In many ways the Second World War gave the line a much-needed shot in the arm.

Apart from the extra passengers such as evacuees and servicemen, freight also increased due to petrol rationing. Perhaps the most important developments was the construction of the Naval Air base at Culdrose, adjacent to Helston.

Interestingly an armoured train could briefly be found trundling along the branch, consisting of an ex-Great Eastern F4 class hauling 2 general purpose low sided wagons and two LMS 20 coal wagons. Protected by ¼” steel plate and sporting six naval six pounders, it must have made a formidable sight.

It took several years after the war for things to return to normal, but by 1948 services were comparable to those of 1939. Nationalisation brought few changes, with the ubiquitous 45xx’s working the line with “B” sets, although an ex-LMS suburban made a brief cameo.

Road competition began to kill off freight in the 1950’s, with passenger numbers enjoying an “Indian summer” due in no small part to the close proximity of RNAS Culdrose, and relatively cheap fares.

In 1959 BR Western Region introduced NBL Type 2 diesels to the branch, these as diesel hydraulics, pumped out 1000 hp. The design however, never proved itself in reliability or power, and the diesel era at Helston was short-lived, with steam returning in its final “freight years”