Newquay branch reopens
Martin Duff
Tonight (17.11.2025), we commissioned the new signalling on the Newquay branch.
At 18.20, Sprinter 150246 appeared out of the darkness at Par and arrived in platform 3. Very soon we were on our way to Newquay on a line proving run.
Not pausing at St. Blazey or Goonbarrow for token purposes was unusual.
There is train detection all the way to Newquay now.
Approaching St. Blazey bridge we saw the new down advanced starting signal, recently converted to a colour-light.
After a good trip through Roche and over the iron bridge and Tregoss we passed the new loop.
Just after 19.05 we passed the new down distant signal showing a green, before seeing the new signal near the viaduct showing a single yellow with route indication 1.
We arrived to a small gathering of projects colleagues and a lone observer at 19.08.
After changing ends we were soon on our way to Quintrell Downs where we reversed for the return to Newquay, this time to platform 2. This was the first time a train had been signalled into the platform since October 1987.
We arrived at 19.27 and the 19.44 to Par started early.
The new loop was run over in the up direction.
We obliged a request from the engineers and stopped at Bugle where we reversed and ran to St. Dennis Junction.
After a good run, we arrived at Par 20.53.
Below are a few photos from today.
At 18.20, Sprinter 150246 appeared out of the darkness at Par and arrived in platform 3. Very soon we were on our way to Newquay on a line proving run.
Not pausing at St. Blazey or Goonbarrow for token purposes was unusual.
There is train detection all the way to Newquay now.
Approaching St. Blazey bridge we saw the new down advanced starting signal, recently converted to a colour-light.
After a good trip through Roche and over the iron bridge and Tregoss we passed the new loop.
Just after 19.05 we passed the new down distant signal showing a green, before seeing the new signal near the viaduct showing a single yellow with route indication 1.
We arrived to a small gathering of projects colleagues and a lone observer at 19.08.
After changing ends we were soon on our way to Quintrell Downs where we reversed for the return to Newquay, this time to platform 2. This was the first time a train had been signalled into the platform since October 1987.
We arrived at 19.27 and the 19.44 to Par started early.
The new loop was run over in the up direction.
We obliged a request from the engineers and stopped at Bugle where we reversed and ran to St. Dennis Junction.
After a good run, we arrived at Par 20.53.
Below are a few photos from today.
150246 after arrival at Newquay platform 1. 17.11.2025, copyright Martin Duff.
The new LED signals at the end of Newquays long platforms shine bright. The signaller has given permission for the unit to depart for Quintrell Downs. 17.11.2025, copyright Martin Duff.
Now back in Newquay again, this time in Platform 2, 150246 prepares to depart for Par. 17.11.2025, copyright Martin Duff.
Looking out to the night towards Par, the signal is set at the end of Newquay platform 2. 17.11.2025, copyright Martin Duff.
Congratulations to you and the team, Martin. A great deal of work has gone into this and it's fantastic to see investment being made into the regions rail network. Thank you for sharing the images and story with us.
Newquay - 'As was!'
Roger Winnen
Providing a brilliant contrast to Martins bang-up-to-date photographs of Newquay above, here's one from Rogers archives. An unidentified DMU at Newquay on 16.11.1974. Copyright Roger Winnen.
New role for Colas 67's
Guy Vincent
A notice recently appeared on the GOV.UK website to say that Colas Rail have been awarded a 3 year contract from January 2026 to supply Thunderbird rescue locos for the East Coast main line, to be based at Newark. The locos to be used are reportedly 67023 and 67027 once the current RHTT period has ended.
For further reading, please click here.
For further reading, please click here.
Many thanks, Guy. A useful role for the relatively young locos. The link makes for interesting reading with many details disclosed.
Re: Par Freightliner
Simon Howard
See below pic of the up departure from Par – nearly the same as Neil Phillips’.
The china clay conveyed in open half-height containers was for Bowaters.
On Flickr, the Sparrows crane and some containers can be seen - click here.
When the service started it was one of the few Class 47 workings into Cornwall and in the early days had both ER and LMR allocated locos, which were stabled at St Blazey.
The china clay conveyed in open half-height containers was for Bowaters.
On Flickr, the Sparrows crane and some containers can be seen - click here.
When the service started it was one of the few Class 47 workings into Cornwall and in the early days had both ER and LMR allocated locos, which were stabled at St Blazey.
A class 47 awaits departure from Par with a freightliner service. Copyright Simon Howard.
Many thanks for your information, photograph and excellent Flickr link, Simon. Much appreciated.
Monday, sunny Monday
Mark Lynam
43156 leads 2E06 0745 Penzance to Exeter St Davids departing Saltash crossing the Royal Albert Bridge. 17.11.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
43198 + 43093 cross the Royal Albert Bridge working 2C11 1014 Plymouth to Penzance. 17.11.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
66093 crosses the Royal Albert Bridge working 6V76 1050 Exeter Riverside N.Y. to Goonbarrow Junction Dbc with 16 JIAs. 17.11.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
150244 at Terras Crossing during high tide and very light winds making a nice reflection working 2L83 1358 Liskeard to Looe. 17.11.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
The other way for the return shot working 2L86 1545 Looe to Liskeard. 17.11.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
Later that night 57604 seen at Penzance before working the night Riviera sleeper - 1A50 2145 Penzance to London Paddington. 17.11.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
57306 in the siding at Penzance working 3S11 1821 Fairwater Yard to Penzance RHTT. 17.11.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
57305 on the other end. 17.11.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
Just before 11pm Freightliner 66509 arrives working 6Y97 1438 Westbury Down T.C. to St Erth via Penzance rail drop train. 17.11.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
66416 paused at St Erth, it would later go up the St Ives branch to drop off it's train of rails for track relaying next month. 17.11.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
A long day for you, Mark. Great photos, thanks for sharing them.
HST Countdown
Clive Smith
43156 & 43004 cross Keyham Viaduct in super light with the 2E06 07.45 Penzance - Exeter St Davids. 17.11.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
Autumn sunshine at Crugwallins as 43004 leads the 2C20 11.27 Exeter St Davids - Penzance with 43156 on the rear. 17.11.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
Perfect low light at Dowgas as the 2C26 13.40 Plymouth - Penzance with 43187 and 43186 pass 25 minutes late. 17.11.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks Clive - a lovely selection.
Glynn Valley 'Castles'
Jon Hird
43093 leads the 1340 Plymouth - Penzance across St. Pinnock viaduct. On a dull day, putting the green train against the backdrop of the sky helps the green to pop a little bit. 18.11.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
There wasn’t long to wait before 43004 approached from the opposite direction with the 1315 Penzance - Plymouth, leaving just enough time to relocate to Largin where the last few autumn leaves are just about still hanging on. Both this photograph and the previous were taken by drone. 18.11.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Pinhoe Visitor
David Tozer
An unexpected working today West of Salisbury. Single Class 158 158888 scuttles through Pinhoe with the 1009 5Z01 Salisbury to Exeter Central (bay platform)and return to Salisbury ECS VVR working. 18.11.2025, copyright David Tozer.
1970's selection box - Part 1
Roger Winnen
Truro Cattle Market Signal Box on 30th November 1974. Copyright Roger Winnen
Marazion Station buildings on 31.11.1974. Copyright Roger Winnen.
D1023 'Western Fusilier' at Ponsandane. 31.11.1974, copyright Roger Winnen.
An unidentified Western - possibly D1023 again(?) - departs Penzance on 31.11.1974. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Regarding the above image from Guy Vincent:
Re. Roger's unidentified Western at Penzance on 31 Nov.1974. This is D1005 Western Venturer. 'B' end leading (no headboard clips and inset OHL warning flashes). Small paint defects, eg crack below headcode boxes confirm loco ID.
Many thanks, Guy
Re. Roger's unidentified Western at Penzance on 31 Nov.1974. This is D1005 Western Venturer. 'B' end leading (no headboard clips and inset OHL warning flashes). Small paint defects, eg crack below headcode boxes confirm loco ID.
Many thanks, Guy
Nuclear Traffic
Steve Widdowson
68007 top and tailed with 68003 at Abbotswood Jn with the 6M63 1200 Bridgwater FD - Crewe Coal Sidings. 18.11.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
Interesting to see - many thanks, Steve.
After hours at Penzance
Roger Winnen
57306 and 57305 in Penzance oil sidings having arrived with the RHTT from Taunton. 17.11.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
57305 at Penzance. 17.11.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
66509 arrives at Penzance with a welded rail drop train for St. Erth. 17.11.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Freightliner 66509 beneath the station roof at Penzance. 17.11.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
RHTT & Freight
Guy Vincent
A short visit to Berkley Marsh this morning where 57305 and 57306 were noted returning to Taunton Fairwater with the daily 3S13 0846 Westbury - Salisbury - Fairwater RHTT. 18.11.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
The RHTT passed 59203 near Clink Road Jcn hauling 6A50 1026 Whatley - Hanwell Bridge Loop, a very heavy train that usually produces two locos at its head. 18.11.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks Guy - right time, right place.
Engineers head east
Jonathan Harbage
Here are 66416 and 66509 going through Buckshead near Truro going to Westbury. On Tuesday 28:11/25. The engines sounded as if they were working very hard up the hill. Copyright Jonathan Harbage.
66509 heads away from Truro. 18.11.2025, copyright Jonathan Harbage.
Many thanks Jonathan, well done for catching this one.