It seemed bizarre having a branch line that started perpendicularly from Liskeard station platforms, dropping steeply and curving back on itself to pass underneath Bolitho Viaduct on the Plymouth side of the station, as well as running back on itself in the shadow of Moorswater Viaduct. However, when you realise its forebears were mining tracks and that it was built of a redundant canal towards the coast from there, it becomes more comprehensible.
Luggage is carried shoulder high by a passenger recently arrived off the train from Looe headed by 4568 on 13th July 1955 at Liskeard branch platform. The fence adjacent has been knocked out of shape due to poor manoeuvring by a vehicle owner. 550713A01-LSK-s45##-PARKD
A class 121 single unit waits at Liskeard bay platform on 14th September 1977. Although the station building is not particularly attractive, it has at least been repainted. The person with hands in pockets in the distance is presumably a bemused rail worker! 770914A01-LSK-STATN-VI_SW
Passengers board single carriage blue and grey “Bubble Car” P125 for stations to Looe at Liskeard in the late 1970s. Crash barriers have supplemented the wire fence to reduce the danger of a car on the track now there is more of a need for parking space. 7####AX01-LSK–P125-PAS_O
11th June 1966. With a ‘Plymouth’ destination panel, a 2-car DMU in green livery comes off the incline from Liskeard to run across the pointwork and pause before running back on the right-hand spur to Coombe Junction Halt and onwards to Looe. The points rodding to the left of the track and signal cables to the right show the Signal Box was still in use at this time. 660611A01-COE-2XDMU-PAS_D
Rolling through luxuriant countryside, single car DMU P123 is close to the East Looe River on the branch, though it has few if any passengers. The destination blind assembly above its windscreen has been plated over, and it is finished in blue and grey livery. 8207#AA01-LOO–P123-PAS_O
This Edwardian picture of Looe Station shows a GWR saddle tank loco receiving oiling from the driver between services. There seems to be a short platform on the near side half hidden by a shrub – as the water tank is opposite, possibly a coaling stage. #####AA01-LOO-STEAM-PAS_O
Looe Station, dominated by the water tower in brown and cream finish with chain controls, is quiet in the damp air as 4589 with a 3-coach train waits between turns, gently oozing steam. In the distance, faint in the mist beyond the tree, are vans spread around the yard; beside the loco is a platelayers hut ; and in the foreground a recently-painted mileage post. Photo: Michael Hale. 590721A01-LOO-s4589-PAS_I
It is difficult to make out features in this photograph, but essentially a 45XX tank is running around its train in Looe Station Yard with a railman hanging on to the side. The yard is pretty empty and a light is reflected from the dockside water, devoid of moored boats. 5####AS01-LOO-s45##-SHU_G
Looe Station yard in the 1960s, with demolition beginning to release valuable real estate as the goods traffic has by now rapidly dwindled. Part of the wooden building is still up and piles of spoil lie around the JCB, one of which encroaches the new platform. 6809#AA01-LOO-G_YRD-VI__S
A DMU set in 1971, before cabs were identified by a unit number, is halted at the Looe Station’s stop block after arrival with a service. A new post and chain-link fence, neat tarmac and paving sit a little incongruously with the weather-worn waiting shelter. 710914A01-LOO-DMUX3-PAS_O
The Eric Curnow Collection 