Didcot latest

Believe it or not, it isn't actually as far fetched as it sounds. When the London - Bristol mainline was being considered for World Heritage status, a number of sites along the route were put forward as potential areas of key importance/interest.... Didcot was one of them.

 

I dont think there was ever much intention to run a railway in the GWS was there?

It always semed to me that it was all about acquisition and preservation, a job done quite superbly I might add, there is no collection to match it for any of the other railways, AND all (well 70% lol) under one roof....

After all they could quite easily have acquired the Abingdon Branch or the Wallingford Branch if they had wanted to "play trains"

 

Or stayed at totnes and stayed joined with the dart valley! Think of what could have been then?

 

"train departing Ashburton is for Buckfastleigh, Staverton Road and Totnes, change at Totnes for Totnes Harbour...."

I had the honour to be one one of the last excursions to reach Ashburton....a merrymaker from Padd as I recall...

 

This may be a silly question, but are any of the original buildings on the Didcot site Listed Buildings. Does the main engineshed and coaling stage have Listed Building Status.

 

The engine shed, coaling stage and transfer shed are all Grade II listed.

 

But that doesn't necessarily prevent any development, especially if the development is required for a project of National importance, as Crossrail is.

Even if the GWS were to own the site it would not prevent any development, as it would be possible to apply for a Compulsory Purchase Order. But then that could apply to any heritage site, anywhere in the country.

 

Quite true. It also doesn't stop buildings from falling down of their own accord...

 

I don't think Didcot will be have any trouble as i can't see the national network expanding to the degree some people are talking about, for example surely the east curve doesn't carry anywhere near enough traffic to justify 4 tracking, Network rail it seems are keeping their options open but very unlikely most of them will ever be taken up.

One thing that could be a headache in future, Electrification of the GWML is planned at some point, and some GWR is well known to be out of gauge if not so altered so begs the question how certain items would get on/off the site in future.

 

Work on the Birmingham-Southampton W10 upgrade to carry larger containers on ordinary wagons is currently in progress.

 

According to Network Rail the Didcot-Oxford line is running at 87% capacity (about 9 trains an hour each way) due to the mix of fast and stopping passenger trains plus freight. The current proposal is partial quadrupling by linking and extending existing loops and upgrading to passenger standard between Didcot and Wolvercot Jc. The flat crossings at Didcot East Jc and Didcot North Jc are pinch points hence the proposal for loops on the avoider to provide some flexibility. There was also a proposal for platforms on the avoiding line, but this is not mentioned in the latest Business Plan, nor is a flying junction at Didcot East.

I doubt that gauging will be an issue with potential electrification and W10 or even the larger W12 clearance being considered.

David

David

 

I thought a loop already existed for the Oxford road at Didcot by taking the platform 5 & Foxhall jcn route as opposed to the east curve ?.

 

The East Curve (Avoider) is 70 mph, the route through plat 5 and from the plat 3/4 relief points to Oxford is only 25 mph. Non stoppers are occasionally routed through the station if they want something to pass it on the avoider, the odd crew change, or if there is a possession, the avoider being the preferred route.

 

Broad Gauge to Barnstaple ?
GWR tanks working along a 23 mile GWR branch line?
Main line connection for to let a Castle / King out on a railtour?

Not such a bad idea actually in my mind. Would become an instant attraction in itself and allow the collection to all be kept together. Try and get assistance in moving Didcot buildings to the site and they will get covered accomodation. After all GCR have been able to move Wokington, so wont be the first time a shed has been moved somewhere.

Food for thought maybe ?

 

What a bunch of doom-mongers you lot are, planning for it's downfall already!

 

Oh for crying out loud.

To be perfectly honest I'm fighting for words, because right now, there's not much I can say on this forum that wouldn't get censored.

Sometimes this place is just a f---ing joke.

Well, I say 'sometimes'...

 

When I said about moving the whole lot it was as the very,very last resort.I sincerly hope that Didcot does stay where it is,it is a unique asset to the preservation movement but who knows what Network Rail may do in the futre.

 

I can see some merit in Didcot relocating. Not closing as such I stress. As they are they have some cracking locos and about 1/4 mile of track to chuff up and down on. Does this really test the quality of the workmanship?

If they were to plan to relocate any threat from Crossrail would not be of importance; any threat from the wires going up would not be of importance. Costs of moving stock in and out would be significantly reduced.

The possibility exists they may be able to obtain the freehold on a future site.

Such a move would almost certainly attract substantial grants to relocate any unique buildings. Perhaps a site more accessible from more of the country should be sought.

Think on. Such a plan need not be all gloom and doom.