6th November 2022

RHTT at Crediton on Sunday
David Tozer

The St Blazey based Rail Head Treatment Train ventured out in daylight today so a trip to Crediton where I caught up with it.

1) 66069 arrives at Crediton. It headed out on to the Okehampton line and then came back into the station with 66129 leading. Copyright David Tozer

66069 arrives back at Crediton from the Okehampton line with 66129 leading. Copyright David Tozer

Also seen at Crediton was 165122 with the 1236 Barnstaple to Exeter Central - a rare visitor to the line. It appears that the RHTT has more ventures planned in daylight tomorrow. Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David

Honiton 
Andrew & Diane Jones

Dear Keith and Valerie  Please find attached photographs of work continuing today on Honiton Tunnel. The site is difficult to see from any public viewpoint, with a glimpse from Coombewater road bridge just possible. The two photographs were taken by my youngest daughter Dr Sienna Taylor and her husband Brendan Taylor who did their best to capture a quick possession by network rail who I assume were taking advantage of todays rail disruption caused by a proposed rail strike which was cancelled too late to save services on the Axminster to Exeter Central line.
Honiton Tunnel has suffered numerous landslips in recent years caused by complex geology and natural springs, which culminated in a derailment during 2001 and is classed as one of the most at risk sites in the south of England.
Two retaining walls have been built some 32 metres in length and 16 metres in length including improved drainage and extensive ground works.
Very best wishes from Andrew and Diane.

Honiton Tunnel East entrance major works nearing completion 5th November 2022. Copyright Brendan Taylor

Honiton Tunnel East entrance major works nearing completion. View from Coombewater bridge. 5th November 2022. Copyright Brendan Taylor

With many thanks to Brendan and Sienna

Melksham
Guy Vincent

Good afternoon Keith
                                       The RMT strike due to take place today (5th November 2022) was unexpectedly cancelled on Friday afternoon,  meaning that it was not possible to reinstate the normal Saturday timetable and so leaving many routes with no services.   One very welcome addition that did get slotted in was a 3S32 STP 1002 Swindon Transfer - Swindon Transfer via Bristol Parkway, Temple Meads (rev) - Parkway - Swindon (rev) -Oldfield Park (rev) -Westbury (rev) - Swindon Rail Head Treatment Train.  Rather than the pair of Colas class 66s that have been working the Swindon RHTT of late, motive power turned out to be class 56s 56105 and 56096, very rare traction for the Melksham branch.    I braved the elements, went out in the less than favourable weather and recorded the working as it passed through Melksham station.

Note: I saw it reported that overnight (4th-5th Nov) a second pair of 56s, 56049 and 56090, worked a 3S59 2100 (Fri) Swindon - Bristol - Westbury - Bristol - Exeter St Davids - Bristol - Swindon RHTT.  Hopefully someone recorded this rare and almost certainly unique event at Exeter?

Regards for now, Guy Vincent.

Melksham 56105 & 56096 TnT 3S321002 Swindon Transfer-Bristol-Westbury-Swindon RHTT 5th November 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent

Melksham 56096 rear of 3S32 1002 Swindon-Bristol-Westbury-Swindon 5th November 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy, a brave man turning out in the face of bad conditions.
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