BODMIN BOUND

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: october 2018 :: RMTnews 28 You can pick up a ride on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway (BWR) heritage line by changing platforms from the national rail network at Bodmin Parkway station. This direct rail connection is a great advantage for any heritage line and is the life- blood of the railway according to signalling volunteer and former RMT executive committee member Dave Letcher. “Access to the Network Rail mainline at Bodmin is controlled by a lever frame, under the supervision of NR's Lostwithiel signal box,” he explains. This allows for trains to be brought directly in and out of the line which consists of two parts. On leaving Bodmin Parkway, the first 3 ½ mile route crosses the River Fowey by a five-arch viaduct, and then climbs a steep gradient up towards Bodmin Moor. The one halt is at Colesloggett Halt which providing access to footpaths through Cardinham Woods. Upon reaching Bodmin General station – the headquarters of the railway – trains reverse to take the three mile trip to Boscarne Junction. This lies on the former London and South Western Railway route to Wadebridge and Padstow and the track bed now forms the Camel Trail alongside the River Camel to the sea. The railway aspires to extend alongside this foot/cyclepath towards Wadebridge in the future and has the support of North Cornwall District Council. BWR publicity officer Jimmy James is another member of the hardworking and friendly team that keeps the wheels turning at Bodmin. He explains how the Bodmin Railway Preservation Society was founded in 1984 following the demise of freight traffic from Wenford a year earlier. “Firstly the Bodmin General terminus was rescued from its fate as a second hand furniture shop and was beautifully restored to its former glory as you can see today,” he says. He explains how the Great Western Railway opened its branch line to Bodmin General in 1887, and a year later a junction line was opened to connect with the Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway which opened way back in 1834. “heritage services were resumed in 1989 between Bodmin General and Bodmin Parkway and by 1996 the former junction line was also reopened, with another new station provided as Boscarne Junction,” he says. A tour of the engine sheds also reveals a hive of activity with engines receiving BODMIN BOUND The Bodmin and Wenford Railway is Cornwall’s premier heritage railway line CREW: left to right driver Ashley Helleur, trainee driver Will Marshall and fireman Adam Cox in front of their GWR 4200 Class 2-8-0T heavy freight locomotive