spenc Posted October 12, 2018 Share Posted October 12, 2018 it looks more like TT,N,HO,00,0 gauge test track ? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianusa Posted October 12, 2018 Share Posted October 12, 2018 Sad to see Meldon in such a sorry state of neglect and a pity no one can save it before it all returns to nature. Who is actually responsible for all this real estate? Brian. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Oldddudders Posted October 13, 2018 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 13, 2018 At least the line as far as Okehampton is being used occasionally. Sherry and I did a trip from there to Exeter and back in August. Quite a good load on the Cl 150 in each direction, too. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Kris Posted October 13, 2018 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 13, 2018 Looks like they have lifted lots of track at Meldon recently. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivercider Posted October 13, 2018 Share Posted October 13, 2018 Looks like they have lifted lots of track at Meldon recently. At Okehampton station the down platform line has been extended as a siding for several hundred yard eastwards on the formation of the former down main line, the track for this I understand was provided by lifting a couple of sidings at Meldon. The extended siding is used to stable coaching stock in a more secure location to hopefully avoid vandalism. Stopblocks removed and ballast laid out at Okehampton 27/8/2017 150219 departs Okehampton passing stock on the extended siding, 2/9/2018 cheers 7 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianusa Posted October 13, 2018 Share Posted October 13, 2018 Seems a pity that the station siding couldn't have been connected to the main for a run round, especially if some main line excursion should venture this far again. Brian. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgman Posted February 2, 2019 Share Posted February 2, 2019 Work is taking place to upgrade the track at Crediton Station over this weekend and the next. I managed to get a couple of very quick shots on my phone this morning. Luckily the weather hasn't disrupted the proposed work and preparations were made over the last week to enable the commencement of this. G 6 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Captain Kernow Posted February 2, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted February 2, 2019 On 10/13/2018 at 7:59 PM, brianusa said: Seems a pity that the station siding couldn't have been connected to the main for a run round, especially if some main line excursion should venture this far again. Brian. I suppose it could be do-able, but you couldn't put pointwork in the One Train Working staff section from Crediton to Okehampton station, without the requisite signalling, which would cost a lot of money. Run rounds are, I believe, still possible up at Meldon Quarry, which is the obvious operational move, unless you top & tail the charter train, which has also been done in recent years. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgman Posted February 9, 2019 Share Posted February 9, 2019 Taken earlier this evening at Crediton, despite foul weather, driving rain, works carry on. 9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Ramblin Rich Posted February 11, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted February 11, 2019 (edited) I've been out to get some basic measurements of the characteristic 3 arch bridges west of Crediton and at Yeoford today. A couple of pictures of passing trains: 150 219 forming the 10:27 from Exeter St Davids to Barnstaple at Folley Bridge west of Crediton 158 763 heading the10:43 from Barnstaple, approaching Yeoford. 1st time I've seen a 158 on the line, bit of an improvement on the 143s! 150 233 on the rear of that train (and shot against the sun!) Edited February 11, 2019 by Ramblin Rich image file sizes too big! had to shrink them... 9 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgman Posted February 11, 2019 Share Posted February 11, 2019 18 minutes ago, Ramblin Rich said: I've been out to get some basic measurements of the characteristic 3 arch bridges west of Crediton and at Yeoford today. A couple of pictures of passing trains: 150 219 forming the 10:27 from Exeter St Davids to Barnstaple at Folley Bridge west of Crediton 158 763 heading the10:43 from Barnstaple, approaching Yeoford. 1st time I've seen a 158 on the line, bit of an improvement on the 143s! 150 233 on the rear of that train (and shot against the sun!) You should have let me know you were in the village ! The kettle has been on all morning G 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgman Posted February 11, 2019 Share Posted February 11, 2019 All a bit different a few weeks ago ! And here are a few more before the snow came... G 13 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Ramblin Rich Posted February 11, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted February 11, 2019 1 hour ago, bgman said: You should have let me know you were in the village ! The kettle has been on all morning G Bit of a spur of the moment event, having a car and a few hours spare is a rare occurrance. I would take you up on the offer if I was to be there in the future. Dread to think what your electric bill would be! Like the picture in the snow, and those images of the bridge are good too. I was grateful of the sun but it makes some pictures difficult. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgman Posted February 11, 2019 Share Posted February 11, 2019 1 hour ago, Ramblin Rich said: Bit of a spur of the moment event, having a car and a few hours spare is a rare occurrance. I would take you up on the offer if I was to be there in the future. Dread to think what your electric bill would be! Like the picture in the snow, and those images of the bridge are good too. I was grateful of the sun but it makes some pictures difficult. Couple more if they're of any use Rich ? G 7 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianusa Posted February 11, 2019 Share Posted February 11, 2019 Now, if only that lovely track went all the way again. Brian. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgman Posted February 11, 2019 Share Posted February 11, 2019 1 hour ago, brianusa said: Now, if only that lovely track went all the way again. Brian. It does Brian - Barnstaple ! 1 1 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Ramblin Rich Posted February 11, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted February 11, 2019 What struck me about the track was that the 'main' Barnstaple line is still bullhead, but the Okehampton/Meldon line is jointed flat bottom. Possibly that line was renewed due to greater weight of trains when the quarry was open? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianusa Posted February 12, 2019 Share Posted February 12, 2019 21 hours ago, bgman said: It does Brian - Barnstaple ! I was rather thinking - Friary, BG! Brian. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Captain Kernow Posted March 4, 2019 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 4, 2019 On 12/02/2019 at 20:18, brianusa said: I was rather thinking - Friary, BG! You can still go to Friary, Brian, but sadly not by the mode of transport you have in mind. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgman Posted March 23, 2019 Share Posted March 23, 2019 I took a trip into Exeter today on the scheduled 13.24 from the village station and was slightly surprised to see three Class 153's in operation. I remarked about the working to the Guard who informed me that it was their last trip after today as they are destined for Wales. I managed to get a very quick shot of them on their departure to Exmouth from the over bridge at Exeter Central before they left. I am told there aren't any immediate replacement units planned currently which will make for an interesting summer season on the Tarka line! G 4 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Ramblin Rich Posted March 23, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted March 23, 2019 I saw (presumably) the same set approaching St David's earlier (just before 10:00 while waiting for the special with 2x class 50s running to Penzance). 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgman Posted March 23, 2019 Share Posted March 23, 2019 5 minutes ago, Ramblin Rich said: I saw (presumably) the same set approaching St David's earlier (just before 10:00 while waiting for the special with 2x class 50s running to Penzance). I see you've left your "TAG" on the bridge too, looks nice in gold ! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Ramblin Rich Posted March 23, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted March 23, 2019 Yes, not the best location but it was the best I could get in the time available to me Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Ramblin Rich Posted March 23, 2019 Author RMweb Gold Share Posted March 23, 2019 I quite like the 153s, it will be a shame when they go. Better window spacings than 150s and better ride than 143s I know the small cabs are a bit of a pain, but they've been useful none the less. I have seen one 158 on the Barnstaple line as per post on 11th Feb, do hope there will be more soon! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeithMacdonald Posted October 8, 2019 Share Posted October 8, 2019 Apologies if anyone has already mentioned these, but I've just found a couple of really lovely articles by Ian Dinmore, on working for British Rail in Barnstaple, 1979 onwards. An Indian Summer in the West Country - Part 1 https://www.railscot.co.uk/articles/An_Indian_Summer_in_the_West_Country_-_Part_1/ An Indian Summer in the West Country - Part 2 https://www.railscot.co.uk/articles/An_Indian_Summer_in_the_West_Country_-_Part_2/ Some of his stories are hilarious, like the trains and relief crews that got lost, or engines that reversed through shed doors, or fishing lines tied to signal bells. Could have been the inspiration for Will Hays and "Oh Mister Porter" 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now