NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART FOUR
Ross-on-Wye - 05.09.1964
Michael L. Roach
The morning of Saturday 5 September 1964 found me at Ross-on-Wye for some two and a half hours between trains, both in the same direction. Not only did I want to photograph the station which had many similarities to Truro in architectural style, number of platforms, size of goods yard etc but also the trains passing through. The main difference was in the size of the engine shed with Ross's engine shed holding just two engines. Both were junction stations, and in terms of population Ross is half the size of Truro. However, while Truro Station is very much alive and well with over one million passenger uses per annum, Ross was demolished after the line closed. I also wanted to walk down to the River Wye to view a road bridge that had been completed a couple of years earlier. The M50 or Ross Spur motorway runs for 22 miles from Junction 8 of the M5 to a point just north of Ross. It was a very early motorway with most of its length being open for traffic in 1960. At its western end the road continues south westwards as a dual carriageway and a mile and a half from the end of the motorway the dual carriageway passes over the River Wye on a handsome bridge called Bridstow Bridge. The bridge has a 60-metre (203-feet) centre span and was opened in September 1960. The bridge was the recipient of design awards for its simple elegant design.
I arrived at Ross at 10.28am on the 9.48am from Gloucester Central consisting of 73025 with three coaches. I stayed at the station to watch a Manor go through in the opposite direction some 20 minutes later before walking the mile or so to Bridstow Bridge and back. My next train was the 12.56pm off Ross which arrived behind 4107 again with 3C, and this would take me on to Hereford, and later Worcester and other places to be described later. A total of 17 photos were taken at Ross Station and Bridstow Bridge because the line was due to close at the end of October 1964, and I could not be sure that I would return for the “last day.” In fact, I was able to attend, and it was a beautiful autumn day that has stuck in the memory bank ever since. The Gloucester to Hereford line remained steam-hauled until closure and was never dieselised.
Ross-on-Wye was a junction station just like Truro. Branch trains started from a bay at the eastern (Gloucester) end and immediately swung around in a long curve to head south-west towards the valley of the River Wye through the beauty spot that was, and is, Symonds Yat. It was here along the valley of the River Wye that British tourism commenced more than 200 years ago. The branch to Monmouth had closed more than five years earlier on the first weekend of 1959, as had the two other rail routes to Monmouth from Chepstow and Pontypool Road. This was a great pity as two of the routes traversed beautiful countryside and followed the Wye Valley or was close to the River Wye for 20 miles. The people of Ross have not forgotten their railway as there is a permanent reminder. On the way out of town to the north-east the B4234 passed beneath the railway and some bridge abutments have survived beside a small well-kept triangular public open space with a number of display boards giving the history of the lines and photographs of the station.
During the 1950s and early 1960s particularly the line through Ross came into its own. Although there was no Sunday service the line was opened specially on Sundays when the Severn Tunnel was closed for annual maintenance. The north to west expresses were diverted from Hereford via Ross and Gloucester bringing the site and sound of bigger engines and longer trains to the line. Few photographers were out to capture the diverted trains and photographs seem to be quite rare.
I arrived at Ross at 10.28am on the 9.48am from Gloucester Central consisting of 73025 with three coaches. I stayed at the station to watch a Manor go through in the opposite direction some 20 minutes later before walking the mile or so to Bridstow Bridge and back. My next train was the 12.56pm off Ross which arrived behind 4107 again with 3C, and this would take me on to Hereford, and later Worcester and other places to be described later. A total of 17 photos were taken at Ross Station and Bridstow Bridge because the line was due to close at the end of October 1964, and I could not be sure that I would return for the “last day.” In fact, I was able to attend, and it was a beautiful autumn day that has stuck in the memory bank ever since. The Gloucester to Hereford line remained steam-hauled until closure and was never dieselised.
Ross-on-Wye was a junction station just like Truro. Branch trains started from a bay at the eastern (Gloucester) end and immediately swung around in a long curve to head south-west towards the valley of the River Wye through the beauty spot that was, and is, Symonds Yat. It was here along the valley of the River Wye that British tourism commenced more than 200 years ago. The branch to Monmouth had closed more than five years earlier on the first weekend of 1959, as had the two other rail routes to Monmouth from Chepstow and Pontypool Road. This was a great pity as two of the routes traversed beautiful countryside and followed the Wye Valley or was close to the River Wye for 20 miles. The people of Ross have not forgotten their railway as there is a permanent reminder. On the way out of town to the north-east the B4234 passed beneath the railway and some bridge abutments have survived beside a small well-kept triangular public open space with a number of display boards giving the history of the lines and photographs of the station.
During the 1950s and early 1960s particularly the line through Ross came into its own. Although there was no Sunday service the line was opened specially on Sundays when the Severn Tunnel was closed for annual maintenance. The north to west expresses were diverted from Hereford via Ross and Gloucester bringing the site and sound of bigger engines and longer trains to the line. Few photographers were out to capture the diverted trains and photographs seem to be quite rare.
BR Standard Class 5 no. 73025 stands at Ross with the 9.48am Gloucester to Hereford. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
73025 leaves Ross for Hereford some 12 miles and 34 minutes away. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
7815 Fritwell Manor runs into Ross with the 10.25am Hereford to Gloucester consisting of three coaches, three vans and one truck under a covered footbridge, like Truro. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
7815 receives some checks while stopped at Ross before setting out for Gloucester Central 18 miles and 40 minutes away. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
7815 sets out past the signal box. 7815 was withdrawn the following month. The engine had spent much of the mid-1950s at Laira and Newton Abbot Sheds piloting expresses over the South Devon banks. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
The Gloucester line can be seen curving to the left in the distance, while the line to Monmouth curved sharply to the right. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
A view looking towards Hereford showing the former Monmouth Bay platform on the left and the two main through platforms on the right. The signal box dated from 1938 and replaced two earlier signal boxes. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
More from Michael Adams
Axminster
Axminster
Hello Roger, here are two more gems from the early 1960s found in Michael Adam’s loft. We have seen ‘Manston ‘previously but here it gets away with it’s train and we can see in the background some items which will interest railway modellers. Date and photographer unknown. Michael.
Roger, now we see an Exmouth junction N class Mogul coming the other way with a mixed goods. Thanks Copyright Michael Adams
Many Thanks Michael
Team Green in Cornwall
Jason Prole
Hello,
Please find attached some images that I hope may be of use,
On Tuesday 3rd September 2024, 66547 arrived in the early hours at Penzance (Platform 2) with 6Y60, 19.15 Westbury Yard - Westbury Yard formed of five 'Autoballasters', having dropped ballast near St. Austell and Probus on the Down Main.
Then less than 24 hours later, it was back (this time in platform 1) with 6Y60, 17.36 Westbury Yard - Westbury Yard with a different set of 'Autoballasters'. For this run ballast was dropped on the Up Main near Marazion and then several sites as far as Penwithers Viaduct.
Jason Prole,
Freightliner Driver, Taunton
Please find attached some images that I hope may be of use,
On Tuesday 3rd September 2024, 66547 arrived in the early hours at Penzance (Platform 2) with 6Y60, 19.15 Westbury Yard - Westbury Yard formed of five 'Autoballasters', having dropped ballast near St. Austell and Probus on the Down Main.
Then less than 24 hours later, it was back (this time in platform 1) with 6Y60, 17.36 Westbury Yard - Westbury Yard with a different set of 'Autoballasters'. For this run ballast was dropped on the Up Main near Marazion and then several sites as far as Penwithers Viaduct.
Jason Prole,
Freightliner Driver, Taunton
66547 sits in Penzance platform 2 early on Tuesday 03.09.24 having worked 6Y60, the 19.15 Westbury Yard - Westbury Yard (5x Autoballasters). Copyright Jason Prole.
66547 sits in Penzance platform 2 early on Tuesday 03.09.24 having worked 6Y60, the 19.15 Westbury Yard - Westbury Yard (5x Autoballasters). Copyright Jason Prole.
Back at Penzance for the second time in 24 hours, on Tuesday 3rd September 2024, 66547 stands in Penzance Platform 1 having arrived with 6Y60, the 17.36 Westbury Yard - Westbury Yard. Copyright Jason Prole.
Many thanks indeed, Jason - much appreciated.
A rainy day at Swindon
Ken Mumford
The Network Rail test train at Swindon running as 1Q23 - Bristol (Kingsland Road) to Derby (Network Rail). 05.09.2024, copyright Ken Mumford.
The Network Rail test train at Swindon running as 1Q23 - Bristol (Kingsland Road) to Derby (Network Rail). 05.09.2024, copyright Ken Mumford.
5Q46 Landore (Swansea) to Ely (Papworth Sidings) units 17514 and 175111 on UML. It is believed that these units are to move to GWR in the next few months. 05.09.2024, copyright Ken Mumford.
59104 - was this running light engine in the path of Merehead to Wootton Bassett? [code on RTT being 0B12]. 05.09.0224, copyright Ken Mumford.
Many thanks Ken - hope you remembered your brolly!
South Devon Pannier
Martin Scane
I paid a visit to the South Devon Railway model shop this morning (05.09.2024) and was rewarded by seeing 6412 about to depart Buckfastleigh for Totnes in rather damp, dismal conditions. Copyright Martin Scane.
A classic scene - many thanks, Martin.
Something for the weekend?
Riding the Cornish Branch Lines
Saturday September 7th
Purchase a Cornish Ranger and join us to Ride the Cornish Branch Lines.
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.
In the event of a train cancellation, catch the next available service, do not catch the Cross Country Service as these trains run non-stop through stations. The next train being the 08.51 from Penzance changing at Liskeard for Looe
The Bodmin Railway 'Clay Gala'
Saturday & Sunday 7th/8th
Featuring steam and diesel action, plus brake van rides and various locomotives on display. More info available on the Bodmin Railway website - click here for timetables and more info.
Saturday September 7th
Purchase a Cornish Ranger and join us to Ride the Cornish Branch Lines.
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.
In the event of a train cancellation, catch the next available service, do not catch the Cross Country Service as these trains run non-stop through stations. The next train being the 08.51 from Penzance changing at Liskeard for Looe
The Bodmin Railway 'Clay Gala'
Saturday & Sunday 7th/8th
Featuring steam and diesel action, plus brake van rides and various locomotives on display. More info available on the Bodmin Railway website - click here for timetables and more info.