The 150th Anniversary of the Watchet to Minehead section of the Minehead Branch
John Ball
John Ball
Hi, Roger
Yesterday, I went to see the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the Watchet to Minehead section of the Minehead branch. The ex-Furness Rly 0-4-0 loco, built in 1863 by Sharp Stewart of Manchester, was the star of the show at Watchet. I attach a few photos which you may wish to put on the website.
Regards
John
Yesterday, I went to see the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the Watchet to Minehead section of the Minehead branch. The ex-Furness Rly 0-4-0 loco, built in 1863 by Sharp Stewart of Manchester, was the star of the show at Watchet. I attach a few photos which you may wish to put on the website.
Regards
John
The Furness Railway 0-4-0 Awaits departure from Watchet Station. Copyright John Ball
Departure from Watchet Station. Copyright John Ball
The Furness Railway 0-4-0 at Minehead. Copyright John Ball
Many Thanks John
A memorable event - 51 years ago
Roger Geach
On Saturday 21st July 1973, if any of the older members were out down in the far west, they may have had a long wait for a train.
At around 1315 D1662 expired west of Saltash on 1V34, the 0810 Ken Olympia motorail to St Austell, blocking the down main at a very busy time of the day.
Rescue came from St Blazey with D7573 and D7574 passing liskeard at 1420 on the up. However, 1V34 did not appear at Liskeard until 1537 hrs - nothing passing Liskeard on the down after the 1b11 0836 cardiff - pz at 1259 hauled by Class 47 D1920.
Behind 1V34 all the delayed down trains started to appear but most remained late all day, which also affected the up road with Penzance running out of locos and coaching stock.
At around 1315 D1662 expired west of Saltash on 1V34, the 0810 Ken Olympia motorail to St Austell, blocking the down main at a very busy time of the day.
Rescue came from St Blazey with D7573 and D7574 passing liskeard at 1420 on the up. However, 1V34 did not appear at Liskeard until 1537 hrs - nothing passing Liskeard on the down after the 1b11 0836 cardiff - pz at 1259 hauled by Class 47 D1920.
Behind 1V34 all the delayed down trains started to appear but most remained late all day, which also affected the up road with Penzance running out of locos and coaching stock.
A smashing photo taken at Moorswater of a pair of St. Blazey small Sulzers, D7573 and D7574 assisting a failed D1662 on a Penzance-bound service, 21.07.1973. Copyright Roger Geach.
Rogers notes for the day on 21.07.1973 - slightly more variety than you'd see today! Copyright Roger Geach.
Many thanks for sharing this one with us Roger, a lovely memory and a great photo too.
Sunny scenes at Pendomer
Bill Elston
Hi All,
I was over at Pendomer this afternoon for the EXD to Waterloo, 1L52. Everything was fine until it got as far as Chard Jct., but then it was looped because of a very late running westbound train, 1L29 being stuck at Crewkerne for some 40min.
1L52 eventually left Crewkerne at 1517, about 57 late, and is seen passing Pendomer with 158880 and 159104 both still in South West Trains livery .
The joys of single line working!!
Best wishes,
Bill
I was over at Pendomer this afternoon for the EXD to Waterloo, 1L52. Everything was fine until it got as far as Chard Jct., but then it was looped because of a very late running westbound train, 1L29 being stuck at Crewkerne for some 40min.
1L52 eventually left Crewkerne at 1517, about 57 late, and is seen passing Pendomer with 158880 and 159104 both still in South West Trains livery .
The joys of single line working!!
Best wishes,
Bill
158880 leads 1L52 through the cutting at Pendomer on 21.07.2024. Copyright Bill Elston.
159104 bringing up the rear, both units still wearing the eye-catching South West Trains livery. 21.07.2024, copyright Bill Elston.
Many thanks Bill, the weather up there looks like it was a lot better than what we had here in Cornwall!
Classic Traction at St. Dennis Junction
Martin Duff
Saturday afternoon (20.07.24) 16.04 at St. Dennis Junction. The 15.43 from Newquay approaches. Copyright Martin Duff.
Many thanks Martin - the junction looking a little sorry for itself there.