This weekend:
The Lappa Valley Grand Gala
The Lappa Valley Railway (a narrow-gauge line following the course of the former Newquay - Perranporth branch) are holding their annual gala this coming weekend - the 13th and 14th of June.
For the first time in the railways history, the main 15" gauge railway is playing host to 2 visiting locomotives. 'Mr. Hallworth' and 'Spirit of Adventure' have been sent down from the Perrygrove Railway for the weekend.
Although primarily a tourist attraction, this weekend is very much enthusiast-focused, with an intensive timetable, non-stop 'express' services and much more on offer.
For more details please visit the Lappa Valley website - click here.
For the first time in the railways history, the main 15" gauge railway is playing host to 2 visiting locomotives. 'Mr. Hallworth' and 'Spirit of Adventure' have been sent down from the Perrygrove Railway for the weekend.
Although primarily a tourist attraction, this weekend is very much enthusiast-focused, with an intensive timetable, non-stop 'express' services and much more on offer.
For more details please visit the Lappa Valley website - click here.
A half-hour at Respryn
Andrew & Diane Jones
In the week that we witnessed the last day of Royal Cornwall cancelled (only the second time in its history, to my memory), it's been a strange mixture of sunshine and showers.
Grasping a dry spell, we went to Respryn near Bodmin Rd station to capture a few passing trains at mid-day.
It's hard to imagine the mainline looking like a branchline in Sri Lanka, but lack of weedkiller seems to be allowing the track bed to resemble a long closed section, and must be a cause for concern with all those weeds clogging the drainage.
4 photos of 4 trains below, plenty to see in 30 minutes!
Grasping a dry spell, we went to Respryn near Bodmin Rd station to capture a few passing trains at mid-day.
It's hard to imagine the mainline looking like a branchline in Sri Lanka, but lack of weedkiller seems to be allowing the track bed to resemble a long closed section, and must be a cause for concern with all those weeds clogging the drainage.
4 photos of 4 trains below, plenty to see in 30 minutes!
Set 175009 heading for Exeter 4 mins late at 12.08. 09.06.2026, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
Newquay to Paddington set 802002 running 2 min early at 12.16. 09.06.2026, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
Penzance to Edinburgh set 220031 running 3 mins late 12.32. 09.06.2026, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
Exeter to Penzance set 175111 running 6 mins late at 12.28. 09.06.2026, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
Many thanks indeed Andrew & Diane - the vegetation there certainly does get wild this time of year!
Memories of Newton Abbot
Michael Adams
Here are two pictures taken by Michael Adams during his visit to Newton Abbot on 10 August 1985.
Firstly we see 50035 with the 14.48 Paignton to Paddington service. 10.08.1985, copyright Michael Adams.
Then 45146 with the 10.45 Newquay to Newcastle. Great locos and wonderful signals. 10.08.1985, copyright Michael Adams.
A wonderful pair of photographs from Michael Adams, and our grateful thanks to Michael Forward for sending them in to us.
Colourful scenes
on the Newquay Branch
Jon Hird
175003 approaches Victoria (Roche) with the 1217 Newquay - Par. 09.06.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
66712 beneath the semaphores at Goonbarrow in a foxglove-lined cutting with the midday Goonbarrow - Fowey clay. 09.06.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
June 1976
Part 10
Roger Winnen
A DMU forms the 08.05 from Newquay seen at Bugle. 19.06.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
A Peak hauls the 08.45 from Newquay seen at Bugle. 19.06.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1023 Western Fusilier passes Bugle on route to Newquay. 19.06.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1023 Western Fusilier passes Bugle on route to Newquay. 19.06.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1023 at Bugle, returning from Newquay with the 1E22 1005 Newcastle service which it worked to Plymouth. 19.06.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Many thanks to Guy Vincent for the loco and allocation details for the final 'Western' image.