NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 53
Louisa Roach 1825 - 1908
Michael L. Roach
This weeks instalment from Michael Roach deviates quite drastically from the topic of railways and transport. It is, however, very interesting and well written, and followers of Michaels work will surely enjoy it.
As it's quite a lengthly article, we have posted it directly in Michaels section - please click here (and scroll down) to read it.
As it's quite a lengthly article, we have posted it directly in Michaels section - please click here (and scroll down) to read it.
Our grateful thanks to Mike for his continued contributions to the website, the articles are very much appreciated.
Have you un-earthed a great broccoli scam?
Simon Howard
I’m sure I’m not the first to point this out:
In French Broccoli is Brocoli
But the label is for Choux-Fleurs which is Cauliflowers…12 heads of them to be precise.
Perhaps the Ministry of Agriculture and the GWR were in it together? Another British deception! When is a cauliflower not a cauliflower…?
In French Broccoli is Brocoli
But the label is for Choux-Fleurs which is Cauliflowers…12 heads of them to be precise.
Perhaps the Ministry of Agriculture and the GWR were in it together? Another British deception! When is a cauliflower not a cauliflower…?
A copy of a GWR magazine provided by Michael Roach. Simon points out that the french label of 'Chox-Fleurs' relates to Cauliflowers - not Broccoli / 'Brocoli' - a misprinted image, or a great scam we have unearthed?!
Great eyes, Simon - something I'm sure many of us totally overlooked! Hopefully the French will forgive us.
More on Broccoli Trains
Michael Forward
Hello Roger, I hope you are well and I have enjoyed your latest pictures.
There was a request for information on broccoli workings, well I can recall a series of excellent articles—many years ago—in the Bodmin Railway magazines written by Kenneth Browne, I think.
I think they were from his observations in the 1940s and he had vivid memories of the sight and sound of heavy trains coming up the grade into Camborne station. A whole range of locomotives including Midland 8Fs were used and the articles contained departure times and destinations for the many trains that were sent from Marazion and Ponsandane. Naturally I cannot find them now!
There is also an article on Marazion station with some pictures of broccoli trains and wagons in BackTrack magazine from May 1993.
Hope this is useful.
There was a request for information on broccoli workings, well I can recall a series of excellent articles—many years ago—in the Bodmin Railway magazines written by Kenneth Browne, I think.
I think they were from his observations in the 1940s and he had vivid memories of the sight and sound of heavy trains coming up the grade into Camborne station. A whole range of locomotives including Midland 8Fs were used and the articles contained departure times and destinations for the many trains that were sent from Marazion and Ponsandane. Naturally I cannot find them now!
There is also an article on Marazion station with some pictures of broccoli trains and wagons in BackTrack magazine from May 1993.
Hope this is useful.
Many thanks, Michael - we'll set the hounds running and see if we can dig out either article.
Maiden Newton Test Train
Bill Elston
The test train from Derby to Bristol, via Weymouth, 1Q22 ran today t/t by 43272 and 43357 and is seen here passing Maiden Newton.
43272 and 43357 pass through Maiden Newton with a test train. 09.07.2025, copyright Bill Elston.
43272 and 43357 pass through Maiden Newton with a test train. 09.07.2025, copyright Bill Elston.
Nice sunny shots Bill - many thanks.
Dawlish '83
Paul Barlow
Three pictures taken at Dawlish in 1983, sorry no ID's for the class 50's but they were all taken on 16 July. Maybe someone can ID the 50's?
Difficult to believe this was 42 years ago!
Difficult to believe this was 42 years ago!
A class 50 and a HST Dawlish station 16 July 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow.
A class 50 Dawlish station 16 July 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow.
45003 approaches Dawlish station on the 0912 Birmingham to Paignton 16 July 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Lovely scenes, many thanks Paul.
Being as the unidentified locos are Class 50's, in the large logo period, I have no doubt that somebody out there will be able to tell us exactly which locos they are, where they were going, what the driver had for breakfast/what colour socks he was wearing, etc.!
Please drop an email to [email protected] if you can help.
Being as the unidentified locos are Class 50's, in the large logo period, I have no doubt that somebody out there will be able to tell us exactly which locos they are, where they were going, what the driver had for breakfast/what colour socks he was wearing, etc.!
Please drop an email to [email protected] if you can help.
Marsh Mills HST
Clive Smith
43189 leads the 2E06 07.45 Penzance - Exeter St Davids across what is known as Crabtree Viaduct with 43092 on the rear. This is at Marsh Mills between Laira and Tavistock Junction. 08.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
A great fit - many thanks, Clive.
Classic traction at Swindon
Colin Pidgeon
37501 passes Swindon with 57602 in tow running as 0O86 - Reading TCD - Eastleigh. 09.07.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
Many thanks, Colin.
Reportedly the cause of this unusual move is to swap the alternator within 57602 with that which has been removed from 57605 at Laira. 57602 having failed with alternator issues at Penzance before working the up 'sleeper' one night last week.
This leaves the FGW class 57 fleet in the following state:
57602 - Alternator swap, Eastleigh
57603 - In traffic
57604 - Repaint, Eastleigh
57605 - Major exam, Laira
Hired in GBRF locos 57312, 57305 and 57301 can all currently be found working the sleeper services (along with GWR 57603).
Reportedly the cause of this unusual move is to swap the alternator within 57602 with that which has been removed from 57605 at Laira. 57602 having failed with alternator issues at Penzance before working the up 'sleeper' one night last week.
This leaves the FGW class 57 fleet in the following state:
57602 - Alternator swap, Eastleigh
57603 - In traffic
57604 - Repaint, Eastleigh
57605 - Major exam, Laira
Hired in GBRF locos 57312, 57305 and 57301 can all currently be found working the sleeper services (along with GWR 57603).
Truro Departure
Jon Hird
A detour on the way home from a job 'down west' thanks to A30 roadworks saw me passing through Truro on the evening of 09.07. The light was good but nothing interesting was due on the mainline, so an IET had to do. 800317 departs Truro with a service for Paddington. In the background we can see Truro Cathedral and Newham Quay, itself once a rail termius. 09.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.