'Back in the day'
An hour at Restormel in 1999
Julian Stephens
Back in the day.
Wednesday 7th July 1999. On a fine Summer evening I decided to venture out to photograph the evening St. Blazey to Bodmin Parkway move of the wagons for Fitzgerald Lighting.
This was in the pre-digital era when we had no media to tell us where trains were at any given time.
I was nearing the over bridge at Restormel Farm near Lostwithiel when I glimpsed through the trees a Railfreight Class 37 heading East with two VGA wagons in tow. No chance of a picture there then.
As it was a pleasant evening I decided to wait for the return trip and then maybe a little while longer. An HST passed in each direction but at that time I was only interested in photographing loco-hauled trains. Here is what passed before the sunlight faded.
Wednesday 7th July 1999. On a fine Summer evening I decided to venture out to photograph the evening St. Blazey to Bodmin Parkway move of the wagons for Fitzgerald Lighting.
This was in the pre-digital era when we had no media to tell us where trains were at any given time.
I was nearing the over bridge at Restormel Farm near Lostwithiel when I glimpsed through the trees a Railfreight Class 37 heading East with two VGA wagons in tow. No chance of a picture there then.
As it was a pleasant evening I decided to wait for the return trip and then maybe a little while longer. An HST passed in each direction but at that time I was only interested in photographing loco-hauled trains. Here is what passed before the sunlight faded.
At 19:42hrs. 47813 passed with a Paddington - Penzance. 07.07.1999, copyright Julian Stephens.
47813 heading west. 07.07.1999, copyright Julian Stephens.
At 19:50hrs. 37040/37007 with what I assume was 6C20 Alexandra Dock Junction to St. Blazey. 07.07.1999, copyright Julian Stephens.
37042 and 007 heading for St. Blazey. 07.07.1999, copyright Julian Stephens.
At 19:59hrs. 37671 Tre Pol Pen returned with the loaded VGA Fitzgerald wagons from Bodmin. 07.07.1999, copyright Julian Stephens.
37671 heading west wtth its 2 VGA wagons. 07.07.1999, copyright Julian Stephens.
At 20:08hrs. 60034 with what I assume was 6V70 Cliffe Vale to St. Blazey. 07.07.1999, copyright Julian Stephens.
60034 heading for St. Blazey. 07.07.1999, copyright Julian Stephens.
At 20:16hrs. 66124 heading for St. Blazey and looking brand new. 07.07.1999, copyright Julian Stephens.
Light loco 'fresh out the box' 66124. 07.07.1999, copyright Julian Stephens.
At 20:46hrs. 47736 with 1A01 TPO just as the light began to disappear. 07.07.1999, copyright Julian Stephens.
Many thanks indeed for this excellent selection, Julian - you have excelled yourself with these. What a variety in such a short space of time - great times for the hobby.
Coulson Park, Lostwithiel
Craig Munday
I was called to investigate an issue at Lostwithiel which meant I had to allow the Belmond Explorer to vacate the Fowey Branch. It was a brightly lit morning with high cloud, which actually benefited me for a rare shot of the train coming off the branch nicely lit. (The sun is opposing this shot).
66744 / 66751 were the traction for this weekend's run, and they complemented the sky blue carriages nicely. I was able to observe the train's patrons return from their excursions at Colwith Farm and Fowey as they stretched their legs having been on the train since the evening before. The staff were immaculately turned out and courteous, a real credit to Belmond.
How I wish we had had the opportunity to deal with the train with Lostwithiel box still in existence, this would have livened up Sunday morning no end. Alas the lack of Facing Point Locks (FPL) on the down goods loop point would have meant clipping up for such a move carrying passengers. It's a very slick affair threading the Explorer in between the mainline services, (a 175 is pictured heading away in one picture) the crossing needing many extra operations. All credit to the Mid Cornwall Signallers for keeping things running so smoothly, and the GBRf crews cooperation.
66744 / 66751 were the traction for this weekend's run, and they complemented the sky blue carriages nicely. I was able to observe the train's patrons return from their excursions at Colwith Farm and Fowey as they stretched their legs having been on the train since the evening before. The staff were immaculately turned out and courteous, a real credit to Belmond.
How I wish we had had the opportunity to deal with the train with Lostwithiel box still in existence, this would have livened up Sunday morning no end. Alas the lack of Facing Point Locks (FPL) on the down goods loop point would have meant clipping up for such a move carrying passengers. It's a very slick affair threading the Explorer in between the mainline services, (a 175 is pictured heading away in one picture) the crossing needing many extra operations. All credit to the Mid Cornwall Signallers for keeping things running so smoothly, and the GBRf crews cooperation.
66751 leads 1Z06, The Belmond Brittanic Explorer off the Fowey Branch at Coulson Park, Lostwithiel. 05.07.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
1Z06 Belmond Brittanic Explorer with 66751 66744 being led by 66744 back onto the Fowey Branch from Lostwithiel Loop. 05.07.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
A Class 175 departs eastwards whilst 66751 and 66744 call at Lostwithiel to collect their passengers. 05.07.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
Many thanks as always Craig, 3 lovely shots.
'On the naughty step'
Roger Salter
57312, which failed on the Fri-Sat Night Sleeper with low power at Plymouth, is seen on Monday morning in Long Rock Yard. 06.07.2026, copyright Roger Salter.
Many thanks, Roger.
Monday's Clay
Jon Hird
A view from aloft of 66305 leading the Goonbarrow - Fowey Clay down through the Luxulyan Valley. With the drone sitting at 75 meters above its take-off point, it’s still lower than the highest points of the valley sides. 06.07.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Sulzer Power
Michael Adams
Another shot from Michael taken at Dawlish Warren on 8 April 1980 shows 45005 ,working unknown. Copyright Michael Adams.
Now at Bristol on 23 December 1981 we see 45131 which had just arrived with the overnight sleeper from Edinburgh,those were the days! Copyright Michael Adams.
Last one for today shows 47488 arriving at Exeter St. David's on 6 December 1981 with the 13.07 service for Penzance. Copyright Michael Adams.
Many thanks to Michael Adams for taking these great photos, and to Michael Forward for sending them in.
Dawlish Holiday Part 3
Roger Salter
6M53 1333 Goonbarrow-Cliffe Vale, No.66755 & 66712 at Eastdon. 22.06.2026, copyright Roger Salter.
6C53 ECC Par Harbour-Exeter Riverside ,No.66755 at Eastdon. 24.06.2026, copyright Roger Salter.
66755 on 6M53 1146 Parkandillick-Cliffe Vale. 25.06.2026, copyright Roger Salter.
Many thanks again, Roger.
July 1976
Part 7
Roger Winnen
A Peak at Long rock. 04.07.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
A Gloucester Cross Country DMU at Marazion. 04.07.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
A Class 50 at Long Rock Crossing. 04.07.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.