Southernman46 Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Yes - the pallisade was a bizarre choice of fence for a rural location - I suspect one of my off-track engineer collegues failed to scope that one and we've had to stump up for premimium fence from the Contractor. Reference the banks - yes, basically once you come over the top at 42mp and drop down into the Thames Valley the line meets "London Clay" both as support and construction material. The moist content of this material fluctuates enormously and the railway (track alignment & top) suffer as a result. Occasionally it catches us out when the Track Recording Train runs and we have to impose speed restrictions before we can tamp / stoneblow it. However, during 2012/13, there is a plan to undertake a huge programme of embankment earthwork improvement on both sides between Pump lane U/B (where the old slip on the down side is) and Green Park (the site of the new station). This should cure the problem. Until then we just have to used our skill and judgement in terms of track maintenance - just to reassure everybody - there is little risk of major slip occurring as the site is extensively instrumented & regularly monitiored. Incidentally, the Track Recording train has reverted to coaches with an engine at both ends on the Southern after a year of the 2-car SMT. Saw 31106 (in proper BR Blue) on it at Woking on Friday last and almost wet myself - you forget just how good that livery looks after so many years of "art" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southernman46 Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 PS..... The other recent ESR just north of Mortimer for poor track geometry was simply due to the fact that the trackside drains are "clayed-up" and need cleaning out - which has been planned. Unfortunately, we at NR are still playing catch-up & paying for the "madness" of 1996-2003 in some places but it'll get there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
brian daniels Posted December 23, 2009 Author Share Posted December 23, 2009 Thanks for the insite into why I spill my tea between Reading and Basingstoke, really nice to know why "things are why they are" if you know what I mean. Glad you like the pics Andy I thought this lot would be a bit different. One thing about the line from Reading to Basingstoke is the amount of wildlife you see. If you are going to see a deer it will likely be here and as you can see from these 2 pics a Kite was interupted from it's lunch in the 4ft and a Pheasant was nearly on the christmas menu. Just missed a fox today by a whisker. Yep I must say the drivers cab is the best seat in the house Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southernman46 Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Me again - Oh the Red Kites up there - just beautiful - That's a stunning photo of one !!!!!!!! Wonderful wonderful - and NR PAY me to walk that bit of track and I get to watch them !! I LOVE my job Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
59004 ( was Shedcombe....) Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 Thanks so much Brian. Very nice again, great quality. And that while driving. Are you allowed to do this, can't you get into trouble ? Oh how much I envy you drivers in the most postive way. If only they had allowed me a fair chance, but not so, being "into trains and modelling". Regards, Michel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Delamar Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 very jealous, great shots. whats it like walking on ballast with snow and ice on it? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Delamar Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 heres a shot from the cab of my workplace last night, well I didnt do much taxyin last night, used the ice as an excuse to go home Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
59004 ( was Shedcombe....) Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 At least you were not driving and shoting Mike. All the best. Regards, Michel ( bus driver ) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Y Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 At least you were not driving and shooting Mike. ? Just because Mike's from Liverpool....... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 Just because Mike's from Liverpool....... Is it part of the driving test up there? . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southernman46 Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 very jealous, great shots. whats it like walking on ballast with snow and ice on it? VERY VERY hazardous - We don't make the patrolling staff do their weekly walk if conditions are like that - a cab ride by the Track section Supervisor / Track Maint. Engineer is substituted. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Delamar Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 Is it part of the driving test up there? . just gotta be able to dodge them and youll be alright Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Delamar Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 VERY VERY hazardous - We don't make the patrolling staff do their weekly walk if conditions are like that - a cab ride by the Track section Supervisor / Track Maint. Engineer is substituted. good to hear, wouldnt like to walk near the third rail at the best of times Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southernman46 Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 good to hear, wouldnt like to walk near the third rail at the best of times Mike Absolutely - having stood directly on it whilst coupling a 16-car train of EPB's to a Crompton & 73 at Gillingham in 1986 (another story) and got away with it - good boots etc etc. Although a good dose of snow does help us locate "hot spots" such as overheating conductor rail joints and insulators that are carrying load to earth. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowvanman Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 More great pics Brian..your right about the wildlife, you do see plenty, the Kite pic is fantastic. Ive taken a few out the window but there not normaly very clean and pics arnt clear.. heres one taken at WEFOC. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerekEm8 Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 What a superb set of Pics from all you guys Keep 'em coming Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
40044 Posted December 25, 2009 Share Posted December 25, 2009 Pic from my workplace taken last Sunday. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.