2. Railways

A week in Cornwall - Freight.....plus a bit extra

This was to be all new territory for me as a week in Cornwall was planned just after my 40th birthday in February. It was going to be good as the area abounds in lower quadrant semaphore signalling. This is the freight side of that week. Also a few shots from a return one day a year later.
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  • Lostwithiel station on a Sunday morning after a drive south from Fife. 66125 stands parked up and quiet waiting for the next day when it will form 6Y00 0555 to Fowey Docks loaded CDA china clay hoppers. 14/4/2002

    Lostwithiel station on a Sunday morning after a drive south from Fife. 66125 stands parked up and quiet waiting for the next day when it will form 6Y00 0555 to Fowey Docks loaded CDA china clay hoppers. 14/4/2002

  • St Blazey yard and pilot shunter 08499 in EWS livery is also parked up and quiet. It is coupled onto a rake of fuel oil tanks for the next day's run to Penzance.

    St Blazey yard and pilot shunter 08499 in EWS livery is also parked up and quiet. It is coupled onto a rake of fuel oil tanks for the next day's run to Penzance.

  • EWS type 5 locos 67013 and 67015 are parked up and quiet on St Blazey shed along with sisters 67025 and 67030. The locos are deployed on EWS' Royal Mail traffic. 14/4/2002

    EWS type 5 locos 67013 and 67015 are parked up and quiet on St Blazey shed along with sisters 67025 and 67030. The locos are deployed on EWS' Royal Mail traffic. 14/4/2002

  • 67019 sits in the branch platform at Par station having brought its short rake of TTA gas oil tanks in from the yard and run round them. Its booked departure time is 0849 but is about an hour early, MO 6C21 to Penzance. 15/4/2002

    67019 sits in the branch platform at Par station having brought its short rake of TTA gas oil tanks in from the yard and run round them. Its booked departure time is 0849 but is about an hour early, MO 6C21 to Penzance. 15/4/2002

  • 66125 squeals round the Up Par Loop with loaded CDA's working 6G16 1008 Goonbarrow to Fowey Docks to unload its china clay load for export. This train is about an hour early too.

    66125 squeals round the Up Par Loop with loaded CDA's working 6G16 1008 Goonbarrow to Fowey Docks to unload its china clay load for export. This train is about an hour early too.

  • A move to Marizion, about 2 miles from Penzance and 67025 approaches with 5C01 1600 from St Blazey to Penzance empty TPO. On arrival it will reverse back to Long Rock Depot, run round, and then reverse again back to the station. Then it will head for Bristol Parkway at 1930 as 1C01.

    A move to Marizion, about 2 miles from Penzance and 67025 approaches with 5C01 1600 from St Blazey to Penzance empty TPO. On arrival it will reverse back to Long Rock Depot, run round, and then reverse again back to the station. Then it will head for Bristol Parkway at 1930 as 1C01.

  • And here is that working, 67025 passes 47811 and the empty sleeper stock being dragged down to Penzance station behind 08410. 15/4/2002

    And here is that working, 67025 passes 47811 and the empty sleeper stock being dragged down to Penzance station behind 08410. 15/4/2002

  • Penzance station is a busy place first thing in the morning with numerous arrivals and departures. 67025 is back having returned with a TPO, it will work back to St Blazey as 5C02 0859 off. Next to it is 47832 which will head to London Paddington at 0820, 1A45.

    Penzance station is a busy place first thing in the morning with numerous arrivals and departures. 67025 is back having returned with a TPO, it will work back to St Blazey as 5C02 0859 off. Next to it is 47832 which will head to London Paddington at 0820, 1A45.

  • With most of the first batch of morning departures away, 67025 departs for the 47 mile run back to Par and then to St Blazey shed.

    With most of the first batch of morning departures away, 67025 departs for the 47 mile run back to Par and then to St Blazey shed.

  • Now at Bodmin Parkway and the junction with the Bodmin and Wenford Railway. Mainline blue 60011 grinds up the twisting 1in 65 gradient with the heavy daily china clay slurry tanks bound for the Potteries. The working is 6M72 1655 St Blazey to Cliffe Vale.

    Now at Bodmin Parkway and the junction with the Bodmin and Wenford Railway. Mainline blue 60011 grinds up the twisting 1in 65 gradient with the heavy daily china clay slurry tanks bound for the Potteries. The working is 6M72 1655 St Blazey to Cliffe Vale.

  • This working almost caught me out as 67025, again, approaches Bodmin Parkway with 5M99 1808 St Blazey to Plymouth empty TPO. The hot afternoon sun glints off the entire train as it passes the exchange sidings with the preserved Bodmin and Wenford Railway.

    This working almost caught me out as 67025, again, approaches Bodmin Parkway with 5M99 1808 St Blazey to Plymouth empty TPO. The hot afternoon sun glints off the entire train as it passes the exchange sidings with the preserved Bodmin and Wenford Railway.

  • 66078 runs into Lostwithiel with a short rake of four empty CDA hoppers from the Carne Point loading terminal at Fowey Docks. It will run round them and head onto St Blazey. 16/4/2002

    66078 runs into Lostwithiel with a short rake of four empty CDA hoppers from the Carne Point loading terminal at Fowey Docks. It will run round them and head onto St Blazey. 16/4/2002

  • In wet conditions 67004 crosses Gover Viaduct, over the Gover Valley, to the west of St Austell, with 5C02 0859 Penzance to St Blazey empty TPO. The line drops at 1 in 90 in the up direction. 17/4/2002

    In wet conditions 67004 crosses Gover Viaduct, over the Gover Valley, to the west of St Austell, with 5C02 0859 Penzance to St Blazey empty TPO. The line drops at 1 in 90 in the up direction. 17/4/2002

  • It is just as well the line is falling in this train's direction. 66250 fronts 6S55 WO 0940 Burngullow to Irvine loaded china clay slurry tanks. The 10 loaded TIA bogie tanks forms a heavy train destined for the Caledonian Paper Mill in Irvine, south west Scotland, the UK's longest distance freight flow.

    It is just as well the line is falling in this train's direction. 66250 fronts 6S55 WO 0940 Burngullow to Irvine loaded china clay slurry tanks. The 10 loaded TIA bogie tanks forms a heavy train destined for the Caledonian Paper Mill in Irvine, south west Scotland, the UK's longest distance freight flow.

  • St Blazey yard pilot 08499 is busy and goes about its business shunting Imerys china clay tanks. Visible is St Blazey signalbox and the platform of the former station here which closed to the public on 21/9/1925 but remained open for workmen till 29/12/1934.

    St Blazey yard pilot 08499 is busy and goes about its business shunting Imerys china clay tanks. Visible is St Blazey signalbox and the platform of the former station here which closed to the public on 21/9/1925 but remained open for workmen till 29/12/1934.

  • A track level view of 66125 passing the home gantry at St Blazey with 6G10 1546 Goonbarrow to Fowey Docks loaded CDA hoppers. The noise of the wheel flanges squealing at ear level as the train passed was deafening and painful!!

    A track level view of 66125 passing the home gantry at St Blazey with 6G10 1546 Goonbarrow to Fowey Docks loaded CDA hoppers. The noise of the wheel flanges squealing at ear level as the train passed was deafening and painful!!

  • A quick drive round to Par station and 66125 was found sitting in the Up Par Loop waiting for the road after the departure of an up service. With that clear of the section, 66125 gets the road and heads out onto the main line with its 26 CDA hoppers trailing behind.

    A quick drive round to Par station and 66125 was found sitting in the Up Par Loop waiting for the road after the departure of an up service. With that clear of the section, 66125 gets the road and heads out onto the main line with its 26 CDA hoppers trailing behind.

  • 20 minutes after 66125 departed for Fowey, 66090 appears with a train from Fowey, 6P11 1537 off bound for the dries at Parkandillack at the end of the branch of the same name.

    20 minutes after 66125 departed for Fowey, 66090 appears with a train from Fowey, 6P11 1537 off bound for the dries at Parkandillack at the end of the branch of the same name.

  • Still at Par and 67015 comes from the yard with the empty Travelling Post Office stock for Penzance. The loco will run round here and head off as 5C01 1620.

    Still at Par and 67015 comes from the yard with the empty Travelling Post Office stock for Penzance. The loco will run round here and head off as 5C01 1620.

  • Down on the platform and another empty TPO working comes off the Up Par Loop. 67004 will not require to run round its train as this is 5M99 1808 from St Blazey to Plymouth where it will form 1M99 2211 to Willesden Railnet Terminal, London.

    Down on the platform and another empty TPO working comes off the Up Par Loop. 67004 will not require to run round its train as this is 5M99 1808 from St Blazey to Plymouth where it will form 1M99 2211 to Willesden Railnet Terminal, London.

  • Down at Burngullow and 66090 eases itself and its loaded rake of CDA hoppers off the Parkandillack branch as 6C82 1945 to Lostwithiel. The ivy clad building between the two lines is the remains of the Cornwall Railway station that closed on 14/9/1931. The singled main line has since been redoubled back due to increased traffic. 17/4/2002

    Down at Burngullow and 66090 eases itself and its loaded rake of CDA hoppers off the Parkandillack branch as 6C82 1945 to Lostwithiel. The ivy clad building between the two lines is the remains of the Cornwall Railway station that closed on 14/9/1931. The singled main line has since been redoubled back due to increased traffic. 17/4/2002

  • Early morning sun and this has caught me by surprise. 66135 gets away with a train of loaded cement tanks and vans, 6C24 from Exeter Riverside Yard to Moorswater. Usually there are two trains a week, Tuesday and Thursday but with no train on Tuesday, there are two this day, the Thursday. 18/4/2002

    Early morning sun and this has caught me by surprise. 66135 gets away with a train of loaded cement tanks and vans, 6C24 from Exeter Riverside Yard to Moorswater. Usually there are two trains a week, Tuesday and Thursday but with no train on Tuesday, there are two this day, the Thursday. 18/4/2002

  • A quick drive to Liskeard and I'm in time to catch 66135 leaving the main line to take the branch to Coombe and onto Moorswater.

    A quick drive to Liskeard and I'm in time to catch 66135 leaving the main line to take the branch to Coombe and onto Moorswater.

  • Having dropped down the steep line and turned a full 360 degrees, 66135 brings its train slowly past the small open platform at Coombe on the branch to Looe. It will continue onto the freight only part of the line to Moorswater.

    Having dropped down the steep line and turned a full 360 degrees, 66135 brings its train slowly past the small open platform at Coombe on the branch to Looe. It will continue onto the freight only part of the line to Moorswater.

  • Below the 147 foot high Moorswater Viaduct 66135 has stopped in the loop to be uncoupled form its train to then proceed into the terminal to collect the wagons brought in earlier.

    Below the 147 foot high Moorswater Viaduct 66135 has stopped in the loop to be uncoupled form its train to then proceed into the terminal to collect the wagons brought in earlier.

  • 66135 slowly eases over the minor road at Moorswater and goes forward into the former clay dries now used for cement distribution.

    66135 slowly eases over the minor road at Moorswater and goes forward into the former clay dries now used for cement distribution.

  • Back at Coombe and looking north towards Moorswater Viaduct. 67008 and 67010 pass over with 1130 TThFO St Blazey to Tavistock Junction loaded CDAs. It is running about an hour early. The CDA hoppers were rebuilt from HAA coal hoppers and given a waterproof hood to keep the clay dry.

    Back at Coombe and looking north towards Moorswater Viaduct. 67008 and 67010 pass over with 1130 TThFO St Blazey to Tavistock Junction loaded CDAs. It is running about an hour early. The CDA hoppers were rebuilt from HAA coal hoppers and given a waterproof hood to keep the clay dry.

  • With the work at the terminal complete 66135 heads away. The shunter has obtained the token from the Liskeard signalman and removed it from the machine located in the shed on the right. This working is 6C03 1300 TThO Moorswater to St Blazey empty cement and is about 35 minutes early.

    With the work at the terminal complete 66135 heads away. The shunter has obtained the token from the Liskeard signalman and removed it from the machine located in the shed on the right. This working is 6C03 1300 TThO Moorswater to St Blazey empty cement and is about 35 minutes early.

  • The train heads west and passes over Moorswater Viaduct, when the train arrived I was here but didn't have my camera in my hand so I missed the shot. The current 8 arch viaduct was opened on 25/2/1881 and replaced the earlier original 14 piered wooden viaduct. Six of the original piers remain and they and the viaduct are Grade 2 listed.

    The train heads west and passes over Moorswater Viaduct, when the train arrived I was here but didn't have my camera in my hand so I missed the shot. The current 8 arch viaduct was opened on 25/2/1881 and replaced the earlier original 14 piered wooden viaduct. Six of the original piers remain and they and the viaduct are Grade 2 listed.

  • The sun has come out during the afternoon and I find myself near the village of Lavrean. 66090 approaches and the driver gives a wave as he heads for neaby Goonbarrow with 6G11 1320 off Fowey Docks empty CDA hoppers. The sidings at Goonbarrow which service the Rocks Dryer is not accessable which is a shame as there is a signalbox and lower quadrant semaphores there.

    The sun has come out during the afternoon and I find myself near the village of Lavrean. 66090 approaches and the driver gives a wave as he heads for neaby Goonbarrow with 6G11 1320 off Fowey Docks empty CDA hoppers. The sidings at Goonbarrow which service the Rocks Dryer is not accessable which is a shame as there is a signalbox and lower quadrant semaphores there.

  • Having dropped off the rake of empty CDA's, 66090 heads back to Fowey with a different loaded rake. Train 6G10 1546 off Goonbarrow passes the small request halt at Luxulyan. This small station once had a loop, water tower, signalbox, a siding or two and a camping coach. All bar the platform have been removed but at least it is still open.

    Having dropped off the rake of empty CDA's, 66090 heads back to Fowey with a different loaded rake. Train 6G10 1546 off Goonbarrow passes the small request halt at Luxulyan. This small station once had a loop, water tower, signalbox, a siding or two and a camping coach. All bar the platform have been removed but at least it is still open.

  • Another move and another freight branch. 66125 gently drops down the 1 in 40 approach to the end of the line at Parkandillack Drier. This working is 6P11 1537 Carne Point, Fowey Docks to Parkandillack. Like so many of the clay trains, it is running early, by about an hour.

    Another move and another freight branch. 66125 gently drops down the 1 in 40 approach to the end of the line at Parkandillack Drier. This working is 6P11 1537 Carne Point, Fowey Docks to Parkandillack. Like so many of the clay trains, it is running early, by about an hour.

  • Shunting time now and 66125 has split its 22 wagon rake and run round the first 11 and coupled onto the other 11. It will place the first 11 into the loading siding then go and run round the other half.

    Shunting time now and 66125 has split its 22 wagon rake and run round the first 11 and coupled onto the other 11. It will place the first 11 into the loading siding then go and run round the other half.

  • A welcome burst of sunlight as 66125 shunts 11 of the CDA wagons into the shed for loading while the other 11 sit in the run round loop already full. Beyond the headshunt is the formation of the railway which joined the Newquay branch at St Dennis Junction a few miles away, it closed on 6/2/1966.

    A welcome burst of sunlight as 66125 shunts 11 of the CDA wagons into the shed for loading while the other 11 sit in the run round loop already full. Beyond the headshunt is the formation of the railway which joined the Newquay branch at St Dennis Junction a few miles away, it closed on 6/2/1966.

  • With the train fully loaded it set off, 6C82 1945 off Parkandillack, it will go as far as Lostwithiel today and be taken to Fowey Docks first thing in the morning . 66125 is seen wheeling its train past the Kernick Dries loading shed at Treviscoe. 3 of the 4 freight branches have been covered, just the Fowey branch left and that was planned for the next day. 18/4/2002

    With the train fully loaded it set off, 6C82 1945 off Parkandillack, it will go as far as Lostwithiel today and be taken to Fowey Docks first thing in the morning . 66125 is seen wheeling its train past the Kernick Dries loading shed at Treviscoe. 3 of the 4 freight branches have been covered, just the Fowey branch left and that was planned for the next day. 18/4/2002

  • The next day and in perfect early morning sunshine 66135 slowly approaches Golant on the Fowey branch. It brings in a rake of loaded CDA china clay hoppers for unloading at the ECC docks at Carne Point for export. The train is 6C24 0500 WFSO Tavistock Junction to Fowey. 19/4/2002

    The next day and in perfect early morning sunshine 66135 slowly approaches Golant on the Fowey branch. It brings in a rake of loaded CDA china clay hoppers for unloading at the ECC docks at Carne Point for export. The train is 6C24 0500 WFSO Tavistock Junction to Fowey. 19/4/2002

  • A short while later 66135 re-emerges from the docks with an empty rake bound for St Blazey. 6G17 0958 WFSO off Fowey Docks is the set which was seen being loaded at Parkandillack the previous day and was tripped down first thing in the morning.

    A short while later 66135 re-emerges from the docks with an empty rake bound for St Blazey. 6G17 0958 WFSO off Fowey Docks is the set which was seen being loaded at Parkandillack the previous day and was tripped down first thing in the morning.

  • Running very early is another loaded working with 66125 bringing in 6G16 1008 Goonbarrow to Fowey Docks over the causeway at Golant.

    Running very early is another loaded working with 66125 bringing in 6G16 1008 Goonbarrow to Fowey Docks over the causeway at Golant.

  • The docks shunter 08941 has come out if its lair and has coupled onto the rake brought in by 66125. The loco has gone forward into the docks area out of sight. Note the ship tied up for loading.

    The docks shunter 08941 has come out if its lair and has coupled onto the rake brought in by 66125. The loco has gone forward into the docks area out of sight. Note the ship tied up for loading.

  • The classic Golant shot, high above the village looking down on the causeway. The sun has gone as has the water in the River Fowey. 66135 heads across the causeway running as 0P11 from St Blazey depot to collect an empty rake of hoppers.

    The classic Golant shot, high above the village looking down on the causeway. The sun has gone as has the water in the River Fowey. 66135 heads across the causeway running as 0P11 from St Blazey depot to collect an empty rake of hoppers.

  • About right time (for once) and 66135 heads back with 6P11 1537 off Carne Point, Fowey Docks to Parkandillack. The wonderful aside of the area is the echo of the loco horns as it bounces back and forth across the sides of the estuary.

    About right time (for once) and 66135 heads back with 6P11 1537 off Carne Point, Fowey Docks to Parkandillack. The wonderful aside of the area is the echo of the loco horns as it bounces back and forth across the sides of the estuary.

  • The ideal shot would be in full sun lighting up the whole scene from the left, also the tide should be in. Those conditions prevailed in the morning but the afternoon became sunless and the tide had somewhere better to be!! 66125 returns with 6G10 1543 from Goonbarrow. I returned a year later and the conditions were perfect but I failed to get to the high location in time!!

    The ideal shot would be in full sun lighting up the whole scene from the left, also the tide should be in. Those conditions prevailed in the morning but the afternoon became sunless and the tide had somewhere better to be!! 66125 returns with 6G10 1543 from Goonbarrow. I returned a year later and the conditions were perfect but I failed to get to the high location in time!!

  • Back at Par and 67025 lifts the nine vehicle 5M99 1808 St Blazey to Plymouth empty TPO away from Par. After over 100 years of sorting mail on the move, the Travelling Post Office was about to be posted into history as Royal Mail decided to move its mail traffic off the rails onto the road and air. On the down road is 66125 waiting to gain the shed access road once the TPO was clear. 19/4/2002

    Back at Par and 67025 lifts the nine vehicle 5M99 1808 St Blazey to Plymouth empty TPO away from Par. After over 100 years of sorting mail on the move, the Travelling Post Office was about to be posted into history as Royal Mail decided to move its mail traffic off the rails onto the road and air. On the down road is 66125 waiting to gain the shed access road once the TPO was clear. 19/4/2002

  • Saturday morning and Plymouth is the location and 66127 emerges from the eastern portal of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's 1859 masterpiece over the River Tamar. The train is 6M68 SO 0833 Burngullow to Warrington loaded china clay slurry 20/4/2002

    Saturday morning and Plymouth is the location and 66127 emerges from the eastern portal of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's 1859 masterpiece over the River Tamar. The train is 6M68 SO 0833 Burngullow to Warrington loaded china clay slurry 20/4/2002

  • On the Cornish side of the Tamar at Saltash station and familiar loco 66125 cross the Royal Albert Bridge with 6G68 1245 Exeter Riverside to St Blazey loaded ZGH and ZBA ballast hoppers. 20/4/2002

    On the Cornish side of the Tamar at Saltash station and familiar loco 66125 cross the Royal Albert Bridge with 6G68 1245 Exeter Riverside to St Blazey loaded ZGH and ZBA ballast hoppers. 20/4/2002

  • A year later and I am back at Liskeard with my son Ross. Due to a strike by guards only fGW were running trains west of Plymouth. As a result this train ran several hours early, it is 6C20 0930 off Newton Abbot to Moorswater, the second portion of the train from Earles. Freightliner now have the contract and Heavy Haul 66601 is in charge. 17/4/2003.

    A year later and I am back at Liskeard with my son Ross. Due to a strike by guards only fGW were running trains west of Plymouth. As a result this train ran several hours early, it is 6C20 0930 off Newton Abbot to Moorswater, the second portion of the train from Earles. Freightliner now have the contract and Heavy Haul 66601 is in charge. 17/4/2003.

  • The Liskeard signalman is in for a busy period as 66601 has been uncoupled from the train, drawn forward clear of the down crossover and now passes onto the up road to run round the wagons.

    The Liskeard signalman is in for a busy period as 66601 has been uncoupled from the train, drawn forward clear of the down crossover and now passes onto the up road to run round the wagons.

  • 66601 rejoined its train via the up crossover and I had hoped it would have been propelled back to the down crossover but no, it went via the up crossover, then propelled back to clear the branch turnout. Here 66601 and its train takes the left turnout, the shunting dummy can be seen in the off position on the signal gallows gantry.

    66601 rejoined its train via the up crossover and I had hoped it would have been propelled back to the down crossover but no, it went via the up crossover, then propelled back to clear the branch turnout. Here 66601 and its train takes the left turnout, the shunting dummy can be seen in the off position on the signal gallows gantry.

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