St Blazey sunrise, and the end of an era too!
Craig Munday
The tradition of the Newquay line being worked by Token is coming to an end. The new signalling commissioned in the coming weeks will see the end of the train being met by the Signaller at St Blazey and Goonbarrow to exchange Token / Train Staff. We have remarked how strange indeed it will be for the first Driver to sail past St Blazey platform bound for Newquay obeying only the fixed signals. (How many times will I make for the door at both boxes as a train approaches)?
The Token equipment will give way to axle counters overseen by the Goonbarrow Signaller. Trains will be monitored by these axle Counters throughout their journey to the resort, including the new passing loop at Gossmoor and new platform at Newquay. On Thurs 30th, Signaller Gareth Thornton had the honour of collecting the Token attached to the Driver's hoop from the net opposite St Blazey box. Any loco hauled train was given a hoop to carry in the cab. Oddly, HSTs and IETs were not given one. The loco hauled services could use the catching apparatus, rather than stopping and it was a skillful job to drop it onto the hook whilst controlling the train. The net always reminded me of the Royal Mail nets used in the olden days when bags of mail were catapulted onto lineside equipment at speed.
DMU's were exempt from carrying a Token Hoop due to some "over zealous" exchanges between Drivers and Signalmen with the hoop swinging around and smashing the passenger compartment window directly behind the Drivers door on the DMMUs (Class 101 - 118). The final train to carry the Token is scheduled to be the Sunday 2nd 2N09 from Newquay. The Possession then commences until a proving run for the new equipment next Friday.
The only rolling stock currently at St Blazey depot is now the five JGAs brought down to potentially supplement the JIA fleet. These were unsuccessful, and I understand they await the scrap man in the yard.
The Token equipment will give way to axle counters overseen by the Goonbarrow Signaller. Trains will be monitored by these axle Counters throughout their journey to the resort, including the new passing loop at Gossmoor and new platform at Newquay. On Thurs 30th, Signaller Gareth Thornton had the honour of collecting the Token attached to the Driver's hoop from the net opposite St Blazey box. Any loco hauled train was given a hoop to carry in the cab. Oddly, HSTs and IETs were not given one. The loco hauled services could use the catching apparatus, rather than stopping and it was a skillful job to drop it onto the hook whilst controlling the train. The net always reminded me of the Royal Mail nets used in the olden days when bags of mail were catapulted onto lineside equipment at speed.
DMU's were exempt from carrying a Token Hoop due to some "over zealous" exchanges between Drivers and Signalmen with the hoop swinging around and smashing the passenger compartment window directly behind the Drivers door on the DMMUs (Class 101 - 118). The final train to carry the Token is scheduled to be the Sunday 2nd 2N09 from Newquay. The Possession then commences until a proving run for the new equipment next Friday.
The only rolling stock currently at St Blazey depot is now the five JGAs brought down to potentially supplement the JIA fleet. These were unsuccessful, and I understand they await the scrap man in the yard.
A colourful sunrise at Par on 30.10.2025 as 66136 runs around the JIA's heading for Treviscoe as 6B00. Copyright Craig Munday.
The sun rises over St. Blazey signal box. 30.10.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
On Thurs 30th, Signaller Gareth Thornton had the honour of collecting the Token attached to the Driver's hoop from the net opposite St Blazey box for the final time. 30.10.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
The ill-fated JGA's await their fate behind the signal box at St. Blazey. 26.10.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
The sad sight of St. Blazey yard as nature reclaims the area. 26.10.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
Many thanks indeed Craig. We've reported on lots of 'lasts' and a few 'firsts' this year - many changes on the railways of the west.
The Cornwall Railway Society next indoor meeting takes place at the Memorial Hall Redruth on Saturday November 8th 2025 at 18.30 hrs
Roger Webster presents videos of the Isle of Man Steam Railway and North Cornwall Line rails to Torrington
Roger Webster presents videos of the Isle of Man Steam Railway and North Cornwall Line rails to Torrington
Not to be missed
Early doors at Penzance
Andrew Triggs
57301 with 1C50 passing Ponsandane Yard, running 16 late at 08.07. 01.11.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
Viewed from Ponsandane footbridge, 57301 on final approach to Platform 4 with 1C50. 01.11.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
Later at 09.01 57301 propells 5C50 away from Penzance to Longrock T&RSMD. 01.11.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
175114 approaching Marazion working 5Z21 06.14 Plymouth-Plymouth. 01.11.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
Many thanks Andrew - the clock change working to your advantage here.
South Devon Railway
Diesel Gala
Karl Hewlett
Here are full details of the 'South Devon Railway' Diesel Gala on Saturday/Sunday 8th-9th November. The guests confirmed are class 56045/103 and class 47715, note that only one 56 works on the one day which personally I would like them both working throughout the weekend being the star attractions. Their running days are 103 on Saturday and 045 on Sunday.
Here is the link including the working timetable WTT: Diesel Gala - South Devon Railway
Here is the link including the working timetable WTT: Diesel Gala - South Devon Railway
Many thanks Karl - should be a good weekend!
Castles & A Class 47
Jon Hird
43093 leads the 1150 Penzance - Plymouth over East Largin Viaduct with 43042 on the rear. 01.11.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
There was only an 8-minute wait for the next 'Castle' which came in the form of 43189 leading the 1241 Plymouth - Penzance with 43187 on the rear. As far as I'm aware, it's impossible to get a shot from the opposite side of the valley at Largin, so the drone went off to take this one for me. 01.11.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Stopping in at the station cafe at Bodmin General for a cup of tea, I decided to stay out a bit longer and get some shots of 47306 amongst the autumnal colours. Here is the 1435 to Boscarne Junction descending the gradient. 01.11.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The sun came back out which meant that the drone was deployed for a second time for this shot near Crabtree Lane of the 1503 Boscarne Junction - Bodmin General. 01.11.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
A new location for me as 47306 slows the 1545 to Bodmin Parkway for its stop at Colesloggett Halt, the last of the days sun just about making it over the hillside to illuminate the locomotive. 01.11.2025, copyright Jon Hird.