Hello Keith,
This week, I have been working in Devon. The High Output train has been in action in the Wrangaton area on the Up Main. This has resulted in the Down Main still opened for traffic, and over 200 yards of rail replaced, tamped and ready for traffic each morning. Quite an awesome feat bearing in mind the engineering, operational and time constraints.
Each evening the Output train travels down from Taunton to Plymouth to cross over, and return to Hemerdon on the Up. It enters the engineers possession there shortly after it is taken, accompanied by the on track machines from Tavistock Jn.
Around midnight, two Up trains run from Plymouth, and this has required Single Line Working (SLW) over the Down main between the crossovers at Hemerdon & Aish near South Brent - some 8 miles. I have been the Pilotman which required being present to personally authorise each train along the section, and to issue a Driver's ticket. The first train 2E78 a 5 car unit has been sent each evening, and then I have been riding with the GWR Night Riviera through the section to Aish. On arrival there, the points are reset and I travel back with 1C98 the last Paddington to Plymouth HST.
The train trip through the section has been fascinating. An army of staff working on the Up line with the immense train split in two, complemented with On Track plant and On track plant all stretched out over a mile or so. All lit up like a film set whilst we creep past the site at 20mph.
It's been poignant to hop off at Aish and see the powerful class 57 regain the UM line and see the train snake through the crossover, with all the blinds firmly shut on the sleeping cars, satisfied that the snoozing customers have travelled by soundly with no concept of the work going on just a mile or so down the track.
All the best, Craig
Fascinating details of what goes on through the night to keep the railways running. Many thanks to Craig.
This week, I have been working in Devon. The High Output train has been in action in the Wrangaton area on the Up Main. This has resulted in the Down Main still opened for traffic, and over 200 yards of rail replaced, tamped and ready for traffic each morning. Quite an awesome feat bearing in mind the engineering, operational and time constraints.
Each evening the Output train travels down from Taunton to Plymouth to cross over, and return to Hemerdon on the Up. It enters the engineers possession there shortly after it is taken, accompanied by the on track machines from Tavistock Jn.
Around midnight, two Up trains run from Plymouth, and this has required Single Line Working (SLW) over the Down main between the crossovers at Hemerdon & Aish near South Brent - some 8 miles. I have been the Pilotman which required being present to personally authorise each train along the section, and to issue a Driver's ticket. The first train 2E78 a 5 car unit has been sent each evening, and then I have been riding with the GWR Night Riviera through the section to Aish. On arrival there, the points are reset and I travel back with 1C98 the last Paddington to Plymouth HST.
The train trip through the section has been fascinating. An army of staff working on the Up line with the immense train split in two, complemented with On Track plant and On track plant all stretched out over a mile or so. All lit up like a film set whilst we creep past the site at 20mph.
It's been poignant to hop off at Aish and see the powerful class 57 regain the UM line and see the train snake through the crossover, with all the blinds firmly shut on the sleeping cars, satisfied that the snoozing customers have travelled by soundly with no concept of the work going on just a mile or so down the track.
All the best, Craig
Fascinating details of what goes on through the night to keep the railways running. Many thanks to Craig.
The HOBC at Tavistock Junction headed by 66550 21st May 2018 Copyright Craig Munday
Evening shadows as the HOBC makes its way to the worksite. 22nd May 2018 Copyright Craig Munday
Lit by the moon, plus other sources. The HOBC at Wrangaton. 23rd May 2018 Copyright Craig Munday
Out & back Today
Plymouth to Westbury
Chris Finan
Plymouth to Westbury
Chris Finan
43018 & 43164 on the 1A82 Penzance to Plymouth at Exeter St Davids. 1 coach short and in reverse formation. I took this train from Plymouth, changing at Exeter to get on the 1217 to Paddington "stopper" with 43094 & 43171, which was also in reverse formation but had a full compliment of 8. 24th May 2018 Copyright Chris Finan.
158950 (with refurbished seats) at Westbury with the 1613 (ex 1423 from Portsmouth Harbour) terminating at Bristol TM due to engineering works (would be a Cardiff Central service) next to a 2 car 158763 awaiting a direction change before heading to Swindon. 24th May 2018. Copyright Chris Finan
43164 & 43018 taking me on the 1623 Westbury to Plymouth (the 1503 Pad - Pnz), having already had this 7 coach set on the 1100 out of Plymouth this morning to Exeter. 24th May 2018. Copyright Chris Finan.
Looks like you had a good day Chris - many thanks.
Todays IET pictured at Marazion
Roger Salter
Roger Salter
180524c 800022 Today's IET the 11.07 Penzance to Exeter is seen passing through Marazion. Copyright Roger Salter
All Tickets Please!
at Camborne today
Roger Winnen
at Camborne today
Roger Winnen
A Ticket Machine will be soon installed on the up platform at Camborne Station, the foundations have been put in place with the site being fenced off at the moment, this is at the end of the station building.
So it will be no excuse for not having a ticket! as heavy penalty fares are applicable over the national rail system.
So it will be no excuse for not having a ticket! as heavy penalty fares are applicable over the national rail system.
180524a Class 158766 departs Camborne on the 11.12 service to Plymouth behind 158766. Copyright Roger Winnen
180524b Ticket checks at Camborne this morning as passengers leave the 06.35 service from Paddington. Over on the right is the fenced off area beside the station sign where the ticket machine will be located. Copyright Roger Winnen
IET 800020 on its training run arrives St Austell
Richard Kitson
Richard Kitson
180523a 800020 recently double named Elizabeth Ralph and Bob Woodward on 18th April 2018 approaches St Austell Station on yesterdays training run to Exeter. Copyright Richard Kitson
Plymouth
A powerful picture by Clive Smith
A powerful picture by Clive Smith
Champion with typical 'clag' and no doubt powerful roar which one can easily imagine pulls away from Plymouth - many thanks Clive.
D1015 Western Champion, sporting golden ochre livery and carrying Sir Misha Black nameplates, storms out of Plymouth on 27th January 2005 with the 1Z52 09.30 Gloucester to Par railtour "The Eden Flyer". An unidentified Virgin Class 57 'Thunderbird' awaits on the through road with a Voyager set. Fingers crossed that 1015 makes its long awaited re-appearance at Plymouth on 25th August later this summer on the Western Glory railtour. Copyright Clive Smith
Steam on the Menu
at Exminster
David Tozer
at Exminster
David Tozer
Lunch at the Swan's Nest (Exminster) produced the sight of steam, sorry not on the main line, but in the car park. Out on the real railway DR75407 was heading to Plymouth from Westbury and 158766 made up part of the Paignton - Cardiff service along with a Class 153. Cheers Dave Many Thanks Dave
158766 on a Paignton to Cardiff service. 23rd May 2018 Copyright David Tozer
DR75407 on a Westbury to Plymouth working on the 23rd May 2018 Copyright David Tozer. N.B. The distant view of the M5 bridge gives away the location.
Luckily not on the main line! Steam in the form of a Traction Engine seen at the Swans Nest, Exminster. 23rd May 2018 Copyright David Tozer N.B. Guess it was thirsty as well.
Above St Germans
Chris Harvey
Chris Harvey
St Germans With the River Tiddy on the left, and the Lynher in the background, the 1535 Paddington - Penzance is captured rounding the curve. Copyright Chris Harvey. A lovely picture with the reflection of the blue sky from the blue sky completing the scene.
Class31's in Devon
Ron Kosys
Ron Kosys
Many thanks to Ron Kosys we continue our coverage of 31's in Devon in 1989. Here we see 31455+31403 at Kingskerswell with the 1M65 on the 1537 Saturdays Paignton-Liverpool 5th August 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys The first pair returned with 1M65 1537 Paignton to Liverpool 31455 and 31403 are seen here at Kingskerswell
The second pair had a layover at Paignton before returning with 1M63 1835 Paignton to Wolverhampton. 31425 and 31426 were photographed passing Cockwood Harbour. Copyright Ron Kosys
Bristol T M
John Cornelius
John Cornelius
Copyright John Cornelius
Copyright John Cornelius