GWSR General Discussion and Operations

I believe the move of this turntable from Ashford, together with a water tower (now in use at Toddington loco shed yard) and a clock (now in use at Toddington Station) in 1982 was organised, at least in part, by one of the groups then based at the embryonic heritage railway ( some said, "scrapyard") now known as Toddington. This group owned several items of rolling stock and locomotives, including Ditcheat Manor, Odney Manor and Cogan Hall. The group was run by one person who was of "strong character" and the whole outfit and their stock had left by 1987. Perhaps this might help explain the hiatus, or maybe not. Another issue was the fact that there were far more priorities than a turntable in the 1980s and 1990s as far as the GWSR was concerned. Now, perhaps, its time has come. As Breva says, it's difficult but not impossible.

 

Just noticed the 2019 calendar is now up on the website. A few changes to note for next year. Firstly, on all timetables Train 1 doesn't stop at Hayles Abbey Halt or Gotherington. Secondly the change a couple of years ago to run public trains on Fridays in August has been reversed. And I think most significantly is that April - September inclusive Tuesdays and Wednesdays are 2 steam train days, in what I imagine must be the first time we've regularly timetabled 2 steamers on midweek days that aren't school holidays. There are also more 3 train timetable days than last year, although sadly none of them feature 3 steam.

 

Interesting stuff about the turntable!

It does NOT appear on The Railway Heritage Register Turntable Survey Project as being scrapped or at Toddington or as ex Ashford.

http://www.tt.vintagecarriagestrust.org/ts/tsearch.asp

Would be great to see it restored to actions and give GWSR some operating flexiaiblty,

 

All I can presume is that like many, they thought it scrapped, or as near as makes no difference. It came as quite a surprise to many of us when it was announced that we actually had a reasonable amount of it left - I was led to believe the last few bits that hasn't rusted away over the years were scrapped a few years ago.

 

Would it be possible to use old bridge sections as a source of steelwork for the rebuild?
Meaning the angles and individual sheet sections possibly reshaped and reworked.
I realise corrosion etc will lead to an amount of wasting.

 

A turntable certainly would be useful and interesting addition.

 

Actually, I did see a post on the GWSR extension blog shortly after the 2018 Cotswold Festival of Steam had ended. The post featured photos of 6023 being loaded onto an Allelys low loader before being taken away; then there was this line of writing:

"Next, a Castle? Or: The Rail Motor. Did you know it was photographed at every one of our stations in 1905, except at Broadway. Surely we have to put this right!"

Possible future hint for a gala visitor, perchance?

 

As a family we have just returned from a great day on the Santa special. It was so relaxed the volunteers were so friendly and helpful. My father in law uses a scooter to help him get around and we were looked after in an exemplary fashion. Our 5 year old daughter spent quality time with Santa and the elves were very good at ensuring she got a gift that was appropriate for her - a great biscuit making set. We were able to have photos and a look around the footplate, including Elizabeth in the driver's seat complete with a grease top, she had a smile a mile wide! Thank you for a great family day which will be long remembered! We will be back in 2019 to enjoy the railway in the main season and of course for Santa!

Sent from my PRA-LX1 using Tapatalk

 

For those who don't obsessively watch the various GWSR sites, a recent post records finishing work on the installation of the aqueduct replacement. One more piece of civils infrastructure being brought into tip-top shape (after the skew bridge last winter, and a yet another big slip repair recently). I wonder what's next?!

Noel

 

Yes I have to agree that all these projects, whilst expensive, are necessary and are a good investment for the future and help to reduce the maintenance load on the volunteers. It was good to see the use of concrete sleepers and brand new flat bottom continuous welded rail CWR on the extension to Broadway so well done to all. That said, it is a pity to see that for some recent PWay repairs the gang only had some 2nd and 3rd rate wooden sleepers to work with. It would be good if they could have a small stock of new materials for repairs. I note that the forthcoming winter relaying project will be using new sleepers but with second hand rail. Whilst it would be good to see concrete sleepers and new rail used here as well, the railway has to work within its means.

 

The relay is a resleepering job, with some worn out rail being replaced by better s/h rail we have in stock. It's our oldest piece of track. (by Toddington S/B.). Crippled ends will be removed.

We are not using concrete sleepers as the stretch is bullhead rail and s/h concrete sleepers need FB rail. It's too expensive to change to new FB rail.

There you go, now let's wait for the coldest, wettest part of the year to do it

 

This is indeed the oldest section, a simple scrape of the top ballasts reveals fine dust and dirt, not good for the existing sleepers, this will all come out as well as the track and a new better base put back. Note the date on the rail :-
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gwr_permanent_way_photo_log/32369394088/
It is good to retain some sections that are traditionally sleepered and bullhead railed, this section contains 95R, GWR 97.5 (ought ought, OO) and 95R Manganese rails, short OO is to be replaced by 60' OO rails. The section is labelled ready for removal in the New Year.

 

Let’s hope the nice warm mess coach will be berthed near by to support you all whilst you work on this.

 

And a final report showing the finishing touches.

Noel

 

It appears I'm the only one in this thread to appreciate the significance of that comment

 

Yes, I thought it was odd that nobody reacted. Too long ago, perhaps.

 

Such as trying to get it through the restricted clearance tunnel so the brake blocks were used to lean it so to overhang to other running line so it could go through the tunnel. Yes now the tunnel is down to single track there wont be a need for this to happen even if allowed to run on that line again.

 

That's what I was hinting at. I heard (not first hand) BR sold it including delivery, but forgot about the narrow tunnels...

 

I had heard that somewhere as well. I have tried on occasions to follow progress on its restoration but without much luck, does anyone know if they have a blog etc running for this. Once it is finished it would be good to see it visit the GWSR and run an interim service. A service from Willersey would give some interesting action at Broadway, the “Willersey Rambler”. Just got to build that bit yet though.

 

Just seen on another thread, 7903 Foremarke Hall is schedueled to visit Didcot for their 'Hall' and 'Saint' event on 7th - 9th June 2019.