Track Work in the Treleigh area.
Graham Mann Network Rail Prigramme Manager
John Vincent
Thanks for your recent info re the vintage track still in use at Maiden Newton. I well remember the 'Track Topics' book that the information came from as it was in the library at my secondary school and I used to take it out continuously for periods of many weeks, even months at a time! Track and fittings have always been of interest and it is surprising just how much variety there still is once you start taking a look around. Even places such as Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton stations contain several variations in sleepers and fixings. My dislike though is the increasing use of steel sleepers as pictured in your recent Cornish update. Sadly these are quite common on lines where the maximum speed is no more than 75mph, a large portion of the Melksham single line has them also the Salisbury-Westbury and Westbury-Weymouth routes.
You may like to know that the two 'prototype' class 150-0 3 car Sprinter sets are moving to the Bristol area, in fact I saw 150002 this morning on a Severn Beach service. They are both in GWR Green livery with digital display screens, not bad for units first used in 1984!
Friday just gone (13th) was hardly 'unlucky' as I saw three class 37s at Temple Meads at the same time! Two, 37099 and 97304 (37217) were on test trains and the third, 37402, was on an inspection special with saloon 975025 'Caroline'. I did take some pictures but, being fairly late in the afternoon the light was poor and they're not that good. I've attached some reduced size images but will in no way be offended if, like me, you decide they are too poor to use. Too good to miss!! KJ
With all good wishes, Guy Vincent
Many thanks Guy, your letter is, as usual, a mine of information.
A vintage Reference
Bill Haines
My understanding from a great aunt (his granddaughter) is that he carried the letter to Italy where trained engine drivers on their newly formed railway system.
This may be of interest for your records.
Regards
Bill Haines
A very valuable document - please ensure it is kept in a safe place. - many thanks for sending in a copy.
St Austell
Jamie Dyke
John Cornelius