Rother Valley Railway

The risk of traffic blocking back over the roundabout and causing congestion will be the main reason, I would think, why trains will not be permitted at peak traffic times. Not so much of an issue off-peak since the closure duration is short and any queues will clear quickly once the train has passed.

 

I was on Robertsbridge bypass today, and as you say, off- peak traffic flows would be very unlikely to produce traffic backing up to the roundabout. However, the painting of "Keep Clear" boxes on the roundabout should be enough to enable any traffic joining from Robertsbridge or Salehurst to still be able to negotiate the roundabout freely.
On the subject of the TWAO, did anyone happen to notice the heading on their correspondence? "Application for the proposed Network Rail (Rother Valley Railway) order". I found that interesting.
Does anyone know, is this proposal being put forward as a "Nationally significant infrastructure Project"?

 

I did notice that, I know the RVR do have good relations with NR, but I don't think it goes as far as getting NR to relay the missing section, but saying that, I know that NR have plans to use the Robertsbridge section to train its new employees on track maintaince machines off the network but I don't think you will see 66 topped and tailed works trains though.

 

Shame. I think I'd rather enjoy seeing that rumbling across the A21

 

you might get a large ballast drop but that will be about all .

 

Generally how long does it take for the Secretary of State to publish its findings and publish dates of public enquiries etc? have I read it right that a decision has to be with in 28 days to publish what it intends to do?

 

The SoS ‘should’ decide within 28 days whether to hold an inquiry, but ‘may’ decide to extend that period if there is a good reason.

There is a short (ish) guide to the process here including indicative (pinch of salt) timescales.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transport-and-works-act-orders-a-brief-guide-2006

Rather like a planning-permission a decision on a complex project, with objections, is probably unlikely within the minimum possible time period.

 

‘A railway train wheel-deep in the wheat’...

Robin

 

Very good picture. The sort of train which ought to be seen on "heritage" railways far more often than it is.

PH

 

Thank you.

Sunday just west of Harvester’s Crossing at the western end of the Rolvenden layout.

Although I was having a Directorial ‘wander around’ and had reached this point along the formation, I was standing on a public footpath well clear of the track when I took the snap. So there are plenty of good photographic locations that don’t require track access.

The beautiful K&ESR vintage train runs on advertised dates and is about to be joined by a Metropolitan Railway coach.

Well worth a visit.

Robin

 

Folk also might like to see that the K&ESR’s sense of humour is firmly in place. Sign installed, I am informed, by ‘Frim’ Halliwell, the permanent way manager. It’s on the buffet stops of the headshunt at the Western end of the Sidings at Rolvenden. There is a deep drainage ditch behind the stops which passes under the main line in a culvert.

Unique?

Robin

 

Not "The wreck of the 97" I trust?

PH

 

Could do with those at the buffer stops at Ryde pier head lol

 

I would have to tempt fate by saying that, to date, the sign has been completely effective...

Robin

 

I note three pipes on the bufferbeam. Is the third one push-and-pull control?

 

No, she's duel braked with both Air and Vacuum

 

Right hand side of loco (left as you look at the picture) is vac brake. Middle one (hanging down) is steam heat. Left had side is the air brake pipe.

Tom

 

Thank you. I would recognise the modern pair of red and yellow pipes but not the older single air pipe.

 

Gorgeous picture, virtually timeless. Where's the quote from, Robin? It sounds familiar.

 

A slight mis-quote (now corrected) on my part: