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Title: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: bobm on April 20, 2019, 07:21:28 Had some glorious spring weather when I visited the Bodmin & Wenford Railway this week.
An early train to Bodmin Parkway and a short bus ride got me to Bodmin General an hour or so before the first train of the day. The line operates over two branches - one to Boscarne Junction and the other to a platform at Bodmin Parkway station. The service runs top and tailed - on the day I visited there was steam on one end (Bagnall 'Austerity' 75178) and a class 33 at the other. (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/bwst2.jpg) (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/bwsh.jpg) Before setting off to Boscarne Junction I met up with member SandTEngineer who very kindly showed me around Bodmin General Signalbox. The frame has all but two of the levers in use - and there are plans for those two! (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/bwsb2.jpg) (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/bwsb.jpg) An enjoyable ride along both branches brought me to Bodmin Parkway in perfect time to catch my mainline connection. (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/bwbp.jpg) and my thanks to SandTEngineer showing me around when he already had plenty of other jobs to do! (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/bwst.jpg) Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: grahame on May 05, 2019, 07:44:15 Nice piece on Cornwall Live (https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/behind-scenes-historic-bodmin--2804108) this morning ...
Quote Behind the scenes at historic Bodmin & Wenford Railway I am always too much of a pedant for my own good - will anyone else spot the picture of a pile of coal labelled "Welsh coal powers the steam trains on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway" ... but with a locomotive numbered 50 042 just behind it which , I suspect, would choke if fed this sort of fuel! Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: rower40 on May 09, 2019, 11:51:30 I am always too much of a pedant for my own good - That's nothing. In the second picture of the original post, the platform starting signal is "off". But when we see inside the box, lever number 1 (the left-hand-most red one under the cloth in the third picture) is back in the frame. ;DTitle: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: SandTEngineer on May 09, 2019, 14:57:50 I am always too much of a pedant for my own good - That's nothing. In the second picture of the original post, the platform starting signal is "off". But when we see inside the box, lever number 1 (the left-hand-most red one under the cloth in the third picture) is back in the frame. ;DI'll let you know tomorrow evening if the interlocking is working as it should, as I'm undertaking a full 5-yearly test of the lever frame all day ;D Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: SandTEngineer on May 11, 2019, 07:34:05 I am always too much of a pedant for my own good - That's nothing. In the second picture of the original post, the platform starting signal is "off". But when we see inside the box, lever number 1 (the left-hand-most red one under the cloth in the third picture) is back in the frame. ;DI'll let you know tomorrow evening if the interlocking is working as it should, as I'm undertaking a full 5-yearly test of the lever frame all day ;D Testing completed successfully :D Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: SandTEngineer on December 26, 2019, 16:52:00 Its been quite a long time since Bobm visited us. Since then, construction of the Bodmin General new Platform No.2 has progressed somewhat, and the signalling alterations being designed and the first stage implemented:
(http://cbrailways.co.uk/PhotoAlbumsPro/1379866239/191221e-the-new-platform-is-seen-taking-shape-at-bodmin-general-copyright-roger-winnen_orig.jpg) Photograph Copyright 2019 - Roger Winnen Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: bobm on December 26, 2019, 19:10:37 Will have to put it on my list for 2020!
Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: grahame on January 27, 2020, 13:56:34 For sale - 33 110 (https://bodminrailway.co.uk/all/sale-by-sealed-bid-diesel-locomotive-33110) by the Bodmin and Wenford Railway
Quote The locomotive has been working regular passenger trains on the line up to and including our Santa trains in December 2019. It has been very reliable and an economic locomotive to use in a heritage setting. The sale is only offered as a result of having 47306 return to service and there being no requirement for 33110 in the medium term at Bodmin. [snip] BIDS: Bids should be submitted by 12 noon on 29th February 2020 Being offloaded because they have something better. Hope it finds a destination that is truly a home. Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: SandTEngineer on April 07, 2020, 19:21:22 This was the new Bodmin General Platform No.2 with its edge coping stones being added in early March 2020. The original plan was to have it completed by end of March 2020. The crossover in the platforms is now controlled from the signalbox as it was in GWR/BR-WR days, but the associated disc signals haven't been installed yet.
(http://cbrailways.co.uk/PhotoAlbumsPro/Album_q8fbaa/Platform%202%20Progress.JPG?cache=0.26596128949328857) (c)2020 SandTEngineer Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: Andy on April 08, 2020, 07:47:25 Super to see the progress that's been made. Thanks, SandTEngineer. Is the track on the far side of the new platform aligned so that Bodmin General now has three platforms, even though the photo suggests that it is to be used primarily as a siding (as before).
Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: SandTEngineer on April 08, 2020, 08:26:31 Super to see the progress that's been made. Thanks, SandTEngineer. Is the track on the far side of the new platform aligned so that Bodmin General now has three platforms, even though the photo suggests that it is to be used primarily as a siding (as before). The new Platform No.2 will be fenced at the rear (its too narrow to meet the ORR requirements for an island platform). It was going to be GWR style 'spear fencing' but thats not allowed on safety grounds, so it will be a rounded top design, but will still look similar to the former! The siding was refurbished, reballasted and realigned slightly as part of the work. I've got a 'work in progress' photograph showing that somewhere, and when I find it I'll put it on here. Next signalling stage is to get the crossover disc signals installed and commissioned, but who knows when at the moment..... Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: Andy on April 08, 2020, 09:52:51 Super to see the progress that's been made. Thanks, SandTEngineer. Is the track on the far side of the new platform aligned so that Bodmin General now has three platforms, even though the photo suggests that it is to be used primarily as a siding (as before). The new Platform No.2 will be fenced at the rear (its too narrow to meet the ORR requirements for an island platform). It was going to be GWR style 'spear fencing' but thats not allowed on safety grounds, so it will be a rounded top design, but will still look similar to the former! The siding was refurbished, reballasted and realigned slightly as part of the work. I've got a 'work in progress' photograph showing that somewhere, and when I find it I'll put it on here. Next signalling stage is to get the crossover disc signals installed and commissioned, but who knows when at the moment..... Thanks. In the photo it looks too slim for two faces. It looks great and totally in-keeping with what is a gem of a station. Well done to all involved. Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: Ralph Ayres on April 08, 2020, 11:45:03 I'm intrigued by the fencing not being allowed on safety grounds. Has someone misunderstood the reference to spears and thinks it has sharp edges? Surely it can't just be that it would be dangerous to climb (someone might slip and impale themselves, heaven forfend!) as that would rule out Network Rail's palisade fences, barbed wire etc.
Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: SandTEngineer on April 08, 2020, 12:18:52 Super to see the progress that's been made. Thanks, SandTEngineer. Is the track on the far side of the new platform aligned so that Bodmin General now has three platforms, even though the photo suggests that it is to be used primarily as a siding (as before). The new Platform No.2 will be fenced at the rear (its too narrow to meet the ORR requirements for an island platform). It was going to be GWR style 'spear fencing' but thats not allowed on safety grounds, so it will be a rounded top design, but will still look similar to the former! The siding was refurbished, reballasted and realigned slightly as part of the work. I've got a 'work in progress' photograph showing that somewhere, and when I find it I'll put it on here. Next signalling stage is to get the crossover disc signals installed and commissioned, but who knows when at the moment..... Thanks. In the photo it looks too slim for two faces. It looks great and totally in-keeping with what is a gem of a station. Well done to all involved. Yes, when you look at the random stone facing you will think the platform was there from the opening of the original railway. They have done a brilliant job on it all. Just needs me and a few others to get on with the signalling work now so that we can get it all into operation..... ;D Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: SandTEngineer on April 08, 2020, 12:25:46 I'm intrigued by the fencing not being allowed on safety grounds. Has someone misunderstood the reference to spears and thinks it has sharp edges? Surely it can't just be that it would be dangerous to climb (someone might slip and impale themselves, heaven forfend!) as that would rule out Network Rail's palisade fences, barbed wire etc. Think you would be better asking the ORR..... :P Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: CedricCecil on April 08, 2020, 13:50:55 What about the new fence at Penzance Station it appears to be the 'spear' type
Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: SandTEngineer on April 08, 2020, 14:06:40 What about the new fence at Penzance Station it appears to be the 'spear' type shh...don't tell the ORR..... ::) Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: Andy on April 09, 2020, 10:02:40 Super to see the progress that's been made. Thanks, SandTEngineer. Is the track on the far side of the new platform aligned so that Bodmin General now has three platforms, even though the photo suggests that it is to be used primarily as a siding (as before). The new Platform No.2 will be fenced at the rear (its too narrow to meet the ORR requirements for an island platform). It was going to be GWR style 'spear fencing' but thats not allowed on safety grounds, so it will be a rounded top design, but will still look similar to the former! The siding was refurbished, reballasted and realigned slightly as part of the work. I've got a 'work in progress' photograph showing that somewhere, and when I find it I'll put it on here. Next signalling stage is to get the crossover disc signals installed and commissioned, but who knows when at the moment..... Thanks. In the photo it looks too slim for two faces. It looks great and totally in-keeping with what is a gem of a station. Well done to all involved. Yes, when you look at the random stone facing you will think the platform was there from the opening of the original railway. They have done a brilliant job on it all. Just needs me and a few others to get on with the signalling work now so that we can get it all into operation..... ;D Hopefully you'll be able to finish the job later in the year. By the by, is there any 'movement' regarding aspirations to relay track towards Nanstallon (which was the identified as the destination of an initial extension, if I remember correctly)? Thanks. Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: SandTEngineer on April 09, 2020, 10:09:20 Super to see the progress that's been made. Thanks, SandTEngineer. Is the track on the far side of the new platform aligned so that Bodmin General now has three platforms, even though the photo suggests that it is to be used primarily as a siding (as before). The new Platform No.2 will be fenced at the rear (its too narrow to meet the ORR requirements for an island platform). It was going to be GWR style 'spear fencing' but thats not allowed on safety grounds, so it will be a rounded top design, but will still look similar to the former! The siding was refurbished, reballasted and realigned slightly as part of the work. I've got a 'work in progress' photograph showing that somewhere, and when I find it I'll put it on here. Next signalling stage is to get the crossover disc signals installed and commissioned, but who knows when at the moment..... Thanks. In the photo it looks too slim for two faces. It looks great and totally in-keeping with what is a gem of a station. Well done to all involved. Yes, when you look at the random stone facing you will think the platform was there from the opening of the original railway. They have done a brilliant job on it all. Just needs me and a few others to get on with the signalling work now so that we can get it all into operation..... ;D Hopefully you'll be able to finish the job later in the year. By the by, is there any 'movement' regarding aspirations to relay track towards Nanstallon (which was the identified as the destination of an initial extension, if I remember correctly)? Thanks. The Wadebridge extension is still a long term ambition being progressed by a seperate part of the railway organisation, with Nanstallon being the first target. The outline design has been approved by Cornwall County Council (its going to share the old track formation with the Camel Trail cycle/pathway). Last I heard the railway had theorectically been awarded £25M for this by the Taxpayers Alliance...... ::) Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: Andy on April 10, 2020, 09:02:58 Super to see the progress that's been made. Thanks, SandTEngineer. Is the track on the far side of the new platform aligned so that Bodmin General now has three platforms, even though the photo suggests that it is to be used primarily as a siding (as before). The new Platform No.2 will be fenced at the rear (its too narrow to meet the ORR requirements for an island platform). It was going to be GWR style 'spear fencing' but thats not allowed on safety grounds, so it will be a rounded top design, but will still look similar to the former! The siding was refurbished, reballasted and realigned slightly as part of the work. I've got a 'work in progress' photograph showing that somewhere, and when I find it I'll put it on here. Next signalling stage is to get the crossover disc signals installed and commissioned, but who knows when at the moment..... Thanks. In the photo it looks too slim for two faces. It looks great and totally in-keeping with what is a gem of a station. Well done to all involved. Yes, when you look at the random stone facing you will think the platform was there from the opening of the original railway. They have done a brilliant job on it all. Just needs me and a few others to get on with the signalling work now so that we can get it all into operation..... ;D Hopefully you'll be able to finish the job later in the year. By the by, is there any 'movement' regarding aspirations to relay track towards Nanstallon (which was the identified as the destination of an initial extension, if I remember correctly)? Thanks. The Wadebridge extension is still a long term ambition being progressed by a seperate part of the railway organisation, with Nanstallon being the first target. The outline design has been approved by Cornwall County Council (its going to share the old track formation with the Camel Trail cycle/pathway). Last I heard the railway had theorectically been awarded £25M for this by the Taxpayers Alliance...... ::) Enough said! Thanks. Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: grahame on April 19, 2020, 07:18:07 Its been quite a long time since Bobm visited us. Since then, construction of the Bodmin General new Platform No.2 has progressed somewhat, and the signalling alterations being designed and the first stage implemented: A further view of platform 2 - and other pics - at Cornwall Live (https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/eerily-silent-train-station-emptied-4051097) Quote Platforms at Bodmin General train station should now be busy with visitors and passengers hoping to get on board some vintage trains and enjoy a scenic trip through Cornwall. But with the coronavirus pandemic forcing much of the world into a lockdown, this is one attraction which has been eerily quiet. Jimmy James, a spokesman for Bodmin and Wenford Railway, said Easter is a time when you would normally expect Bodmin General to be a hive of activity, but due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown there is nothing. Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: grahame on June 13, 2020, 17:47:39 From Cornwall Live (https://www.cornwalllive.com/whats-on/whats-on-news/cornish-heritage-attraction-announces-wont-4223936)
Quote Cornish heritage attraction announces it won't be opening this summer The Bodmin and Wenford Railway says there are still so many imponderables and unknowns Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: southwest on July 30, 2020, 20:41:29 From Cornwall Live (https://www.cornwalllive.com/whats-on/whats-on-news/cornish-heritage-attraction-announces-wont-4223936) Quote Cornish heritage attraction announces it won't be opening this summer The Bodmin and Wenford Railway says there are still so many imponderables and unknowns Given other heritage railways have successfully reopened, I think this is big mistake, and one which will probably cost the railway a fortune in lost revenue. Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: grahame on July 30, 2020, 21:56:19 Given other heritage railways have successfully reopened, I think this is big mistake, and one which will probably cost the railway a fortune in lost revenue. Others have and are re-opening, but that's far from universal. All heritage railways are different and the fact that whilst there are a significant number re-opening, there's quite a number not. It probably saved a lot of heartache (and money spent "in case" or "in hope") by the Bodmin and Wenford making the decision early. Some issues that will have influenced the decision: * How easy is it to social distance on this railway? * What proportion of income comes from crowded special days rather than holiday area running? * Are key team members vulnerable volunteers who will not make themselves available? * Will we save ourselves more than we would take by not running a short season with limited capacity on the trains? * Will our regulars come back in greater numbers next year, so deferring rather than loosing income? Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: bobm on November 22, 2020, 15:45:43 Just before the latest restrictions, I took advantage of an open day to have another look at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway.
(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/bod3.jpg) Although no trains were running there was a chance to look around the improvements which have been made at Bodmin General station. The second platform has now been installed although the fence to separate it from the siding has yet to be installed. (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/bod2.jpg) My only concern surrounds what appears to be the height of the platform (on the right above) compared to the rolling stock. Is there still trackwork to do? (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/bod4.jpg) (http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/bod1.jpg) Title: Re: Bodmin & Wenford Railway Post by: Andy on November 22, 2020, 22:10:35 Thanks bobm for these super photos. Bodmin General is a gem of a station - and the only original GWR branch line 'terminus' building still standing in Cornwall, I think.
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