Clan Line in 2021

https://www.opentraintimes.com/maps/signalling/westofengland#T_SLSBRY

Line currently shut between Salisbury, Grateley and Mottisfont & Dunbridge. Reopening will depend on how much damage has been done to the track and signalling in and around the tunnel, which obviously can't be checked until the damaged units are moved. Not an easy job at the best of times, far worse in a tunnel.

 

Indeed, so I am wondering if there is a diversion option for 35028 - perhaps just go to a Surrey Hills working? Possibly a better business decision than a full cancellation.

 

I think (open to correction) that that is the entire area under the control of Salisbury signal box shut - which makes sense in the circumstances.

Tom

 

Judging by National Rail Enquiries, Salisbury station is open and the closure is between the east end of Salisbury and Andover/Dean.

 

The station might be open for tickets etc, but I don’t think any trains are moving.

Tom

 

It would seem they are

https://www.opentraintimes.com/maps/signalling/westofengland#T_SLSBRY

 

According to RTT trains are running from Salisbury on both routes to the west.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:SAL?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt

Cheers, Neil

 

Network Rail saying the line will be shut until at least Monday. Probably too early to say whether that will include Laverstock curve or just the section around the tunnel.

 

As you know there are some former train train planners in MNLPS which gives an advantage in negotiating a re-route as they will know what’s involved and what may be possible.

 

A Surrey Hills trip would be the least-fuss option. There's a Saturday trip coming up on 20th Nov, so the times for that can probably be used. However, it would be a shame to lose the run down the mainline through Surbiton in the morning. I wonder if a loop via Botley, Havant & Haslemere could be made to work in the time available?

 

Shall we just let those involved sort it out. They will know more about the options than either you or me

 

Good to see UK railtours keeping their customers up to date. <BJ>

''We are closely following the progress of repairs to the track near Salisbury following the incident at the weekend. We do not anticipate that this will affect the tour and will be in touch with all those booked should there be an issue''.

 

Yes, but it may be that hand signalling is in operation allowing the service that has been put in place.

Of course, but are you saying that mild speculation about options is a problem here? I don't think anyone is saying anything defamatory, critical or negative.

 

One of the options for UK railtours is to take their passengers to the delightful city of Bath. That would be an excellent idea.

<BJ> (from the delightful city of Bath)

 

But Bath means Bristol and that is a lot longer day than the timings were for the planned trip. So that may not sit well with a lot of the passengers. Most would probably live with an hour or so longer due to the Salisbury issue, but not an 0845 start and a finish around 2200 which the usual Belmond Bath days are.

 

We don’t know that is an option, the loco crews will have already been allocated and may not have the necessary route knowledge. Then there’s pathing to consider and Bath will mean taking the stock to Bristol, now a nightmare of a place to turn and service stock as I know having been on the last Belmond trip.
Changing things on the remains of what was once a great railway system is not easy but between the tour operator, MNLPS and NR something will be worked out.

 

A little off topic but I notice that today's Belmond Pullman (diesel) to Bath ran via Chippenham. The original route was via Salisbury. The return is via the B&H. <BJ>

 

We are booked route to Woking, then down the Pompey direct to Havant. Then across to Fareham, Botley and Eastleigh. Booked route back to London.
No 67 with us.

 

Good luck on the Portmouth direct in leaf fall with around 500 tons and no diesel.