Platform extension at
Lympstone Commando
David Tozer
Lympstone Commando
David Tozer
The only station/halt on the Exmouth Branch I have never photographed is Lympstone Commando. Located opposite the Marine Camp, but with a cycleway/footpath in between. On the gates of the halt is a sign which states only persons with business may alight here. I have always been somewhat reluctant to use a camera in this area of the cycleway.
On Wedneday morning I drove to Exton and the walked along the cycleway. On the way I passed a couple orange army staff taking tools back to their van at Exton, yes wheelbarrow and all. On reaching Lympstone Commando I could see that men were working on the new extension. I politely asked if I could take some photos. I was advised due to the construction going on it was not possible. However one kind man offered to take a few photos for me (Photo No 1 attached). At the entrance to the platform he returned my camera and the let me take another few photos(Photo No 2).
On my back, keeping a social distance- I chatted to the supervisor. He was also overseeing the extension to St James' Park. He said part of platform extension is made of a special Polystyrene which keeps costs down. I told him that the halt was built in 1976 from platforms sections recovered from elsewhere. The task of putting this up was done my three men from Exmouth Junction BR(SR) Building Department.I used to enjoy a pint with one of them and he sadly passed away a few years ago well into his nineties.
Dave
On Wedneday morning I drove to Exton and the walked along the cycleway. On the way I passed a couple orange army staff taking tools back to their van at Exton, yes wheelbarrow and all. On reaching Lympstone Commando I could see that men were working on the new extension. I politely asked if I could take some photos. I was advised due to the construction going on it was not possible. However one kind man offered to take a few photos for me (Photo No 1 attached). At the entrance to the platform he returned my camera and the let me take another few photos(Photo No 2).
On my back, keeping a social distance- I chatted to the supervisor. He was also overseeing the extension to St James' Park. He said part of platform extension is made of a special Polystyrene which keeps costs down. I told him that the halt was built in 1976 from platforms sections recovered from elsewhere. The task of putting this up was done my three men from Exmouth Junction BR(SR) Building Department.I used to enjoy a pint with one of them and he sadly passed away a few years ago well into his nineties.
Dave
Lympstone Commando Platform Extension (1) 28th October 2020. Copyright David Tozer.
Lympstone Commando Platform Extension (2) 28th October 2020. Copyright David Tozer.
Many thanks for your detailed Report David.
Early days at Lympstone Commando
An early view of the platform on the 23rd April 1976 - it was opened on the 3rd May 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Many thanks Roger.
Focus in the
Whiteball area 4
Paul Barlow
Whiteball area 4
Paul Barlow
46027 on the 10.32 Paignton to Leeds and Hull 1E60 seen at Whiteball 22nd August 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow
Many thanks Paul.
New ground for us
Kemble
Ken Mumford
Kemble
Ken Mumford
Kemble, Somebody suggested that the nameboard should included 'for Cirencester' which it once did before the branch was closed. 27th October 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.
The Network Rail Test Train passes through on the 27th October 2020.
Kemble 04 The former platform for Cirencester - Line closed passengers 6th April 1964 and goods 4th October 1965. The line continues alongside the redundant platform to a buffer stop. This picture dated 27th October 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford
A very nice retained feature is this water tower once used to replenish steam locos on the main line and the branches to Cirencester and Tetbury. The latter branch was served by a platform once situated out of view behind the IET. 27th October 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford. A note from Roy Hart - Dear Keith, This water tower is a very special feature: until the 1980s it supplied water to Swindon works. Beside the tower was a pumping station. The tank was surmounted by a steel structure supporting a small header tank, which gave the thing a rather odd look. Today the tank is listed grade 2. As a matter of general interest, the source of the Thames is a few hundred yards up the road! Roy Many thanks for the bonus info.
66623 on a diverted Freightliner 27th October 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford
Many thanks Ken.
We have created a new section to cover the Swindon to Gloucester line which Roger Winnen is looking for material of his to fill. However if you have any views of other stations on this line we'd be delighted to include them.
56 abandoned at !!!!
Bristol
Guy Vincent
Bristol
Guy Vincent
56087 has been left in the short siding at the east end of platform 5 at Bristol Temple Meads, presumably awaiting collection as it was removed from the Gloucester based RHTT set yesterday (27th). First priority must surely be a good wash and brush-up as it now resembles a Loadhaul example from about 25 years ago!
Best regards. Guy Vincent
Best regards. Guy Vincent
Bristol TM 56087 in short siding. 28th October 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent.
Bristol TM 56087 in short siding. 28th October 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent.
Bristol TM 56087 in short siding. 28th October 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent.
From our man on the spot - many thanks Guy. It must be said however that in these days this is a rare example of dirty rolling stock, most of the trains are pretty spotless.