More Weather Trouble on the South Devon

[melmerby]

More trouble on the line west of Exeter:

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-45851489

 

"Line closed for rest of day"

 

Keith

Edited October 14, 2018 by melmerby

[Oldddudders]

I think Rockershovel of this parish is expecting to use that route later today, back from the North to Plymouth. 

[Siberian Snooper]

Spotlight news, said that a culvert has collapsed, the farmer reckons he's been on to NR for a couple of years as his land floods. It's hoped to have the line reopened by the morning, by tipping ballast down the hole and putting a severe TSR on it, whilst they decide on a more permanent solution.

[BWsTrains]

Spotlight news, said that a culvert has collapsed, the farmer reckons he's been on to NR for a couple of years as his land floods. It's hoped to have the line reopened by the morning, by tipping ballast down the hole and putting a severe TSR on it, whilst they decide on a more permanent solution.

This saga brings to mind "the Gas Man Cometh"!

 

[Gwiwer]

I think Rockershovel of this parish is expecting to use that route later today, back from the North to Plymouth.

 

Sir Gwiwer Greybeard of this parish, his wife, their Aussie mates and family were also using the line today travelling between London and Penzance.

 

We were aware of the problem, which is nothing to do with the sea wall, before setting out but had little choice on a pre-booked holiday itinerary but to press on.

 

At 08.45 and with our 08.57 departure looming there was still no road service on offer. We took the 09.57 which was a 9-car 802. My comments in the 800 thread could be repeated to the power of ten. The conductor was apologetic for the disruption, even making light of it with “It’s not the sea wall this time - that’s still fine”. We duly terminated at Exeter and joined the queue for coaches.

 

Finding rail-replacement drivers on a Sunday morning at zero notice is always hard. When you suddenly have to replace the entire main line service it’s virtually impossible to call up enough help. We had a wait of around 20 minutes and were able to board the third coach which arrived.

 

Some 90 minutes later we were deposited at Newton Abbot having come via Dawlish and Teignmouth (where our train had not been booked to call) for the benefit of just one passenger alighting at each. Had we managed to board a direct coach we would not, as it turned out, have been at any advantage

 

The queue for coaches to Exeter was two or three abreast and snaked around the station and through the car park. If fewer than 400 were waiting I would be surprised. Our coach and one other was all that was on offer.

 

We learned from RTT that a 14.45 departure should run through to Truro and thence be replaced by scheduled road replacement to Penzance. We boarded the waiting HST set as did others and waited until 14.50 at which time despite announcements by the conductor and steward confirming this was the Truro train nothing had moved. At 15.05 were were asked to alight and board the set waiting at platform 2 instead. For what it was worth this had heritage livery 43002 leading. At 15.15 we finally departed and arrived at Truro - amid more profuse apologies for the disruption - at 17.25. Some 2½ hours later than expected.

 

These things cannot be planned for. To have this happen while Truro - Penzance was also closed was unfortunate indeed and tested staff patience, resilience and flexibility to the limit. But we got from A to B as did everyone else. And I spared a thought for the orange batallion trying to fill a large hole with ballast in time for the Monday morning onslaught.

[brianusa]

Reopen the Tav.....................Say no more!

 

Brian.

[Re6/6]

This saga brings to mind "the Gas Man Cometh"!

 

 

Brilliant!

[PhilJ W]

At least its an easier (and quicker) fix than Dawlish.

[Gwiwer]

Reopen the Tav.....................Say no more!

 

Brian.

Funny you should mention that. Overheard conversation on the Exeter - Newton Abbot coach included just that suggestion. The reply, from the adjacent passenger probably not known to the first, was that yes that might be fine except for the need to continue serving the Torbay area. And that this person had family living up at Bridestowe who had already imparted the information that the area there was badly flooded.

[brianusa]

Local paper mentioned flooding at Dawlish...........................?

 

Brian.

[Gwiwer]

Yes.  Recent Spring tides have coincided with the arrival of a southerly storm which is a worst-case scenario.  The line was closed as a precaution for a few hours on Friday evening.  Local images and the webcams showed seas breaking into the station pit and flooding the track.  Little if any damage was done.  The "Captain Kernow Rebuild" seems to have lived up to all its promises in terms of resilience and drainage of storm water from the ballast.