Recent content by Darbs

I'm not privy to all the ins and outs of it all but I worked it this morning and it was OK! Just getting ready for a 12 hour night on it from 7!

It's to reduce risk with the new platform sharing signals, in agreement with all involved Parties, it's not causing a problem!

I'm not sure when the track was last relaid in Paddington, however age of track shouldn't be a big issue if the correct maintenance standards are adhered to.

Base plates are cast at the inclination, if I remember it's 1 in 20 and likewise concrete/steel sleepers are cast with the inclination

Most vegetation clearance comes under the maintenance organisation which is under funded, under resourced and under equipped. Sad but true.

It's inclined except at vertical S and C!

It was only booked as far as the temporary stop block. That's why pilotman working was used. Had it gone all the way then the train staff would have used.

It was never going to go all the way to Tyherington. It was only planned to go as far as the temporary stop block as the line is still officially out of use.

Paddington to Patchway, Thingley Junction, lines towards westbury, Kemble, associated branch lines. Quite a lot of area!

I've done a few of these! Disc cut off the MGL pins then with a wedge and a hammer remove the broken plates. Use scrapers and if possible a welders needle Hun to clean of the insulation and git a pair of Benkler 6 hole Insukated plates and an end post, give the joint a good pack and run trains...

Only a few of you lol!!!

Ha ha! Yes you keep pressing that SG button! It's a shame the SMS message function from the box to the train is not available!

Nothing can be down without the signaller. Even if we can't "see" where anything is. Contrail and ground staff are involved but it's still the signaller who issues any authority for a train to move.

Temporary block working can be used if it's practical to set up. Needs a lots of staff, much clamping of pints and level crossing attendants if required, but it can be done. I've been involved with it from out on the ground as a handsignalman and as a signaller, that's when you really earn your...

I always used PLOD when Patrolling and Inspecting. If you didn't/couldn't use then you set up the appropriate lookouts for movements in both directions. Whilst there is a push to make everything green zone working it was always good to see trains passing over the track to give a view of voiding...