NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 58
Day Trip to North Cornwall
Michael L. Roach
On Saturday 1 August 1964 I made a day trip from Plymouth to North Cornwall via Okehampton, and some aspects of the day were unusual. I left Plymouth on the 11:48 SO stopping train to Exeter Central which was Hymek-hauled that day; that was a big disappointment, and no photos were taken. At Okehampton BR 4MT 2-6-4 tank 80041 was waiting to take me down to Bude, a journey of 61 minutes; en route my train passed 80059 at Halwill waiting to take out the 14:12 to Launceston. At Holsworthy, 80038 was passed working the 14:00 Bude to Halwill, while N-class 31846 was shunting the goods yard. This was the last summer of a long-standing comprehensive timetable of trains on these lines, and just a month later the service would be drastically reduced. I took no photos at Bude that day which was really strange, but I see that I was nearing the end of a 36-exposure 35mm cassette so must have forgotten to put a spare cassette in my pocket before leaving home. At the time Ilford film was being used consistently – FP3 in summer (then 125ASA ?) and HP3 in the winter months (then 400ASA ?).
I had nearly an hour in Bude before returning on the 15:35 off Bude as far as Halwill Junction where arrival at 16:11 was 3 mins early. Here at Halwill I should have caught the 15:40 stopping train from Okehampton to Padstow, but the down Atlantic Coast Express was running more than an hour late so I caught that train instead - running roughly in the path of the 15:40, but making only the ACE's limited stops. The ACE left Halwill at 16:19 (69L); waited 6 mins at Launceston to pass 80037 on the 15:10 from Padstow and reached Wadebridge, where I alighted at 17:46 (56L). The ACE had five coaches but all other trains on the North Cornwall were 2C that day.
I had 47 mins at Wadebridge before returning east on the last train of the day the 18:20 from Padstow to Okehampton, where there was a connection for Exeter St. Davids. The train was due off Wadebridge at 18:32 and on this day had two engines hauling the two coaches. Whether this was normal or due to the late arrival of the down ACE is not known. The two engines were 31859 and 31406, both of Exmouth Junction Shed and both withdrawn a month later. At Otterham 31845 passed the other way on the 17:51 Okehampton to Padstow, which was the last train of the day of six on Saturdays. My train spent ten minutes at Halwill, arriving early and leaving late, and 31859 came off the train, probably before I realised. I failed to capture one photo of both engines on the train either at Wadebridge or Halwill. I am still perplexed as to why I did not walk up into the town at Bude and buy a film. At the time I was using a lot of film and probably buying them in bulk by mail order, and probably did not like the price that a chemist would charge for a single cassette.
My train from Padstow arrived at Okehampton at 20:42 (3E) giving a 20 minute connection into the 20:15 Exeter St. Davids to Plymouth, but it was running 20L on this day and when it did turn up it was a 3-car dmu of the Swindon built Cross-country class 120 type, instantly recognisable because they only had two windows at the front. I sat in the front seat and watched the view although it was almost dark as the train left Okehampton at 21:23 (20L). Arrival at Plymouth was at 22:27 (14L). It had been a strange day with only six photographs taken.
On a different subject, a news item for fans of North American railroads in case you missed it last week. At the end of July 2025 it was announced that Union Pacific was to take over Norfolk Southern. Union Pacific operates 8,300 engines over 32,200 route miles in 23 states west of Chicago and New Orleans. Norfolk Southern operates freight trains over 19,400 route miles in 22 states on the eastern side of the USA. So in a way the two railroads are a perfect fit and Union Pacific will now be operating freight trains from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast which is a journey of up to 3,000 miles or more. Union Pacific will be the first US coast-to-coast rail freight operator.
I had nearly an hour in Bude before returning on the 15:35 off Bude as far as Halwill Junction where arrival at 16:11 was 3 mins early. Here at Halwill I should have caught the 15:40 stopping train from Okehampton to Padstow, but the down Atlantic Coast Express was running more than an hour late so I caught that train instead - running roughly in the path of the 15:40, but making only the ACE's limited stops. The ACE left Halwill at 16:19 (69L); waited 6 mins at Launceston to pass 80037 on the 15:10 from Padstow and reached Wadebridge, where I alighted at 17:46 (56L). The ACE had five coaches but all other trains on the North Cornwall were 2C that day.
I had 47 mins at Wadebridge before returning east on the last train of the day the 18:20 from Padstow to Okehampton, where there was a connection for Exeter St. Davids. The train was due off Wadebridge at 18:32 and on this day had two engines hauling the two coaches. Whether this was normal or due to the late arrival of the down ACE is not known. The two engines were 31859 and 31406, both of Exmouth Junction Shed and both withdrawn a month later. At Otterham 31845 passed the other way on the 17:51 Okehampton to Padstow, which was the last train of the day of six on Saturdays. My train spent ten minutes at Halwill, arriving early and leaving late, and 31859 came off the train, probably before I realised. I failed to capture one photo of both engines on the train either at Wadebridge or Halwill. I am still perplexed as to why I did not walk up into the town at Bude and buy a film. At the time I was using a lot of film and probably buying them in bulk by mail order, and probably did not like the price that a chemist would charge for a single cassette.
My train from Padstow arrived at Okehampton at 20:42 (3E) giving a 20 minute connection into the 20:15 Exeter St. Davids to Plymouth, but it was running 20L on this day and when it did turn up it was a 3-car dmu of the Swindon built Cross-country class 120 type, instantly recognisable because they only had two windows at the front. I sat in the front seat and watched the view although it was almost dark as the train left Okehampton at 21:23 (20L). Arrival at Plymouth was at 22:27 (14L). It had been a strange day with only six photographs taken.
On a different subject, a news item for fans of North American railroads in case you missed it last week. At the end of July 2025 it was announced that Union Pacific was to take over Norfolk Southern. Union Pacific operates 8,300 engines over 32,200 route miles in 23 states west of Chicago and New Orleans. Norfolk Southern operates freight trains over 19,400 route miles in 22 states on the eastern side of the USA. So in a way the two railroads are a perfect fit and Union Pacific will now be operating freight trains from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast which is a journey of up to 3,000 miles or more. Union Pacific will be the first US coast-to-coast rail freight operator.
Standard 2-6-4 tank 80041 is seen at Okehampton Station eight minutes before departure on the 13:40 to Bude train on 1 August 1964. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Looking at the wider view it can be seen that parcels traffic was then an important part of operating stations and passenger trains. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
80041 has been down to Bude and is seen here on its return at Halwill on the 15.35 Bude to Okehampton. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Three minutes after the previous picture and N-class 31859 enters Halwill with 8C on the down Atlantic Coast Express running an hour late past 80041. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
It is 18:30 on 1 August 1964 and 31406 is back at Wadebridge with the 18:20 Padstow to Okehampton for a 2 minute stop. Similar engine 31859 came on the front of the train before it departed just 11⁄2 minutes late. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Here is 31406 at Halwill Junction again single-headed after 31859 had detached and run off LE to Okehampton or Exeter in advance of the passenger train. The crew must have been keen to get to home and dispose of their engine for the night. Although the 18:20 was here 10 minutes it was only 3L leaving as it arrived 4E. This was the last photo of the day. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Many thanks as always, Mike - great historical photographs and memories.
For more of Michaels articles, please click here.
For more of Michaels articles, please click here.
Extra trains for Rugby Games
Cornish Pirates fans can now stay to see the final whistle without worrying about missing the train home, thanks to a new late-night service added by Great Western Railway (GWR). The new train, which will run from Penzance to Plymouth, will depart at 22:30 after Friday night home games, making it much easier for supporters to get home without leaving early. It follows a new arrangement between the Cornish Pirates and GWR aimed at tackling transport issues that have previously held fans back.
To read the full article, click here.
To read the full article, click here.
Our thanks to John Roberts for bringing this one to our attention.
Early doors at Moorswater
Jon Hird
43042 and 43156 lead the 0533 Plymouth - Penzance over Moorswater viaduct shortly after 6am. 05.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
57603 leads 1C50 over Moorswater viaduct. The set is backwards as it had come down from London via Yeovil and had run round at Exeter. 05.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
57603 continues west with 1C50 having just cleared Moorswater viaduct. 05.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
'While I'm here'.. the compound on the loop where chippings are being stored from the Looe branch clearance. 05.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The former clay dries and later cement works looking quite sad. 05.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Looking towards the viaduct from the works at Moorswater with the headshunt and the end of the loop visible. 05.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
And later in the day..
Later in the day, away from Moorswater, 43042 and 43156 graced my lens for a second time, this time working the 1128 Exeter St. Davids - Penzance past Dowgas. 05.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird
St. Austell in the snow
Roger Winnen
A Western awaits departure from a snowy St. Austell on 03.03.1973. Copyright Roger Winnen.
The Western heads off - next stop Par. 03.03.1973, copyright Roger Winnen.
Another Western arrives with a down train as the snow starts to melt. 03.03.1973, copyright Roger Winnen.
St. Austell signalbox in some strong sunlight. 03.03.1973, copyright Roger Winnen.
GWR exhibits return from Derby
Bill Elston & Clive Smith
Three of GWR's finest returned home today after attending the 'Greatest Gathering at Derby over the weekend. 57604, looking immaculate, towing 43004 and 43198 as 0Z03 Derby Litchurch lane to Laira, seen passing Bathpool. 05.08.2025, copyright Bill Elston.
A returning Rail 200 cavalcade from the Derby Great Gathering . This is the 0Z03 09.27 Derby Litchurch Lane - Laira light engine movement of 57604, 43004 & 43198 at Aish. 05.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
All three machines looking great, many thanks both.
Pilning Coal
Phil 'Shattered' Smith
37214 moving down Pilning bank with a coal train - Pilning Station and bridge in the distance. 1988, copyright Phil Smith.
A cracking scene, Phil - many thanks.
Changing of the guard
at Ivybridge
Clive Smith
175002 has now started a second week of trials in south Devon, once again working between Laira and Plymouth to Newton Abbot, this time incorporating stops at Ivybridge and Totnes. This is the stop at Ivybridge at 10.08. Is it me or does the door look quite high up from the platform and with a gap? 05.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
43156 has arrived at Ivybridge with the 2E06 07.45 Penzance - Exeter St Davids with 43042 on the rear. It was quite a dull morning with the sun only coming out for the passing of the 175 a few minutes later. Photographers are taking a keen interest in the HST, some of them probably still at school. 05.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks Clive. Great to see the youngsters on the platform taking an interest, too. Perhaps they'll be hunting down the last few IET's in 30-40 years time..