Great Western Coffee Shop

For some weeks when driving along the old A30 now I have noticed some new signs on the Newquay branch near the Goss Moor bridge but not been able to see what they are for. However I come across this on one of the rail forums last night:-

As some of you may be aware, on the Cornish branch line from Par to Newquay, some places had different speed restrictions depending on whether it was a DMU or HST (with DMUs being allowed to travel faster in places)

Last Saturday, the lower & higher speeds were being used - our 8:57 FGW HST from Plymouth arrived into Newquay as timetabled at 10:55. Upon chatting with the train manager (lovely bloke) he informed me about how the line speeds vary (I was already sort of aware of this) and how they are hoping to increase the permitted speed for HSTs to bring it in line with DMUs.

So, yesterday I was on the same train, instead arriving into Newquay at 10:35. The change was obviously in effect, as confirmed by the TM as we chatted about our early arrival. He informed me that the old timetable would carry on in use, with these early arrivals into Newquay. Despite this, the journey back (11:21 Newquay - London Pad) was at the original, lower speed, presumably to save sitting around at Par for 20 - 25 minutes more.

So anyone meeting someone off a Saturday arrival in Newquay, get there 15-20 mins ahead of the timetabled arrival :)

HST'S now operate over the line at the same speed as units , which will bring an improvent in journey times :) There have been some relatively small reductions in speed restrictions too , so even the units may see a 3 /4 minute decrease in branch timings :) Nothing over amazing really :)
Pete

HSTs were reported arriving up to 20 mins early into Newquay at the weekend, were the speed restrictions really making that much difference?
shame about the 221 voyager that couldnt get up luxulyan hill!