File:23.08.12 Liskeard 150.131 (7871089794).jpg

First Great Western 2-car class 150s are now staple power in Cornwall on stopping services on the mainline. In addition they are drafted in on the branches during the peak summer season to cater for substantially increased traffic levels.

The Liskeard to Looe branch is one of the UKs more interesting lines. Starting off at Liskeard the branch effectively has its own station at right angles to the main line. There is a connecting spur from the mainline joining up to the branch used for stock movements. After leaving Liskeard the line curves round 180° passing under the main Plymouth to Penzance line. At Coombe Junction the line reverses. Operated by a token worked ground frame a couple of trains per day continue on a few hundred yards to reverse at Coombe Junction Halt. Otherwise, trains reverse by the ground frame. After reversing, the line weaves its way through the East Looe River valley ending up at the picturesque coastal town of Looe.

On 23 August 2012, 150.131 was in charge of services on the branch. All was working well until 2L88, 16:13 Looe to Liskeard arrived at the stop board for the conductor to operate the ground frame at Coombe Junction. It failed to release so effectively the train was trapped. As a result the set returned backed to Looe where, initially, road transport was to be laid on. However, the ground frame was fixed and the train returned back some 10 minutes late on its next working, 2L90 17:15 Looe to Liskeard.