Re: Wrangaton
Roy Hart
I enjoyed Mike's piece on this. Perhaps the following notes will be of interest:
In the days of the old South Devon Railway (broad gauge, single track) there was a siding at Wrangaton. Hence the local 'Siding Road'. It was really something to have a railway siding in the 1850s!
By the 1870s there was a station, but it was called not Wrangaton, but Kingsbridge Road (there was no Kingsbridge branch till 1893). The local pub (if it survives) perpetuates the old name.
Following the gauge conversion and the doubling of the main line, the station was rebuilt and renamed. There had been a primitive signal box before, but the new, modern box opened in 1896. The trackbed of the old broad gauge main line, together with a bridge or two, is still visible on the north side of today's main line west of Wrangaton.
Wrangaton box controlled a short cattle pen siding and the successor of the old 1850s siding. Expansion during world war two included the War Department depot at Monksmoor with sidings beside the station. This was added in March 1944.
There was minimal local traffic of any kind and Wrangaton station closed, along with Plympton, Cornwood, Ivybridge and Bittaford in 1959. The box lasted until 1966, but Monksmoor siding survived for several years, accessed by a ground frame.
I remember visiting the Signal & Telegraph depot at Devonport Albert Road in 1966: There in the yard was the cast iron nameplate of Wrangaton box, which had just closed. I was offered it for 10 shillings. I declined, as I couldn't see a way of getting it home to Redruth!
Wrangaton box has been splendidly reconstructed at Kidderminster. The frame is not the original (which was scrapped in 1966) but a suitable period substitute was found.
In the days of the old South Devon Railway (broad gauge, single track) there was a siding at Wrangaton. Hence the local 'Siding Road'. It was really something to have a railway siding in the 1850s!
By the 1870s there was a station, but it was called not Wrangaton, but Kingsbridge Road (there was no Kingsbridge branch till 1893). The local pub (if it survives) perpetuates the old name.
Following the gauge conversion and the doubling of the main line, the station was rebuilt and renamed. There had been a primitive signal box before, but the new, modern box opened in 1896. The trackbed of the old broad gauge main line, together with a bridge or two, is still visible on the north side of today's main line west of Wrangaton.
Wrangaton box controlled a short cattle pen siding and the successor of the old 1850s siding. Expansion during world war two included the War Department depot at Monksmoor with sidings beside the station. This was added in March 1944.
There was minimal local traffic of any kind and Wrangaton station closed, along with Plympton, Cornwood, Ivybridge and Bittaford in 1959. The box lasted until 1966, but Monksmoor siding survived for several years, accessed by a ground frame.
I remember visiting the Signal & Telegraph depot at Devonport Albert Road in 1966: There in the yard was the cast iron nameplate of Wrangaton box, which had just closed. I was offered it for 10 shillings. I declined, as I couldn't see a way of getting it home to Redruth!
Wrangaton box has been splendidly reconstructed at Kidderminster. The frame is not the original (which was scrapped in 1966) but a suitable period substitute was found.
Many thanks indeed Roy. I can only imagine you regret declining the offer of the nameplate now!
Late night locos
Andrew Triggs
57301 awaiting departure from Penzance with 1A50 21.45 Penzance-London Paddington. 29.07.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.
Next we see 70806 following Penzance arrival with 6C97 17.28 Westbury Down T.C-Burngullow Jn. 29.07.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.
Many thanks Andrew, nice shots.
Sleeper in 'The Smoke'
Roger Geach
Here is the sleeper stock at Paddington ready to head back to Reading behind 57312 in the morning sunshine. It is very rare for me to be at Paddington this early these days. The first loco hauled train ive seen at Paddington for many a year. 57604 was on the blocks but was not in the sunshine. 27.07.2026, copyright Roger Geach.
Many thanks Roger - of course we see plenty of photographs of the sleeper here in the west, but rarely at the opposite end of its journey.
Treviscoe Clay
Jon Hird & Tony Shore
66759 leads the Treviscoe - Stoke china clay over the open crossing at Lanjeth. With Par Harbour ceasing drying activities, it's expected that Treviscoe and this branch will see a small upturn of traffic. At present it sees one train per week, which is also the only freight service to travel west of Par. 30.07.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Further east, in Exeter Riverside Yard, the 6 JIA's from Treviscoe have been reunited with the 8 loaded at Par Harbour on Wednesday, and 66759 leads the rake of 14 on towards Cliffe Vale. 30.07.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The rake of wagons passing Cowey. 30.07.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
Many thanks Tony.
July 1976
Part 31
Roger Winnen
A Class 31 arrives at Kings Cross from Moorgate. 30.07.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Class 31 with suburban stock at York Road en route to Moorgate. 30.07.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.