First trip over the O.W.W

[Buttons]

Had my first trip over the Oxford and Worcester line yesterday since the signalling and track movements have been put into place between Moreton in Marsh and Evesham. My first journey was driving an hst to Great Malvern and back, while the second journey was on a two car turbo (165) 2E95 stopping service from Oxford to Worcester F/St. For me the most impressive location was Chipping Campden tunnel where double track has been reinstated although the down line is not connected either end of the tunnel,but is in situ for when that eventually takes place. Still quite a lot of water leaking through the tunnel roof.The track has been slewed over at locations to assist with the redoubling and some signals have been moved to the right hand side which of course is a little strange after so many years in the same place. In all it would appear things are going to plan for the next phase. Did notice a spread in Railnews which documents some of the things concerning the Cotswold Line redoubling. Its strange to have worked over it as a double line,to single line and now returning to a partial double line.

 

[SWT Driver]

You'll have to get used to it yet again once the other track is reinstated.

 

[2030720310]

will the speed be increased when double track is reinstated??

 

[tbtc]

Good stuff - hope the works can improve the timetable to something more regular

 

[2030720310]

Had my first trip over the Oxford and Worcester line yesterday since the signalling and track movements have been put into place between Moreton in Marsh and Evesham. My first journey was driving an hst to Great Malvern and back, while the second journey was on a two car turbo (165) 2E95 stopping service from Oxford to Worcester F/St. For me the most impressive location was Chipping Campden tunnel where double track has been reinstated although the down line is not connected either end of the tunnel,but is in situ for when that eventually takes place. Still quite a lot of water leaking through the tunnel roof.The track has been slewed over at locations to assist with the redoubling and some signals have been moved to the right hand side which of course is a little strange after so many years in the same place. In all it would appear things are going to plan for the next phase. Did notice a spread in Railnews which documents some of the things concerning the Cotswold Line redoubling. Its strange to have worked over it as a double line,to single line and now returning to a partial double line.

You might've seen me at Worcester Shrub Hill, standing on platform 1....

 

[The Planner]

will the speed be increased when double track is reinstated??

Wolvercote to Shipton stays as is. Shipton to Moreton up from 90 to 100. Moreton to Evesham up from 75 to 100, apart from the short section of 70 north of Moreton which stays. Evesham station up from 50 to 75. From the new double line to single line junction at Gishbourne to just shy of Norton Jn, up from 90/95 to 100. Should get you 2 minutes between Moreton and Evesham.

 

[Buttons]

Wolvercote to Shipton stays as is. Shipton to Moreton up from 90 to 100. Moreton to Evesham up from 75 to 100, apart from the short section of 70 north of Moreton which stays. Evesham station up from 50 to 75. From the new double line to single line junction at Gishbourne to just shy of Norton Jn, up from 90/95 to 100. Should get you 2 minutes between Moreton and Evesham.

There you have it from the horses mouth. I remember the old steam drivers telling me how they went down the bank to Honeybourne with the regulator right across reaching over 90mph and how the Castles would rock from side to side around Sheen Hill. I believe 5086 Viscount Horne held the record and was marked up in Evesham signal box at the time.
Well Hereford in the morning so will get another view of the OWW alterations.