Items added on 23rd January 2017 Those added most recently come first

More, a lot more on the
​Avoncliff PW
Guy Vincent

Avoncliff Relaying Job  22.01.2017 (Week one of two) 

Today (22nd) Network Rail contractors were engaged in a 28 hour possession, the first of two, removing contaminated ballast and installing a liner on the Up Trowbridge line through Avoncliff Aqueduct and Halt on the Bath-Westbury line, a distance of around 100 yards.    New ballast was laid, the previously used steel sleepers (about 20 years old) were relaid and new rails put in place including a pre-assembled IBJ for signalling purposes.   A fair amount of preparatory work was necessary prior to this work so here is a brief account.
This account and many pictures will appear as an article in the Features section for the weekend of the 22nd January 2017.
​ Click here and scroll down to  Major Work in Wiltshire January 2017
                                                            Avoncliff tracks being refettled  by Guy Vincent

Frost still lingers in the Avoncliff valley as 66019 handles the Spoil train on the 22nd January 2017. Copyright Guy Vincent

Job done, very well done as Avoncliff Halt looks a picture on the 23rd January 2017. Copyright Guy Vincent

Camborne Footbridge - gone abroad!
Paul Burkhalter

Hi Keith,
At noon yesterday  (22nd) I observed a road trailer with the upper part of the footbridge parked up in the A38 westbound layby on the Devon side of the Tamar Bridge. Seemed odd that it was on this side of the road! 
Does anyone know where it’s going for refurbishment?
Sorry no pics – unexpected encounter!
Cheers,  Paul.        Many thanks Paul.      Can anyone help please??

Class 47s on the Exeter-Waterloo Services at Salisbury
Michael Forward

910718a 47707 'Holyrood' with the 09.45 from Exeter and the 11.05 to London Waterloo. 18th July,1991. Copyright Michael Forward

910718b 47709 one of three 47s in view with the 11.00 from London Waterloo, the 12.31 departure to Exeter. 18th July 1991. Copyright Michael Forward

921222a Another colourful shot with 47703 'The Queen Mother' heading the 12.07 from Exeter, the 14.09 to London Waterloo. Copyright Michael Forward

RAILTOUR  RAILTOUR
​Bodmin & Wenford

BRANCH  LINE  SOCIETY - ALL  LINES  COVERED

​Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Sunday 12 March 2017: General Station, Bodmin, PL31 1AQ, (SX073664).  https://goo.gl/CYWIZI  Our third visit to this lovely and very friendly 6m 14ch standard gauge railway. If you were on either or both of the previous trips in November 2013 and November 2014 there will be extra track to help complete our coverage. A fourth trip is not likely in the foreseeable future so come on this one while you can. Starting Bodmin Parkway at 12.15 (connection from Bristol Temple Meads 08.28 and at 09.47 from Penzance) and expected to finish 16.30. Maximum party 60; £20 BLS and PLEG members (£22 non-members) including a hot Cornish pasty, stock list, detailed track map and souvenir ticket. Travelling in three brake vans, with ex-BR Class 08444, Industrial P403D 'Denise' and (as part of 50th Anniversary of the class) 50042. Real ale will be for sale on the train. Route, subject to availability, includes the full length of the Refuge Sidings, Loco Shed No3 Road, Parkway Shed roads (including inside one), Parkway end of line/run-round, Boscarne Jn end of line/run-round, Bodmin General run-round. Please apply to Kev Adlam, 53 Kemble Close, Wistaston, CREWE, CW2 6XN,  enclosing a cheque payee 'Branch Line Society' or CPA with an email address or SAE (and a second SAE if an immediate acknowledgement is required).

Perranwell Viaduct
Roger Winnen

Perranwell Viaduct on the Chacewater - Newquay branch between Perranporth and Goonhavern taken on 2nd March 1974. The mine engine house in the background is that of New Chiventon lead mine. This mine produced 300 tons of 73% lead ore, 1,300 ounces of silver, 25 tons of arsenic, 640 tons of zinc ore and 15 tons of pyrite between 1864 and 1878. Courtesy Mining in Cornwall. Picture by Roger Winnen Copyright

Eggesford Signalbox
John Cornelius

It had a modern signal box which was built to replace the one washed away when the closeby and very adjacent River Taw broke its banks. This signalbox was in existence at Eggesford until 1987, however the line has since been rationalised and the passing loop automated with the use of spring points. Token exchange is now carried out by the driver in an unmanned hut located on each platform. The conductor/guard is also required to operate the level crossing at the station as well as this is not automatic. Token release and train signalling is carried out by Crediton signalbox. Copyright John Cornelius

Dorchester Railtour  2010
Mike Morant

30777 Weymouth - Byfleet & New Haw - Surbiton - Wimbledon - Clapham Junction - Queenstown Road (Battersea) - London Waterloo

The returning Dorset Coast Express hauled by Maunsell N15 no. 30777 Sir Lamiel passes gingerly through Dorchester South station on 28/7/2010. [Mike Morant]

The returning Dorset Coast Express hauled by Maunsell N15 no. 30777 Sir Lamiel passes gingerly through Dorchester South station and continues on its way on 28/7/2010. [Mike Morant]