An update to the work at St Erth Station
in preparation for the new footbridge 3rd October 2023
Roger Winnen
in preparation for the new footbridge 3rd October 2023
Roger Winnen
Five years ago today
Par
Dennis Clarke
Par
Dennis Clarke
This picture was taken 5 years ago to the day on 3rd October 2018. 950001 at Par with 2Q08 from Laira to Truro, via Newquay, Regards, Dennis
95001 at Par with the 3rd October 2018. Copyright Dennis Clarke
Many thanks Dennis
Class 33 arives at Reading
Michael Adams
Michael Adams
Hello Roger, Here is a nice picture from Michael Adams of 33004 coming into Reading station on 11 March 1987 with a down van train. Thanks, Michael. Copyright Michael Adams
Savernake
Doug Nicholls
Doug Nicholls
Savernake West signalbox . March 1969. Copyright Doug Nicholls
Many thanks Doug.
Savernake
Roy Hart.
Roy Hart.
This box was at the junction of the old Marlborough branch which closed in 1964. After that, it survived as an intermediate block post, though normally switched oit ( hence the telrephone by the box steps). Savernake box was abolished when Reading panel was expanded in 1978.
There is (or was) a Cornish connection: the locking frame of 32 levers found its way to the Bodmin Railway. Is it still there, I wonder?
Roy Hart.
There is (or was) a Cornish connection: the locking frame of 32 levers found its way to the Bodmin Railway. Is it still there, I wonder?
Roy Hart.
As usual, a bonus piece of information from Roy out in distant Rangoon. Many thanks Roy.
Savernake & the Bodmin Rly
Chris Bellett
Chris Bellett
Hi Keith,
With reference to todays website submission by Roy Hart concerning Savernake West and his question about the lever frame. Yes, it is still stored at Bodmin General. It was originally planned to be utilised for a newly constructed signalbox at Bodmin Parkway, but currently there are no plans for that.
Take Care, Chris Bellett Chief S&T Engineer,
Bodmin Railway CRS Member
With reference to todays website submission by Roy Hart concerning Savernake West and his question about the lever frame. Yes, it is still stored at Bodmin General. It was originally planned to be utilised for a newly constructed signalbox at Bodmin Parkway, but currently there are no plans for that.
Take Care, Chris Bellett Chief S&T Engineer,
Bodmin Railway CRS Member
A double bonus today on Savernake Box info. Many thanks to Roy and Chris Bellett.
Around Redruth Station
Roger Winnen
Roger Winnen
750402h A Western passing through Redruth Tunnel. Copyright Roger Winnen
750402g 50019 on the 14.00 Penzance to Birmingham at Redruth on 2nd April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen
750402m A Class 25 with a freight emerging from Redruth Tunnel. Copyright Roger Winnen
In the above view of the class 25 leaving Redruth tunnel one can see windows on the ground floor of what I believe was once called 'Tunnel Stores'. As a very toung boy I recall being taken into the ground floor room where there was quite a fine '0' gauge layout. I also recall yougsters older than myself enjoying themselves damaging the stock by staging accidents - whatever happened in the end I do not know! K.J.
Many thanks to Roger for his picture.
Many thanks to Roger for his picture.
Looking to the future
Portishead
Portishead
What's happening now and next through to 2026
The contract for all the works will go to tender, but there are a small number of pre-approved specialist contractors who will be able to quickly tender for the work.
The new road layout for Quays Avenue – North Somerset Council is ready to get planning approval for this, so it will progress quickly once the Full Business Case is signed off.
Funding – we revisited the sources of funding (see attachment), which highlights how committed all four local councils, WECA and the DfT are to the project. All those parties are keen to get this done. The DfT will pick up any further cost increase due to inflation.
Station parking – there were a few questions about this. There will be at least 280 parking spaces. There are no details on charges yet, but we have raised the issue of parking on local roads and would like to see a parking charge that is prohibitive for non-rail users and somehow built into the ticket price for those travelling by train.
Ticket prices – No information yet. [Current Off-Peak fares for comparable journeys are Keynsham £4.80, Nailsea £5.50, Yate £5.90, Yatton £7.00]
Buses – PRG would hope to see a shuttle bus connecting all of Portishead to the station.
Tourism – It was mentioned that there is an increasing number of people coming to Portishead, both for work and leisure – Lake Grounds, Skateboard park etc. Daisy Bickley proposed NSC should organise a traffic count in both directions on the A369
The contract for all the works will go to tender, but there are a small number of pre-approved specialist contractors who will be able to quickly tender for the work.
The new road layout for Quays Avenue – North Somerset Council is ready to get planning approval for this, so it will progress quickly once the Full Business Case is signed off.
Funding – we revisited the sources of funding (see attachment), which highlights how committed all four local councils, WECA and the DfT are to the project. All those parties are keen to get this done. The DfT will pick up any further cost increase due to inflation.
Station parking – there were a few questions about this. There will be at least 280 parking spaces. There are no details on charges yet, but we have raised the issue of parking on local roads and would like to see a parking charge that is prohibitive for non-rail users and somehow built into the ticket price for those travelling by train.
Ticket prices – No information yet. [Current Off-Peak fares for comparable journeys are Keynsham £4.80, Nailsea £5.50, Yate £5.90, Yatton £7.00]
Buses – PRG would hope to see a shuttle bus connecting all of Portishead to the station.
Tourism – It was mentioned that there is an increasing number of people coming to Portishead, both for work and leisure – Lake Grounds, Skateboard park etc. Daisy Bickley proposed NSC should organise a traffic count in both directions on the A369
Compiled from notes provided by Peter Maliphant
Membership Secretary
Membership Secretary
We all look forward to a resumption of services on the branch.