5th July 2018

5/7/2018

Today at Patchway
Dave Field

Over the last three weeks the South Wales main line between Patchway and Severn Tunnel Junction has been closed whilst preparations for electrification towards Cardiff are progressed. This work; includes the lowering of the track in Patchway tunnels to accommodate the overhead electrical supply beam, erection of overhead supply masts and suspension of the overhead wires. Work began on this section of line on Saturday 16th June 18, and it will reopen this Saturday 7th July 2018.

The electrification has sounded the death knell for Pathway's footbridge, which has been replaced with a modern temporary structure, until a new accessible structure is built. The original footbridge was taken out of use over the weekend of 30th June 18 prior to it's removal.

Earlier today saw the removal of the remaining main span and pedestals of Patchway's footbridge, the access steps having been removed over the previous two days. I have included a couple of photos of the bridge, along with a view taken last Sunday from the new 'temporary' footbridge. The other photo I have included is one of the final Class 43 High Speed Train services to pass under the .footbridge at just after 2100 on 15th Jun 18, the last night before the line was closed.

Regards, Dave Field.
Very many thanks Dave for todays dramatic pictures and those leading up to this significant event. N.B. It is a pity that the footbridge fitted with extended legs it couldn't be re-fitted at Pilning to make both platforms available!!

43136 passes Patchway with the 1B81 London Paddington to Swansea on Friday 15th June 2018 Copyright Dave Field

Patchway old footbridge viewed from new footbridge 1st July 2018 Copyright Dave Field

Patchway footbridge awaits the final cuts before the main span is lifted. 10.14 5th July 2018 Copyright Dave Field

Patchway footbridge's main span is hoisted aloft. It is 11.13 on the 5th July 2018 Copyright Dave Field

Patchway footbridge's main span is lowered onto a waiting lorry 11.15 5th July 2018 Copyright Dave Field

Patchway footbridge's up platform pedestal is removed. 11.55 5th July 2018 Copyright Dave Field

Patchway Temporary Footbridge 12.00 5th July 2018 Copyright Dave Field.

All please note, it is important for your camera clock to be set correctly, although in this case Dave advised us of the time in the captions it would be a great help if you all checked your cameras clocks. An example to follow.

Tiverton Parkway alias Sampford Peverell
Colin Burges

A couple of my recent rides have started and, or, finished at what today is called Tiverton Parkway.

Revealed again, thanks to rather elaborate paths made for the chaps servicing the lamp standards and cabinets, are the remains of the Downside platform wall built in the 1930s when Sampford Peverell and four other stations served by the Taunton to Exeter stopping service were given platform loop lines. Copyright Colin Burges

Another view of Sampford Peverell down platform. Closed 5th October 1964. Copyright Colin Burges

Tiverton Parkway Notices. Methinks Network Rail has borrowed my line: Copyright Colin Burges

Colin's office door. 'I should say that my dreams are very much more ambitious than the track authority's. Copyright Colin Burges

Kind Regards Colin. Many thanks Colin for your pictures and comments

Westbury
High Summer
Guy Vincent

As predicted some months ago and with the 'high summer' period now upon us, new traction is now starting to appear at Westbury in normal passenger service. The late afternoon 1J91 1707 Paddington-Frome and return 5J91 1913 Frome-Padd'n EBi-MoMU (Empty Bi-Mode Multiple Unit, my acronym!) is booked for a new class 800 series unit and on the glorious evening of Monday 2nd this produced 9 car set 800305. Here is the return 5J91 leaving Westbury for Paddington. Incidentally, I have been reliably informed that major works are planned for the Christmas period this year at Westbury. These will include lengthening the platforms to accommodate a full 9 car IEP set and repositioning signals in the station area. Also due to be carried out is limited remodelling and realignment of the north end junction and for this work has already started in the triangle where the Newbury and Trowbridge lines separate. For optimum operational flexibility a valuable benefit here would be the reinstatement of the disused platform 1 but I don't think this is included.
From Monday 2nd July two-car class 165 units began working in the Central region alongside their former Thames Valley 3-car class 166 cousins. 165132 leaving with the delayed 2E28 1838 Westbury-Cheltenham Spa (via Bristol TM), 800305 sitting in P3 with the 1J91 Padd'n-Frome described above.

With best regards, Guy Vincent Many Thanks Guy

Westbury 2 North Junction Preparatory Earthworks for Xmas 2018 2nd July 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Langport
John Cornelius

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5th July 2018

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