Castle to the rescue!
Craig Munday, Jon Hird, Julian Stephens, Roger Winnen & Andrew Triggs
Some excitement was to be had on the Cornish mainline yesterday (10.07.24) after the 'down' Night Riviera sleeper service failed between Truro and Redruth. After exploring various options for recovery, it was decided that a GWR 'Castle' 2+4 HST set would recover the broken down sleeper from the rear, take it to Plymouth, run round, and then return the set to Penzance.
The ensemble finally got on the move and the lines were re-opened at around 11AM.
The ensemble finally got on the move and the lines were re-opened at around 11AM.
A day of decorating interrupted today with news of an unusual move on the Cornish mainline. 57605 had failed west of Penwithers Jn and a Castle set had been used to haul the errant Night Riviera back to Truro. The onward move to Plymouth was eagerly awaited and made a splendid sight. The train returned to Long Rock during the afternoon. The train is seen at Trembear Farm bridge at Gover, with thanks to the farmer for allowing me access. I needed a broad canvas to include the fourteen vehicles including the 57 on the rear. 10.07.2024, copyright Craig Munday.
An unusual sight at Carlyon Bay Golf Course as 43156 heads set GW07, 43098 plus the sleeper set (PZ89) and 57605 to Plymouth running as 5A50 on 10.07.2024. Copyright Jon Hird.
The 14-vehicle long train continues on its way to Plymouth. Copyright Jon Hird.
After arriving at Plymouth, the sleeper stock and loco were left in platform 8, the 'Castle' went around the triangle at Laira, and then reattached to work back to Penzance/Long Rock as 1Z50. 43156 leads again as the train passes Crugwallins, a bit of a rushed shot as I mistimed my arrival. Copyright Jon Hird.
Now to Dowgas, just a little further west than Jon, where Julian Stephens recorded the unusual working in some brilliant sunshine. Copyright Julian Stephens.
The most unusual sight of 57605 sandwiched in the middle of the train, behind 43098. Copyright Julian Stephens.
Down in the far-west, Roger Winnen was on scene at St. Erth to capture the train nearing journeys end. Copyright Roger Winnen.
As 43156 pulls in to St. Erth, you wouldn't imagine what it was pulling behind it! Copyright Roger Winnen.
The trouble-making 57605 being taken to the Long Rock naughty step. Copyright Roger Winnen.
The tail end of the train, one of the Mk3. Sleeping Cars. Copyright Roger Winnen.
The 4+2 with 7+1 set passing Marizion running as 5Z50, the 13.20 Plymouth-Longrock T&RSMD with 43098 and 43156 (with GW07 Set) and 57605 (with PZ89 set), two shots being needed to fit the whole train in. 10.07.2024, copyright Andrew Triggs.
The 4+2 with 7+1 set passing Marizion running as 5Z50, the 13.20 Plymouth-Longrock T&RSMD with 43098 and 43156 (with GW07 Set) and 57605 (with PZ89 set), two shots being needed to fit the whole train in. 10.07.2024, copyright Andrew Triggs.
5Z50 on arrival at Longrock Depot, the 2+4 HST set being uncoupled from 57605 and the Night Riviera ECS. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
08645 then hauling 57605 and PZ89 set onto 'A' Road at Longrock Depot. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Many thanks to all who contributed photos to this article, an interesting working indeed - one has to wonder how such problems will be handled once the HST's are finally retired.
Blue at Burngullow
Roger Geach
Still in the attractive First Great Western blue and pink livery, a HST heads for Paddington past Burngullow on 25.08.2007. Copyright Roger Geach.
Many thanks Roger
Treamble Terminus
Roger Winnen
A small gathering explore the remains at the terminus at Treamble on 15.07.1978. Copyright Roger Winnen.
More images and info regarding this branch can be found in the Treamble Branch section - click here.