Bluebell Northern Extension - so what's occurring then?

Given the fact that clay was the major cause of the embankment collapse at the Gloucs & Warks railway, is it wise to use clay for embankment building?

 

With proper design and drainage why on earth shouldn't it be suitable?
Looking at the way the fill is being treated at the cutting I have no doubts it will be done properly.

 

I think the issue with the GWR was the ash mixed in with the clay. There is nothing wrong with clay provided that it is properly drained.

 

My impression is that on the GWR the clay was just dumped on top of the existing grassland and it was the interface between the two that was the problem - effectively the weight of the clay caused it to spread and the interface offered little resistance.

 

Nice to hear from Richard again here.

And IMHO I think Robert Philpot deserves full recognition for at least the photo coverage he has give the extension to date. That has been outstanding.

 

The ash and slag found on the embankment was material used as infill on previous repairs. If you care to read the Chicken Curve update of 8th March 2012, it explains how one layer of clay moved over another layer to cause the slip. 61624 is also correct in his comments about the original ground/clay interface.

 

Mr Philpot has posted a few views taken on the 11th April. Whilst there looks to be considerable progress South of Imberhorne bridge, the view to the North shows plenty still to do, with apparently much material to move, unless the viewpoint is deceptive.

 

Just as a reply to Robert Philpott and his mention of the boards at the side of the formation.
These are normally set at 1 metre above finished formation level and are used by the machine operators and banksmen.
If set a steep angle they would indicate the slope profile required.
They can often be seen on road construction sites.

 

More images posted by Mr Philpott from Friday 13th, mainly of the Northern end of the cutting, still showing much material to be cleared. Now that the "rains have come", it is no longer a dry site, however they have had a good run of weather up to now.

 

Is there any word on the revised gradients either side of Imberhorne cutting? A crystal ball tell me that with engines working even harder to make the summit the bridge is going to become a mecca for filmers and photographers..... perhaps volunteers should create a roster to station someone there with a collection box during special events!

 

Nothing officially published that I have seen, but will be 1:60 for a fair distance before the cutting (rather than 1:75). There is already a short distance of 1:60 before the tunnel, but this new section will be longer.

There is an old gradient profile on the website - see Bluebell Railway Map and Gradient Profile which still shows the 1:75 up to the cutting. I imagine this will be updated in due course, not least because there will need to be an updated version done for the sectional appendix for the benefit of operating staff.

I believe work should resume at the cutting (interesting we are calling it "the cutting" rather than "the tip"!) - there was a planned two week break for Easter. Other work has been continuing in the remodelling of Kingscote station.

Tom

 

If it does become a popular spot then I think the Bluebell are going to have to have someone there for Galas anyway, in order to keep the access clear for the farmer.

I think, BTW, that it would be a nice idea, and probably in the Bluebells best interests, for said farmer & family etc. to get complementary seats on the first, or an early, train through the cutting as compensation for the disruption, past, current and future.

 

I visited the site for the first time in five months. Pity I picked a day when there was no action in the cutting, but what has been achieved is impressive to say the least.

Also went for a ride and on passing Horsted Keynes ended up somewhat confused as to where the proposed turning triangle is to be built. I couldn't see an obvious spot unless quite a few trees were felled and an area of ground considerably raised. I would be grateful for further enlightenment here if anyone can explain exactly where it is to be built.

 

It is going to be where you probably thought, just south of the station between the line to Sheffield Park, the line to Ardingly and the road running left to right under the Sheffield Park line. I was looking from the road the other day and it is quite a big area if (I assume) the Bluebell own all the land right up to the road, will need lots of trees cutting down though and lots of spoil to make up the level, though there seems to be plenty of that up at the tip/cutting! On another note as great as the view from Imberhorne Lane will be looking south at trains heading for East Grinstead it is a very busy road and quite narrow, you have to park down by the cross roads and walk along so I wouldn't fancy watching trains from it! Hill Place bridge will be good though, lots of space to park on the side of the main road or by crossroads, you don't need to park in the private lane.

 

What if they have no interest in railways?

I suspect a spotter's car is no match for a tractor with a pair of forks on the front... they won't park in the way again...

 

Always better to have local people on-side, or at least have friendly relations with them. So I am sure the Bluebell will ensure the farmer who has access over the bridge is not obstructed or otherwise antagonised.
Might he be receptive to a financial arrangement at weekends/gala events whereby he makes a suitable field available for parking, at a parking fee, with some assistance from the Bluebell to manage it for him?
There's always a mutually advantageous solution if it is given some thought.

 

More pictures and goings on at the cutting. Now with pictures from a different viewpoint.
Imberhorne Cutting Removal - Page 5

 

Re the latest Philpott images, maybe moving the capping material into the cutting is the easiest way of then loading it for transport to HK for further use. I am sure someone has a "cunning plan", and they will not be handling the material any more than is strictly necessary.

 

From experience at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, we always invited neighbours and local landowners. I thnk most people would be very grateful to be offered a ride on an opening service.

It's just common courtesy.