RAILDATE: the weekly newsletter of the Hursley Park Model Railway Society:
http://www.ibmhursleyclub.org.uk/ss/hpmrs/
NETWATCH
============
The Law Commission has published a consultation paper on level crossings.
There is only a month left of the consultation period, but if anyone is
interested, the paper and supporting documents can be obtained here:
http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/level_crossings.htm.
Nigel Bird's new catalogue, number 71, is available:
http://www.nigelbirdbooks.co.uk/assets/Catalogue71.doc
Pictures of the Blubell Railway's "all-Southern" Friday by Dave Bowles:
http://www.steamrailwayprints.co.uk/gallery_300392.html
Pictures of Lode Star, Nunney Castle, Earl of Mount Edgecumbe, Rood Aston
Hall and Pannier No 9600 at Tyseley:
http://rickeborallphotography.fotopic.net/c1912284.html (day-time)
http://rickeborallphotography.fotopic.net/c1912917.html (night-time)
Sydney Hancock's railway photographs:
http://gallerysydney.fotopic.net/
Photos taken in 2005 at the site of Helmdon station (GCR):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54909350@N04/sets/72157625289946222/
A Yahoo group for anyone interested in the restoration of Kinlet Hall:
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/4936kinlethallgroup/
A wonderful Somerset & Dorset model by Chris Nevard:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nevardmedia/5132236112/in/photostream/
Update on Rails of Sheffield/Bachmann models of LMS 10000 and 10001:
http://railsofsheffield.com/lms-twins/
(Spotter: Ted Millward)
============
Videos...
"The Glory of French Railways, Vol 2" - short clip with links to many
more:
http://vidnux.com/sq/733904/the-glory-of-french-railways-vol-2.html
A 40-second demo clip taken at Musa Station, Ohmihachiman City, east of
Osaka in Japan:
http://tinyurl.com/34zkbxd
Welsh Highland Railway Opening
Official video shot on the first train:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV8wStMtWtQ&NR=1
Another shot from the lineside at Porthmadog showing both trains:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdCQ3yet1Hk&feature=related
(All above, Ralph Rawlinson)
============
On Sunday, 7th November, the new Hodmoor Bridge, S&DJR number 185 which
has just been replaced over the River Stour, will be officially opened. A
Somerset & Dorset trackbed walk will take place on Sunday to cover the new
trailway extension, starting at 11.30 from the recreation ground at
Shillingstone, continuing on to bridge 185 for the grand opening around
noon, and then on to Stourpaine recreation ground for around 12.30, where
the pavilion will be open and food and drinks, etc, will be served. The
bridge will now form part of the continuation of the North Dorset Trailway
currently running along the old S&D trackbed from Sturminster Newton
through Shillingstone and now on to Stourpaine.
Plans to open the next section are already under way (from Stourpaine and
on under the A350 through S&D bridge 188 towards Blandford, to meet up
with the next already-open section from the Milldown through to Blandford
Station and S&D bridge 198 at the river). Other sections along the S&D
Trailway from Blandford towards Broadstone and Wimborne are also already
open, are hoped to be all joined up before too long.
============
At the end of January, most of the Crystal Palace High Level branch became
"Metropolitan Open Land", which gives it similar protection to land within
a National Park. A designated long distance footpath, the Green Chain
Walk, has been extended over the course to encourage public access. The
Green Chain's route is laid out with railway enthusiasts in mind, and
visits almost every remaining structure except for the south portal of
Paxton Tunnel. It is a very pleasant walk with a diversion up One Tree
Hill for a remarkable view over London. Also, restoration of the
underpass between Crystal Palace High Level and the former Crystal Palace
is underway. The railway spared no expense on this - it is Grade I
listed, and the interior will be worth visiting. Photos taken before
restoration began are at:
http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=9551
============
Ralph Rawlinson's Railway Roundup
Derby
BR (Residuary) has put the old Railway Technical Centre site in Derby up
for sale with an asking price of 16m.
http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/general/2010/10/14-dismay-in-derby-as-rtc.html
Staffordshire
Update on reopening Leekbrook Jn-Cauldon Low.
http://tinyurl.com/2ugwbbv
Sheffield
Campaigners have formed an action group: Residents Against Station Closure
for freedom of access to the pedestrian bridge.
http://www.rasc-sheffield.com
Ebbw Vale
The South East Wales Transport Alliance is supporting plans for new
stations, at Pye Corner (in Newport), Crumlin and Abertillery, on the 13-
mile branch that opened on 6th February 2008. Platform extensions are
also required at all six stations currently is use.
Barry Railway Tynyaeau Jn-Trehafod and Taff Vale Llantrisant-Treforest
The 4.6m A473 Church Village bypass was officially opened in September.
This has taken over a m section of the former Barry Railway Tynyaeau Jn
-Trehafod line between Station Road, Efail Isaf, and the site of Tonteg
Viaduct whilst at Tonteg itself it has utilised a short section of the
Taff Vale's Llantrisant branch.
LNWR Gaerwen-Amlwch
The local community council have converted Llanerchymedd station building
into a heritage centre, museum and community caf. It will be officially
opened on Saturday 6th November.
http://tinyurl.com/36wpdkz
FRRHC Waterford-Rosslare Strand
Retention of the line as useable will include an annual visit by the weed-
killing train, with level crossings worked by the traincrew. Barrow swing
bridge near Waterford will only be manned if required for a rail movement
with the swinging section normally open for shipping. This follows the
decision to downgrade the line to the status of an engineers siding with a
25mph speed limit and single block section from 18th September 2010.
Spain
The 271-mile high-speed line between Madrid and Valencia will open
throughout on 18th December 2010.
http://tinyurl.com/39tnsx9
Israel
Because of "the severe aesthetic damage it would cause the coastal vista",
the Coastal Protection Committee has forbidden Israel Railways from
installing electric overhead equipment along the 7km coast section of the
Akko-Carmiel line. This line forms part of the government's 420km
nationwide ?1.2bn electrification programme.
http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000597668&fid=1725
Turkey
Turkey State Railways (TCDD) plans to start test running on the 190-mile
Ankara-Konya high-speed line in December, with full operation in March
2011. It will reduce 10 hours travel time to 75 minutes (it currently
takes so long as there is no direct line between two cities). TCDD
launched its first high-speed service in March 2009. This was the Ankara-
Eskisehir section of the 331-mile line to Istanbul.
http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=65725
Iran/Azerbaijan
Iran's Transport Minister says they will try to merge the railways of
Azerbaijan and Iran by March 2011.
http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=133248
Syria
A study into building a line connecting Damascus with Jordan is underway
and the Syrian Transport Ministry is ready to start work as soon as the
the European Investment Bank sanctions a loan.
http://www.dp-news.com/pages/detail.aspx?l=2&articleId=60671
Russia
The high speed "Sapsan" train which started running three times daily
between Moscow and St Petersburg on 17th December 2009, cutting the
journey from eight hours to just 3hr 45min, has carried its millionth
passenger. Russian Railways (RDZ) is now offering a sliding scale of
refunds if the train is over 30min late. Next year, the journey is to be
reduced by a further 15 mins.
http://tinyurl.com/36h7qoz
Vietnam
A steering group is to be set up to receive Japanese technical assistance
and research for the Hanoi-Vinh, HCM City-Nha Trang express and the Hanoi-
Noi Bai lines.
http://tinyurl.com/2dxze8e
Canada
The recently renovated Canadian Pacific Railway Round House, at the
Toronto Railway Heritage Centre shows locomotives of the early railways.
http://www.trha.ca
============
IN THE NEWS
High-speed rail link London to Folkestone is sold:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11701481
Profit for state-owned East Coast rail line:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-11699539
Passengers break out of stuck train in Cambridgeshire:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-11655182
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-11658110
Waterloo station's Eurostar platforms cost 4m:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11667465
New community near Exeter to have station on the Waterloo to Exeter line:
http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/communications_and_consultation.htm?newsid=441
Whitwell rail diversion:
http://tinyurl.com/37qc4nq
Fury over "horrendous" gantry at Scarborough:
http://tinyurl.com/23lhc77
Settle & Carlisle Track upgrade:
http://www.therailengineer.com/FeaturedArticles/railengineer/view/131
Swing Bridge repairs in Anglia:
http://www.therailengineer.com/FeaturedArticles/railengineer/view/133
Infrastructure work for FSR class 380 units:
http://www.therailengineer.com/FeaturedArticles/railengineer/view/128
Crossrail digital Network Rail:
http://www.therailengineer.com/FeaturedArticles/railengineer/view/134
West Fife commuters face wait until 2019 for longer trains:
http://tinyurl.com/25ahnsx
"Witch's hat" stalls four tube trains in north London:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11661576
New 15m plan for East Midlands heritage rail link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-11682482
OOC turntable donated to Swanage Railway:
http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/news712.htm
Safety problems at Bucknell station garden:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-11679437
Enquiry into Chiltern Railway extension to Oxford:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-11672404
Enabling works for Border route:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-11644314
Maude to steam again and LMS Compound 1000 to head for Scotland:
http://tinyurl.com/34ktpso
Welsh Highland Railway train reaches Porthmadog:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-11658206
http://tinyurl.com/36cm8w2
Man parks lorry across track to hold up Welsh Highland railway launch:
http://tinyurl.com/2f9nbav
Cat attacks train driver:
http://tinyurl.com/2uyban8
Emergency bunkers wanted for German rail network:
http://www.thelocal.de/national/20101029-30845.html
New home needed for Manx Horse Tram:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-11667930
Saltburn Cliff Railway:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-11661538
Sandbanks Ferry:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-11664118
First Group HQ to stay in Aberdeen:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-11667645
Vulcan XH558 funding:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-11663661
Spotters: Richard Buckby, Neil Kearns, Reg Nerps, Andy Sollis
TV and RADIO
06/11/10 BBC2 1930-2000
"Coast" 7/15 The Island of Canna
06/11/10 Discovery Shed 2200-2230
"Central Steam" 9/15 Winter Gala
http://tinyurl.com/32of3r7
06/11/10 Discovery Shed 2230-2300
"Central Steam" 10/15 Valentines Day
http://tinyurl.com/32of3r7
07/11/10 BBC2 1745-1800
"Coast" 7/15 The Faroe Islands
07/11/10 BBC2 2100-2200
"James May's Man Lab" Loosely engineering-based nonsense 2/3
08/11/10 BBC Radio 4 1100-1130
"Landscape with Canals and Machines: The Legacy of LTC Rolt"
08/11/10 Five 1930-2000
"How Do They Do It?" Hydro-electricity
09/11/10 BBC2 1900-2000
"Coast" King's Lynn to Felixtowe
09/11/10 BBC4 2100-2200
"The Secret Life of the National Grid" 3/3 Pulling the plug
10/11/10 BBC4 1930-2000
"A History of the World" Midlands canals
10/11/10 Discovery Shed 2200-2230
"Central Steam" 11/15 Tornado
http://tinyurl.com/32of3r7
10/11/10 Discovery Shed 2230-2300
"Central Steam" 12/15 GCR Past & Future
http://tinyurl.com/32of3r7
10/11/10 BBC4 2245-2345
"The Secret Life of the National Grid" 3/3 Pulling the plug
11/11/10 ITV1 2235-0030
"Memphis Belle" 1990 feature film
13/11/10 Discovery Shed 2200-2230
"Central Steam" 11/15 Tornado
http://tinyurl.com/32of3r7
13/11/10 Discovery Shed 2230-2300
"Central Steam" 12/15 GCR Past & Future
http://tinyurl.com/32of3r7
EVENTS
For up-to-date information on many of the tours mentioned in Raildate (and
others) often with timings, see the Steam Tours pages at:
http://www.uksteam.info/index.shtml
All details are correct to the best of my knowledge. No responsibility is
taken for inaccuracies or changes.
06/11/10 Mid-Hants Railway Real Ale Train (RAT)
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/rat.htm
06/11/10 Wolverhampton Model Railway Exhibition
07/11/10 Pendeford College, Marsh Lane, Fordhouses, W'hampton, WV10 6SE
http://www.wolverhamptonmrc.co.uk/
07/11/10 Romsey Signal Box Open Day
Admission free (donations welcome!)
1000-1600
ex-Romsey Infants School, Plaza Parade, Winchester Rd, Romsey
Car park in old school grounds
http://www.romseysignalbox.org.uk
07/11/10 Opening of new Hodmoor Bridge over the River Stour and
Somerset & Dorset trackbed walk
(Details above)
07/11/10 Peak Rail: World War II Winter Camp
http://www.peakrail.co.uk/
13/11/10 Shaftsbury Book Fair
United Church Hall, Bell Street, SP7 8AR
http://www.fairharebooks.com/
13/11/10- Moorland & City Railways and Churnet Valley Railway
14/11/10 Leekbrook Junction to Cauldon Low reopening (1st weekend)
CVR operations expand from 11-mile to 27-mile round trip
71000 Duke of Gloucester, 34028 Eddystone, 44767 George
Stevenson, 8F 48624, GWR 5199
Intensive 3-train timetable
http://www.mcrailways.co.uk/events
http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk
Railway enthusiasts' market - to book a stall, visit:
http://www.delapoleevents.co.uk/
13/11/10 Alsager Railway Association Exibition
14/11/10 Victoria Oakley Centre, CW1 2PZ
http://www.alsagerrailwayassociation.co.uk/
14/11/10 Poole & District MRS Model Railway Exhibition
Ashdown Technology College, Adastral Road, Canford Heath
Poole, BH17 8RE
1030-1700
14/11/10 Bluebell Railway: Vintage Bus Day
http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/
19/11/10- Moorland & City Railways and Churnet Valley Railway
Leekbrook Junction to Cauldon Low reopening (2nd weekend)
CVR operations expand from 11-mile to 27-mile round trip
71000 Duke of Gloucester, 34028 Eddystone, 44767 George
Stevenson, 8F 48624, GWR 5199
Intensive 3-train timetable
http://www.mcrailways.co.uk/events
http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk
20/11/10 Mid-Hants Railway Real Ale Train (RAT)
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/rat.htm
20/11/10- Kew Bridge Steam Museum: Live Steam Model Railway Show
21/11/10
http://www.kbsm.org
20/11/10- Warley National Model Railway Exhibition
21/11/10 NEC, Birmingham
1000-1800 (Sat), 1000-1700 (Sun)
http://www.thewarleyshow.co.uk
20/11/10- Moorland & City Railways and Churnet Valley Railway
21/11/10 Leekbrook Junction to Cauldon Low reopening (2nd weekend)
CVR operations expand from 11-mile to 27-mile round trip
71000 Duke of Gloucester, 34028 Eddystone, 44767 George
Stevenson, Class 37 37075, Class 33 33102, plus 2 visiting
diesel locomotives
Intensive 3-train timetable
http://www.mcrailways.co.uk/events
http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk
21/11/10 Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum: Christmas Event
Swanwick Lane, Swanwick, Southampton, SO31 7GW
http://www.bursledonbrickworks.co.uk/
24/11/10 Moorland & City Railways Steam Running Day
34028 Eddystone, 44767 George Stevenson, 8F 48624
2 train timetable in operation
http://www.mcrailways.co.uk/events
http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk/
26/11/10- Moorland & City Railways Diesel Gala
28/11/10 Class 37 37075, Class 33 33102, plus 2 visiting diesels
and Class 104 DMU
Intensive 3 train timetable
http://www.mcrailways.co.uk/events
http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk/
26/11/10- Wakefield Model Railway Exhibition
28/11/10 Thornes Park Stadium, Horbury Road, Wakefield, WF2 8TY
http://www.wakefieldrms.org/index.html
27/11/10 New Forest Book Fair
The Community Centre, High Street, Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY
http://www.fairharebooks.com/
27/11/10 Letchworth MRS Model Railway Exhibition
Etonbury Middle School, Stotfield Rd, Arlesley, Beds, SG15 6XS
1000-1630
Cheers, Howard.
editor(at)raildate.co.uk replace (at) with @
Previous issues of Raildate are at:
http://www.raildate.net
This page includes a master catalogue of items that have appeared in
previous editions of Raildate.
(C) Howard Sprenger and Hursley Park Model Railway Society 2010.
The external edition of Raildate may be freely distributed without
permission as long as no changes whatsoever are made to the original
document distributed by the Editor. You can subscribe to the external
edition here:
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/RAILDATE/