More Newquay Progress
Craig Munday
I popped over to Newquay for a look at our NEW infrastructure. The layout may not be as elaborate as the 1987 layout with three platforms, signalbox and sidings, but it's fascinating to see new points, platform, tracks and signals ready for commissioning. It's not going to see usage for the 2025 Summer / Boardmasters season, but will be very welcome going forward.
150207 looks lost in the opulently long platforms. I've never noticed the (unique) S shape to them? The signals here and at Goss Moor will be controlled from a small panel at Goonbarrow, a departure from the Penryn system when the levers were incorporated into the existing frame. Goonbarrow has only 25 levers of course, many of which are still in use (I'm pleased to report)! The usual four digit number sequence will be used on the new colour lights, in contrast to the Goonbarrow semaphores which retain their lever number and G suffice.
150207 looks lost in the opulently long platforms. I've never noticed the (unique) S shape to them? The signals here and at Goss Moor will be controlled from a small panel at Goonbarrow, a departure from the Penryn system when the levers were incorporated into the existing frame. Goonbarrow has only 25 levers of course, many of which are still in use (I'm pleased to report)! The usual four digit number sequence will be used on the new colour lights, in contrast to the Goonbarrow semaphores which retain their lever number and G suffice.
150207 arrives at Newquay on 28.04.2025. Copyright Craig Munday.
The length of Newquay Platform 2 is obvious in this shot with the 2-car class 150 barely a speck in the distance! The covered signals are G3894 and G3896. 28.04.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
Looking towards Trenance Viaduct from near to the site of the former signal box. 28.04.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
150207 prepares to depart again for Par. The end of the 'new' platform is obvious, the ramshackle former platform on concrete supports has been left standing but will not be accessible. 28.04.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
Many thanks indeed, Craig. It's looking much better there now than it has for the past couple of decades.
A few more
Cornish 'Castles'
Paul Barlow
43092 43188 work the 1142 Plymouth to Penzance Lynher Viaduct 28 April 2025. Copyright Paul Barlow.
43093 43187 Plymouth to Penzance passes an up IET at Respryn 28 April 2025. Copyright Paul Barlow.
43098 43186 on St Germans viaduct work the 1250 Penzance to Plymouth 28 April 2025. Copyright Paul Barlow.
43098 43186 on St Germans viaduct work the 1250 Penzance to Plymouth 28 April 2025. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Castle class HST 43188 43092 1250 Penzance to Plymouth works over St Germans viaduct 28 April 2025. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Great shots again Paul - many thanks.
950001 at Truro
Joe Birchall
Dear Jon
Following Tony Shore’s informative article on Network Rail’s ‘150’, and being quite fond of it myself, I thought it would be nice to go and see it in Truro Yard. I have attached a couple of photos from this evening, both from the bridge and the car park.
Kind Regards
Joe
Following Tony Shore’s informative article on Network Rail’s ‘150’, and being quite fond of it myself, I thought it would be nice to go and see it in Truro Yard. I have attached a couple of photos from this evening, both from the bridge and the car park.
Kind Regards
Joe
Network Rail's test unit 950001 in Truro yard. 01.05.2025, copyright Joe BIrchall.
The view of Truro from the footbridge. 950001 is in the distance.
Many thanks Joe - glad you were able to see it.
Peak Power
Phil 'Shattered' Smith
45134 is pictured climbing Ashley Bank on this undated photograph from 1987. Copyright Phil Smith.
What a powerful photograph - many thanks, Phil.
Welcome back!
Jon Hird
Recently released back into the wild following a long and extensive rebuild/G exam at Laira, 57604 was entrusted with the Penzance - Paddington 'Night Riviera' sleeper service on 30.04.2025. It's seen here pausing at St. Austell just before 2300. As the train pulled off and the tang of hot diesel exhaust faded away, the engine could be clearly heard cutting through the still night air for a good while after, as it headed on through the darkness towards Par. 30.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Swindon Scenes
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon
6Z52 Tytherington Quarry to Quainton Railhead hauled by 60046 'William Wilberforce' running 50 EARLY through Swindon on the UML. 30.04.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
5Q75 Eastleigh to Long Marston via Kemble with 47739 hauling SWT units 701509 and 701519 running ON TIME. 30.04.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
66118 with 6C03 [Northolt Sidings to Severnside Sita] has been in the Swindon East Loop for 52 minutes having passed Highworth Junction 6 EARLY and passed through platform 4 some 23 LATE. 30.04.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
34046 'Braunton' with coasting to the western end of the UML at Swindon station. 30.04.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
The nameplate of 34046. 30.04.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
34046 waiting for an IET to get ahead. 30.04.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
Coming out of Swindon East Loop I wasn't able to get to the western end of platform 4 and had to be content with this photo of 59005 hauling 6C48 - a very long Appleford to Whatley Quarry working. 30.04.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
Many thanks as always Ken & Colin, a colourful selection.
Around the Tamar Bridge
Roger Winnen
Crossing the Royal Albert Bridge on the 08.50 Penzance to Plymouth on the Castle Class service. 28.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
The Dockyard Branch viewed from the same service. 28.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
A London to Penzance service crosses the bridge at 11.33. 28.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
A Three car 158 unit crosses the bridge on route to Plymouth. 28.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
Castle Class 43092 and 43188 crosses the bridge on the 11.45 working from Plymouth. 28.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
Through the bushes of the Royal Albert Bridge. 28.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
An IET comes off the Royal Albert Bridge on a service to Paddington. 28.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
A Cardiff to Penzance service crossing the bridge. As from the new timetable passengers will have to change trains at Exeter. 28.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
Looking up to the Royal Albert Bridge. 28.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
The bridge from ground level. 28.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
Looking upwards. 28.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
The two Tamar Bridges. 28.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen