GWSR Broadway Developments

Probably the class 73 pushing ballast train!

 

Its a bit like what was the first loco to enter the refurbished platforms at Moor St. Most would say a Castle. They would however be wrong as it was a pannier hauling in the ECS

 

A good shout I would say!

 

Not sure about the 'Class 73' part, but it will definitely be a ballast train; it's already on site (and blocking access to anything else).

Noel

 

I vote for steam haulage please!

 

Looks like the Class 20 and ballast train made the return to Broadway first. ( looking at web cams)

 

No hand trolleys in use then?

 

Class 73 with the 20 inside as the owner of both loco's was doing some work on the 73, some pictures will appear later on https://www.flickr.com/photos/gwr_permanent_way_photo_log/

 

Say no more ... Brilliant

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gwr_permanent_way_photo_log/38369287055/in/photostream/

 

Congratulations to everyone concerned, So what was the last engine to pass through Broadway before the rails were lifted?

 

I've just updated the blog with this milestone day.
We had a lot of fun:

http://broadwayextensionblog.blogspot.co.uk/

 

The first sounds of wheel on rail in Broadway since the 1970s:

 

I've uploaded a second video taken on that historic day yesterday:


It shows the class 20, freed of the class 73, shunting the ballast train back into the station. Each wagon is discharged in turn.



The empty train then waited in front of the goods shed, where track was laid only days ago. We managed to clip it all up with just a few minutes to spare, before the first train slowly trundled over this piece and into the station. Our secret mission was to have lunch in the mess coach, inside the station.
Mission accomplished - as was to lay all the track by Christmas.

To celebrate, we had an enormous Christmas cake, divided out between the 25 volunteers that day.

No rest for the wicked though, we have our winter maintenance job in January and February. Just a few days off now.

 

"For behold, I make all things new." (Revelation 21 1-5)

 

Now mentioned on the BBC see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-42472653

 

Ah! So it official then.
Anyway it is good to see their aspirations realized and the elation must be at an all time high, especially after the recent disgruntlement with chimneys, cafeterias etc. The line has come along way since I visited Toddington on a cold day in March 1993.

 

I'm impressed. Mainstream journalism, yet the details are correct, and none of the usual type of "Steam buffs chuffed at train station back on track" guff!

 

Pete Waterman "opening" P&O was a particular highlight!