Tracklaying at Didcot North Jctn 1960's

[Bill EWS]

Cine film from the collection of the late Didcot Guard, Cyril Thomas.

Clean-up after the fuel train collision at Didcot North Jctn in the early 60's, when a light (steam) engine reversed back through the Appleford Down Goods loop and trap point and collided with the "Long Tom" fuel train just leaving the down goods loop. Extensive track damage was caused with the Footbridge being meleted and oil running into the stream. A six-coach DMU is seen passing the work site, coming Didcot station for Oxford. The damaged locomotive and fuel tank is also seen.

I saved Cyril's film collection from being destroyed when the family had put all his films, camera and projector into the dustbin after he died. I plan to send up some more old railway clips as well as from in and around Didcot in the 60's in due course.

http://youtu.be/6LUBKc4-nig

 

[Hattermick]

Well done for saving this,certainly an eye opener into working practices,especially the guy welding/cutting the track.

 

[Bill EWS]

Indeed, Hattermick. It's incredible seeing all those men working with heavy equipment, bare-chested and almost causual wear. Not a yellow vest or hard hat in sight, Different times indeed. It certainly reflects the emptiness of todays railwayin staff and linside equipment etc., in comparison.

 

[davetheguard]

Interesting stuff! I wonder why the foot overbridge in the background is missing its centre section; damaged in the collision perhaps?

By the way, the footbridge in question has been replaced in the past year or two by a new shiny one that allows sufficient clearance for the yet to be installed 25Kv electrification.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Interesting stuff! I wonder why the foot overbridge in the background is missing its centre section; damaged in the collision perhaps?

By the way, the footbridge in question has been replaced in the past year or two by a new shiny one that allows sufficient clearance for the yet to be installed 25Kv electrification.

I have now re-read the OP properly and can see that asking about why the footbridge was damaged was pretty silly!

 

[overtonchris]

I found that clip fascinating - as other posters have already noted "strange to see guys stripped to waist and no hi-via etc". It prompts me to ask - when was it mandatory for Permanent Way workers (and of course others) to wear hi-viz, steel toe-caps etc.?? Can anyone enlighten me please....?...I'm guessing late 70's but I'm probably way out!!