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North Devon line (was Eggesford July 2014)


Ramblin Rich
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Interestingly I have had some contact with them, and they do have plans and aspirations, and the Polar Express does make them money.

 

Strange you should mention that, yesterday saw Yeoford International getting a makeover in preparation for the new traffic...

 

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Two more tubs of grout and it should be complete.

 

The new platform will be ready next Sheffield Wednesday I'm told.

 

Yours

Mid Devon Fake News Corresponent

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Last weekend on the saturday night after the Freemo meet, we were hoping to meet mt brother in the Beer Engine at Newton St Cyres but htye didnt have a table spare for food, so a change of plan meant meeting him at Crediton hence the photos below. Credition staiton still looks as good as the last time that we were there.

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  • 2 weeks later...
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Very interesting as I've noticed some work being carried out over the past few days on the line locally.

 

That said I've also had a general conversation with staff who are concerned about the possible loss of stock and leases ending on current stock. This will leave less available than the already depleted units which serve the local area. Let's hope this situation will change if enough "commuters" and regular travellers don't just complain but send letters to those responsible and petition their MP's to let them know their feelings as I don't think moaning to the station staff is the answer.

 

Moan over ( for now!)

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I missed this initial announcement, and I am flabbergasted that even a trial service to Okehampton is being considered. From my (former) insider perspective, this was always going to have to be a politically-led decision, rather than anything commercial.

 

That said, I do hope that it's a great success.

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I wouldn't say I was flabbergasted but certainly surprised.  It would be great to think of its success, but that's what all train enthusiasts think, otherwise they wouldn't be enthusiasts.  But the public are a fickle lot; all for it to start with but do they support it over the long haul.  All it would take are a few delays, leaves on the track or some other excuse and they would be back in their cars, congestion or no.  If that what should not be mentioned, ever comes to pass and the line is open all the way then perhaps as an entity, it might achieve some success.  There again maybe not!

 

Brian.

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I know the main driving force behind the hoped for train service from Okehampton is to reduce congestion from commuting to Exeter

but a viable train service will also bring journeys in the opposite direction which will benefit business in Okehampton.

 

To be honest I thought that adding a similar timed summer saturday service might have been worth pursuing so this proposal comes as a welcome surprise,

and is something that I would take look to take advantage of. 

 

cheers

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  • 4 weeks later...

For anyone wishing to plan a journey to Okehampton using the Summer Sunday service I thought this may help with your travels.

 

I think the poster is self explanatory and was recently posted at Crediton Staion on the down platform approach road next to the passenger entrance gate.

 

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I wouldn't go so far as that. Rich, it may be something less of a problem especially as running is allowed, albeit at a slower pace.. Could be a problem for through steam excursions though!

 

Brian

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I managed to get a trip on the Okehampton line today with Nathan along for the ride. The conductor/guard was making it clear to everyone that the slow line speed is entirely due to the Office of Rail Regulation not issuing the required permissions for passenger trains to operate at full speed; they are instead having to travel at the speed of the heritage trains all the way to Coleford junction (25mph). This is why the trains are not serving Exeter Central. The guard also said this seems to be having an effect on the train loadings; there were maybe 30 people on the 12.30 train we took. So nothing to do with the state of the track at all, thankfully! It's hoped to be back to full speed within a few weeks.

There was also a representative of the 'OkeRail' initiative conducting a survey, asking anyone who lived in Okehampton if they would support/use a commuter service; he was saying the funding had been agreed to start a trial service in around 18 months and including a new Parkway style station at the Exeter end of Okehampton (by the industrial estate near to the A30 junction). That seems to have support from potential users as there's been a lot of new houses built that end of town and will save going through the town centre and uphill to the existing station.

All interesting stuff anyway and a nice run although a lot of the views are masked by trees.

 

A few camera phone pictures:

Ticket for the trip (booked through to Starcross as that's the closest station to home)

 

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The signal box and the heritage line 'Thumper' unit

 

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The class 150 unit arriving from Exeter

 

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Waiting to depart back to Exeter

 

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A hasty through the window view of the signal box at Crediton with the signaller taking the Okehampton line token

 

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Arrived in Exeter St Davids

 

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Ready to depart back to Okehampton with Nathan alongside - note that the destination blind is set up to show 'Okehampton'

 

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  • 3 months later...

An article in our local paper today says that work has started on Okehampton Parkway station.  It mentions parking for 350 cars.  I can't find anything else about this on the web though and I can't say that the Cornish and Devon Post is noted for accurate journalism.

 

Mike

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There's an article on the Okehampton Times site but still saying "IF approval given for new station...." So not definite yet

 

http://www.okehampton-today.co.uk/article.cfm?id=421698&headline=Okehampton%20rail%20campaigners%20buoyed%20by%20car%20park%20groundwork&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2017

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There's an article on the Okehampton Times site but still saying "IF approval given for new station...." So not definite yet

http://www.okehampton-today.co.uk/article.cfm?id=421698&headline=Okehampton%20rail%20campaigners%20buoyed%20by%20car%20park%20groundwork&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2017

Interesting Rich, I've just read the short article and noticed the director is a chap called Bob Rush. Not sure if it's the same person who I knew years ago who lived around the corner from me, I might just have to find out !

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  • 8 months later...

As part of the Cowley Bridge flood scheme and work being carried out on the Barny Line I noted this sat in Crediton Station earlier today.

 

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Replacement bus services to and from the village into Crediton and a service to/from Exeter St.Davids from the 12th to the 14th June make for a change which hopefully will provide better running lines and protection.

 

Grahame 

Edited by bgman
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  • 1 month later...

Good to see some different traction on the Barny line.

 

Incidentally, a friend of mine saw Bude on the Exeter St Davids departure board and asked me if they had reopened the station at Bude. Oh, if only...

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Only just found this thread. Here are some photos of Eggesford station from January the 7th this year.

 

Nothing new or exciting, I'm afraid, just some photos that didn't have a home until now:

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  • 2 months later...
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This looks like it could be interesting to them kinda sort that seem to hang about round ere ;) .

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Freight-Devon-Cornwall-David-Mitchell/dp/1857944739

Yes, I've had my eye on this since it was first announced some time ago; I was expecting it for my birthday last October but it might be Christmas this year!

Oh and welcome back Matt, haven't seen you on here for a while. Just noticed you seem to have defected to Scotland having seen your Roshven thread ;)

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Yes, I've had my eye on this since it was first announced some time ago; I was expecting it for my birthday last October but it might be Christmas this year!

Oh and welcome back Matt, haven't seen you on here for a while. Just noticed you seem to have defected to Scotland having seen your Roshven thread ;)

Hi Rich, hope your well. Roshven certainly seems to be gaining traction, but I am lurking round the North Devon threads with intent don't worry :secret:

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Whilst standing on the down platform this morning I couldn't help but notice the new Bus Bars and Third Rail at Crediton Station. 

 

Seems Network Rail have finally conceded and changed over to DCC !

 

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Whilst standing on the down platform this morning I couldn't help but notice the new Bus Bars and Third Rail at Crediton Station. 

 

Seems Network Rail have finally conceded and changed over to DCC !

 

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I guess they were taken on your shopping trips to Tescos?

 

My brothers other half works in there in the early mornings these days.

 

I am very tempted to model Crediton as it was in the early 60's in N scale and definitely DCC :sungum: . Sidmouth Junction is the other possibility though.

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  • 3 weeks later...
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Here are some photos of Meldon taken on the afternoon of Wednesday (the 10th of Oct). It was unseasonally warm and sunny but very breezy.

 

Road overbridge just beyond Okehampton:

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Second junction into Meldon Quarry (I assume):

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Works:

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PWay staff keeping the line clear:

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Meldon station looking back towards the quarry:

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Looking south-west(ish) from Meldon viaduct:

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North side of viaduct from the East end (looking into the sun):

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