West Somerset Railway General Discussion

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I understand the cliff fall is near St Audries so it is about two miles from the line. Thankfully

Steve

 

Paragraph 40 of the Plc Business Plan targets re-ballasting one mile & replacing 1/2 mile of rail, along with other maintenance, each year.
My sense, from recent reports & photos, is that the PW gangs are doing better than that.

 

WSR plc Social Media Policy

I am pleased to be able to report that the WSR plc has reverted to the old version of its internet and social media policy which places no restriction on those not using the WSR plc's systems while the plc has a better think.

It remains my view that it is overly restrictive even so, but it is definitely a forward step to pause for breath and listen to those of us with some experience in this area.

I further understand that this positive development originates from the Chairman, Ian Coleby. So well done Ian.

 

Well done Ian!

 

Thank you.

 

If I remember correctly the lengths of rail replaced for Flying Scotsman was about 3 miles which would equate to 1.5 miles of rail relay. This of course does not replace sleepers etc but the MD relay must be at least half a mile and the WT relay slightly less. Also there was the MD station throat last January to March so you would be right to assume that PW are doing better than planned on replacements.
Ken

 

By the way, the WSR Infrastructure Engineering teams have their own FaceBook page, here:

https://www.facebook.com/WSRInfra/

In September alone, 1,290 yards of rail was replaced before the Flying Scotsman visit.

I'm impressed.

(Edited to add: Ken posted while I was still typing!)

 

It is pleasing to see the sections of track being lifted and relayed (hopefully with new rail, new chairs and new sleepers as required).
I am less certain of the benefits of replacing only sections of rail if they are put back onto old chairs, old sleepers and old ballast.

 

Yes though track maintenance to extend life is not simply restricted to wholesale renewal of all that you have listed. Some railways are achieving extra rail life by cropping the rail ends at dished joints, drilling new fishplate holes and moving the rails up to rejoin. If such things buy a reasonable number of extra years that gives some breathing space, providing there is a longer term plan for more comprehensive renewal.

 

I'm sure I just caught a glimpse of a well known barrister on Great British Railway Journeys

 

WSR now on tonight's episode of Portaloo's garish Railway journeys (he is wearing pink trousers with a green jacket wtf?) He joined a train at Bishops Lydeard and got off at Stogumber. Did I spot Robin?

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Not impossible...

Robin

 

Painting a signboard was it?

 

Yes, lettering out the Station refreshments board that day.

Robin

 

Cropping rail is a common technique. for getting rid of dipped joints.
You need to ensure that new joints do not occupy the same ballast beds as the old ones were located in.
Closure rail needs to be cut to fit to close the gap at the end.
Breaking up the ballast bed and adjusting the sleepers also helps.

 

This may help.

http://www.wsfp.co.uk/article.cfm?i...storm clean-up&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2018

 

I think it was this section that was mentioned, a decent enough distance from the line for the railway to not be at risk at the moment
http://www.wsfp.co.uk/article.cfm?i...cliffside fell&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2018

 

For those who follow West Somerset politics/happenings.

Headline in this morning's West Somerset Free Press

"Traders oust 'negative' leader."

quote, "Hotel owner Alex de Mendoza was sacked as chairman of Minehead Chamber of Commerce at a closed meeting on Wednesday"

and within the following article, quote "After the meeting a Chamber spokesman said 'Adverse remarks Mr de Mendoza made about the state of the town he lived in were a major contributory factor in his being asked to stand down."

Michael Rowe

 

"£850,000 to upgrade the level crossing at Seaward Way..".
Even if the work lasted 3 months, with six men on £40,000p.a. the wage bill would be £60,000. How much do four gates (correction barriers) cost? Does anyone ever ask how these figures are arrived at?
Robin L.