Decay on the
Meldon Branch
Paul Barlow
A few photos from a recent cycle ride from Okehampton to Lydford on the former Southern mainline. The line from Okehampton to Meldon is in a terrible state now complety overgrown.
Most places the rail has completely disappeared under a blanket of trees, bushes and brambles. A sad sight.
Most places the rail has completely disappeared under a blanket of trees, bushes and brambles. A sad sight.
Over grown track between Okehampton and Meldon. 23.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
Stored stock at Meldon Quarry. 23.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
The semi derelict Meldon quarry station. 23.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
The semi derelict Meldon quarry station. 23.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
The closed Meldon visitors centre. 23.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
Meldon viaduct. 23.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
Meldon viaduct. 23.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
A milepost near Meldon Junction. 23.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
The former Meldon Junction. 23.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
The site of Meldon Junction signal box. 23.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
Sourton Church bridge. 23.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
Lake viaduct built 1874. 23.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
150265 at Okehampton before working the 1625 Okehampton to Exeter Central. 23.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
Very interesting (and slightly sad) pictures, Paul - many thanks. Hopefully Meldon Quarry has a future which involves the railway.
Scenes from history
At Bodmin General
Andrew & Diane Jones
It's 10.04 at Bodmin General on the 29th May 2025 with the loco just leaving the shed to form the first service of the day to Boscarne Junction.
The Bodmin Railway have managed to create a scene which wouldn't have been out of place in the 50's.
The Bodmin Railway have managed to create a scene which wouldn't have been out of place in the 50's.
5552 shunting at Bodmin General on 29.05.2025. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
5552 shunting at Bodmin General on 29.05.2025. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
5552 shunting at Bodmin General on 29.05.2025. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
A lovely scene, long may it continue. Many thanks to you both.
69005 to Fowey
Jon Hird
69005 working 0Z33, the 0918 Plymouth Park Sidings - Fowey is seen passing Lantyan woods on 29.05.2025. 69005 is the second member of the class to make it to Fowey. 29.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
After a speedy turn around at Fowey, and after almost giving myself a heart attack clambering through various woodland, the return working is seen about 20 minutes later approaching Shirehall Moor, Lostwithiel. Sadly the tide not quite high enough here for full effect. 29.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Now back on the mainline, 69005 heads to Penzance hot on the heels of a GWR Castle and is seen climbing towards Treverrin Tunnel, with Milltown viaduct just about visible round the curve behind it. This is only 0.2 miles from the previous photo on the Fowey branch, yet the height difference is quite drastic. 29.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Hornby HST
Phil 'Shattered' Smith
43087 wearing its unique advertising livery for Hornby Model Railways in Gloucester Station, 2005. One of the Cotswold Rail 47's looks to be behind it. Copyright Phil Smith.
Many thanks, Phil - something a bit different!
Not-so-long ago
St. Blazey Turntable
Roger Winnen
Decay has set in at St. Blazey turntable in this shot from 05.06.2014. The turntable is nowadays looking much better thanks to the efforts of MPower Kernow. The large vacuum tanks either side are being restored currently. Also in the shot is diesel tanker from the days when railway fuel was still delivered by rail. Copyright Roger Winnen.