15th May 2021

Two new yellow discs at
Bodmin General
Chris Bellett

Chris writes :-  Hello Keith, Hope all is well with your goodself?
 A few weeks ago, you published on the website my piece about the last surviving Yellow Disc shunt signal in Devon and Cornwall at Lostwithiel being abolished.  Well, what goes around comes around.  On Wednesday 12 May 2021 on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway at Bodmin General station we commissioned not just one but two new Yellow Disc shunt signals as per the attached photographs. Funny old world is it not?
 Kind Regards, Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer
(B&WR Chief S&T Engineer)

Bodmin General Two new Discs 12th May 2021 Copyright Chris Bellett

Bodmin General Two new Discs 12th May 2021. Copyright Chris Bellett

Many thanks Chris
​

A visit to the 
Dean Forest Railway
Paul Barlow

A couple of weeks ago Paul announced that he was taking a holiday to the Dean Forest. Well = Lydney station is just on our border - the Freedom of the South West Railrover so an excuse for us to join him. 

Paul writes :- Some shots from my visit last week to the Dean Forest railway.
The railway is running weekend services at the moment.  You are only permitted to make a round trip. Strictly per booking only, not allowed to open doors yourself and masks to be worn on the train. Boarding of trains in controlled small groups. Very well organized and a very pretty line.
Hope all is well. All the best. Paul 

Pauls coverage starts with this lovely shot at Parkend. 5541 arrives at Parkend on the 13.50 Parkend-Lydney junc-Parkend trip 25 April 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow

5541 at Parkend on the 12.00 Parkend to Lydney junc-on the 25th April 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow

D3937 (08769) with Dogfish Ballast hoppers at Parkend 25th April 2021, Copyright Paul Barlow.

At Lydney Junction 5541 stands with the 13. 50 Lydney junc to Parkend trip on the 25th April 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow.

Time for a quick look at Lydney Jct. We see 08238 (was based at Newton Abbot 1977, was regular shunter at Exeter) 31466 plus another class 31 sheeted over Lydney jct. 25th April 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow

A gleaming 31466 rests at Lydney Junction. 25th April 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow.

For more information on this delightful and scenic railway and plans for it to extend to Speech House junction please click here https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Dean_Forest_Railway

Many thanks to you Paul.
​

Weekend work at
Wilton Junction
Chris Bellett

Hi Keith,  Latest signalling alterations in our area.
 Kind Regards,
Chris Bellett
Retire S&T Engineer

​From NR Wessex WON - Week 7/2021
 
WILTON JUNCTION
FROM 0400 HOURS MONDAY 17 MAY 2021
 
In connection with the Stage 3 S&C renewals the following works and alterations will take place;
 
A new power operated Ground Switch Panel (GSP) will be installed and brought into operational use with the associated
signalling equipment to control and facilitate movements to/from the Goods Line.
 
New Ground Switch Panel (GSP) power operated 5A/B IBCL Mk2 type Points Operating Equipment (POE) will be
installed and brought into operational use on the Up and Down Warminster lines between 132m 21ch and 132m 25ch
approximately 70 metres (76 yards) from the previous GF 5 (A/B ends) positions.
 
A new 15mph miniature Permissible Speed Indicator (PSI) with a left-(hand) direction arrow will be installed on the Down
Warminster line at the toes of GSP 5A points at 132m 25ch.
 
A new 15mph miniature Permissible Speed Indicator (PSI) with a left-(hand) direction arrow will be installed on the Up
Warminster line at the toes of GSP 5B points at 132m 21ch.
 
Ground Switch Panel (GSP) 6 Position Light Signal (PLS) will be re-installed at its previous location at the exit of the
Goods Line.
 
Ground Switch Panel (GSP) 7 Position Light Signal (PLS) will be re-installed on the Up Warminster line at 132m 26ch
and moved by 101 metres (110 yards) towards country (Warminster) from the previous position.
 
The existing SY250 Position Light Signal (PLS) (GSP Signal 8) on the Down Warminster line at 132m 28ch will be
moved by 15 metres (16 yards) towards country (Warminster).
 
Previous Ground Frame points 5 (B end) on the Up Warminster line at 132m 26ch will be removed and `Plain lined`.
 
The existing illuminated Limit of Shunt (LOS) sign on the Down Warminster (Up direction) at 132m 10ch will be removed
and recovered and replaced with a new LED type LOS signal installed on the Down Warminster (Up direction) at 132m
08ch approximately 34 metres (37 yards) towards country (Warminster) from the previous LOS sign position.
 
The existing 75mph Permissible Speed Indicator (PSI) on the Up Warminster line at 132m 24ch will be renewed and
moved 141 metres (154 yards) towards country (Warminster).
 
The existing 40 mph Permanent Speed Advanced Warning Indicator (AWI) situated at 131M 55ch and associated
permanent magnet on the Down Warminster will be moved 503 metres (550 yards) towards country (Warminster).
 
………………………………………………………………….

Many thanks Chris.
​