RAILDATE: the weekly newsletter of the Hursley Park Model Railway Society:
http://www.hpmrs.ibmhursleyclub.org.uk/
HPMRS WEBSITE
The Hursley Park Model Railway Society website has moved to:
http://www.hpmrs.ibmhursleyclub.org.uk/
NETWATCH
============
Next year is the 150th anniversary of the Rosedale Railway. A local
history group has set up a website and is after historical information:
http://www.rosedalerailway.org
Go-Rydale - a transport strategy for North Yorkshire:
http://go-ryedale.socialgo.com/
Ian Dixon's photos of "Sir Nigel Gresley" making its mainline comeback
http://www.iandixon.fotopic.net/p68262249.html
Mike Morant has been busy of late and the latest upload to his web gallery
comprises one man's record of his railway photography in the Republic of
Ireland in 1954. Much ground is covered from narrow gauge tank engines
via Bulleid's original turf burning experiment through to a splendid shot
of one of the magnificent Queen 4-6-0s. There are also a few images of
stations and engine sheds and one of a Guinness brewery narrow-gauge loco:
http://gallery62603.fotopic.net/c1920577.html
The National Library of Scotland has made available 91 fascinating images
of the 1879 Tay Bridge disaster:
http://tinyurl.com/3xv2o8v
(Spotter: Ralph Rawlinson)
Lincoln area signal boxes and other images:
http://www.andyknowles.co.uk/indexGallery.htm
(Spotter: Neil Kearns)
Derby area signalling (nice picture on the front page :-):
http://www.derby-signalling.org.uk/
Interesting website with an excellent resource of prototype information -
click on [12" = 1 foot]
http://www.barrowmoremrg.co.uk/
(Spotter: Ted Millward)
Resurrecting the Devil's Railway in Brazil:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/world-latin-america-11578463
============
Mapping the Southampton Blitz 70 years on:
http://bit.ly/hnl4jX
BBC audio slideshow of the Southampton Blitz:
http://tinyurl.com/369sa8j
Cash railways:
http://www.cashrailway.co.uk/
(Spotter: Richard Maund)
============
Videos...
Ravenscar - the resort that never was built:
http://tinyurl.com/3xdmxkp
(Spotter: Neil Kearns)
A snowy departure from Wirksworth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o7WcixfdTE
A wry look at Ukrainian trams using stop-motion:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUKa_NnFQHA
Melbourne Metro regrets...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh-sI9qajwA
Swiss Railways:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9KcfKV-EXs
Finnish Railways:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfXM739ou0k
American steam:
Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yluE-aIXnxk
Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIB6b0HPTXI
(Spotter: Ted Millward)
============
Ralph Rawlinson's Railway Roundup
Oxfordshire
The Government has announced that the Paddington-Oxford line will be
electrified by 2016.
http://tinyurl.com/36oztv4
Bletchley Area Resignalling
The contract awarded to Signalling Solutions is for the detailed design,
construction, testing and commissioning in connection with Bletchley re-
modelling, a project to raise the current speed through Bletchley station
from 110 to 125mph. At the same time life-expired equipment and power
distribution in the area will be replaced. The interlocking control will
be provided by a Smartlock 400 platform housed in Rugby SCC, and when
commissioned in December 2012 Bletchley's 1965 PSB will be abolished.
Cotswold Line
Network Rail has appointed Amey to upgrade the current token exchange
along the route with new axle counter technology whilst signalling control
panels at Ascott-under-Wychwood and Evesham will be modernised with
digital equipment. Four level crossings between Ascott and Evesham will
also be modernised by installing new barriers and lights. Stations at
Charlbury, Ascott-under-Wychwood and Honeybourne will have new platforms
and footbridges, new lighting and real-time digital passenger information
systems.
Felixstowe-Nuneaton
The Government has given the go-ahead for the rail freight upgrade of this
route. Gauge enhancements permitting 9ft 6in containers, a new double-
track chord at Ipswich, signalling works at Kennet/Bury St Edmunds and a
new flyover at Nuneaton will encourage more traffic to transfer from road
to rail.
Southampton
Marchwood Military Port, on the west bank of the River Test and accessed
from the Fawley branch is reported as up for sale.
L&YR Cheetham Hill Loop
A short section of line is on course for reopening next spring. It is
between Irk Valley Jn (on the line to Bury) and Newton Heath, the first
stage of the Manchester Metrolink extension to Oldham and Rochdale. It
involves part of the Manchester Victoria East Jn - Thorpes Bridge Jn via
Collyhurst line (known as the Cheetham Hill Loop) and the connection over
the lengthy Irk Valley Viaduct on the spur from Irk Valley Jn.
York
In 1906 the North Eastern Railway opened its main headquarters offices in
York and the last railway occupants were National Express East Coast who
vacated the building when it was sold to a Greek hotelier in 2008. The
listed building has been completely refurbished and in May 2010 reopened
as the Cedar Court Grand Hotel.
http://tinyurl.com/2a8frwl
Quintinshill
On 26th September 2010 a plaque was unveiled at Blacksike bridge at the
north end of Quintinshill loops (ten miles north of Carlisle) to
commemorate the multiple train crash that occurred there on 22nd May 1915
in which 226 people lost their lives.
Turkey
On Sunday 28th November one of Istanbul's most prominent historical
landmarks, the Haydarpasa railway station, was severely damaged by a
blaze. The neo-Gothic style station building built by German architects
and given as a gift to the last Ottoman Sultan at the turn of the last
century, has been closed to passengers since the fire. Details and video:
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/300844#ixzz16mrEXuVm
India
In April Raildate reported on the Konkan Railway. Now a new train train
connecting Pune, Navi Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore and Ernakulam via the Konkan
Railway was introduced on 27th November 2010.
http://tinyurl.com/39ngcso
The East-Central Railway has been authorised to build a 70km line in Nepal
as part of the move to strengthen ties between the two countries. The
project includes gauge conversion of the 30km between Jai Nagar (India)
and Janakpur (Nepal) and the laying of a new Janakpur?Bardivas line
covering a distance of 40km.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/09281801.htm
Vietnam/Laos/Cambodia
The latest alternative for a proposed new north-south railway is for a
standard gauge line and parallel road linking Hanoi via Laos to Ho Chi
Minh City and on to Cambodia. Trains on current meter gauge north-south
railway, Thong Nhat, are limited to a max of 60 kmph.
http://www.thanhniennews.com/2010/Pages/20101129135655.aspx
Hong Kong
A new, mostly underground 17km long line, the Shatin to Central Link (SCL)
has been given the go ahead. It will consist of two parts, viz. the Tai
Wai to Hung Hom section, which is an extension of the existing Ma On Shan
Line from Tai Wai to the West Line via East Kowloon, and the Hung Hom to
Admiralty section, an extension of the existing East Line from Hung Hom
across the Harbour to Hong Kong Island.
http://tinyurl.com/39hyxqr
Map:
http://tinyurl.com/3y6o7xq
Philippines
The Government is to request assistance from China in undertaking or
developing a national railway system master plan.
http://tinyurl.com/3xr3nbg
============
IN THE NEWS
Evocative posters to brighten up Stonehaven station:
http://tinyurl.com/2a8aawr
Tanker driver jailed after level crossing accident (Sudbury):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-11845696
Lineside fire at Chester:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-11895692
Snow brings travel disruption:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11894853
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-11856694
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11884322
Video of Orpington:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11898537
Kent rail passenger - 'We were stuck there in darkness':
Video:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11884209
Pitlochry Station Bookshop passes milestone:
http://tinyurl.com/2elz9h2
Southwold Railway plans:
http://tinyurl.com/39leygj
Epping-Ongar nearer to reopening:
http://tinyurl.com/34avbbd
European railways also suffer in the snow:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11895107
http://tinyurl.com/369z5oz
http://tinyurl.com/39zvmr5
Birmingham Airport Maglev coach sold for charity:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-11857791
Gatwick Airport shut by snow:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-11884342
Runway extension at Aberdeen airport:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-11862783
Qantas begins legal action against Rolls-Royce:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11895106
Forth Road Bridge shut by snow:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-11886882
Hayling Island ferry fails second safety inspection:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-11902700
Spotters: Richard Buckby, Neil Kearns, Reg Nerps
TV and RADIO
05/12/10 BBC4 1900-1930
"Time to Remember: The Need for Speed"
06/12/10 Five 1930-2000
"How Do They Do It?" Regulating Chicago traffic
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.
03/12/10- West Somerset Railway: Dunster by Candlelight
04/12/10
http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
04/12/10 Mid-Hants Railway Real Ale Train (RAT)
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/rat.htm
04/12/10 Egloskerry Old Station: "Santa comes to Egloskerry"
Santa will be in his special Santa Carriage and Grotto
In aid of Local Charities
Burgers, refreshments, cakes, and lots of games for the children
Starts 1230 (under cover with heaters!)
http://www.egloskerryoldstation.co.uk/
05/12/10 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
11/12/10 Shaftsbury Book Fair
United Church Hall, Bell Street, SP7 8AR
http://www.fairharebooks.com/
11/12/10 Rye Book Fair
Rye College, The Grove, Rye, TN31 7NQ
http://www.woolhousebooks.co.uk/
11/12/10 Hayle Model Railway Club Exhibition
Hayle Day Care Centre, Commercial Road, Hayle, TR27 4DE
1000-1600
http://www.haylemrc.org.uk/
11/12/10- Wigan Model Railway Exhibition
12/12/10 Robin Park Arena, Loire Drive, Wigan, WN5 0UH
http://www.wiganfrm.org.uk/
15/12/10 Churnet Valley Railway: Victorian Christmas Carol Service
http://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk
18/12/10 Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway: Carol Evening
http://www.chinnorrailway.co.uk
Santa Specials
04/12/10- Mid-Hants Railway: Santa Specials
05/12/10
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/
04/12/10- Swanage Railway: Santa Specials
05/12/10
http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk
04/12/10- West Somerset Railway: Santa Specials
05/12/10
http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
04/12/10- Didcot Railway Centre: Thomas and Father Christmas
05/12/10
http://www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk
04/12/10- Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway: Santa Specials
05/12/10
http://www.chinnorrailway.co.uk
04/12/10- Churnet Valley Railway: Santa Specials
05/12/10
http://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk
04/12/10- Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway: Santa Specials
05/12/10
http://www.cleethorpescoastlightrailway.co.uk
04/12/10- Peak Rail: Santa & Steam Specials
05/12/10
http://www.peakrail.co.uk/
05/12/10 Dean Forest Railway: Santa Specials
http://www.deanforestrailway.co.uk/
08/12/10 Churnet Valley Railway: Santa Specials
http://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk
11/12/10- Eastleigh Lakeside Railway: Santa Specials
12/12/10
http://www.steamtrain.co.uk
11/12/10- Mid-Hants Railway: Santa Specials
12/12/10
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/
11/12/10- Swanage Railway: Santa Specials
12/12/10
http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk
11/12/10- West Somerset Railway: Santa Specials
12/12/10
http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
11/12/10- Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Santa Specials
12/12/10
http://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/
11/12/10- Dean Forest Railway: Santa Specials
12/12/10
http://www.deanforestrailway.co.uk/
11/12/10- Didcot Railway Centre: Thomas and Father Christmas
12/12/10
http://www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk
11/12/10- Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway: Santa Specials
12/12/10
http://www.chinnorrailway.co.uk
11/11/10- Ecclesbourne Valley Railway: Santa Trains
12/11/10
http://www.wyvernrail.co.uk/
11/12/10- Churnet Valley Railway: Santa Specials
12/12/10
http://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk
11/12/10- Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway: Santa Specials
12/12/10
http://www.cleethorpescoastlightrailway.co.uk
11/12/10- Peak Rail: Santa & Steam Specials
12/12/10
http://www.peakrail.co.uk/
15/12/10 Churnet Valley Railway: Santa Specials
http://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk
18/12/10- Eastleigh Lakeside Railway: Santa Specials
19/12/10
http://www.steamtrain.co.uk
18/12/10- West Somerset Railway: Santa Specials
19/12/10
http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
18/12/10- Dean Forest Railway: Santa Specials
19/12/10
http://www.deanforestrailway.co.uk/
18/12/10- Didcot Railway Centre: Thomas and Father Christmas
19/12/10
http://www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk
18/12/10- Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway: Santa Specials
19/12/10
http://www.chinnorrailway.co.uk
18/12/10- Swanage Railway: Santa Specials
19/12/10
http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk
18/11/10- Ecclesbourne Valley Railway: Santa Trains
19/11/10
http://www.wyvernrail.co.uk/
18/12/10- Churnet Valley Railway: Santa Specials
19/12/10
http://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk
18/12/10- Peak Rail: Santa & Steam Specials
19/12/10
http://www.peakrail.co.uk/
18/12/10- Mid-Hants Railway: Santa Specials
24/12/10
http://www.watercressline.co.uk/
18/12/10- Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Santa Specials
24/12/10
http://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/
18/12/10- Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway: Santa Specials
24/12/10
http://www.cleethorpescoastlightrailway.co.uk
Cheers, Howard.
editor(at)raildate.co.uk replace (at) with @
Issues of Raildate up to and including 18th December 2009 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/