9th July 2021

The Northern Belle
Bristol-Plymouth
Par being cancelled

210709c Departure at 16.55 taken from the road overbridge leading to the former Royal Eye Hospital. Copyright Roger Winnen

47802 leading the return 'Northern Belle' passing by Hurley's Overbridge at 18.35 Copyright Andrew Triggs

 For further coverage go into Features

Click here for Features 2115 July-December 2021

A Gem from the Past
City of Truro at Penzance
Michael Forward

Hello Roger,I was sorting through some pictures and came across this gem from over 60 years ago. Those of us of a certain age will remember ‘City of Truro’ coming down with an exhibition train to do with the introduction of Westward ITV(in April1961). Here we see a crowded cab,which would give the present day Health and Safety people a fit! Also of the DMU stabled in Platform 2. Copyright Michael Forward

Many thanks Michael that photograph brings back many memories

Remodelling
Bristol East Jct.
Chris Bellett

Major engineering work commences at Bristol Temple Meads on Saturday 10 July 2021 and continues for several weeks into September 2021.  This is the major remodelling of Bristol East Junction.   Once this work is completed, hopefully, electrification will be able to be extended from Bristol Parkway and Chippenham to Bristol Temple Meads.  The last time the junction was remodelled was in 22nd February 1970 when the ‘new’ Bristol Power Signalbox was opened.  I travelled over the old junction way back in 1969 when it was still signalled by the 1930s GWR Power Signalbox at Bristol East.  Attached are two photographs of the old arrangement (apologies for the very poor quality of these but they were taken at the time on slide film, and they have deteriorated in quality over the intervening years (bit like me then).
 
Kind Regards,
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer
CRS Member

BRISTOL EAST JUNCTION REMODELLING 01 In 1969 - when still signalled by the 1930's Bristol East Power box. Copyright Chris Bellett

BRISTOL EAST JUNCTION REMODELLING 02 In 1969 - when still signalled by the 1930's Bristol East Power box. Copyright Chris Bellett

Many thanks Chris - we look forward to further reports as the scheme develops.
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Uffington White Horse
Andy Richings

Andy writes :-  I'm not sure if the attached view of an unidentified IET is of any interest. It's a snap shot taken earlier today (8th July 2021)  whilst walking around a field in the Vale of the White Horse. The train is eastbound between the site of the old Knighton Crossing and Uffington. 

I don't recall seeing the Uffington White Horse appear in many views on the site and unfortunately it isn't that clear in this view. 

The IET is also well camouflaged with it's GWR livery merging into the hedge, trees and embankment. 

Best Regards, Andy Richings 

In these conditions it is difficult to make out the IET and nigh impossible due to reproduction limitations to see the White horse. However it lies on the hillside about 3/8 of the way from Left to Right. Copyright Andy Richings

A 'zoom in' to Andys picture reveals the White Horse. It's about two and half miles south of the main line and admittedly difficult to see. 8th July 2021. Copyright Andy Richings.

Courtesy Wikipedia - The Uffington White Horse is a prehistoric hill figure, 110 m (360 ft) long, formed from deep trenches filled with crushed white chalk. The figure is situated on the upper slopes of White Horse Hill in the English civil parish of Uffington (in modern Oxfordshire, but traditionally in Berkshire  B, some 10 mi (16 km) east of Swindon (5 mi) south of the town of Faringdon  and a similar distance west of the town of Wantage  or  1.6 miles south of Uffington. The hill forms a part of the scarp of the Berkshire Downs and overlooks the Vale of the White horse to the north. The best views of the figure are obtained from the air,

You will get a clear view from a better perspective if you try this link https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/white-horse-hill

Many thanks for the picture Andy - we'll very much have to keep our eyes peeled to see this one!!