4th February 2021

Venture to
Meldon Quarry
Driver Alan Peters

Hi,
Now that Network Rail has completed the purchase of the Okehampton line is hoped that some engineering trains will be able to run to Meldon to run round to save top and tailing trains, a visit was made in typical wet Dartmoor weather to see if this was possible on 2nd February 2021 where Meldon Viaduct station waits to welcome trains in the future, rolling stock is still stored at Meldon quarry where 61743 DMSO from a class 411 Southern Region 4-CEP is seen.

Alan Peters

MELDON QUARRY A The stock Meldon quarry where 61743 DMSO from a class 411 Southern Region 4-CEP is seen 2nd February 2021 Copyright Alan Peters

MELDON QUARRY The station hopefully awaits passengers again.. 2nd February 2021. Copyright Alan Peters. A nice double slip point seen to the right of the picture.

Alan breaks almost new ground with this trip to Meldon. Many thanks Alan.

Time for tea at
Okehampton
Driver Alan Peters

Hi,
Colas Rail Drivers and Groundstaff enjoy a brew courtesy of the Dartmoor Railway Supporters Association and their dog at Okehampton railway station on 2nd February 2021, with regard to route familiarisation for forthcoming engineering over the coming months as the line is upgraded ready to join the national network now ownership has been transferred to Network Rail. See picture below.

Alan Peters

(Many thanks from the Colas team to Tony Hill and members of the Dartmoor Railway Supporters Association for the refreshments) 

What a happy scene as Colas Rail Drivers and Groundstaff enjoy a brew courtesy of the Dartmoor Railway and their dog at Okehampton railway station on 2nd February 2021, with regard to route familiarisation for forthcoming engineering over the coming months as the line is upgraded ready to join the national network now ownership has been transferred to Network Rail. 2nd February 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Concrete sleepers continue to be stockpiled in the car park once the site of the turntable and engine shed, more sleeper trains are planned hauled by Colas Rail and GBRf. 2nd February 2021. Copyright Alan Peters.

The former Platform 2 once the Down Line, now a siding sees former DCR 31452 and resident 'Gronk' D4167 (08937) stabled with a rake of MKI and MKII coaches. 2nd February 2021.. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

How lucky we are when Alan gets these jobs in the developing rather than contracting railway scene. Many thanks again Alan.
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The WSR in summer 1969
The late John Vines

Two views of Blue Anchor and one of Williton, which make an interesting comparison with the scenes today.  Back in 1969 the branch had been thoroughly rationalised, but both stations were retained as crossing places with level crossings, so were more or less complete with their GWR infrastructure.  -  Andrew.

Blue Anchor station - the level crossing in the Summer 1969. A rake of chocolate and cream camping coaches rests in the siding. We are looking towards Minehead, in the distance Dunster Castle surveys the scene. Copyright The late John Vines.. Courtesy Andrew Vines.

A charming scene - Blue Anchor in the Summer 1969. Copyright The Late John Vines Courtesy Andrew Vines

WILLITON Summer 1969. Copyright The Late John Vines Courtesy Andrew Vines

Many thanks Andrew for your Dads pictures.
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Route Learner today at Exhibition Way
Exeter
David Tozer & Keith Turley

Keith,
Having been scheduled to run from Monday to Friday the route refresher finally ran today with Class 150/2 150207. Working as the 1224 5Z30 Exeter (TMD) to Castle Cary via Honiton. Managed just to get this 'going away' shot in the gloom at Exhibition Way as the unit heads to Pinhoe. Lucky I have a railway line not far from me.

I have spoken to  Roger several times. Hope he gets sorted out soon.
I have my 'Jab' on Saturday.
Keep safe.
Dave.                                  Your message received at 13.21

150207 on Route refresher 12.18 on the 4th February 2021. Copyright David Tozer

Thank you for your 'traffic report' and picture David. I expect that you like the rest of us would like to be on the 'route refresher' - there could be a market for such trains?
Again like the rest of us we all wish Roger a speedy recovery - it's been a long time and I fear a little longer yet. Best of luck with your jab.

150207 on Route refresher 16.38 on the 4th February 2021. Copyright Keith Turley

A rare and welcome visitor to the former LSWR main line,
GWR class 150/2 DMU No.150207 passes Pinhoe on 4th February 2021, working the 5Z31 14:58 Castle Cary to Exeter Central via Yeovil Pen Milland Yeovil Junc. driver route refresher.
Taken while out for my daily exercise in the rain.
Keep safe and stay well.
Keith Turley.  Your message arrived at 18.02.

Many thanks to you Keith - methinks you were on the same bridge as David Tozer. I can pass your e-mail address to David Tozer if you are willing?
Perhaps you could both be 'snapping' if not singing in the rain!!

The route learner at
North Parratt
Bill Elston

A GWR  route learner,  150207,  travelled today from Exeter St David’s to Castle Cary, via Honiton and Yeovil, and return to Exeter Central.
I caught it coming back at North Perrott in poor light ( but at least it didn’t rain).    

150207 at North Parrott Its 14.53 on the 4th February 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill.
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