Rother Valley Railway

Those two statements may be related - local, divisive issue, she may have made a calculation about which side she wishes to be seen to support.

Tom

 

No, I haven't, but I have seen it done and "a bit of a faff" is my assessment of the result. Besides, by the time you have a "blockman", ground frames and a series of stop signs and hand signals, you essentially have a signalling system without the signals or the box. So I think my original point stands. I have no objection to such a system for Bodiam, by the way - I'm not in any way involved in the KESR but it's a railway I've visited a few times and rather like, and I'm sure they'll do a good job at whatever system they decide to employ.

 

The capital investment difference between two ground frames (one for each end of the loop) two stop boards and red and green flags for the blockman is considerably less than what is required for a signal box, signals, interlocking, detection, etc. If the volume of traffic or the number of times trains need to be crossed in a year at the location is not high it makes a lot of sense. There is an over complication of our railways (which was historically the case also) compared to what would actually provide adequate protection at a more affordable cost.

I cant agree that it is a "faff". If one is organised and methodical it is actually very straightforward and no more difficult than crossing trains using a signal box.

 

It's precisely idiotic comments like this, made in the public domain, which give those on the other side of the fence the ammunition to dismiss those promoting the railway as a 'bunch of train spotters'.

"You don't happen to agree with my point of view, therefore you're a 'fish faced harridan'."

The way to help the RVR is to try to engage in constructive, positive debate with those who don't happen to share your view - not childish public name calling.

 

Except that it's NOT local, the area concerned is outside her constituency, thus she could be seen to be stepping on toes of the MP responsible for the affected area.

 

You're right, my mistake! It was a local councillor responsible for Tourism who was also opposed.

 

Given the proximity of Bodiam to Junction Rd. (approx. 1 mile), and that a passing loop at the latter is a clear proposal, I cannot help wondering what would be the operating necessity of retaining the loop at Bodiam?
The Wealden Pullman could still be run as far as Junction Rd, as it is the A21 which has the operating restrictions, rather than the lightly trafficked B2244.

 

To be fair her constituency might be affected for example - the crossing of the A21 could in theory lead to tailbacks which increase journey tine and as a consequence reduce footfall in Hastings

 

For 5 trains a day, most of which outside the commute times? I suspect Rudd just heard "Railway across the A21" and assumed it'd be a normal 18+ hours a day service. Then it's a very reasonable objection.

 

No its more likily she was influenced by influential party members who just might happen to be affected, its not an immediate concern for the people of Hastings and Rye, its about supporting people she thinks will help her, not those who happen to live in her ward as this is some 12 miles away, and actually in the ward of another MP, who just happens to be supportive of the scheme, if there is a loop at Junction Rd, then it may well be possible to terminate and run round there if the idea is to extend the journey time, but for passenger needs, stretching their feet etc, terminating a Bodiam makes more sence assuming that the railway does not get flooded with people wishing to catch the Wealden Pullman from Robertsbridge , rather than Tenterden, in which case the operation may need to change,

 

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I seem to recall the crew taking their PNB at Bodiam. The provision of toilets is also useful to diners(, some whom also take a fag break.).

 

As it happens, my comment has been edited. However, whoever edited it clearly forgot that it had been quoted, and has not edited the quotes. (But it has been done now)

To make the matter CLEAR, my opinion of Amber Rudd has NOTHING to do with the RVR, her objection to the extension, or my opinions on her opinion. My opinion is based purely on her conduct while in office, including her tremendous foul up over targets for immigration removal and the Windrush generation. Oh, and because her face reminds me of a fish....

The odd thing in this is that you have automatically assumed what my position on the Robertsbridge extension is.

(Opinions on other politicians are available - enquire within)....

 

Quite right, Mike. It also gives the diners a lovely castle to look at while they stroll down the platform, more so in summertime. Going to Junction Road would be far less inviting, and having to run round there may involve another signalman coming in. With the run round at Bodiam crew operated, you have the staff already.

 

Absolutely, many of her constituents drive and get delayed on the A21 even in so called off peak hours. They are not likely to feel good about any extra delay to their journey however small or any person that supports that delay.

 

There is more chance of being held up by a tractor than anything else, or some person driving along at 20 miles an hour, i.ve lost count the number of times I have encountered long tailbacks on that stretch of the A21, caused by the two above, and the link hasn't even been built yet, but at the times that the railway would be operating ,which I would think will not be before 10 am and after 4 pm, on most week days, and possibly 5pm on week ends, I don't think would have much impact , but if my MP is really so worried about her constituents, why isn't she calling for duelling of the A21, and a flyover so that the railway will not impact on the road borne traffic , all she has so far called for is for Hi speed services to be extended to Hastings, in which she overlooked several problems, such as electrifying the Ashford to Hastings line, rebuilding the single line sections increasing line speed, and having to remodel the approaches of Ashford Station, as currently trains off the marsh link line can not directly access the high speed platforms without a shunting move . she's just a sound bite MP , and has done nothing to improve the lives of those she is supposed to represent , people like me, who just happen to live in Hastings.

 

I used to volunteer on KESR when it only reached Wittersham Rd. There was no need for a signalman. The train staff unlocked the frame so it could be used as a ground frame. Thus the guard did the run round workuing to a script. I am sure something similar could be arranged

 

Any news on the TWAO front (particularly about the public hearing)? Things have been quiet for quite a while (I had to dig back a ways to find this thread).

Noel

 

The RVR Blog used to be updated almost weekly but now has very few updates, only two entries since August. Possibly a change of circumstances of the author?

 

Edit: original post amended.
I see from their blog that the latest entry is dated 18th October 2018.
Nothing about the TWAO & enquiry except that they are in progress.
There's an update on progress at Robertsbridge Jct.

 

It looks like they are waiting for the readers to catch up then.