pb_devon

Have you a copy of the book? Devonport Dockyard Railway, pub Twelveheads Press. Now OPP, but s/h copies on ebay.

I’ve attempted to find out when this plain-lining was done, but my source hasn’t been able to find it in the weekly notices. As reversal on the Gunni branch is simple, then that seems a logical step. Operating the crossover from the Ground Frame was always a challenge, as it seized up due to non use.

Detailed information about operations here is subject to strict controls, hence any answer will always be vague. The movement of loaded flasks to Sellafield will be sporadic and when required. However, route knowledge has to be maintained by DRS crew, so an occasional loco will come this way. Sometimes it will bring a flask wagon, for dockyard staff to maintain skills.

Why do you think the flask movements have ceased? AFAIK the whole system is operational in connection with the business of support to the RN nuclear submarine fleet. This will include disposing contaminated waste from decommissioned submarines. Hence the main-line connection will be required for many years to come. Also internal movements around the site are required.

Can anyone ID the carriage? And how the devil did they get it there!?

Edinburgh Wollen Mill gone bust! Shop now empty with a To Let sign.

Keith, I will pass on your thanks to Brian, and draw his attention to this post. pb

Keith, Suggest you get the book Plymouths Hidden Railways by Paul Burkhalter, pub Twelveheads Press. OOP, but s/h might be available. This covers a lot of this area in some detail.

But I guess it’s only a matter of time…….

Thank you Simon for that. Begs the question….why only half of it? Paul

Thanks Simon. So, just to clarify, the mechanical signals will remain and be motor driven operated from the panel in Exeter? Paul

Yes, and back round to Cattewater, or at least the bit that’s left as far as the EMR scrap yard.

Some sad news..... wef 26 June 2021, the line beyond MP245m 18ch has been permanently closed. This location is beyond the Laira Depot servicing platform, and means the whole Friary and Cattewater lines are OOU. As EMR no longer ship by rail there's no use for the line. Plymouth City Council want to remove the low bridge over Embankment Road, and this will facilitate this. I didn't realise but this bridge is too low for any tall HGV hence the big Royal Mail vehicles for the Sorting Office (for example) all have to go round through Manadon/Mutley/City Centre. No doubt NR will be quick to sell off the remaining Friary site (not more student flats??!!).

Thanks Ron.

The CRS website reports that it was also thought to have run to St Ives overnight. Lots of speculation that there’s a connection with the G7 summit in June.

...and if you saw the other side, that was a 0-3-0 as well

Another story I’ve read is that the workmen building the line had just returned from a job in the far east and thought the geology looked the same. Take your pick (I prefer Gordon’s version!). As for reopening, the population east of Evian decreases dramatically hence traffic wouldn’t be big. Having spent a lot of money on Leman Express (CEVA) recently (cross border from Geneva to Haute Savoire towns incl Evian) I cannot see there is much appetite for an extension.

Thanks Ron, I rode it that year and did the circular ‘steam’ trip onward on the CGN paddle ship via Lausanne back to Evian. There is a group promoting the re-opening of the line http://www.rersudleman.com . However it decays into the undergrowth and the major level crossings have been tarmacked over. Paul

On today’s (20 March 2021) news on the CRS website: ”These vehicles were used as living accommodation at Kenneggy Downs for many years by Mr & Mrs Ned Thomas. In the early 1960's the old tram bodies they were moved to another location in the area where they have remained until mid March 2021, however as building work was about to commence on this site these historic vehicles have been been moved and placed into temporary storage locally by Mr Andrew Newport, a haulage contractor and a transport enthusiast of Penzance. Mr. Newport would like to find a good home for these historic trams where they can undergo restoration. ”

Might depend on what the bridge is crossing. If a river, then it could be open (nothing underneath to damage), but if a road then a closed deck to protect passing traffic/people below. As for material....timber or solid formed steel.

Well done, many thanks. Paul

On re-reading, the first line would be better written: “It’s the line above Clearbrook village towards Yelverton, along from the car park by the leat bridge”. Also the original stables are in-situ, now used by the golf club. Location here: https://earth.app.goo.gl/MvRCnv on Google Earth.

Thanks Brian. It’s the line above Clearbrook village, along from the car park by the leat bridge towards Yelverton. The tarmac cycle/walkers path on the left. Also near here is one of the granite mileposts (12 or 13). Much to see, as further along are the granite blocks remains of a passing loop. Then nearer Yelverton a length of rail. Paul

Brian, I don’t have it, so Can you take a snapshot to post here? I know the route quite well so may be able to comment. Paul

On my TV programme guide the time is showing 21.00.