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Published by membersonly, 2019-11-14 17:58:41

1340

14th November 2019

Number 1340 (Items 2758 - 2883 & MR 214 - MR 224) (E-BLN 85 PAGES) 16 Nov 2019

BRANCH LINE NEWS

Respice in praeteritum, praesens et futurum
Published 24 times a year by the Branch Line Society; founded 1955.
branchline.uk https://m.facebook.com/BranchLineSociety/

Membership Enquiries: Alan Welsh [email protected]
22 Treemount Court, Grove Avenue, Epsom, KT17 4DU. 01372 728677

British Isles news from member7s2; 8a6n7i7nternational section is available.
Opinions are not necessarily athvaoislaebolef .the Compilers or the Society.

BLN 1341 is dated Sat 7 Dec; :MIND THE 3-WEEK GAP: contributions by Wed 27 Nov please

2758] Paper BLN problems: These are now very rare, for this BLN (1340) any queries or problems to
Dave Monger please. From BLN 1341 onward, please contact Lisa Sheppard your new Membership
Secretary (both per back page). For e-BLcNieptyr.oSbolceimetys.please contact: [email protected]

Date Event and details  = Please Book Online BLN Lead Status

Fri 15 Nov 09.30 AGM Warm Up; North Derbyshire Minor Railways 1339 MG OPEN

Sat 16 Nov The AGM Roundhouse Explorer CHECK FOR PLACES 1339 MG CHECK

Sat 16 Nov 64th AGM at Barrow Hill Roundhouse (12.00-15.00) 1339 MG OPEN

Sat 16 Nov Barrow Hill AGM film show with hot buffet (17.00-20.00) 1339 MG OPEN

Sun 17 Nov 09.30 Sherwood Forest Railway (15" gauge) followed by… 1339 MG OPEN

Sun 17 Nov 12.15 AGM Roundhouse Rotator Track & Traction tour 1339 MG OPEN

Sun 8 Dec The Bootle Brush Track & Class 47 Traction tour 1335 MG OPEN

Sat 14 Dec BLS Men of Steel - farewell to British Steel Redcar station BELOW GB NOTIFY
Sat 4 Jan BLS Scunthorpe No20 Cold Steel Tracker *NOW OPEN* BELOW MG OPEN

Tue 28 Jan Madrid Circumnavigator; for all bookings and queries see: http://bit.ly/2pntxKd

30/4 - 3/5 Four day Irish long weekend - save the dates TBA TBA Claimed

Sat 2 May All day 'stand alone' Dublin based BLS Irish Rail tour TBA TBA Claimed

21-31 May BLS railtour in northern Sweden; save the dates 1337 IS Claimed

26-28 June The Niedersachsen Explorer; NOTIFY INTEREST BY 15 NOV 1338 PG NOTIFY

Sat 15 Aug Lengthy private 15" railway in Buckinghamshire, save date TBA TBA Claimed

GB = Geoff Blyth; IS = Iain Scotchman; MG = Mark Gomm; PG = Paul Griffin; Contact details on back page.

2759] :BLS Men of Steel; Sat 14 Dec UPDATE:,
The merry band of our members visiting our least
used national station on its final day before
'temporary' closure is growing; one is coming
from the south of France especially and another
from Harrogate. Most are catching the last
arrival, the 16.55 from Redcar Central, then the
final train back at 18.12 from Redcar/British
Steel/Redcar. Journey time is 3 min; Off-Peak Day
Return (restriction 'B3'; not valid 04.29 to 09.00
but SSuX) is £2.60 or £1.70 with a railcard. All are
welcome, the more the merrier! ABOVE: An impossible journey from the station as the only access
now is by train (item 2801). If you can't come, you can still buy a souvenir ticket dated 14 Dec online or
at any staffed ticket office and help it to be the station with the greatest % increase in use in 2019-20!

BELOW: Welcome to British Steel Redcar! (With thanks to Tim Hall/Ghost Station Man, 29 Oct 2019.)

A member from Hull, who plans to spend all day on 14 Dec at the station, has checked with Northern.
Their view ('so de jure policy I presume' he says) is that, as long as the person has a valid ticket, a stay
of any length is permitted on the day. Anybody else planning to join him? Whatever happens, I shall be
there for the entire period, confusing the train crews and the site security (in the nicest possible way).
Does this mean the van that supposedly meets every train will also have to stay there all day? There is
a small chance that the last train to call might carry an appropriate headboard. Northern told him that,
since news broke of the station being 'IBM-ised', there has been an increase in people travelling there
both in the morning and the evening. So the figures for station usage should be well up on the 40 last
year. One wonders how many people actually travel as opposed to just buying a ticket as a souvenir.

2760] :Scunthorpe Cold Steel Tracker No20 Sat 4 Jan:: (Report with pictures BLN 1337.2508) Our
now traditional first fixture of the New Year; a good time to visit as internal traffic is quieter after
Christmas with some great photo opportunities. A unique and interesting full day railtour; enjoy it
while you still can, particularly if you have never been before. There is over 100 miles of standard
gauge track at one of the UK's last 24 hour integrated steelworks set in 1,700 acres (and not one
tourist in sight). A great way to see an operating steelworks at close quarters - being close up to a
blast furnace is an unforgettable experience. 09.30 prompt start at the AFRPS platform until dark
(about 16.30). An extensive full day railtour reaching the parts others don't reach, with a lunch
break at the AFRPS shed (see/photo the locos). Subject to engineering work, Birmingham, Liverpool,
Newcastle (etc) rail connections available. Max 60, first come first served, but if fully booked, please
add your name to the waiting list in case of cancellations or an extra brakevan (80+ went in Aug).

BLS MEMBERS ONLY £47, Under 18s (must be accompanied by an Adult) £23.50. A buffet lunch with
a hot drink, detailed track map and stock list are included. Our tour supports AFRPS's work. Book
online please or by post, supplying membership number/s and an email address, if possible, or First
Class SAE to the Bookings Officer (back page). Queries/line requests in advance only to Paul Stewart.
Special Note: We will continue to try to operate these tours twice a year subject to demand; if
you have never been on one, give it a try and don't leave it. It is hoped to include the new through
line (BLN 1327.962) and junction realignments at either end. Please do NOT book if you would be
disappointed by NOT having a Norwegian NSB Di8 Loco for haulage; this is most unlikely to happen.

.Please always book online or ask someone to do this for you; it is a considerable help to our volunteers..

1340 HEAD LINES (Paul Stewart) [email protected]

2761] Keeping Track, (extra to Head Lines) significant passenger service suspensions: *= new/altered
BLN Start (incl) Reopens Location (stations 'exclusive' if bracketed) bold = closed now

1328.1196 9 Nov 19 15 Nov 19 *(Tiverton Parkway) - Worle Jn/(Weston-s-Mare)/(Castle Cary)
1338.2526 16 Nov 19 21 Nov 19 *Southport P4, 5 & 6 - (Parbold)
1334.2006 29 Nov 19 *Keymer Jn/(Falmer) - Lewes - Seaford/(Polegate)
1338.2529 2 Dec 19 St Budeaux Jn - Gunnislake
1338.2528 9 Dec 19 13 Dec 19 (Market Harborough)/Manton Jn - Corby - (Bedford)
1338.2524 25 Dec 19 Spooner Row station; last train to call was on Fri 13 Sep 2019
1333.1883 14 Sep 19 2 Jan 20 Dolgarrog station (BLN 1338.2630); pictures e-BLN 1337
1331.1539 16 Feb 19 Unknown Mid Hants Railway; Alton P3 - (Medstead & Four Marks)
1325.655 Unknown Reedham Jn - Berney Arms request stop - (Great Yarmouth)
1338.2530 2 Jan 19 'end 2019' Blackheath Jn - Bexleyheath - Slade Green Jn/Crayford Creek Jn
1338.2531 20 Oct 18 17 Feb 20 (Truro) - Penzance [St Erth - St Ives status unknown as yet]
1330.1399 15 Feb 20 24 Feb 20 Llangollen Rly, (Carrog) - Corwen East site [†last public train]
15 Feb 20 24 Feb 20
†4 Nov 18 Now 2020

2762] Bury St Edmunds Tarmac terminal: (TRACKmaps 2 p12D Oct 2016) Road stone aggregate rail
traffic to the Up Yard has ended. Several large piles of stone remain but there has been no lorry
loading activity for months and the unloading equipment has gone. The final Freightliner Heavy Haul

[BLN 1340]
worked stone arrived from Tunstead Tue 15 Jan 2019 at 07.50; the unloaded wagons left for Barrow
Hill Up Siding at 17.26. On Mon 14 Oct 2019 a special train '6Y95' of 10 empty ballast wagons arrived
and propelled gingerly into 'Old No1' siding (signed out of use 29 Sep 2017), after temporary removal
of the sleeper across the track. It recovered two engineer wagons dumped there with brake defects 2½
years ago and involved nine men who arrived in seven separate vans, including a 'project leader'.
Perhaps it will be the final train into Bury sidings (?). It has long been rumoured that a block of flats will
appear here, joining the two large developments currently going up a few hundred yards away.

2763] Llandanwg: (BLN 1339.2744) with 4,313 passengers in 2018-19 TCP Mon 7 Oct; ROP Tue 22 Oct
2019. The first stop south of Harlech TCP for repairs which were completed two days early but after
four days it was closed again for another 16 days for the Barmouth - Pwllheli closure (BLN 1334.2005).

2764] Clarbeston Road Jn - Fishguard Harbour (incl) & Fishguard & Goodwick: TCA 18.33 Thur 17 Oct
after DMU 150245 on the 14.48 from Gloucester collided with a fallen tree from neighbouring land at
275m 39ch. No injuries were reported to the 13 passengers or the crew. The unit was able to return to
Clarbeston Road station at 19.53 for road transport to Fishguard. An inspection found other trees
requiring removal along the line; ROP expected Mon 18 Nov. Rail replacement buses are operating
to/from Carmarthen with a normal service on the Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock branches.

BELOW: Our 23 Jun 1984 Dyfed Dragon railtour, organised by John Williamson, at Fishguard Harbour
(which has certainly changed a bit since...) it reached the end of main line 288m 46ch. In a yellow tea
shirt by the cab door wearing glasses is Dave Monger, to the left of him at the front is Graeme Beedle
then next left is Brian Buffer Stops Ratheram. (Ian Mortimer.)

2765] Par (excl) - Newquay & five stations: TCP 16.29 Sun 27 Oct when a 12-15m length of retaining
wall was displaced and partially collapsed at 283m 07ch between St Blazey Bridge Level Crossing and
Prideaux Viaduct. This was due to scouring from the adjacent, very fast flowing River Par (also known
as the Luxulyan River) - nearly three times its normal height and close to its record level. The rest of
the wall had to be removed and rebuilt on new foundations. Coaches ran St Austell - Newquay directly
with taxis for intermediate branch stations. ROP Mon 11 Nov 2019; the first train of the day, 09.17
from Par (later than you expected?) was an ECS route proving special, returning as 10.13 ex-Newquay.
Access was maintained to St Blazey Yard but to Goonbarrow Jn TCG (china clay) over the same period.

2766] Cricklewood Aggregate Terminal (CAT) Sidings: (BLN 1325.675): Officially opening in Dec the
long out of use facing connection from the Down Hendon (5m 24ch) to the new CAT (closed 7 May
1996 as a Recess siding) was signed back into use at midday Tue 5 Nov 2019. The bidirectional single
track trailing connection at the north end before Brent Curve Jn to the Down Hendon remains.

2767] Ballybrophy (excl) - Birdhill (excl) and Roscrea, Cloughjordan & Nenagh: TCP Sat 9 Nov with bus
replacement; ROP expected Sun 15 Dec 2019. Sundays only during this period Birdhill to Limerick is
also closed. SuO service is 17.20 Limerick to Ballybrophy (19.22) & 19.45 return to Limerick (21.53).
The closure is for engineering work in the Roscrea area, encouraging for the prospects of the line.

1340 BLN GENERAL (Paul Stewart) [email protected]
2768] Equalities Officer: We are pleased to report that our member Trevor Cockram has kindly agreed
to be BLS ex-officio Equalities Officer. Contact: [email protected] or by post via your Editor.

2769] Points & Slips: ●●BLN 1339.2705] Several members have been in touch to report that they
disagree with some of the automatic announcements about the pronunciation of Witham (Essex) and
that locally it is in fact "Wittum" or "Whit'm" by not pronouncing the 'h'/and the 'u'. In contrast, the
junction and ex-station of Witham in Somerset is pronounced with the 'th' as in "thin". Perhaps it's just
as well that the new station north of Chelmsford is to be Chelmsford Parkway not Beaulieu Park!

2770] BLN 1337.2414 Quiz Answers Part 1 TRUE or FALSE: (BLN 1338.2536) ❶No English railway
company was the sole owner of a Scottish line. The TRUE answer is actually FALSE, as Carham and
Sprouston (both CP 4 Jul 1955) were North Eastern Railway stations in the former Roxburghshire
county of Scotland, on the Tweedmouth - St Boswells line. From the east this was originally part of the

York, Newcastle & Berwick Railway (becoming part of the
North Eastern Railway in 1854), crossing the border from
England to Scotland just before Carham station (the village
itself is in England). It then passed through Sprouston station
and, after about a mile, made an end on connection at
Sprouston Jn with the North British Railway to St Boswells
(on the Waverley Route) west via Kelso and Roxburgh.

2771] TRACKmaps Southern & TfL Book 5 *NEW* 4th Edition
(Aug 2019): 11 years after the last revision, these fully
updated track diagrams are edited by our member Myles
Munsey and cover southern England from Kent to Exeter.
The IOW and Channel Islands are included. HS1 (Calais
even!), London Underground, London (Croydon) Trams, the
Docklands Light Railway, many Minor Railways, Heritage lines
and even two MoD lines are shown in full. The most dramatic
changes are to the London Bridge and Thameslink area. In
the usual A4 format there are 72 pages; 57 are schematic
maps in full colour showing all track and pointwork.

[BLN 1340]
An Index Map shows the routes covered; a detailed key, list of abbreviations, index with over 3,000
entries, a list of Engineers Line References and, separately, Line of Route Codes are all provided.
Electrified lines are distinguished by type/s of electrification; this detailed book is very clear and
logical. It is very interesting even for non-Microgricers and is sure to be useful to all our members.
Please notify any amendments to Martyn Brailsford at [email protected] or by post to your
BLN Editor who will scan and forward them. (PAS)

This excellent publication is now available for £17.49 (including P&P) from: www.trackmaps.co.uk or
your Sales Officer Graeme Jolley can take orders now for BLS Members only at a discounted price.
Order for dispatch during the first week of Dec, £13 including P&P. Email for a special e-link to pay by
card or post a cheque payee 'Branch Line Society' to Graeme (per back page contact details).

Alternatively you can email [email protected] or write in to reserve a copy - but send no
money - for collection on our 8 Dec 'Bootle Brush' tour for only £11 (cash on the day preferred, right
money please). For commercial reasons we cannot discount it before the first week in December.

2772] Quiz Part 3, are these TRUE or FALSE? With thanks to Angus McDougall; answers in BLN 1341.

❶Arisaig station is the furthest west in Great Britain.
❷The Waterford & Tramore Railway had no connection with any other line.
❸The [broad] track gauge in Portugal and Spain is identical with the Russian track gauge.
❹The country of Liechtenstein does not operate its own railways.
❺The last regularly timetabled British Rail steam hauled passenger train ran on 5 Aug 1967.
❻A tram route in Basel (Switzerland) crosses the border into Germany.
❼All non-single track railroads in the United States usually operate with right hand running.
❽The star of the film 'The Titfield Thunderbolt' was Will Hay.
❾Political pressure caused the Minister of Transport to refuse the Mid Wales line closure proposal.
❿Articulated passenger coaches were used on some London suburban services.

2773] Quiz, Part 4 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS: Thanks to Angus McDougall; answers in BLN 1341.

①The Newcastle Emlyn branch (West Wales) ran from (a) Lampeter, (b) Aberystwyth, (c) Pencader.
②The first standard British Railways coach livery was (a) chocolate and cream, (b) blue and white,
……(c) carmine and cream.
③In the French Railways former printed timetables, timings marked by 'car' indicated travel by
……(a) diesel railcar, (b) bus, (c) taxi.
④A black painted lever in a BR mechanical signalbox works (a) points, (b) a stop signal, (c) nothing.
⑤On the London Underground system Green Park was formerly known as (a) Down Street,
……(b) Dover Street, (c) British Museum.
⑥The 4-4-2 steam loco wheel arrangement is often called (a) Pacific, (b) Atlantic, (c) Consolidation.
⑦Central, Midi and Nord are the names of stations in (a) Brussels, (b) Charleroi, (c) Paris.
⑧Most of the Heads of the Valleys line in South Wales was owned by (a) a Joint line, (b) the London
……& North Western Railway, (c) the Brecon & Merthyr Railway.
⑨The bell code of six strokes in a BR mechanical signalbox means (a) bell testing, (b) call attention,
……(c) obstruction danger.
⑩Scenes on the original 'Brief Encounter' film, with Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, were originally
……intended to be shot at (a) Crewe, (b) Carnforth, (c) Watford Junction.
⑪Dublin Connolly station used to be named (a) Westland Row, (b) Glanmire Road, (c) Amiens Street.

2774] My First Railway Memories (18) & Introducing your new BLNI Editor: Hello, as your new
International Editor, I would like to introduce myself: My name is Peter Skelton and I am 67 years of
age. I was born at Retford in North Nottinghamshire just a few hours before the tragic accident at
Harrow & Wealdstone station on 8th October 1952. Retford will be familiar to many of you if only for
its appearance in PSUL. My father was a passenger guard based at Retford station and later became
Station Supervisor there. My paternal grandfather was also a railwayman having worked up through
the grades; by the time I was born he was a Steam Locomotive Driver based at Retford Shed (36E).

I lived for the first 65 years of my life in Retford and was educated there at King Edward VI Grammar
School, not achieving anything outstanding with only mediocre GCE (O-Levels) results but acquired a
life-long interest in languages and grammar which, I hope, will be useful for this role. After leaving
school I worked for a short time in mining machinery at Dosco Overseas Engineering in Tuxford. At that
time in the 1970s there were still many coal mines operating in the East Midlands, the vast majority of
them being rail connected. I then moved into the newspaper distribution industry where I spent
around 20 years working for John Menzies Wholesale at their branches in Retford, Gainsborough,
Scunthorpe and Doncaster, followed by a few years self-employed running a retail news agency.

In 1997 the lease on my shop was coming to an end and, at the same time, a vacancy occurred with
Great North Eastern Railway (GNER) for a Customer Service Assistant at Retford to provide relief cover
at Retford, Newark Northgate and Grantham, so I sold my home delivery business to a neighbouring
newsagent and joined the rail industry. After about three years in the area relief position, I moved to a
'link' position based at Newark Northgate which I held until 2007 when I was promoted to Duty Team
Leader. Still at Newark Northgate, I retired from that position in Sep 2017 just before my 65th birthday
and having served four franchisees - GNER, National Express, East Coast and Virgin Trains East Coast.

Never having been married and having no surviving close family, I decided after my retirement to leave
the house where I had lived for 47 years, initially with my parents until both passed away, and then
alone. I moved to live permanently in the house which I had purchased in 2014 as a holiday home in
the beautiful village of Beaulieu sur Sonnette in the Charente département of southwest France and
that is where I am now. For those who wish to locate the village in relation to the SNCF network, the
nearest station (which has a rail rather than bus service) is Ruffec on the section between Poitiers and
Angoulême of the Paris to Bordeaux route.

I cannot remember a time when I did not have an interest in trains and railways; it must be in the
blood considering my family history. My mother told me my first railway journey (which I don't
remember!) took place when I was about six months old and she took me from Retford to visit her
aunt who lived at Cleethorpes. My earliest memories of watching trains are of my mother taking me to
Blackstope Lane Foot Crossing (east of Retford station on the Great Central line to Gainsborough) to
watch either my father or grandfather pass by, while working on the trains and Granddad throwing
comics to me tied to a lump of coal from the tender. The earliest journeys that I remember were from
Retford to the Lincolnshire coast resorts, mainly Cleethorpes as we had family and friends there, but
also to Skegness and Mablethorpe. As I grew a little older family holidays were often taken in Devon,
usually either Torquay or Paignton, which led to my first long distance journeys. By this time I had
become interested in 'train spotting', which led to journeys to many destinations around the East
Midlands and Yorkshire (cheap days out for me, of course, with Dad's staff travel facilities).

By the time I was 10 years old, Dad decided I was competent to find my way around London alone on
the Underground so I was let loose to go anywhere I wanted (imagine that nowadays!). So my
wanderings commenced and while still train spotting I started trying to cover as many lines as possible.
This progressed into wanting to cover those lines which had limited or no regular passenger services,
so Saturday overnights and Sundays became the time for me to be out for diversions. Eventually, I was
introduced to the Branch Line Society in July 1973 by another Retford resident and well known
member, now sadly deceased, the late great John Salmon; so started my long association with BLS.

ABOVE: Pete Skelton standing outside his house in Beaulieu sur Sonnette (31 Mar 2014).

My interest in European railways also started while I was quite young as other favourite destinations
for family getaways were Oostende in Belgium and Boulogne sur Mer in northern France, the latter
holding a special attraction until the end of steam in the northwest corner of France. I have travelled
widely in other parts of France and, especially, in the area where I now live, in the south-west around
the Charente and Dordogne areas. Also down towards the Spanish border, in the south-east around
the Swiss border area and into Switzerland itself. I have also made occasional forays into Germany,
Holland and Italy. As I moved into middle-age I started to spend most of my holidays in Belgium,
usually based in Oostende, so I have quite good knowledge of the NMBS/SNCB system, particularly in
the provinces of West-Vlaanderen, Oost-Vlaanderen and Bruxelles-Capitale/Brussel Hoofdstad.

Finally, I am looking forward to the challenge of editing BNLI and I hope my efforts will be to your
liking. Please feel free to pass any comments or suggestions to me, I do not guarantee to accept all or
any of them but I can assure you all will be given due consideration. For your reference when
submitting items for inclusion in BLNI, my native tongue is obviously English; however I speak French
fairly fluently and can usually make sense of Dutch and German.

2775] BLN International: Pete 'restarts' work (!) editing BLNI 1341 dated 7th Dec. We hope that all
those interested in international railways will please make the effort to help support him. (Initially
he has agreed to try the job for three months and we do want to keep BLNI going.) Those that can,
please send in one written up item, and/or pictures/maps/plans etc suitable for publication, to
[email protected] for each BLNI. Items on paper can be sent to Paul Stewart (per
back page) for scanning and emailing to Pete. Any member can look at e-BLNI electronically free on
our website and there is a 'print your own' paper version in A4 sheet or A5 booklet formats. To have
BLNI posted twice a month with BLN is only £4.50 a year extra with BLN or less than 19p per copy!

X.150] ABOVE: 60046 was released for a loaded test run on Wed 13 Nov. DC Rail will take delivery
later this week, it is the first of four which the company will use to haul trains to the new Wembley
construction freight hub. (Press Release.)

2776] On Railway Hotels, Part 1: By Rhys Ab Elis. As our railway industry grew - and grew - through the
19th and early 20th centuries, the railway companies themselves evolved from undertakings that built
and owned railways and ran train services (passenger and freight) into complete transport 'empires'.
At an early date railway companies acquired much of the canal network (mostly to stifle competition),
while some became major dock owners and shipping operators. From 1903 onwards several railway
companies became extensive operators of bus services and road cartage from goods depots. Towards
the upmarket end of passenger service provision, many railway companies opened and ran hotels,
usually located adjacent to major stations or desirable tourist destinations. (By the 1930s, Railway Air
Services had appeared, too - but that's another story altogether!)

Some railway company-owned hotels have become household names: think Gleneagles, Turnberry or
the Midland Grand at London St Pancras. Railway companies and their more affluent passengers soon
realised that early 19th century standards of coaching inns left much to be desired. London's first trunk
main line, the London & Birmingham Railway, opened a hotel at Euston station as early as 1838, and
the concept began to catch on quite quickly, as the basic main line network grew exponentially.

My interest in this aspect of railways and railway history was first ignited by seeing and photographing
the pseudo-Georgian station hotel building at Holyhead in 1977 (PREVIOUS PAGE). This splendid
structure is lost to us now. Opened in 1880, it neatly sat between the two large curving trainsheds
forming Holyhead station buildings. It resulted from a major investment by the London & North
Western Railway (LNWR), expanding their port facilities and met the needs of those, principally the
'well off Establishment', travelling between London and Dublin. With the post-1922 decline in rail and
ferry communications with Ireland, the hotel closed to guests in 1951, becoming railway offices. I was
there just in time. Along with one of the two symmetrical trainsheds, it was demolished by British Rail
in 1978 the year after my visit, replaced by a modern, cubic, yellow brick office block with equally
characterless modern station facilities behind it. (This itself closed about four years later, now infested
with pigeons and their guano in the locked up part of the station). This is called progress...

I then knew little of its history, or how many hotels had been owned by railway companies, or where
they were located. Like many BLS members over the years I had stayed at the Crewe Arms Hotel,
(BELOW - all pictures by Rhys Ab Elis) very conveniently sited next to Crewe station.

This homely and characterful place was also owned or leased by the LNWR, and its post-1923
successor the London Midland & Scottish Railway from 1864 onwards. It continues in this function to
this day, though, like all former railway-owned hotels, has long since been sold out of the railway
industry. Now a 'Best Western' hotel, like all others of that brand it is actually independently owned
and locally managed.

Then, in 1990, 'An Illustrated History of British Railway Hotels 1838-1983' was published, a singularly
useful reference book. It was written by (the now-late) Oliver Carter RIBA and represented several
decades of diligent research in the archives of the British Transport Commission and its predecessors.
This has proven to be a most useful research tool in itself, enabling me to visit and stay at all of the
remaining extant ex-railway hotels. In all, over 140 railway-owned hotels were built, owned, or leased
by a majority of the larger pre-1923 railway companies. The 1838-1983 dates refer to the period from
the opening of the first railway-owned hotel, at London Euston in 1838, until Mrs. Thatcher sold off
the last 19 British Transport Hotels in 1983. [In Ireland, the last of the Great Southern (Railway Co)
Hotels, owned after 1945 by CIE's hotels subdivision, Ostlanna Iompair Éireann, were sold in 2006.]

It was some years before I
tracked down a copy of the
book, but once obtained it has
been in frequent use ever since.
It enables me to see that I had
already stayed at a few of these
hotels. The earliest was in 1969;
this was The George & Railway,
opposite the original Brunel
terminal side of Bristol Temple
Meads station. Now Grade II
listed, it has been closed for
many years, most recently
covered in scaffolding and
sheeting, with, I recall, a sign
proclaiming great 'development
opportunities'. My recollection
is that it was a miserably cold place. Not all (ex-) railway hotels were up to the standards of
Gleneagles... It opened around 1800, presumably as a coaching inn, called the George Inn. The Bristol
& Exeter Railway (B&ER) acquired it in 1875, passing into the ownership of the Great Western Railway
(GWR) next year. The GWR sold it in 1939; perhaps they weren't too proud of it. Of note there is no
mention of it in either the advert page of the GWR's own hotels, or the GWR Summer 1932 timetable.

At the beginning of the 1980s I had stayed at both station hotels in Glasgow while they were still in the
ownership of British Transport Hotels (the hotels subdivision within the, by then, long-vanished British
Transport Commission - the body created by the post-war Attlee government to oversee everything
that moved, which had been nationalised). These were the North British Hotel, adjacent to Glasgow
Queen Street station, facing George Square, (and once owned by the North British Railway) and the
Central Station Hotel, structurally integral with Glasgow Central Station, ex-Caledonian Railway. The
North British Hotel dated originally from the 1780s, had been acquired by the railway in the 1870s and
was much-rebuilt in 1905. High up on the façade, on the central pediment, the initials 'NBR' may still
be seen. The Central Station Hotel opened in 1885 and was incorporated into the major rebuild of the
station in 1903 (essentially the architecturally superb station you see today). Both hotels have been
modernised in recent years and continue in business. [To be continued; only another 8 'storeys' to go.]

ABOVE: Hard luck for anyone who wants a bath after 11pm?

NEXT PAGE TOP: The George & Railway as it once was (later it was a pub).

BELOW: En suite luxury quite a few years ago at Gleneagles Hotel!

X.151] THIS PAGE: During the Market Harborough turnbacks (BLN 1338.2538). The 11.52 to Sheffield
is about to depart over the trailing crossover north of the station. (Simon Mortimer, Sat 3 Nov.)

1340 EAST MIDLANDS (Graeme Jolley) [email protected]
2777] Midland Main Line: (BLN 1338.2528) As part of 'The London to Corby Project', Signalling and
Permanent Way changes will be commissioned from 2 Jan 2020 mainly affecting the Midland Main
Line. This follows an extended Christmas blockade from 25 Dec affecting Market Harborough (open
only from/to the north)/Manton Jn - Corby/Kettering - Wellingborough - Bedford (station open only
from/to the south). It mainly affects the Midland Main Line. More details to follow but in summary:
A new fourth mostly unidirectional Up Slow line will be commissioned between Kettering South Jn
(70m 57ch) and Sharnbrook Jn (56m 52ch) with a new P4 at Wellingborough. This extends the Up Slow
south of Kettering station again. New permissible speeds will apply on the Up Slow line from Kettering
North Jn through to Bedford station. Quadruple track will extend from St Pancras north for 74m 02ch.

On 6 Nov the 07.31 Derby to St Pancras PSUL was routed as booked: from Up Fast to the Up & Down
Slow (in what will be the rare direction) at Harrowden Jn returning to the Up Fast at Sharnbrook Jn.

2778] Lincoln: (BLN 1336.2286) The 07.30 (SuX) Lincoln to King's Cross, and 19.06 (daily, including
Sundays) return HST is due to switch to a 9-car Azuma ahead of the December timetable change.

2779] Barton-on-Humber: (BLN 1337.2420) Abellio took over the East Midlands franchise from 18 Aug
as planned, but transfer of the Barton line from Northern Rail has now been postponed to May or Dec
2020. The Chairman and Secretary of Friends of the Barton line will seek assurance from the respective
MPs for either end of the line that the promised service improvements will be honoured. Following the
transfer, East Midlands Railway plans to install public information screens at all Barton line stations.
Meanwhile, to satisfy the Persons of Reduced Mobility regulations, changes to the rolling stock are
possible: continued use of Class 153 units with a special dispensation, a compliant Class 156 DMU on
its own or paired with a Class 150, Class 153, Pacer, or Class 170 DMU - subject to crew training.

2780] Bennerley Viaduct (1331.1567) This imposing Grade II listed viaduct is under consideration for
reopening as a footpath/cycleway. It is under the care of 'Railway Paths' conservation group, on the
Historic England 'at risk' register and now also the 2020 World Monuments Watch List. The Friends of
Bennerley Viaduct are working with Railway Paths to bring the viaduct into use as a public right of way.

2781] Tallington: (BLN 1332.1724) DB Cargo has won a contract to move 128 trains of concrete tunnel
segments for Tarmac. These are for the eastern section of Thames Tideway Tunnel (London's 'Super
Sewer' being constructed between 2017 and 2024). The trains are due to start in Feb 2020 and run for
18 to 24 months to the Tarmac branch (once to Northfleet Cement Works) from Northfleet Jn. Its last
known traffic was 18 Nov 2016; empty cement wagons to Tunstead Cement Works. (BLN 1271.3126)
The segments will be shipped up river by barge and are delivered by road from other manufacturers.

1340 GREATER LONDON (Geoff Brockett) [email protected]
2782] Crossrail: (BLN 1338.2547) ●By the end of the year, final fit out, testing and commissioning is
due to be completed at many of the new stations, with fit out and testing of the tunnels due by Jan
2020. Each station has over 50km of communications cabling, 200 CCTV cameras, 66 information
displays, 200 radio antennae, 750 loudspeakers and 50 help points. The next item of infrastructure to
be handed over to the operators will be Mile End shaft, followed by the new Custom House station.

The handover programme has been delayed by the discovery of sub-standard fire alarm control
panels, which are being replaced. A key priority is to ensure that all stations in the central section have
reached a level of completion that will allow trial running of the full timetable to commence in the first
quarter of 2020. Meanwhile 'dynamic testing' using four trains is continuing on four days a week.

●On 8 Nov Crossrail Ltd announced that the core tunnel section will not open during 2020, but will
open as soon as practically possible in 2021. This 'closes' the first half of the previously announced
'opening window' of Oct 2020 to Mar 2021. Further time is needed to complete software development
for the signalling and train systems and the safety approvals process for the railway. It was also
announced that further funding of between £400M and £650M will be needed.

●OHLE at Plumstead headshunt, Reception Road & Stabling Sidings 1-8 will be energised from 3 Dec.

ABOVE: Denmark Hill station on 11 May 2015. (Angus McDougall.)

2783] Cricklewood: (BLN 1332.1737) (TRACKmaps 4 p8B Dec 2018) From 25 Oct No12 Siding closed
past Jerich's Level Crossing, but is still long enough to allow access to the Refuse Transfer Station. No11
Siding closed on the same date. This was used by GBRf to transport spoil to Calvert, until the operation
finished on 1 Oct. Depot remodelling is now behind schedule, with commissioning of the new siding
layout and re-control of the signalling from the local panel to West Hampstead now expected in Apr.

2784] Denmark Hill: NR has secured DfT funding for detailed design work on enhancements. It is one
of the busiest stations in south London (with 7.14M passengers in 2018-19), but only has one rather
cramped entrance, on to Champion Park. The original Denmark Hill entrance and ticket hall is now a
public house [if you ask for a 'half', will they think that you want a child ticket?]. The proposals include
an additional entrance on Windsor Walk on the north side of the station. There would also be more
canopies and information screens to encourage passengers to spread right out along the platforms.

2785] Who signed this off? Seen on a door along the connecting passage between the Jubilee and
Bakerloo lines at Waterloo underground station: 'No unauthorised access until further notice'. [Now
we all need to keep an eye on the sign for the further notice when unauthorised access is permitted…]

2786] 55 Broadway: (BLN 1329.1268) Integrity International Group took a 150-year lease on the
complex on 13 Sep. This includes the ground floor retail units but not the ticket hall and other
operational property forming St James's Park station. ('Underground News'.)

2787] Docklands Light Railway: (BLN 1332.1734) Thales has signed two contracts to support the
supply of new rolling stock. The first is with train builders CAF for the on-board control systems.
The second is with TfL for signalling software upgrades to support the new trains. The network has
used Thales' SelTrac Communications Based Train Control since 1994. ('Rail Technology Magazine.')

Developers planning at least 11,500 new homes in Thamesmead are calling on TfL to build an extension
to serve it. TfL has worked up a scheme for a branch from Gallions Reach to one or more Thamesmead
stations, but it is difficult for it to commit to new infrastructure schemes given its financial situation.

2788] London Trams (Croydon): (BLN 1334.2004) A new onboard, automatic braking system is being
fitted to the fleet of 35 trams to fulfil one of the Rail Accident Investigation Branch recommendations
following the fatal accident at Sandilands in Nov 2016. This is the first such installation in the UK.
Track beacons, initially at the four highest risk locations including the approach to the derailment site,
will measure a tram's speeds as it passes. Over-speeding trams will be brought to a controlled stop and
the control room notified. Driver training is being carried out on a simulator designed by Tram-Pro.
The system, known as 'Physical Prevention of Over-Speeding' will be installed by the end of this year.

Since the Nov 2016 Sandilands accident additional safety measures have been introduced:

>The maximum speed trams can travel at has been reduced from 80kph (50mph) to 70kph (43.5mph).

>More speed restrictions and associated signage near Sandilands and at three other locations.

>Enhanced chevron signs at the four sites with significant bends.

>Additional speed signs and lineside digital signs.

>In-cab driver protection devices on all trams from Sep 2017 to protect against fatigue and distraction.

>The CCTV recording system of the type on the overturned tram replaced and upgraded to digital.

>Emergency evacuation procedures from trams reviewed so that the speed of evacuation is improved.

>Risk assessments have been reviewed to ensure all scenarios are adequately planned for.

The Crown Prosecution Service recently announced that the driver involved in the Sandilands accident
(in which seven people died and over 50 were injured) will not face any action, due to a lack of
evidence. Corporate manslaughter charges will also not be brought against TfL or the operator Tram
Operations Ltd. Prosecutors said that the available evidence "does not support a prosecution".

2789] LUL Microgricing Opportunities: The list of planned closures dated 7 Nov on the TfL website
suggests usage of the following crossovers in passenger service:
.. . .18/19 Jan: First scheduled use in service of the new(ish!) crossover at Paddington Suburban, but
……'Underground News' reports first use on 4 Sep, this was a west to east reversal so probably ECS.
.. . .15/16 Feb: Hyde Park Corner (cancelled at least once recently).
.. . .22/23 Feb, 21/22 Mar: Moorgate Northern Line.
.. . .14/15 Mar: Harrow-on-the-Hill northbound departures from P5 or 6.

2790] Watford DC Line: (BLN 1338.2550) A 4tph service throughout the day is expected from 17 Nov.

2791] LUL Sub-Surface Lines Resignalling: (BLN 1336.2298) NR has given advance notice to interested
parties of LUL's plans to install lineside equipment between Richmond and north of Gunnersbury. The
LUL Automatic Train Control system will be connected to the NR signalling system and provide control
of LUL trains based on the signal aspect displayed by the NR signals. There is no change to the signal
operation for other operators. The works are proposed for mid-2020, with testing/commissioning in
late 2020/early 2021. Amending BLN 1336, 'Underground News' reports that testing of the second
stage of the new signalling (Paddington (District)/Latimer Road/Finchley Road to Euston Square)
went well, so trains ran in passenger service from 12.30 on Sun 1 Sep. However, insufficient trained
Train Operators and Instructor Operators caused a high level of cancellations on the Met until 15 Sep.

2792] Point Pleasant Jn - East Putney: SWR is consulting until 23 Dec http://bit.ly/2NMMIpG on
proposals to withdraw certain Sunday to Thursday early morning and late night trains from Dec 2020.
The number of journeys affected by the proposals is said to be fewer than 400 of the over 600,000
made on the SWR network daily and 'all of which would all benefit from a more reliable railway'.

It would allow NR more time for maintenance and also includes proposals to increase services on
Friday and Saturday nights. One proposal is to withdraw the 01.05 Waterloo to Southampton Central
SSuX, which runs via this PSUL route and often other unusual routeing. Shorter term, this service is
also likely to be cancelled in Dec due to the RMT strike on SWR from 2 Dec to 1 Jan, except for 12 Dec.

2793] Victoria Line: (BLN 1282.1155) A new WTT was introduced on 4 Nov, the period of operation of
36tph (a train every 100 seconds) is doubled to approximately three hours in each peak. As in the
previous timetable, there is no staff train service to Northumberland Park Depot during the peaks.

2794] And Finally… In an average week 531 Leicester Square to Covent Garden passenger journeys
are made - the closest pair of stations on one LUL line - with 331 journeys in the other direction. They
are just 284yd apart, with a running time of one min in the Working timetable (but timed on a recent
train as actually taking nine seconds), it is quicker to walk as lifts have to be used at Covent Garden!
If all these are for £2.40 for very expensive single 'Pay as You Go'' journeys, this is over £100k a year
wasted by tourists and others. [Unless they are all lift aficionados doing the ones at Covent Garden.]

1340 NORTH EAST & YORKSHIRE (Geoff Blyth) [email protected]
2795] Expenditure: NR's 1 Apr 2019 - 31 Mar 2024 (CP6 - Control Period 6) 'Route Strategic Plan' for
London North Eastern & East Midlands Route lists planned expenditure for The North East & Yorkshire:

Line £M 1: Power upgrades.

1Newcastle to the Border £74 2: Power upgrades; freight loops*, Burnigill Bank (Durham).

1Newcastle - Carlisle £28 3: Middlesbrough resignalling (BLN 1326.819)

2York - Newcastle £218 4: Grosmont signalling enhancements? (BLN 1328.1159)

3Stockton - Saltburn £45 5: York - Harrogate see item 2802 below.

4Middlesbrough - Whitby £15 6: Garforth area line

5York - Harrogate - Leeds £15 speed enhancements.

6Leeds - Colton Jn £106 7: Goole resignalling.

1Hull - Scarborough £35 8: South Kirkby.

1Hull - Micklefield £140 Most of the expenditure
7Gilberdyke - Mirfield £147 is probably on relaying,
8Doncaster -Leeds earthworks (for example
1Leeds - Guide Bridge £57 stabilising earthworks
1Sheffield - Swinton £140 underlying the railway
1Doncaster - York at Burnigill Bank, just
£21
£106

south of Durham) and a few bridge replacements. Your

Regional Editor has listed above the specific projects he

knows about but would welcome any information members

may have on others. Church Fenton - Colton Jn

electrification won't be needed in CP6 and depends on HS2

progress. There is no mention of the Durham Coast

signalling transfer to York ROC due to be implemented next

summer; but this is actually a delayed CP5 project. The

Whitby line figure probably does not include any signalling

improvements between Grosmont and Whitby as this has

surfaced relatively recently. *It is thought that the extra

freight loops between Northallerton and Newcastle have

been 'paused' on cost grounds.

2796] Dinnington: RIGHT: 1961 map, the purple spot marks
Dinnington Jn; the former passenger station is evident on
the line to Doncaster.On the South Yorkshire Joint Line, NR
proposes to abandon the disused 1114A points at
Dinnington Jn. They are where the double track at the
southern end of the line now singles heading north and are
the points to the headshunt/run off from the Down line
(once continuing as double track as shown on the map).

ABOVE: The signal box at Dinnington Jn is named Dinnington Colliery. (Angus McDougall 1 Mar 1986.)

The work would cost about £100k but saves £10k per year in maintenance even if no fault is found
with the points as regular checks will be made to check they will work when needed.

They are 3m 14ch north of Brancliffe East Jn. The ownership boundary marking the start of the South
Yorkshire Joint Railway was at 3m 11ch. The line from Brancliffe East Jn was owned jointly by the
Great Central (GCR) and Midland Railway. It OG 2 Oct 1905 to Rotherham Lane, Laughton, to the
northwest of Dinnington, on a line which eventually extended to Thrybergh and Roundwood Jns,
north of Rotherham.

Several railways were interested in tapping into the rich South Yorkshire coalfield and many new lines
were in prospect. The companies eventually agreed to 'sink' their differences and promote a new
railway in which they would all participate. Thus was born the South Yorkshire Joint Railway, owned
20% each by the GCR, Great Northern (GNR), Lancashire & Yorkshire, Midland and North Eastern
Railways. The 17½ miles from Dinnington Jn to Kirk Sandall Jn OG 1 Jan 1909. Dinnington Jn -
Dinnington Colliery and Low Ellers Jn - Potteric Carr Jn OG the same day. The line south of Potteric
Carr Jn OP 1 Dec 1910. A Doncaster - Shireoaks passenger service was jointly run by the GCR & GNR,
but the latter withdrew from the arrangement after less than a year. It CP 2 Dec 1929; but north of
Low Ellers Jn never had regular passenger services. Dinnington Colliery ceased production 4 Oct 1991.

2797] Tinsley Yard: (TRACKmaps 2 p28 Oct 2016).Track renewal is taking place at the Newell & Wright
Group's Masborough Container Terminal, owned by GBRf at the site of the old Masborough Sorting
Sidings/Freightliners Terminal (160m 61ch) on the 'Old Road' between Beighton Jn and Masborough
Station North Jn, Because of this, container traffic is being temporarily handled at the Reception
Sidings side of the former Tinsley Yard. The area has been cleared and has a temporary access road.

Trains arrive from Shepcote Lane in the through sidings north of Sheffield International Rail Freight
Terminal. The loco then runs round in the sidings and propels the train further east on the former
Main Yard East Departure Line (not named on TRACKmaps) to the old East Departure Line, east of
159m 76ch shown on p28, to be unloaded. Now a dead end, until 17 May 1993 it continued southeast
to Catcliffe Jn then to Treeton Jn (the south curve)/Treeton North Jn (the north curve), linking Tinsley
Yard to the 'Old Road' (Tapton Jn - Masborough Station North Jn) southwards and northwards.



ABOVE: An intermodal train arriving at Tinsley on 28 Oct 2019. (Chris Booth)

PREVIOUS PAGE: How the mighty are fallen. Taken from about 159m 76ch looking towards Shepcote
Lane, Tinsley Yard Power Signal Box is just visible far left in the trees beyond the overbridge and was
operational then (but only signalling Tinsley Park Jn). From R-L lines are East Departure, East Arrival,
Main Yard East Departure and (dropping down to burrow under the old hump) Secondary Yard East
Departure. The Reception Sidings used to be in the vegetation on the left. The buffer stops adjacent to
TY249 are on the (lifted) Train Engine Spur. (Andy Overton on an official visit 20 May 2009.) See:
https://www.s-r-s.org.uk/pullfree.asp?FilePath=ArchiveSignals\Downloads\brer&FileName=1965-tinsley.pdf
on the Signalling Record Society public website for a (download) plan of the original Tinsley Yard.

2798] Tinsley East Jn/Masborough: BLN 1335.2179 mentions Templeborough Rolling Mills (TRM), on
the opposite side of the road from British Steel Corporation (BSC) Templeborough. Local railwaymen's
comments that TRM was not rail connected and did not provide any rail traffic were true for direct
shipments, but TRM was a major rail customer, as all the inward steel billets for re-rolling came by rail.

A member who worked for Trainload Metals in the early 1990s comments that one of the biggest
customers for BSC Scunthorpe at that time was TRM. Over 300,000 tonnes of billets were moved each
year from Scunthorpe to Rotherham Masborough Steel Terminal by rail for delivery by road to TRM,
only a mile away. There were two or three trains a day; the big advantage for TRM was that the billets
were stored at Masborough and 'called off' by TRM as required. It was the delivery of the steel billets
to TRM that caused the Masborough site to be reconfigured from its previous use as a Freightliner
Terminal to a dedicated steel delivery terminal. Ironically the wheel has now turned full circle and the
site is again used for intermodal container movements by hauliers Newell & Wright, served by GBRf
trains from Southampton and Felixstowe (previous item).

[BLN 1340]
2800] Rothbury: (BLN 1336.2314)
The 'Wansbeck Wanderer' farewell
railtour was the final revenue
earning train to this branch
terminus on Sat 9 Nov 1963 (not
1952 - the year regular passenger
services ended), thus Woodburn -
Reedsmouth - Bellingham & Scots
Gap - Rothbury CA 11 Nov 1963.

LEFT: The archetypical 13 mile long
Scotsgap - Rothbury branch in 1961.

Rothbury was also visited earlier in
that year by the joint SLS/RCTS
'North Eastern Rail Tour'. This was a
phenomenal five day tour from 27
Sep to 1 Oct 1963, covering almost
every line worth doing. Your
unfortunate Regional Editor had
just started work and had no money
and no holiday entitlement, so
could only grit his teeth in
frustration! On 29 Sep the tour was
already just over two hours late at
Rothbury and an hour was spent
there, trying to turn the loco on a
turntable that was too short for it!

The planned traversal of Scotsgap -
Reedsmouth (reverse) - Bellingham
was therefore abandoned. It is
thought that those on the 29 Sep
tour were allowed a compensatory
free trip on the 'Wansbeck
Wanderer', which ran more or less
to time but again took over an hour
to turn the loco at Rothbury.

Apparently a very prominent RCTS
member refused to leave the pub,
believing the turning could not have
been completed so soon. Was he
left behind, one wonders….?

A member owns Scotsgap Signal
Box Train Register Book from Sep
1963 to 3 Oct 1966 closure. It has
no mention of the alleged 'Jul 1964
Civil Engineer's DMU special' to
Rothbury so this train appears to be
just one of many railway myths. At
the time of closure, freight trains

(originating at Morpeth) ran Scotsgap - Rothbury branch three times each week on Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Fridays, and Scotsgap - Woodburn - Reedsmouth - Bellingham branch (subsequently
cut back to Woodburn until CA 3 Oct 1966 from Morpeth) also three times a week on Mondays,
Wednesdays and Fridays. So two separate trains ran on Fridays.

The last official freight to both Rothbury and Bellingham was Fri 8 Nov 1963: (Train 1) Morpeth
8.30am, Scotsgap dep 9.20, Woodburn arr 10.02, thence to Bellingham and back, Woodburn 12.12,
Scotsgap dep 12.45, Morpeth arr 1.25pm. (Train 2) Morpeth 10.13am, Scotsgap dep 10.58, Rothbury
11.37/12.42 (engine and van), Scotsgap dep 1.34pm (awaiting 'train out of section' for the return
Bellingham freight (Train 1), Morpeth arr 2.26pm. Trains very rarely ran on Saturdays and then the
only ones were military specials to/from Woodburn, for Otterburn Training Camp.
On 12 Nov 1963, after CG west of Woodburn, the freight arrived there at 12.00 and didn't depart until
1.30pm so it had time to run to Bellingham to clear wagons. On 15 Nov the return Woodburn freight
reached Scotsgap at 12.18 and according to the train register 'proceeded to Rothbury to clear yard',
returning to Scotsgap at 3.30pm. The token instrument to Morpeth promptly failed, requiring
pilotman working. The freight eventually arrived back at Morpeth at 4.48pm. On 26 Nov an engine and
van (described as a ballast train - they probably wanted the track!) was endorsed in the train register
'To Bell' [Bellingham]. It left Woodburn for Bellingham 11.35 and Woodburn 2.35pm for Morpeth.

2799] Queensbury Tunnel: (BLN 1331.1597) The Queensbury Tunnel Society is gathering opposition
to oppose a planning application by Highways England (on behalf of the DfT) to Bradford Council to
seal the tunnel up permanently. Over 4,000 such objections have been made. However from 21 Oct,
Highways England have used their emergency powers to tip aggregate down No2 shaft due to
alleged heavy rainfall and rising water levels. The Society has produced a very well written, detailed
and interesting report http://bit.ly/2NAMpzn rebutting the 'emergency'. There are more articles
on their website about the ambition to reopen the tunnel for cycling and walking. Please support!

PREVIOUS PAGE: Guess where? (Tim Hall/Ghost Station Man, 29 Oct 2019.)

2801] A warm welcome to British Steel Redcar British Steel! (BLN 1337.2399) A new welcoming sign
has appeared at the station exit: 'KEEP OUT RISK OF DEATH This is private property with many hazards
to health and life including high voltage electricity, dangerous chemicals, harmful gases, unsafe
structures and heavy good vehicle and train movements. Unlawful forced entry will be regarded as
criminal activity and reported to Police. Cleveland Police will use wide-ranging powers to seize and
impound vehicles [One way to get rid of Pacers perhaps…] and investigate those suspected of being on
this site for unlawful or criminal purpose. You are advised to keep out for your own safety and to avoid
prosecution and property seizure'. http://bit.ly/34LzEHI is a series of pictures in sunshine on 29 Oct.

Another welcoming sign at the authorised station exit states:
No unauthorised access. CCTV in operation. Danger of
death. It has phone number of 'Control'. This must be unique
at a public station. In e-BLN 1337.2438, the last picture
shows Warrenby Bridge. Coatham Bridge (a road overbridge)
is behind the camera where the 1978 Redcar British Steel
deviation joined the formation of the old line.

LEFT: Another 'impossible' journey. (Ticket and the one with
item 2795 thanks to Geoff Blyth - note the date.)

2802] York - Harrogate: ❶A £13.5M project to enhance the York - Knaresborough service is being
jointly funded by North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) and the Local Enterprise Partnership. It
includes minor infrastructure improvements for Northern to fulfil its franchise commitment to double
the service to half hourly. While apparently running to plan, it is encountering the same problem as
the Northern Connect Middlesbrough - Durham - Carlisle service (BLN 1335.2168), of ECML capacity.

This is probably worse at York as traffic is more intense than further north at Ferryhill. The Harrogate
line crosses the Slow Lines at Skelton Jn to join the Fast Lines. These are then both bidirectionally
signalled to York station, useful flexibility as Harrogate trains use P8 bay, connected to the Down Fast.

NR is comprehensively reviewing the timetable on the whole ECML, including north of York, with a
report expected in Dec. Preliminary design of the infrastructure and timetable assessments for the
Knaresborough project are expected to be completed in Dec 2019. NYCC is working with NR to be
ready to commission the next phases, including detailed design and delivery of the infrastructure, to
start in Jan 2020. There is a proposal to add a third line between York and Skelton Jn, extending the
existing Loco Line, but it would require a new bridge over the north end of Leeman Rd. This would
keep Harrogate trains clear of the Fast Lines and allow simultaneous departures of northbound fast
and slow(er) services. Ironically, 55 odd years ago, when closures were in full swing, local railwaymen
were generally of the opinion that Harrogate - York would close and Harrogate - Northallerton would
be reprieved and singled. Both were down for closure in the 1963 Beeching report. However,
Transport Minister Barbara Castle took the opposite view for whatever reason [usually political.].

❷(TRACKmaps 2 p18C Oct 2016) From 25 Oct, the points between Down York line and the Down
Siding were reinstated at Harrogate, part of the Harrogate Down Siding reinstatement work! This is
the first stage in NR's 'Harrogate station franchise capacity scheme', allowing Class 800s to operate to
Harrogate. NR has been working with a developer on a 'new' station and adjacent residential scheme.

❸(BLN 1331.1593) LNER will introduce new Azuma services between Harrogate and London but from
15 Dec instead of the intended 8 Dec. There are five each way daily, as well as the present (SuX) 07.34
from Harrogate and 17.33 return (18.33 SO), at two hourly intervals both ways. Different times apply
Sundays. This supplements the 'fast' Northern third hourly Leeds train introduced 20 May. Like GWR
IETs, Azumas have a traffic light seat reservation system above seats making it easier to find reserved
or available seats (when it is working). The existing ECML fleet will be fully replaced by Jun 2020.

2803] Sheffield Supertram thug/flood: The network was considerably disrupted on 26 Oct. Firstly,
even though it was a Saturday, Sheffield Wednesday were playing Leeds United at Hillsborough and
there were incidents when they met there last year. Supertram and the club were unable to agree how
to prevent a repetition, so it was decided to suspend the Cathedral to Middlewood and Malin Bridge
services. The Blue and Yellow routes were cut short at Cathedral for a couple of hours before and after
the match, although they ran through while the game was in progress. This led to trams returning to
the depot and thus, unusually during the day, showing Cricket Inn Road as a destination.
During this fully timetabled revised service, trams turned back in the platform closer to the Cathedral,
used by Purple route trams when terminating and heading back to Herdings Park and also Tram Trains.

Heavy rain also caused the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation canal to overflow onto the adjacent
railway and tram route between Rotherham Central and Parkgate. This prevented rail traffic running.
Tram Trains unusually ran to Meadow Hall Interchange, which had an extra three trams per hour as a
result, including on 27 Oct. Northern Rail services were also suspended through Rotherham Central.

2804] Leeds: (BLN 1332.1740 with plans) The Leeds Capacity Programme delivers an extra P0. Early in
the development it was realised it would need a long closure of P1 from Dec 2019 to May 2020, with a
significant negative impact on operations in the area. Therefore an alternative plan was developed to
shorten and relocate P1 for a longer period, instead of shutting it for 6 months. Under this revised
programme, an additional temporary shortening of P3 is required, and a similar shortening of P2 has
been brought forward. Of all 'A' to 'J' stages the relevant revised project delivery stages are:

●Stage F1: 6 Jan to 16 Feb 2020. P2 reduced from 239m to 209m and P3 reduced from 133m to 103m.

●Stage F2: 17 Feb to 23 May: P1 reduced from 279m to 131m. P3 reverts to 133m.

●Stage G: 23 May to 25 May: P1, 2 & 3 out of use (a Spring Bank Holiday weekend closure).

●Stage H1: 26 May to 31 Oct: P1 relocated, a temporary structure (131m) on a temporary alignment.
..Signalling circuitry reconfigured and no traction power; services restricted to diesel traction only.

●Stage H2: 31 Oct to 2 Nov: P1, 2 & 3 out of use (three days). Then P1 final alignment comes into use.

1340 NORTH WEST (John Cameron) [email protected]
2805] Colne - Skipton: (BLN 1339.2695) The Skipton East Lancs Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP) is
hopeful the recent conclusion that the reopened line would be unsuitable for freight of any kind is just
a 'blip'. They have met Members of Parliament, the House of Lords and senior representatives of the
DfT, Transport for The North, NR, Drax Power and the Skipton Building Society for discussions.

On Tue 29 Oct there was a positive and supportive Westminster Hall debate: 'Proposed reinstatement
of the Colne to Skipton railway link' (details online in 'Hansard') but it remains to be seen if this makes
any difference. A member advised that one engineering difficulty in reinstating the line is that the A56
has been widened across the trackbed north of Earby. It is now far too busy to reinstate the level
crossing (which wouldn't be permitted anyway) so an expensive tunnel/underpass would be required.

2806] Metrolink: The 27 new FLEXITY M5000 trams (the same as the existing fleet), costing £72M and
due for delivery in spring 2020, have been delayed until Aug due to manufacturing issues. The Mayor
of Greater Manchester had announced that the first of the new trams, being built by Bombardier,
would arrive in Feb. More recently Transport for Greater Manchester confirmed they were never
actually due to enter service until Apr 2020. There are already 120 trams in service, the order increases
capacity by 15% (allowing for maintenance etc), or 4,800 'spaces'; more double trams are planned.

2807] Metrolink Trafford Park: (BLNs 1331.1598; 1336.2323 & 1337.2455) On 5 Nov the final 15m of
track was installed and concrete poured. 21,100 m3 of concrete was needed for the 5.5km long £350M
Metrolink extension - mostly segregated from road traffic. It was by the ITV Studios (where a floating
slab and flange lubricators are used to reduce noise and vibrations so as not to disrupt the filming of
Coronation Street). The Manchester Evening News reported that the OHLE went live on Mon 4 Nov.



On the Trafford Park Metrolink extension Slow speed testing began on 10 Nov. Signalling and control
systems need to be installed. This iwill be followed by driver training and shadow running for opening
in the first half of 2020. The six new stops are:

(1) Wharfside: Next to the Manchester Ship Canal and close to Manchester United Football Club.
(2) Imperial War Museum North: By the museum with access to MediaCityUK via existing footbridges.
(3) Village: On Village Way, near Village Circle and Third Avenue.
(4) Parkway: At Parkway Circle roundabout and very appropriately with a 200 vehicle Park & Ride.
(5) EventCity: By Barton Square and EventCity (this is one word).
(6) Trafford Centre: At 'intu' (a shopping mall) Trafford Centre, Barton Dock Road.

2808] Crumpsall: (BLN 1333.1928) The new bay was commissioned on Mon 21 Oct including a new
platform face, trackwork and signalling. It is for trams terminating here from Trafford Park when that
extension opens. Other improvements here include a new entrance from Crumpsall Lane; a new track
level crossing for passengers and improvement to stairs. The work began in Aug 2017. The trailing
crossover north of the stop is retained, additional to the new facing one south which accesses the bay.

2809] Cornbrook: (BLN 1337.2455) Improvements have been completed at this major Metrolink
interchange in a very exposed, elevated location. Line closures were restricted due to its importance.
Work included extending the canopy and a new glazed screen along the centre line of the canopies.
End screens now reduce exposure to the elements, a particular problem for those waiting for trams
here. The lift was also refurbished with new cladding on the walls of the lift shaft and stairwell.

2810] Alderley Edge - Southport express: The 16.49 SuX Alderley Edge to Southport unusually does
not stop at Manchester Oxford Road but passes through P2 nonstop at 17.20, as noted on Sat 26 Oct.

2811] Manchester Victoria (1): On Sun 20 Oct an Open Day was held to celebrate the station's 175th
anniversary. The public was able to learn more about the station's history, look at heritage trams and
enjoy food, drink, stalls and live entertainment. Manchester Victoria OP 4 May 1844 (Manchester &
Leeds Railway). By the mid-1840s it was one of the biggest passenger stations in Britain, with six
railway companies operating from it, connecting Manchester to London, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds
and Sheffield. The station underwent many expansions and by 1904 peaked with 17 platforms. During
the 1980s and 1990s downsizing began, services were diverted to Manchester Piccadilly and the
station was reduced to six platforms. In 1992 two tram platforms were opened (now three effectively),
on the site of some of the former rail bay platforms. The station building was Grade II listed in 1988.

In 2015, Victoria underwent a major refurbishment, including a partial new roof, the refurbishment of
the Grade II listed parts of the building, a new footbridge directly to Manchester Arena, new lighting
and retail facilities. At this time the Soldiers' Gate Memorial was created. The metal memorial inside a
former station entrance gate commemorates the soldiers who passed through that gate on their way
to Europe to fight in WWI, many of whom of course did not return. A steel plate fills the gateway with
the names of the major battles of WWI etched on it. Holes have been carved out of the steel adjacent
to the battle names; the larger each circle, the more casualties are represented. (Pictured on the
PREVIOUS PAGE by John Cameron, who gets about a bit, on 26 Oct 2019.)

2812] Manchester Victoria (2): (BLN 1339.2703) As well as installation of new lifts, work includes:

 Complete toilet refurbishment (free entry).  New customer information screens.

 New waiting areas on P4 & P5.  Improved signage.

 A new customer information point. The work continues into early 2020.

2813] Morecambe/Heysham: From 28 Oct these were the latest lines to have Northern penalty fares.
Of late, Sunday services have been 'planned cancellations' with a rail replacement bus service instead.
Sun 27 Oct was an exception, trains ran. From the Dec timetable change five return Sunday trains from
Leeds are to be introduced (as now SuX) - all are via Lancaster. There are four to/from Morecambe but
one is a 'boat train' 10.30 Leeds to Heysham Harbour and 13.05 return. (SuX the Heysham train runs

[BLN 1340]
from/to Lancaster only as now - your BLN Editor was recently surprised to find about 30 passengers
each way on it.) The 05.30 (SSuX) Lancaster to Morecambe via Carnforth P2 (reverse) will still be the
only Hest Bank Jn - Bare lane Jn PSUL but fortunately running in the more interesting direction. It
remains to be seen if these extra Sunday services actually run. There is a daily freight path on the
Heysham branch for the Sellafield nuclear flask train which tends to actually run one day most weeks.
2814] Lancaster & Skipton Rail User Group: http://www.lasrug.btck.co.uk/ This covers Heysham,
Morecambe, Lancaster, Carnforth, the Bentham line to Hellifield and the Aire Valley line to Leeds,
including to Bradford Forster Square. Membership (£7 per year) supports this active Group's
campaigns and includes a quarterly newsletter and access to a variety of presentations on rail related
themes. These groups work with Train Operators to promote the interests of passengers. This includes
improved stations, car parking, trains, timetables and fares. A recent list of such groups is with e-BLN.
2815] Lancaster: On 24 Oct a HGV lorry driver wedged his lorry on Burrow Rd overbridge above the
WCML. This is just north of Oubeck Loops, south of the city, where the already narrow road joins the
A6 via a sharp right angle bend. The lorry didn't go round the bend (although the driver might have)
and caused serious damage, debris from the parapets fell on the tracks below. Trains between Preston
and Lancaster had to run slowly there and major disruption to services lasted all day. (BELOW - NR.)

2816] Merseyside: The fate of Liverpool's Walrus card is 'sealed'; it is to be gradually replaced with a
new MetroCard. The aim is to develop a London style smart ticketing scheme with 'tap and go' travel,
digital season tickets and online passenger accounts for bus/rail services. Phased introduction starts in
Dec when Merseytravel's adult daily, weekly and 4-weekly Solo bus tickets will be available online for
the first time. Longer term a simple tap-in tap-out system, similar to London's Oyster card is envisaged.
Eventually fares will be capped at a daily rate with passengers always paying the cheapest price.
Merseytravel launched Walrus, an ITSO (Integrated Transport Smartcard Organisation) compatible
smartcard, in Sep 2011. The new online MetroCard ticketing system is expected to go live before
Christmas for testing before becoming available to the public in the New Year.
2817] In the limelight: Liverpool City Council is considering a 'light public transport system', called the
'Lime Line'. It would run from Lime Street to Paddington Village, a major redevelopment site just past
the new Royal Hospital, and eventually along the waterfront north of the city near to Bramley Moore
Dock and Everton's new stadium. The Lime Line is yet to be fully proposed or funded.
2818] Edge Hill: (BLN 1336.2321) On Mon 4 Nov, after a weekend possession, the following lines were
re-controlled from Edge Hill Power Box to Liverpool Workstation in Manchester Rail Operating Centre:
●Mossley Hill - Crown Street Jn; ●Bootle Branch Jn - Bootle Jn; ●Olive Mount Jn - Edge Hill Jn and
●Broad Green - Edge Hill. As part of these re-control works, the token system previously in operation
at Tuebrook Sidings was withdrawn and a Person in Charge method of operation introduced.

ABOVE: An EMU from the north terminates in St Helens Central P2. BELOW: Ready to departure north
over the trailing crossover. The signal box is past the bridge on the right. (Paul Steane, Sat 2 Nov 2019.)

2819] St Helens Central: On the weekend of 2 & 3 Nov, due to the Edge Hill possession and resultant
closure of Lime Street station, Down trains terminated in St Helens Central Down Main P2. On arrival
the driver was not to make any further movement until either ground disc signal SH11 was cleared or
he received authority to proceed from the St Helens Station signal box signaller. When the train was
ready to depart towards Wigan, the signaller cleared ground disc signal SH11 for the train to proceed
onto the Up Main. When station duties were completed and the Guard had given the driver the Right
Away signal, the driver could accept the clearance of ground disc signal SH11 as authority to proceed.
This required the normally trailing crossover points, to be 'clipped' before each northbound departure.

2820] St Helens Junction: The same dates, and for the same reason, services from Earlestown turned
back at St Helens Junction P1. Single Line Working to/from the point of obstruction was introduced on
the Up Chat Moss Line between Sankey Jn and St Helens Junction P1. Every train was accompanied by
the pilotman, picked up at Earlestown. Trains then proceeded over the facing crossover at Sankey Jn,
unusual in that direction, passing the 'limit of shunt' sign and continued 'wrong line' for 2m 30ch to
St Helens Junction P1. Departures were signalled normally and the pilotman alighted at Earlestown.

2821] Kirkby Stephen: Fothergill cutting (264m 42ch), just north of Birkett Tunnel and south of Kirkby
Stephen, has been strengthened by NR at a cost of £1.2M. The steep unstable cutting was slipping
towards the Settle & Carlisle line. The slope stabilisation work involved excavation of soil weakened by
surface water from the surrounding area. Engineers then regraded the cutting making it shallower and
added 11,500 tonnes of rock. A series of drainage pipes and catch pits were laid to divert water away,
making this section of the line more resilient to heavy rainfall. Meanwhile train services ran normally.

2822] Manchester - Huddersfield/Hull: (BLN 1339.2689) On Manchester to Huddersfield trains extra
security has been introduced due to rowdy drunken behaviour by groups doing the 'Transpennine Ale
Trail'. Passengers have been told they can't book seats on weekend services on the entire Manchester
to Hull line in a bid to prevent rows over reservations. TPE says that it can't do part reservations on its
services, but has done so previously. [Does this mean part reservations are available in the week?]

(BELOW: 1955 One-Inch Map; Whitehaven and Workington are off top left and Barrow top right, the
railway through Millom actually runs northeast to southwest. Millom Iron works were the grey
buildings by 'Borwick Rails Harbour' with the branch continuing on to the Hodbarrow Iron ore Mines)

BELOW: Some pictures from Millom station on 27 Oct 2019. (John Cameron.)
NEXT PAGE: Note the decorative 'FR' - Furness Railway metalwork in the roof support on the right.



THIS PAGE: Looking northeast (would you believe) towards Barrow.

ABOVE: The delightful station building. BELOW: Milepost 45 (from Carnforth via Barrow) on P2.

2823] Millom: (BLN 1339.2688) The station was OP 1 Nov 1850 as Holborn Hill by the Whitehaven &
Furness Junction Railway. It was renamed Millom on 1 Aug 1866 although shown in Bradshaw as
Millom for Holborn Hill until 1893/4. While visiting it to do the Whitehaven end crossover (which is
actually southwest and not north of the station due to the geography of the area!), some observations
were made. The station building remains on Up P1. It houses an upholstery business; the 'Trackside'
café and restaurant; an independent ticket office; and the Millom Discovery Centre, which includes a
gift shop, café-bar, local crafts and genealogy centre. Commission from ticket sales goes towards the
upkeep of the Discovery Centre. Among other things, this has a full scale drift mine exhibit and
information about Hodbarrow Iron Ore Mines. These were by the sea, served by a goods branch from
Millom until 1968 when the mines and the nearby Millom Iron Works closed. They had produced 25M
tons of iron ore since 1848. In 1968 the branch was cut back to the Iron Works then that section CG 18
Dec 1970. The trackbed can be seen from passing trains; the works site is a nature reserve.

There is an operational mechanical signal box southwest of the station (although the line is ultimately
heading north in that direction!). It dates from 1891 but was hit by a train in 1913, then largely rebuilt.
An active friends group has erected murals, signs and flower boxes. On P2 is MP '45' (miles from
Carnforth via Barrow) and an unusual sculpture made from the wheels of redundant luggage trolleys.

2824] Whitehaven (BLN 1327.999) Plans for the UK's first deep coal mine in decades, near the site of
the former Haig Colliery which shut 31 Mar 1986, will go ahead after the government decided not to
intervene. Councillors have ratified their support for the plans. Woodhouse Colliery will extract coking
coal from the seabed off St Bees, with a rail connected processing plant on the former Marchon site at
Kells. It is hoped work could begin in early 2020, with coal production starting about two years later.

2825] Bassenthwaite Lake: The station was OP 2 Jan 1865 by the Cockermouth, Keswick & Penrith
Railway and CP 18 April 1966. It served the village of Dubwath. Most of the nearby trackbed was taken
for the new A66. However, at Bassenthwaite Lake station the road is on the former goods yard there.
The station building, station master's house and one of the two platforms are intact, being restored by
the owners. A new roof has been installed on the station master's house and track has been laid next
to the platform. A replica Orient Express coach is to be delivered in December, but (sadly) will be a
stationary feature only. There are plans for a café and railway memorabilia will be displayed.

X.152] ABOVE: (BLN 1339.2705) That Grade II listed Wickham Bishops wooden trestle railway bridge
again over the River Blackwater. It is on English Heritage's At Risk Register. (John Kettle 23 Oct 2019.)

1340 SOUTH EAST - NORTH & EAST ANGLIA (Julian James) [email protected]
2826] Attleborough: The substantial Down side building - on the platform but not in railway use - has
recently been redecorated externally and looks very attractive.

2827] March in November: (BLN 1331.1632) Repainting the footbridge in green and cream makes for a
very smart appearance. The bridge still accesses the disused trackless Spalding direct line platforms
(CP 29 Nov 1982 it was a 19½ mile long line) though gated off at top level. Conversely at Wymondham,
'The Station Bistro' continues to flourish, but the heritage painted signs identifying past features have
become very shabby with deterioration of the paint finish. All weekend of 9 & 10 Nov the only trains at
March were from/to Ipswich. They used the facing crossover at the Ely end of the station to turnback
in March P2, a fully signalled move used by trains/railtours to Whitemoor Yard from this direction.
To reach the connecting replacement buses, passengers then had to cross the station footbridge to P1.

NEXT PAGE TOP: The repainted March station footbridge taken through the window of a train
approaching from Ely - the disused platforms are on the right (All Julian James, 31 Oct 2019.)

NEXT PAGE LOWER: The trackless former Up P4
(once for trains from Spalding and King's Lynn via Wisbech East.)

SECOND PAGE TOP: P2 (for Ely, Cambridge and Norwich) looking west
towards Peterborough with the disused platforms in the background behind.



BELOW: In the other direction towards Ely - the Up Main facing crossover points are middle right.



2828 & 2829] Heathrow: (BLN 1319.2764) NR has issued a 'notice of intended scope' to connect the
Western Rail Link to existing lines, proceeding towards a Network Change proposal (with the notices
due for issue later this year). The Complex Project Procedure is being used. Proposed stages/timeline:
Stage 0, Autumn 2021 - Nov 2022: Langley Loop and former Oil Sidings temporarily disconnected.
Stage 1, Christmas 2022: Temporary realignment of the Up and Down Relief Lines onto a new
embankment built previously. A 2-day all line block on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, followed by a
2-day Relief Line block. (Stage 2 would have been construction of the spoil sidings. This is no longer
required. NR does not anticipate there will be 'Stage 2' works: subsequent stage numbers have not
been renumbered and as a result there will be no Stage 8!). See route map previous page. The various
stakeholders have expressed disappointment over the length of time the whole project is taking.
Stage 3, Easter 2023: Temporary Slew of Up Main to the south by 1 metre (moving approximately
900m length of track on the existing embankment).
Stage 4, Christmas 2023: The temporary alignment of Up and Down Main Lines are connected onto
the former Relief Line position to allow the southern bridge deck(s) to be constructed to the south.
Stages 5 & 6, Christmas 2024: Connection of the Up & Down Main to the final new alignment.
Stage 7, Christmas 2025: Construct the northern section of the intersection bridge; reinstate Down
Relief on its permanent alignment (similar to its current alignment). Stage 8 not used - see above.
Stage 9, Aug 2026: Connect Up Relief to final position and connect new Up and Down Airport Lines.
(2 x 48-hour all line block required for removal of foundation masts and booms for OHLE structures.)
Reconnect Langley Sidings (there may be an earlier opportunity in the programme to do this).
Final Stage, Mar 2027 to Dec 2027: Testing and commissioning of new Airport Lines (see BLN 1535!).

2830] Norwich Trowse: (BLN 1338.2579) By 1 Nov the bottom ballast layer had been provided at
Victoria Sidings and levelled throughout, with catenary mast bases installed but track was awaited.
(Bottom ballast is to the underside of sleeper level.) Bases along the new retaining walls have been
provided by the novel, cost and space saving method of spanning the tops of two adjacent steel piles
(supporting the wall panels) with a horizontal beam of similar section to bolt the OHLE mast onto.

2831] Ely: (BLN 1338.2582) At the closed and fenced off formerly notorious Ely Station North Level
Crossing it is the red road lights that continue to flash, and the barriers remain in place. However by
31 Oct the roadway infill had been removed from the P3 track and the adjacent goods loop.

2832] Welwyn Garden City: On 4 Nov NR announced that work to improve the Grade II listed station
footbridge will begin 22 Dec costing over £1M. It links the station and east Welwyn Garden City and
will be completely refurbished with a lift installed, and new, safer stairs. NR will clean the bridge
before repainting and carry out structural improvements; work will also take place to resurface the
walkway and install new lights. An alternative route is available; completion is due late spring 2020.

1340 SOUTH EAST - SOUTH (Julian James) [email protected]
2833] South Western Railway: The RMT has announced 27 days of strike action in Dec over the role of
guards on new trains. The dates: Mon 2 - Wed 11 Dec; Fri 13 Dec - Tue 24 Dec & Fri 27 Dec to Wed 1
Jan 2020. So every day except 1st and election polling day; there are no trains on 25th/26th Dec anyway.

2834] Eastleigh - Fareham: (BLNs 1321.192 & 1332.1792) Although NR's Welborne station Pre-GRIP*
feasibility study report is dated 28 Nov 2017, some aspects of the proposals considered for this
possible new station remain of interest and have not yet been reported in BLN. It was carried out for
Fareham Borough Council. Two phases of implementation were considered; realignment of the single
line for future double track but with a single platform on the single track and, as Phase 2, a second
track and platform. As a class 'F' station (the least complex of six), DfT guidance is that there is no
mandatory requirement for a station building but a platform shelter, seating and information helpline
facilities are proposed. Four sites were investigated; all are from 81m 48ch to 81m 60ch between
Tapnage and Fareham No2 tunnels. Below is in sequence of increasing mileage, from north to south:

❶At approximately 81m 1,052yd between Titchfield Lane and Mayles Lane, 2.5km from Welborne
…..(confirmed in 2017 as one of 14 national garden villages), up to 500 parking spaces, £85M to £98M.
❷1.1km from Welborne, up to 15 parking spaces, £54-£62M, the site of Knowle Halt (CP 6 Apr 1964).
❸200m south between Mayles Lane/Funtley Rd, at Welborne, up to 100 parking spaces, £69M-£79M.
❹200m further south again, also at Welborne, up to 200 parking spaces, £68M to £78M.

3 & 4 require a link to the development. Platform works but not parking or any building are all on NR
land. A footbridge is needed at all but the third option, where an existing road bridge can be adapted.

GRIP = *Governance for Railway Investment Projects; or is it Guide to Railway Investment Prevention?

2835] Hook: A landslip on the high embankment between Winchfield and Basingstoke on 4 Nov
closed the Down Slow with trains unable to call at Hook P2 until Tue 12 Nov when normal service
resumed (at one point expected to be on 18th). Passengers from London etc to Hook were advised to
go via Basingstoke and double back; for Hook to Basingstoke etc they could go via Winchfield. Down
locals called at Winchfield then Basingstoke, using the rare Winchfield country end facing Down Slow
to Down Fast crossover. Quite a few members were 'hooked' on this idea and have made special visits.
Buses were available for use at the discretion of the station staff (presumably for the non-microgicers).
On 5 Nov a local member managed a personal 'Winchfield Tracker' railtour, Hook to Winchfield to
Basingstoke to Hook in 39 min for the princely sum of £3.80 (Hook to Winchfield Anytime Day Return)
for 16 miles. This was out direct, returning via Basingstoke as per temporary easement. At Crown Lane
repairs to the significant Down side embankment are needed; our member says it looks like a 'big job'.

Another member spoke to SWR staff at Basingstoke, apparently the Down Slow has 'sagged' a foot or
two at the slip. There was a similar sag about 50 years ago although our member thinks this might
have been the Up Slow. There has been an exceptional amount of rain locally recently and removal of
trees from embankment/s over recent years might have been a factor. Ironically, he did Winchfield
country end Down Slow to Down Fast crossover only last month on a late semi-fast which called at
Fleet, then was turned out after Winchfield to overtake an all stations service on the Down Slow.

On Fri 8 Nov the area was (perhaps appropriately) floodlit as work continued round the clock, although
the Down Slow was back up to its normal height, more ballast was required. A sheet steel piling wall
was being constructed at the foot of the miscreant embankment, the source of the problem. Further
heavy rain in the area has not helped matters. Not so long ago, extra material was added to this
embankment nearer to Basingstoke. There is an illuminated 'STOP' board in the four foot after the
Winchfield crossover; all subsequent Down Slow signals had a red aspect (even the automatic ones).

2836] Edenbridge: (257,530 passengers in 2017-18) NR has completed a £500,000 station upgrade to
improve safety. A new platform surface has been installed and the gap between train and platform
reduced. The project was completed early and without any major disruption to passengers and local
residents. Reports imply that both platforms were refurbished but this has not been confirmed.

2837] Ryde - Shanklin: (BLN 1338.2591) Three trains of the Class 483 former Underground stock are to
be equipped with Wi-Fi for a trial in the coming weeks, making them the oldest (at 81 years) stock to
have this equipment. After being down to one working unit and one train an hour each way since
18 Sep (BLN 1337.2464), the normal two trains per hour - requiring two units - resumed at 14.00 on
Sun 13 Oct. However, there have been various days since when it has been reduced to one per hour
again, indeed on Wed 6 Nov no trains were operational and so no train services ran at all.

2838] Cosham Jn - Farlington Jn: (BLN 1329.1254) The nine day closure from Havant Jn to Chichester
started with the additional closure of Barnham (exclusive) to Chichester on the first weekend, 26 & 27
Oct. Your Regional Editor had extremes of interchange experience on the 26 Oct at Fratton, a late
running Waterloo to Portsmouth eroding the connection to Cosham to zero minutes (and that after a
random wait at Havant after leaving the bus). Congratulating the guard on holding the train for
passengers crossing by footbridge from P2 at Fratton, he claimed lack of awareness of the bus service
on part of the Southern route, despite the scrolling message for passengers in the Class 450.

The loss of all service Southampton Central to Brighton and to Victoria via Gatwick Airport removes
two trains an hour from Cosham Jn to Farlington Jn, effectively a closure as GWR Brighton trains were
diverted to Portsmouth Harbour. On return and changing again at Fratton, the service to Havant was
reduced to two an hour Portsmouth (& Southsea or Harbour) to Waterloo services, also diverted to
avoid Surbiton. The Southern all stations Portsmouth to Littlehampton and separate Portsmouth to
Brighton and Portsmouth to Victoria via Gatwick Airport services were of course not running. Making
the situation worse, in the Up direction the fast and slow Waterloo services were timed at Fratton at
4 and 56 minute intervals, so many had a long wait. Barnham to Chichester reopening was delayed on
the morning of 28 Oct by cable damage. Weekend closures continue until 1 Dec (BLN 1329.1315).

2839] New Milton: New Forest District Council (NFDC) has approved change of use from dwelling to a
heritage centre/museum for the station master's house in Station Rd, which has been disused for
about 10 yrs. The project, costed at nearly £60k, spearheaded by deputy mayor Cllr Keith Craze, is
being carried out in collaboration with the Milton Heritage Society. The idea is to provide an attraction
telling the history of Milton Parish. It has been christened No1 New Milton, reflecting the fact the
station master's house was the first building erected here in 1886 before the town grew around it.
The Town Council has already signed a 12 year lease for the building from South Western Railway at a
peppercorn rent and has also agreed to pay for its amenities including heating, electricity and water.

Following NFDC approval, drawings and descriptions of the proposed works, primarily painting and
decorating, will be submitted to NR. This could see the house repainted in salmon pink, white and
cream, the London & South Western Railway colours of the late 19th Century. If approved, it is hoped
that the work will begin in earnest and the free-to-enter facility could be ready to open to the public
from around April 2020. It has been promised there will be no cost to local taxpayers, with funding
coming from local companies and the residents' association, as well as Community Infrastructure Levy,
South Western Railway and councillors. The plan is to exhibit displays in each room of the ground
floor, and to create a learning centre in a large room upstairs for schools and youth groups. This will
also feature further heritage displays. One section will consist of maps, images and artefacts showing
the very early history of the area through to the railway's arrival in 1886.

Another section will continue the history up to the end of WWI, while others will cover the 1920s and
1930s, WWII, and up to the present day. It is hoped visitors will be able to hear excerpts from oral
history recordings made by local residents sharing their memories. In addition to the centre itself, the
café on the Down platform will return to its former use as a passenger waiting room, complete with an
information hub. As well as advertising from local businesses, there will be guides and leaflets
promoting events and attractions. Thanking all those who had supported the project, Cllr Craze added:
We look forward to the New Milton community and visitors coming to enjoy seeing the heritage of the
town. More volunteers to run the centre are being sought, along with memories and memorabilia,
with those able to help encouraged to contact Nick Saunders [email protected] or
01425 618549 who is the heritage society's chair. (Milton Heritage Society.)

1340 SOUTH WEST (Darren Garnon) [email protected]
2840] Sharpness: Plans to build 3,900 homes and a new railway station, in two 'garden villages', have
been unveiled. Stroud District Council has published its revised local plan which is to be submitted for
public feedback. The station in Sharpness would have services to Cam & Dursley and Gloucester,
though Bristol and Bath could have commuter flows. Passenger services were withdrawn 2 Nov 1964.
The line is used for low level hospital radioactive waste, generally one train on a Thursday to Sellafield.

2841] Teignmouth: (BLN 1339.2720) Microgricers who picked up on the story in the previous BLN
about the proposed deviation of the existing line to run about 35m closer to the sea away from the
unstable cliffs at Holcombe Beach may be interested to learn that the deviation will extend the route
between Paddington and Penzance by about ... only 10ch. This is due to the straighter route across
the bay. A 400 year old shipwreck (a Warship by any chance?) currently impedes the proposed route.

2842] Dawlish: (BLN 1330.1474) Detailed studies, designs and joint working instigated by NR between
world leading marine, coastal and railway engineering experts (sounds expensive) are well underway.
Three key areas of concern are emerging, although there may be more to follow. The first relates to
the coastal resilience of this section of railway, specifically, in the short term, around Dawlish Marine
Parade and Dawlish station. The second is the condition of the tunnel portals and geotechnical risk
between Kennaway Tunnel (206m 34ch) and Parsons Tunnel (207m 42ch). There are five tunnels with
10 portals in 1m 8ch on the coastal route. The third concern is the instability of the cliffs behind the
railway formation in the Holcombe area between Parsons Tunnel and Teignmouth (previous item).
The new £80M wall, 2.5m higher than the existing structure, includes a curved upper edge, to direct
the waves back towards the sea. There will be a wider, safer promenade, with seating. The plan is to
construct the new coastal defence in two phases. Phase 1 began in June 2019, from the Colonnade
underpass, west of Dawlish station, to Boat Cove, about 360m, with completion due by spring 2020.
Engineers work 10-hour shifts, to coincide with the tides. Close monitoring of the tides is needed as no
foundation works can take place if the forecasted wave height is greater than 0.9m. Over 300m of new
sea wall foundations have been completed. After clearing existing beach material, the sand in front of
the existing sea wall is excavated to rock, a depth of about five metres. Excavation continues another
two metres into the rock. Then the walkway promenade will be raised by 1.4m and there will be a
1.1m parapet wall forming part of the overhang to deflect the waves - hopefully with more success
than King Canute had. Improved lighting and seating will help to enhance the new sea wall. [As Climate
Change gathers pace and accelerates one can't help feeling this is only a short term measure.]

ABOVE: This was the 21 Jul 1979 'Marchwood Volunteer No2' railtour at the splendidly named
Marchwood Military Port Model Room Platform. (Ian Mortimer.)

[BLN 1340]
2843] Ludgershall: (BLN 1337.2469) There was a rare flurry of traffic on this normally sleepy branch
from Andover recently due to Operation 'TRACTABLE' http://bit.ly/2WWC57A by the British Army.
This demonstrated its ability to rapidly project forces worldwide. Soldiers based near Ludgershall in
Bulford gathered various armoured vehicles for this exercise to prepare for their long journey through
Europe to Estonia. The operation saw vehicles moving across Europe by road, rail and sea to complete
the routine rotation of vehicles based in Estonia. http://bit.ly/2K1j7Yc is a recent short army video of
rail loading activity - it mentions Ayrshire Barracks so is it filmed at Ludgershall or somewhere else?
On Mon 14 Oct GBRf ran a 08.12 Kineton MoD to Ludgershall (12.41) to bring empty wagons in.

Next day, after loading, there was a 19.46 departure from Ludgershall via Reading, Willesden South
Western Sidings, Kensington Olympia, Nunhead, Catford, Maidstone East (P2 not the centre line!) to
Dollands Moor (01.39). It consisted of 1 x VGA - continental style sliding wall vans thought to carry
explosives; 'A' is for airbraked, 5 x KFA container flats (Warflats) loaded with 9 x Combat Vehicles for
Reconnaissance (CVRT), Tracked (as in caterpillar tracks not rail track!), 14 x KWA Warwells loaded
with 12 x FV432 Bulldog Armoured Personnel Carriers and 2 x CVRT Samaritan Armoured Ambulances.

On Fri 18 Oct there was a bit of a GBRf operated MoD railtour: 13.04 Marchwood MoD via Eastleigh,
Romsey, Salisbury, Westbury, Melksham, Swindon, Reading West, Basingstoke which eventually
reached Ludgershall at 19.15. This circuitous route avoided running round at Salisbury and Andover.

On Tue 22 there was a further 15.57 Ludgershall to Dollands Moor (21.24) MoD working. The rail
wagons (listed above) are only licenced for use on NR, not in the Channel Tunnel or abroad, suggesting
that transhipment occurred at Dollands Moor. The ultimate destination was Tapa in Estonia.

2844] SWR Dec 2020 Timetable: (Item 2792) The 21.10 from Weymouth is actually accelerated by the
proposals. It would leave 10 min earlier, but instead of calling at 37 intermediate stations would serve
18 and arrive at Waterloo at 00.08 which is 56 min earlier than the existing service. There would be a
'local' train at 22.30 from Southampton but terminating at Woking 00.18; passengers for London
would need to catch an earlier one. The famous 01.05 Waterloo to Southampton is withdrawn SSuX;
SuO the last train to Winchester and beyond would be two hours earlier. These are just examples and
full details are in a 10 page download with e-BLN with an email address to give feedback by 23 Dec.

2845] Okehampton: (BLN 1339.2717) The HST for the 14 Sep Weymouth special was one previously
hired to Hull Trains with its catering vehicle removed; a 2+4 'Castle Class' HST plus a First Class coach.

2846] Parkandillack: Local campaigners have expressed their frustration over the lack of action from
Cornwall Council to address a spate of bridge hits involving buses and HGVs with a railway underbridge
that has 13' 3" clearance. It is over a 'C' road between Central Treviscoe and Treviscoe, just southwest
of Parkandillack. The latest victim to fall foul of the bridge was a Stobart lorry, with the problem
apparently being exacerbated by Sat Nav - indeed, in one particular week in 2017, four vehicles
(including a double decker bus) hit the bridge. A local member reports that the bridge is at MP 293¼.

NEXT PAGE TOP: The buildings don't change much at Parkandillack over the years.
Our Sun 27 Jun 1976 very hot and sunny Cornish Clay railtour. (Both: Ian Mortimer.)

2847] Warminster: (TRACKmaps 3 p12C Jun 2018) Reportedly contractors will soon be on site to relay
Beechgrove MoD Sidings (115m 27ch). The work, expected to take two weeks, is in anticipation of
significant future traffic. Few trains have run in recent years but on 14 Aug GBRf operated one from
Elgin East with MoD vehicles such as Land Rovers, Warriors and Mastiffs from Kinloss to Warminster.

X.153] Penmere (Platform): (E-BLN 1338.X148) SECOND PAGE TOP: This station on the
Falmouth branch is beautifully tended by 'The Friends of Penmere Station'. (Graham James.)

BELOW: Parkandillack again, our 4 May 1986 'Cornishman' tour oraginised by John Williamson.

X.154] BELOW: From Cornwall to Colwall 153326+153310 (unbranded) in East Midlands Trains livery
on the West Midlands Railway 11.50 Birmingham New Street to Hereford. They are to combat
overcrowding. Previously this train was two West Midlands Class 153s! (R N Pritchard, Fri 8 Nov 2019.)

1340 WEST MIDLANDS (Brian Schindler) [email protected]

2848] Birmingham Christmas Market: This is from 7 Nov until 23 Dec; trains in the area, particularly
at New Street station, are expected to be very busy, especially on Saturdays. A queuing system can
be operational and the daily passenger record may be broken if one of the City's football teams are
also playing at home. The RMT Union has also announced industrial action for every Saturday during
the Christmas Market period starting Sat 16 Nov until 28 Dec over the role of guards on new trains.
This affects West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway services. Happy Christmas!

2849] Ironbridge branch: (BLN 1338.2610) (TRACKmaps 4 p22A & C Dec 2018) Due to the condition of
the woodwork, rather than metalwork, on the Albert Edward Bridge (160m 34ch) over the River
Severn, the Up & Down Ironbridge single line has been out of use from 160m 34ch to the NR boundary
(160m 29ch) since 6 Apr 2019. However, from 2 Nov until further notice due to the recent severe
damage to Bridgnorth Road metal underbridge near MP 159 (BLN 1338.2610), the out of use section
was extended back to Mile Post 157. This is on the single track line just past Madeley South Jn where
the loop at the start of the branch singles - the loop remains available for running round or stabling
from Madeley Jn. In practice this applied since the bridge damage was discovered on 22 Sep; the last
trains to run were the two Vintage Train return steam specials from Wellington on Sun 9 Jun 2019.

2850] West Midlands Metro (1): (BLNs 1335.2219 & 1338.2527) Previously in the early hours of Thur
29 Aug the first slow speed gauging test run was made up Hill St to Town Hall with Tram No 28 on
battery power. On the night of Wed 23 Oct Urbos3 No20 became the first tram to travel between
Victoria Square ('Town Hall' stop) and Centenary Square ('Library' stop - will the operator be fined for
returning trams overdue here?), as work had progressed sufficiently to allow full testing on the
extension. There is no overhead, so trams run on battery power; part of these tests is to ensure that
they have enough charge to run there and back. The extension is due to reach Hagley Road, Edgbaston
in 2021 so there will be a window of opportunity to do Library scissors crossover. Testing will progress
to slow speed day time running, allowing people to become used to trams on the new route (that will
be interesting during the extremely busy Christmas Market - above.) This is followed by driver training
and full shadow running (ECS). Subject to this, the target date for opening is reportedly Sun 8 Dec.

(2): Wolverhampton Piper's Row was closed for two weeks from 27 Oct until 10 Nov for 'finishing off',
the last works on the extension this year. There is more to do at the Wolverhampton station end of
line but this has to await completion of the major station redevelopment in progress there.

(3): Passengers are being asked for their views on West Midlands Metro with an online survey (takes
5 min). It is looking for opinions on the service including tram stops, conditions on trams, information
availability (at stops, on trams and elsewhere) and the service quality (including punctuality and the
length of time passengers have to wait). Take part by 29 Nov to possibly win £50 of Amazon vouchers.

X.155 A funny tram ride: West Midlands Metro Tram 28 was named after the local comedian Jasper
Carrott (with a pair of 'ts') on Wed 13 Nov. At Grand Central the tram picked up Jasper and invited
guests, including one of our members, who had this rather juicy carrot dangled in front of him. Well
there have to be some advantages to being on the passenger panel! The tram then ran through Town
Hall (stop we hasten to add not the building) carrying passengers on the extension for the first time
and then via the facing crossover of the scissors to Library to the right hand platform in the direction
of travel. Library stop is not finished so it immediately reversed and returned to Town Hall for the
unveiling ceremony. During an amusing and entertaining speech Jasper said that the last time he
travelled on a Birmingham tram was 70 years ago when he was 3 or 4 on a journey to Handsworth
Wood. A series of pictures, all by our local member Peter Humphries on Wed 13 Nov 2019.

NEXT PAGE TOP: View through rear windscreen of Tram 28 leaving Grand Central (the stop is visible).
On the skyline is the iconic circular Grade II listed 'Rotunda', originally an office block and now flats.

NEXT PAGE LOWER: Our member was in Paradise - or at least the next best thing in Birmingham,
passing through Paradise Circus (again a rear windscreen view) note the lack of overhead wires.



ABOVE: Library scissors and no you can't borrow them. The tram used the left to right crossover seen,
reversed in the line ahead, and is now returning to Town Hall; rear view (our reporter changed ends).

PREVIOUS PAGE LOWER: Town Hall the 'from City' platform eventually for trams to Edgbaston. The
office block straight ahead is Alpha Tower, so named as from above it is shaped like a Greek letter
Alpha. ABOVE: Jasper Carott makes his speech outside Birmingham Town Hall. This building is based
on the Parthenon in Athens. The lady to his right is Transport for the West Midlands MD Laura Shoaf.

LEFT: Tram No28 now
'Jasper Carrott' at Town
Hall stop. Again the office
block in the background
is Alpha Tower.

NEXT PAGE TOP: Tram 28
returns out of service
empty to Grand Central
and Wednesbury Depot
leaving everyone with a
gap in their track and a
walk to the buffet in the
'Ikon'. (Which used to be
Birmingham Art Gallery.)
The depot staff canteen
would have been a great
place for a buffet too…

1340 IRELAND (Martin Baumann)
[email protected]

2851] Bellarena: (BLN 1335.2231) There is no more
progress on the new PW sidings since this report.

2852] Londonderry: (BLN 1336.2275) Our locally
based Ireland Regional Editor has added up all his
journeys to/from the 1980 Londonderry (second)
station. There were: 1,394 departures and 1,333
arrivals using 33 DEMUs, 43 CAF DMUs, 12 diesel locos
and 2 steam engines.

The new layout includes a long loop outside the
station and both sides are bidirectionally signalled.
However, it is only for Engineer's trains or other loco
hauled workings to run round, passenger trains
to/from P1 or P2 use the track nearer the River Foyle -
the other side is rare but maybe railtour-able.

LEFT & NEXT PAGE TOP: The new station building uses
the original 'Waterside' station building and train shed
which closed in 1980. All pictures taken by our local
Regional Editor, Martin Baumann on 8 Nov 2019.


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