CORNWALL RAILWAY GALLERY
MAIN LINE -St Austell Ecl to Lostwithiel Inc
Credits, Many thanks to all contributors - 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
Down the bank to Par and on to Lostwithiel

Julian Stephens writes 'Some members may recall this fascinating display which was situated in a garden adjacent to the main line just west of the bridge over the A390'. Copyright Julian Stephens.
N.B. It is understood that the owner was requested by BR to place a cross on the home signal signifying that it was not in use to save confusing drivers on the main line.

A dramatic picture. 50033 Glorious was hauling the 1C11 06:45 Swindon to Penzance on 7th February 1987 when it failed near Menheniot. 37207 William Cookworthy was sent to assist. The picture was taken at Holmbush near St. Austell with the train running some 90 minutes late. Copyright Julian Stephens
Holmbush Crossing
An interlude now in the Par area brought to us through the camera of Julian Stephens almost exactly, at the time of placing this crop of delightful pictures on the site, 32 years ago. Many thanks Julian.
Continuing now - Carlyon Bay (Golf Course) and Par Bank

Originally thought to be in the Carn Brea area. However correctly positioned as being on the bank east of Par.by Roy Hart, The chine clay dry in the foreground was a clue as was signal wire to Par Harbour up distant. However, a fresh update from Brian Grigg, a retired S & T man who tells us that the train shown is heading east down the bank. Brian was in fact in the house on the right of this picture very recently. (April 2018). Many thanks to Brian.
Photo credit Newton Abbot Library
Par Harbour Railway bridge modifications
- an article by Andrew and Diane Jones
- an article by Andrew and Diane Jones
For most of its existence, Par Harbour had a very restricted road entrance. The mainline runs past on an alignment which does not allow for easy crossing, hampered by flooding and being only just above sea level.
For many years discussions had taken place on the best course of action to allow road tankers access from the direction of Par Moor. The railway bridge had only 11 feet maximum headroom and although surprisingly not the subject of many damaging collisions, it did cause the numerous cross channel road tankers to reverse back up the main road so that they could turn round (a risky manoeuvre) and in the short time that I worked on security I had to escort 11 lorries on a lengthy deviation around St Blazey.
I often considered why this traffic was not transferred to rail, but as with so much to do with freight, the economics are impossibly complex.
Eventually a decision was made to lower the road and as can be seen this was not straight forward. Extensive foundation work was carried out with elaborate under pinning and there was minimal disruption to rail traffic.
Unfortunately as with so many projects of this type it came too late to save the once busy port and decisions had already been made towards partial closure, there were even proposals to redevelop the site for housing.
However clay is still processed at Par Harbour and a rail connection is occasionally used for bagged clay. Hopefully the Port will continue to exist, but with an under used rail and private road connected deep sea port at Fowey, one wonders if another piece of local history will just slowly die away.
Best wishes Andrew and Diane
For many years discussions had taken place on the best course of action to allow road tankers access from the direction of Par Moor. The railway bridge had only 11 feet maximum headroom and although surprisingly not the subject of many damaging collisions, it did cause the numerous cross channel road tankers to reverse back up the main road so that they could turn round (a risky manoeuvre) and in the short time that I worked on security I had to escort 11 lorries on a lengthy deviation around St Blazey.
I often considered why this traffic was not transferred to rail, but as with so much to do with freight, the economics are impossibly complex.
Eventually a decision was made to lower the road and as can be seen this was not straight forward. Extensive foundation work was carried out with elaborate under pinning and there was minimal disruption to rail traffic.
Unfortunately as with so many projects of this type it came too late to save the once busy port and decisions had already been made towards partial closure, there were even proposals to redevelop the site for housing.
However clay is still processed at Par Harbour and a rail connection is occasionally used for bagged clay. Hopefully the Port will continue to exist, but with an under used rail and private road connected deep sea port at Fowey, one wonders if another piece of local history will just slowly die away.
Best wishes Andrew and Diane
Many thanks to Andrew and Diane for their record of changes to the access to Par Harbour.
Par
Much appreciated comment on the above picture by Roy Hart.
1895-1900. The engine is of the 1901 class; these were light and ideally suited for the china clay branches. Rebuilt as pannier tanks, some survived at SBZ shed until 1950-51.
The section of the signal box shown is the western end extension, added in 1893 following the gauge conversion.
The engine is standing on the branch platform. Notice the lightly-laid track (the branch -Cornwall Minerals Railway- had never been broad gauge). Compare with the bullhead rail of the main line, visible background right. In the foreground is some old-style point rodding. Point rods were painted red in those days.
Thanks Roy
1895-1900. The engine is of the 1901 class; these were light and ideally suited for the china clay branches. Rebuilt as pannier tanks, some survived at SBZ shed until 1950-51.
The section of the signal box shown is the western end extension, added in 1893 following the gauge conversion.
The engine is standing on the branch platform. Notice the lightly-laid track (the branch -Cornwall Minerals Railway- had never been broad gauge). Compare with the bullhead rail of the main line, visible background right. In the foreground is some old-style point rodding. Point rods were painted red in those days.
Thanks Roy

Class 121 bubble car W55032 complete with its former Cardiff depot red 'v' awaits departure with the 09.35 Par -Newquay on the 11th January 1986. With the introduction and testing of new class 142 'skipper' DMUs about to gather pace this looked like the end for the first generation of DMUs. Time for a photographic and branch bashing outing. To do all Cornish branch lines and squeeze a lunchtime pint or two in at Falmouth would entail an all day outing. Kicking off from Plymouth at 08.26 with 50017 it was down to Par for Newquay and then on to Truro on 50033 for the Falmouth branch. Then another loco-hauled with 50030 on the 09.40 Paddington - Penzance 'jumbo train' to St Erth for the St Ives branch. All well and good as I then headed from St Erth to Liskeard on 50030 to complete the set of lines with another bubble car on the 18.22 Liskeard - Looe. After alighting at Liskeard on the 'up' platform 2 and seeing the 50 depart I strolled around the corner to the adjacent separate Looe platform 3 and to my horror found 142004 in its brown and white livery ready for my onward journey.It certainly wasn't there in the morning on my journey down ! I was now 'bowled' to use a well worn expression. Not only did I take the 'Skipper' to Looe but also on the 19.50 Liskeard - Plymouth to get me home.
Copyright
Clive Smith

Par, an important interchange with the Newquay branch often produces quite a crop of passengers. Here in this undated view the 'crop' just detrained from the DMU and waits for an up service for which the board has been pulled off. The main line climbs steeply away to the west, a siding aptly known as 'Chapel Siding' extends alongside towards the obvious building in the middle distance. Nowadays the 'crop' often carries multi-coloured surfboards. Copyright John Cornelius

37207 William Cookworthy passes through Par with the 07.50 St Austell to Plymouth charter formed of four first class mark 1s on 6th July 1985. I have no idea what the purpose of this train was. The loco looks immaculate with the BR and Cornish lizard arrow on its sides and on the front the legend 'Cornish Railways', BR arrows flag, the St Piran flag of Cornwall and the Cornwall coat of arms with motto 'One And All'. A sight to make any Cornish native proud. Copyright Clive Smith

37204 awaits departure with the 21.05 Par to Plymouth on Saturday 14th June 1986. The stock is an air-conditioned set from the earlier Paddington to Newquay. 50018 had then failed on the 17.55 Newquay to Par with its return stopper to Newquay at 18.55 subsequently cancelled. Cue 37204's appearance from St Blazey to provide a spirited run to Plymouth. Copyright
Clive Smith

37204 awaits departure with the 21.05 Par to Plymouth on Saturday 14th June 1986. The stock is an air-conditioned set from the earlier Paddington to Newquay. 50018 had then failed on the 17.55 Newquay to Par with its return stopper to Newquay at 18.55 subsequently cancelled. Cue 37204's appearance from St Blazey to provide a spirited run to Plymouth. Copyright Clive Smith

Unfortunately I have no notes for the Network SouthEast class 50 arriving at Par, I would guess 50023 'Howe' due to the short name plate, London bound with MKII stock including one coach in the new Intercity livery and MKI buffet and gangway brake, we are lucky very little has changed at Par as most stations have changed with modernisation - 10th April 1987 - Copyright Alan Peters

PAR 1987 A full house at Par, HST set 253058 sits at the rear of a Paddington Penzance late afternoon at Par, while 50016 Barham accelerates away from the speed restriction to the west of the station for the climb to Treverrin tunnel. Meanwhile 47089 Amazon awaits a path east with a mixed freight and a pacer its next departure to Newquay. Copyrght Martin Baker

This is a very interesting picture. 50 149 Defiance, temporarily modified for trials is seen here passing through Par with a train of CDA's on the 27th June 1988 Note how there have been problems with the track of the up main line here two areas of ballast have been removed where the track has been 'pumping' - there would appear to be a definite dip in the track while 049's rear bogie passes over it. In the background a DMU has been placed in Chapel sidings. 27th June 1988 Copyright Andy Stace.
Picture 1 :- D1640 waits to depart Par with the rarely-photographed Freightliner service to Park Royal, London on April 2 1970. Ran asthe 4A64 1525 Par to Park Royal . With hindsight, one of several missed opportunities to photograph the whole train in its siding alongside the station.
Few pictures exist of this train which ran for only a short period of time , around two years only. The return working ran at night as the 4c64 0136 Park Royal - Par arriving at 0715 hours.
Picture 2 :- The well-trodden path from Par station to St Blazey, with D1929 departing Par in fine style on May 2 1972 on the 0800 BTM -PZ. As with so many lineside locations, vegetation has now dramatically changed this view
On the evening of 27th August 1986 37430 "Cwmbran" arrived at Par Station with Directors Saloon GE No 1 in tow. I believe the journey started at Carnforth.
The coach was owned by Sir William McAlpine. It was serviced and stabled overnight at BZ before leaving on the following morning as the 09:05 Par to Bristol.
Cheers Julian Stephens Many thanks Julian for sharing these pictures with us.

An unusual visitor to Cornwall disgraced itself as it failed to start at Penzance at the commencement of the return journey. It was hauled dead with the railtour train by the 37''s used for the St Ives section of the tour to Par where it was 'dumped' for later recovery. 17th May 1997. Copyright Steve Widdowson

A taste of the winter to come maybe? It's been 6 winters since the Duchy has seen a decent snowfall. Maybe the mild Autumn may hold some clues? Here's Feb 1986 with 50009 pausing at Par with a down morning stopper. Copyright Craig Munday N.B. Many years ago this loco took the CRS Special to Portsmouth Harbour for a visit to the Isle of Wight. This picture received in November 2016.
Dear Keith,
Following your publication of Roger's pictures, perhaps a few historical notes may not go amiss:
Par box dates from the late 1870s ( no exact date seems to be known). It is the last Network rail box to have signalled broad gauge trains -the other survivor is Williton on the West Somerset Railway.
As built, Par was only half the length of the present structure (a look at the rear of the box, where you can see the old chimney breast, shows this). The structure was doubled in length following the conversion of the gauge and the introduction of a new layout, in 1893. For some years prior to this, traffic from the branch (always standard gauge) had to be transshipped at Par, hence the double track goods shed, only demolished in 1965.
Further expansion occurred in 1913, when the present lever frame (57 levers) was installed. During world war 2, the layout at Par was expanded again: the down refuge siding was extended eastwards to form a goods loop (still there) and various signals had 'calling on' arms added, to speed up the addition of bankers to heavy wartime up trains.
Par box still works nearly fifty levers and today has a miniature panel to control the St Austell/Burngullow area.
I notice that a GW style nameboard has been added, replacing the pathetic little BR 1980s enamelled one. The original one on the branch side escaped the 1980s vandalism. Is it still there, I wonder?
Par box is listed Grade ll.
As CRS members may know, Lostwithiel box is also listed. Here, however, the correct and proper 9- pane windows have been replaced with ugly modern ones. It would not surprise me if these are listed too!
Roy Many thanks Roy.
Following your publication of Roger's pictures, perhaps a few historical notes may not go amiss:
Par box dates from the late 1870s ( no exact date seems to be known). It is the last Network rail box to have signalled broad gauge trains -the other survivor is Williton on the West Somerset Railway.
As built, Par was only half the length of the present structure (a look at the rear of the box, where you can see the old chimney breast, shows this). The structure was doubled in length following the conversion of the gauge and the introduction of a new layout, in 1893. For some years prior to this, traffic from the branch (always standard gauge) had to be transshipped at Par, hence the double track goods shed, only demolished in 1965.
Further expansion occurred in 1913, when the present lever frame (57 levers) was installed. During world war 2, the layout at Par was expanded again: the down refuge siding was extended eastwards to form a goods loop (still there) and various signals had 'calling on' arms added, to speed up the addition of bankers to heavy wartime up trains.
Par box still works nearly fifty levers and today has a miniature panel to control the St Austell/Burngullow area.
I notice that a GW style nameboard has been added, replacing the pathetic little BR 1980s enamelled one. The original one on the branch side escaped the 1980s vandalism. Is it still there, I wonder?
Par box is listed Grade ll.
As CRS members may know, Lostwithiel box is also listed. Here, however, the correct and proper 9- pane windows have been replaced with ugly modern ones. It would not surprise me if these are listed too!
Roy Many thanks Roy.
A query had been raised with Roy Hart as to whether this was the old box formerly at Blackwater West - his answer follows. This is the spot allright, but not the box. I note that the picture dates from 1976: by that time the signal depot had been shut for about 8 years. GW signal depots were made up of
1. Old wooden signalboxes, re-erected.
2. Buildings made up of bits of old signal boxes, such as the characteristic windows
The building in the picture is a 2.
The Par signal depot was a collection of about 7 or 8 such huts and boxes. The old Pinnock Tunnel box (closed 1959) stood next to the main line. Old Blackwater West stood off the picture to the left. It was what the Signalling Record Society call a type 25. There was only one other like it in Cornwall: St Germans. It was, if you like, a wooden version of type 5 (Roskear/St Erth).
Here is a picture of the site of the old Par signal depot. It is of interest because the view is impossible today. By the time of this picture (1976) most of the buildings (a collection of old signal boxes and huts made from signal box components) had been demolished, including the former Blackwater West box. The building in the foreground is an example of the use of 'bits' of signalboxes being assembled into a box-like structure.
Regards Roy Many thanks Roy
1. Old wooden signalboxes, re-erected.
2. Buildings made up of bits of old signal boxes, such as the characteristic windows
The building in the picture is a 2.
The Par signal depot was a collection of about 7 or 8 such huts and boxes. The old Pinnock Tunnel box (closed 1959) stood next to the main line. Old Blackwater West stood off the picture to the left. It was what the Signalling Record Society call a type 25. There was only one other like it in Cornwall: St Germans. It was, if you like, a wooden version of type 5 (Roskear/St Erth).
Here is a picture of the site of the old Par signal depot. It is of interest because the view is impossible today. By the time of this picture (1976) most of the buildings (a collection of old signal boxes and huts made from signal box components) had been demolished, including the former Blackwater West box. The building in the foreground is an example of the use of 'bits' of signalboxes being assembled into a box-like structure.
Regards Roy Many thanks Roy

Ron Kosys writes - 50043 Eagle arrving at Par on the 10th February 1988 - a TOTALLY dull and dismal day, This was taken before the trees took the place over completely. The vans at the head of the train could have been attached at Tavistock Junction for bagged clays of various descriptions or could even have been worked through from Heathfield carrying Ambrosia products. At this time, Ambrosia moved some of their output via the Speedlink network. This was roaded to Heathfield where it was loaded into vans. These vans were normally worked through to St Blazey (rather dropped off at Tavistock Junction) as the next train on this loco diagram was the 6B43 1505 St Blazey to Gloucester – and this saved reattaching the same traffic as it called at Tavistock Junction en route to Gloucester. Shame all this traffic was lost forever.
Copyright Ron Kosys
The delights of Par - the signals. For years now we've heard rumours concerning the removal of the semaphore signals at Par - dread the thought. However in 2018 they are still there. John Cornelius, a former signalman, brings us three close ups.
Treesmill

Treesmill, a delightful spot to spend a few hours. Here, a beautifully lit shot, as 47145 heads up the grade towards Treverrin Tunnel with a full load bound for Carne Point on the Fowey branch. One wonders if the bungalow adjacent to the bridge is owned by a railway enthusiast? This picture taken in September 1985 Copyright Mike Roach
Near Treverrin The 565 yard tunnel lies at the summit of the line between Par and Lostwithiel
Treverrin Tunnel
Milltown

Enthusiasts were delighted when in the summer 2014 loco haulage of the day stock of the night sleeper was introduced. The train ran empty stock to Par and thence carried passengers from there to Exeter and worked a return service later in the day to Penzance. Here the train is seen at Milltown on the 24th August 2014. Copyright Craig Munday
Lostwithiel Fowey branch junction. The Fowey branch originally ran right in to the bay platform. However in 1972 the direct connection to Lostwithiel station was taken out and the branch connected to the main line beyond the river crossing enabling the branch bridge over the river Fowey to be removed.

With a characteristic roar 1016 Western Gladiator puts its back into the two mile climb ahead to Treverrin tunnel with the 2b10 08.42 Plymouth to Penzance. It is passing the junction for the branch line to Carne Point. The date is 25th February 1975 the loco had another ten months to run being withdrawn in December 1975. Two a half years later in August 1977 she fell victim to the cutters torch at Swindon. Copyright Roger Geach
SIDINGS AT LOSTWITHIEL TAKEN OUT OF USE.
Notice received early March 2021.
"LOSTWITHIEL WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT AND UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Please note following establishment of Western Route Network Change NC697 Lostwithiel Bay Sidings OOU, the Down Bay and Sidings are out of use pending recovery. LL15 points that connect the sidings with the Down Main are clipped and scotched in the normal position."
Stay safe, Regards, Chris Bellett
Notice received early March 2021.
"LOSTWITHIEL WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT AND UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Please note following establishment of Western Route Network Change NC697 Lostwithiel Bay Sidings OOU, the Down Bay and Sidings are out of use pending recovery. LL15 points that connect the sidings with the Down Main are clipped and scotched in the normal position."
Stay safe, Regards, Chris Bellett

The fine goods shed was removed for safe keeping then sadly vandalised at the preservation site by fire.

140809d The 07.36 Paddington-Newquay passes the junction with the Fowey Branch at Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen Lots of interest in this picture, the branch to Carne Point, formerly Fowey turns off to the left to follow the river Fowey whereas the gradient of the main line as it commences the climb towards Terverrin tunnel can clearly be seen.

37674 ‘St Blaise Church 1445-1995, entering Lostwithiel with a rake of CDA empties from Fowey in 1996.
This location once had three bridges, the third with direct access to the Fowey Branch, was on the left hand side.
The locomotive is entering on the up main line and will shortly enter the sidings adjacent the station.
Currently all shunting is carried out on the Plymouth side of the level crossing opposite the old milk factory.
The class 66’s, although environmentally superior, in this more enlightened period, really do not compare with the 37’s for character and presence. 1996 Copyright Andrew Jones

This photograph in 1996, at Lostwithiel, shortly after 37674 was named ‘St Blaise Church 1445-1995 at St Blazey on the 21st December 1995.
Released from English Electric, Vulcan Foundry as D6869 on the 23rd August 1963 she continued in service until the 17th May 2007, officially removed from stock on the 9th September 2007. A working career of 44 years. The loco still exists at the Wensleydale Railway.
I suppose the 37’s were the diesel version of a ‘Black Five’ and still, today, serve important roles on the Network.
The class totaled 309, with many rebuilds and upgrades throughout their life.
36 are currently in Preservation.
Was the class 37 the most successful Diesel Electric design from the modernisation period? It certainly gets my vote! Andrew Jones Copyright

25217 takes charge of the train towing a 'dead' 50018 Resolution away from Lostwithiel with the 08.42 Plymouth to Penzance on the 30th July 1976 Copyright Roger Geach N.B. D418 was built in April 1968, named in April 1978, withdrawn 22nd July 1991 and finally ended its days being scrapped at Glasgow in 1993. Another interesting factor is this picture clearly shows the supports for the single line bridge which carried the Fowey branch over the river Fowey. This bridge was removed after track rationalisation which saw the junction for the Fowey branch being moved further west. This was after 6th November 1972 when the direct route from the Fowey branch into the confines of Lostwithiel station was removed.

Here’s a shot from taken on the 18th April 2019 of 66126 crossing the River Fowey in Lostwithiel with a freight at just after 5pm. The boat in the foreground and the late afternoon sun in my favour made for a nice picture - one I celebrated with a pint in the nearby Globe! 17.00 18th April 2019. Copyright Will Kilner.
Lostwithiel

Lostwithiel long before our time - thought to be 1922. Note the luxury of a covered footbridge - nowadays the inhabitants would appreciate the luxury of a footbridge whether covered or not. Today there are complaints of being stranded the wrong side of the line due to the crossing gates having been closed and consequently missing trains. Note the shunter with his pole waiting for the train standing on the up line. From the Alan Harris Collection

50039 Implacable on the 0835 Penzance to Paddington at Lostwithiel 22 july 1976. The downside buildings have been demolished and building work is ongoing , it is just a simple tation now. Note the clay hoods in the former Fowey bay - these sidings were disused in 2014 and had been for sometime - due to be lifted soon. However there was a -rebirth in the Autumn of 2015 the sidings were brought back into use to establish an 'Artificial Quarry' in connection with extensive track renewals. Copyright Roger Geach
Hello Keith,
The recent interesting account of D600s in Cornwall by Andy Oxley, courtesy of Peter Murnaghan, deserves some qualification. It seems that their unreliability in the early years (including an engine failure on the inaugural press run) stuck with them all their lives, at least in the enthusiast world, and even today is sometimes regurgitated on social media. After all, we love a good story, and all the better if it involves the hated diesels which had delivered the first blow to the beloved GWR steam! However in 1968, following their withdrawal, the WR Traction Controller at Paddington, Mr B L Wilson, felt moved to set the record straight, stating that their performance was latterly no worse and no better than other locomotives on the same route, noting that they were frequently entrusted with the down 'Limited'. Their withdrawal was because of a reduction in fleet numbers and the associated considerable savings in stores etc. No doubt if anyone, he would have known the reality.
Their workings were restricted more to Cornwall from 1962, and whilst the specific reason has not been documented, it should be noted that they, and the pilot scheme D6300s had a very different cab layout from other diesel hydraulics, with a BTH control cabinet set at an angle to the right of the driver's seat. Both pilot scheme classes would have presented an operational inconvenience in terms of training footplate staff widely across the Region, given they were so few in number. I suspect this was the real reason why they were restricted to Cornwall, although it should be noted that they also worked east as far as Exeter on occasions, presumably when there was a Laira crew available to ensure their return. Interestingly there is also evidence of them occasionally working further east than Exeter in their later years, and not just on visits to Swindon works or the journeys to and from South Wales detailed by Neil Phillips. No doubt such occasions were rare, and would have involved the use of a pilotman.
As Andy Oxley observed, they were frequently used on parcels, along with freight and milk, and they were latterly regularly used on class one passenger turns. As well as the down 'Limited', the 1A77 12.00 Penzance-Paddington and 1V33 down 'Cornishman' appeared to be regular duties in Cornwall.
Incidentally, I have it on good authority that their famously heavy construction was the reason why D601 stood for so long in Barry scrapyard. Around 1970, Dai Woodham himself stated that the first one (D600) had been such a nightmare to cut up that they weren't going anywhere near the other one any time soon!
Andrew Vines
N.B. This item was received from Andrew Vines on 22nd November 2023 - it refers to News concerning the D600's published in our newslines during November 2023.
The recent interesting account of D600s in Cornwall by Andy Oxley, courtesy of Peter Murnaghan, deserves some qualification. It seems that their unreliability in the early years (including an engine failure on the inaugural press run) stuck with them all their lives, at least in the enthusiast world, and even today is sometimes regurgitated on social media. After all, we love a good story, and all the better if it involves the hated diesels which had delivered the first blow to the beloved GWR steam! However in 1968, following their withdrawal, the WR Traction Controller at Paddington, Mr B L Wilson, felt moved to set the record straight, stating that their performance was latterly no worse and no better than other locomotives on the same route, noting that they were frequently entrusted with the down 'Limited'. Their withdrawal was because of a reduction in fleet numbers and the associated considerable savings in stores etc. No doubt if anyone, he would have known the reality.
Their workings were restricted more to Cornwall from 1962, and whilst the specific reason has not been documented, it should be noted that they, and the pilot scheme D6300s had a very different cab layout from other diesel hydraulics, with a BTH control cabinet set at an angle to the right of the driver's seat. Both pilot scheme classes would have presented an operational inconvenience in terms of training footplate staff widely across the Region, given they were so few in number. I suspect this was the real reason why they were restricted to Cornwall, although it should be noted that they also worked east as far as Exeter on occasions, presumably when there was a Laira crew available to ensure their return. Interestingly there is also evidence of them occasionally working further east than Exeter in their later years, and not just on visits to Swindon works or the journeys to and from South Wales detailed by Neil Phillips. No doubt such occasions were rare, and would have involved the use of a pilotman.
As Andy Oxley observed, they were frequently used on parcels, along with freight and milk, and they were latterly regularly used on class one passenger turns. As well as the down 'Limited', the 1A77 12.00 Penzance-Paddington and 1V33 down 'Cornishman' appeared to be regular duties in Cornwall.
Incidentally, I have it on good authority that their famously heavy construction was the reason why D601 stood for so long in Barry scrapyard. Around 1970, Dai Woodham himself stated that the first one (D600) had been such a nightmare to cut up that they weren't going anywhere near the other one any time soon!
Andrew Vines
N.B. This item was received from Andrew Vines on 22nd November 2023 - it refers to News concerning the D600's published in our newslines during November 2023.


The very first class 37 to migrate to Cornwall was 37 142, in 1979. This was the loco originally intended to be named “ William Cookworthy ”, but this honour went firstly to 37 207.
Here is 37 142 arriving at Lostwithiel in August 1981 on a rare passenger working – look at the ‘up’ platform station building back then ! - 50 045 “ Achilles “ totally expired on 1E22 09.45
Newquay – Leeds shortly after leaving the seaside town, and was believed to have been rescued at St. Dennis Junction. Copyright Colin Moss

37 181 / 101 .... Here’s the proof of the working week in Cornwall, of 37 101 (Gateshead loco) is paired with then St. Blazey allocated 37 181 on a long rake of empty clay hoods from Carne Point, Fowey, seen arriving at
Lostwithiel, for run round, then bound for Rocks Driers on the Newquay branch .14th August 1985. Copyright Colin Moss
Lostwithiel Buildings
Yes, the wooden building was the main up side structure. Being listed BR had an obligation not to destroy it but no obligation to maintain it. So, apart from setting up some timber baulks to stop the canopy sagging it eventually got in such a dangerous state that they were allowed to demolish it on safety grounds. The downside buildings went, I think, in 1974 and caused a big outcry from the townsfolk and enthusiasts. Nick Trudgian
Yes, the wooden building was the main up side structure. Being listed BR had an obligation not to destroy it but no obligation to maintain it. So, apart from setting up some timber baulks to stop the canopy sagging it eventually got in such a dangerous state that they were allowed to demolish it on safety grounds. The downside buildings went, I think, in 1974 and caused a big outcry from the townsfolk and enthusiasts. Nick Trudgian
Summer 1987. Martin Baker
A few more photos from my archive depicting an idyllic summers evening at Lostwithiel in June 87.
37196 & 120 have just run round a train from either of the Goonbarrow or Parkandillack branches and will then set back into the down sidings.
50010 then arrives with a down express from Paddington, I couldn't quite sprint fast enough up to what was once the site of the old goods shed to get a complete shot of all three, a vantage point now lost completely.
Kind Regards
Martin Baker
37196 & 120 have just run round a train from either of the Goonbarrow or Parkandillack branches and will then set back into the down sidings.
50010 then arrives with a down express from Paddington, I couldn't quite sprint fast enough up to what was once the site of the old goods shed to get a complete shot of all three, a vantage point now lost completely.
Kind Regards
Martin Baker
----------------------------------------------
Lostwithiel Goods Shed.
Here we see three views of the old shed, it looks pretty disused. Perhaps within months of these photographs being taken the shed was dismantled and transported to Lanteague (Close to Shepherds on the old Chacewater to Newquay branch). The idea was that it was to provide accommodation for a railway preservation project envisaged there. However, sadly the project came to nothing and the shed was burnt - a terrible shame. These pictures are from the Pat English Collection.
Here we see three views of the old shed, it looks pretty disused. Perhaps within months of these photographs being taken the shed was dismantled and transported to Lanteague (Close to Shepherds on the old Chacewater to Newquay branch). The idea was that it was to provide accommodation for a railway preservation project envisaged there. However, sadly the project came to nothing and the shed was burnt - a terrible shame. These pictures are from the Pat English Collection.
An unusual visitor to the area. 600006 Scunthorpe Ironmaster arrives and berths in the down sidings. Julian Stephens
Litter Pick at Lostwithel Down yard
Councillor Tim Hughes arranged the litter pick with Network Rail and DB Schenker, to improve the first impressions of Lostwithiel for train passengers.
The Town Council invited other groups to take part in the litter collection. As well as other councillors, volunteers from the Business Group, Town Forum and Environment Group took part.
The litter pick follows on from Mayor Pam Jarrett's Lostwithiel Improvement Projects (LIPs) Day on 14th March which saw around 40 volunteers turn out for a day of cleaning, litter picking, weeding and minor repairs around Lostwithiel. Well done.
The Town Council invited other groups to take part in the litter collection. As well as other councillors, volunteers from the Business Group, Town Forum and Environment Group took part.
The litter pick follows on from Mayor Pam Jarrett's Lostwithiel Improvement Projects (LIPs) Day on 14th March which saw around 40 volunteers turn out for a day of cleaning, litter picking, weeding and minor repairs around Lostwithiel. Well done.
Down Sidings at Lostwithiel station back into use as an Artificial Quarry - 2015
Possibly the very last train to leave Lostwithiel Down Goods yard - 22nd October 2015

Here is local engine 37672 at Lostwithiel on clay CDA on the 26 7 1991 . This was the former 37189 and was a Plymouth La loco from 4 1987 but did not arrive at La as 37672 until July after refurb at Crewe works. This one was a regular Cornish engine until it was transferred away during 1998. 37672 was named the Freight Transport Association 14th September 1987. .
Copyright Roger Geach
With the last cement to Moorswater workings due at the beginning of December 2021 Craig takes a last look.
THE END OF LOSTWITHIEL DOWN GOODS YARD
Gone forever.
For Pictures from Lostwithiel to Plymouth look in the next section
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/