of Exeter and hence on the route of the ACE, has been graced with this lovely mural (below).
A new mural on Pinhoe station. 12.08.2025, copyright Paul Negus.
Many thanks Paul - a pity about the ACE.
The Night Riviera
Mick House
The Night Riviera was Top & Tailed again this morning (12.08), with 57 301 leading and 57 604 Pendennis Castle at the rear, arriving around 19 minutes late (07.37) at Redruth.
57301 leads 'The Night Riviera' 1C50 into Redruth. 12.08.2025, copyright Mick House.
57604 on the rear of 1C50. 12.08.2025, copyright Mick House.
Many thanks Mick - you were up early.
37072 - The Oddity
Neil Phillips
On 8th August Phil Smith posted a photo of 37072 with three chums at Stoke Gifford in 1988 - this Class 37 must have confused a few observers in its time! Three split headcode box '37s' - D6773/74/91, later 37073/74/91 - received collision damage repairs around 1968-70 which changed the locomotives' appearance, making them indistinguishable from the later '37s' with centre headcode displays, roof-mounted warning horns and no gangway doors. 37072 was noted with serious accident damage at the Doncaster Works Open Day of 17th June 1978, but this time the make-over was only carried out on one end, leaving it with a split personality! I took these photos of the oddity on Swindon Stabling Point on an unrecorded date in the 1990s, after it had been repainted from standard BR blue, as photographed by Phil, into Departmental Grey, clearly illustrating the totally different nose ends. Note also that 37072 is devoid of cast alloy logos, plaques and nameplates, as well as any strange 'sector' decals - even the data panels are missing!
In connection it's worth mentioning that during late 1988/early 1989 Laira depot carried out thorough 'F' Exams on 37031/47/53 which included similarly removing the gangway doors and split headcode boxes in favour of 'fake' centre panels incorporating twin headlights, even though none of the locomotives were reported to have sustained collision damage! However on these the warning horns were not relocated to the cab roofs but remained behind circular grilles in the nose ends.
In connection it's worth mentioning that during late 1988/early 1989 Laira depot carried out thorough 'F' Exams on 37031/47/53 which included similarly removing the gangway doors and split headcode boxes in favour of 'fake' centre panels incorporating twin headlights, even though none of the locomotives were reported to have sustained collision damage! However on these the warning horns were not relocated to the cab roofs but remained behind circular grilles in the nose ends.
37072 on Swindon Stabling Point - No 2 end: original with split headcode boxes, gangway doors and warning horns in the nose (the roof horns can be seen on the far end). Date not recorded. Copyright Neil Phillips.
37072 on Swindon Stabling Point - No 1 end: modified with centre headcode box, no gangway doors and warning horns on the cab roof (this time the side headcode box can be seen at the other end). Date not recorded. Copyright Neil Phillips.
Many thanks, Neil - a real oddball!
Worcester Stock Moves
Steve Widdowson
69009 hauling 701060 past Norton Worcs (5Q77 1234 Long Marston - Eastleigh). 11.08.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
Norton Worcs again with 701060 & 69009 Norton Worcs passing 800318 with a Paddington - Hereford service. 11.08.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
799201 passing Norton Worcs with 5Q81 (1345 Long Marston to Worcester Shrub Hill). 11.08.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
799201 rests in Worcester Yard. 11.08.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
Many thanks, Steve. Some interesting pictures from the very tip of our region.