Following the Tamar
Craig Munday
Craig Munday
A visit up to the Gunnislake branch to see the progress on the crossing enhancements.
The branch from Plymouth to Gunnislake is a remarkable journey. Sweeping under the Royal Albert Bridge and heading along the river bank following the steps of former crack Southern express services up to Bere Alston. The tempting prospect of the line extending here to Tavistock has great support. Our train however will reverse and set off towards Gunnislake, a meandering trip which sees severe gradients to the majestic Calstock viaduct.
The journey from Calstock to Gunnlislake is 2 miles by road, but the railway performs a series of curves as it reaches destination. Two open crossings in rural settings have to be negotiated, Okeltor and Sandways. Both require the train driver to stop and blow the horn prior to crossing the road. Both these crossings are set to be converted to AOCL crossings in the near future. No barriers will be provided, but road lights and a train drivers white light will show the crossing functioning correctly and will negate the requirement to stop. Both crossings are near to road junctions, as can be seen in the pictures, another headache for the teams involved in the enhancements.
150248 is seen in the lovely February sunshine at Calstock viaduct, and at the crossings. Giving an indication of the tortuous route, you can easily reach the next location by road before the train comes into view!
Also pictured is 2U16 at Tregarne the following day, my study of the mist clinging onto the landscape was rather marred by a pallor of black smoke rising into the sky over Truro. I didnt know the cause. 43094 leads 43172 eastward.
The branch from Plymouth to Gunnislake is a remarkable journey. Sweeping under the Royal Albert Bridge and heading along the river bank following the steps of former crack Southern express services up to Bere Alston. The tempting prospect of the line extending here to Tavistock has great support. Our train however will reverse and set off towards Gunnislake, a meandering trip which sees severe gradients to the majestic Calstock viaduct.
The journey from Calstock to Gunnlislake is 2 miles by road, but the railway performs a series of curves as it reaches destination. Two open crossings in rural settings have to be negotiated, Okeltor and Sandways. Both require the train driver to stop and blow the horn prior to crossing the road. Both these crossings are set to be converted to AOCL crossings in the near future. No barriers will be provided, but road lights and a train drivers white light will show the crossing functioning correctly and will negate the requirement to stop. Both crossings are near to road junctions, as can be seen in the pictures, another headache for the teams involved in the enhancements.
150248 is seen in the lovely February sunshine at Calstock viaduct, and at the crossings. Giving an indication of the tortuous route, you can easily reach the next location by road before the train comes into view!
Also pictured is 2U16 at Tregarne the following day, my study of the mist clinging onto the landscape was rather marred by a pallor of black smoke rising into the sky over Truro. I didnt know the cause. 43094 leads 43172 eastward.
150 248 negotiates Okeltor Crossing on the 2A76 service on the 10th February 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.
A lovely placid scene with a full tide as 150 248 crosses the Tamar. 10th February 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.
150 248 on Sandyways Crossing. Copyright Craig Muanday
11th February on the 2U16 we see 43094 and 43172 atTregarne. Copyright Craig Munday
Many thanks Craig - a good day to be out.
An hour at
Hemerdon
Andrew Triggs.
Hemerdon
Andrew Triggs.
1. XC 43378 passing Sparkwell overbridge working 1V50 06.06 Edinburgh-Plymouth (with 43321) 10.2.2023
2. Tamper DR73905 working 6J44 08.40 Honeybourne Sidings-Plymouth 10.2.2023
3. 43005 leading 2U24 12.50 Penzance-Cardiff Central (with 43010 at the rear) 10.2.2023
4. 800306 working 1C80 12.04 London Paddington-Penzance 10.2.2023
5. 43378 again, now trailing 1E63 15.27 Plymouth-Leeds heading away towards Ivybridge (43321 leading) 10.2.2023
2. Tamper DR73905 working 6J44 08.40 Honeybourne Sidings-Plymouth 10.2.2023
3. 43005 leading 2U24 12.50 Penzance-Cardiff Central (with 43010 at the rear) 10.2.2023
4. 800306 working 1C80 12.04 London Paddington-Penzance 10.2.2023
5. 43378 again, now trailing 1E63 15.27 Plymouth-Leeds heading away towards Ivybridge (43321 leading) 10.2.2023
Picture 1 Sparkwell overbridge, Hemerdon. 10th February 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Picture 2 Sparkwell overbridge, Hemerdon. 10th February 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Picture 3 Sparkwell overbridge, Hemerdon. 10th February 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Picture 4 Sparkwell overbridge, Hemerdon. 10th February 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Picture 1 Sparkwell overbridge, Hemerdon. 10th February 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Many thanks Andrew.
Devon & Cornwall
Chelsea
Simon Howard
Chelsea
Simon Howard
A new regular working for DCRail Freight is collecting aggregates from Newhaven before working them back to Willesden or Acton. Here 60055 is on the down working on Friday 10th February 2023
60055 Devon and Cornwall Railways crossing the Thames at Chelsea. 10th February 2023. Copyright Simon Howard
A close up of 60055 'Devon and Cornwall' Railways crossing the Thames at Chelsea. 10th February 2023. Copyright Simon Howard
Many thanks Simon. Good to see you are keeping an eye on things.