NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 56
Taunton to Barnstaple Postscript
Michael L. Roach
This instalment brings together all the images that could not be used in Part 55 about Yeo Mill Halt on the Taunton to Barnstaple line. The first image shows the cover of the timetable from Summer 1964 commencing on 15 June 1964 and due to last 12 months. There were so many changes on 7 September 1964 that a 127-page Supplement was issued including some to the Monday to Saturday Taunton to Barnstaple route which then became 100 percent diesel; with steam haulage finishing on Saturday 5 September 1964. There were so many further changes to Western Region trains on 4 January 1965 that the WR timetable was completely reprinted. The earlier one dated 15 June was the first to use the 24-hour clock. The Taunton to Barnstaple line closed on and from Monday 3 October 1966 with the last passenger trains running on Saturday 1 October 1966. Normally I did not attend “last days” where lines had been dieselised but I made an exception for the Taunton to Barnstaple line. What I did was to travel along the line by car stopping at most of the stations to take a handful of photos at each of the station buildings, signal box and signals. In Part 55 I recommended Freddie Huxtable's history of the line. This is one of the best line histories I have ever seen, with hundreds of photographs and supporting documentation, and was a real labour of love by Freddie.
The cover of the Western Region passenger timetable for June 1964 to 1965. This was the first one to introduce the 24-hour clock.
Table 64 which applied from Monday 15 June to Saturday 5 September 1964, and which was the last steam timetable.
The cover of the Supplement dated 7 September 1964 which contained a number of alterations to Table 64 in a list. Table 64 now applied Mondays to Saturdays; there was no Sunday service. I believe that all trains were now operated by diesel multiple units.
The cover of the reissued and reprinted WR timetable applicable from Monday 4 January 1965. An encouragement to buy this revised timetable was the fact that it only cost one shilling against the two shillings and sixpence of the earlier full 1964-65 one.
The Table 64 timetable applicable from 4 January 1965. A small number of trains now ran to or from Torrington which may have been diagrammed to pick up the occasional milk tank making its way from Torrington to Taunton for a WR London destination.
Nothing to do with Taunton – Barnstaple but this pamphlet was used as a bookmark in the revised timetable and shows fares for day trips from Bath Green Park on the Somerset & Dorset just one year before closure.
Churchward Mogul no. 8318 leaves Penzance in 1934 with thirteen coaches. Engines in the 8300 series had extra weight inserted behind the buffer beam to minimise wear on the leading driving wheels caused by the many curves on lines such as the Cornish main line. Penzance had two moguls in 1921 and Plymouth had ten moguls in 1921.
A train is seen crossing Castle Hill Viaduct in 1926 behind a Churchward Mogul. The piers of the viaduct now carry a main road.
Many thanks as ever Mike, another interesting article, much appreciated.
For more of Michaels work, please click here.
For more of Michaels work, please click here.
Cornish Mineral Lines Tour
April 1962
Paul Dorney
I have a few photos of the above tour, acquired by me with copyright, but the identities of the original photographers are unknown. You may find them of interest and have my permission to use them on your website
5531 and a classmate work the Cornish Mineral Lines Tour on 28.04.1962. It looks like Carbis Wharf to me? Photographer unknown, copyright Paul Dorney.
Many thanks indeed for the wonderful photo, Paul.
We have a selection more from this tour on our website compiled by Mike Roach. Click here.
We have a selection more from this tour on our website compiled by Mike Roach. Click here.
GBRf Action
Steve Widdowson
66305 at Wadborough, Worcs with 4M54 (0710 Cardiff Docks Rp Gbrf to Burton West Yard Gbrf). 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
69009 at Wadborough, Worcs with 0F94 (0920 Eastleigh Trsmd to Long Marston). 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
Interesting trains, thanks very much, Steve.
Re: That mystery location photo..
Many thanks to those of you who have emailed in in response to the query from earlier this week as to the location of the above picture.
From numerous responses, we have determined that it is most likely taken at Yeovil GWR shed with Wyndham Hill in the distance. Mike Newton went into particular detail with the following:
The picture of the small prairie looks like Yeovil Pen Mill to me. The line to the right of the loco will be the one to Yeovil Town Sta. and on to Taunton. The line to Yeovil Jnc. / Dorchester are behind the photographer.
It always impresses me how much excellent knowledge is shared amongst our readers and contributors - many thanks indeed.
From numerous responses, we have determined that it is most likely taken at Yeovil GWR shed with Wyndham Hill in the distance. Mike Newton went into particular detail with the following:
The picture of the small prairie looks like Yeovil Pen Mill to me. The line to the right of the loco will be the one to Yeovil Town Sta. and on to Taunton. The line to Yeovil Jnc. / Dorchester are behind the photographer.
It always impresses me how much excellent knowledge is shared amongst our readers and contributors - many thanks indeed.
The monthly NMT visit
Andrew Triggs, Roger Winnen, Steve Clark & Jon Hird
The Down run to Penzance of 1Q18 with 43062 leading, approaching and passing Arch Lane overbridge at 11.15, shortly after clearing St Erth. 25.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
The Down run to Penzance of 1Q18 with 43062 leading, approaching and passing Arch Lane overbridge at 11.15, shortly after clearing St Erth. 25.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
Hazy going away shot of 1Q18, from Arch Lane overbridge, en route to Penzance. 25.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
The HST formation approaches Penzance Signal Box. 25.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
The boulders protecting Penzance against the winter storms. 25.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
43013 Mark Carne CBE. 25.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
The return from Penzance of 1Q18, with 43013 now leading, passing Rospeath Lane overbridge at 11.47, heading towards St Erth. 25.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
The return from Penzance of 1Q18, with 43013 now leading, passing Rospeath Lane overbridge at 11.47, heading towards St Erth. 25.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
Back to work today after a couple of days off but my break fell nicely to allow me to see the NMT aka Flying Banana on its 4 weekly visit to Cornwall. Even better, the sun was out!! 43013 'Mark carne OBE' leads the train through Bodmin Parkway, close behind the Voyager forming the 1S53 Penzance to Edinburgh. 43063 'John Armitt' is on the rear. 25.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
The returning NMT crossing East Largin viaduct en route to Paignton. 25.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks all, for sending in your photos.
Classic Traction and Semaphores
Joe Birchall
Today we went to St Ives on the train, which is definitely the best mode of transport to get there! Catching a Hitachi to St Erth and a HST (43093 and 43186) back, making use of the opportunity to photograph one between the semaphores at St Erth.
43093 and 43186 sweep into St. Erth from the west on 25.07.2025. Copyright Joe Birchall.
43093 and 43186 sweep into St. Erth from the west on 25.07.2025. Copyright Joe Birchall.
Many thanks, Joe. A classic scene (somewhat modernised by the new footbridge!)
Recent Round Up
Steve Clark
A last minute dash was made to Luxulyan after arriving home from work then seeing the Clay had just left Lostwithiel. Yet another Loco change sees 66003 powering towards the station with 12 empty JIAs heading to Goonbarrow Jn as the 6V76 from Westbury. 19.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
With the body clock waking me up just before 6am i had a quick check where the Beds were. And they were on time!! So a quick drop down to Par for them. The cab of 57301 just hits a patch of sunlight coming through the trees as it eases the 1C50 Night Riviera in to Par. 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
A curious Clay working flagged up for Thursday, an early morning run of the 6G09 Goonbarrow to Fowey. It was activated on RTT and sure enough, after the first train to Newquay had cleared the section, 6G09 was let out of Goonbarrow. What i didn't expect was for this to be such a short train!! 66003 approaches the crossing at St Andrews Road with just 2 JIAs in tow. Note the semaphore reflection in the stream plus the Duck having an early morning paddle. 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
Luckily 6G09 was held for an IET to depart allowing 'Double Stamps'. It sits on the Goods line waiting the Road which was given shortly afterwards. 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
After its trip to Fowey earlier in the morning, 66003 sets back into Par Harbour with 8 JIAs ready for loading. The DB shunter and Imerys Staff deal with the Crossing gates once the loco is clear. 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
You're Barred!!!! 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
Whilst some like the height of a pole or a drone, I was laid flat out on the ground with my camera under the crossing gates!! 66003 pushes back into the Harbour loading area with its 8 JIAs. 24.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
Many thanks, Steve. Great pics, especially the Middleway shot.