Apart from the loss of certain mineral lines and a few little used stations, West Cornwall's railway network remained intact until 1962-63, when the Helston branch and the Chacewater to Newquay line became pre-Beeching casualties. The Beeching Plan subsequently proposed the closure of the St Ives branch and all the intermediate stations on the Par to Newquay route, but all were subsequently reprieved. Five stations on the main line between St Austell and Penzance were not so fortunate, but seven stations survive today. Thus, with three passenger branch lines also still operating, for the first time since David Mitchell began compiling volumes in this series he was able to travel by rail to obtain about a half of the 'present' photos, and he is happy to report that his journeys over these fascinating and picturesque routes were undertaken on what appeared to be a well-used and largely efficient railway. * The Great Western main line from St Austell to Penzance * Routes to Newquay * Truro to Falmouth * The St Ives branch * The Trenance Valley branch * Burngullow to St Dennis Junction * The Retew branch * The Helston branch * Hayle wharves