NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 3
Laira's Last Weekend
Michael L. Roach
In Part 1 of this new series one of the turning points mentioned was the end of steam engines reaching Plymouth via Okehampton and travelling out to a deserted Laira steam shed for turning and servicing before taking up it's return working to Exeter, via Okehampton again. This occurred twice a day and brought rebuilt Bulleid Light Pacifics and BR Standard Class 5 4-6-0s to Laira. These regular visits ended on the weekend of 5/6 September 1964, or that that is what I thought for 60 years. But in 2024 I read, in two different places, that the very occasional large passenger steam engine still arrived at Plymouth Station, and Laira, via Okehampton usually on a special train into the Autumn of 1964. The source of that information was Arthur Westington who was a driver at Friary and Laira. He recorded the last week of steam as 21 to 26 of September 1964 with at least seven 4-6-0s or 4-6-2s that week. Even after that he recorded BR Standard 5 no. 73118 King Leodegrance of Eastleigh Shed on Tuesday 29 September 1964
Here it must be said that steam engines, in the shape of BR Standard 2-6-4 tanks continued to reach Plymouth Station for another four months on commuter trains from Okehampton to Plymouth Station. The engines did not need servicing and stayed at Plymouth Station for a short time until it was time to return to Okehampton. The first one of the day was at 9.50am and the second was at teatime. I only travelled on that train just once, and it was notable for reasons which I will describe in a forthcoming instalment. Steam haulage of these commuter trains ceased on the first weekend of January 1965.
On the afternoon of Saturday 29 August 1964 I visited Laira steam shed for the last time before I thought it closed for good the following weekend when I would be away chasing steam to be seen in the later part. There was just one steam engine standing beside the pumping station after taking water. It was one of Mr. Bulleid's magnificent light pacifics which had been rebuilt into fine looking engines. It was 34096 Trevone of Exmouth Junction Shed. The engine had been transferred to Exmouth Junction in December 1957 from its previous shed of Ramsgate as a result of the Kent Coast Electrification, and only had two sheds in whole of its 15-year working life. The engine was condemned the following month in September 1964 and scrapped. I moved on across Plymouth to St. Budeaux to the last overbridge before St. Budeaux Victoria Road Station alongside Carlton Terrace where there was a good view of the former Southern Railway route to Okehampton and Exeter Central. The train worked by 34096 was the 4.52pm from Plymouth to Eastleigh and eventually Waterloo arriving at the ungodly hour of 3.48am. The train would cease to run a week later and the line would close with trains diverted to the former Great Western route to St. Budeaux. The engine and its six coaches and two vans was perfectly lit by the lowering sun.
I am indebted to Richard Hoskin for making a colourised version of the photograph, which I think is very realistic.
Here it must be said that steam engines, in the shape of BR Standard 2-6-4 tanks continued to reach Plymouth Station for another four months on commuter trains from Okehampton to Plymouth Station. The engines did not need servicing and stayed at Plymouth Station for a short time until it was time to return to Okehampton. The first one of the day was at 9.50am and the second was at teatime. I only travelled on that train just once, and it was notable for reasons which I will describe in a forthcoming instalment. Steam haulage of these commuter trains ceased on the first weekend of January 1965.
On the afternoon of Saturday 29 August 1964 I visited Laira steam shed for the last time before I thought it closed for good the following weekend when I would be away chasing steam to be seen in the later part. There was just one steam engine standing beside the pumping station after taking water. It was one of Mr. Bulleid's magnificent light pacifics which had been rebuilt into fine looking engines. It was 34096 Trevone of Exmouth Junction Shed. The engine had been transferred to Exmouth Junction in December 1957 from its previous shed of Ramsgate as a result of the Kent Coast Electrification, and only had two sheds in whole of its 15-year working life. The engine was condemned the following month in September 1964 and scrapped. I moved on across Plymouth to St. Budeaux to the last overbridge before St. Budeaux Victoria Road Station alongside Carlton Terrace where there was a good view of the former Southern Railway route to Okehampton and Exeter Central. The train worked by 34096 was the 4.52pm from Plymouth to Eastleigh and eventually Waterloo arriving at the ungodly hour of 3.48am. The train would cease to run a week later and the line would close with trains diverted to the former Great Western route to St. Budeaux. The engine and its six coaches and two vans was perfectly lit by the lowering sun.
I am indebted to Richard Hoskin for making a colourised version of the photograph, which I think is very realistic.
Rebuilt Bulleid pacific 34096 Trevone is seen on Laira steam shed at 3.40pm on the fine afternoon of Saturday 29 August 1964. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Another view of 34096. The fence surrounds a pumping station which was at the bottom of a hole in the ground. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
34096 is viewed across the pumping station. The brick wall on the right held up the embankment which supported the track through the coaling stage. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
34096 heads out of Plymouth past Carlton Terrace on the Southern route one week before the line closed. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
The same view of 34096 colourised by Richard Hoskin taken from a fuller (less cropped) version of the whole negative. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
The going away shot of 34096. I am standing on a road bridge of which the parapet walls still survive. Note the rear of the signal box which is on the Western main line. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Many thanks indeed Michael, another interesting article. Isn't that colourised photograph something special?
For more of Michaels articles, please click here.
For more of Michaels articles, please click here.
The Blue Pullman
Craig Munday
The LSL HST Pullman was in the Duchy 30th August to Sun 1st September working down and back from Dumfries, with a Penzance - Bath charter on the Saturday.
Fine weather followed the train despite a mixed forecast. It was pictured at Par on 30th, Trenowth on 31st and Burngullow on Sun 1st September.
Fine weather followed the train despite a mixed forecast. It was pictured at Par on 30th, Trenowth on 31st and Burngullow on Sun 1st September.
43049 leads the LSL Pullman through Par on 30.08.2024 running as 1Z43. Copyright Craig Munday.
A marvellous photograph full of the colours of late summer as 43046 and 43049 pass the recently harvested fields at Trenowth with 1Z43 on 31.08.2024. Copyright Craig Munday.
43046 leads returning train through Burngullow as 1Z43 on 01.09.2024. Copyright Craig Munday.
Many thanks indeed Craig, three times lucky with the sun!
Re: Rogers Westerns
Guy Vincent
Withdrawn Westerns at Laira 29.01.1977 - Copyright Roger Winnen.
The three locos visible are, f to r: D1058 Western Nobleman, withdrawn 21st January 1977 and recognisable by its shabby weathered paintwork. D1058 was the penultimate '52' to receive a classified overhaul at Swindon Works at the start of 1973, the final loco being D1023. Next is D1009 Western Invader, still looking tidy following a partial repaint at Laira towards the end of August 1976 prior to working a MTK Paddington - Eastleigh railtour on September 5th. D1009 was withdrawn on 10th November 1976. Finally, D1070 Western Gauntlet is seen furthest away. This was withdrawn on 30th December 1976. D1058 and D1070, along with D1033, were removed to Swindon for disposal where their arrival date is quoted as 24th March 1977 Neil Phillips was lucky enough to photograph the unfortunate trio on 19th March during a layover at Taunton (photo on CRS 19.03.2017).
D1009 made its final journey behind loco(s) unknown on 1st June. All sadly gone but thanks to Roger and others not yet forgotten!
D1009 made its final journey behind loco(s) unknown on 1st June. All sadly gone but thanks to Roger and others not yet forgotten!
A depressing scene at Taunton as withdrawn Westerns D1058 Western Nobleman, D1070 Western Gauntlet and D1033 Western Trooper await a tow to Swindon Works for scrapping. 19th March 1977. Copyright Neil Phillips.
Many thanks for once again 'filling in the gaps', Guy - much appreciated.
Thanks also, of course, to Roger, Neil and everybody else who has contributed photographs of this vintage to the site, it's good to read that photos first posted as far back as 2017 are still remembered and viewed.
Thanks also, of course, to Roger, Neil and everybody else who has contributed photographs of this vintage to the site, it's good to read that photos first posted as far back as 2017 are still remembered and viewed.
The CDA Swan Song
Jon Hird
The final 3 CDA's 'in the wild' were taken for disposal on Monday 02.09.2024. The three ex-barrier wagons at Fowey were removed from the siding they had been languishing in since the rest of the fleet was withdrawn last August, and moved down to Carne Point for scrapping. 66152 arrived shortly after 9am to perform the shunt. 02.09.2024, Copyright Jon Hird
66152 prepares to buffer up to the CDA's for the last time. 02.09.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
375125, 375135 and 375137, which were converted HAA coal wagons. These wagons were taken out of the operational fleet of CDA's and were used at Fowey as barrier/reach wagons for shunting the trains onto the transverser as the locomotive is not permitted to enter the shed. 02.09.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
The three wagons moving out of the siding without putting up a fight, I had wondered whether the bearings and brakes may have rusted having spent so long stationary beside salt water, but seemingly not. 02.09.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
A zoomed in shot of 375125, 375135 and 375137. These wagons have a few detail differences to the 'production' CDA's, the most obvious being the lack of visible/top mounted air distributors as the HAA's used a different braking system to that fitted to the rest of the CDA's. 02.09.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
The DB supervisor and ground staff inspect the scene before the trio are pushed back towards the main docks complex. 02.09.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
The parting shot and the final shot I will ever take of a CDA outside of preservation. The DB staff walk slowly ahead and beside the train, like a funeral march. 02.09.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Westbury Superpower
Guy Vincent
Back on the day job, 59003 awaiting departure from Westbury at dawn on a wet Monday morning, 2nd September 2024, with its usual weekday working the 6M50 0716 Westbury - Bescot engineers 'tripper', today consisting of a partial HOBC portion and some miscellaneous wagons. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks to you, Guy
Upcoming C.R.S. Events/Meetings
Riding the Cornish Branch Lines
Purchase a Cornish Ranger and join us to Ride the Cornish Branch Lines on:
Saturday 7th September 2024
(In the event of a train cancellation, catch the next available service.)
Depart Penzance 08.15, St Erth 08.24, Camborne 08.35, Redruth 08.42, Truro 08.54, St Austell 09.11, Par 09.19, Bodmin Parkway 09.31, Liskeard 09.44, Plymouth 10.12/10.24. Gunnislake 11.10/11.14. Plymouth 12.00/12.20, Liskeard 12.44/13.50. Looe 14.19/14.22. Liskeard 14.46/15.14. Par 15.37/15.59. Newquay 16.47/17.15. Par 18.05/18.28, Truro 18.50/19.12. Falmouth Docks 19.36/19.42. Truro 20.11 running through to Par, or for stations to Penzance depart 20.42.
Our next indoor meeting:
September 14th 2024
Malcolm Gould from the China Clay History Society
will present an evening of films made for E.C.L.P. at the Cornwall Railway Society meeting, in The Memorial Hall which stands over the tunnel at Redruth Station, commencing at 18.30hrs
A show not to be missed!