Didcot Railway Centre

Yeah it was a camping coach pre war. In 1940 all the GWR camping coaches were taken out of use because of the war and then used as sleeping accommodation for railway workers and the military etc, with many then quickly passing into departmental use. The number 9962 would have been given to it as a camping coach and originally when in normal use it would have had a different number.

In a book I have about camping coaches, in the appendix it says this about this particular one W9962W.

"To Reading Signal and Telegraph Department 6/1942, roof repaired there 16/10/45. Repairs to blackout at Devizes 12/10/44"

When WR Camping coaches restarted in 1952, new coaches were converted at the time rather than re use pre war ones.

 

Evening.

I'm hoping someone can tell me what the current situation with the TPO coach and apparatus at Didcot is?

Are they operational and have any mail exchanges taken place since COVID?

I can't find any evidence on YouTube of any for a number of years.

Many thanks,

Chris

 

https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/134/no-814-travelling-post-office

"Sorry, but the TPO is not in operation at present, whilst we identify and train a new team of operators."

 

Thanks for confirming

 

GWS Didcot Railway Centre offices in the engine shed were broken into Sunday/Monday morning. The offices have been trashed, extinguishers let off ruining the Centres PC's and paperwork. A lot of the windows have been smashed.


https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/2...bfGet95GzZd2rTUehcuFdGu2FZTwIh9303RBPUifwPoZw

 

Awful.

I hope they catch the perpetrator, although given the police statement of "the case has been filed pending further information" I won't hold my breath

 

This break in seems to have not been a burglary? No damage to the locos or rolling stock, just the back offices. I wonder if it has anything to do with 7027? People throwing their toys out of their pram!

 

Might have been a burglary though

Bob.

 

Unfortunately burglary is the most likely and as they couldn't find any cash, they wrecked the office. Lets hope the CCTV images from DRC and National network help to track them down.

As for involvement of pressure groups involved with 7027, that sounds like the start of promoting a conspiracy theory!

Cheers, Neil

 

Do people still go on the rob for cash?

 

Got to fund their habits some how.

 

Err Yes.

 

In some markets cash is still king for its lack of traceability, (or electronics / gadgets that can quickly be swapped for cash).

I don't believe street dealers can accommodate contactless just yet..

 

You can accept contactless payments via mobile banking on a smartphone. I have done so when exhibiting/ selling at shows and fairs.

 

Yes, although I am sure the police would love an easy read list of all the customers!

 

Hudswell Clarke 1026/1913 "Sir Robert McAlpine & Sons No. 31" appears to have landed today for the winter, photos of it being shunted on to the site along with 1340, back from its holidays. I did wonder if there was a reason for 1340's visit to Fawley Hill last month.

 

I believe (from reading elsewhere) its there for contract boiler work, whilst Fawley volunteers will be doing other works to it.

 

I would like to highlight that Didcot is rather more enthusiast focused than many railways attractions these days. Their loco roster is updated regularly and July’s offering will certainly take me there a couple of times. An eclectic offering including 4079 Pendennis Castle, 1340 Trojan, diesel Railcar #22, class 31 diesel etc.
It’s a welcoming place and well worth a visit!
https://didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/article.php/93/locomotive-roster

 

Is the order of two photos in the loco roster relevant to what is running each of the two lines?

Sent from my moto g(8) power lite using Tapatalk