1415

In response, the Mayor said that the business case for building the North Filton station showed it
would be too expensive to run trains every half an hour and was unaffordable. Two other stations are
also due to open with the line, at Ashley Down and Henbury, as part of MetroWest Phase 2.

102] Where Am I? (6) Answers: (BLN 1415.2908) ①Alternative to an Indian Meal? Curry Rivel Jn.

② Arlington of 68 and saintly Arlington of 29 were Class examples! Grange Court Jn; …… …..
…….GWR loco classes. 6800 Arlington Grange of 68XX Grange Class and 2931
… ..Arlington Court of 29XX Saint Class many were named after Courts.

③ In 1966, the man said they thought it was, then it was. D'ye Ken? Over Jn; 1966 Football World
…….Cup ''They think it's all over - it is now''. Commentator Ken Wolstenholme said these words.

④ To count, place the cards face up then - on the table. Meldon Jn;
… ..Meld is to place the cards face up to count points in various card games.

⑤ Two weighty measures, one with a cash alternative, some distance from the village!
…….Grampound Road.

⑥ Really messed up? No! Why? Aller Jn; anagram (= messed up) of 'really' with no 'y'.

103] Ashchurch: At 16.55 on Mon 19 Dec the 11.45 Margam to Round Oak was at a stand on the Up
Gloucester. However, despite further progress, it failed to reach Eckington Loop. (Oh 'eck.) The rescue
engine eventually recessed the failed train in Eckington Loop at 20.27. All services were turned back at
stations but the 16.00 Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester Piccadilly ended up trapped behind the
stricken train and returned to Cheltenham Spa via Ashchurch (normally trailing) crossover (75m 56ch).

104] Log on to Newton Abbot: (BLN 1394.402) RailFreight.com reports that it, in conjunction with
Euroforest, is trying to promote movement of timber by rail once more from Newton Abbot to
Abergavenny after the 19 Jan 2022 single trial run. Just the main trunk route with no branches!

105] The Big Freeze of 1963: 60 years ago, climate change hadn't been invented but an extraordinary
spell of cold weather and heavy snow falls began in the South West in late Dec 1962, spreading to most
of the country and lasting about three months continuously. Member Mike Roach (living in Plymouth
then) recalls the start of 'The Big Freeze' and the end of the Western Region's Plymouth to Launceston
branch as recorded through the logs of his rail journeys and the lens of his camera. The short and dull
days meant that most photos were taken between 11.00 and 15.30. The last photos of the day were
often taken at a 1/30th of a second at f2.8. It was a time of great change on the railways as steam was
replaced by diesel and electric haulage. The first diesels arrived at Laira Shed in 1958; after 4½ years a
selection of steam locos still arrived at Plymouth each day for servicing before being dispatched on
their return journey but not for much longer. At the end of Dec 1962, the 34-mile branch to Tavistock
(South) and Launceston was to close to passengers, it needed seven locos Monday to Friday to run the
trains. 1963 would see far fewer steam locos arriving but they still kept coming to Plymouth from
Exeter, via Okehampton, for servicing at Laira Shed, up until the first weekend in Sep 1964. Even after
then they arrived twice a day from Okehampton for another four months but did not need servicing.

The weather dominated the news for months on end. There was a short cold spell on 12-13 Dec and
then on 22 Dec 1962 the low temperatures returned and stayed for week after week. We had no idea
at the time that this was the start of 'The Big Freeze,' that would last 12 weeks. There was a frost, lying
snow and treacherous ice almost every morning. The main roads were kept clear but, as the Council
cleared the footways, more snow fell and they had to start again. The snow froze and was dangerous
with deep drifts in places. It was the longest, worst, cold spell for 250 to 300 years. Wikipedia has a
good article about The Big Freeze. The Cornwall Railway Society website has more of Mike's work; his
recent additions are in 'Latest Input' including 18 consecutive items every day from mid-Dec 2022.

106] Bristol Parkway: Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, the station is to be redeveloped (again!) after
its masterplan was approved at a South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) cabinet meeting. This includes a
new main station building, public space and business hub 'The Brickwork' next to a community park (St
Michael's Place), a new nature reserve and green space (Stoke Gifford Park). SGC wants the station to
be a gateway to the region and also to better connect to the local neighbouring communities.

ABOVE: (Item 110) Loco 6400 coasting downhill in the woods at MP21½ between Lydford and Liddaton with
two corridor coaches on the 12.14pm SO Plymouth to Launceston on Sat 18 Aug 1962. (All Mike Roach.)

BELOW: (Item 105) 6430 north of Marsh Mills on ECS to Tavistock South from where it will return with the
12.40pm to Plymouth auto train on Sat 22 Dec 1962, the first day of a long cold spell which lasted 12 weeks.

ABOVE: Boxing Day 1962, Plymouth Laira roundhouse with 5568, 4658 & 4701 of Old Oak Common.
BELOW: Launceston; loco 4574 on the 7.10am from Plymouth takes water at 8.53am on Thur 27 Dec 1962.

107] Okehampton: (see BLN 1414.2911) The station restoration that takes people back to the 1950s
[gosh, a time machine even] is now complete and formally opened. Features of the renovation include
a heritage waiting room, booking hall and booking office. The Bulleid Buffet is open daily (winter SuX
08.00-16.30; SuO 10.00-16.00) where you can grab a sandwich, homemade brownie or a full cooked
breakfast. If you wish to 'water the horse' or 'inspect the plumbing', the station toilets are open during
the buffet's opening hours. Pictures are available on the Dartmoor Line website. There is an all day
hourly train service from Exeter (strikes permitting), with a 10 or 70 minute break at Okehampton.

108] Taunton - Bishops Lydeard: (BLN 1407.2060) The WSR reports good progress on developing the
outline business case for reconnecting Bishops Lydeard to Taunton with scheduled trains. Recent
discussions with NR and GWR have confirmed a preferred model for operational control between
Norton Fitzwarren Jn and Bishops Lydeard. It is being validated with NR and GWR is modelling a draft
interim timetable. A full commercial timetable will not be possible until infrastructure and signalling
works at Taunton station are completed*. This is part of Exeter area resignalling, the earliest funded
approval for which will be Control Period 7 (2024-2029). [*This may imply a shuttle service rather than
extension of Bristol etc services - south Down bay P1 reinstated for passenger use perhaps?]

109] Happy New Year! Your South West Regional Editor sends New Year Greetings and thanks to all
his contributors and good wishes to those who have not yet contributed but may want to in 2023.

110] Lydford/Lidford (pre-1897): (BLN 1413.2785) Soon after Newton Abbot Relic Shop opened, our
member Mike Roach purchased a Lifton - Lidford train staff and still has it. It is quite battered so must
have spent a lot of the time near the top of the pile in the Webb-Thompson machine at both ends.

Mike sent in a photo of a train on the branch, loco 6400 coasting downhill in the woods at MP 21½
between Lydford and Liddaton Halt (the next stop towards Launceston) with two corridor coaches on
the 12.14pm SO Plymouth to Launceston, Sat 18 Aug 1962. Normally the 64XX locos only worked the
auto trains between Plymouth and Tavistock South, never proceeding north of Tavistock. The 45XXs
on the Launceston trains usually worked out chimney first and returned bunker first but 6400 turned
on the turntable at the former Southern Railway loco shed at Launceston. On weekdays it would have
been the loco for the 10.40 out but this day it was 6400 which swapped trains with the engine of the
Launceston branch goods which had left Tavistock Junction Yard (Up Side) at 6.25am that morning.

On its return from Launceston, 6400 was on the 2.20pm SO Launceston to Tavistock Junction goods
with ten wagons. The engine that had worked out bunker first on the 10.40 that day was 4574 and it
returned chimney first on the 2.05pm Launceston to Plymouth passenger train. Mike had never seen a
64XX-class pannier tank on a freight train and still hasn't, except perhaps on a heritage line.

111] Cran(k)brook: (BLN 1413.2782) On 12 Nov 2019 another member travelled from Exeter St Davids
to Cranbrook on 802107, then on 802103 on 13th, both Whiteball Tunnel closure diversions. He didn't
note the evening service, the return Plymouth to Paddington trip to the one mentioned in item 2782,
when heading home from work, so deliberately chose these, rather than the Class 159s. Selective door
opening was used at Cranbrook which has a 152m platform for 6-car Class 159s (shorter than IETs).

1415 WEST MIDLANDS (Brian Schindler) [email protected]
Malvern, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire.

112] Curzon Street: Designs were recently revealed for the new Bellingham Bridge on the approach to
the station. It is a 150m, gently curving viaduct over the existing railway viaducts with a 25m high truss
incorporating a bespoke light system (as in 'not heavy') known as 'Out of the Blue'. Formerly known as
Curzon 2 Bridge, it has been renamed to honour local footballer Jude Bellingham from Stourbridge.

113] Sandwell & Dudley: From 15 Dec Avanti ceased calling at this West Midlands Railway managed
station due to staffing issues (but pass through non-stop). The date for service resumption is unknown.

114] Tyseley: The Warwick Road Platform to Small Heath South Jn PSUL continues in use in 2023.
The Vintage Trains 22 Apr Cumbrian Mountain Express is advertised as departing from there. Generally
Vintage Trains 'main line' excursions use this branch, except Shakespeare Expresses and other trains if
noted. The platform is also used for 'internal' shuttles on Tyseley Locomotive Works open days.

ABOVE: (Item 115) New Street PSB panel soon after opening around 1966. (Kidderminster Railway Museum.)
BELOW: A small part of the relay room, most equipment is original and untouched! (Network Rail, Dec 2022.)

BELOW: Close up of the diagram around 1966. Top left is the Coventry line. Ste
Jn to Aston (two Goods Lines). The short double track branch from Aston, whic
along the bottom is the junction for the Walsall and Lichfield lines. Extreme to
the Stourbridge line above it, slightly left. The Soho (top) and Perry Barr triangl
Above and to the right of the middle signallers head is the start of the Bristol lin

echford to Aston runs downwards, note the four tracks then from Proof House
ch was electrified, is to Windsor Street Goods and Gas Works. Continuing right
op right of the panel is the Wolverhampton line with Galton Jn and the start of
les are both visible - Perry Barr had an Up Loop and private siding as well then.
ne. It is surprising how much infrastructure has gone and changed in 56 year!

BELOW: View along New Street P

PSB Relay Room. (NR, Dec 2022.)

BELOW: Network Rail advises that this WESTPAC Mk1 equipment at Birming

gham New Street PSB was the last of its kind on the railway. (NR, Dec 2022.)

BELOW: Circa 1966 again when New Street had a simpler layout (!). Bottom r
accessed Witton Aggregate Terminal (in 1966 Witton Coal Wharf). On the oth

right the former Down Goods Loop is lit up between Witton and Perry Barr, it
her side of the line was a connection to Imperial Metal Industries Ltd, Kynoch.

115] New Street: On Sat 24 Dec, when P1-6 were closed for resignalling work, two separate incidents
(track circuit failures and a major cable fault) severely disrupted many services. The first closed P11 &
P12 from start of service to mid-morning (exacerbated by stabling of trains in P8-P10 with temporary
closure of the three through sidings). The second, at Proof House Jn, resulted in no access to the
Derby Lines from P11 & P12 over lunchtime and total signal failure south of Proof House Jn. A member
travelled on the second to last departure before the Power Box closed, the reinstated 13.27 to Crewe
which actually left at 15.20. The last departure was the reinstated 13.40 to Birmingham International
(12.43 ex-Rugeley Trent Valley), which departed at 15.23. As elsewhere, the last services were so
early, even for Christmas Eve, due to the RMT strike over Christmas. All lines between Five Ways,
Proof House Jn and Soho South Jn via New Street reopened Tue 27 Dec following transfer of control
to West Midlands Signalling Centre at Saltley. The first service was the 08.43 New Street to Redditch.

116] Monument Lane: Formerly available only as a siding, due to the signalling, and seldom used
(including by railtours), from 27 Dec the Up & Down Monument Lane Loop became a passenger loop.
In addition, from New Street to the newly named Monument Lane South Jn (the Birmingham end
loop points), the Up Stour became bidirectionally signalled allowing ECS turnbacks from New Street
and stabling in the loop. The Wolverhampton end of the loop is now named Monument Lane North Jn.

117] Kingsbury: The M42 was closed between Jns 9 and 10 both ways from the evening of 24 Dec until
3 Jan to install a large bridge for the northern section of HS2. A very large transporter and cranes were
required; they could be seen from a diversion via Kingsbury. This also gave an interesting view of the
three Kingsbury Oil Depots with very many road tankers which explains why up to four 3,200 tonne
trains (2,200 tonnes payload) run six days a week from Lindsey and Humber Oil Refineries.

118] Shhhhh! quiet stations: There were 136 entries and exits at Polesworth during 2021-2022 up 22
(17.7%) on the year before. The station has one Down service (06.01 SSuX, 06.02 SO) Northampton to
Crewe only. Like at Pilning, the footbridge accessing the other platform has been removed. Bearley
had 1,394 (up 306) passengers and Claverdon 2,386, (up 828). Danzey had 3,488 and The Lakes 9,298.

119] West Midlands Metro: ❶A report to Dudley Council reveals that opening from Wednesbury to
Dudley is now delayed until 2024 and an extra £300M is required to extend onwards to Brierley Hill.
❷The 700m long Wolverhampton station extension has required £10M of additional funding due to
rising costs (now up to £50M). Part of this was due to an 18 month delay in Wolverhampton station
redevelopment work. A specialist piece of high-tech kit needed for trams to operate was yet to arrive
from abroad to complete the extension. The Edgbaston Village extension required a mere £2M extra
to enable completion. £5M extra has also been required to complete the delayed University station.
❸Anyone who signs up to an adult All Zones Metro Only Direct Debit Monthly Pass after 3 Jan and
until 31 Mar will have £10 discount for the first two months. ❹A Sunday service ran on Mon 26 Dec.

120] Class 323: 3-car EMU 323221 has been rebranded in its original Regional Railways 'Centro' livery.
Its first day in traffic was 19 Dec. Usually running on the Cross-City line, the unit looks very smart.

…1415 IRELAND (Martin Baumann) [email protected]
121] Galway: Irish Rail has issued tender documents for a major €26M expansion of the station; of
note, it will have five platforms instead of the present two! Much of the work, due for completion in
the first quarter of 2026, is to improve passenger facilities and bus interchange. Currently each week
there are 68 Limerick, 143 Dublin services and 24 commuter services from/to Athenry.

122] Barrow Bridge: (BLN 1414.2918) The bridge was pinned open to river traffic on 12 Dec 2022.

123] Tralee: From Mon 9 until Sat 14 and Mon 16 until Sat 21 Jan the 09.00 from Cork, 11.25 & 13.25
from Mallow and 11.05, 13.05 & 15.05 return trains from Tralee are all booked to use bay P2.

124] Lisburn: (BLN 1412.2669) By 16 Dec roughly the first half mile of the Antrim line had been lifted.

125] Limerick Junction: Three young women travelling from Galway to Killarney for Christmas were
delayed arriving at Limerick Junction due to a signalling fault, so missed the last train. With nowhere
to stop and the only alternative being a late bus to Tralee and a taxi (arriving around 1am), an Irish Rail
employee drove them the 120km to Killarney in a Company car. Much positive publicity has resulted.

126] Irish Rail Dec timetable: (BLN 1413.2796) Irish Rail went to considerable trouble to answer points
raised in the feedback exercise by 1,553 people and make changes (if possible). As a result:

……An earlier first Charleville to Cork and later last service from Cork to Charleville.
……Connolly to Balbriggan and Drogheda proposed evening peak changes (BLN 1409.2303) cancelled.
……Earlier Portlaoise to Heuston SuO trains and earlier Sunday stops at Newbridge and Sallins & Naas.
……Extra morning stops at Donabate and Rush & Lusk northbound for children travelling to school.
……Earlier first weekday service (now 06.17) from M3 Parkway, connecting at Clonsilla for Connolly.
……Improved Limerick Junction connections for the 18.40 to Waterford via Clonmel ('Field of honey').
……10.08 Ballybrophy to Limerick via Nenagh advanced to 09.05.
……Extra Broombridge stops for Luas on some morning Sligo to Connolly and evening return services.

Other timetable changes from 11 Dec 2022, proposed by Irish Rail, which have taken place:
Earlier SSuX first train from Dundalk (05.30)/Drogheda to Pearse and now runs to Grand Canal Dock.
More stops all week at Kilcoole (first station south of Braystones) by Rosslare to Connolly services.
12 extra off-peak services between Newbridge and Heuston (trains are now every 30 minutes SSuX).
Extra SSuX Hazelhatch to Grand Canal Dock services via Phoenix Park Tunnel.
A new SSuX return mid-morning service between Heuston and Carlow on the Waterford line.
07.00 Waterford to Heuston now calls at Kilkenny at 07.28 rather than using the 'avoiding line';

it leaves Waterford 06.50 (more were happy than unhappy with this) to still reach Heuston at 09.00.
A new 07.08 SSuX Athlone to Westport service.
A new 05.05 SSuX Ballina to Manulla Junction connects with the advanced 05.15 Westport to Dublin.
07.30 Athlone to Galway now starts from Tullamore at 06.50 SSuX, and additionally serves Clara.
Cork to Mallow minor retimings, to give a 30 min frequency between 16.25 and 19.25 from Cork.
Later last services SSuX from Cork to Midleton and Cobh at 22.45 and 23.00 respectively.
Ballybrophy - Nenagh - Limerick services accelerated by 15 minutes following track relaying.
Other minor schedule alterations to improve punctuality.

IR listed the most popular points made in the consultation which they cannot now accommodate:
Increase Rosslare line services (a circa 20.00 SSuX Connolly to Gorey is being progressed in 2023).
Later last train (under investigation for all InterCity routes) to Waterford and increase service.
Earlier first train Limerick - Nenagh - Ballybrophy with Dublin connection.
Later service from Dublin to Westport (and connection to Ballina).
Weekend service on Newbridge/Hazelhatch - Phoenix Park - Grand Canal Dock.
Increased service Waterford - Limerick Junction line (currently two each way SuX).
Later train from Dublin to Galway. Earlier first train Dublin to Cork.
Increased Limerick - Galway service (Western Corridor).
Additional train Newbridge to Grand Canal Dock SSuX between the 07.27 and 08.10 (no capacity).

Except for that last one, the reason given for not being able to increase services was driver availability.
There were many general and specific comments in favour of the proposed timetable changes.

127] Avoiding Kilkenny: In the new timetable the Lavistown South Jn - Lavistown North Jn PSUL is
now just the 16.05 FSO Waterford to Dublin Heuston and FO 16.15 Dublin Heuston to Waterford.

1415 ISLE OF MAN (Graeme Easton) :NEW EMAIL ADDRESS:: [email protected]

40 Droghadfayle Park, Port Erin, IOM, IM9 6EP. (Normal postal rates apply from UK.)

Includes all of the many railways on the island, past and present, of all gauges.

128] Groudle Glen Railway: The Santa specials and Boxing Day Mince Pie trains made mincemeat of
the record for passenger numbers again. Boxing Day was unable to end with the traditional last train
running to Sea Lion Rocks due to the track replacement (BLN 1414.2926). Trains were top & tailed by
Sea Lion and Otter using Lhen Coan run round loop to board and alight to create more platform space.

129] MER: On 20 Dec Trailers 49, 51 & 60 were moved to Laxey car shed for winter storage while 'in
return' Cars 9, 19 & 22 and Trailer 59 were moved back to Derby Castle for their winter servicing.

130] Steam Railway: The various Christmas Specials all loaded very well. Your Regional Editor donned
a red suit for four days of Polar Express trains (three each day), travelling from Santon to Douglas with
the children before being ferried back to Santon by car [not sleigh then?] for the next train. On 21 Dec
a Warner Brothers representative was on board to ensure everything was as per their requirements.

On 17 Dec a Carol Train ran as a private hire by Rushen Silver Band from Port Erin, stopping at Port St
Mary, Colby and Castletown for passengers to alight as the band played carols, before returning to
Port Erin for festive music and refreshments. At Castletown, 'Loch' ran round, then propelled the train
out towards Douglas before returning to the Port Erin platform for easier boarding. The train had 180
passengers (sold out in 10 days) and 22 from the band; it is unknown when (if ever) that many people
had gathered on the various platforms. It is hoped to repeat the event in 2023 with a longer train and
250 passengers. The society was well represented by our two Laxey members (who also travelled to
and from Douglas on the shoppers' train - essentially an otherwise empty stock movement before the
carol train) and your Regional Editor (who also happens to be president of the band). John and Jenny
remained on the train at Castletown for the shunt movement. https://bit.ly/3Gxw3TC (click 'Browse')
is a video, our previous Chairman is in the 1st class compartment as 'Loch' runs round at Castletown!

On 15 Dec the 4-wheel well wagon was taken by road to Castletown. It is believed that the wagon is
currently not fit for rail travel and was being moved for storage. [It was not so well, then]

On 31 Dec the Dining Train, which left Douglas in 2022 hauled by 'Maitland' struck a tree near Ballabeg
on 'The Greatest Showman's New Year's Spectacular' (at £110 a person, it was the most expensive
train of the year but sold out very quickly). There was significant damage but after an hour's delay
while the tree was removed, the train was able to continue to Port Erin, then back to Douglas with
arrival in 2023 at about 01.30 on New Year's Day. The Dining Train has been withdrawn for repairs
resulting in cancellation of the last three festive trains. It is expected to be back in use for the new
season. This is a sad end to Trish Hoy and her team's tenure running the Dining Train as she retires this
month. A new operator has been selected following a tender and is expected to be announced shortly.

131] Snaefell: On 11 Dec some track was noted at the Bungalow on the webcam presumably for a
winter relay. As the road (A18) was closed due to snow, no further investigations took place!

132] Man's New Year's Honours: Andrew Scarffe has been awarded the British Empire Medal for
outstanding services to the Preservation of Laxey and Lonan Heritage and the Island's railways.
His enthusiasm and dedication as technical support officer for the Department of Infrastructure has
enabled his team to restore a number of historic trams and trailers for the Island's heritage fleet.
A successful author of history, he was heavily involved in the successful fundraising campaign for the
restoration of the Great Laxey Mine Railway, something that he is still involved with as an active
volunteer and treasurer. Andrew assisted with planning and then drove for our 16 Sep 2013 MER visit.

1415 SCOTLAND (Greg Beecroft) [email protected]
133] Christmas: The customary Boxing Day Strathclyde area service (BLN 1296.85) did not operate due
to the NR RMT strike. Glasgow Subway ran but was closed Xmas Day and New Years Day, Edinburgh
trams had no service Xmas Day but otherwise ran, including the free Hogmanay service. As usual, this
was every 15 min from midnight on 31 Dec until 05.00 on 1 Jan - including to the Airport! With large
crowds in the city and Princes Street closed to traffic, from lunchtime on 30 Dec until 10.00 on 1 Jan,
trams ran from Edinburgh Airport to West End only (trailing crossover on departure in service) as is
now usual. An interesting feature of Edinburgh Trams is that, at 42m, they are the longest in the UK.

134] Dalmeny Jn - Winchburgh Jn PSUL: From 11 Dec 2022 timetable, the 22.31 FSSuX Dundee to
Edinburgh and 22.58 SuO Glenrothes with Thornton to Edinburgh are scheduled to run this way with
reversal at Linlithgow (doors not released). This appears to be to allow engineering access, particularly
with electrification from Haymarket to Dalmeny under way. However, the trains are liable to run
direct between Dalmeny and Edinburgh if the line is open and reach Haymarket early. The peak 07.12
SSuX Kirkcaldy to Glasgow Queen Street and the 17.33 SSuX return to Markinch were 'temporarily'
suspended from 23 Mar 2020 and not included in the timetable from 18 May 2020, without statutory
closure procedures being followed in respect of the line between Dalmeny Jn and Winchburgh Jn.



ABOVE: (Item 129) The rarely seen Tardis like Laxey Car Shed (MER - but only the right hand line of the three is
electrified). Six photos of the stock changeover with Derby Castle thanks to Andrew Scarffe via Graeme Easton.



BELOW: (Item 128) Groudle Glen Railway, the Mince Pie Specials used Lhe

en Coan loop for boarding and alighting to make extra space (26 Dec 2022).

BELOW: (Item 130) The First Nowell? Rushen Silver Band at Port St Erin for thei

ir private hire carol train - Jenny Williamson. (All other photos Graeme Easton.)

BELOW: A packed platform at Port St Mary with the carol train (t

the Second Nowell?) then off to Colby for the Third Nowell and…

BELOW: The Fourth Nowell at Castletown with some very rare track here wh

hich we did on our 16 Sep 2013 tour, only accessible through the Goods Shed.

BELOW: Santon ren

named as North Pole. INSET: your IOM Editor makes a good Father Christmas.…

BELOW: John & Jenny Williamson doing trailing Groudle MER crossover; a shor

rt working from/to Douglas. Andrew Scarffe (item 132) is driving (3 Sep 2018).

135] Kilkerran (53m 76ch): On Wed 21 Sep the 13.00 Girvan to Ayr used the very rarely used Kilkerran
Up Loop between Girvan and Maybole to pass the 07.27 Crewe to Stranraer INTERCITY charter.

136] Paisley - Glasgow: The 15.34 return Stranraer to Crewe INTERCITY charter on Wed 21 Sep was
routed from the Up Ayr to the Up Gourock immediately after passing through Paisley Gilmour Street
P3. This move saw the 18.25 Wemyss Bay to Glasgow Central departing Paisley Gilmour Street P1 and
cross to the Down Gourock at Arkleston Jn to continue along the Up Ayr from Arkleston East. Later it
passed the charter in the Gower Street Jn area. Those (including quite a few of our members) on the
charter had the last laugh though, as they were routed on the bidirectional Up/Down Thro' Terminus
(Burma Road), which has a 5mph restricted sharp curve (and very tight clearances) via the diveunder
beneath the Up and Down Ayr lines and Up and Down City Union lines (TRACKmaps 1 p7R 2021).

137] A fall at Falls of Cruachan: A landslide east of Falls of Cruachan about 14.20 on 19 Dec blocked
the railway between 52m 490yd and 52m 517yd, as well as the adjacent A85 main road. About 100
tons of material was washed down the slope of Ben Cruachan, probably triggered by the rapid thawing
of snow. All services between Crianlarich and Oban were cancelled. The unit which had worked the
10.36 from Glasgow Queen Street was stranded at Oban. On 20 Dec there were no trains to or from
Oban but on 21 and 22 Dec trains ran between Oban and Taynuilt in the times of the regular services
but the last round trip appears to have been cancelled on 23rd. A reduced service ran on 23 & 24 Dec.

Trains from Glasgow to Oban terminated at Ardlui, Crianlarich or Dalmally. Recovery work included
not just clearing the track and relaying the damaged section but also stabilising the slope above.
The line did not reopen until 27 Dec but most services were cancelled that day. Proving runs were
needed in the morning and there were rolling stock problems, so the first passenger service was the
12.22 from Glasgow Queen Street. Work to stabilise the slope above the railway continues.

BLN 1213.1131 of 19 Jul 2014 was about new electronic fibre optic cables technology being installed
which was described as a replacement for Anderson's Piano. The latter is the system of wires linked to
semaphore signals to automatically alert train drivers to rock falls. It was installed in sections between
Jan 1882 and Sep 1913. The electronic alternative alerted Banavie signaller but was oversensitive,
being triggered by deer for example, (oh dear) so is not used and the piano is still in play. This has 17
double sided 'normal' semaphore signals with lamps from 51m 72ch (Signal 1) to 55m 73ch (Signal 17).

All except Signal 9 (53m 67ch) are on the Down (south) side in the Pass of Brander, through Falls of
Cruachan station (52m 69ch). Interestingly the latest rock fall here caused stone signals 3, 4, 9 & 10 in
the Up direction and 4, 5, 7, 11, 13 & 17 in the Down direction to change to danger. On this occasion, a
member of the public and an ex-railway employee first alerted Banavie signaller to the landslip.

138] A Great Way Round? On Sat 27 Aug 2022, 1Z11, the 11.33 from Glasgow Central arrived into
Euston six minutes early at 16.41. Its next working (unlikely to have been planned as such!) was 1Z89
16.52 to Glasgow Central calling at Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan North Western, Preston, Lancaster,
Oxenholme Lake District, Penrith The North Lakes, Carlisle and Motherwell. The platform number
(five) was announced at 16.52 and this led to a typical 'Euston stampede'. Naturally, as the 16.01 to
Glasgow Central and the 17.12 to Preston had been cancelled, it was going to be extremely busy.

To ensure a departure as close to time as possible no barrier checks were undertaken. The journey had
plenty of time built in and waited time for a couple of minutes south of Denbigh Hall North Jn and on
the Down Fast at Stafford for just over ten minutes. The train departed at 16.59, a commendably fast
turn round given the demands of servicing the train including cleaning and attention to toilets. On the
approach to Acton Bridge a message over the train PA was broadcast which stated 'Would the man
who is travelling to Oxford please alight at Warrington Bank Quay, catch the train to Wolverhampton
and change there'. The man would catch the 19.42 to Wolverhampton and then the 20.42 to Oxford
arriving 12 minutes late at 22.25. He was fortunate, in one sense, to be able to reach Oxford given the
relatively early shutdown of the network on Saturdays now. What was he doing at Euston though?

139] Ravenscraig: (BLN 1320.1376) North Lanarkshire Council has refused planning permission for a
rail served logistics hub. The proposal by Russell Group is strongly opposed by local residents, who said
the scheme is contrary to plans for development of the site, where many houses have now been built.

140] Edinburgh Trams: Track laying on Newhaven line was completed in Dec. Discussions continue as
to whether tram stops should display their names in Gaelic. https://bit.ly/3Q5iZrA has a route map
for Edinburgh Airport/Port-àdhar Dhùn Èideann to York Place/Cheàrn Eabhraig with Gaelic names.

141] Thornton Junction: On 23 Dec a cardan shaft failed on the 19.53 Dundee - Edinburgh at Kirkcaldy,
locking an axle. The train was moved on a skate to the Down Loop next morning. Trains for Edinburgh
ran via the Thornton North Jn to Thornton West Jn PSUL and Dunfermline City, as did trains from
Edinburgh, while the skate was being fitted and the train moved. Both lines reopened 12.45 on 24 Dec.

142] Barrhead Electrification: Most masts are now erected to Barrhead; work has started on wiring.

143] Inverkeilor: Work starts in Jan 2023 to replace Bryanton overbridge, a brick arch at 22m 28ch,
which gives access to a farm just south of Inverkeilor between Arbroath and Montrose. This is to
improve the loading gauge for freight trains and will also give electrification clearance.

144] Inverness Airport: (BLN 1414.2932) First passenger use of Dalcross Loop seems to have been by
the 18.18 Aberdeen to Inverness (37 min late) on 12 Dec 2022 to cross the 20.37 Inverness to Elgin.

145] Scotland fares better: In an experiment, ScotRail peak fares will be abolished from Apr 2023 for
six months. Planned Jan 2023 ScotRail and Glasgow Subway fare increases have also been deferred.

146] Caledonian economy: From the Caledonian Railway's Appendix to the Working Timetable:

WRITING INK PRODUCED FROM OLD TYPEWRITER RIBBONS. – As a good ink,
quite suitable for ordinary purposes, can be produced from Old Typewriter Ribbons,
arrangements must be made for such worn-out Ribbons being returned to the Stores
Department. The ink thus produced will be issued to Stations as Non-Copyable Ink,
and can be utilized in recording particulars in books, such as Signalmen’s Books,
Wagon Books, &c., &c. It must not be used for Public Correspondence, Traders’
Accounts, Accounts for Audit Department, or other important documents.

147] Ayr: (BLN 1402.1438) At a meeting on 15 Dec, South Ayrshire Council unanimously decided to
demolish the southern end of Ayr Station Hotel; that is most of it. It will be about 18 months before
this can be done, because of the need to serve a statutory notice on the owner, to allocate funding for
the work and arrange a contract. There is likely to be a significant impact on the railway while work
takes place, with closure of the line probably necessary. Meantime the Council remains open to
dealing with anyone with a credible plan and the funds to save the building.

148] Midcalder Jn: (BLN 1413.2806) (TRACKmaps 1 p10C 2021) During work at Carstairs, from Mon 20
Mar until Fri 14 Apr 2023, SSuX the following are shown on Realtime Trains as reversing behind signal
EJ 982 at Midcalder Jn: the 04.40, 06.40, 08.40, 09.40, 10.40, 12.40, 13.40 & 17.40 Glasgow Central to
Euston and the 05.31, 07.30, 08.30, 09.30, 10.30, 15.30, 16.30 & 17.30 Euston to Glasgow Central.
Signal EJ 982 is located the Kirknewton side of Midcalder Jn on the Down Midcalder and controls
moves to the Up Midcalder for the Euston bound trains and to the Down Shotts for the Glasgow
Central bound trains. Thus the rare trailing crossover will be done by reversing trains from Glasgow.

1415 WALES & THE MARCHES (Chris Parker) [email protected]
Includes all the (Heart of) Central Wales line, Chester/Bidston - Shotton & Chester - Hereford - Newport.

149] Port Talbot West resignalling: (BLN 1412.2696) Commissioning of Phase 2 is now due to take
place during possessions from 01.00 Sat 25 Mar to 05.00 Tue 28 Mar 2023. The Swansea District Line
and its branches, Swansea Loop West Jn - Pembrey & Burry Port, Genwen Jn (via Loop) - Llandeilo Jn
and Pantyffynon (excl) will be blocked for the whole period. Port Talbot Parkway (excl) - Swansea
including the Swansea Avoiding Line will also be blocked 02.01-08.40 on Sun 26 Mar, during which no
trains are to be stabled in Swansea station, so synchronise your watches - twice with GMT ending!

Much of this was due to take place when the same lines are possessed exactly three weeks earlier but,
because of delays, that will now be cut back by 24hr to end at 05.00 on Mon 6 Mar and used as a catch
up exercise. Some further overnight localised possessions are scheduled during the following week.
Freight traffic will be retimed and rail replacement bus services provided throughout as necessary.

150] (The Heart of) Central Wales line: (BLN 1414.2952) http://bit.ly/3G8Py4B is a two minute silent
film of member John Spargo's journey over the line on 28 Feb 1976. It begins with the guard operating
Craven Arms ground frame in the Down direction, confirming that the token was obtained from a
wooden cabinet rather than what would normally be regarded as a hut. However, 'hut' remains the
term used in the Sectional Appendix for the current token exchange structures at crossing loops.

The frame, officially Craven Arms Station Ground Frame at 20m 01ch, came into use as a result of
simplification work scheduled for 22.00 on Sat 11 Dec 1965 until 23.00 (or completion) on the Sun
night. The frame was released by turning a key in an instrument which was itself released by another
in the present Craven Arms Crossing signal box. A telephone was also provided. This was just part of
the final phase of the creation of British Rail's longest single line section at about 31m 30ch: Craven
Arms Jn to Llandrindod Wells (as then) Crossing, where the loop was to be worked under modified
'staff and ticket' regulations. Craven Arms Junction, Hopton Heath, Bucknell, Knighton No1 & No2 and
Penybont signal boxes were abolished that weekend. Hopton Heath had long since only switched in
'as required'. Craven Arms Jn to Knighton was singled, using the former Down line except at Broome
where it slewed to the Up due to the poor state of the wooden Down platform, as well as at Penybont
station. Llandrindod Wells Crossing box was reduced to ground frame status. Dolau survived as a gate
box with signals until 1977 and Bucknell as a glorified crossing keeper's hut with stop boards until Wed
22 Feb 1978 (BLN 342 p55-6), when the present automatic open crossings replaced them.

Of the other double track sections north of Llandrindod, according to Tom Clift ('The Central Wales
Line', published by Ian Allan 1982), Llanbister Road to Penybont Jn (at the north end of Penybont
Tunnel) was singled in 1964 and Llandrindod Wells Crossing to the station in 1958 - exact dates would
be welcome! As further emphasis that the line was then a Light Railway operated on a shoestring, the
railway telephone circuits were abandoned and public network (General Post Office (GPO) in those
pre-privatisation days) phones installed in Craven Arms Crossing box and at Broome, Hopton Heath,
Bucknell, Knighton, Dolau and Penybont stations for emergency use. Modern BT equivalents exist in
the crossing loop 'huts' and Pantyffynon signal box today. Even more strikingly, intermediate station
platforms would no longer be lit: A white line has been painted along the platform edge to meet
Ministry of Transport requirements. This was 1965 remember, the dark ages. DMUs on the line have
special spot lights fitted - as in spotting would be passengers waiting at request stops in the blackness.

Today they (like every station in Wales) have information screens as well as lighting, in most if not all
cases solar powered. The Central Wales Line continues to operate under subsequent amendments to
the Light Railway Order, fortunately with less stringent speed restrictions than the 25mph maximum
for heritage lines but still no more than 60mph for DMUs and 45mph for other traffic with numerous
local lower restrictions. A 5 Jun 1990 amendment legalised the use of the new Knighton crossing loop
commissioned that year. Again the exact date is unrecorded (BLN 646.46) but it broke up the single
line section which was further lengthened to 31m 60ch in Jul 1986, when Llandrindod loop was moved
south from the crossing to the station as part of the No Signalman Token Remote resignalling project.

151] Did they celebrate with sweetbreads? Sugar Loaf remains the least used Welsh station and is the
6th least used nationally with 38 entries and 38 exits in the year ended 31 Mar 2022. Unsurprisingly the
most used was once again https://bit.ly/3hwsCTr Gilfach Fargoed International Cardiff Central.

152] RMT strikes: (BLN 1412.2688) These had the now customary regional effects on 13, 14 & 16 Dec.
The only variable is the English terminus of the GWR DMU service from/to Cardiff Central; on those
days it was Westbury. However, on Sat 17 Dec no GWR trains at all ran in Wales.

153] Swansea Docks: (TRACKmaps 3 p23A 2018) Neath Abbey Wharf loading pad (the tracks of which
once extended beneath the Swansea District Line) is between Dynevor Jn and Jersey Marine on the
east to south spur off the Swansea District line. It has not had regular traffic since 24 May 2021. There
were two more recent departures (for Pengam Reception Sidings) on 7 Oct 2021 and 10 Jun 2022.
Traffic has waxed and waned over the years, so could revive. Otherwise there has not been a train at
Burrows Sidings (to reverse) since the final coal train from Onllwyn on 21 Jul 2022 (BLN 1408.2201).
Part of the route is included In the Swansea Bay & West Wales Metro proposals (BLN 1389.3054).

154] TfW 10 Dec 2023 timetable: Significant proposed SSuX changes (weekends not yet released but
said to be similar SO with minor changes SuO) include: ●Cardiff Central to Maesteg and Ebbw Vale
services will be joined with clock face timings most hours. Cheltenham/Gloucester services will be cut
back from Maesteg to Cardiff Central. ●Newport to Crosskeys shuttles are at last extended to Ebbw
Vale Town, giving Pye Corner and stations northward 2tph (trains per hour), mostly at 27 and 33min
intervals, not quite half hourly ●Cardiff to Swansea 'Swanline' stopping service increase from a slightly
erratic 2-hourly to hourly, giving Pontyclun, Llanharan and Pencoed 2tph and Bridgend to Swansea
intermediate minor stations a consistent hourly service ●Some Manchester/Cardiff to West Wales
services will be diverted to Fishguard Harbour, giving it a 2-hourly service ●Manchester Airport to
Llandudno services are diverted to Bangor. ●A new hourly service between Llandudno Junction and
Bangor. This will call at Conwy, Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan which become mandatory stops
and will retain their existing 'peak' calls by TfW Holyhead services ●The hourly Liverpool to Frodsham
and Chester services will be extended to Llandudno, replacing the Manchester Airport services; this
could be controversial! All the above is subject to consultation (closes on 10 Jan), followed by a bid to
NR in Mar. The draft timetable also shows the Avanti Wrexham General - Euston via Chester and
return service extended from/to Shrewsbury (06.29/21.09) calling at intermediate stations both ways.

155] …and 15 Dec 2024: Subject to successful introduction of the full Class 197 fleet, this should bring
SuX all day hourly Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth services and hourly Liverpool to Shrewsbury services
via Frodsham and Wrexham (to/from Cardiff Central 2-hourly). It is not clear if they replace existing
Chester to Shrewsbury and Marches line services. Your Regional Ed has asked TfW but awaits a reply.

156] Cambrian Coast: (BLN 1413.2824) Further opportunistic work during the latest blockade was
refurbishment of Barmouth station platform canopies. This and the current phase of the viaduct/
bridge refurbishment were completed on time but wheelset problems with NR's 97303 affected
engineering trains. This caused the track renewals at Tywyn to overrun, added to by problems with
axle counters (part of ERTMS) there. The Pwllheli to Harlech shuttles continued on Sat 10 Dec until full
ROP with the 15.37 Pwllheli to Machynlleth; the 16.55 from Machynlleth was the first Down working.

The two Class 158 DMUs on the shuttles were fuelled individually at Porthmadog yard roughly weekly;
the unit to be fuelled usually ran ECS from Pwllheli late morning returning mid-afternoon, although at
least once passengers were required to change from one unit to the other at Porthmadog.

157] TfW locomotion: (BLN 1411.2567) This was off to a very poor start in the new timetable with
nearly all services being operated by DMUs. On 19 Dec, for example, the only exception was the 17.14
Cardiff Central (CDF) to Holyhead (HHD) which started 42 and ended 62 min late; one of the ex-Grand
Central sets. On 22 Dec, the same combination (67022 and set HD04) on 1V96, the 11.33 HHD to CDF,
suffered a brake fault at Craven Arms during which a Class 153 on a Central Wales service and Class
175 on the late running 14.30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) - CDF service 'undertook' it via the Down
Goods Loop. 1V96 eventually passed Moreton-on-Lugg 161 min late, reaching CDF a 'mere' 146 late.

Four sets were reported 'fit for traffic' but the three of longer residence were awaiting Selective Door
Operation modifications. It is believed that station despatch arrangements have not been finalised for
Mk4 sets at Manchester Piccadilly anyway. A member, unaware of this, decided to try the service
before Christmas. The menus on the TfW website looked enticing and good value (a three course meal
for £20). However, as the restaurant was only for 1st Class passengers (for many years the service has
been Standard Class only) he looked up the prices - Off Peak return with railcard MAN - Shrewsbury
£17.95 Standard Class but £78.25 1st Class!! He wonders who is going to pay over £60 for the privilege
of access to the restaurant car for a relatively short distance? Arriving at MAN he discovered that the
service hadn't started and the staff didn't know much about it! The Class 175 DMUs were still doing
sterling service and operating to the old timetable, extending to Carmarthen, Milford Haven etc
instead of a change (often with a long wait) to journey beyond CDF. He suggests that when the service
starts, a massive promotion is needed with 1st Class fares at least halved for it to be viable. [Advance
Fares may be offered?] We should welcome any on train catering improvements when the general
offering is declining. When was a new restaurant car service offered since the limited GWR ones?

158] Elan Valley Railway: (BLN 1399.1070) Following assessment by specialist engineers, Devil's Gulch
rock cutting is to be repaired and reopened to Elan Valley Trail walkers/cyclists after all! It was blocked
by a major rock fall on 4 Nov 2018, there have been more since and the cutting was to have been
closed permanently and bypassed. Work to reopen it begins on 9 Jan 2023 and involves descaling the
rock formation, anchoring and bolting the rock and adding rock netting. It will be carried out by a
specialist Porthmadog based contractor on behalf of Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water. The start date may
now have 'slipped' but, assuming no more rock does, completion is still expected in the spring.

159] Early Christmas present not fully delivered : (BLN 1412.2696) Several pieces of the rare track
expected to be available on the weekend of 10-11 Dec unfortunately failed to materialise due to the
traincrew shortage which has bedevilled TfW in recent weeks. On Sat 10th the only booked departure
from Whitland P3, the 11.11 to Pembroke Dock, left from P2. This was because 153362 was stabled in
P3 and permissive working is not permitted. The only departure from P3 that weekend was the 10.36
Sun formed of (you guessed) 153362. Others later in the day were cancelled. All the Cardiff Bay and
Maesteg services were also cancelled all that day, as were all trains booked to use Caerphilly bay P1.

In summary, the track which was available was Cardiff to Newport Up and Down relief lines (Sun
morning) Various crossovers at Cardiff Bridgend east end crossovers (SuO) Carmarthen Jn -
Carmarthen Bridge Jn Up and Down 'avoiding lines' (SO when the branch to the station was shut all
day) Whitland bay P3 (Pembroke Dock shuttle); the 10.36 SuO departure only. The following didn't
happen due to crew issues Caerphilly bay P1 Bridgend Up side country end bay P3 (SuO) for
Maesteg shuttles Cardiff Queen Street P2 - Cardiff Bay line connection on Sun! Sadly these were the
main aims of at least one member who travelled especially from NE England and stayed in the area.

160] Aberdare: (BLN 1413.2817) To clarify, the temporary buffer stop north of the station is only
chained in place, not fixed to the track and is somewhat lopsided; there is no additional stop block.
There is only one trap point (secured to derail Down trains from Hirwaun) next to the ground frame
which has four levers, just beyond (22m 37ch) on the out of use section. Adjacent to it on the Down
side (to Cardiff) is the original Aberdare High Level station (CP 15 Jun 1964) building, in non-railway
use now after years of dereliction. By 23 Dec, at the Down (Cardiff) end of the current station platform,
a start had been made on signalling and the turnout for the redoubling to Cwmbach. Similar work at
Cwmbach was scheduled for Jan 2022 (BLN 1392.136). The existing single line will become the Down
line and P1; the relevant Core Valley Lines track and signalling plan shows an additional 84m P2 at
Aberdare on the reinstated Up line, south of what is assumed to be the road underbridge (22m 31ch),
so staggered by about 5ch. An odd arrangement presumably due to financial and/or site factors.

Our signalling expert suggests that a risk assessment may have deemed it unsafe for trains to proceed
in passenger service into P1, maybe as a result of the trap points, inadequate overlap or suchlike.
Instead, passengers might have to detrain at P2 and the train run ECS to P1. Alternatively, maybe there
are passenger flow issues on P1 during peak times meaning that an incoming train fully loaded
disgorging onto an already full platform of intending travellers would be unsafe; the two platforms
allow the flows to be separated. Your Reg Ed's suggestion that P2 could be a 'ticket platform'
http://bit.ly/3WSngky can be safely discounted! Additional theories (or even the answer) welcome.

Try: With one set of points, an arriving train (at new P2) can fully berth without delaying a departing
train (from existing P1). Then, drawing forward ECS to P1 would be the norm. (Many two platform
termini, with scissors or two crossovers have departures delayed by late arrivals. The Load capacity of
the underbridge here, whether single track width or double, may have led to this line of thought!)

161] Onllwyn/Global Centre of Rail Excellence: (BLN 1412.2692; TRACKmaps 3 p23B 2018) Our Fort
William member visited on 23 Dec. By the northeastern-most ground frame, a wire fence had been
placed across the track and there is a low green fence around the entire site, presumably marking the
construction boundary. With the Christmas shutdown intervening, a 'Rail Business Daily' report that
construction had already begun was probably premature! The minimal track layout in use latterly (just
the loading line and run round loop) remained intact. Other long disused tracks seem to have been
lifted. The loading pad, conveyors and all stockpiled coal have been removed from around the rail
terminal, leaving plenty of flat space for the new storage sidings in the initial phase of the works.

162] Ebbw Vale branch: (BLN 1413.2828) Our Fort William member revisited on 15 Dec. At Newbridge
he saw the … er … new bridge in place; the Down platform is being extended across it and the new Up
platform works were in progress. At Llanhilleth he is now uncertain if the platforms will be staggered;
more probably the current works area doesn't directly correspond with where the platforms will be.
Some of the work area might just be for drains, cables, car park, a second entrance, or such like.

1415 MINOR RAILWAYS (Peter Scott) [email protected]
Includes those covered by 'Minor Railways' publication, (except IOM) in general anything not relating

to either the British or Irish National Networks or Local Authority Light Rail and Tramway Systems.

MR1] Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway (L&MMR), Carmarthenshire (MR p9): On Friday 4 November,
Class 73 loco 73130 was delivered to the railway by Allelys heavy haulage, after having been collected
from its previous home with the Coulsdon Old Vehicle & Engineering Society (COVES) at Bicester MoD
the evening before. The loco has been purchased outright by a new company, '73130 Ltd', set up
expressly for the purpose of owning, restoring and managing its continued operation. This company
has been formed and funded by members of the L&MMR and Class 73 enthusiasts from further afield.

The project came together in a matter of a couple of months when various parties heard that the loco
was to be put up for sale as COVES is vacating its Bicester MoD site (which is to be redeveloped for
housing - they could not afford to buy it) and is now disposing of all its heritage railway collection.

Mark Thomas, a director of the L&MMR, was one of the first to recognise the value of such a loco to
the railway and worked to get like minded enthusiasts together to bid for it. '73130 Ltd' will spend the
next few months putting the loco through safety checks and carrying out remedial work with the hope
that it can operate at Cynheidre during the 2023 season. Longer term, the team will make the loco
available for hire to other railways on an occasional basis for galas etc. The team has stated that their
intention is for the loco to remain in the condition it is now with the Scharfenberg coupling adaptors
used for coupling to the original Eurostar sets. It will retain two tone grey Eurostar livery with the cast
metal tunnel roundels on the body side from its time based at the North Pole International Depot in
West London, home of Eurostar's UK fleet from 1994 to 2007. The team will be looking at reinstating
the 'City of Portsmouth' nameplates that were on the loco from 1988 until 1996 before its Eurostar
years. It was so named at a ceremony at Portsmouth & Southsea station on 2 Jul 1988.

MR2] Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Wiltshire (MR p6): The Railway's Cross Country 2-car Class 119
DMU suffered a fire on Sunday 11 December at Taw Valley Halt, while operating a shuttle between
there and Blunsdon as part of the Santa train service. The railway issued a statement on the same day:

Today, a fire broke out in the DMU engine. The situation was dealt with expertly and the fire brigade
was in attendance. It was quickly dealt with and thorough inspections carried out to ensure full safety
and no further risk. Thankfully, there was no harm or injury to any of our crews, volunteers or visitors.
Huge thank you to the Wilts & Dorset Fire Crews for their swift response and support today.

Another huge thank you to all our volunteering staff who worked hard to ensure minimal disruption to
the Santa Special Service and for their care and support towards the volunteers who were involved.
The unfortunate event means this loco [sic] is now out of action for the foreseeable however our last
Santa Special weekend (17th & 18th Dec) will not be affected and will continue to run. One image of the
incident shows the set had been split - presumably to stop the fire spreading.

MR3] Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, Devon (MR p15) (BLN 1393.MR14): The railway received more
visitors in 2022 than in 2021 - they stayed longer and also spent a little more than budgeted. As for
planning for the Parracombe extension, an application for a Temporary Traffic Restriction order is
currently being made to Devon Highways to allow work to be undertaken on the public highway at
Killington Lane. The engineering designs for the precast concrete components of Bridge 65 are
complete and approved. An order to manufacture will be placed immediately after planning approval
is confirmed. A civil engineering contractor has been selected following competitive tendering and a
letter of intent has been issued. The contractor is now working with the Trust on planning and
programming; the works contract will be awarded after planning approval is received.

BELOW: (Item MR1) Electro-diesel 73130 at Finmere station (ex-Great Centr

ral Railway); HS2 is now under construction here. (Peter Scott, 27 Feb 2016.)

BELOW: (Item MR2) Swindon & Cricklade Railway; the DMU (51074/5110

04) involved in the fire, also at Taw Valley Halt. (Peter Scott, 9 Apr 2022.)

BELOW: (Item MR8) Bristol Harbour Railway; River Avon bank strengthenin

ng work, looking west towards the Create Centre (Peter Scott, 20 Dec 2022.)

X.2] BELOW: Severn Valley Railway, 75069 (a light engine - covered in lights) ap

pproaching Hampton Loade from Bridgnorth. (Jenny Williamson, 29 Dec 2022.)

X.3] BELOW: Great Western Steam Railway; Cheltenham Racecours
'4270' was withdrawn indefinitely after running on 2 Jan 2023 to be m

se (two words, not three) P1, a train waiting to depart for Broadway.
moved to Margate Hornby Museum. (Jenny Williamson, 30 Dec 2022.)

X.4] BELOW: GWSR, Toddington P2 looking towards Broadway. Your previous

Chairman is far right, locationally speaking. (Jenny Williamson, 30 Dec 2022.)

X.5] BELOW: (BLN 1409.MR179) Although it's Scotland they haven't electri