'Back to the 70's'
With Roger Winnen
Part 2
A Peak at Doublebois. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.
25224 at St Blazey. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.
SIGN GWR Makers 1899. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.
St Blazey Turntable. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.
Class 25 and a Class 08 at St Blazey. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.
Light Crane at St Blazey. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.
Class 25s at Penzance. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.
Level Crossing, Hungerford, 30/6/25
Simon Smith
Saw your entry on the Purton Level Crossing (click here, scroll down), here is a companion piece.
The crossing failed, presumably the very high temperatures might have had something to do with it. Sadly I was waiting for a train, but could see both approach signals were red with trains waiting on OpenTrainTimes.
I'd never previously witnessed what happened next, which was the crossing audible warnings sounding and lights flashing but no barriers descending, followed by a toot from the train at the nearest red signal. This train was running down from London. It then crawled into the station, waited, sounded horm again and proceeded at very slow speed across the non barriered crossing, lights and sirens still sounding. Looked odd and drew a crowd. Not sure how long this was worked this way for but it did keep things moving. The odd sight is attached.
The crossing failed, presumably the very high temperatures might have had something to do with it. Sadly I was waiting for a train, but could see both approach signals were red with trains waiting on OpenTrainTimes.
I'd never previously witnessed what happened next, which was the crossing audible warnings sounding and lights flashing but no barriers descending, followed by a toot from the train at the nearest red signal. This train was running down from London. It then crawled into the station, waited, sounded horm again and proceeded at very slow speed across the non barriered crossing, lights and sirens still sounding. Looked odd and drew a crowd. Not sure how long this was worked this way for but it did keep things moving. The odd sight is attached.
The unusual sight of a GWR IET unit crossing the road at Hungerford sans-barriers. 30.06.2025, copyright Simon Smith.
The unusual sight of a GWR IET unit crossing the road at Hungerford sans-barriers. 30.06.2025, copyright Simon Smith.
Many thanks, Simon - it looks very strange indeed!
'Broccoli trains'
Can you help?
Hello - I wondered if you might be able to help me? I am looking for anyone who remembers the broccoli trains ( I think they were known to some as the 'Broccolo' and of course the broccolis were cauliflowers.) I am doing a project with the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and we are keen to find anyone with any memories of those times - and in particular why cauliflowers were called broccoli! I do hope you might be able to help?
I'm certain that someone out there will be able to assist with this query! If you are able to help and don't mind being put in touch with our contact, please drop us an email - [email protected]
Bristol Brush
Phil 'Shattered' Smith
47648 calls at Bristol Temple Meads. 1987, copyright Phil Smith.
A lovely night shot, Phil, with the high intensity light beaming into the air. Thanks very much.