September 29th 2026

29/9/2026

On this day - 99 years ago
Michael Hitchens

At around 10.30pm on September 29th, 1927 tram No.4 left the terminus at West End, Redruth and travelled to the depot at the top of East Hill, Tuckingmill where it met the crowded tram No.3 from Camborne.

No.4 unloaded and was driven into the shed. Then, No.3 (whose passengers refused to alight) was driven over the points, reversed, and continued into the shed. Everyone gave three hearty cheers for the crews before leaving.

So ended the passenger service on Cornwall's only street tramway - 99 years ago today. The mineral trams carried on using part of the system from E. Pool mine to Tolvaddon Stamps for a further 7 years, until being replaced by an overhead bucket cableway in August 1934.

'Cornwalls Electric Tramcars' by L. Fisher Barnham contains a wealth of information and pictures and there is more material at Kresen Kenow about this interesting part of Cornwall's railway history.

Many thanks Michael - a piece of local history which no doubt countless people walk over every day without even giving it a thought.

Recent Round-Up
Craig Munday

The Thursday 24th 71000 turning move is pictured alongside 66766 on 6M53 in the Reception at Burngullow. 24.09.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

66766 is then seen at Henball Lane with the departing train, the leaves turning a rich golden brown in a spot of sunshine. The leaves are already falling so the GBRf class 57s will be very welcome back in their usual nocturnal slot on the RHTT. I believe the programme begins in earnest on 6th Oct, but there will be shakedown runs this week coming. 24.09.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

The return of 71000 on Friday was captured at Dowgas. I'm pleased to report there wasn't one report of trespass over the entire run of the Charter in Cornwall. 25.09.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

I visited the Ground Frame at Bodmin on Thursday 24th to transfer the visiting locos onto the railway as it was running 85 early. I just squeezed them in at the end of my shift.

The locos were nicely parked at Bodmin General the next day in the warm sunshine. Click for enlargements. 25.09.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

Saturday I had a rover ticket and was 90% train bound. I was allowed to visit after dark with the lamp and tripod and obtain some images of 37142 on the 19.55 service. 26.09.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

The other locos made nice studies parked up too. Many thanks to the team, especially Malcolm, Nick and Signalman Chris for allowing me access. Click images for enlargements. 26.09.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

A busy week, Craig - many thanks indeed for the photos.

Gala Guests go home
Tony Shore, Martin Scane & Paul Barlow

Bodmin Diesel Gala visitors 33012 and 31210 left the county early on Monday morning. After taking fuel at Bodmin General from a road tanker, 33012 leads 31210 into Bodmin Parkway. 28.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

Mat Simpson works the points into the yard at Bodmin Parkway so that 31210 can be propelled into the Network Rail exchange siding. 28.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

33012 and 31210 await their path onto the mainline in the exchange siding. 28.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

Departing 15 minutes early at 0836, 33012 and 31210 get on their way to Burton, departing Bodmin Parkway. A video - click to play. 28.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

Here are D6515 and 31210 at Teignmouth station yesterday morning with 0M33 Bodmin to Burton. 28.09.2026, copyright Martin Scane.

33012 leads 31210 through Exeter St. Thomas. Click for enlargements. 28.09.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks all. Farewell to this noisy duo.

Sunday Somerset Sightings
Guy Vincent

Some photos take on Sunday 27th at Midsomer Norton South station, headquarters of the Somerset and Dorset RailwayTrust where a small diesel event was taking place. Shunter 08769 was giving brake van rides along the mile length section of the rebuilt S&D route, supplementing the line’s resident class 107 DMU 2-car set SC 52006 and SC 52025.

Later I stopped in at Cranmore station where GWR 4555 was providing power for the day’s service. Finally, before the rain arrived a quick peep over the wall at Whatley quarry with a small gathering of class 66s, a solitary class 59 and battery-conversion shunter 08787. Prior to rebuilding and equipping as such this shunter was based at Whatley in stored condition and carried the number 08296.

Finally a photo of 69009 (formerly 56065) ‘Western Consort’ leaving Westbury yard on Monday 28th with the daily 6O41 1014 Westbury -Eastleigh engineers trip, consisting of a long welded rail carrier set. The original Western Consort was numbered D1065 which is probably why this loco was chosen to carry the name.

Various Somerset photos. Click for enlargements and captions. All images taken 27.09.2026 and copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks indeed Guy, some very interesting photos, especially the quarry pictures.

Class 33's - Then and Now
Michael Adams

Michael Adams has sent me these two pictures, firstly one taken at Exeter St. Davids on 29 June 1985 showing 33017 and 33057 with a Brighton to Penzance service. Copyright Michael Adams.