Chairman’s Notes May 2008

Another exciting milestone has been achieved. The first locomotive to operate under its own power since the Helston Branch was closed, ran on Sunday 18 May  With the careful tender loving care of engineer Lester Rowell, The Helston Diesel Group’s Ruston engine was started and with Lester and myself at the controls, we were able to move the shunter – after making sure the brakes were fully operational first! Although the shunter moved only a few yards, the engine, transmission and brake system all worked smoothly, despite being well over 50 years old. Will today’s Sprinters and Voyagers last that long I wonder?

The Diesel Group’s Work on the Park Royal DMU is also progressing well and both cars are now resplendent in their new green paint and virtually all the interior seating and fittings have been installed – even the curtains in First Class.

Track laying continues to progress led by John Sumbler and his team and we have now laid the main running line through what will become the station platform. In addition, our volunteers have been carrying out earthworks at the station site and what will become the platform infill and a goods bay can now be clearly seen. A revised planning application will need to be made for the station at Trevarno as following the access we now have at Gansey, we no longer need the loading spur at Trevarno. This means we can build a traditional country wayside station with goods siding, more in keeping with the area and offering better access for our visitors.

We have also taken delivery of a wooden building which we have converted into a souvenir shop and exhibition of the line. Our fundraising team Alan Burton and Marcus Wade have been particularly busy setting this up and the shop is now resplendent in Great Western colours. We have a rota of volunteers to staff the shop most days of the week and I would like to thank everyone who has been able to spare their time to help with this.

Further along the track bed, we have now completely removed the large amount of soil infill that had been dumped in the cutting before the embankment. Despite all the years this has been there, the cleared track bed is still sound and the remains of the original ballast can still be seen. Thanks to Lester, Ken and Trevor who carried out most of this work and Hewden Hire for allowing us use of their plant.

We have also cleared the vegetation from the top of the former platform at Truthall, and uncovered the wooden foundations on which the Pagoda shelter used to stand.  

Annual General Meeting 2008

This will take place on 10 June at 6:30pm at the Methodist Church, Coinagehall Street, Helston (opposite Woolworths).