Central Cornwall Railway
Peter Murnaghan
Following the recent suggestion of a new railway between Okehampton and Launceston by a local MP and our reminder by Andrew Jones of the Trewint extension of the Caradon Railway, that never opened, there is one other railway scheme that deserves a mention.
I have in my collection a prospectus for the Central Cornwall Railway. This is un-dated, but proposes to build a line in direct competition with the broad gauge GWR line. It proposes a 'narrow gauge' (actually standard gauge) line between Launceston and Wenford Bridge, plus a further line from Ruthern Bridge to Truro. This new line, through the central core of Cornwall would have avoided the need to tranship between the gauges at Truro and enable more direct trains, saving 29 miles on the broad gauge route through south Cornwall and Plymouth. Much is made of the tin, lead and copper mines along the route, as well as the china clay, slate and even sea sand from Padstow that could be conveyed.
Estimating a date for this proposal would suggest 1864, since the Bodmin & Wadebridge line opened in 1834 and the North Cornwall Railway didn't extend beyond Launceston until 1892.
Clearly, the prospectus failed to raise sufficient funds to build the line through Central Cornwall, but it's fascinating to consider what 'Might have been'.
I have in my collection a prospectus for the Central Cornwall Railway. This is un-dated, but proposes to build a line in direct competition with the broad gauge GWR line. It proposes a 'narrow gauge' (actually standard gauge) line between Launceston and Wenford Bridge, plus a further line from Ruthern Bridge to Truro. This new line, through the central core of Cornwall would have avoided the need to tranship between the gauges at Truro and enable more direct trains, saving 29 miles on the broad gauge route through south Cornwall and Plymouth. Much is made of the tin, lead and copper mines along the route, as well as the china clay, slate and even sea sand from Padstow that could be conveyed.
Estimating a date for this proposal would suggest 1864, since the Bodmin & Wadebridge line opened in 1834 and the North Cornwall Railway didn't extend beyond Launceston until 1892.
Clearly, the prospectus failed to raise sufficient funds to build the line through Central Cornwall, but it's fascinating to consider what 'Might have been'.
Please click any below image for an enlargement - images are copyright Peter Murnaghan.
Many thanks indeed Peter - as you rightly say, fascinating to think of what could have been.
The Blue HST heads to Paignton
Guy Vincent & Martin Scane
Thursday 21st May saw LSL's 'Midland Pullman' HST set head to Paignton with a charter from Nottingham.
Full size Pullman HST set with 43055 and 43049 in charge passing Berkley Marsh some 15 minutes early with 1Z03 0603 Nottingham - Paignton. 21.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.
A couple of photos of the Midland Pullman today The train is 1Z20 Nottingham to Paignton passing Sprey Point at 13-08 just a couple of minutes down. 21.05.2026, copyright Martin Scane.
The once-familiar sight of a HST on the sea wall - now a rare treat. 21.05.2026, copyright Martin Scane.
Martin adds:
The HST was in amongst a procession of trains running right behind each other hence it was taking a leisurely stroll along the wall (as were they all except the first one).
Just for interest, the other trains were :
13-03 Exmouth to Paignton (6 mins late)-150
13-06 Newcastle to Plymouth - Voyager
13-08 Nottingham to Paignton - Pullman
13-11 Exeter to Penzance - IET
13-14 Exmouth to Paignton - 166
All in all a very busy 15 mins or so including going the other way:
13-01 Penzance to Paddington - IET
13-13 Plymouth to Glasgow - Voyager
The HST was in amongst a procession of trains running right behind each other hence it was taking a leisurely stroll along the wall (as were they all except the first one).
Just for interest, the other trains were :
13-03 Exmouth to Paignton (6 mins late)-150
13-06 Newcastle to Plymouth - Voyager
13-08 Nottingham to Paignton - Pullman
13-11 Exeter to Penzance - IET
13-14 Exmouth to Paignton - 166
All in all a very busy 15 mins or so including going the other way:
13-01 Penzance to Paddington - IET
13-13 Plymouth to Glasgow - Voyager
Many thanks to you both, some nice photos.
Deepest, Darkest, Clay Country!
Mark Lynam & Jon Hird
66762 shunts at Treviscoe early on 21.05.2026. Copyright Mark Lynam.
66762 departs Treviscoe with 6 loaded JIA's bound for Cliffe Vale. 21.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
6C53 comes off the branch at Burngullow Junction, whilst a GWR IET heads west on the mainline. 21.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
A brief break from photographing the clay train to catch 220027 passing Trewoon with the 1115 Penzance - Edinburgh. 21.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Just around the corner from Mark, 220027 crosses Gover Viaduct. 21.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Now on the mainline, 6C53 rounds the curve at Trewoon as it continues on its journey to the midlands. 21.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
With mist rolling in off the mountainous terrain of 'Clay Country' behind, 66762 accelarates across Gover Viaduct with the 6 JIA's, the crosswind blowing through the valley blowing some excess clay off the tops of the wagons. It's very difficult to predict and time when this train may show up, so I was very grateful to Mark for the live updates through the morning which enabled me to get my photo! 21.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks Mark, this now being the only timetabled freight west of Par means it's always worth a look at.
A late night 'down west'
Mark Lynam
66559 arrives at Penzance from Westbury with a train of Autoballasters. 20.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
A view of the Freightliner loco from the opposite platform as it prepares to push back to Slopers siding before running round. 20.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
After running round, the train propelled back into the station and prepared to depart for the worksite in the Truro area. 20.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks Mark - very atmospheric.