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.
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.
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
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
A FGW HST calls at Par. 2015, copyright Steve Clark.
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.
Another HST arrives at Par. 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.
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.
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.