The Railway that never was?
Andrew & Diane Jones
As reported recently, a local MP has suggested that a new railway through the spine of Cornwall should be investigated as a possibility for improved connectivity.
I am sure that this proposal is meant to give the impression of a positive government intervention, but does it really stack up?
In a period of austerity, major proposals, including the A303 improvements at Stonehenge, have been dropped. HS2 costs continue to spiral and opening dates keep being extended, with some suggesting 2040 as realistic.
So, would a new high-speed electrified railway in the Duchy bring benefits?
The first hurdle is the lack of electrification south west of Bristol. Existing bi-modal units could operate, bridging non-electrified sections, but it seems doubtful given the drastic lack of investment in existing infrastructure.
The recent success of the Okehampton branch makes a very strong case for reopening to Tavistock and providing a resilient route to Plymouth, but even this extremely successful project struggles to get funding.
Logistically, Bodmin Moor stands proudly in the way, and it is doubtful that environmentalists are going to give their blessing. Both GWR and LSWR avoided the challenge and chose lower ground and relatively slower but easier routes.
This brings me to the “railway that never was” — one attempt to cross Bodmin Moor.
There was a proposal to extend the Caradon Railway past Trebartha Tor to Trewint, possibly connecting into the North Cornwall Railway. Interestingly, a considerable length was built but never used, and can still be traced today. Please see the below photograph.
My personal view is that engineers, rather than politicians, should be involved in decisions and proposals for new railways. However well-meaning, diverting resources to discuss projects without the benefit of professional opinion inevitably ends as just a dream, especially when the proposals concern start dates in 2050.
According to that well-known programme, “Tomorrow’s World”, broadcast in the 1960s, we should be flying in drone-like vehicles by now and enjoying a 10-hour working week!
My apologies for being absent for a while. Diane and I have moved house, which, believe me, is highly stressful.
I am sure that this proposal is meant to give the impression of a positive government intervention, but does it really stack up?
In a period of austerity, major proposals, including the A303 improvements at Stonehenge, have been dropped. HS2 costs continue to spiral and opening dates keep being extended, with some suggesting 2040 as realistic.
So, would a new high-speed electrified railway in the Duchy bring benefits?
The first hurdle is the lack of electrification south west of Bristol. Existing bi-modal units could operate, bridging non-electrified sections, but it seems doubtful given the drastic lack of investment in existing infrastructure.
The recent success of the Okehampton branch makes a very strong case for reopening to Tavistock and providing a resilient route to Plymouth, but even this extremely successful project struggles to get funding.
Logistically, Bodmin Moor stands proudly in the way, and it is doubtful that environmentalists are going to give their blessing. Both GWR and LSWR avoided the challenge and chose lower ground and relatively slower but easier routes.
This brings me to the “railway that never was” — one attempt to cross Bodmin Moor.
There was a proposal to extend the Caradon Railway past Trebartha Tor to Trewint, possibly connecting into the North Cornwall Railway. Interestingly, a considerable length was built but never used, and can still be traced today. Please see the below photograph.
My personal view is that engineers, rather than politicians, should be involved in decisions and proposals for new railways. However well-meaning, diverting resources to discuss projects without the benefit of professional opinion inevitably ends as just a dream, especially when the proposals concern start dates in 2050.
According to that well-known programme, “Tomorrow’s World”, broadcast in the 1960s, we should be flying in drone-like vehicles by now and enjoying a 10-hour working week!
My apologies for being absent for a while. Diane and I have moved house, which, believe me, is highly stressful.
Earthworks for the proposed extension of the Caradon Railway past Trebartha Tor to Trewint. A considerable length was built but never used, and can still be traced today. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
Many thanks Andrew - a well considered article and fascinating to learn of this proposed route. A considerable effort must have gone into those earthworks which never carried rails.
Hope the house move is now complete!
Hope the house move is now complete!
Out and about with
Mark Lynam
66762 passes Goonbarrow Loop working 6G09 1258 Goonbarrow Junction Dbc to Fowey Dock Carne Point. 19.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
175111 in the cutting at the former Chacewater station working 2P17 1350 Penzance to Plymouth with the rhododendrons and train giving a nice bit of colour. 19.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
The remains of the old station down platform in the distance as 175001 passes working 5Z14 1328 Plymouth to Par via Penzance. 19.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
The other end of the bridge, for 175007 working 2C26 1339 Plymouth to Penzance. 19.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Two minutes later in the other direction at 15.30 158959 passes working 2P19 1450 Penzance to Plymouth. 19.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks Mark - a super selection.
Hayle Wharves
Roger Salter
D827 'Kelly'at Hayle Wharves crossing. Courtesy Trevor Smitheram.
Many thanks Roger - what a lovely scene.
57's head home
Colin Pidgeon
When things do not go to plan. 0V04 Kidderminster SVR to Reading was supposed to be 57306 'Branch Line Society dragging 57604 'Pendennis Castle' The onward working 0M03 Reading TCD to Leicester L.I.P to get 57306 back to base was cancelled. 18.05.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
Many thanks to Colin, and to Ken M. for forwarding this one on to us.
New XC Livery
Mick House
One of the new liveried Cross Country 220 units 220 023 on the 1V52 Edinburgh to Penzance at Redruth running 5 late at 17.20. 18.05.2026, copyright Mick House.
220023 at Redruth. 18.05.2026, copyright Mick House.
Many thanks Mick. Brings back memories of the original red Virgin livery these units wore when new.