West Somerset Railway General Discussion

I note from the latest Platform Issue 7 that the Site Manager for Seaward Way crossing renewal is now Clive Robey (currently also Ops Manager at the L&BR). Having had the pleasure of dealing with Clive in my L&BR role, I think the LC is in safe hands now

 

and Minehead sewage works.

 

Which inmate are you refuring to

 

Is there a link to the latest platform issue 7 please?

 

I think he must be referring to the Duchess, which I think has an axle loading of ca 22T - but presumably that's with the boiler and tender both full, which they wouldn't have been when it made its two trip[s over the line - in and out of Butlins.

 

I Believe there was a special traffic notice, issued for the movement of 46229 over the branch at the time, at reduced speed, towed by an hymek , It might have actually happened when the line was pending closure, in the period between the end of BR ownership and the transfer to the WSR , but i'm sure others will know the full story, Unusually, 46229 was towed with the motion still connected up, on this first part of its jouney

 

As regards COVID risks, following vaccination of nearly all 0f the adult population, we shall have to accept that the virus will always be with us, and life does have to go on. You can't keep turning business on and off like a lightbulb.

 

https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/news/detail/platform-newsletter-june-2021

 

Many Thanks
Andy

 

Update: The link has appeared on Steve Edges web page along with pictures of the concrete base for the REB (which will arrive in ten days time from now) at Seaward crossing.

 

Don't forget the charter is steam hauled from Paddington. I don't believe trains travel that great a distance to Kingswear under steam power throughout. Where would time for servicing the loco come in?

RTC need to stay on the WSR's side for their Royal Duchy, Taunton onward, steam hauled service too.

 

Surely though, No one is saying about any other trips, just this one, because of two reasons, Covid restrictions, and the ongoing works on the WSR, once the Covid restrictions have been relaxed a bit further, and the crossing operational, then there should be no reason to look at changing any tour agenda.
Its only because of the difficulties that arise from not being able to access the full line and the restrictions that imposes, that maybe, a change of destination might be wise, Transfer onto, and off of buses is troublesome, especially if the return leg, back to the charter, is held up by road conditions, accidents etc, can the tour risk a delayed departure and lose it's slot on the network? And then there is the question of fitting the tour around WSR services, where is the stock going to be stabled, can it be serviced, water tanks refilled, etc, at least at minehead there is sidings and the platform , to berth incoming charters, and to be able to top up tanks etc, service the loco, . unless can special dispensation be arranged to allow the tour to run to Minehead by hand signalling the crossing just for the tour to run in, and then out?

 

Saphos have two trains starting at Paddington and finishing at Kingswear, also I note a start from Shrewsbury to Kingswear.

 

Yes, a one way tour to Kingswear from Paddington and a Shrewsbury to Kingswear steam only from Bristol!

 

This point has probably been made before, but I note in the WSR bulletin it is pointed out there is a lovely heritage level crossing at Blue Anchor. How come these old gated crossings manage to serve more than 25 years and remain satisfactory, whereas it seems a more modern installation is knackered after 25 years and requires replacement.
On the big railway, are level crossing mechanisms routinely renewed every 25 years? It is hard to comprehend how this is the best economic solution.
* This post is absolutely not in any way critical of any person or body at the WSR. *

 

The easy answer to that one is that an automatic crossing can be - well, automatic. A crossing such as that at Blue Anchor has to be manned whenever trains are in operation. OK with volunteers, but a massive labour cost on the national network.

(Imagine having a crossing manned for even 16 hours a day, which would be a pretty sparse operation on the national Network. How much would the wages cost - probably getting on for three or four full time equivalents by time you allow for leave etc. If it costs, say, £1m to put in an automatic crossing it has potentially paid for itself in much less than half its lifetime.

Tom

 

Also the Blue Anchor gates are totally mechanical with no electric influence at all so built to last