Don't miss our next meeting!
A change to the advertised event, sadly due to illness, please join us on Saturday evening when Roger Winnen will put on a display of historic photographs featuring the western region in the 1970's.
Meeting at the Memorial Hall of the Redruth Methodist Church (above the railway station - TR15 2EG), the show commences at 18:30.
We hope to see you there!
Westbury South Junction renewal and other associated works
25.12.2024 - 23.01.2025 - Preparation
Guy Vincent
Westbury station closed to the public early on 25th December 2024 as a large programme of renewals and improvements commenced with completion and handback due to take place early on Friday 24th January.
The works are centred on Westbury South Junction at the entrance / exits to both yards, where the routes towards Frome and Warminster separate. Included are the replacement of points (30 individual units), renewal of sub-formation, ballast and multiple stretches of plain line, alterations to signalling and adjustments to the layout allowing higher speeds for trains coming into Westbury from the Warminster direction and for freight entering and exiting the down yard via the 'link line' towards Fairwood Jcn. At the same time drainage works are being undertaken plus repairs on and around Westbury station.
The main works area is inaccessible so it isn't possible to provide photos. Limited views are possible from the road bridge at the north end of Westbury station using binoculars or, weather permitting, a more powerful camera lens. So far this has been difficult with mist, rain and fog generally prevailing since day 1, and on Friday 3rd January, a strong low head-on sun preventing decent photography.
Locos of classes 66 and 70 from 4 freight companies (DB Cargo, Freightliner, Colas and GB Railfreight) have been involved with the bringing-in of materials such as sand, ballast and new pre-formed track sections and removal from site of spoil and old track panels. Some has gone to Hinksey (Oxford) with other tainloads moving the short distance into Westbury 'New' sidings where the spoil is removed by diggers, then stockpiled before screening and removal by road
Westbury South Junction was last remodelled and renewed in September 1978 as the first stage of resignalling the area with M.A.S. although smaller renewals have taken place since and the 'new' sidings added in 1993.
Further images of the project as it progresses to follow.
The works are centred on Westbury South Junction at the entrance / exits to both yards, where the routes towards Frome and Warminster separate. Included are the replacement of points (30 individual units), renewal of sub-formation, ballast and multiple stretches of plain line, alterations to signalling and adjustments to the layout allowing higher speeds for trains coming into Westbury from the Warminster direction and for freight entering and exiting the down yard via the 'link line' towards Fairwood Jcn. At the same time drainage works are being undertaken plus repairs on and around Westbury station.
The main works area is inaccessible so it isn't possible to provide photos. Limited views are possible from the road bridge at the north end of Westbury station using binoculars or, weather permitting, a more powerful camera lens. So far this has been difficult with mist, rain and fog generally prevailing since day 1, and on Friday 3rd January, a strong low head-on sun preventing decent photography.
Locos of classes 66 and 70 from 4 freight companies (DB Cargo, Freightliner, Colas and GB Railfreight) have been involved with the bringing-in of materials such as sand, ballast and new pre-formed track sections and removal from site of spoil and old track panels. Some has gone to Hinksey (Oxford) with other tainloads moving the short distance into Westbury 'New' sidings where the spoil is removed by diggers, then stockpiled before screening and removal by road
Westbury South Junction was last remodelled and renewed in September 1978 as the first stage of resignalling the area with M.A.S. although smaller renewals have taken place since and the 'new' sidings added in 1993.
Further images of the project as it progresses to follow.
Westbury Renewals Info Sheet Dec 2024. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Westbury Renewals Info Sheet Dec 2024. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Westbury Renewals January 2025
Westbury Renewals January 2025
Westbury South Jcn from Station 09.11.2024. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Westbury South Jcn looking north towards station Dec 2024. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Westbury South Junction new Track and Points awaiting installation December 2024. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Westbury South, new track sections Dec 2024. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Westbury, approaching station from South Junction December 2024. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks for your comprehensive report and photographs, Guy - much appreciated.
Summer Sun at Dawlish
Paul Barlow
Bubble car 153369 works the 1524 Exmouth to Paignton 26 July 2018. Copyright Paul Barlow.
43191 and 43194 approach Dawlish station on the 1500 Plymouth to Paddington.26 July 2018. Copyright Paul Barlow.
43022 and 43041 speed through Dawlish on the 1303 Paddington to Plymouth. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks, Paul
Plym Valley Power Cars
Jon Hird
The Plym Valley Railway held a special event on Sunday 05.01.2025. They formed up a 2+1 HST from power cars 43063 and 43161 plus their resturant buffet mk3, and placed a third power car, 43091, on display. Admission was £10, however that did also get you a ticket to return on a normal running day for a train ride, which seemed very reasonable!
With no train movements, the site was open to wander (within reason), and there were many opportunities to take photos from places where you wouldn't normally be able to get to.
A volunteer informed me that 43063 is to be cosmetically restored. 43161 is to be a source of parts, with its cab being sold to a private company to become a simulator. And finally, 43091 is due to leave imminently for an unknown destination. None of the three power cars have a power unit fitted, they are essentially rolling bodyshells.
An interesting visit and it's nice to know that when the 'Castles' finish, there will at least still be one power car in the west for us to look at.
With no train movements, the site was open to wander (within reason), and there were many opportunities to take photos from places where you wouldn't normally be able to get to.
A volunteer informed me that 43063 is to be cosmetically restored. 43161 is to be a source of parts, with its cab being sold to a private company to become a simulator. And finally, 43091 is due to leave imminently for an unknown destination. None of the three power cars have a power unit fitted, they are essentially rolling bodyshells.
An interesting visit and it's nice to know that when the 'Castles' finish, there will at least still be one power car in the west for us to look at.
43161 and 43063 in the platform at Marsh Mills, Plym Valley Railway. 05.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Inside the first class seating area of the buffet vehicle. Remember these interiors? 05.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Staff area inside the Mk3. 05.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
A whole host of stainless steel fittings and appliances within the kitchen area. 05.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The buffet counter. 05.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
43063 at the other end of the train. 05.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The cab of 43063 - pretty complete save for a GSMR unit and a drivers seat. 05.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Something would appear to be missing from this area.. 05.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The Sentinel shunter and the 'Pacer' DMU's pulled out of the station. 05.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
43091 with its emergency coupling fitted. This power car will soon be moving on to pastures new. 05.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
A drone shot of Marsh Mills with the unusual 2+1 HST formation. With the leaves off the trees, you can see the rails which went to Marsh Mills clay dries in the background, the other side of the security fence. 05.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
A view from the other end of the site. Again, the rails leading to Marsh Mills dries are visible to the right of the image. The station site here, in preservation times, has had to be raised significantly so that it is level. This increase in height means it would be very difficult to connect it to the network via Tavistock Yard, as it once was. 05.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Kingswear & Churston
Dennis Clarke
Hi Keith, Roger, Jon,
As we were staying in Brixham for a few days, I visited Kingswear and Churston today. It was a drizzly Devon day and it was very quiet, as no trains were running.
I have enclosed a few pictures for the website,
Regards,
Dennis
As we were staying in Brixham for a few days, I visited Kingswear and Churston today. It was a drizzly Devon day and it was very quiet, as no trains were running.
I have enclosed a few pictures for the website,
Regards,
Dennis
Kingswear station viewed from the level crossing on a damp and dreary 05.01.2025. Copyright Dennis Clarke.
Stabled coaches and yachts at Kingswear. 05.01.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.
Kingswear signal box. 05.01.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.
The deserted platforms at Kingswear - no trains today. 05.01.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.
Coal for the steam locomotives at Kingswear. 05.01.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.
Kingswear station with Dartmouth across the river. 05.01.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.
Kingswear station. 05.01.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.
Churston station. This station, along with Greenaway halt and Goodrington Sands, has been closed to passengers since COVID. 05.01.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.
The entrance and signage for Churston Station. 05.01.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.
Many thanks Dennis, enjoy your holiday!
Ashburton Station
Andrew Triggs
Hi Roger,
On the way back from the South Devon Railway on Friday I finally got around to visiting the old station site at Ashburton, now 'Station Garage', enclosed are some shots for CRS.
All the Best
Andrew
On the way back from the South Devon Railway on Friday I finally got around to visiting the old station site at Ashburton, now 'Station Garage', enclosed are some shots for CRS.
All the Best
Andrew
The Ashburton Train shed, now 'Station Garage'. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
The Ashburton Train shed, now 'Station Garage'. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
The former Station Building. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
From the former trackbed looking towards the end of the line with the Goods and Trainshed in view. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
The converted former Goods Shed. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Many thanks, Andrew - a shame the railway doesn't reach here any more, but at least the buildings survive.
Tracing the pre-1908 route
from St. Germans to Saltash
Part 1
Roger Winnen
28.03.1998 - Under the trackbed at Forder. Copyright Roger Winnen
28.03.1998 - Under the trackbed at Forder. Copyright Roger Winnen
28.03.1998 - The track alignment west of Forder. Copyright Roger Winnen
28.03.1998 - The retaining wall west of Forder with the pre 1908 line. Copyright Roger Winnen
28.03.1998 - Forder with the alignment of the pre 1908 line. Copyright Roger Winnen
28.03.1998 - Wearde Quay. Copyright Roger Winnen