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Mark Thompson's Recent Activity

  1. Mark Thompson liked gwilialan's post in the thread Bluebell Railway General Discussion.

    Many thanks to all who supplied info about the bluebell (flowers) situation. Wednesday the staff were great, very helpful and chatty. The experience overall was great the bluebells put on a really good show so my friend was well chuffed (geddit?...

    Apr 25, 2025 at 9:34 PM

  2. Mark Thompson liked 35B's post in the thread Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development.

    True. Of course, the challenge that then follows is that both railway and opponents are caught in a bind - a short extension that is not a springboard to a future stage becomes both harder to justify (for the railway) and easier to oppose (for...

    Apr 25, 2025 at 8:37 PM

  3. Mark Thompson liked RailWest's post in the thread Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development.

    I can understand that, but...... if one can argue that the reinstatement of the whole railway is beneficial to North Devon and should be supported (if not, why is it a policy in the Local Pan?), then could not the railway in turn argue that - as...

    Apr 25, 2025 at 8:34 PM

  4. Mark Thompson liked 21B's post in the thread Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development.

    @35B has it I think. The benefit of this particular scheme was not in the officer’s view sufficient to overcome the objections. I agree that planning is overly restrictive, but in the context of a National Park that is to be expected and indeed...

    Apr 25, 2025 at 8:34 PM

  5. Mark Thompson liked RailWest's post in the thread Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development.

    My feeling is that, as reinstatement of the L&BR is part of the relevant Plans for both the ENPA and NDC, then the presumption should be in favour unless there are over-riding objections and ones which are long-term and not simply about a...

    Apr 25, 2025 at 8:31 PM

  6. Mark Thompson liked Breva's post in the thread Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development.

    As a shareholder I have been asked to maintain confidentiality, but it is surely a blessing that the pub is making a modest (it would appear) profit, shortly after the takeover. It's not a bleeding sore, or black hole. Remember that the purpose...

    Apr 25, 2025 at 8:23 PM

  7. Mark Thompson liked pmh_74's post in the thread Rother Valley Railway.

    I suppose you could always pass trains via a siding, so long as you don't mind some propelling moves. OK, it would require someone to write a safety case and get it approved... but this method is used on the Brocken (HSB) so I don't see why not...

    Apr 24, 2025 at 3:45 PM

  8. Mark Thompson replied to the thread Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

    I do like this guy! He doesn't just say the right things, he does them as well. He's well in with the RVR as well. Diamond geezer.

    Apr 23, 2025 at 5:52 PM

  9. Mark Thompson liked Islander's post in the thread Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

    Lord Peter Hendy, a great friend and supporter of the IWSR, gives his view of the past and future of Ashey Station. [MEDIA]

    Apr 23, 2025 at 5:48 PM

  10. Mark Thompson replied to the thread Rother Valley Railway.

    I do remember that, Harold, now you come to mention it, but it never really got any mention, and just looked like a reinstatement of the original siding.

    Apr 23, 2025 at 5:46 PM

  11. Mark Thompson replied to the thread Rother Valley Railway.

    Thanks Dan. I have to say, I'm surprised to hear that, not only because there had never been any allusion to such a thing during planning, but also given the almost febrile stance taken by the burghers of Salehurst against the reinstatement. OK....

    Apr 23, 2025 at 5:44 PM

  12. Mark Thompson liked Jamessquared's post in the thread Bluebell Railway General Discussion.

    There should be a lot more by then, judging by what appeared to be out on Monday. Look for the huge herd of deer near Kingscote as well. This was the office on Monday. Heavy work, I don't think it will ever be my favourite loco ... Had our (for...

    IMG_3314.jpeg Apr 22, 2025 at 8:49 PM

  13. Mark Thompson replied to the thread Bluebell Railway General Discussion.

    Archie. That name always puts me in mind of the Blue Peter elephant "oohh! Gettoff me foot!", and that poor zookeeper right at the end, standing in darkness and manure, shouting "Archie!... Archie!" [MEDIA]

    Apr 22, 2025 at 8:47 PM

  14. Mark Thompson replied to the thread Rother Valley Railway.

    If this has been answered elsewhere, please forgive, but I don't recall reading anywhere about passing facilities on the rebuilt line, and there would seem to be a great imbalance, with 3 loops at the eastern end, but (apparently) nothing west of...

    Apr 22, 2025 at 3:25 PM

  15. Mark Thompson liked Streetert's post in the thread Rother Valley Railway.

    Good afternoon. I have adjusted the photo link(s). Originally a MU photograph would link through to the Marked up photo, however as not all systems are the same I've taken it back to basics aka two photos.

    Apr 22, 2025 at 2:32 AM
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