17th March 2021

Station throat examined at
Weymouth
Guy Vincent

Work again took me to Weymouth today (14th March 2021) and an extended 2 hour break was included.  Time enough to walk the entire route again from the Ferry Terminal to Alexander bridge and back, taking yet another set of photos as I went.
Here are a few of the end of the line not usually covered, that around Weymouth Junction, Jubilee and Jersey Sidings. The location is Alexander bridge.  The modern three section bridge now in use dates from August 2006, cost over £640,000 and replaced the original GWR simple lattice-girder footbridge originally built in 1891.  
With regards, Guy Vincent.

1) 165128 waits to enter the station where it will form the 1407 departure for Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Guy Vincent.

2) Weymouth Jubilee siding, Desiro Compound (containing GWR Turbos 166218 & 166207) and Weymouth Junction.

3) Weymouth Junction Up Tramway signal DR194, now permanently showing a red aspect. Copyright Guy Vincent.

4) Weymouth station throat with former railway land now sold off on right. Weymouth's 1957 signal box was formerly situated to the left. Copyright Guy Vincent.

5) A close-up view of the remaining section of single track that forms the first stage of the tramway. Too far gone to ever carry another train, even the ballast seems to have disappeared.. Copyright Guy Vincent.

6) I've added a historic image from my late friend David Bartlett's collection showing D1071 Western Renown arriving at Weymouth with an unidentified 'ADEX' on Easter Monday, 19th April 1976. Taken from a public footpath on the east side of the line all the land beyond the loco has now been redeveloped but back in 1976 was used for stabling coaching stock including the South Western TPO. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Looking at the state of the track on the Harbour branch as it was lifted * I wondered at refusal to run any more trains on the trains being given as 'Poor state of the track'. However looking at the condition of the track in picture 5 I see very good reason. * Click here for track lifting section and scroll to 2023.

Many thanks indeed Guy - your two hours were time extremely well spent.
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The end of the line - down sidings removal notice
Lostwithiel 
Chris Bellett

In connection with Alan Peters photograph of Clay Hoods in the Down Bay sidings at Lostwithiel.  The sidings are now officially out of use and to be recovered.  Here is an extract from this weeks NR Weekly Operating Notice:

"LOSTWITHIEL WITH IMMEDIATE  EFFECT  AND UNTIL  FURTHER NOTICE
Please  note  following  establishment  of  Western  Route  Network  Change  NC697  Lostwithiel  Bay  Sidings  OOU,  the  Down  Bay  and Sidings  are  out  of  use  pending  recovery. LL15  points  that  connect  the  sidings  with  the  Down  Main  are  clipped  and  scotched  in  the  normal  position."

Stay safe, Regards, Chris Bellett  Retired S&T Engineer   

An official 'litter pick' of the down goods yard at Lostwithiel by local volunteers was organised under Network Rail supervision on the 14th March 2015 Copyright Kate Smith. One wonders what will become of this area once the tracks are lifted?

Many thanks Chris.
​Lostwithiel was once a typical GWR station complete with timber build station accommodation on the up and down platforms,  up and down sidings and a large goods shed quite a 'jewel' really. All that will soon remain with be the signalbox.
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Kemble
Ken Mumford

The Network Rail Test Train passes through Kemble on the 16th March 2021 Ken Mumford

Exeter
Bill Elston

43009 en route Paddington + 43044 A Midland Set hired in for Cross Country - note the orange strip. 6th June 1998. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill.
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