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.
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.
Goonbarrow Box interior with the new diagrams showing the Goss Moor loop and two platforms at Newquay. 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.
For more info (including timetable) please click here.