Blog Posts

July 9th 2025

9/7/2025

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 52A
Cornish Broccoli Traffic
Michael L. Roach

This instalment shows articles from the Great Western Railway Magazine in the 1920s of how the Company dealt with and encouraged Cornish broccoli to travel further afield.

(Please click any image below for an enlargement)

Record traffic in the week ended 14 April 1926.

Loading strawberries, which would have come from the Tamar Valley, at Saltash Station in July 1926. Strawberries would also have been loaded into railway wagons at the Southern Railway's Calstock Station.

Cornish broccoli for the continent in April 1929.

Many thanks as always Mike - an interesting read.

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

A question from a reader
St. Blazey Pannier Tanks

My researches have brought into question Pannier 7446, which went new, to St.Blazey in March 1950, to stay until steam finished at the shed in April 1962, whereupon 7446 went to Machynlleth. I had long believed that 7446 was the first choice replacement for 0-4-2T 1419, the long-term engine for the Lostwithiel - Fowey push-pull service, but details I am constantly unearthing show that if for whatever reason 1419 was unavailable, Laira used to loan a 64xx pannier for the Fowey service.

So, my question is please, does anyone know what 83E duty 7446 was employed upon? The fact that she stayed until the end points to her utility for some purpose.....

Hoping you can help - thanks and all best wishes.

An interesting question and one I hope our collective readers/contributors may be able to assist with - if you can, please drop us an email - [email protected]

Cornish China Clay trains
Bob Morrison

Although I live “up country” I often take a look at the CRS site and always find interesting things here.

On a short visit to Cornwall I took the opportunity to head to Golant Crossing to see one of the china clay trains from Goonbarrow to Fowey Harbour (6G09) today - 8th July.

As it often runs early I took the precaution of getting there in good time. True to form it was nearly 30 minutes early, so it was frustrating that just as the train appeared on the river bank someone popped up from nowhere and stood right in front of me. However I managed to salvage something!

Bob Morrison, Swindon

Still in EWS livery, 66028 approaches Golant with 6G09 (Goonbarrow - Fowey) on 08.07.2025. Copyright Bob Morrison.

The loco draws closer to the photographer at the crossing, passing the site of the former Golant Halt. 08.07.2025, copyright Bob Morrison.

Many thanks indeed, Bob. Glad to hear you enjoy our website! Thanks again for sending over your photos.

Par Harbour Clay
Steve Clark

I managed to grab some shots of the Par Harbour Clay on Thursday 3rd July with 66019 in charge of 11 loaded JIAs. I arrived on scene at 11.30am and the last 2 JIAs were still being loaded but the train finally headed for St Blazey at 12.10pm

66019 shunts the JIA's in Par Harbour on 03.07.2025. Copyright Steve Clark.

Having finished loading the wagons, 66019 creeps forwards towards the crossing. 03.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

66019 comes to a stop to wait for the gates to be opened. 03.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

Imerys/DB 'ground staff' open the crossing gates. 03.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

66019 proceeds across the road to St. Blazey, where it will run round and wait for its afternoon path onwards to Exeter Riverside. 03.07.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

Many thanks, Steve - always special to see a train in the harbour - precious few scenes like it left.

Our first look at the
Britannic Explorer Livery
Colin Pidgeon

66748 St Michael's Mount in Britannic Explorer livery at Swindon on 0Z90 London Victoria to Llandeilo Jct road learner.

Note the Cornish connection with the nameplate.

66748 'St. Michaels Mount' at Swindon on 08.07.2025. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Looks good! Many thanks, Colin.

For details on when this train will be visiting Cornwall, see our Railtour Calendar.

Various Multiple Units
Steve Widdowson

323221 being hauled by 37800 through Worcester Shrub Hill as 5Q59 (0945 Long Marston - Derby Litchurch Lane). 08.07.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

398019 is hauled by 43423 and 43467 through Besford Bridge, Worcs as 6Q38 (1215 Pengam Sidings - Old Dalby) 08.07.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Lovely colourful photos, Steve - many thanks.

July 8th 2025

8/7/2025

Devonport HST's
Clive Smith

On Saturday 5th July, I was on my way via Devonport to the Torpoint Ferry and the 'Rame Buses & Beer 2025' event'. I know there are a few bus enthusiasts who read the Society pages, so I will just mention that for a third year running, a fleet of historic buses operated a network of services across the Rame Peninsula for the day.

Celebrating heritage buses and supporting the local community, all the buses are provided by private groups and owners who spend huge amounts of time and money restoring and maintaining the vehicles. The buses are free, but purchase of a timetable programme is recommended.

As in the previous years, between 11am and 9pm, the bus services radiate from Torpoint and Millbrook to take in many of the peninsula's pubs and bars, with the services being provided by classic buses from the 1950s up to the 2000s. Many pubs provide special food and have live music.

The buses also operate to St Germans station, and this year three vintage buses from the 1950s and 1960s provided an hourly service from the station to Anthony and Torpoint between 11.45 and around 20.00, thus allowing a great afternoon exploring this part of of Cornwall and all for free.

Hopefully this event will be repeated in 2026. Apologies for the bus picture amongst the trains but a 1953 built Leyland PD2 Titan in Plymouth Corporation Transport livery at St. Germans was worth getting a bit damp for.

43098 and 43189 stopping at Devonport on the 2C42 09.11 Plymouth - Penzance. 05.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Fifteen minutes later the 2P10 07.40 Penzance - Plymouth with 43198 and 43093 pass through. 05.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

43093 pushes the service away from Devonport. 05.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

A 1953 built Leyland PD2 Titan in Plymouth Corporation Transport livery at St. Germans during the Rame vintage bus event. 05.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Rame Beer & Buses poster. 05.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks, Clive - looks a good do. Shame about the weather, but this is Cornwall in summertime!

Re: Cornwall Broccoli Traffic
Howard Sprenger

In case no-one else mentions it, Cornish broccoli traffic features in the 1952 British Transport Films (BTF) documentary 'Train Time'. This film tells how the demand for extra wagons for broccoli farmers in West Cornwall affects the scheduling of trains across the system as far away as South Wales. The Cornish parts of the film were shot on the Helston branch. 'Train Time' occasionally pops up on YouTube, but not for long as the copyright is held by the British Film Institute (BFI) who released it in 2007 on a collection called 'On and Off the Rails'.

Also, while I'm here, I was interested to see the advert for a public meeting last Saturday to discuss the possible reopening of the line between Burngullow and St Dennis Jn as an alternative route to Newquay (the 'Real' Mid-Cornwall Metro as it was billed). It would be interesting to hear a report from anyone who went. The idea is far from new, having originally been suggested by BR back in 1987. John Vaughan's 1990 book on the Newquay branch (OPC) refers to it a lot, as it was considered at that time to be a real possibility. The scheme was prompted by concerns over the capacity of the A30 through the bridge on Goss Moor, but of course was made redundant when the road was upgraded to a dual carriageway on a different route. Had the scheme been carried through, the line between Par and St Dennis would have remained open for China Clay traffic only and would therefore be long gone by now. St Austell would have become the departure station for Newquay passenger trains and it is likely that Par station would have closed completely as a result.

Many thanks, Howard. We'll see what we can find out about the meeting, but in the meanwhile, if you attended and you'd like to let us know about it, please get in touch - [email protected]

Cowley Bridge
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

47645 near Cowley Bridge, Exeter, with an engineers train. 1987. Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks as always, Phil.

'Back to the 70's'
With Roger Winnen
Part 3

D1048 Western Lady backs out at Penzance. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

25s at Penzance. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Leasing plate on a Class 50. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

25216 plus another Class 25 at Penzance. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Two Class 25s on the parcels at Redruth along with a 3 car DMU attached. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Two Class 25s on the parcels together with a 3 car DMU attached. Redruth. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Camborne Station. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Class 50 at St Erth on the 09.30 Paddington to Penzance service. 30.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1023 Western Fusilier Penzance. 05.02.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1048 Western Lady at Penzance. 05.02.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

July 7th 2025

7/7/2025

'Back to the 70's'
With Roger Winnen
Part 2

A Peak at Doublebois. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

25224 at St Blazey. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

SIGN GWR Makers 1899. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

St Blazey Turntable. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Class 25 and a Class 08 at St Blazey. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Light Crane at St Blazey. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Class 25s at Penzance. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen.

Level Crossing, Hungerford, 30/6/25
Simon Smith

Saw your entry on the Purton Level Crossing (click here, scroll down), here is a companion piece.

The crossing failed, presumably the very high temperatures might have had something to do with it. Sadly I was waiting for a train, but could see both approach signals were red with trains waiting on OpenTrainTimes.

I'd never previously witnessed what happened next, which was the crossing audible warnings sounding and lights flashing but no barriers descending, followed by a toot from the train at the nearest red signal. This train was running down from London. It then crawled into the station, waited, sounded horm again and proceeded at very slow speed across the non barriered crossing, lights and sirens still sounding. Looked odd and drew a crowd. Not sure how long this was worked this way for but it did keep things moving. The odd sight is attached.

The unusual sight of a GWR IET unit crossing the road at Hungerford sans-barriers. 30.06.2025, copyright Simon Smith.

Many thanks, Simon - it looks very strange indeed!

'Broccoli trains'
Can you help?

Hello - I wondered if you might be able to help me? I am looking for anyone who remembers the broccoli trains ( I think they were known to some as the 'Broccolo' and of course the broccolis were cauliflowers.) I am doing a project with the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and we are keen to find anyone with any memories of those times - and in particular why cauliflowers were called broccoli! I do hope you might be able to help?

I'm certain that someone out there will be able to assist with this query! If you are able to help and don't mind being put in touch with our contact, please drop us an email - [email protected]

Bristol Brush
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

47648 calls at Bristol Temple Meads. 1987, copyright Phil Smith.

A lovely night shot, Phil, with the high intensity light beaming into the air. Thanks very much.

July 6th 2025

6/7/2025

'Back to the 70's'
With Roger Winnen
Part 1

Laira Depot from Lipson Junction with the line to Plymouth Friary in the foreground. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen

A Peak approching Lipson Junction. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen

A Peak heads for Plymouth. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen

A Class 50 approaches the summit at Hemerdon. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen

The 08.00 Bristol Temple Meads to Penzance at Doublebois. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen

Hemerdon Bank. 29.01.1977, copyright Roger Winnen

New Views of Exeter St. Thomas
Paul Barlow

My job took me to a temporary new vantage point on a scaffold this week, overlooking the up side platform at Exeter St Thomas. Some photos below.

43189 passes Exeter St Thomas with the 0745 Penzance to Exeter. 03.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

43098 on the rear (43189 leading) on the 0745 Penzance to Exeter passing Exeter St. Thomas. 03.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

166214 arrives at Exeter St Thomas with the 0739 Paignton to Exmouth, GW staff association railway club is in the foreground. 03.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

166214 leaves Exeter St Thomas with the 0739 Paignton to Exmouth while 150202 & 150239 work the 0754 Exmouth - Paignton. 03.07.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks indeed Paul - a unique angle!

Re: 47155 West Thurrock
Jay Hartley

A follow up to Neil’s post regarding 47155’s use at West Thurrock Power Station.

A photo appears in “Diesels Nationwide” by Keith Montague - copy below.

47155 in use as a generator in West Thurrock Power Station. An extract from “Diesels Nationwide” by Keith Montague

The cover of “Diesels Nationwide” by Keith Montague

Many thanks for fishing this out for us, Jay - not the place you'd expect to see a locomotive!

July 5th 2025

5/7/2025

'Mazey Day' - A Small Follow-up
Neil Phillips

In December 1975, the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) had a problem with a generator at West Thurrock Power Station in Essex, and asked BR for the loan of a Class 47 to act as an exciter (to create the magnetic field in the main generator). Stratford's 47155 (formerly D1748) was selected for the task, had its bogies and buffers removed and was transported to the power station by road overnight on 8th - 9th January 1976. The locomotive remained at West Thurrock perched on wooden sleepers until April 1976 when it was returned to Stratford depot, reunited with its bogies and buffers and put back into normal service. In December 1986 it was fitted with ETH equipment and renumbered to 47660, thus sharing its last three digits with a certain other Class 47 celebrity from earlier times (and which is also one of the few still active on the network of course).

Besides this admittedly tenuous link, what does this have to do with Cornwall? In August 1989 it was fitted with long-range fuel tanks and renumbered again..........to 47815, the loco which tailed D1015 'Western Champion' on its 'Mazey Day' special last Saturday, 28th June 2025!

I hope this Class 47's 4 months of unusual employment 49 years ago is of some small interest (unfortunately I haven't been able to find any photos I can link to illustrating its time at the power station).

Many thanks, Neil - got to be up there with the strangest jobs carried out by the Brush Type 4's!

More trouble on the 'beds'
Joe Birchall, Jon Hird & Andrew Triggs

This morning I went out to see the sleeper, which was top and tailed (again), with 57 301 leading and 57 603 bringing up the rear. The pictures are of the view near Truro through the railings, with the vegetation starting to encroach from each side once again. 04.07.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.

57603 on the rear of the down Sleeper, 1C50, on 04.07.2025. Copyright Joe Birchall.

And here is the reason for 57603's fleeting visit to Cornwall. It's been bolted onto the opposite set of coaching stock and is seen as it rushes past Carlyon Bay with 3Z50 - ECS sleeper stock from Long Rock - Reading. The 'up' sleeper the night before was replaced by an IET unit following the failure of classmate 57602. 04.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

57603 with 3Z50 at Silk Mills Overbridge, running 13 early at 14.13. There was smoke coming from under the rear carriages and a strong burning smell as it past Silk Mills and Fairwater Yard, as you can see from the enclosed shots. However it departed Taunton at 14.22 with only a 4 minute stop, then running 24 early eastwards. 04.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

The ECS continuing towards Taunton, note the smoke coming from the rear of the train, possibly a harsh brake application? 04.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Joe and Andrew. We try not to get drawn into the whole 'sleeper reliability' debate on this website as we understand that machines of any age can be troublesome, but it must be very difficult for the GWR staff at the moment - almost every week we are publishing photographs of various ECS movements post-failure. Let's hope things improve as the locomotives receive their overhauls.

Whatever happened to the
REAL Mid Cornwall Metro?

From Noah Law, MP for St. Austell and Newquay:

Looking forward to an interesting public discussion in St Dennis today about whether we refresh the feasibility study for a passenger rail line running from St Austell to Newquay through the Western Clay Country.

In 2012, a feasibility study was undertaken which explored the potential of a direct rail link from St Austell to Newquay with various new passenger stations proposed along the way in the Western Clay Country.

I've also been clear from Day 1 that the politics of big promises and botched delivery is over. I want to be honest and transparent with you as constituents, always, and take you with me. That is why I am only, at this stage, calling on Network Rail to update their feasibility study of the St Austell to Newquay (via St Dennis) passenger line. But this would be a step towards demonstrating the immense potential we have to improve people's lives with better transport links in the western Clay Country.

I'll be joined by experts on the Cornish railways - past, present and future - and look forward to hearing residents' views.

Sign up to join: tr.ee/realmcm-survey

If you are a resident of St Dennis (or Carpalla, Foxhole, or Treviscoe) but cannot attend and have views on the potential for passenger rail travel, please fill out my survey: https://forms.gle/uv3VMwMPrXurqYdt9

July 4th 2025

4/7/2025

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 52
An Hour in Barmouth 4 July 1964
Michael L. Roach

In Part 50 of this series, I described the outward leg of a day trip from Gloucester to Barmouth on the Cambrian Coast on Saturday 4 July 1964. While I was at Barmouth there was plenty of activity. The engine that hauled my train down from Ruabon – BR Standard Class 4MT 4-6-0 no. 75006 – came off the train at Barmouth and travelled back across Barmouth Bridge to turn on the triangle at Barmouth Junction, which was close to the south end of the bridge. I watched 75023 depart with four coaches on the 1.25pm SO to Birkenhead Woodside.

At 2.15pm Ivatt 2-6-0 46520 of Machynlleth Shed arrived with two coaches on the 1.41pm shuttle from Dolgellau, which a few years earlier would have produced a GWR 0-4-2 tank of the 1400 or 5800-classes.

75026 arrived with six coaches on the 12.45pm from Pwllheli which may have terminated here Mondays to Fridays but SO carried on to Wrexham General, although it did leave three of the six coaches behind; possibly to form the 2.20pm to Dovey Junction.

All the railway lines on the Western Region in North Wales north of Aberystwyth and Craven Arms were transferred to the London Midland Region on 1 January 1963. I have scanned the middle page (of three) in Table 85 of the LMR Summer 1964 timetable which covers the Machynlleth to Pwllheli Cambrian Coast line so that readers can see how the trains from and to Ruabon connected with the coast line trains.

I arrived at Barmouth (due 1.22pm) on the 11.00am SO from Ruabon and left Barmouth on the 2.18pm to Wrexham General. That trip will be described later. In the summer of 1964, all three lines which approached Barmouth Junction were 100 percent steam-operated but that would start to change the following year with the introduction of dmus and the last few steam-hauled trains went over to diesel in March 1967. This is a much revised version of an article which first appeared in Steam World magazine.

75023 stands in Barmouth Station with the 1.25pm to Birkenhead Woodside on 4 July 1964. There were then several sidings on both sides of the line. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

75023 departs over the level crossing past the signal box which can now be found at Glyndyfrdwy Station. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

75006 (which brought in my train) runs across Barmouth Bridge to turn on the triangle at the other end. The bridge is in a magnificent setting surrounded by mountains including Cadair Idris in the distance. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

46520 runs into Barmouth Station with the shuttle from Dolgellau. The level crossing carries the main access from the town centre to the beach. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The 12.45pm from Pwllheli to Wrexham General runs into Barmouth 16L behind 75026, while the Dolgellau shuttle is still at the other platform – note it was composed of high capacity suburban coaches with no corridor connections needed to carry the number of schoolchildren twice a day. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Part of Machynlleth to Pwllheli passenger timetable Summer 1964. No Copyright

Map of British Railways showing lines in North Wales in 1956. No Copyright

Another great article, many thanks indeed Michael.

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

A trip to Looe
Rich Baldwin-Lee

Brief visit to Looe from St Austell today (02.07). With a fresh Cornwall & Devon Railcard to use, and nice weather to enhance both the trip and the visit itself, I was heading east on the first Off Peak train. Being only five carriages might have made it potentially crowded, but as it was only running as far as Exeter, it had plenty of space. A brief break to photograph a westbound 'Castle' set at the most eastern outpost of semaphore signalling in Cornwall was followed by a quick dash across the road to get the normal 2 car 150 set down to the coast. This was one of the services that didn't stop at any of the intervening stops and reversed at Coombe Jn itself, rather than in the platform. Noticeable was the clearing of a fair number of mature trees between Coombe Jn and St Keyne. As the line between Coombe Jn and Moorswater has recently been cut back, one wonders how much more clearing will be done.

After a pleasant day in West Looe, an afternoon return was made from a fairly empty Looe, presumably, more people would return later, as the train was extremely well patronised on the way down, and very full, with many passengers towing suitcases on arrival in Liskeard for ongoing travel eastbound.

The uphill journey was made more interesting by the young guard who answered my questions regarding operational rules that working the line involves, only interrupting it to operate the ground frame at Coombe Junction. A ride back in a Castle set on the main line was a genuine treat to end my Railcard's initial day out.

800024 calls at Liskeard. 02.07.2025, copyright Rich Baldwin-Lee.

A GWR 'Castle' heads west past the Semaphores of Liskeard. 02.07.2025, copyright Rich Baldwin-Lee.

Another 'Castle' arrives heading to Penzance. 02.07.2025, copyright Rich Baldwin-Lee.

43097 alongside Liskeard Signal Box. 02.07.2025, copyright Rich Baldwin-Lee.

Arrival at Looe with 150261. 02.07.2025, copyright Rich Baldwin-Lee.

43189 calls at St. Austell in the afternoon sunshine. 02.07.2025, copyright Rich Baldwin-Lee.

Many thanks, Rich. Enjoy the HST's whilst you still can!

The Royal Train in Cornwall
Roger Winnen

With this weeks news of the plans to axe the Royal Train in 2027, Roger takes a look back at a previous visit of the train to West Cornwall.

47500 Great Western on the Royal Train approaching the former Marazion Marsh Station. 28.11.1980, copyright Roger Winnen.

Penzance Station decorated for the Queens arrival. 28.11.1980, copyright Roger Winnen.

The commemorative plaque at Penzance Station. 28.11.1980, copyright Roger Winnen.

08644 Hauls the Royal Train to Long Rock Sidings. 28.11.1980, copyright Roger Winnen.

A historic coach in the Royal Train. 28.11.1980, copyright Roger Winnen.

Royal Saloon 45000 built in 1920 with quite a chequered history. 28.11.1980, copyright Roger Winnen.

The Policeman stands guard for The Royal Train at Long Rock sidings. 28.11.1980, copyright Roger Winnen.

47500 at Ponsandane. This 47 caught fire at Salford Lancashire in January 2013. It never ran again and was stripped of its components at West Coast Railways Carnforth. 28.11.1980, copyright Roger Winnen.

Royal Train running as ECS to Camborne or Redruth. The Queen joines after a visit to the Camborne School of mines. 28.11.1980, copyright Roger Winnen.

The Royal Train passes St Erth. 28.11.1980, copyright Roger Winnen.

The Queen is is seen passing through Hayle after having lunch with The Lord Lieutenant. 28.11.1980, copyright Roger Winnen.

Goonbarrow Shunter
Jason Snow

RSS Class 08 08752 pictured at Goonbarrow on a lovely sunny morning whilst receiving some maintenance. 03.07.2025, copyright Jason Snow.

Many thanks indeed Jason - great to see this loco which we can't normally get a glimpse of.

Re: Horses to Wadebridge
David Mitchell

Yesterdays item reminded me of something that I read in the August 1964 issue of Modern Railways a few years ago when doing some research; if I may quote:-

"On June 11 Hymek No D7099 had a tough assignment with the 10.05 Wadebridge-Kensington special, which ran up the Southern main line carrying the Household Cavalry from the Royal Cornwall Show; the train was made up to 20 vehicles, including four-wheelers, taring 316 tons, which D7099 tackled unassisted up the 1 in 37 from Exeter St Davids to Exeter Central after a stop at the former station".

This was an impressive performance; by way of comparison Bulleid Pacifics were limited to 200 tons on the notorious climb. It is not clear whether the Hymek worked the train from Wadebridge but one had been cleared to Wadebridge (via Bodmin) the previous month. It is assumed that this train also ran via Bodmin so the run round at General station might have been interesting and there would have been another run round in Exeter. Hymeks reached Bude from Halwill Jn but I don't think that one has ever been reported over the North Cornwall line...unless of course anyone knows better!

Many thanks, David. I bet that Hymek made quite a racket climbing away from EXD!

July 3rd 2025

3/7/2025

50 years ago
David Cook/The 4566 Preservation Group

In the early hours of Sunday 29th June 1975, following several long days of hard graft the late Pete Simpson declared in his broad Gloucestershire accent, “well, I’m off to bed now, you can light her up if you want to”.

Three members of the restoration team including myself were the lucky “lighter uppers” and we stayed on the engine through the night and witnessed the needle moving off its stop on the pressure gauge as steam was made for the first time since March(?) 1962, (4566 was officially withdrawn at Laira in early April).

The below photograph was one I took on the day just after the regulator was opened for the first time (and yes, there were a lot of us on the footplate when this happened!) and the engine was moved over the pit at Bewdley. Later that day 4566 was allowed out on to the Bewdley/Foley Park section running out to and back from Foley Park Tunnel. One thing soon became evident and that was having not had the time to set the valves she lost two beats as soon as she was “notched up”. This was corrected soon afterwards.

I don’t think anyone would have thought that in the 50 years since this happened that 4566 would amass over 100,000 miles in preservation. In addition to this and back when visits to other Heritage Railways wasn’t really considered she has since been to Port Sunlight (internal railway now closed I believe), Gwilli Railway (twice), Llangollen Railway (3 times), Glos & Warks Railway, South Devon Railway (twice), West Somerset Railway (twice), North Norfolk Railway and the Great Central Railway.

Her real claim to fame was being the last engine through Newton Abbot works (June – July 1960) where she received a Light Casual repair and repaint and having a significant role in Walt Disney’s film, “Candleshoe”, starring the late David Niven, a very young Jodie Foster (fresh from filming, “Taxi Driver” with Robert DeNiro). If you watch the film look out for the engine driver with the moustache. It was my late father; Gilbert Cook, who like me at the time was an SVR fireman!

I sincerely hope that January 2nd, 2017, was not the last time I had the pleasure of seeing 4566 in steam. As age creeps upon us it is now for the new trustees and younger generation to take up the baton and move this forward. I am pleased to say that funds are coming in but we still have a long way to go and donations of any kind are always welcome (we now operate a sales stand at SVR galas and will accept railway related items to sell). Please see our website: www4566.org.uk for more information.

A photograph of 4566 taken on the 29.06.1975, just after the regulator was opened for the first time (and yes, there were a lot of us on the footplate when this happened!) and the engine was moved over the pit at Bewdley. Copyright David Cook.

Many thanks David - we wish you all the best with the fundraising, it would be great to see the loco in steam once again.

St. Erth Westerns
Jay Hartley

I thought you may be interested in these "then and now" pictures.

The black and white was taken by dad, Brian Hartley. I don't have a date for it but it must have been whilst we were living in Newlyn which was from early 1968 until late 1971.

Looking at the sun angle and the leafless trees I'd say it's early spring, just after the clocks went forward. 1V70 was the Down Cornishman, 0906 Bradford-Penzance and was due at St Erth around 1700.

After discussion with Roger Geach we think the loco is in Maroon livery, it looks like a roundel on the cabside rather than a double arrow, and it looks like one of the shorter names.

Given their repaint dates the most likely are D1039 or D1056.

The colour shot is mine taken on Saturday 28 June 2025 with D1015 heading the Pathfinder Mazey Day Special, 1Z52 0603 Dorridge-Penzance.

The new footbridge is slightly further back and taller than the original so the perspective is a little different but there's enough there to be recognisable I think.

Sadly the Creamery and the sidings full of vans and milk tanks are gone!

An unidentified Western, possibly D1039 or D1056, heads west through St. Erth in the early 1970's. Copyright Brian Hartley.

Fast forward 50+ years and we see D1015 heading the Pathfinder Mazey Day Special, 1Z52 0603 Dorridge-Penzance on 28.06.2025. Copyright Jay Hartley.

Many thanks indeed, Jay - a great pair of images and a fascinating comparison.

A Crompton at rest
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

33061 takes a break at Bristol in this undated shot. Copyright Phil Smith.

Great machines, many thanks as always Phil.

Down by the river
Jon Hird

On an unusual (these days) Wednesday working to Fowey, 66091 passes Golant with 6G09 - the mid-day Goonbarrow - Fowey clay. 02.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

A second 'bite of the apple' achieved by repositioning the drone just above the treetops around Golant Crossing. The train passes the site of Golant Halt at a snails pace. 02.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Horses to Wadebridge?
Can you help?

A friend and myself have discovered that in the 1950s and up to the 1970s, the Household Cavalry used to travel to Wadebridge by Train, including Horses (MK1 Boxes by the 70s), every June. Loading at Kensington Olympia.

Apart from photos (see below), we can find absolutely no information about why this was.

Is there any possibility that the Society may have some info or contacts please?

We are both hoping to model this service for June 1960.

Here is a link to some pics...Copyright posted on that site but the site itself is public: https://www.rail-online.co.uk/p910105639

We turned to local expert Andrew Jones for guidance, Andrew replied:

An interesting question, although I never personally witnessed horses being transported to Wadebridge during the 70's it would have been possible especially as June is Royal Cornwall month.

So one possible lead would be to contact the Royal Cornwall secretary.

Many thanks to Andrew who raises a good point about Royal Cornwall. If anybody out there knows any more, please do get in touch - [email protected]

Another rapid response from Tom Lloyd:

I read the small piece about the Army taking horses to Wadebridge by train in the 1970's. The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery exercise their horses every summer in Cornwall on the beach. I'm not certain which beaches they use though. It would have made sense for them to travel by train in the past.

Many thanks, Tom.

July 2nd 2025

2/7/2025

Royal train to be cut in Palace cost-saving measure

The big railway news of the week broke yesterday that the Royal Train is due to be retired in 2027, with King Charles seemingly favouring air travel.

Click here for a BBC News article.

50046 Ajax at Penzance
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, A busy time down there and a great selection of pictures of all the special workings. Here are three photos of 50046 'Ajax' at Penzance on a dull 13 September 1984. Firstly having just arrived with a 07.20 service from Plymouth. Thanks, Michael.

Now we see the loco. having shunted the Plymouth coaches onto some others to form the 10.20 to Liverpool. Michael Forward

Roger, Finally just getting underway with the Liverpool train. Thanks for dealing with these,squeeze them in when there is room,Best wishes, Michael Forward.

Many Thanks Michael

The flags are out
at Purton Crossing
Ken Mumford

I arrived at Purton Crossing earlier, and wondered, what was the NETWORK RAIL RESPONSE VEHICLE doing at that level crossing?

ANSWER - someone had reported a train going past without the barriers coming down. Thus when I arrived there was also a red flag in between the two running lines. A young NETWORK RAIL gentleman came towards the crossing and made my visit a very interesting one as he talked to the young railway enthusiast and myself as we waited for a northbound IET. He operated the mechanism to lower the barriers and held a green flag as 1G15 [Paddingotn to Cheltenham Spa consisting of 800003] came slowly around the bend into sight. I understood that trains using this non-functioning level crossing were to pass at 5 m-p-h!!

As soon as the first coach was clear of the crossing its driver opened up the diesel engines to acclimate it away northwards.

However, according to REAL TRAIN TIMES [RTT], this train was curtailed at Kemble! Indeed several trains were either curtailed at Kemble or cancelled due to a person on or near the railway.

The NETWORK RAIL engineer tried to lower and raise the barriers and as he was now successful, the crossing was now functioning properly. Indeed 1L76 Cheltenham Spa to London [IET unit 800002] passed over the crossing at more than 5 m-p-h now that everything was working.

The Network Rail Incident Response Ford Ranger at Purton Crossing. 01.07.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

The Network Rail operative gives the green flag to an approaching GWR service. 01.07.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

Interesting photos, Ken - many thanks - sometimes the old ways are the best!

July 1st 2025

1/7/2025

New 'Feature'
Mazey Day Tours

We've received dozens of photographs of the recent Mazey Day tours, for which we are very grateful.

We've collated them all in one place for your viewing please - please click here (you may need to scroll down, dependant on your internet speed).

Many thanks to all who have contributed photographs.

A recent round-up
Craig Munday

66112 recently replaced 66127 on the clay circuit. I obtained some pictures of it arriving into the County passing Lostwithiel on 6V75 on 21st. 21.06.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

The next day, 66112 was captured shunting around the weed infested environs of St Blazey. 22.06.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

66112 shunts the JIA's behind St. Blazey signal box. 22.06.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

The NMT was also pictured on Friday 27th at Trewoon. 27.06.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

Well, Mazey Day weather was hardly flaming June with heavy cloud across the Duchy. The spectacle of D1015 had to be savoured though. The downward leg passes Resparveth. 28.06.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

The LSL HST was worth seeing, though I missed the eye popping livery and sunshine greatly. It too is seen at Resparveth. 28.06.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

For D1015's return, myself and Andy Thomas ventured out west of Burngullow to experience the majesty of Champion lifting 13 coaches and an idle 47815 on the rear heading back East at Dowgas. The loco could be heard flat out between Fal and Coombe viaduct before fading in the cutting then bursting out of the village to our location. The ripening barley offered a little brightness in the picture, and I calculated the ensemble would be a tight squeeze in the aperture. 28.06.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

A great round-up of the last week or so, Craig - many thanks as always.

Powering through Pilning
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

The year is 1988 and the driver of 47214 is in a hurry as he applies the power through Pilning, accelerating his train of mixed wagons up to the line speed. Copyright Phil Smith.

Another cracker, Phil - many thanks for sending it over.

Mazey Day sea wall variety
Steve Widdowson

D1015 tnt 47815 emerge from Parsons tunnel, Teignmouth working as 1Z52 (0503 Dorridge to Penzance) 28.06.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

37501 at Teignmouth working 0M57 (0958 Laira to Derby RTC) 28.06.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

43055 and 43049 pass Teignmouth with 1Z43 (0553 Shrewsbury to Penzance). 28.06.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

66019 exits Parsons Tunnel, Teignmouth with 6V75 (0731 Westbury Down TC to St Blazey) 28.06.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

66761 at Teignmouth with 0Z62 (0900 Bishops Lydeard Gbrf to Penzance) 28.06.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks Steve - a bit of a Devon mainline diesel gala!

Re: Phil's Mystery Crompton
Karl Hewlett

Yesterday, we showed a photograph from Phil Smith of an unidentified Class 33 at Bristol and asked whether anybody could ID it. We are grateful to Karl who has provided the below answer:

Regarding the image supplied by Phil Smith of a class 33/0 at Bristol Temple Meads on pullman stock 1992, the only loco in this class that has a rather scrimpled up front end at the bottom and also a dent on its secondman side at number 1 end is 33021.

A mystery Class 33 at Bristol TM in 1992 - thanks to Karl, we now know the loco is likely 33021. Image copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks, Karl - a tough one to answer but your observations are excellent.

June 30th 2025

30/6/2025

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 51
Somerton - An Unusual Arch Bridge
Michael L. Roach

I have been discussing various subjects with Colin Burges of Teignrail for some time and those discussions have always been interesting. Recently the two subjects that dominated were bridges and bricks, and in this instalment those two subjects come neatly together in an unusual brick arch bridge which is quite unique, unless you know of another one similar. The bridge was built by the Great Western Railway in 1906 as part of the Castle Cary to Langport Cut-off. A small black and white photo of the bridge nearing completion appears in the next to last image in 1964 – Part 46.

As the railway heads east from passing through Somerton the double track main line describes a huge curve. Much of it is on an embankment giving good views of the fields below. At the far end of the curve the railway passes over B3153 road from Somerton to Castle Cary, about 1½ miles east of Somerton, on a severe skew of 62 degrees. Normally, and even on a skew arch, the arch springs from a vertical wall / abutment which is parallel to the road, rails or canal that the bridge is passing over. In this bridge the arch springs from a flat area on the top of the abutment and is only an estimated 6 feet (1.8 metres) wide but there are six of these individual arches side-by-side arranged in a sawtooth pattern along the top of the abutment wall. This is highly unusual and was probably chosen because of the severe skew; and I cannot recall seeing another one similar before. One advantage of this design would be that the centreing would be used six times immediately rather than once, and perhaps never used again. At the beginning of June 2025 Colin Burges spent the weekend in Somerset and took the time to visit “six arches” bridge and take a number of photos which are reproduced here. Many thanks Colin.

I wanted to run a string along the intersections to see if they were in line. If I held the ladder, would you ... ? 08.06.2025, copyright Colin Burgess

It looks as if the arches are separate, perhaps to allow for movement. A photo of the bridge under construction would be interesting to see. I take it the reasoning was that six parallel arches were easier to construct than one on the skew. And I wonder if the centering work had been, or was, used on another bridge. 08.06.2025, copyright Colin Burgess.

The unusual construction used on the Somerton Road Bridge. 08.06.2025, copyright Colin Burgess

Here's another unusual one on the "new" line, a replacement for the original just Up from it. Black Smock, between Curry Rivel and Athelney, carries only a minor road. I wonder if its design was dictated by the soil; it looks as if it would tolerate a lot of settlement. This view, impossible yesterday, I think was from the course of the road leading to the former bridge. 08.06.2025, copyright Colin Burgess

The Glastonbury Festival 2025

Castle Cary Station is in the middle of coping with its busiest week of the year. For those who live abroad and may not know it was the week of the Glastonbury Festival which lasted from 25 to 29 June 2025 at Worthy Farm BA4 4BY which is seven miles east of Glastonbury town centre. The gates were opened on Wednesday 25th and the festival goers will still be leaving today Monday 30 June. Many of the 210,000 attendees will arrive by train from all four points of the compass on normal service trains, but some will arrive on special trains from London Paddington and others on normal service trains making a special stop at Castle Cary the nearest railway station which is about six or seven miles from Worthy Farm. Castle Cary Station is a delightful country junction still with an original GWR flavour; and it could quite easily be overwhelmed by the large numbers alighting from arriving trains but the present incarnation of the GWR have years of experience of dealing with the Glastonbury passenger traffic. GWR will have drafted in extra staff and taken special measures to funnel the pedestrian traffic safely from the platform to the station forecourt on the north side where a fleet of buses is organised to transfer festival goers from the station to the festival site. If any of our readers travelled to the festival by public transport perhaps they would like to share their experience.

Many thanks Michael and Colin - what an interesting bridge!

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

Glastonbury Turbo Extras Resurrected in 2025
Guy Vincent

For the 2013 and 2014 Glastonbury Festivals FGW ran additional trains from Paddington and Reading to Castle Cary formed of class 165 or 166 Turbo stock. Since then HSTs or latterly class 800 stock has dominated with just a few trains to /from the Bristol area consisting of older DMU sets. Today, the earlier years were recreated with Reading based Turbo sets used on 4 relief services from Castle Cary to Westbury and Reading.

Class 165-166 sets are ideal for dealing with the heavy additional traffic generated by events such as this due to the number of wide doors and open saloon space immediately available to those boarding with large items of luggage etc.

Sunday 29th June 2025. 165109 & 165112 at Cowleaze, Edington on 1Z30 1139 Castle Cary - Reading. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Sunday 29th June 2025. 165128, 165123 and 165126 approaching Clink Road Jcn working 5Z33 1618 Reading - Castle Cary prior to returning east as 1Z33 1735 Castle Cary - Reading relief. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Some reminders of the trains provided by FGW in 2013 and 2014...

166209 and 165128 at Castle Cary just after 3pm on 26th June 2013 with 1Z33, a 1233 additional from London Paddington. Once empty the sets will return to London for the evening commuter peak. Copyright Guy Vincent.

165109 and 165121 at Castle Cary waiting to head back east as empty stock on 27th June 2014. The sets had arrived as 1Z32 1030 Paddington - Castle Cary bringing festivalgoers from the capital to Somerset. This was some 4 years before they were introduced on timetabled services in the Wessex region. In February 2013 special gauging test runs had taken place to ensure they were suitable to run so far west. In due course the fleet received suspension modifications allowing normal day to day use. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks, Guy - and with perfect timing to carry on from Mikes article, too.

Sunday Sleeper
Jon Hird & Andrew Triggs

Sunday afternoon saw a quick dash over to the Gover Valley for a photo of hire-in 57301 bringing the GWR 'Night Riviera' sleeper stock west to Long Rock. The train had failed at Plymouth on Saturday morning, and was taken to Laira by back-to-back power cars for repairs. 29.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

57301 passing Rospeath Road overbridge at 17.46 (39 late) with 5Z50 14.50 Laira T&RSMD-Longrock T&RSMD. 29.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

57301 propelling 5C50 away from Platform 3 at Penzance at 17.57 (33 late) towards Longrock T&RSMD. 29.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks, Andrew

Mazey Day Wiltshire Workings
Guy Vincent

With plenty of interesting diesel action taking place further west on Saturday 28th a few workings of note were worth going out for closer to home in Wiltshire.

GBRF's 66747 'Made in Sheffield' with a further refurbished ex Irish Railways coach now numbered 99104 (destined for the Britannic Explorer charter operation) passed through Bradford on Avon at 7.30am as 5Z43 1724 (Fri) Hamilton - Eastleigh Arlington. Although booked to run via the single line Maindee North to East Jcns chord, the train was diverted into P1 at Newport station where the loco ran round before continuing its journey. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

The going-away shot of 66747. Note the large sheet of chipboard covering the end gangway of the carriage. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Colas loco 60096 'Skiddaw', currently on long-term hire to DC Rail approaching Hawkeridge Junction with the SO 6M52 0844 Tytherington - Willesden DC Rail sidings loaded aggregate working. From here the Westbury East Loop was used to gain access to the Berks and Hants line towards Reading. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury Yard. Freightliner class 70 no. 70009 which is also on long term hire, but to Colas Rail, stabled on the site of the former Westbury Diesel Depot with other Colas locos including 66792, on hire from GB Railfreight. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury Up Yard. 66414 awaiting departure with the 6Z97 1328 Westbury - Llangyfelach long welded rail train. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury Down Yard. 66112 shunting with GBRF's 69001 (the former 56031 Merehead, a one-time Westbury outbased loco) stabled beyond. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury Yard, Colas Maintenance shed with 70817 undergoing repairs. This shed was built in the early 1980s for wagon maintenance but has been extended and upgraded in recent years. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Monkton, on the Melksham single line near the site of the former Holt Junction for Devizes branch station. 50049 'Defiance' with refurbished GWR sleeper coach 10534 gently amble by working a 5V50 1354 Salisbury - Reading Traincare Depot. This originated at Eastleigh Arlington at 1255 but ran as 5X50 to Salisbury. The trackbed of the former Devizes branch (closed in 1966) can just be discerned to the left of the loco as a line of bushes beyond the large tree. This could easily be mistaken as a shot taken on a heritage line. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks as always, Guy - loads of variety, great to see so many locos still out and about even on a Saturday.

D1015 leaves Truro
Jonathan Harbage

Here is D1015 leaving Truro on the 28/06/25 on it’s way to Penzance . What a great sound it made. (Please click the arrow/play button to view the video). Copyright Jonathan Harbage

A great noise indeed - many thanks for sending over your video, Jonathan.

A mystery Crompton
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

An unidentified class 33 stars in this 1992 shot from Bristol Temple Meads. Can anyone ID it for Phil? Copyright Phil Smith.

Thanks Phil - if you can ID the loco please drop us an email - [email protected]

Mazey Day Highlights
Roger Winnen

D1015 Western Champion Built in 1963 arrives at Plymouth on the 06.07 Dorridge to Penzance Mazey Day special. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

66768 arrives on the through road at Plymouth Station to follow the Western to Penzance. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Within a few minutes 66019 arrived at Par with clay empties to St Blazey. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

The 05.53 Midland Pullman Shrewsbury to Penzance is seen passing Par. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

66768 Is again seen passing throuth Par. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

The Midland Pullman passes through St Austell. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

The returning 16.00 to Dorridge is seen passing St Austell. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

<<Previous

Forward>>

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 52ACornish Broccoli TrafficMichael L. Roach

A question from a readerSt. Blazey Pannier Tanks

Cornish China Clay trainsBob Morrison

Par Harbour ClaySteve Clark

Our first look at theBritannic Explorer LiveryColin Pidgeon

Various Multiple UnitsSteve Widdowson

Devonport HST'sClive Smith

Re: Cornwall Broccoli TrafficHoward Sprenger

Cowley BridgePhil 'Shattered' Smith

'Back to the 70's'With Roger WinnenPart 3

'Back to the 70's'With Roger WinnenPart 2

Level Crossing, Hungerford, 30/6/25Simon Smith

'Broccoli trains'Can you help?

Bristol BrushPhil 'Shattered' Smith

'Back to the 70's'With Roger WinnenPart 1

New Views of Exeter St. ThomasPaul Barlow

Re: 47155 West ThurrockJay Hartley

'Mazey Day' - A Small Follow-upNeil Phillips

More trouble on the 'beds'Joe Birchall, Jon Hird & Andrew Triggs

Whatever happened to theREAL Mid Cornwall Metro?

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 52An Hour in Barmouth 4 July 1964Michael L. Roach

A trip to LooeRich Baldwin-Lee

The Royal Train in CornwallRoger Winnen

Goonbarrow ShunterJason Snow

Re: Horses to WadebridgeDavid Mitchell

50 years agoDavid Cook/The 4566 Preservation Group

St. Erth WesternsJay Hartley

A Crompton at restPhil 'Shattered' Smith

Down by the riverJon Hird

Horses to Wadebridge?Can you help?