West Somerset Railway General Discussion

"WSR dig big hole to ensure coal supplies until at least 2022"

See pics on WSR :: West Somerset Railway :: Pictures and News

Steve

 

How is it going to be delivered? I thought there was a ban on road transport being used, remember a storm in local press after BMR wanted to use the coal...

Braunton on a rake of HAA's at Cwmbargoed. now there's a thought.

Ian H

 

Why not!? Where's the nearest railhead to Fros y Fran? Makes sence to me.

 

In you grand plan, how are you planning to unload it, once it arrives at Minehead?

 

There is a picture on the WSRA website showing a HGV tipper being loaded at the site so I guess they've found a way round the road haulage ban.I seem to recollect reading that the Tower Colliery has re-opened as an open cast site so that might be another source of Welsh coal.
Colin

 

Oh im sure they'll find a way if needs be! Must'nt get hung up on the details or you'll never achive anything!

 

Its true! But all going to Aberthaw at the moment.

 

<pedantic>The pic is actually on WSR :: West Somerset Railway :: Pictures and News </pedantic>

As for haulage, I gather the authorities have now given permission for road haulage from this pit. Shame as, in my view, rail delivery would be both quite possible and much preferred.

Steve

 

Norton Triangle to be used turn a main line steam locomotive on Sat 15 Sep when "Tangmere" uses the new facility on the West Somerset Railway. "Tangmere" comes off the "Mayflower" special at Taunton and heads for Bristol after turning at Norton. Good to see the Triangle beginning to be used for turning main line stuff. [thanks David R and www.uksteam.info for info]

Steve

 

As the only water stop scheduled in the down run is at Newbury, will 34067 run up to BL to top up its tender from the water tower before heading off to Bristol?
Does anyone have more accurate timings for the turning manouvre that are currently available on uksteam.info?
Cheers,
Mick

 

There are no times available beyond those at uksteam.info. It may go to Bishops Lydeard for water, but there is also a water supply available at Norton from a ground level hydrant. In addition the Norton-Bishops Lydeard section is in use most of the day for a footplate experience course so I anticipate that Tangmere will be kept out of the way as far as possible.

David

 

One or two Latest Pictures just added to WSR :: West Somerset Railway :: Pictures and News showing the WSR "extension" following the transfer of a small strip of land (about five track panels in length) from Network Rail to WSR Plc. This allows WSR locos to use the Outer Triangle at Norton Fitzwarren without entering onto NR rails.

Steve

 

Kinlet Hall's LE move to WSR on 1st Oct - to timings yet though

 

Today was a bit of a rehearsal for next weekend's S&D themed gala, 34067 Tangmere brought in a special from Paddington which was then double headed with 88 onwards, 4160 was working an SEC and 45379 - visiting for next weekends Gala - was working a service train, photos on WSR 2012

 

My video of today's event:

34067 Tangmere and Somerset and Dorset 2-8-0 No.88 , The West Somerset Steam Express, 29 Sep 2012. - YouTube

Dave

 

I noticed during the ASG that some tree clearance has taken place on Washford Bank at Kentsford. Thank you for that, it was most appreciated. Are there any plans to do some more clearances on the other side of the bank opposite Old Cleeve? The tree are getting to be really intrusive there.

Regards

 

Hi David - I understand the Kentsford clearance was in partnership with the landowner. Another area recently cleared was the Down side of the Roebuck Gate-Stones Wood stretch, this time with outside advice, as it is adjacent to the Roebuck Meadows SSSI. Outside of the bird nesting season, there is always clearance going on somewhere, prioritised by operational and land management needs rather than needs of photographers, I'm afraid. But feel free to drop the Railway about priorities.

Steve

 

I understand the needs of other creatures, particularly feathered parents (!) and I can well see that the needs (!) of photographers come way down the list, but I do have concerns about the amount of vegetation on the embankment at Old Cleeve undermining the structural integrity of the embankment - a few trees will help to support the structure, but more may undermine it and a few railways around the country have come to regret not having maintained their earthworks.

I just thought I'd add my twopenneth; thanks for the reply.

Regards

 

WSR Plc have announced in their staff magazine, Online, that HOBC stone trains will be diverted from Norton Triangles to Bishops Lydeard from January 2013. The spent ballast will be used as infill for the Station Farm Museum project. It seems the current recipients of the spent ballast, WSRA, were not consulted.

* Online is freely distributed by WSR Plc beyond WSR staff.

Steve