the track at Dawlish

[Blink Bonny]

SS

I can add a few more to this as well.

Fact is, despite the spin and lies spouted NO government in the last 40 years has looked beyond this weeks' opinion poll. So short term patching is all we'll get.

Also, seeing as the oil companies have been the major beneficiaries of changes in Transport "Policy" over the last 50 years, who's to say they won't dictate against the opening of the Tavistock route?

Me? Cynical? You bet!

[Postman Prat]

Hi BB

Your comment is totally out of order!!!

Most governments look further ahead than next week - from the day they get into power they're looking at the next election. Certainly no further

[strang steel]

I don't think you are cynical BB, just expressing an opinion formed from decades of experience - and I am of the same belief.

And yet billions seem to be available to carve yet another line through central England, despite the vigorous opposition. In the Okehampton-Tavistock situation, I would imagine a majority of the local population would be for it because it would give many thousands a much more frequent and convenient transport link to the rest of the country.

However, many of the arguments against the line on other message boards have proved beyond doubt, that the primary concern in the modern railway industry is not the passengers; but the convenience of the operating company and rolling stock controllers.

[Blink Bonny]

Hi BB

Your comment is totally out of order!!!

Most governments look further ahead than next week - from the day they get into power they're looking at the next election. Certainly no further

I shall do what I can to ensure that the light is on the head of an HST!!!!

You reckon they look THAT far ahead???

[watcheronthebridge]

According to the BBC Network Rail have chosen to reinstate the 20 mile Okehampton to Plymouth via Tavistock route, although no timetable is given and there is no mention of the budget apart from a quote from someone at NR that "...It's hundreds of millions of pounds to do...". So it sounds like there may be a replacement viaduct at Meldon in there. The 4.5 mile Bere Alton to Tavistock section was planned as a separate project due for completion in 2016 but presumably will now be absorbed into the larger plan.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-26110559

[strang steel]

Thanks for that link. It is good news. Let us hope that it does not get bogged down in endless planning inquiries and funding controversies.

[1H was 2E]

When the decision was made to run down/close the LSWR route to Plymouth the reason given at the time was that it went through all these towns, so it was slow, whereas the ex GW route went through sparse countryside and was therefore quicker.

Strangely enough when there was a choice between the MR and GC routes from Sheffield to London, exactly the opposite argument was used.

Nothing to do with the Region concerned still wanting to settle old scores with a competitor, then...

[Mickey]

Deleted

[Blink Bonny]

Ay up!

I'm with you, Micky. I was brought up with pictures of trains on the sea front at Dawlish - black and white in those days - and was excited to have the chance to ride and photograph the section in the 80s during a holiday in Devon. It will be shame to see it go. The inland route I understand was always used during storms anyway to avoid damage to trains? Or have I got that wrong.

But it amazing to think - we can find hundreds of billions of pounds for the "prestige" High Speed Rail network but not 10 on millions for maintainance? And when it is found, it is called "Investment."

Why can't the English teach their children how to speak.......

[Mickey]

Deleted

[Blink Bonny]

Ay up!

I was brought up LNER/LMS but developed a healthy regard for Bullied's work on the Southern.

I'm not a great GWR fan - remember it took an LNWR man to get the best out those boilers! - but even I have to admit that their 2-8-0s were seriously good locos - all 3 types. Maybe the low superheat suited them? Who knows.

Remember GWR = Gresley Was Right! Apart from valve gear on the A1s......

Sadly my pictures of Dawlish are not suitable for publication. All I had was a cheapo 110 camera in those days.

[Mickey]

Deleted

[Bryan]

Don't worry about Dawlish.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-26110559
That will get repaired as a matter of course, as they need to get the line reopened as soon as possible.
However the inland route will be planned for eventual installation in XX? number of years time.

[sandwhich]

Just think if this was 1975 the Rails into Roads cranks would have suggested never reopening the railways west of Exeter. I feel for those people living near the line at Dawlish and indeed those engineers working in what must be the most appalling conditions.

[Blink Bonny]

I like Churchward, Collett & Hawksworth locomotives off the G.W.R. and some of there rolling stock as well plus off the L.M.S. Stannier & Fowler locomotives and the L.M.S. in general and off the Southern the Bullied light pacifics and the Maunsell designed mixed traffic locos, it's not good to be to narrow-minded when it comes to the vast subject of railways.

Leaning against an open door with me, Micky.

Have to say the Kings are impressive machines but I go more for the heavy goods and mixed traffic types. Quite looking forward to the County!

That's it - my cover's blown! My favourites? 9F!!!!!