Tregoss Loop
('Newquay Branch Class 70 Gala!')
Jon Hird
On the morning of 02.03.2025, Colas Rail 70814 and 70810 top and tail 10 wagons whilst a road rail vehicle fills them with used ballast. Copyright Jon Hird.
Further down the line, just before the A30 overbridge, was 70809 with its three wagons from the previous night. In this photo it had just been shut down, and 70810 had been attached to the rear of the train. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
70810 attached to the rear of 70809's three wagons. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
70810 and 809 head back to the worksite. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Much later in the day, 70815 and another classmate are seen top and tailing a loaded ballast train at Goonbarrow Junction. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Back on the Goss Moor again, 70809, 810 and 814 were parked up near a farm crossing. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
A very helpful member of the workforce kindly tipped us off that something worth photographing was about to happen. Shortly after, 70809 and 810 departed towards the new loop. 02.03.2025., copyright Jon Hird.
We watched on as the points were wound over by hand. 70809 was detached from the rear of the train, and - slowly - it was eased onto the rails of the new loop. The first train to go in there. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
With the points wound back over, 70810 was able to reverse the three wagons back past 70809. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The same scene as the above, but taken by a friend down at the access point. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The two locos stopped alongside each other beneath a dramatic sunset. When was the last time two trains passed here? 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
70809 is then free to run forwards and attached to the rear of the 10 wagons behind 70814. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The sun really had dipped beneath the horizon by this point. The points were wound back straight once again and 70810 was able to run past once again with the three wagons in tow. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Congratulations to the fantastic team working on this project upon their marvellous progress. It has been fascinating to see it unfold.
Some information from Roy Hart received 03.03.2025:
Jon Hird asks when was the last time two trains crossed at Tregoss:
The double line across the moor was installed in 1921, to assist in the passage of heavy clay traffic brought northwards as a result of the 'Carpella break' when the Drinnick branch was severed at a point south of Drinnick.
The break ended in 1922, but the double line proved useful as summer passenger traffic grew on the Newquay branch.
The double line was taken out of use on 3rd January 1965, so I suspect that the last time that two trains crossed on the Goss moor was in the autumn of 1964.
Incidentally, I was surprised to read professional railwaymen refer to the new loop as a 'passing loop'. It is no such thing. On single lines, a loop where trains from opposite directions can pass one another is CROSSING LOOP.
Jon Hird asks when was the last time two trains crossed at Tregoss:
The double line across the moor was installed in 1921, to assist in the passage of heavy clay traffic brought northwards as a result of the 'Carpella break' when the Drinnick branch was severed at a point south of Drinnick.
The break ended in 1922, but the double line proved useful as summer passenger traffic grew on the Newquay branch.
The double line was taken out of use on 3rd January 1965, so I suspect that the last time that two trains crossed on the Goss moor was in the autumn of 1964.
Incidentally, I was surprised to read professional railwaymen refer to the new loop as a 'passing loop'. It is no such thing. On single lines, a loop where trains from opposite directions can pass one another is CROSSING LOOP.
Many thanks indeed, Roy.
Super sunny Saturday
Steve Clark
3 daytime targets in daylight?! When did that last happen?! Thankfully all bagged in decent light!
66152 with 6V74 passing Restormel. 01.03.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
70809 with 6C20 at Respryn. 01.03.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
57602 with 5P50 at Lostwithiel. 01.03.2025, copyright Steve Clark.
Many thanks, Steve - a lovely selection
Exeter Model Railway Society
David Tozer
In August 2023 you had a few photographs of the Exeter Model Railway Society railway located in the grounds of St Katherines Priory, Exeter. This is at the rear of Morrison's Supermarket at Exmouth Junction.
Much progress has been going on in recent months with the group working hard to complete the loop of track. A new viaduct is under construction.
With some fine weather today I took a stroll to the site as on the first
Sunday in the month they are open with rides costing only £2.
I managed a photo of SWR Class 159 159005 passing with the 0938 Waterloo to Exeter. I had hoped to get a photograph with the little steam engine close to the main line railway embankment. Sadly it did not work out.
Much progress has been going on in recent months with the group working hard to complete the loop of track. A new viaduct is under construction.
With some fine weather today I took a stroll to the site as on the first
Sunday in the month they are open with rides costing only £2.
I managed a photo of SWR Class 159 159005 passing with the 0938 Waterloo to Exeter. I had hoped to get a photograph with the little steam engine close to the main line railway embankment. Sadly it did not work out.
A visit to the Exeter Model Railway Society. 02.03.2025, copyright David Tozer.
159005 heads to Exeter. 02.03.2025, copyright David Tozer.
Many thanks Dave - something a bit different
West Cornwall Castles
Mark Lynam
43092 + 43188 crossing Brea embankment working 2C12 0722 Exeter St Davids to Penzance. 01.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
The same set coming back up the line at Dolcoath Level Crossing with 43188 leading working 2P86 1113 Penzance to Plymouth. 01.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
10 minutes later in the other direction at Dolcoath 43004 leads 2C16 1015 Plymouth to Penzance. 01.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
43093 at Marazion working 2P90 1315 Penzance to Plymouth. 01.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
57602 slowly approaching Marazion, which was following an IET. 01.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
57602 at Marazion working 5P50 1410 Longrock T&RSMD to Laira T&RSMD via Penzance as the sleeper will be started from Plymouth tonight due to the mainline being closed. 01.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks Mark - great shots as always.
A tale of a Western and a Princess
Part 3
Roger Winnen
17.09.2016 - Adjustments being made to Princess Elizabeth at Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
17.09.2016 - Looking into the sun with Princess Elizabeth. Copyright Roger Winnen
17.09.2016 - Departing Plymouth on the 18.42 to Penzance we see both the train and the backup locomotive in Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
17.09.2016 - The Cathedrals Express at St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen
17.09.2016 - The Princess Elizabeth dropping off passengers at St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen
17.09.2016 - Departing St Austell on its final leg of the run to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen
17.09.2016 - Within 30 seconds of me arriving at Penzance the special backed out from Platform 1. to the slopers siding. Copyright Roger Winnen
17.09.2016 - 46201 Princess Elizabeth looks a fine sight stabled in the Station Yard at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen