The 'last' train to Par Harbour
Jon Hird, Steve Clark, Tony Shore, Sam Sheldrick & Clive Smith
Earlier this month, we brought you photographs of what was believed to be the final freight train to depart Par Harbour. At the time, however, we noted that there remained the possibility of a small number of additional workings to remove surplus clay from the harbour stores.
On Wednesday 29 July, that final clearance operation took place. Locomotive 66759 arrived from Goonbarrow with eight JIA wagons to collect the last 400 tonnes of china clay destined for the potteries of Stoke-on-Trent.
Sources within both Imerys and GBRf believe this to be the final clay train to leave Par Harbour and traverse the branch line. That said, railway history has taught us that "last" is a word best used with caution, and until the line is formally closed to traffic, nothing can ever be considered absolutely certain.
By 11:00, the train had returned to St Blazey Yard, and the level crossing gates across Par Moor Road were locked once again—potentially for the final time following the passage of a freight train.
This working may also mark another significant milestone. With St Blazey depot having been mothballed by DB Cargo last year, the train could become the last freight service ever to run through the depot, bringing to a close another chapter in Cornwall's rich railway heritage.
For hundreds of historical photographs of Par Harbour, check out our St. Blazey & Par Harbour Gallery. Or, go back in time even further, and visit the Par Harbour - Fowey Gallery.
On Wednesday 29 July, that final clearance operation took place. Locomotive 66759 arrived from Goonbarrow with eight JIA wagons to collect the last 400 tonnes of china clay destined for the potteries of Stoke-on-Trent.
Sources within both Imerys and GBRf believe this to be the final clay train to leave Par Harbour and traverse the branch line. That said, railway history has taught us that "last" is a word best used with caution, and until the line is formally closed to traffic, nothing can ever be considered absolutely certain.
By 11:00, the train had returned to St Blazey Yard, and the level crossing gates across Par Moor Road were locked once again—potentially for the final time following the passage of a freight train.
This working may also mark another significant milestone. With St Blazey depot having been mothballed by DB Cargo last year, the train could become the last freight service ever to run through the depot, bringing to a close another chapter in Cornwall's rich railway heritage.
For hundreds of historical photographs of Par Harbour, check out our St. Blazey & Par Harbour Gallery. Or, go back in time even further, and visit the Par Harbour - Fowey Gallery.
It's a touch before 7am and the morning mist in the depths of the Luxulyan Valley is still yet to burn off, as 66759 crosses Ponts Mill viaduct with the Goonbarrow - Par Harbour empties, 6T53. 29.07.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
A little way further down the line, the signal for St. Blazey yard is pulled off at Middleway as 66759 continues on its journey to the harbour. 29.07.2026, copyright Steve Clark.
After a run round in St. Blazey, 66759 slowly propels its 8 wagons towards the crossing gates on Par Moor Road. 29.07.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
The GBRf and Imerys staff talk back the train, it then pauses for them to open the crossing gates. 29.07.2026, copyright Steve Clark.
Jon H 'droning on'. 29.07.2026, copyright Steve Clark.
With the crossing gates open, 66759 propels back towards the harbour complex. 29.07.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
66759 crossing Par Moor Road. 29.07.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The train reverses over the level crossing towards the harbour, possibly for the final time. 29.07.2026, copyright Steve Clark.
With the road reopened, the small gathering of enthusiasts grab their shots of the train stationary on the Par Harbour branch. 29.07.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
The train passes beneath the Cornish Main Line whilst shunting the wagons in the harbour. 29.07.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Shunting operations in Par Harbour. 29.07.2026, copyright Steve Clark.
The train wasn't at the harbour for long - before 11am it arrives back into St. Blazey yard. 29.07.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
Passing St. Blazey turntable on 'The Fowey Main'. 29.07.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
Another run round in St. Blazey in preparation for the run up to Exeter Riverside. 29.07.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
Shortly before 12 noon, the train propels out of St. Blazey yard. 29.07.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
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The Par Harbour - Exeter Riverside Clay passes Lostwithiel. Click for enlargements. 29.07.2026, copyright Sam Sheldrick.
Running 263 minutes early, that's nearly 4.5 hours, 66759 hauls what could well be the last consist from Par Harbour. This is the 6C53 15.45 Par Harbour - Exeter Riverside JIA clays. 29.07.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks all. A sad day - for we enthusiasts, the harbour was the only remaining facility where the public were able to see the shunting and loading operations, so it was quite a popular location. Another railway location consigned to the history books.
Lostwithiel 'back then'
Michael Forward
Here is a shot of 37669 on 20 September 1989.heading back to St.Blazey after bringing up some CDAs from Fowey and putting them in the siding. Copyright Michael Forward.
What a superb photo Michael - I can almost hear and smell the exhaust! Many thanks for sharing it.
Triple trouble!
Alan Peters
Triple trouble, three Colas Rail class 70's for Westbury as 6Z75 at Hinksey yard, with 70811 leading on 15/07/26. Copyright Alan Peters.
A rare view of the Network Rail MHD depot at Westbury after the arrival of 6Z75 from Hinksey on 15/07/26 with 3 x Colas Rail class 70's. Copyright Alan Peters.
Stabled at Westbury on 15/07/26 was 56051 'Survival'. Copyright Alan Peters.
Many thanks indeed Alan. Those '70's' really are purposeful-looking brutes.
'The Torbay Riviera Pullman'
Paul Barlow, Clive Smith & Tony Shore
43050 43055 working the 0524 Hull to Paignton 1Z44 pass Dawlish Warren. 29.07.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
43050 & 43055 are the power cars on the LSL HST 'Midland Blue Pullman' seen at Dawlish Warren with the 1Z44 05.24 Hull - Paignton. It was just as well Paignton station had re-opened today to passengers after the recent fire , otherwise those on board would have only had the choice of going to Torquay. 29.07.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
1Z44 heads on towards Dawlish. 29.07.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
43050 43055 working the 0524 Hull to Paignton 1Z44 passing Langstone Rock, Dawlish. 29.07.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
Later it is seen passing through Teignmouth with the 1Z45 15.38 Paignton - Hull. 29.07.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
The return leg of the tour heads through Dawlish Warren en route back to Hull. 29.07.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The return leg of the tour heads through Dawlish Warren en route back to Hull. 29.07.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The return Paignton - Hull charter approaching Exeter St. Davids. 29.07.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
The return Paignton - Hull charter approaching Exeter St. Davids. 29.07.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks all - you had the weather up in Devon today.
Rail Train
Tony Shore
70806 works the 1728 Westbury - Burngullow (via Penzance) rail train into Cornwall, crossing the Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash. 29.07.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
Many thanks again, Tony.
July 1976
Part 30
Roger Winnen
A Class 47 arrives at Kings Cross. 30.07.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
47425 Arrives at Kings Cross. 30.07.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.