JGA Disposals
Jon Hird & Tony Shore
In 2023, five JGA aggregate wagons were sent to Cornwall with the intention of bolstering the JIA fleet following the withdrawal of the long-serving CDA wagons.
Their stay was not to prove particularly productive. During their one and only test run to Goonbarrow, it quickly became apparent that the wagons were unsuitable for their intended role. The arrangement of their top doors was incompatible with the loading equipment used by Imerys, and the plan to bring them into regular service was abandoned.
The five wagons subsequently spent the next three years languishing in St Blazey Yard. On 13 October 2025, following DB Cargo's decision to relocate its Cornish operations from St Blazey to Goonbarrow, the rake was moved to a siding alongside the concrete pad where the CDA fleet had previously been cut up.
Almost a year later, their time in Cornwall has finally come to an end. On 29 September 2026, a large container-handling forklift arrived at St Blazey, followed by two lorries, to begin removing the wagons by road.
Two wagons departed for EMR Kingsbury on Tuesday, with another two expected to follow them to the same fate. There may, however, be a reprieve for the fifth: a potential new home has been found which could yet save it from the cutter's torch.
Their stay was not to prove particularly productive. During their one and only test run to Goonbarrow, it quickly became apparent that the wagons were unsuitable for their intended role. The arrangement of their top doors was incompatible with the loading equipment used by Imerys, and the plan to bring them into regular service was abandoned.
The five wagons subsequently spent the next three years languishing in St Blazey Yard. On 13 October 2025, following DB Cargo's decision to relocate its Cornish operations from St Blazey to Goonbarrow, the rake was moved to a siding alongside the concrete pad where the CDA fleet had previously been cut up.
Almost a year later, their time in Cornwall has finally come to an end. On 29 September 2026, a large container-handling forklift arrived at St Blazey, followed by two lorries, to begin removing the wagons by road.
Two wagons departed for EMR Kingsbury on Tuesday, with another two expected to follow them to the same fate. There may, however, be a reprieve for the fifth: a potential new home has been found which could yet save it from the cutter's torch.
One JGA wagon loaded at St. Blazey with the large container handling Forklift behind. 29.09.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Checking the height of the load in the yard at St. Blazey. 29.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The groundstaff await the arrival of the second lorry at St. Blazey. Click for enlargements. 29.09.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
The Hutchinson Heavy Haulage escort vehicle arrives before the second empty lorry. 29.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The first wagon is reversed out of St. Blazey yard. 29.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The unusual sight of two modern wagons alongside St. Blazey fountain. 29.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The first 2 wagons on the move on the Roche Bypass at Trezaise, heading to EMR Kingsbury. 29.09.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks Tony. In the long history of Cornish China Clay Trains, the JGA's will form a very small chapter. But at least we have recorded their brief stay for posterity.
A new station for Portishead
Keith Jenkin
Work is underway on a new railway station that will reconnect one of England’s largest towns without a rail link to the national network.
The new Portishead station forms part of a project worth almost £200 million, restoring passenger rail services to the North Somerset coastal town more than six decades after they were lost to the Beeching cuts in 1964.
Once complete, the new line will provide a direct rail connection between Portishead and Bristol Temple Meads, bringing more than 50,000 residents back within reach of the national rail network.
Construction has now begun, with the station expected to open during the winter of 2028/29.
More information on the Portishead Railway Group website - click here.
The new Portishead station forms part of a project worth almost £200 million, restoring passenger rail services to the North Somerset coastal town more than six decades after they were lost to the Beeching cuts in 1964.
Once complete, the new line will provide a direct rail connection between Portishead and Bristol Temple Meads, bringing more than 50,000 residents back within reach of the national rail network.
Construction has now begun, with the station expected to open during the winter of 2028/29.
More information on the Portishead Railway Group website - click here.
Many thanks for spotting this article Keith - good news for the area.
The SW RHTT Test Run
David J Ive & Mark Lynam
Monday night saw the first run of the 2026 SW RHTT train. GBRf 57306 "Branch Line Society" and 57305 did the honours as it passed Dawlish as 3S11 1821 Fairwater Yard to Truro. 28.09.2026, copyright David J. Ive / http://djipix.com
57305 and 57306 at Truro where they reversed. Click for enlargements. 29.09.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks indeed Dave and Mark - a bit of a pity the RHTT has become a nocturnal working in recent years.
35 Years Ago
Paul Barlow
47708 heads the 0945 Exeter to Waterloo through the long closed Seaton Junction. 29.09.1991, copyright Paul Barlow.
50046 approaches St James Park halt Exeter with the 1738 Exeter to Waterloo. 26.09.1991, copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks as always, Paul.
September 1976
Part 30
Roger Winnen
LMS Sleeping Car at Penzance. 25.09.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1065 Western Consort arrives at Penzance. 25.09.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1065 Western Consort arrives at Penzance. 25.09.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.