The Network Test Train at Pinhoe
David Tozer
David Tozer
The monthly visit of the Network Rail Test Train produced a major surprise. Instead of the more usual HST we had a pair of Colas Class 37’s 37057 and 37610 on the 0551 1Q23 Reading to Exeter St David’s.
Look out for the !Q18 in your neck of the woods tomorrow.
Dave
Look out for the !Q18 in your neck of the woods tomorrow.
Dave
37610 at Pinhoe, 06.02.2025. Copyright David Tozer.
Many Thanks David
Longer Evenings
& an anniversary!
Craig Munday
What a relief to be out of January! The Spring-like feel and longer days really is a tonic. Here are some recent pictures including the sleepers delayed following another named storm.
57602 heads west in daylight at Mount Charles, St Austell following a delay at Newton Abbot during the wee small hours because of a fallen tree. 24.01.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
Regular overnight freights have brought a variety of locomotives to the Newquay branch including classes 66 and 70. On the night of 28th Jan GBRf 66787 led the Biffa livery loco and was pictured awaiting entry to the possession at Goonbarrow. Freightliner and Colas have also provided services. Copyright Craig Munday.
The following night, Freightliner 66957 worked a service of empty Falcons down. It is seen dropping off traincrew at Bugle. A novel place to see a loco hauled train these days. 29.01.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
The 3rd saw lovely light across the Duchy, and I captured the Castle sets where opportunity allows. 2C68 heads west at Rosevidney, the semaphores standing guard as they have for generations protecting St Erth. Copyright Craig Munday.
In the morning 2P08 passes Coombe in dappled light. 03.02.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
Finally, a little anniversary for myself! It's 35 years since my first (official) shift at Roskear Jn. I've included a collage shot of 1990 and 2025. So much has changed (enough about me)! The box has undergone so many alterations (in contrast to St Erth for example). The panel has replaced the block shelf switches which operated the signals. Level crossings have been enhanced (especially the Trenowins which are miniature lights these days). Dolcoath has full barriers, extra signals have been introduced and GSMR, the cab to box communication, now ensures we can stop or speak to drivers right across the patch. This is in stark contrast to 1990 when the trains were running free once clear of the signals. On many occasions back then a train couldn't be stopped in an emergency by the frantic Signalman. At least the Absolute Block still exists, even if only in the St Erth section.
Craig in Roskear signal box - 35 years apart. Copyright Craig Munday.
Many thanks, Craig - a great selection, and 'happy anniversary' too!
37901 at Exeter
Bill Elston
Good afternoon Roger,
Further to the recent piece on the return visit of 37901 to the West Country, after many years absence, reminded me of its very first visit to our area.
It, with partner 37902, turned up at Exeter on 31st October 1986 in ex-works condition, no doubt straight from Crewe, and was conveniently
parked near Red Cow level crossing.
Best regards
Bill
Further to the recent piece on the return visit of 37901 to the West Country, after many years absence, reminded me of its very first visit to our area.
It, with partner 37902, turned up at Exeter on 31st October 1986 in ex-works condition, no doubt straight from Crewe, and was conveniently
parked near Red Cow level crossing.
Best regards
Bill
37901 and 37902 at Exeter on 31.10.1986. Copyright Bill Elston.
37901 and 37902 at Exeter on 31.10.1986. Copyright Bill Elston.
Many thanks, Bill - great photos and memories
Bursting out of Treverrin
Roger Geach
47005 bursts out of the eastern portal of Treverrin Tunnel with 1M20, the 1012 Penzance - Derby relief. This train, although unadvertised, ran quite often. 47005 was a Stratford loco, hence quite rare in Cornwall. 22.08.1974, copyright Roger Geach.
Many thanks, Roger
The days clay
Jon Hird
One over, one under - as 66152 juggles the JIA's on the Par Harbour branch, 43042 leads 2C65 (the 1042 Plymouth - Penzance) across the mainline bridge above it. 05.02.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The competition - a Stocks & Sons lorry hauling clay from Goonbarrow heads away from the harbour empty whilst 66152 pushes its wagons into the shed for loading. 05.02.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The Imerys loaders tip powdered clay into the JIA's using a front loader, just about visible in the shadows. 05.02.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
'No Clay Company rail movement to proceed beyond this point' - a notice Imerys will have to keep in mind should they ever reinstate the harbour railway! 05.02.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Don't miss our next indoor meeting!
Please join us on February the 8th for an interesting presentation by Dennis Clarke.
Members: FREE!
Non-members: £3.00
(For info on how to become a member of the CRS, please Click here)
Meeting at the Memorial Hall of the Redruth Methodist Church (above the railway station - TR15 2EG), the show commences at 18:30.
Members: FREE!
Non-members: £3.00
(For info on how to become a member of the CRS, please Click here)
Meeting at the Memorial Hall of the Redruth Methodist Church (above the railway station - TR15 2EG), the show commences at 18:30.