Looe branch line - timetables, cancellations, engineering work, closures and incidents (merged posts)

[whole diary]

[FarWestJohn]

I went from Perranwell to Looe today and all the trains seemed fairly busy compared with the other week. The Looe train was very well patronised with plenty of suitcases in evidence and there were extra buses running from Liskeard. The 255 on the way back was well used especially at Bodmin, Par and Truro.

[bobm]

Reports of a car being in collision with a train at Coombe Crossing on the Liskeard to Looe line.

Car driver initially trapped but now freed and not seriously hurt.

Rail service suspended for the rest of the day.

[bobm]

Somewhat confusing report from Cornwall Live

https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/live-trains-stopped-cancelled-after-8467688

[grahame]

At least they 'explain' there not-quite-right picture.  An IET^▸ (Intercity Express Train - replacement for HSTs (manufactured by Hitachi in Kobe, Japan)) to Looe seems unlikely, even in many years time when they're on gentler duties like the castles now are.

[bobm]

Overnight a train has derailed on the Looe Branch.

It appears the train continued past Coombe Junction Halt towards Moorswater and derailed on catch points.

The branch is closed as a result. 

It is the latest disruption on the line after flooding near Looe has closed it on several occasions in recent days - and is set to do the same over the next two days.

[Mark A]

This one perhaps...

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U80081/2023-11-01/detailed

Mark

[GBM]

It derailed, but went through to Par later on?
Surely if it derailed, it would stay there until lifted back on track, etc.
Seems to have arrived at Par 0613

[Mark A]

Good point. Seems that Realtimetrains date for things involving Looe branch is a bit awry at the moment - e.g. the site's not flagging the passenger service as cancelled today.

Mark

[stuving]

It's reported that it was 2Q08 - the Network Rail Track Recording Unit (950001). Oh dear - meant to be non-destructive, isn't it?

It's last shown as leaving Liskeard P3, so perhaps the crew, not being regulars, hadn't realised they had to check the ground frame before entering Coombe. That could certainly cause a points failure, which is NR^» (Network Rail - home page)'s current description. The TRU wouldn't have any reason to go to or towards Moorswater, would it?

[GBM]

Alterations to services between Liskeard and Looe
Due to a train hitting an obstruction on the line earlier today between Liskeard and Looe:
Train services running to and from these stations have been suspended. Disruption is expected until 09:30 07/11.
Customer Advice
We're sorry for the delay to your journey.

The 05:57 Liskeard to Looe service struck a tree in the Causeland area. The train was able to continue its journey but some damage was caused which requires an inspection by one of our engineers. Until this is carried out the service on the line between Liskeard and Looe has been suspended.

[ChrisB]

GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) tweeted that taxis are being supplied at Looe & at Liskeard.

[TaplowGreen]

A victim of BBQ Sunday yesterday, and it's Bank Holiday Monday today so......

Cancellations to services between Liskeard and Looe
Due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time between Liskeard and Looe the line is closed.
Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until 12:00 26/08.

[grahame]

A victim of BBQ Sunday yesterday, and Bank Holiday Monday today so......

Cancellations to services between Liskeard and Looe
Due to more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time between Liskeard and Looe the line is closed.
Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until 12:00 26/08.

Gosh - I hadn't noticed yesterday.

I guess (tell me if I'm wrong) that this is caused by a trains failing / short term fault ("broken down train") and, sure, these things happen occasionally.  But it highlights how thinly resourced and specialised our railway is today.  No dropping off a carriage or two off a train that calls at Liskeard ... and it sounds like there isn't another anywhere in the Plymouth area.  Should the main line be run with class 175 trains next year, perhaps we'll see a 4 or 5 car main line train being reduced by 2 cars in the event of a branch line failure.  Is that part of the plan?

Bank holiday Monday.  It's cloudy and just 14 degrees in Looe this morning , rising to 19 by lunchtime, Some clouds in the sky, which are expected to clear shortly and it will be a lovely if cool morning.

[bobm]

A two car unit has left Laira depot for Liskeard to resume the branch service with the 11:36 to Looe.

[RichardB]

A two car unit has left Laira depot for Liskeard to resume the branch service with the 11:36 to Looe.

Obviously sad to lose the earlier services (especially the 10 36 ex Liskeard) but good to see that, once that unit had arrived, the full service was provided for the rest of the day.