St Blazey Turntable
Neil Phillips
Since it has been nearly a year since my last report on the restoration of St Blazey’s turntable, an update is overdue – however it has been difficult to gauge progress lately due to the erection of tent covers on the deck. However earlier this year the two vacuum tanks and four support wheels were removed to enable access to the main structure to allow preparation for painting. This has now begun and the wheels have recently been reattached. However the tanks are still separate and can be seen in front of the fuel tank in my pictures below.
In my last report in May 2022 I included two photos taken in March showing a pair of long-lost rails uncovered during vegetation clearance. I was very surprised to discover that, not only has this road off the turntable now been completely cleared, but it forms a loop back onto the branch into Par Docks – the set of points visible from the level crossing gates, which I had assumed had been retained as a catch point leading into bushes, was still connected to the turntable under the vegetation!
Photos taken on Saturday 1st April 2023.
Best regards,
Neil Phillips