West Briton twaddle: I was at Falmouth Docks, and the staff were excellent. Road traffic was arranged in a timely fashion, and we were delayed waiting the branch about an hour. I didnt any angry people at Falmouth Docks.

Indeed, there's precious little time at Truro to waste, so clearing the signals for the departure immediatley the train is occupying the Basy is common practice.

158714 was used on test in the early 90s for testing the branches - here it is at Carbis Bay.

Interested to hear Theresa Villiers MP^▸ (Member of Parliament, or Mile Post - a method of measuring the railway in miles and chains from a starting point - usually London, depending on context) Minister of State for transport on Radio Cornwall confirm that the Sleeper service will be retained within the new franchise. She was in Cornwall on Wednesday speaking about the new franchise, and plans for the services in the Duchy.

I wont be sorry to see the back of them, though I think Exeter depot did a sterling job in maintaining them, especially getting 001 running.

On the subject of Paddington I'm sure a class 143 made it into the Capital once as a passenger train from my Controller days. Cant remember the circumstances but will ask around.

Just a quick reminder about some a blackade starting at Midnight Fri / Sat and running on till 04.20 Wed. Relaying and work on Liskeard viaduct will see buses replace trains between Plymouth & Par. Some engineering trains around too - so look out for some class 59's making into the Duchy in daylight.

Gunnislake branch open, but Looe blocked.

Better get my orange trousers ready for the GF^▸ (Ground Frame) for some Sundays to come!

The trains worked by Pilotman from Penryn to Falmouth Town. The Pilotman accompanies all the trains along the branch.

There's no doubt that Cornwall is becoming a nine or ten month a year resort, particularly for "weekenders". I have often watched stag & hen parties, surfers and revellers cross the bridge at Par and board the Newquay unit on Friday & Saturday afternoons/ evenings, and wonder how they get back on a Sunday.

This will also provide Sunday opening for the Signalboxes too! 

Well we like. The food is filling and tasty (bugers a speciality). Thursday night is quiz night, so a good excuse to go down and have a nice evening. I haven't been there on a weekend but would imagine it's popular. It different to the opther bars & pubs in the area. Love the Cornish Arms as well.
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Sounds a nice weekend you have planned. As a Cornishman I may be biased, but I think you have chosen wisely.

I would consider the idea of Branwells Meadery right outside the station. If you like good portions of food in an informal atmosphere (not to mention the alcohol absortion qualities for later) this will be for you.

I'm from Hayle and this is a nice place to visit two stations away (or bus ride). There's Bird Paradise to visit plus lots of nice pubs like the Cornish Arms and Salt Bar underneath the viaduct.

Sty Ives is a must as well. Sunday would be a good day to visit. Stunning beaches, galleries and walks. And plenty of ice-cream bars & restaurants too. 

Heading West from Penzance is also a treat as already mentioned, and I prefer Sennen to Lands End. The North coast is wonderful, but a little out of reach maybe. But Perranporth, St Agnes & Newquay are good (Newquay oput of season is best).

Enjoy anyway, have a great stay. Craig

The vast majority of passengers are decent fare paying folk. There will always be an element of fare dodgers though.

There has been an instance of desperate people at Truro getting off an up train and walking down the crossing guards at the East end of the station platform, onto the level crossing deck and vaulting the barriers infront of the train. One hopes that a down train isn't running in at linespeed one day.

It was Truro viaduct where the incident occured.

What if they stepped off a coach then? 

It's been very satisfying to see revenue tightened at Truro. Despite the odd evader, I have to say that most of the passengers are carrying tickets.
I just hope the people desperate not to pay dont attempt to use the cattle grids alongside the platform ramps, particularly if the level-crossing barriers are down for another train.