CORNWALL RAILWAY GALLERY
MAIN LINE - Lostwithiel Excl to St Germans Order of listing
In this section, we travel from Lostwithiel to St Germans.
Credits, and references - please see a list on the home page.
Members and general visitors to the CRS site will be interested in visiting http://www.railmaponline.com From the opening page a full map of the UK can be accessed which can then be enlarged to show every railway line in the UK. Not just today's network but lines from the past have been overlaid. As you zoom in sidings and even tramways become visible.
A valuable tip from Guy Vincent.
A valuable tip from Guy Vincent.
If you do not see what you require
Go to the Links page and select Cornwall Centre, then on their home page select 'Cornwall Image Bank'. There is a selection of photographs by John Vaughan, Arthur Trevan, George Ellis and others.
You could always visit the Cornwall Centre at Alma Place, Redruth. Very near the station.
You could always visit the Cornwall Centre at Alma Place, Redruth. Very near the station.
N.B Click on picture to obtain an enlargement and further details
Lostwithiel, east of.
Restormel Farm Bridge
Views from Restormel Castle.
This castle, situated in the Glyn Valley, provides superb views of the valley but unfortunately due to tree cover only glimpses of the railway - still it's an excellent spot.
This castle, situated in the Glyn Valley, provides superb views of the valley but unfortunately due to tree cover only glimpses of the railway - still it's an excellent spot.
Brown Queen tunnel
(88 yards)
(88 yards)
Respryn
Once the site of a private station serving nearby Lanhydrock House
Once the site of a private station serving nearby Lanhydrock House

GWR Castle set 43088 powers out of Brown Queen Tunnel working the 13:50 2P17 Penzance to Plymouth with 43172 at the rear on 28th April 2021, this view is now possible following vegetation clearance from the Kathleen Bridge in Respryn Woods which crosses the river Fowey, the footbridge which was rebuilt in 1992 when the previous bridge was washed away by floods.
Driver Alan Peters
Bodmin Road / Bodmin Parkway
The attached view taken by Dad as a teenager in the mid to late 1930s is pretty poor quality, but I hope is sufficiently interesting to warrant publication. Taken on a Box Brownie, at least he had the good sense to pan the camera so that the front of the loco is reasonably sharp. 4947 Nanhoran Hall is arriving at Bodmin Road on what is noted as a Plymouth-Penzance service. It is very much a one-off; unfortunately there aren't any more from this period of boyhood Cornish holidays.
Best wishes, Andrew Vines.
Best wishes, Andrew Vines.

Proof, if that was needed, that steam engines are not the only things which make smoke! A down HST service gets under way, smoking well, front and rear (Clagg can make an attractive scene). Apart from the smoke the semaphore signals add to make this a very fine picture. February 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

5570 takes water at Bodmin Road. The extremely narrow platform at the east end prevented the erection of a standard water crane and resulted in this most unusual arrangement, Note the 'Fire devil' standing ready to prevent the system freezing up during the bitter winter nights. Copyright Roger Tabb who was a fireman on this line.

And here's how we enthusiasts like to remember it - Bodmin Road, not Parkway. However it was Rusty Eplett who brought about the name change and being a Cornishman we must forgive him. The car park certainly is big. N.B. The oil lamps have been replaced by modern electic lights. Oct 1977 Copyright Mike Roach

A class 50 approaches with an up train. Some idea of the clay traffic to and from the Wenford branch can be gathered from this picture by Jim Lewis of the sidings at Bodmin Road - each with approximately twenty clay hoods. Copyright Jim Lewis. Nostalgically he tells us that that is his old green ford Anglia in the car park. The sidings in the car park were taken out of use in 1969. This picture dated 1975.

A smashing viewpoint when anything interesting is happening was a steep field which slopes down towards the station approach road. Here we see 45146 leaving Bodmin Road with the 09.18 Penzance to Leeds on June 20th 1984 Behind can be seen the single freight only line to Bodmin General, Wadebridge and Wenford. The branch side of the up platform has been fenced off and the single line no longer serving the platform joins the main line east of the station. A facility which no doubt the Bodmin and Wenford wish they still had instead of having to use the exchange siding. Copyright Andy Stace
Pictures of Bodmin Road, or Parkway. All nine below were taken by the late Patrick English no doubt with a view to featuring in one of his models. All pictures without trains, other than the bottom three give one a good idea of the structure of the station. It is probably down to as basic as it got - it has improved in later years.

Adding a bit of colour here is an ex Devon General bus on the Western National service to Padstow. Since the sudden demise of Western Greyhound in March 2015 the bus service to Bodmin Parkway is provided by Plymouth Citybus route 75, which goes from Liskeard to Padstow. Its now possible to travel by bus direct from Bodmin Parkway to Trago Mills which was not possible in Western Greyhound days. Friday 4th May 1979 Copyright Mike Roach

Bodmin Parkway station on the 30th March 1984. Copyright Roger Geach. A very interesting picture taken before the rather cheap and nasty station building was replaced by the brick built structure which now occupies the down platform today. Note the signal mounted on the footbridge and also the gathering of 'brutes', parcel trolleys on the platform.
An interlude at Bodmin Parkway - John Cornelius
An interlude at Bodmin Road in 1983
Kevin Redwood
Kevin Redwood
On Friday 15th April 1983 I made a visit to Cornwall, as usual I set off from Weston-super-Mare by catching the 06.20 Bristol Temple Meads to Plymouth, this was always a loco hauled service formed of a short set of mark 1 stock with booked tail traffic of parcel vans. This day the loco was 45137 and the same loco and stock then worked the 10.20 Plymouth to Penzance service which took me to Bodmin Road.
While at Bodmin Road I took a number of photos.
While at Bodmin Road I took a number of photos.

The Wenford Bridge tripper 08113 had already finished work for the day and headed back to St Blazey with its brake van.
37181 with empty clayhoods for Wenford Bridge will therefore run round the train at Bodmin Road and take the empties to Boscarne Junction where they will be left to be picked up on he next working day, 15th April 1983 Copy Kevin Redwood
Fitzgerald Lighting Traffic
For a period in the 90's we saw a welcome return of freight to the Bodmin & Wenford line when Fitzgerald lighting developed some traffic. The pictures below are all in order. Early in the evening the B & W Class 50 042 Triumph arrived complete with two loaded vans. These were left parked on the Bodmin line. The 50 then ran to the far end of the transfer siding. Shortly afterwards a class 37 668 arrived from St Blazey with empty vans in tow. These were propelled off the main line onto the class 50. The 37 then left the siding and waited just on the up main line.
The 50 then propelled the empty vans into the B & W platform line. Having done this with the empties still coupled it ran up to the beginning of the branch and coupled to the two vans previous left there (8). The 50 then returned coupled between the two full vans and the two empties. The full vans were then propelled onto the transfer siding from whence the 37 took them forward onto the national network. The 50 was then free to depart on the short journey to Bodmin General where it ran round the empty vans before taking them back to Fitzgerald Lighting where they were deposited in the siding.
The 50 then propelled the empty vans into the B & W platform line. Having done this with the empties still coupled it ran up to the beginning of the branch and coupled to the two vans previous left there (8). The 50 then returned coupled between the two full vans and the two empties. The full vans were then propelled onto the transfer siding from whence the 37 took them forward onto the national network. The 50 was then free to depart on the short journey to Bodmin General where it ran round the empty vans before taking them back to Fitzgerald Lighting where they were deposited in the siding.
Onslow sidings
(Bowaters siding opened 1931 and closed Sep 68, the Box closed 10 Nov 1968)
(Bowaters siding opened 1931 and closed Sep 68, the Box closed 10 Nov 1968)
Barnard Mills writes - I notice on the Lostwithiel to St Germans you mention Onslow Siding just to the east of Bodmin Parkway, and note the opening and closure of the signal box dates. If this is any help, here is my picture of Onslow Siding Signal Box taken not long before closure from the PRC Clayliner tour 11 May 1968, you can put in there if you like. Bernard
Additional information kindly supplied by Roy Hart
Onslow box opened on 31st January 1931 to serve the Bowaters clay worķs there. The layout consisted of a long loop siding and a second, gated loop for the works. The box was normally switched out throughout its life, only opening for siding traffic on one or two days a week for a couple of hours.
Two historical features of the place: Onslow was the first complete installation of tubular steel signals on the GWR (they had wooden arms though) and secondly, Onslow lay at the foot of the long descent from Doublebois, so the down distant signal had to be a long way out. At 1920 yards it was the longest 'pull' in Cornwall.
The bos was of what the SRS calls 'type 28B'. It arrived 'flatpack' style and was erected in a day. The box closed on 10th November 1968.
Roy
Onslow box opened on 31st January 1931 to serve the Bowaters clay worķs there. The layout consisted of a long loop siding and a second, gated loop for the works. The box was normally switched out throughout its life, only opening for siding traffic on one or two days a week for a couple of hours.
Two historical features of the place: Onslow was the first complete installation of tubular steel signals on the GWR (they had wooden arms though) and secondly, Onslow lay at the foot of the long descent from Doublebois, so the down distant signal had to be a long way out. At 1920 yards it was the longest 'pull' in Cornwall.
The bos was of what the SRS calls 'type 28B'. It arrived 'flatpack' style and was erected in a day. The box closed on 10th November 1968.
Roy
Onslow sidings serving Bowater China clay Works were taken out of use in September 1968. The box on the opposite side of the line was opened 7th September 1931 and closed 10th November 1968. Information courtesy of Track layout diagrams R.A. Cooke.
Pendalake Viaduct
462 feet long 42 feet high. The current eight arch viaduct replaced the timber one in 1877
462 feet long 42 feet high. The current eight arch viaduct replaced the timber one in 1877
Clinnick viaduct
330 ft long, 74 ft high. Replaced 16 Mar 1879
330 ft long, 74 ft high. Replaced 16 Mar 1879

Clinnick Viaduct at night, engineering trains were crossed wrong road in the possession to the 'up' line at Largin. The down line has already been lifted and the trackbed re-ballasted prior to re-sleepering, note the sleeper spacing attachment which will be used to unload the concrete sleepers by road-railer.
25th November 2018. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

A final look at the weekend work to relay both the 'up' and down' line at Clinnick viaduct between Largin and Bodmin Parkway, this was the site access for staff up to the viaduct, note the train of Falcon wagons being unloaded by road-railer which gained access at Onslow - Copyright Alan Peters
N.B. Track replacement work took place at Clinnick Viaduct over the weekends 23rd and 24th November and the 1st and 2nd December 2018. This photo and caption explains the complex arrangements necessary for access.
Derrycombe viaduct
369 feet long 77 feet high. Replacement viaduct came into use in May 1881
369 feet long 77 feet high. Replacement viaduct came into use in May 1881
Largin viaduct
567 ft long and 130 ft high. The original piers were reused when Brunels timber structure was replaced in 1886.
567 ft long and 130 ft high. The original piers were reused when Brunels timber structure was replaced in 1886.
Largin Signal box

Craig writes - ;This picture at Largin shows relief signalman Phil Hancock changing the water containers in 1987. His top rather matches the containers too! This practice continued until the box v=closed tin 1992 as there was no running water in the area'. A priceless moment caught by Craig Munday - many thanks. Copyright
A note from Craig Munday, signalman at Largin at the time. The class 50s, from memory it was 044 on test with 045 as insurance. I heard it was a pair from Liskeard, stopped at the East end of Largin and spoke to the Laira Driver (an old boy) and made the arrangements for the way back. He obligingly stopped at the box and did even moved them up for me once. The eight exhaust pillars as full power was applied was awesome. The Fitter wasnt too impressed though! The last picture in this sequence is of a down train slowing to make the morning water delivery to the box. Note all the railway paraphernalia, speed limit, mile post, corrugated iron hut, gangers hut, there is also somebody out working on the viaduct.
Going to work at Largin Box
Craig Munday
Craig Munday

Copyright Craig Munday. Largin, was a super place to work. The Signalman would park at Bird Cage access point the site which was on the small road up right just before Trago Mills. This was between the two single line viaducts. Largin and St Pinnock. You called the box from the phone at track level for a running report. It took about 4 mins to walk along the viaduct to the box. This was quite a feat with a keen wind blowing.
The pictures shows a down freight with a class 47 in charge.
The Largin to St Pinnock single line, reasons for, and operation.
An article by Roy Hart.
Largin and St Pinnock viaducts were originally Brunel timber, single line structures, of course. Both were rebuilt for double track by raising the masonary piers and installing decking of iron girders: St Pinnock in 1882 and Largin in 1886. In 1963 the Chief Civil Engineer reported that these two viaducts were unlikely in future years to withstand two heavy trains passing at speed on them. The cheapest solution (rebuilding being out of the question) was to single the line. Luckily, Largin signal box (9 levers, controlling signals and a crossover) was immediately west of the viaducts, so a short single line section controlled by Largin was feasible. Largin box opened in 1908, to break the long section between Bodmin Road and Doublebois. It was closed and boarded up for a few years in the 1920s, but was revived in about 1927 and still working in 1964. It was one of the loneliest posts on the system, no piped water, no electricity, no habitation or light in sight. Water came by train. Over two weekends in May 1964, the line was slewed into single track outside Largin box and over the viaducts. I remember being on a train passing over the site at walking speed. The new single line passed down the centre line of the viaducts when the work was complete. Mains electricity arrived and the points at the Doublebois end were power-worked. Because of the steep down gradient, there were sand drags on both up and down main for a third of a mile at the London end. The 'up' drag had spring points, to catch any backward movement. All signals were colour light, distant and home on the up line and distant , home and IBS signal on the down (this to increase line capacity because of possible single line delays). As far as I know, there was little disruption of traffic (I think there were 2 Sunday occupations). The new line and signals came into full use (except for temporary speed restrictions) on May 24th 1964. The up side sand drag was later removed: the down one remains, but much shorter than the original. The single line meant that Largin box now had to be open during all traffic hours; today the entire installation is controlled by a miniature panel in Lostwithiel box.
Many thanks to Roy Hart for this 'in depth' article.
Many thanks to Roy Hart for this 'in depth' article.
St Pinnock viaduct
633 ft long and 151 ft high. Here Brunels piers which carried the original timber structure continue in use to support the 'new' structure completed in 1882
633 ft long and 151 ft high. Here Brunels piers which carried the original timber structure continue in use to support the 'new' structure completed in 1882
Andrew writes - I have deliberately used a silhouette format which in my opinion enhances the grandeur of this iconic structure, just 1.25 miles west of Doubleboi,s towering over Trago Mills.
Similar to the much lamented Walkham Viaduct which was hastily removed in the 1960’s and latterly replaced at great expense by a slightly lower construction, known as the Gem Viaduct forming part of the Drakes Trail by Devon Council.
St Pinnock is 151 feet high and 633 feet long, grade 11 listed in 1985 and the highest viaduct on the Cornwall Railway.
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane
Similar to the much lamented Walkham Viaduct which was hastily removed in the 1960’s and latterly replaced at great expense by a slightly lower construction, known as the Gem Viaduct forming part of the Drakes Trail by Devon Council.
St Pinnock is 151 feet high and 633 feet long, grade 11 listed in 1985 and the highest viaduct on the Cornwall Railway.
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane

The nightly St Blazey to Tavistock Junction freight, headed by a St Blazey 42XX 2-8-0T eases across Largin viaduct in the twilight. This was a regular working for many years: the 42XX were notorious for their poor water capacity and this engine will have filled up at Bodmin Road, having only come from St Blazey!
Copyright Roy Hart

140809i The catch point protecting the single line over the viaducts at the east end of the section. Copyright Roger Winnen. Note the catch point leads onto a very short section of Brunel's bridge rail. Rumour had it for a long time that on one occasion an HST sliding on slippery rails was caught and ventured onto the bridge rail!! This is fact see below.
Largin Catch Points and the Sand Drag. Steve Rickett
For a long time there has been a rumour that an HST was caught by the trap point at the east end of the single line section of the main line over Largin and St Pinnock viaducts. It is with many thanks to Steve Rickett that the facts are now revealed.
Steve writes :- I've just been perusing the Largin section of the photos on the website, and one caption mentions a rumour about an HST entering the sand drag there. I can confirm, as the signalman on duty that night the event did take place. The train concerned was the down Golden Hind driven by Penzance driver Johnnie Brown. LN8 signal was at danger as an up empty coaching stock train was on the single line as the Hind approached. I was a little shocked to say the least to see not only the train pass LN8 signal but the whole train went past! When the driver rang me I was a little surprised but greatly relieved to hear the train hadn't derailed knowing that it wasn't full size rail in the sand drag. Fortunately the train was able to reverse from the sand drag unassisted. I can't remember the exact date of the event, but I was at Largin from May 1980 until January 1981 when I moved to Par signal box
Regards, Steve Rickett Member No 1801
Further enquiries were made concerning this incident as we did not wish to offend Johnnie Brown by embarrassing him. Terry Addicoat was the guard on that train and advises us of the fact that the power car and half the first coach ran on into the sand drag. Terry says the service was an additional train laid on on a Friday night after the Golden Hind. Terry said that the train slid on leaves on wet rails. Johnnie could do nothing about it. Johnnie, now, unfortunately the late Johnnie Brown, was not embarrassed by the incident as it was most definitely not his fault. After finishing his driving career Johnnie remained in railway service until retirement. Many thanks to both Steve and Terry for their contributions.
Steve writes :- I've just been perusing the Largin section of the photos on the website, and one caption mentions a rumour about an HST entering the sand drag there. I can confirm, as the signalman on duty that night the event did take place. The train concerned was the down Golden Hind driven by Penzance driver Johnnie Brown. LN8 signal was at danger as an up empty coaching stock train was on the single line as the Hind approached. I was a little shocked to say the least to see not only the train pass LN8 signal but the whole train went past! When the driver rang me I was a little surprised but greatly relieved to hear the train hadn't derailed knowing that it wasn't full size rail in the sand drag. Fortunately the train was able to reverse from the sand drag unassisted. I can't remember the exact date of the event, but I was at Largin from May 1980 until January 1981 when I moved to Par signal box
Regards, Steve Rickett Member No 1801
Further enquiries were made concerning this incident as we did not wish to offend Johnnie Brown by embarrassing him. Terry Addicoat was the guard on that train and advises us of the fact that the power car and half the first coach ran on into the sand drag. Terry says the service was an additional train laid on on a Friday night after the Golden Hind. Terry said that the train slid on leaves on wet rails. Johnnie could do nothing about it. Johnnie, now, unfortunately the late Johnnie Brown, was not embarrassed by the incident as it was most definitely not his fault. After finishing his driving career Johnnie remained in railway service until retirement. Many thanks to both Steve and Terry for their contributions.
Below - Two pictures - same place, same day - The site of a serious accident in 1895.
The milepost on the left of the second picture is 271.25 miles. On the 13 April 1895 the 5.00pm from Plymouth to Penzance was passing this point at speed. The train comprised 2 locos, 4 coaches and 3 trucks. The front engine derailed 76 feet east of the milepost, almost exactly where 47026 is located. It went on for several hundred feet finally plunging down the bank and taking most of the rest of the train with it. Remarkably no-one was killed. The Accident Report can be viewed at www.railwaysarchive.co.uk
Doublebois
The station here closed 5 Oct 1964 The signal box closed and all points t.o.u. 11 Nov 68.
The station here closed 5 Oct 1964 The signal box closed and all points t.o.u. 11 Nov 68.

Doublebois 1970, From the Howard Sprenger collection. Howard writes I bought this photograph and copyright. The Doublebois slide was bought with copyright and I can't claim to have stood on Doublebois platform (or in a train that had stopped there) unfortunately. The old Cornwall Railway sign was quite famous, of course; I hope it was saved for posterity somewhere. Copyright Howard Sprenger.

From the West Briton 3rd April 2010 A CORNISH railway tunnel has been named in honour of a man who worked on the railways for most of his life. Frank Sperritt worked for Network Rail in the Westcountry for 42 years. Now the newest rail tunnel in the region – linking the mainline between Penzance and London – bears his name.
Relatives, friends and former colleagues gathered at the Sperritt tunnel on Thursday to unveil the nameplate commemorating the engineer. Sperritt Tunnel was built two years ago as part of the A38 Dobwalls road improvements.
Relatives, friends and former colleagues gathered at the Sperritt tunnel on Thursday to unveil the nameplate commemorating the engineer. Sperritt Tunnel was built two years ago as part of the A38 Dobwalls road improvements.
TREMABE Signalbox
From information kindly supplied by Roy Hart
From information kindly supplied by Roy Hart
This spot is forgotten today. In the run-up to D-Day, there was a need to provide extra facilities for the increased traffic. New loops were put in ar Par (the down refuge was extended eastwards to make a goods loop) and Lostwithiel (new up goods loop). A new up goods loop was laid in at Tremabe, (between Doublebois and Liskeard) and a signalbox opened there in 1943. After WW2 it saw little use and was closed and removed in 1952. It is hard to spot today. The box was a flat-roofed 'ARP' design.
Dobwalls
Moorswater (Mainline)
Re picture 4. This train started to run during Feb 1967 and because it was air braked had to be worked by an air braked loco which meant class 47s as no Westerns at that time were air braked. It thus brought class 47s to Cornwall from that date at least. I think it was worked by La men in those first days. It would also run additionally on other days if demand required. The empties came back on a Tuesday morning arrival and they were very bad time keepers ! During the mid 70s it was quite common for the loco to be sent out light from Laira to Burngullow to work this service.

Sometimes you strike it lucky with the sun, sometimes you don't. However Roger Geach has been very lucky here judging by the blackness beyond 1023 Western Fusilier it heads east with the 6a21 St Erth to Acton milk on the 1st June 1976 Copyright Roger Geach N.B. This view is taken from the 'Black Bridge.
Black Bridge
Just to the west of Moorswater Viaduct
Just to the west of Moorswater Viaduct
A note from Peter Murnaghan
You might recall that my good friend, Brian Oldham, who volunteers at Liskeard Museum, gave me a picture to identify, entitled The Flying Dutchman at Blackbridge. This was a crack Great Western express in the closing decades of the broad gauge. Blackbridge was a name that we were not familiar with, but we have since narrowed it down to the footbridge to the west of Moorswater viaduct.
Here is the picture again, together with the equivalent position (more or less) with Clan Line speeding past this evening.
Much has changed in the intervening 130 years !
Best wishes, Peter. Many thanks Peter
You might recall that my good friend, Brian Oldham, who volunteers at Liskeard Museum, gave me a picture to identify, entitled The Flying Dutchman at Blackbridge. This was a crack Great Western express in the closing decades of the broad gauge. Blackbridge was a name that we were not familiar with, but we have since narrowed it down to the footbridge to the west of Moorswater viaduct.
Here is the picture again, together with the equivalent position (more or less) with Clan Line speeding past this evening.
Much has changed in the intervening 130 years !
Best wishes, Peter. Many thanks Peter
Moorswater viaduct
147' high and 954' long
147' high and 954' long
Jon uses his drone hovering just 80 metres above the valley floor to catch the unique view above.
I have been sent these three photos, which were reputed to have been taken by a track worker in the 1970s. A point of particular interest is the 1881 date stone, a feature that is unlikely to be spotted by travellers in passing trains. Best wishes, Peter Murnaghan.
For an old view of Moorswater viaduct in 1906 try clicking here: http://cornishmemory.com/item/WAT_01_047#.Vrnvahd3nho.mailto
Note the area around the engine shed.
Note the area around the engine shed.

An interesting view of 50003 Temararie Approaching Liskeard having just crossed Moorswater viaduct with the 13.54 Penzance to Bristol Temple Meads on 16th February 1985 Copyright Clive Smith Beyond the railway the A38 Liskeard by-pass makes a steep climb from left to right - beyond and the flanks of a hill the expansion of Liskeard is evident.
Liskeard
Liskeard Branch Platform Museum
Today I found a very interesting museum situated in the station buildings of the Looe Branch Platform at Liskeard. Well worth a visit!
Clive adds this note - 45046 'Royal Fusilier' stands at Liskeard with the 10.20 Plymouth - Penzance on the Bank Holiday 2nd May 1983. At the time this was a solid ETH 45/1 turn. I was on board the train and this was a desperate photograph obtained while the train was in the station for 2 minutes and 17 seconds. Regards Clive Smith. Note nothing missed - even the dwell time at the station!!

Although the attached scene at Liskeard has a degree of lamp clutter, I thought it may be of interest: 25306 shunting clay wagons on a fine Spring morning, 21st May 1975. Dad often stood back to take the wider railway scene, as in this picture. How many of us have stood here before walking down the slope to see what lay beyond?
Copyright the late John Vines and
Andrew Vines.
Liskeard in 1973 - Howard Sprenger
A note from Howard
These photos of Liskeard were taken on the same day as those featured earlier at Combe Junction. At the time I was doing my final teaching practice at Callington School, and must have had a long weekend off, as these photos were taken on a Thursday. The next day I was in Falmouth staying with friends and my diary tells me I paid my customary visit to Falmouth Model Railway Club on the Friday evening. A bit of a mystery surrounds the small signal box which was at the end of the down platform to the west of the main box and slightly behind it, almost directly opposite the Looe branch buffer stops. I've never seen any other pictures of it apart from one taken by Chris Osment about a year earlier in the Lostwithiel-St Germans part of the CRO website. It must have been there for some time and I guess it was an earlier box that was superseded by the current one. The main change since 1973 is the removal of the sidings on the up side to be replaced with a car park.
Best regards, Howard.
These photos of Liskeard were taken on the same day as those featured earlier at Combe Junction. At the time I was doing my final teaching practice at Callington School, and must have had a long weekend off, as these photos were taken on a Thursday. The next day I was in Falmouth staying with friends and my diary tells me I paid my customary visit to Falmouth Model Railway Club on the Friday evening. A bit of a mystery surrounds the small signal box which was at the end of the down platform to the west of the main box and slightly behind it, almost directly opposite the Looe branch buffer stops. I've never seen any other pictures of it apart from one taken by Chris Osment about a year earlier in the Lostwithiel-St Germans part of the CRO website. It must have been there for some time and I guess it was an earlier box that was superseded by the current one. The main change since 1973 is the removal of the sidings on the up side to be replaced with a car park.
Best regards, Howard.
Many thanks Howard for an excellent selection of pictures as we remember it.
Recd 7th January 2021 I have just seen Garth Tilt’s photo of a Hymek approaching Liskeard station on 10th September 1967 (this was two days after my pre-ordered Tri-ang-Hornby Hymek model finally turned up at Langdon’s hardware shop in Truro, behind the cathedral - I still have it!) Between August and November that year D7029 and D7088 were allocated to Plymouth Laira – I believe as stand-ins for D601/2/4 away in South Wales, and also to maintain local traction knowledge on the type. Both were regularly used on the Cornish Riviera Express through Cornwall during these months. They can be differentiated – D7088 had headboard brackets at the top of the yellow warning panel, D7029 did not. I can’t see any brackets on this one so I’m reasonably certain it’s D7029. Unfortunately I can’t be absolutely certain because I also saw D7017 at Truro station during this period and of course there’s always the possibility that another interloper appeared which went unrecorded. But the balance of probability is that it’s D7029. Interestingly D7017 and D7029 went on to become two of the four preserved examples – D7017 on the West Somerset Railway and D7029 on the Severn Valley Railway.
By the way, when I saw Clive Smith’s photo of 47307 leaving Plymouth in the snow in January 1985 on Christmas Day I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry! My spotting days netted 509 out of 512 Class 47s and the three I missed were D1671 & D1734 (withdrawn before I started in 1966) and D1788, which became 47307! And to think 47306 is at Bodmin……so close, and yet so far! Also on Christmas Day, I knew the date of Paul Barlow’s Taunton views rang a bell – 26th March 1986. Oh yes, the day Swindon Works officially closed. Sigh.
Happy New Year, and best regards,
Neil Phillips
By the way, when I saw Clive Smith’s photo of 47307 leaving Plymouth in the snow in January 1985 on Christmas Day I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry! My spotting days netted 509 out of 512 Class 47s and the three I missed were D1671 & D1734 (withdrawn before I started in 1966) and D1788, which became 47307! And to think 47306 is at Bodmin……so close, and yet so far! Also on Christmas Day, I knew the date of Paul Barlow’s Taunton views rang a bell – 26th March 1986. Oh yes, the day Swindon Works officially closed. Sigh.
Happy New Year, and best regards,
Neil Phillips

A picture to really enjoy - so full of interest. 1057 Western Chieftain arrives at Liskeard with the 1105 Penzance to Paddington, The date is 11th July 1971. Beautifully framed by the bridge the Western rolls in whilst on the down platform another service waits the 'right away'. Now take a look at the up goods yard we see the goods shed and all three sidings in use. Clay wagons occupy the left hand road and a DMU stands in the middle road (What was that doing there, maybe the Looe branch unit stabled there while the branch was out of action for some reason - or else waiting to take up a local service to Plymouth). There appear to be two or three coal wagons to the far right. All fascinating, if only one could go back in time and enjoy this once more.
Copyright Ron Kosys' Additional information from Roger Geach for which many thanks :- The dmu was waiting to follow 1057 to Plymouth and would work a stopping all stations service .
in my 1971 wtt it was a 1310 Liskeard to Plymouth service.

Ref 25048 the loco was withdrawn from its last depot Crewe and cut up at V Berrys Leicester by 4 1987.
It was a Plymouth La loco from May 1978 till November 1980 when La lost all its 25 allocation .
25048 moved to Bescot from Plymouth LA
Here is 25048 in the long gone siding at Liskeard 1 8 1978. Note it has its number written on the front .
Copyright Roger Geach

1057 Western Chieftain with the 11.05 Penzance to Paddington. Note the almost bare paintwork on the Western and the points leading off to the down sidings on the right. 11th July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys. Additional comment from Neil Phillips - I have just seen Ron Kosys’ superb photos of D1057 at Liskeard on 11th July 1971 looking somewhat past its best! This was a last opportunity to photograph a Western with small yellow warning panels as by then the other 73 class members were all in blue with full yellow ends. D1057 would make its way to Swindon Works for a well-earned overhaul the following month and when outshopped in early January 1972 the entire Western fleet was in the same livery for the first time.
I have checked my own records for summer 1971 and I last saw it in this ‘livery’ on 29th May when it headed the up 1A48 through Truro - I don’t recall it looking this run down but it must have been. Turning the clock back over 4 years, D1057 was the first loco I ever saw in BR Blue, exiting the tunnel into Redruth station as a down light engine in April 1967. It was of course gleaming in the spring sunshine……..what a difference 4 years and umpteen trips through the Laira washing plant made!
Regards, Neil Phillips

A most interesting view from the Mike Morant Collection showing the sidings on both sides of the main line at the east end of the station. Both sets of sidings are in use, those on the down side being well populated with clay trucks, presumably brought up from Moorswater. There are also two sidings on the up side of the main line which connected into the Looe Link line. From the Mike Morant Collection

A young man enjoys watching as a Class 63 draws some wagons into the engineers sidings on the up side. Presumably the purpose of the move was either to place or extract wagons from the sidings.
Interestingly the home signal is off for trains from the Looe Link to approach the station. Mike Morant Collection

A lovely shot by John Cornelius. Note the clay hoods standing on the down sidings - these are long gone. The sidings were once the location of a loco shed.
From the signals we can see that a down train is due. Copyright John Cornelius The photograph of 1048 Western Lady at Liskeard taken by John Cornelius on 13 August 1976 had intrigued me for a while. I first noticed it published in Profile of the Westerns and had attempted to identify the service.
I believe it to be the 12.05 Penzance - Paddington relief (1Z15) which had been noted with 1033 on August 6th and 1056 on August 20th.
It would appear to use the stock of the 21.15 ThO Swansea - Paddington, running as the 5Z97 03.15 FO Empty Coaching Stock from Old Oak Common to Penzance, back to Paddington, to then work the 20.38 FO Paddington to Fishguard and finally the 08.00 Cardiff to Portsmouth and return on the Saturday. To me it is a most intriguing use of spare rolling stock.
Regards
Graham Harris
Graham Harris writes :- The photograph of 1048 Western Lady at Liskeard taken by John Cornelius on 13 August 1976 had intrigued me for a while. I first noticed it published in 'Profile of the Westerns' and had attempted to identify the service.
I believe it to be the 12.05 Penzance - Paddington relief (1Z15) which had been noted with 1033 on August 6th and 1056 on August 20th.
It would appear to use the stock of the 21.15 ThO Swansea - Paddington, running as the 5Z97 03.15 FO Empty Coaching Stock from Old Oak Common to Penzance, back to Paddington, to then work the 20.38 FO Paddington to Fishguard and finally the 08.00 Cardiff to Portsmouth and return on the Saturday. To me it is a most intriguing use of spare rolling stock. Many thanks to Graham for this information.
I believe it to be the 12.05 Penzance - Paddington relief (1Z15) which had been noted with 1033 on August 6th and 1056 on August 20th.
It would appear to use the stock of the 21.15 ThO Swansea - Paddington, running as the 5Z97 03.15 FO Empty Coaching Stock from Old Oak Common to Penzance, back to Paddington, to then work the 20.38 FO Paddington to Fishguard and finally the 08.00 Cardiff to Portsmouth and return on the Saturday. To me it is a most intriguing use of spare rolling stock. Many thanks to Graham for this information.

Minutes later and the up home has been restored to on. Another 'golden oldie' from John as 47500 and 50002 'SUPERB' slow to call at Liskeard. 47 500 was named 'GREAT WESTERN' at Old Oak Common without ceremony on February 27th 1979.
'SUPERB' was built in December 1967, rebuilt 21st March 1978 and withdrawn 9th September 1991. It was almost ten years later on the 17th May 1986 that 'Superb' was to haul the Cornwall Railway Society charter 'Severn Explorer' Railtour. It is indeed 'Superb' that 50 002 has made it into preservation. Copyright John Cornelius

In 2018 after absence from the county for many years 158's have begun re-appearing on services in Cornwall. Here is an undated picture from the John Cornelius Collection of 158 871 on the daily Penzance to Portsmouth Harbour and return working. This provided some comfort over quite a long journey without the need to change trains. This is an undated picture copyright john Cornelius

Just to the east of the main station building at Liskeard and at the same high level lay this redundant coach. It must have taken considerable effort to 'station' it at this location. What purpose it served is, at the moment unknown. From the Alan Harris Collection. Information obtained from The Liskeard and Looe Branch book by Gerry Beale states that this grounded coach body was formally a GWR Sleeping Car and was used at Liskeard as a Staff Association Club Room for many years. Does it still survive I wonder!
The station as seen by the camera of Mike Morant in the early 60's. Many thanks to him.

A very interesting view of the main station building at Liskeard situated high above the running lines. Although this view remains virtually unchanged the far side of this building has been much improved with a comfy waiting room and buffet facilities. Sid Sponheimer advises that of the buses waiting that the 71 was on a St Cleer to Upton Cross service. Whereas the 119 was somewhat off its route - Callington to Launceston. It was either lost on a rail replacement service. The window behind the shed was at one time a tall doorway, now a toilet window. From the Mike Morant Collection
The weekly cement train - running round.
Gareth writes Thanks for the reply and for finding my pictures worthy of inclusion. I checked all the wagons and there was only one with the spelling mistake. There were 24 of them, the longest we can run round at Liskeard, and even then we have to bring the train off the branch, across the up main onto the down main and then get the driver to set back into the down platform before he can uncouple his loco and run round the wagons. Great fun for us lever monkeys! Anyway, I hope this finds you well, keep up the good work on your wonderfully informative site.
Very best wishes Gareth Many thanks Gareth
Very best wishes Gareth Many thanks Gareth

Please find attached a February image from eight years ago, which you might be able to use. Just after dawn on the 6th Feb 2010, the 0630 Penzance - Edinburgh Voyager glints in low early light, as it prepares to depart east under clear signals. I remember it being a cold morning! Copyright Chris Harvey
Liskeard Signalbox Pictures kindly supplied by Craig Munday
Liskeard viaduct 720 feet long and 150 feet high Rebuilding on original piers was completed in 1894

Liskeard viaduct heads over Liskeard viaduct with the down sleeper 1C99 MO 2350 Sun Paddington to Penzancez 27th April 2015 N.B This train was due at 06.22 this photograph taken at 06.53 The early morning photograph provides an unusual illumination of the up side of this viaduct. Copyright Ron Westwater.
Bolitho
Menheniot Down Loop Situated west of Menheniot station starting just beyond the buffer stops of the Quarry Sidings
From Tony Cooke's East Cornwall Track Layouts the loop was into use in 1936 and taken out of use 1973
Menheniot

In this view by Mike Roach (Copyright) we see the station complete. The station is dominated by the buildings associated with Clicker Tor Quarry quarry behind. June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach. It is understood that the signalman would be consulted when it was required to carry out blasting in the quarry. When convenient and no trains were about permission was given.

57602 Restormel Castle perfectly positioned. As Peter says Menheniot doesn't often feature in our pictures so here we are - The 1026 St Erth to Exeter St Davids at Menheniot 21st July 2018 Copyright Peter Murnaghan Note the original Carnwall Railways waiting room on the up side, a delightful feature. Cornwalls stations have had beautiful floral decorations this year and Menheniot is no exception. Congratulations to Peter for his photograph which thoughtfully includes the flowers the shelter and of course the train.
Tresulgan
Saturday 6th August 2022 was a hot day spent roaming around Trerulefoot with the camera. The best two efforts are attached - the landscape shot shows 800 013 + 800 007 on the 1310 Penzance - Paddington, whilst the other image shows 802 017 + 802 022 rounding the curve on the climb up from St Germans, with the 1104 Paddington - Penzance. Best Regards, Chris Harvey
Bethany west of Trerulefoot
With reference to Picture 4 above Roger Geach writes. This train did not go far into Cornwall as it passed me nr St Germans at
1643 and returned at 1720 ) I can only assume it went to Liskeard or Bodmin
Road only
Trerule Foot overbridge looking west.

Looking west off the bridge mentioned below we see 7031 Cromwell's Castle on the first of the day's up milk trains, with 12no. 3-axle milk trucks, at 3.12pm on Tuesday 15th September 1959. In the distance the tail of the train has just passed over the A38 trunk road. 7031 was a Laira engine at the time, but was transferred to Swindon the same month. Copyright Mike Roach
Trerule Foot - east of The Class 60 photo below is taken on the first over bridge bridge on the Torpoint side of the Trerulefoot Roundabout , east of it. Very close to the busy roundabout and Windy Ridge cafe. Info direct from Roger Geach, many thanks for this rare shot. There was at one time a signalbox here and crossover.

A rare shot. Two 63's D6304 and sister D6305 at Trerule. Note also in the picture is Trerule Signalbox already disused. The train is the down Cornishman, running a few minutes late at 3.54pm, and the date 15th September 1959. Mike could not afford to let the train get any closer as the highest shutter speed on his primitive camera was one hundredth of a second. Copyright Mike Roach.
Trerule Signal Box From information kindly supplied by Roy Hart
In similar vein, Trerule box (opened at the same time as Baldhu 1938 and of similar size) was to be the junction for the projected new branch line to Looe, but the project ended with world war two and Trerule, like Baldhu, remained as a 6 - lever 'break-section' box. Like Baldhu, it was replaced by colour light IBS signals in the 1950's.
In similar vein, Trerule box (opened at the same time as Baldhu 1938 and of similar size) was to be the junction for the projected new branch line to Looe, but the project ended with world war two and Trerule, like Baldhu, remained as a 6 - lever 'break-section' box. Like Baldhu, it was replaced by colour light IBS signals in the 1950's.
St Germans
Neil Phillips takes a look back to traffic at St Germans in 1987
Many thanks Neil

For a while, on closure of the original signalbox at St Germans control of the section was transferred to a room within the original station building. The CRS were privilaged to have an official visit to the control panel shortly before its closure on the 18th April 1998. This picture of the tidy arrangement was taken on 28th March 1998. Copyright Roger Winnen
A note re St Germans from Craig Munday. The mirror was for Up trains passing when a down train was fouling the
view. With the advent of flashing tail lamps - you were lucky to see a
red "Flash" in the dark at the precise moment the image was caught!
For pictures between St Germans and Plymouth go to St Germans Excl to Plymouth on the menu
For more pictures of this area and many other locations in Cornwall please click below to see a wonderful selection of Cornish railway pictures which have been made available to us by Andy Kirkham. All his pictures are, of course Copyright.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/52554553@N06/albums/72157636828119615/with/10419848883/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/52554553@N06/albums/72157636828119615/with/10419848883/