Roger Winnen
on tour by Train & Bus yesterday
on tour by Train & Bus yesterday
241116a Welcome to Newquay Surf Capital of the UK. Copyright Roger Winnen
241116b Newquay Station on Saturday prior to its Two Week closure. Copyright Roger Winnen
241116c Riding the 21 service from Newquay to St Austell we cross the branch at Quintrell Downs. Copyright Roger Winnen
241116d Viewed from the upper deck we approach the level crossing at St Columb Road. Copyright Roger Winnen
241116e Viewed from the upper deck we approach the level crossing at St Columb Road. Copyright Roger Winnen
241116f At Indian Queens we see the Power Station situated near the former St Dennis Juction. Copyright Roger Winnen
241116h Near Burngullow we cross under Trewoon railway bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen
241116i Approaching St Austell we see St Austell Viaduct 115 feet high and 720 foot long. Copyright Roger Winne
241116j A near miss at St Austell as the lifts were out of action. Copyright Roger Winnen
241116k An IET arriving at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen
241116l 66179 and the Railhead Treatment Train is seen arriving passing the remains of the closed station of Mutley. just before Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
241116m Approaching Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Newquay Progress
Tony Shore
A notice to customers of the impending engineering work/closure of the Newquay branch. 16.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
GWR's 150207 working the daily Newquay shuttles. 16.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Rails have been dropped ready for the reinstatement of platform 1 at Newquay. 16.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
The original platform 1 was a hodge-podge of different types of construction where it had been altered and extended over the course of its life, as can be seen here. 16.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
The new platform, built over the last few weeks by Colas and their contractors, meets the old platform. 16.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Looking towards the terminus at Newquay where soon there will be two lines. 16.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Many thanks Tony - it's coming along now.
Bath GP 'mystery building'
Chris Osment
In response to Paul Negus's article about Bath Green Park (Click here):
According to details in John Owen's "Life on the Railway" (Millstream Books 1989), this was known as the 'Fish House'. It was divided into two rooms, which by 1955 were in use for General Stores (west end) and Passenger Guards (east end).
Kind regards
Chris Osment
According to details in John Owen's "Life on the Railway" (Millstream Books 1989), this was known as the 'Fish House'. It was divided into two rooms, which by 1955 were in use for General Stores (west end) and Passenger Guards (east end).
Kind regards
Chris Osment
The mystery building at Bath Green Park, copyright Paul Negus.
Many thanks indeed, Chris - top detective work.
An interlude at Par
Andrew & Diane Jones
Please find attached photographs taken today Saturday 16th November 2024. 43186 'Taunton Castle ' leads into Par forming the 12.17 to Plymouth on a rather murky day.
The redundant semaphore signal looks on, resembling a tree that has lost its leaves, the once significant clay dry, forms a backdrop, its smoking chimneys were a landmark at the docks and surrounding area for many years.
43198 brings up the rear carrying unusually two name plates in memory of HST drivers Brian Cooper who died at the Ladbrook disaster in 1999 and Stan Martin who was killed at Ufton Nervet.
Both drivers were not to blame for the accidents but in the case of the Ladbroke disaster, profound changes were made to operating procedures and Ufton Nervet level crossing was eventually replaced with a bridge in 2016.
The redundant semaphore signal looks on, resembling a tree that has lost its leaves, the once significant clay dry, forms a backdrop, its smoking chimneys were a landmark at the docks and surrounding area for many years.
43198 brings up the rear carrying unusually two name plates in memory of HST drivers Brian Cooper who died at the Ladbrook disaster in 1999 and Stan Martin who was killed at Ufton Nervet.
Both drivers were not to blame for the accidents but in the case of the Ladbroke disaster, profound changes were made to operating procedures and Ufton Nervet level crossing was eventually replaced with a bridge in 2016.
43186 heads past the once-proud bracket signal at Par with a Plymouth-Bound service. 16.11.2024, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
43198, the only power car not to bear a Castle-related name, this power car instead bears the names of Stan Martin and Brian Cooper, both drivers of class 43's who sadly lost their lives in two separate accidents. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
Many thanks Andrew & Diane.
St. Piran is sick
Steve Clark
I found out that 08645 is likely to be withdrawn as it has developed a serious engine defect. My Son visited a month ago and i dropped him off at Penzance for the Night Riviera but i stopped at Long Rock to see if i could see it. It was conviniently parked up near the gates where it is waiting collection by road, destination unknown. Copyright Steve Clark.
Many thanks Steve, a shame.
Westbury Saturday Freight Activities
Guy Vincent
Westbury Half-hour Saturday 16th November (plus)
A half hour spent around the station and downside yard at Westbury after finishing an early shift this morning.
66796 'The Green Progressor' arrived at 1120 with a train of empty JJA and JQA ballast hoppers from the Honiton Tunnel blockade, this ran as 6G12 0800 Exmouth Junction - Westbury. The train immediately set back into the virtual quarry area for refilling, prior to the wagons' next booked departure.
As 66796 ran in, a pair of Freightliner class 66s headed by 66594 departed westwards from the down yard with another heavy trainload of ballast for the worksite at Honiton. This was 6Y96 1110 Westbury - Axminster, routed via Castle Cary and the two Yeovil stations, Pen Mill and Junction. Elsewhere in the yard a Rail Grinder fixed formation set was being run-up while on the opposite side of the complex several class 66s were stabled including GBRF's 66787 'Three Bridges ASC', lurking behind a trainload of new concrete sleepers. This loco was one of ten bought from DB Cargo and was originally numbered 66184. Fellow GB 66796 (above) is a more recent acquisition and was imported by Beacon Rail from Germany in 2021. Also noted were DB's 66006 which still carries 1997 vintage EWS livery, and repainted 66107.
Finally I've included are a couple of shots of the daily (Sundays excepted) St Blazey - Westbury - Salisbury & return RHTT taken last Saturday (9th) which, unusually, ran up as far as the station platforms. Former 'Euroshed' 66179 still carries original EWS livery beneath the layer of thick grime that now entirely disguises its true identity.
A half hour spent around the station and downside yard at Westbury after finishing an early shift this morning.
66796 'The Green Progressor' arrived at 1120 with a train of empty JJA and JQA ballast hoppers from the Honiton Tunnel blockade, this ran as 6G12 0800 Exmouth Junction - Westbury. The train immediately set back into the virtual quarry area for refilling, prior to the wagons' next booked departure.
As 66796 ran in, a pair of Freightliner class 66s headed by 66594 departed westwards from the down yard with another heavy trainload of ballast for the worksite at Honiton. This was 6Y96 1110 Westbury - Axminster, routed via Castle Cary and the two Yeovil stations, Pen Mill and Junction. Elsewhere in the yard a Rail Grinder fixed formation set was being run-up while on the opposite side of the complex several class 66s were stabled including GBRF's 66787 'Three Bridges ASC', lurking behind a trainload of new concrete sleepers. This loco was one of ten bought from DB Cargo and was originally numbered 66184. Fellow GB 66796 (above) is a more recent acquisition and was imported by Beacon Rail from Germany in 2021. Also noted were DB's 66006 which still carries 1997 vintage EWS livery, and repainted 66107.
Finally I've included are a couple of shots of the daily (Sundays excepted) St Blazey - Westbury - Salisbury & return RHTT taken last Saturday (9th) which, unusually, ran up as far as the station platforms. Former 'Euroshed' 66179 still carries original EWS livery beneath the layer of thick grime that now entirely disguises its true identity.
Westbury 66006 16.11.2024 copyright Guy Vincent.
Westbury 66787 16.11.2024. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Westbury 66787 66006 66107 16.11.2024. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Westbury 66796 6G12 & 66594 with 665xx leaving on 6Y96 16.11.2024. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Westbury 66796 setting back 6G12 into quarry 16.11.2024. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Westbury. Rail Grinder 16.11.2024. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Westbury 66154 & 66179 on 3S13 RHTT 09.11.2024 Copyright Guy Vincent.
Westbury 66179 on 3S13 RHTT 09.11.2024, copyright Guy Vincent.
Thanks Guy - 'Sheds aplenty' at Westbury!
Units for scrap
Colin Pidgeon
37800 with 321301 on 5Q88 Wolverton Centre Road to Sims Group Newport Docks for scrap. 15.11.2024, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
37800 with 321301 on 5Q88 Wolverton Centre Road to Sims Group Newport Docks for scrap. 15.11.2024, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
Many thanks Colin - that'll keep the boys at Sims busy for a couple of hours.
Colourful Celebrities
Andrew Triggs
Hi Roger, Keith & Jon
Finally caught up with vinyl celebrity 802106 at Penzance today (15.11) and then the NMT at a couple of local spots, endeavouring to try to capture some slightly different angle shots
All the Best
Andrew
Finally caught up with vinyl celebrity 802106 at Penzance today (15.11) and then the NMT at a couple of local spots, endeavouring to try to capture some slightly different angle shots
All the Best
Andrew
802106 following arrival at Platform 2 with 3A82 05.23 Laira T&RSMD-Penzance, the front 3 coaches being wrapped in the 'Paddington in Peru' vinyls. 15.11.2024, copyright Andrew Triggs.
802106 departing with 1A82 09.10 Penzance-London Paddington. 15.11.2024, copyright Andrew Triggs.
1Q18 05.43 Reading Triangle Sidings-Paignton with Colas 43303 and 43251 approaching Marazion. 15.11.2024, copyright Andrew Triggs.
The return 1Q18 with 43251 now leading approaching Arch Lane Road overbridge, nearing St Erth. 15.11.2024, copyright Andrew Triggs.
Due to the St Erth Home signal being still set at Danger, 1Q18 slowly approaches St Erth. 15.11.2024, copyright Andrew Triggs.
1Q18 framed by St Erth Semaphores. 15.11.2024, copyright Andrew Triggs.
Many thanks, Andrew - apologies for the delay in getting these on the site. Great to see the St. Erth semaphores.
'The Age Of Steam' - Crowlas
By Roger Winnen
Part 3
Last week, we showed you some photographs of 'The Age of Steam' at Crowlas. These photographs, from 1984, show the park after it had been rebranded as 'The Penwith Leisure Park', shortly before closure and redevelopment.
A traction engine and merry-go-round at The Crowlas Age Of Steam/The Penwith Leisure Park in 1984. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Attractions at The Age Of Steam/The Penwith Leisure Park. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Attractions at The Age Of Steam/The Penwith Leisure Park. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Attractions at The Age Of Steam/The Penwith Leisure Park. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Attractions at The Age Of Steam/The Penwith Leisure Park. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Traction engine at The Age Of Steam/Penwith Leisure Park. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Goonbarrow by Moonlight
Jon Hird
Goonbarrow Junction is illuminated by moonlight on 13.11.2024. The Newquay 'shuttle' pauses to exchange tokens with the signaller, a time-honoured tradition which will soon come to an end with the introduction of axle counters etc. as part of the 'Mid Cornwall Metro' project. RSS Class 08, 08752 stands in the Imerys Rocks Tube Press complex. Copyright Jon Hird.
A new sleeper service to Cornwall?
Exciting plans have recently been revealed by luxury accomodation and train operator Belmond. The company plan to operate a regular luxury 3-day long trip to Cornwall (amongst other destinations), utilising re-gauged Irish Mk3 'Grand Hibernian' carriages.
The journey will start from just(!) £5800 for a twin cabin.
Proposed dates for 2025 are:
July 4th
July 25th
August 8th
August 22nd
August 29th
September 19th
October 3rd
October 17th
October 24th
November 14th
The train departs London Victoria on a Friday afternoon, arriving in Cornwall on a Saturday morning. It spends Saturday in Cornwall, departing Sunday morning. It will stable on the East Somerset Railway on Sunday evening, before travelling back to London on the Monday morning.
For more information, please click here.
The journey will start from just(!) £5800 for a twin cabin.
Proposed dates for 2025 are:
July 4th
July 25th
August 8th
August 22nd
August 29th
September 19th
October 3rd
October 17th
October 24th
November 14th
The train departs London Victoria on a Friday afternoon, arriving in Cornwall on a Saturday morning. It spends Saturday in Cornwall, departing Sunday morning. It will stable on the East Somerset Railway on Sunday evening, before travelling back to London on the Monday morning.
For more information, please click here.