25th November 2020

Gypsy Patch Lane Bridge
Re-instated
Michael Manning

​Gypsy Patch Len bridge is situated about a quarter of a mile east of Patchway station  and barely 100 yards from the north junction at Filton where the main line from Wales divides to go either towards Bristol or to Bristol Parkway.  Thus it can be seen that the removal of the railway here had very serious repercussions on any traffic to or from Wales via the Severn tunnel. The old bridge was also very restrictive to road traffic.

Gypsy Patch Lane Bridge replacement. 1 Copyright Michael Manning

This was the accommodation bridge that was built in 1864 by the Bristol & South Wales Junction Railway for the GWR (with some slight alterations over time).  Picture taken in January 2020 when it was closed to traffic prior to demolition. The estimated cost was £35 million.

Gypsy Patch Lane Bridge replacement. 2 Copyright Michael Manning

​Between the Wars industrial giants like the Bristol Aeroplane Company and Rolls Royce had set up large factories just beyond this bridge. Other industries followed with huge housing estates growing up to satisfy the workers. This Gipsy Patch Lane bridge was now on a commuter route. NetworkRail started to electrify the Paddington to Bristol route as far as the Bristol Parkway station. Then in 2019 they extended it to Cardiff. The decision to demolish this bridge was made in 2015 but nothing happened. It would have been better before the electrification work. The above picture shows pilling at work to safeguard all the embankments. The South Wales traffic was re-routed around Gloucester. For many months during 2019 the new bridge was being built on spare land close by and would be moved into place on wheels. Yes all 4,280 tonnes. I believe nothing this heavy had been attempted before.

Gypsy Patch Lane Bridge replacement. 3 Copyright Michael Manning

Gypsy Patch Lane Bridge replacement. 4 Copyright Struart Beere

Gypsy Patch Lane Bridge replacement. 5 Copyright Stuart Beere

Gypsy Patch Lane Bridge replacement. 6 Copyright Stuart Beere

The move was scheduled for 24th October weekend to get the main line reopened by the 7th November. The move was going well despite the pouring rain. Then with 30 metres to go it got stuck when the ground gave way. They brought in TV’s ‘Train Truckers’ with their expertise in moving giant objects. For those members that haven’t seen them on the Yesterday channel they are Allelys Group Transport of Studley, Warwicks. Six of their heaviest tractor units assisted in pulling the bridge onto safe ground. Now the road way had to be strengthened. More delays.
The projected cost was £65 million before the delays.

Gypsy Patch Lane Bridge replacement. 7 Copyright Michael Manning

Gypsy Patch Lane Bridge replacement. 8 Copyright Michael Manning

Pictured today 24th November with the railway back in place but no road. About 2 metres of earth will have to excavated under the bridge to allow double deck buses through. That could take months and months. Meanwhile Allelys can take their Tonka Toys back home!

Gypsy Patch Lane Bridge replacement. 9 Copyright Michael Manning

With a very sincere thank you to Michael Manning for the above detailed report = this was received yesterday evening.
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Blue Pullman for scrapping!
Swindon 1973
Trevor Tremethick

 When you mentioned you had put my Didcot pic in the main section, I had a look and found it (as expected) in the Swindon to Reading section. I noticed some good views of Swindon Works and wondered if the attached would be of interest (especially given the latest HST / Blue Pullman incarnation). We were doing about 75mph past the works on November 18, 1973, and my little Konica C35 camera did its best (as did I with one of my first rolls of colour film, Agfa CT18, which is why the shadow areas have gone blue!). Presumably the Pullman was awaiting disposal.

Incidentally, November 18, 1973 was the date of our trip to Didcot Railway Centre as the West Cornwall Group of the PRC.

Best wishes,  Trevor.

Swindon Works 'Blue Pullman’ at Swindon – from passing train – 75 mph, 18th November 1973. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Many thanks Trevor - memories of 47 years ago.
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Exeter Central '92
Paul Barlow

DMU 876 11.45 from Exmouth arriving at Exeter Central It's the 18th April 1992. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul - it reminds one of the good old days, a nice run up alongside the exe estuary with a marvelous front view.
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Ken at Kemble yesterday
Kemble
Ken Mumford

Ken took a drive in his new car from his home in Swindon to Kemble yesterday and sends us a few pictures.

His first shot features two IET's the nearest going in the Gloucester direction and the furthest inbpund on the up line. The listed water tower as usual dominates the scene. 24th November 2020

It's 1405 as the up service prepares to head for the tunnel. 24th November 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

A splendid splash of colour as the up test train heads away. 14.41 24th July 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

The days travels for the tDerby - Burton-on-Trent - Tamworth - Hartlebury - Worcester - Hereford - Hereford - Ledbury - Gloucester - Swindon - Gloucester - Chepstow - Newport - Cardiff - Bridgend - Neath - Swansea Loop West - Llanelli - Swansea Loop East - Swansea.est train.  Information from Ken.

Ken returns to his car which he had difficultly in finding a space for only for find it stuck in the mud - his thanks to the two helpers who helped him out of his predicament, 24th November 2020.

15.48 as the !Q15 returns from Swindon. 24th November 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford ( 1Q15, having reversed in Swindon, then passed Oaksey Road bridge some 80 mins LATE)

Many thanks Ken - you really got stuck into it!!!!
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