A bit more about Dawlish

[InkyScrolls]

We have covered this subject countless (well you probably could count them if you really wanted to) times. I think all of us that have any kind of link - be it personal, engineering related, or who actually work one way or another on the route probably breathe a collective sigh whenever the subject comes up.

We don’t need to close the subject down for debate on here, but it’s probably worth looking through some of the threads (and that’s literally only a handful) that I’ve linked below to get an idea of what’s been discussed before and to see the huge amount of debate that’s taken place even just over the last few years…

Potential solutions for rough seas at Dawlish e.g. enclose the line in a concrete tunnel

Moderator note: Split from https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/waves-smash-train-windows-at-dawlish.198525/ This now happens, why did the Victorians build the line in such a stupid place?. Having looked at google maps it appears they would have needed tunnels. Did they have this problem in...

www.railforums.co.uk

Suggestions for solving Dawlish problem: electrification or new route?

Moderator note: Split from https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/iets-not-banned-through-dawlish-during-rough-seas.194401 The sea has other ideas!!! Keeps knocking out multiple engines. Oh dear oh dear. Bring back HSTs!!! Or electrify the route 8-)

www.railforums.co.uk

What are your suggestions for a new route between Exeter and Plymouth avoiding Dawlish?

Moderator note: Split from https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/any-news-on-proposals-to-build-an-alternative-route-between-exeter-plymouth.143927/ Could there be an alternative route between Newton Abbott and Exeter avoiding Dawlish?

www.railforums.co.uk

What should GWR do about severe conditions on Dawlish?

The obvious bodge, as mentioned earlier, is to have a Thunderbird in the area (provided by Hitachi if they can't sneak through a wave vs spray loophole). Faster rescues and if its really bad reduce the service and tow them through. Or do it like you would as a pedestrian - dont stop at Dawlish...

www.railforums.co.uk

@Cowley

May I suggest that this thread be considered the 'Master Dawlish Thread' going forward, to save a new one being opened every time there's a storm?

 

[Arkeeos]

Is encasing the railway in concrete an option? That seems like an obvious solution to me, locals would hate it, but give them the option for that or lose their train service with a diversion route along the A380

 

[Cowley]

@Cowley

May I suggest that this thread be considered the 'Master Dawlish Thread' going forward, to save a new one being opened every time there's a storm?

Yes I think that might be a good idea although sometimes things can go off on quite a tangent hence us not being too keen on master threads. Also though, we might need reminding now and again.

 

[Ashley Hill]

Storm Ciaran. It’s been suggested no IETs west beyond Exeter after 2000 on Wednesday. GWR are also advising not to travel in Cornwall from 2000 Wednesday until 1200 at the earliest this Thursday.