5th December Weather Woes
Craig Munday
Goodness what a 12 hour shift Fri 5th turned out to be. A Red Network Rail day forecast meant problems were bound to crop up.
I headed over to the Newquay line as the torrential rain began as Roche is notorious for becoming overwhelmed. At 1115 the area was soggy but clear of any water gathering. I set off for some of the crossings which have been renewed in recent months.
The weather was foul on arrival at Treloggan MSL (Miniature Stop Lights) crossing. Very few walkers were around. The new Newquay down distant signal is visible from this point nowadays. The first time in history Newquay had had a working distant signal I wonder?
Next stop was Trencreek. This and Chapel crossing are on a severe downhill road section so water could present a problem. The rain water was cascading down the recently truncated road that used to lead to the campsite. The crossing remains as a bridleway now, no vehicular traffic can pass. Trains could run normally despite a pool of water forming in between the sleepers.
Chapel MSL crossing was then visited. The water here was in torrents running off nearby fields. It was gathering in the track like Trencreek but no issue to train running. My next call changed all that! I was asked by Control to check Roche, some three hours after my first visit. 25 mins later I arrived to find the top of the rail head submerged by 4 inches! Quite a feat in a short time illustrating how climate change (in my opinion) is reshaping the Railway's resilience into such matters. The line was immediately closed with the Goonbarrow Signaller and the 1415 unit was prevented from departing Par for Newquay just in the nick of time.
A short while after, I was redirected to Sperritt Tunnel (Near Doublebois) where an up train clipped a fallen tree completely blocking the Down Main line. It was a gingerly made road trip up there with the roads around Castle an Dinas and the Glynn Valley almost impassable. Thick mud and laying water was across the A38 near Colleslogget Halt, on the switchback curves. I was alarmed at the speed of vehicles in the treacherous conditions, particularly HGV's who must be immune from hazards connected to bad weather. Huge deluges of water enveloping passing cars as they ploughed on regardless. There were NO motorcycles to be seen (fortunately).
I arrived at the access point at 267m 61c downside at Doublebois with the tracks high on the embankment. The offending tree could be seen around 100 yards away well covering the DM. Thank goodness it wasn't a down train first. I was joined by my dear colleague Garfield Julian from Liskeard PWay, who I have often been SO glad to see in such circumstances. I acted as COSS, blocked the line and assisted Gar' with his chainsaw as he made short work of the tree.
Within 20 mins we were back at our vans and the line reopened. As I finished my paperwork I saw 43004 swish by at line speed, always a satisfying thing to see after an incident is resolved. By a miracle - the rain stopped!
I squelched back to St Blazey where my phone, Gortex suit, gloves and wellies were able to dry out.
I headed over to the Newquay line as the torrential rain began as Roche is notorious for becoming overwhelmed. At 1115 the area was soggy but clear of any water gathering. I set off for some of the crossings which have been renewed in recent months.
The weather was foul on arrival at Treloggan MSL (Miniature Stop Lights) crossing. Very few walkers were around. The new Newquay down distant signal is visible from this point nowadays. The first time in history Newquay had had a working distant signal I wonder?
Next stop was Trencreek. This and Chapel crossing are on a severe downhill road section so water could present a problem. The rain water was cascading down the recently truncated road that used to lead to the campsite. The crossing remains as a bridleway now, no vehicular traffic can pass. Trains could run normally despite a pool of water forming in between the sleepers.
Chapel MSL crossing was then visited. The water here was in torrents running off nearby fields. It was gathering in the track like Trencreek but no issue to train running. My next call changed all that! I was asked by Control to check Roche, some three hours after my first visit. 25 mins later I arrived to find the top of the rail head submerged by 4 inches! Quite a feat in a short time illustrating how climate change (in my opinion) is reshaping the Railway's resilience into such matters. The line was immediately closed with the Goonbarrow Signaller and the 1415 unit was prevented from departing Par for Newquay just in the nick of time.
A short while after, I was redirected to Sperritt Tunnel (Near Doublebois) where an up train clipped a fallen tree completely blocking the Down Main line. It was a gingerly made road trip up there with the roads around Castle an Dinas and the Glynn Valley almost impassable. Thick mud and laying water was across the A38 near Colleslogget Halt, on the switchback curves. I was alarmed at the speed of vehicles in the treacherous conditions, particularly HGV's who must be immune from hazards connected to bad weather. Huge deluges of water enveloping passing cars as they ploughed on regardless. There were NO motorcycles to be seen (fortunately).
I arrived at the access point at 267m 61c downside at Doublebois with the tracks high on the embankment. The offending tree could be seen around 100 yards away well covering the DM. Thank goodness it wasn't a down train first. I was joined by my dear colleague Garfield Julian from Liskeard PWay, who I have often been SO glad to see in such circumstances. I acted as COSS, blocked the line and assisted Gar' with his chainsaw as he made short work of the tree.
Within 20 mins we were back at our vans and the line reopened. As I finished my paperwork I saw 43004 swish by at line speed, always a satisfying thing to see after an incident is resolved. By a miracle - the rain stopped!
I squelched back to St Blazey where my phone, Gortex suit, gloves and wellies were able to dry out.
Trencreek Crossing, Newquay. 05.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
Rainwater flowing at Chapel Siding near Quintrell Downs. 05.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
Severe flooding at Roche. 05.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
Roche station with the rails well and truly submerged. 05.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
A fallen tree across the line near Sperritt Tunnel, Doubebois. 05.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
A busy day for you Craig! Many thanks indeed for allowing us a peek behind the scenes, fascinating to see the challenges which the railway is up against during times of severe weather.
Yesteryear at Moorswater
Roger Geach
From the moorswater footbridge, 47358 is seen working the 1030 Penzance - Liverpool on 25.04.1987. Copyright Roger Geach.
Many thanks indeed Roger, a great photo taken at a location which is thankfully still just as good for taking a photograph today!
Saturday 'Castles' - 1
Jon Morley
Hello
Please see the attached pictures of 43187 & 43004.
There were many people out enjoying and photographing these iconic trains today and rightly so.
All the best
Jon
Please see the attached pictures of 43187 & 43004.
There were many people out enjoying and photographing these iconic trains today and rightly so.
All the best
Jon
43187 is seen at Exeter St David's waiting to form the 8am departure to Penzance. 06.12.2025, copyright Jon Morley.
A few hours later, 43187 is 'on the blocks' having arrived at Penzance. 06.12.2025, copyright Jon Morley.
43187 beneath the station roof at Penzance. 06.12.2025, copyright Jon Morley.
Reflections of 43004 at Penzance. 06.12.2025, copyright Jon Morley.
Many thanks Jon. It's been great to meet so many people visiting the south west to say their last goodbyes to the 'Castles'. Next Saturday will be a busy day.
Saturday 'Castles' - 2
Jon Hird
Spied through my 200mm lens at full extension, 43187 leads the 0800 Exeter St. Davids - Penzance through the single line section of the Cornish Mainline between St. Pinnock and Largin Viaducts. A tricky shot and one I've tried before and failed at achieving, nice to tick it off before it's too late. 06.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Next to Moorswater, where 43186 was reflecting on its 49 years in service whilst working the 1015 Plymouth - Penzance. 06.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Into Devon and a photograph of 43093 leading the 1241 Plymouth - Penzance away from Plymouth station, sadly spoiled by an IET stopped on the up main. 06.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Breaking out the telephoto lens again for a long-distance shot of 43187 and 43098 crossing Coombe By Saltash viaduct with the 1150 Penzance - Plymouth. 06.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
43098 leads the same service into Devon, exiting the Royal Albert Bridge. 06.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Making my way back west, the next stop was Bolitho where sadly the classic shot from the fenceline is now completely obscured by a bush. I used the drone instead of capture this picture of 43004 leading the 1315 Penzance - Plymouth with 43186 on the rear. 06.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
From Moorswater footbridge, 43187 is again seen, this time at the head of the delayed 1443 Plymouth - Penzance. This service was cancelled at Plymouth then reinstated 10 minutes later. 06.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
My final stop before heading home for dinner, my local station Par where 43198 has just come to a halt with the 1515 Penzance - Plymouth. 06.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
More Engineers Trains
Craig Munday
A glorious start to 3rd December saw me pop into Resparveth for probably my last Castle rendezvous there as 2C11 headed for Truro in stunning light. The shape of the tip at Nanpean stark in the background. 43087 and 43098 were the power cars. 03.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
I headed to Redruth in hope of capturing GBRf's Raill 200 loco Karen Harrison in a splash of light. The loco was sat upon Bond Street bridge so I took a few here. 03.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
Fortunately, the train was being slowly being called forward towards Drump Lane, so it was only a matter of time before the loco cleared the footbridge and sat perfectly for a shot in the sunshine. The UP Main noticeably missing! 03.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
A rainbow over Redruth and 66710. 03.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
As seen 66509 was brought right up behind resulting in the spoil train finishing loading as the fresh top coat was ready to unload - pretty slick work. I have always had such high regard for the Engineering Planning team, and the logistics required to make these mammoth projects work so well. I see notices from almost a year out with the fine detail being gradually added. It's such a pleasure to see the end result in my job, and as an enthusiast too. 03.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
Then on the 4th, more deliveries from Westbury. 6F08 with Green Freightliner 66569 leading 66509 (back once more) passing Crugwallins. The area has sadly grown up significantly here. The farmer used to keep the hedges down, I wonder why the fashion is dying out? 04.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
A few checks and onto Trenowth for no sun, but a super long train, 6F09 with 66502 / 66514. 04.12.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
Many thanks Craig, you were super lucky with the sun - you'd not think it was December looking at these photos!