Recent content by chappers

Having worked on this project up until a couple of weeks ago, I really enjoy seeing the progress updates. We knew the building would fly up, and sure enough it’s really starting to come together. Great to see it all taking shape

I think the parkway station is intended to capture traffic off the A30, which has several links to geographically remote areas. Okehampton Station isn’t particularly easy to get too from the surrounding areas, so this should help capture some of that traffic

Stress restoration can only be done if within the same shift, so if traffic has run over my understanding is that an L2 stress would be needed. Although in some cases the TME may grant a dispensation. All dependent on the specifics of the situation

Well FS was leading on the return leg and by the sounds of it working quite hard. It certainly made for an impressive sight and I’ve got too very happy little boys!

That’s interesting, as the route advertised (or at least what was published in the local paper back in January) was that way - but having had a look at Real Time Trains I can only see Royston-Ely services running which would explain that. I’ll try and do a bit more research and see what route is...

I’ve got two train-mad little boys who I’ve promised I’ll take to see the Flying Scotsman as it does the “Great Yarmouth Flyer” on 24th June. I was planning to take it in on the return leg as it passes through Hertfordshire in the evening. Excuse my ignorance, but will Flying Scotsman be...

The classic mind-bending one for me is Victoria Park on the North London Line. The mileages are zeroed from Broad Street, and the line used to extend out at Victoria Park Jn (I think) to the East and West. The junction and line to Broad Street no longer exists and this section or the line is...

I remember doing my PTS initial in third rail country, and the instructor said that you quite often find badgers and foxes fried by the third rail. His view was as their tail passes over the juice rail it gets a little “zap”, which leads the animal to think it’s being attacked so it turns round...

I’m sure I read an article in the PWI (Permanent Way Institute for those who don’t know) magazine that Newark flat crossing was relaid in plastic bearers. They had to have them spray painted brown, as otherwise they’d have been white when installed! 1612827830 It is actually possible to cut...

I don’t think there is any plan to reopen Kingskerswell station, as stated in the table and #19. The new station for Edginswell seems to be forging ahead though - perhaps that is what the poster was referring too?

The spoil arising from Chiltern Tunnels is predominately going to sustainable placement sites. There is no rail connection in the vicinity to allow it to be removed by rail

Not a crossing, but when I worked in renewals I always took an interest in the jobs with interesting names. Working in Anglia, the Sluts Hole job was a particular highlight! On the national renewals log once, I remember seeing a job on Western called Chocolate Poodle. Anyone have any ideas...

There are a lot of my former colleagues in the relaying Contractor in Anglia who will no doubt have a busy couple of weeks. I know the old supervisors used to enjoy a derailment as they are always a good money-maker. All rosters go out the window and it’s an overtime free-for-all. Also, they are...

Bishops Stortford Down Platform is going to be another contender, situated on a reverse curve that has to “overshoot” around the old signalbox so is a very constrained geometry. I understand someone fell under a train a few years ago and suffered life changing injuries. I walked that site with...

This topic has reminded me of a time when I was in renewals, and we relaid a section of the Down Ely-Norwich line in serviceable sleepers (i.e ones that had been recovered from a previous renewal). Although they could come from anywhere on the network, you can imagine my surprise when all the...