Imaginary Railways

[KeithMacdonald]

On 25/08/2023 at 03:42, The Johnster said:

Apropos Lyme Regis and geology, I've just been watching 'Ammonite', a somewhat lurid but sympathetic account of part of Mary Anning's life. 

 

@The Johnster (being a shy retiring creature) perhaps thought it best to not mention where he's been watching this fossilised porn.

 

On the other hand, I'm a brazen hussy with no such inhibitions. It's here on the Beeb.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001pnyj/ammonite

[The Johnster]

Correct; that's where I saw it, Jurassic girl-on-girl action.  Mary Anning and Caroline Murchison did know each other and were close lifelong friends, the bit in the film about Roderick bringing her to Lyme and going fossil-hunting with Mary was true enough.  It is in some ways an unlikely friendship, as they were from different classes and backgrounds in a way that was a lot more important in those days, though class distinctions are still the bane of our society.  But Mary was more than 'just an ordinary working-class girl' whose job was to provide collectors with specimens, she was able to add to the canon of paleaentological knowledge in her own right, particularly with her correct explanation of 'beozar stones', coproplites, and their value in determining the diet of the animals that had produced them.  Clearly, some men in the academic world behaved rather badly to her and claimed discoveries that were rightfully hers, getting away with it because Victorian men of their status did got away with that sort of thing as a matter of course, and she rightfully resented it, but her correspondance with people who were internationally known and respected movers and shakers in that world made her a figure  well known to them.

 

Academia did redress the balance a little later in her life, friends and acquaintances from that world persuading the government to grant her a £25 per annum civil list gratuity, which at least gave her a degree of financial security and stability that had been missing for her earlier years, though more could and should have been done.

[sir douglas]

 

Since then (above) ive settle the gauge to 3ft as i really like the look of Ravenglass, Southwold, Isle of Man and Malta (metre), there should also be a halt for the Strid but i still cant decide on the name of the the Southern 2 stations, with the Midland already taking the name, i was thinking of Bolton Bridge for the terminus and Bolton Priory for the next up.

 

My current track plan for Bolton Bridge, the track plan is arranged for shunting and arranging of mixed trains

 

[KeithMacdonald]

Well, I have to confess that imaginary railway to Lyme Regis generated some marvellous "Jurassic Coast" replies and some great content.

Thanks to all! 😀

 

Will I be as lucky with my next imaginary railway effort?

You might be wondering what's it going to be about ... here's a teaser clue ...

It starts with a load of pork pies. 🤭

 

[KeithMacdonald]

Although - some might say - "a load of pork pies" is an essential ingredient in any good imaginary story about an Imaginary Railway...

[Flying Fox 34F]

Melton Mowbray, then?

 

Paul

[KeithMacdonald]

57 minutes ago, Flying Fox 34F said:

Melton Mowbray, then?

 

A good candidate Paul, but the location I have in mind is in Wiltshire, not Leicestershire.

[2E Sub Shed]

11 minutes ago, KeithMacdonald said:

 

A good candidate Paul, but the location I have in mind is in Wiltshire, not Leicestershire.

Melton Mowbray pies according to Wikipedia are produced near Nottingham as a result of EU legislation locality rules which prompted closure of the Trowbridge Wiltshire  Bowyers factory     Bowyers on Wikipedia

[KeithMacdonald]

1 hour ago, 2E Sub Shed said:

which prompted closure of the Trowbridge Wiltshire  Bowyers factory 

 

Getting warmer.

[2E Sub Shed]

9 hours ago, KeithMacdonald said:

 

Getting warmer.

There was a proposal to link the Marlborough GWR Branch with its Calne Branch to create a through route.  

 

However there was a GWR Bus 🙂  Marlborough - Calne GWR Bus link poster 1904

 

However as noted in the link below the higher ground at Yatesbury would pose an issue for a railway route.

 

Comment on Calne Branch and extension

 

Any warmer ?

Edited August 30, 2023 by 2E Sub Shed

[KeithHC]

Sausages by the name of Harris………

 

Keith

[2E Sub Shed]

4 hours ago, KeithHC said:

Sausages by the name of Harris………

 

Used to be said the only part of a pig that was not used in the Harris factory in Calne was the squeak.

[KeithMacdonald]

@2E Sub Shed and @KeithHC have both won a free C & T Harris' Extra Large Pork Pie, which can be collected from their factory shop in Calne.

[KeithMacdonald]

Calne to Marlborough – a missing link in eastern Wiltshire.

 

Briefing location : Marlborough College, Combined Cadet Force Hut

Date and time : 30th February, 1940, 09:00

 

Normal "Top Secret" rules apply.

 

Invitations in the post to @Northmoor, @CME and Bottlewasher, @The Johnster. @Ramblin Rich, @DLT, @john new, @Hando, @Jeremy Cumberland, and @Flying Fox 34F

 

RSVP

Edited August 30, 2023 by KeithMacdonald
RSVP

[KeithMacdonald]

Introduction

 

Right chaps, glad you all got the invitations - stand easy, gather round.

 

Firstly, a hearty “thank you” to the Headmaster, Francis Melville Heywood, whom I’m sure several are already familiar with, from your time here with the Combined Cadet Force, before joining the Army. We are most grateful for the loan of this CCF hut as a planning HQ.

 

I don’t need to tell you, Britain is in a state of high alert. Besides the many new RAF airfields rapidly being constructed, many new training stations and supplies depots are needed. The Americans have yet to teach us the word “logistics”, so we’re keeping calm and carrying on with “supplies” and “distribution”.

 

Officially, the M&SWJR here in Marlborough is already an important line for military supplies from the Midlands and further north, via Cheltenham and Tidworth to southern ports. An urgent order has been sent to us from the War Cabinet, to close the gap between Calne and Marlborough. Just as a precautionary measure, you understand, and to enable a diversionary route from Chippenham for supplies and troop movements from the West of England.

 

Unofficially (and allegedly) the Home Office is also very worried by the high volume of C & T Harris’ sausages and pork pies that are (cough) “disappearing” between Calne and Chippenham. It is felt that a new line, under military supervision will safeguard this vital national asset.

 

We have a little slide show now to show you the proposed route.

 

Slide one please?

[KeithMacdonald]

 

Thank you.

 

The route will be constructed in four sections:

• Calne to Yatesbury
• Yatesbury to Avebury
• Avebury to Lockeridge
• Lockeridge to Marlborough

Next slide please.

[KeithMacdonald]

Section 1 : Calne to Yatesbury

 

The newly-built RAF station closest to Calne is RAF Compton Bassett, for top-secret radar and ground wireless training.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Compton_Bassett

 

 

On higher ground further east is RAF Yatesbury, an operational airfield for pilot training as well as airbourne wireless training.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Yatesbury

 

 

The main engineering challenge on this section is the steepness of the escarpment, from the higher ground around Yatesbury and the descent to the lower ground around Calne. Our engineering team, however, has already carefully surveyed the route, and - this is most important - they assure us that the ruling gradient will be no steeper that that already in situ on Caen Hill and the similar descent from Devizes towards Seend.

 

Here is the first section of the proposed route, as an extension from the existing Calne Station.

 

 

To optimise the handling of military traffic, two stations with passing loops will be provided at Compton Bassett and Yatesbury, with additional sidings as circumstances will demand and permit.

 

(Noises off)

What's that? Ah, excellent, it's Mrs Miggins with her tea trolley. A short tea break gentlemen?

 

[The Johnster]

Whilst sipping my cup of Mrs. Miggins' excellent tea, it occurred to me that the War Cabinet may also be considering extending the proposed new line along the Kennet Valley east of Marlborough to make a junction with the West of England main line at Hungerford, with passing stations at Axford and Ramsbury, and have not made this known to us at this time, but that we should prepare ourselves for this eventuality.  The passing loops will need to be capable of handling 'full length' 60-wagon trains for war traffic, and the route, though single line, will need to be contructed for the GWR's 'red' route availability. 

 

Such a route will have useful diversionary capabilities for both the GWML and the WoEML, further reason to make it capable of handling the heaviest locomotives, such as KIngs and 47xx.  I would suggest arranging for the passing loops to be signalled for use bi-directionally, and one loop laid out in each case for fast through running with automatic token exchange equipment.  I would strongly reccomend building the formation to be capable of carrying double track throughout should this be required in future.  It will be the first new railway constructed to main line standards in this country for nearly twenty years, and we are honoured to be asked to assist in it's planning. 

 

Mrs Miggins has asked me to request that you put your empty cups on the tray by the door for her to collect later.

 

Carry on and Don't Panic...

[KeithMacdonald]

I mustn't forget to talk to our colleagues in the Royal Ordnance. Mrs Miggins's recipe for rock cakes might be useful as emergency replacements for hand grenades. Talking of rocks, it's now time for section two.

 

Section 2 : Yatesbury to Avebury

 

 

Engineering-wise, gentlemen, this appears to be a fairly simple section, with no significantly steep gradients. Our main concern is one of Ancient Rights. The brethren of the Ancient Order of Druids (GWR Chapter) have already approved a suggested route that avoids Avebury itself, and also Silbury Hill. Instead, it will go through Avebury Trusloe. For their blessings and goodwill, we will also provide sufficient space for a station for the eagerly-anticipated Druidic University of Avebury (so mote it be).

[KeithMacdonald]

Section 3 : Avebury to Lockeridge.

 

This section is the only one that requires the construction of any bridges and cuttings.

 

 

In order, from Avebury towards Lockeridge:

• 500 yards east of Silbury, a bridge to cross the River Kennett and the A4 road.
• Two bridges near East Kennett, also to cross the River Kennett.
• Two bridges, one north-west and one north-east of Lockeridge, again to cross the River Kennett.

Otherwise the route follows the contour of the land, with one cutting required between West Overton and Lockeridge. Drainage close to the river is not a significant problem, as these chalk valleys drain relatively quickly. It is now several thousand years since Neolithic times, when (it is suggested) water levels were much higher and the Kennett was a navigable river all the way to Avebury.

 

We are fortunate that there is at hand in the Kennett valley a plentiful supply of Sarcen stones. These are deemed of little value by local farmers and landowners; they are largely an impediment to the application of mechanised agriculture, and the farmers would welcome their removal. Some may be used for bridge foundations, likewise some may be used for the foundations of the Druidic University. The Druids themselves have advised us they are not planning any extensions to Avebury or Stonehenge that would make a claim on these materials.

 

[The Johnster]

This is welcome news.  Trust me, you don't want to mess with the Druids, any Welshman will tell you that.  The route is bound to impinge on some ancient sites, though; impossible not to in this locality!

 

A point not yet addressed is general mechandise goods facilities at the passing stations.  These, if provided, need to be separate from any siding facilities in connection with the war traffic, and will probably need end-loading docks to cater for probably future military traffic 'for the duration'.

[KeithMacdonald]

Section 4 : Lockeridge to Marlborough

 

As before, the route follows the line of the Kennett valley, with a gentle rise from Clatford, past Manton, to join the existing M&SWJR railway at Marlborough station. The existing line is shown in red.

 

 

We will now pause for luncheon, also provided by Mrs Miggins.

[KeithMacdonald]

19 minutes ago, The Johnster said:

Whilst sipping my cup of Mrs. Miggins' excellent tea, it occurred to me that the War Cabinet may also be considering extending the proposed new line along the Kennet Valley east of Marlborough to make a junction with the West of England main line at Hungerford, with passing stations at Axford and Ramsbury, and have not made this known to us at this time, but that we should prepare ourselves for this eventuality. 

 

Our esteemed colleague is astonishingly foresightful, as additional orders have indeed just been received from the War Cabinet. We have instructed the surveying team to proceed east along the Kennett Valley, and to prepare proposals for a suitable route. As time is of the essense, Mrs Miggins will equip them with packed meals, including some of her most excellent pork pies.

[Northroader]

One thing that will have to be established is the crossing point with Mikkel’s “Farthing” line:

 

[KeithMacdonald]

 More on the Farthings line here:

 

 

@creweboy commented

 

Quote

You idea follows the projected Salisbury to Berk & Hants route which the GW produced a diagram for it joined the line near Woodbrough just West of Pewsey.

 

The southern part (Salisbury to Woodborough) is understandable, as it would be in the Avon valley, and fairly flat.

 

I'm not sure yet how they would have dealt with the northern part (Woodborough to Swindon). They would have to get up out of the Pewsey Vale on or about the 400 feet contour and, within one mile, climbed to nearly 800 feet, to skirt past the highest points in Wiltshire (Tan Hill, Milk Hill, Knap Hil).

https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=13.8&lat=51.36035&lon=-1.84374&layers=10&b=1

 

The alternatives, to avoid a steep climb, means going further east or west.

 

The eastward option, to somewhere like Wootton Rivers, almost as far as Savernake. At which point, it can hardly avoid joining the M&WJR?

https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=13.8&lat=51.37442&lon=-1.72883&layers=10&b=1

 

Or it goes west to climb up somewhere around Bishops Cannings, then north-east to the Avebury area.

https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=13.8&lat=51.36770&lon=-1.91254&layers=10&b=1