NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 52A
Cornish Broccoli Traffic
Michael L. Roach
This instalment shows articles from the Great Western Railway Magazine in the 1920s of how the Company dealt with and encouraged Cornish broccoli to travel further afield.
(Please click any image below for an enlargement)
Record traffic in the week ended 14 April 1926.
Loading strawberries, which would have come from the Tamar Valley, at Saltash Station in July 1926. Strawberries would also have been loaded into railway wagons at the Southern Railway's Calstock Station.
Cornish broccoli for the continent in April 1929.
Cornish broccoli for the continent in April 1929.
Cornish broccoli for the continent in April 1929.
A question from a reader
St. Blazey Pannier Tanks
My researches have brought into question Pannier 7446, which went new, to St.Blazey in March 1950, to stay until steam finished at the shed in April 1962, whereupon 7446 went to Machynlleth. I had long believed that 7446 was the first choice replacement for 0-4-2T 1419, the long-term engine for the Lostwithiel - Fowey push-pull service, but details I am constantly unearthing show that if for whatever reason 1419 was unavailable, Laira used to loan a 64xx pannier for the Fowey service.
So, my question is please, does anyone know what 83E duty 7446 was employed upon? The fact that she stayed until the end points to her utility for some purpose.....
Hoping you can help - thanks and all best wishes.
So, my question is please, does anyone know what 83E duty 7446 was employed upon? The fact that she stayed until the end points to her utility for some purpose.....
Hoping you can help - thanks and all best wishes.
An interesting question and one I hope our collective readers/contributors may be able to assist with - if you can, please drop us an email - [email protected]
Cornish China Clay trains
Bob Morrison
Although I live “up country” I often take a look at the CRS site and always find interesting things here.
On a short visit to Cornwall I took the opportunity to head to Golant Crossing to see one of the china clay trains from Goonbarrow to Fowey Harbour (6G09) today - 8th July.
As it often runs early I took the precaution of getting there in good time. True to form it was nearly 30 minutes early, so it was frustrating that just as the train appeared on the river bank someone popped up from nowhere and stood right in front of me. However I managed to salvage something!
Bob Morrison, Swindon
On a short visit to Cornwall I took the opportunity to head to Golant Crossing to see one of the china clay trains from Goonbarrow to Fowey Harbour (6G09) today - 8th July.
As it often runs early I took the precaution of getting there in good time. True to form it was nearly 30 minutes early, so it was frustrating that just as the train appeared on the river bank someone popped up from nowhere and stood right in front of me. However I managed to salvage something!
Bob Morrison, Swindon
Still in EWS livery, 66028 approaches Golant with 6G09 (Goonbarrow - Fowey) on 08.07.2025. Copyright Bob Morrison.
Still in EWS livery, 66028 approaches Golant with 6G09 (Goonbarrow - Fowey) on 08.07.2025. Copyright Bob Morrison.
The loco draws closer to the photographer at the crossing, passing the site of the former Golant Halt. 08.07.2025, copyright Bob Morrison.
Many thanks indeed, Bob. Glad to hear you enjoy our website! Thanks again for sending over your photos.
Par Harbour Clay
Steve Clark
I managed to grab some shots of the Par Harbour Clay on Thursday 3rd July with 66019 in charge of 11 loaded JIAs. I arrived on scene at 11.30am and the last 2 JIAs were still being loaded but the train finally headed for St Blazey at 12.10pm
66019 shunts the JIA's in Par Harbour on 03.07.2025. Copyright Steve Clark.
66019 shunts the JIA's in Par Harbour on 03.07.2025. Copyright Steve Clark.
Having finished loading the wagons, 66019 creeps forwards towards the crossing. 03.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
66019 comes to a stop to wait for the gates to be opened. 03.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
Imerys/DB 'ground staff' open the crossing gates. 03.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
66019 proceeds across the road to St. Blazey, where it will run round and wait for its afternoon path onwards to Exeter Riverside. 03.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
Many thanks, Steve - always special to see a train in the harbour - precious few scenes like it left.
Our first look at the
Britannic Explorer Livery
Colin Pidgeon
66748 St Michael's Mount in Britannic Explorer livery at Swindon on 0Z90 London Victoria to Llandeilo Jct road learner.
Note the Cornish connection with the nameplate.
Note the Cornish connection with the nameplate.
66748 'St. Michaels Mount' at Swindon on 08.07.2025. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.
66748 'St. Michaels Mount' at Swindon on 08.07.2025. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.
66748 'St. Michaels Mount' at Swindon on 08.07.2025. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.
Looks good! Many thanks, Colin.
For details on when this train will be visiting Cornwall, see our Railtour Calendar.
For details on when this train will be visiting Cornwall, see our Railtour Calendar.
Various Multiple Units
Steve Widdowson
323221 being hauled by 37800 through Worcester Shrub Hill as 5Q59 (0945 Long Marston - Derby Litchurch Lane). 08.07.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
398019 is hauled by 43423 and 43467 through Besford Bridge, Worcs as 6Q38 (1215 Pengam Sidings - Old Dalby) 08.07.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
Lovely colourful photos, Steve - many thanks.